Podcasts about esv blessed

Luke 6:20 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you…Skipping Over…Luke 5:27-31 - Calling of LeviLuke 5:33-39 - Discussion on FastingLuke 6:1-5 - Discussion on Sabbath RulesLuke 6:6-11 - Healing of Withered HandLuke 6:12-16 - Selection of Apostles from DisciplesGreek word that describes representatives in Roman culture who stayed in a conquered territory to establish Roman culture.Looking Ahead…Luke 6:17-19 - Jesus Speaks To A Large CrowdLuke 6:20-49- Sermon on MountLuke 6:20-23 - The BeatitudesNot a term in the BibleEnglish origin around the 15th century, and added to titling of this portion of scripture, most often 20-23State of supreme blessedness and happinessThis portion of scripture is often spoken on with a 70's beatnic, love not war, poetic, passive blend of christianity that welcomes any/all pushbacks that life can bring, because living a life under a mountain of struggle will be rewarded in heaven after we die. That is not the intention of this portion of scripture. Luke 6:20 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you He lifted up his eyes on his disciplesIt is a gesture of prayerIt is a gesture of blessingIt connects heaven and earth in view and in wordsView - it sees above and beyond the naturalWords - it resources the earth with the bounty of heavenIllus: vacuum transfer at the bank as a kidJesus is not teaching, He is prophesying to his disciplesIt's more than information, it is a deposit with an invitation to accessBLESS(ED): The deposit of tangible deposits from heaven that add increasing value into one's life until they reach full maturity in heaven.The deposit of tangible deposits from heaven that add increasing value into one's life until they reach full maturity in heaven.As disciples we become citizens of Heaven. We have stepped into the Kingdom of God/Heaven as though we still live lives in this world. To be BLESSED, or walking in BLESSING, is the process of accessing heaven's value while living within earth's limitations. Blessing someone else is the process of access and depositing heaven's value into their life.The believer/follower/disciple/citizen who fails to see, access or transfer heaven's value is to needlessly go without those things that have been freely provided.Ephesians 1:3–10 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.Philippians 3:12 (NIV) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Luke 6:20–23 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.The poor (those lacking anything) can access supplyThe hungry (those lacking anything) can access food Those who weep can access consolation and joyThose who experience hatred, smile, it will be rewarded.

"James speaks about wisdom often in this letter. This week James will help us understand where true wisdom comes from and what the kind of fruit wisdom bears in the life of a Christian.” James 3:13-17 (ESV)Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.Matthew 5:10 (ESV)Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James doesn't begin his letter with a greeting or prayer. He gets right to the point by addressing the one thing all humans will face- adversity. This week we will explore how the various trials that you will endure, when experienced through faith in Jesus, can turn out to be some of the greatest teachers we can have.James 1:1-16 (ESV)James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings.Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Faith, in a world full of shadows, is a practice of letting go and choosing to believe. Faith reminds us that we need a Savior and that because of him we're worthy of being saved. Advent is an act of faith. Trusting that Jesus comes and he delivers us out of the shadows.Psalm 32:1-7 (ESV)Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,    whose sin is covered.Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away    through my groaning all day long.For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;    my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. SelahI acknowledged my sin to you,    and I did not cover my iniquity;I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. SelahTherefore let everyone who is godly    offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;surely in the rush of great waters,    they shall not reach him.You are a hiding place for me;    you preserve me from trouble;    you surround me with shouts of deliverance. SelahMark 1:1-8 (ESV)The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,    who will prepare your way,the voice of one crying in the wilderness:    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,    make his paths straight,'”John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Dec 1, 2024 ========== December 1 | Advent Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo December 1, 2024 - Micah Cating ADVENT IS A SEASON OF WAITING GOD'S PAST FAITHFULNESS GIVES US HOPE FOR THE FUTURE Matthew 2:1-12 ESV Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. THE WISE MEN LOOKED BACK BEFORE LOOKING FORWARD ISAIAH 9:6-7 ESV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. WE HAVE EVEN MORE HOPE THAN THE WISE MEN 1 PETER 1:3 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. GOD'S PAST FAITHFULNESS GIVES US HOPE FOR THE FUTURE ADVENT RESOURCES: istrouma.org/advent Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org

Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Pastor Dan Borg speaks about restoring people in community and how to address conflict.visit us at: conejochurch.com

SLIDE THE TRUTH ABOUT: COVERING SCRIPTURE: Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.Coverings Protect, Amenitize and ExposeSun glasses; polarization; harmful plasticClothing; fashion; poor constructionHome; air conditioning; breach in roofMilitary; confidence; bought by an interestMatthew 23:37–39 (ESV) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. Psalm 17:8–9 (ESV) …hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.Psalm 27:5 (ESV) For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.Psalm 61:4 (ESV) Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! SelahProverbs 18:10 (ESV) The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.Psalm 32:7 (ESV) You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.4 Critical CoveringsImpacting Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Financial, Social Family Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.“Church” or religionChurch is your most influential social group that worships somethingChristian ChurchesPeople treat churches like they are stores they shop from, when in reality they are covenantal families that bring covering, amenities and breachesPhiladelphia: Revelation 3:8–10 (ESV) “ ‘I know your works… I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.Ephesus: Revelation 2:4,5 (ESV) …you have abandoned the love you had at first…. Repent… If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place…State/Nation Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.KingdomThe World/Kingdom of HeavenJohn 10:9–11 (ESV) I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.Review Your Current Coverings & AdjustAre you fully engaged in coverings?Are you strengthening your coverings?Get involved in your school district, local city council. Do you have an unintended or unhealthy coveringsCertain negative atmospheres that I can't impact, I limit.Some coverings you tradeYou Are A Covering: Recognize And Adjust As NeededJob 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.Protect, amenities and exposeYou build your coverings strength with spiritual disciplines and obedienceYou weaken/create breaches by your ignorance, lack of discipline and sinBe blessed so they can be blessed

Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe 1 Peter 3:7 LIVING ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE SHOWING HONOR Honor is a Product of Priority and Sensitivity Honor the Weaker Vessel Honor that Which is Distinctively Female Honor by Affirmation TWO MOTIVATIONS Heirs With You Prayers May Not Be Hindered 1 Peter 1:3–5 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

THE TRUTH ABOUT: TRIALSJohn 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble. John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.The Facts About TrialsTRIAL - a person, situation or thing that tests, reveals, proves anotherTRIALS were not intended for our origin story.We were made in the image of God, in His likeness, with his logo and nothing was needed to test, reveal or prove because we were established perfectly.Genesis 1:31 (ESV) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.Very - meod - muchness, force, abundanceGood - tob - pleasing, agreeable, goodWith God's authority, we tested all things, but needed not be tested ourselves. In fact, nothing could test us.Genesis 1:26 (ESV) And let them have dominion… over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”TRIALS began when sin cursed our world.Genesis 3:17–19 (ESV) And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground (world) because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”In this world…John 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble. John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.TRIALS will permeate our lives until the end.James 1:2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial…1 Peter 1:6 (ESV) …you have been grieved by various trials,1 Peter 4:12 (ESV) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.1 Corinthians 15:26 (ESV) The last enemy to be destroyed is death.The Lies About TrialsLIE: God is the source of trials (temptations)“This is happening, it must be meant to be” - NOJames 1:13–15 (ESV) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.God doesn't start temGod doesn't prolong themGod rarely shortens them. God typically doesn't doesn't end themLIE: Trials are a byproduct of God's displeasureLuke 13:1–4 (ESV) There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?Jesus was speaking against the idea that bad things happen to bad people. Bad things just happen.An absence of trials is not proof of His pleasure.An abundance of trials are not a sign of his displeasure nor a lack of faith.LIE: Trials are predetermined and must be endured until they end. This lie assumes that there is no way to avoid trials and once they begin, there's nothing we can do but ride them out. Trials are not predetermined.We can actually create them. We can lengthen them. We can shorten them. Galatians 6:7–9 (ESV) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.We can do much more than endure! We can grow!James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.We can do much more than endure! We can overcome1 John 5:4–5 (ESV) For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?LIE: Your trials define you.This is to submit to your trial and to be limited by your trial and become its victimGenesis 50:20 (MSG) Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.The TRUTH About TRIALSDiscerning A Trial's Source Allows You To Navigate A Straight Path ThroughTrials can be caused by you, others, the devil, and life circumstances in general. Knowing the source determines your posture and methodology to navigate through. Job 2:7 (ESV) So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.Matthew 26:14–16 (ESV) Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.Jeremiah 2:14–17 (ESV) “Is Israel a slave? Is he a homeborn servant? Why then has he become a prey? The lions have roared against him; they have roared loudly. They have made his land a waste; his cities are in ruins, without inhabitant. Moreover, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head. Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the LORD your God, when he led you in the way?Your Attitude During Trials Will Impact Their Length, Next Steps & Destination.Numbers 11:1–3 (ESV) And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them.Trials Have A Secondary Purpose - Your MaturityThe primary purpose of the trial is to derail you.The secondary purpose (God's allowance) is to prepare you for His best.James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.Our Greatest Trials Are Launching Points Into His BestGod is a god of justice, so he makes up for the trouble we experience:Romans 12:19–20 (ESV) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”He will add 1/5Leviticus 5:16 (ESV) He shall also make restitution for what he has done amiss in the holy thing and shall add a fifth to it and give it to the priest. And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he shall be forgiven.He launches you into destinyGenesis 41:39–40 (ESV) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Jordon GilmoreWhat is God's credit score in your life?Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”When you go to the bank to ask for credit, what is the first thing they ask?  They want your name and proof of ID:  your identity.  They want to review your financial history and your resources to determine how much they will trust you.The first thing we know about God is His name:  there is no other name under heaven higher than His name.  God's “track record” is perfect, He never changes and is always the same.  Joshua 24:45Not a word failed…all came to pass.  Why is it so important to trust God on reputation?  

Lets share Good News together. To partner with us financially visit www.gospelchurch.co/give or text the word "FRESH" to 94000. Message Notes: 7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.9 And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, 10 for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. 11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. — Mark 3v7-12 (ESV) IF THE DEVIL CAN'T MAKE YOU BAD, HE'LL MAKE YOU BUSY 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'” — Genesis 3v1-3 (ESV) SATAN DECEIVES… And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. — 2 Corinthians 11v14 (ESV) SATAN DISTURBS… 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. — John 10v7-11 (ESV) SATAN DISTRACTS… And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. — Mark 3v12 (ESV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. — Matthew 5v9 (ESV) how to have more peace… 1. Stillness (internal ordering) Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” — Psalm 46v10 (ESV) All of humanity's problems, stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone. — Blaise Pascal in 1654, Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. — Mark 3v7-8 (ESV) 1 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. — Psalm 131v1-2 (ESV) 2. Solitude (intentional withdrawal) And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, — Mark 3v9 (ESV) Three steps to solitude: a) Find a Place b) Know the People c) Rest with Purpose 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. — Luke 5v15-16 (ESV) 3. Sacrifice (eternal impact) 13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons. — Mark 3v13-15 (ESV)

Episode Summary:  The world has thrown a lot at us the last few years. Between the pandemic, economy, and war around the world, many are shaken, worried, or scared. But Christians don't have to succumb to these same feelings. When the pandemic first hit, people around the world were rocked. That's when I had to choose to reflect on what I know to be true about Him. These truths change everything for believers. Join me with Kathy Howard for how to keep trusting God in difficult times. Quotables from the episode: God is all-powerful and in control. Nothing surprises Him and nothing has entered their lives that He did not allow. God sees you. God cares about every detail of your lives. God is working even if you don't see it. And in the meantime, God is always present with you. Spend even just 5 minutes brainstorming the implications of one truth about God. For instance, if God is all-powerful, what does that mean for your life? For your family? For the world? The author of the Bible is the only author who sits with us when we read his book! To keep trusting God in difficult times, we have to know God. We get to know him by being in his word. The Bible is not primarily about us—it's about God, and understanding who He is. Difficulties remind us of our need for God. Fiery trials refine our faith. Scripture References: Psalm 1:1-3 ESV Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.   Jeremiah 32:17 NIV Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.  Recommended Resources:  Deeply Rooted: Growing Through the Book of Romans; a 40-Day Devotional Journey by Kathy Howard The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader's Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Kathy Howard: Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Kathy Howard is a treasure hunter who searches for the creamiest chocolate, richest coffee, and cherished stories of faith. She also digs deep into Scripture, mining God's eternal truths. Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and has taught the Bible for more than 30 years in a wide variety of venues. Kathy is the award-winning author of 12 books, including “Heirloom” and the “meaty” devotional series “Deep Rooted.” Kathy and her husband, who live in north Texas, have three married children, six grandchildren, and one accidental dog. Find free discipleship resources at www.KathyHoward.org.    Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Blessings." Key Verse: Exodus 33:1-3 ESV “The Lord said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.' I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”” Matthew 5:3-10 ESV ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Deuteronomy 14:2 ESV “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Sermon Topics: Blessing, Beatitudes

“We were stripped away from anything that we knew and the only thing we could do was go to God. The only thing we could do was go to the Word.” Brain cancer survivor and full-time mom, Jodi Novak, tells us about her journey of walking through a very difficult diagnosis. She is now a long-term survivor and passionate about encouraging others who are in the midst of their own brain cancer battle. Listen in as she emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord, His Word and being prayerful in the midst of life changing circumstances. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org   ABOUT OUR GUEST Jodi Novak is originally from rural South Dakota. Jodi accepted the Lord in college and she met her husband, Kneil, on a summer mission trip in 1996. Three years into their marriage, in June 2001, Jodi was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer (Glioblastoma). Jodi is now a long-term survivor and she's passionate about encouraging others who are in the midst of their own brain cancer journey. Jodi's faith in Jesus Christ and love of community are the driving forces in helping families touched by brain tumors. When not writing children's books about brain cancer, Jodi is a part-time dental hygienist and a full-time mom of her two busy girls. Jodi has joyfully been involved with Moms in Prayer groups since 2015. She and her family reside in Parker, CO. SCRIPTURES  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NKJV For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 ESV LINKS BOOKS Boo-Bear's Big Day: A Hope Filled Story About Brain Cancer MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Hope for Parents of Prodigals Prayers for This GenerationJoin a Moms in Prayer Group Support Our Mission

Matthew week 14 Updated: Jul 29   Matthew 4:19 ESV   19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”       Matthew 4:23-25 ESV   23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.       Isaiah 35:5-6a NIV   Then will the eyes of the blind be opened   and the ears of the deaf unstopped.   6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,   and the mute tongue shout for joy.       John 10:38 NIV   38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”       Romans 1:16 NASB   16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.       Ephesians 2:4-6 NASB   4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,       Matthew 7:28-29 NASB   28 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.       Luke 4:31-37 ESV   31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.         Matthew 4:17 ESV   17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”       Mark 1:14-15 ESV   14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”       Matthew 5:3 ESV   3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.       Luke 6:20b ESV   “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.       Matthew 8:11 ESV   11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,       Luke 13:29 ESV   29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.       Matthew 19:23-24 ESV Matthew records Jesus using both… 23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”       Colossians 1:13 ESV   13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.                      

Kieran Lenahan believes that so much of who we become is influenced by what we allow our minds to dwell on. He has prioritised scripture memorization as a spiritual discipline which is allowing his mind to consistently and rhythmically come back to the truth of God's Word again and again. He shares with Mike a story of when his life was directed and a decision was clarified for him through a memorised passage from Deuteronomy and they speculate on ways in which a church community, which is memorizing the same scripture passages might greet each other, and how the preaching (and discipleship) ministry could be enhanced. Kieran has developed a text-message based scripture memorization system that has served him and his community called Malachi Daily; to sign up (for free) visit https://malachidaily.com/?via=expositor-s-collectiveKieran Lenahan is a husband, foster/adoptive dad to 2 toddlers and an entrepreneur working at the intersection of entrepreneurship and spiritual formation. He's a coach to faith driven entrepreneurs and the co-founder of Malachi Daily, a subscription service that helps Jesus followers memorize 1 passage of Scripture a week and learn its context, via text messages. When he's not working, you can find him on the basketball court, in a body of water or spending time with his family. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52, ESV)“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”Psalm 1:1-6Recommended Episodes: Jonathan Pennington on the benefits of scripture memorization (and the Sermon on the Mount) https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/7/12/the-preaching-style-of-jesus-with-jonathan-penningtonDave Sylvester on meditation and contemplation during his sermon preparation process: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2019/10/1/episode-67-the-preachers-meditation Suzy Silk in Biblical Meditation: https://www.expositorscollective.com/podcast/2022/7/5/seeing-christ-responsibly-in-the-old-testament-suzy-silk For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Paul opens his first act with words like, blessed, predestined, adopted, chosen, holy, and blameless. These are all words Paul uses to describe who we are because of what Christ has done for us. This first week is about rooting our identity in Jesus and what he has done for us. Questions to wrestle through: How is the teaching from Paul radical in today's culture? How do your social media habits work in line or against the story Paul is inviting us into? Ask people if they really believe this story… is Jesus enough? Ephesians 1:3-14 (ESV)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.Mark 1:9-15 (ESV)In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

This is episode two of GOD'S MERCY FOR US Matthew 5:7 ESV“ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 1 Peter 1:3 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Titus 3:5 ESV He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 9:13 ESV Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Micah 7:18 ESV Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. This will conclude my podcast for today. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. #godsmercy #godsgrace #faith #jesus #godisgood #jesuschrist #christian #godsplan #godslove #love #bible #bibleverse #trustgod #christianity #god #holyspirit #blessed #grace #pray #godswill #mercy #godfirst #praisethelord #jesuslovesyou #godisincontrol #christ #peace #godsword #forgiven #joy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/support

Video Sections: 00:00 Start of Service01:26 Evidence by Ed Cash, Ethan Hulse, Josh Baldwin.07:12 Great Are You Lord by Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan and David Leonard13:12 King of my Heart by by John Mark McMillan and Sarah McMillan25:04 I Surrender All by Judson W. Van De Venter28:43 Message StartMessage Notes:Things to Remember When You Suffer for the name of Jesus1. Suffering disgrace for His name is not a punishment, it is a privilege.Acts 5:41 (NIV)“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”1 Peter 4:12-14,16 (NLT)“don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you...it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!”Philippians 1:29 (ESV) "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake”2. God will give you boldness stand for His name sake in the time of suffering.Acts 4:29-31 (NLT) “O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.”Ephesians 3:9-12 (ESV) “God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.”3. God will use your suffering for good and your blessing.1 Peter 4:14 (ESV) "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV) “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven”

Romans 12:1-2Summary: If I am going to live successfully, I must allow God to replace old though habits with new biblical patterns. I'm learning to think for life!  Intro:  When we think about habits, we normally consider the things that we do. Today we are going to talk about habits in the way we think. If we think about it, we can identify habits in our way of thinking or mindsets that can be either good or bad, helpful or hurtful. The Bible teaches us to replace the unbiblical though patterns with new godly ways of thinking. When I refuse this, I end up wandering like Israel in the dessert.1.     I continue to wander when I live with an entitlement mindset.Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV) Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.6But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”The answer : A Grace mentality.  I move forward by  trusting the Gods grace.2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.           2.    I continue to wander when I live with a victim mindset.Exodus 14:10–14 (ESV) When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?12Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”13And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.14The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”            The answer – A Victor Mentality.  I learn to trust Gods power and promise. 1 Corinthians 15:57–58 (ESV) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.3.    I continue to wander when I live with a self-centered mindset.Exodus 32:1 (ESV) When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”The answer: A Christ centered mentalityColossians 2:10 (NLT) So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.                                   4.    I continue to wander when I live with a divisive mindset.Numbers 12:1–2 (ESV)1Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman.  2And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.                                  The answer: A uniter mentality.                   Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.5.    I continue to wander when I have a faithless mindset.Numbers 13:27–33 (ESV)  And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”  30But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”                       The answer :  A faith-filled mindset.                                 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) for we walk by faith, not by sight.Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.Action Steps:·     Allow God to change these mindsets in you.·     Ask God to show you where you have other wilderness mindsets.·     Seek Gods answer to each in the scripture. What other mindsets do I have that are keeping me form living the life you want for me?     o  Lustful mindseto  Anxious mindseto  Hateful mindseto  Fearful mindseto  Unforgiving mindseto  Critical mindseto  Prideful mindseto  Careless mindseto  Foolish mindseto  Lazy mindseto  Negative mindset·     Ask God to help you grow into your new identity in Jesus.  Eph 1-3

Romans 12:1-2Summary: If I am going to live successfully, I must allow God to replace old though habits with new biblical patterns. I'm learning to think for life!  Intro:  When we think about habits, we normally consider the things that we do. Today we are going to talk about habits in the way we think. If we think about it, we can identify habits in our way of thinking or mindsets that can be either good or bad, helpful or hurtful. The Bible teaches us to replace the unbiblical though patterns with new godly ways of thinking. When I refuse this, I end up wandering like Israel in the dessert.1.     I continue to wander when I live with an entitlement mindset.Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV) Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.6But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”The answer : A Grace mentality.  I move forward by  trusting the Gods grace.2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.           2.    I continue to wander when I live with a victim mindset.Exodus 14:10–14 (ESV) When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?12Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”13And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.14The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”            The answer – A Victor Mentality.  I learn to trust Gods power and promise. 1 Corinthians 15:57–58 (ESV) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.3.    I continue to wander when I live with a self-centered mindset.Exodus 32:1 (ESV) When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”The answer: A Christ centered mentalityColossians 2:10 (NLT) So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.                                   4.    I continue to wander when I live with a divisive mindset.Numbers 12:1–2 (ESV)1Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman.  2And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.                                  The answer: A uniter mentality.                   Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.5.    I continue to wander when I have a faithless mindset.Numbers 13:27–33 (ESV)  And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”  30But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”                       The answer :  A faith-filled mindset.                                 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) for we walk by faith, not by sight.Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.Action Steps:·     Allow God to change these mindsets in you.·     Ask God to show you where you have other wilderness mindsets.·     Seek Gods answer to each in the scripture. What other mindsets do I have that are keeping me form living the life you want for me?     o  Lustful mindseto  Anxious mindseto  Hateful mindseto  Fearful mindseto  Unforgiving mindseto  Critical mindseto  Prideful mindseto  Careless mindseto  Foolish mindseto  Lazy mindseto  Negative mindset·     Ask God to help you grow into your new identity in Jesus.  Eph 1-3

In the Last Days Revelation 1:3 (ESV)“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”Revelation 1:1-2 (ESV)“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.”In the Last Days Revelation 1:4 (ESV)“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come,”1.      Our heavenly father will sustain us by His grace.  “who was and is and is to come!”Revelation 1:4 (ESV)“and from the seven spirits who are before his throne”2.      You will be equipped by the Holy Spirit of God.  3.      You have been provided for by Jesus the son of God.  Revelation 1:5 (ESV)“and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth." Jesus is a faithful witness to us. Jesus was the firstborn of the dead for us.  Psalm 89:27 (ESV)“I will make him the firstborn,    the highest of the kings of the earth.” Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV)“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Jesus loves us and freed us from sins.  Revelation 1:5 (ESV)“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood…”Revelation 1:5-6 (ESV)“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”Jesus made us a Kingdom of priest.  

Romans 1-4 | Grace Alone Through Faith Alone from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Scripture: Romans 1-4 CG QUESTIONS What are the essential elements of the gospel highlighted in Romans 1:16-17? Romans 1:18 says “the wrath of God is revealed.” Look through the remainder of the chapter. What is God's wrath revealed? What are the key elements of sin highlighted in chapter 1? How and when is the wrath of Romans 1:18 revealed? Is it speaking about final judgement or something else? Romans 2 opens declaring that sinners have “no excuse” for their sin. In light of Romans 2:4, what ought we to do rather than continue in sin? Romans 3 makes the clear case that there are none in all of humanity who are righteous, not even those who have the “oracles of God.” Read Psalm 14 together (see also Psalm 53), from which Paul quotes in Romans 3:11-18. Discuss anything that stands out to you. Read Romans 3:26. What does this verse mean? Consider memorizing this verse together as a Community Group. Romans 4 makes such a clear argument for the necessity of faith for justification. Try to summarize his argument together as a group. Glance ahead to Romans 5:10-11. What is the application point of faith? How might this look in the life a justified people? SERMON NOTES THE GOSPEL Romans 1 | THE WRATH OF GOD Romans 2 | FAILURE TO REPENT Romans 3 | NONE IS RIGHTEOUS Romans 4 | JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH John Murray … “the righteousness of God” is not the attribute of justice but the righteousness provided in the gospel to meet the need of which the wrath of God is the manifestation. Psalm 85:10 (ESV) Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Genesis 15:6 (ESV) And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Psalm 32:1–2 (ESV) Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

It's time for New Year's resolutions. Lose some weight, declutter the house, and maybe even read your bible more! We are going to look at Psalm 1 and see how maybe God actually wants us to stop being so active in the coming year and simply be.Psalm 1:1-6 (ESV)Blessed is the man    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;but his delight is in the law of the Lord,    and on his law he meditates day and night.He is like a tree    planted by streams of waterthat yields its fruit in its season,    and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers.The wicked are not so,    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3 ESV) Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)

There is something very special about being in the house of the Lord. Psalm 84:4 (ESV) – “Blessed are those who dwell in [His] house…” Dwelling and being consistent in the house of the Lord is important for learning and growing. Many of us like to change with the current times; we ‘hop' from one source to another rather than be consistent. We must develop a healthier backbone. Thus, Pastor Kyle Embry presents a message that will explain consistency, honor, and other elements to help develop a backbone to bravery.

Poor in Spirit, Rich In God - Episode 2 Today's message breaks down what it means to be ‘blessed' according to the Bible along with the highlighting the things we have to been trained by society to measure our worth.. We use one of the Beatitudes as a template for this topic. I share my testimony of how I used to define myself by my possessions and accom0lishments rather than my identity in Christ. It wasn't until I learned how to define myself by the Word of God that I was able to walk in true freedom. Matthew 5:3 (ESV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Welcome to the Alpha Talk Tuesday podcast! This is a weekly show which aims to connect, empower and inspire you to pursue a life of greatness. This is a weekly inspirational podcast message where users can tune in live via video and/or dial-in. On this podcast, we cover topics ranging from faith, family, finances, business, entrepreneurship, relationships, etc. Our messages are presented in a straightforward, relatable way that enables you to apply the principles mentioned in your life on the same day. This podcast is hosted by Hakim Taliaferro, founder of The Taliaferro which is a luxury fragrance brand that creates signature fragrances for clients all over the world. Thanks for tuning in! To learn more about Alpha Talk, please visit our website at www.thealphatalk.com! Live Tune-in link: Meeting URL: https://meetings.dialpad.com/room/thealphatalk Dial in number: 973-957-7115 No PIN required Message me privately to be added to our auto-dial out list so you won't miss a call. Movies mentioned: A Case for Christ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzespY6MyFAWebsite: Instagram: www.instagram.com/thealphatalk Facebook: www.facebook.com/thealphatalk Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/541584049262708/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thealphatalk/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thealphatalk/support

The Life God Blesses Psalm 1:1-6 (ESV)“Blessed is the man    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;” “his delight is in the law of the Lord,    and on His law he meditates day and night.” “He is like a tree    planted by streams of waterthat yields its fruit in its season,    and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers.” “The wicked are not so,    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” “Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment,    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;” “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,    but the way of the wicked will perish.” 

Jeremiah 7-8 ESV - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mildred-kingsley-okonkwo0/message

Text: 2 Cor. 1:3-20Summary: As children of God, we are called to love and live as family, and it is in our pain and suffering that our deepest fellowship is born.How can I learn to suffer well?1. I learn to suffer well when I find my comfort in Christ. V 3,42 Corinthians 1:3–5 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.2. I learn to suffer well when I share my comfort with others. 4-72 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV) who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.2 Corinthians 1:6–7 (ESV) If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.3. I learn to suffer well when I learn to rely on Christ more and more. V 92 Corinthians 1:8–10 (ESV) For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.4. I learn to suffer well when I learn that Jesus is Gods greatest promise. V 202 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV) For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Text: 2 Cor. 1:3-20 Summary: As children of God, we are called to love and live as family, and it is in our pain and suffering that our deepest fellowship is born. How can I learn to suffer well? 1. I learn to suffer well when I find my comfort in Christ. V 3,4 2 Corinthians 1:3–5 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2. I learn to suffer well when I share my comfort with others. 4-7 2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV) who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:6–7 (ESV) If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 3. I learn to suffer well when I learn to rely on Christ more and more. V 9 2 Corinthians 1:8–10 (ESV) For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 4. I learn to suffer well when I learn that Jesus is Gods greatest promise. V 20 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV) For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Devotion is to commit through exceeding love and loyalty to something or someone.Psalm 1:1 (ESV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;Devotion hinges on: Disassociation Ephesians 4:22-24 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;Psalm 1:2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.Devotion hinges on: Disassociation, Delight Psalm 119:9 how can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.1 John 5:3 for this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.Devotion hinges on: Disassociation, Delight, Dependence Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.Psalm 1:4-5 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. The chaff are defined by lack of purposeWhat in the chaff is keeping us from further devotion?Psalm 1:6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.Our devotion in impossible without first praising Christ for His devotion to us.

(English) In this message Ps Catherine talks about how meekness is not weakness in these 4 points: (Matthew 5:5 ESV) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5 NASB) Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth. Meekness is “Strength Under Control” Sons of Thunder (Luke 9:51-56 TPT) Jesus let nothing distract him from departing for Jerusalem because the time for him to be lifted up  drew near, and he was full of passion to complete his mission there. (52) So he sent messengers  ahead of him as envoys to a village of the Samaritans. (53) But as they approached the village, the people turned them away. They would not allow Jesus to enter, for he was on his way to worship in Jerusalem. (54) When the disciples Jacob and John realized what was happening, they returned to Jesus and said, “Lord, if you wanted to, you could command fire to fall down from heaven, just as Elijah did  and destroy all these wicked people.”(55) Jesus rebuked them sharply, saying, “Don't you realize what spews from your hearts when you say that? The Son of Man did not come to destroy life, but to bring life to the earth.” (56) So they went to another village instead. (Mark 10:35-38 NLT) Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.” (36) “What is your request?” he asked. (37) They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” (38) But Jesus said to them, “You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” (Mark 10:41-45 NLT) When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. (42) So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. (43) But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, (44) and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. (45) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Acts 8:14-17 NIV) When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. (15) When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, (16) because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17) Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. • Speak Words of Blessing • Big Heart for People • Use our Strength to Serve  • Placing our Hope and Trust in Jesus 

Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Scripture: Mark 12:35–37 Mark 12:35–37 | The Lord of All from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. 2022-05-01 | ProPresenter TITLE: The Lord of All SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:35–37 JESUS MASTERS THE DAY JESUS AFFIRMS THE DIVINE SOURCE OF THE SCRIPTURES JESUS IS MORE THAN THE SON OF DAVID THE SESSION OF OUR LORD James R. Edwards Jesus has bested the field and debate is closed. Jesus does not quit the field, however, but he takes it. C. H. Spurgeon How greatly should we prize the revelation of his private and solemn discourse with the Son, herein made public for the refreshing of his people! 2 Samuel 7:12–13 (ESV) When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. Isaiah 11:1 (ESV) There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Ezekiel 34:23 (ESV) And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. Luke 1:68–69 (ESV) Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David Luke 1:32–33 (ESV) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Romans 1:1–4 (ESV) Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Philippians 2:9–11 (ESV) Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Preacher: Joel Fair Scripture: Mark 12:28-34 LOVE GOD - VS 28-30 LOVE OTHERS - VS 31 THE KING IS HERE - VS 32-34 REPENT & BELIEVE Mark 1:15 (ESV) The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. Colossians 1:19 (ESV) For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, Psalm 119:1–8 (ESV) Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! John 14:15 (ESV) If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 1 John 4:7–11 (ESV) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Matthew 5:17 (ESV) Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Galatians 2:20–21 (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Special Guest: Joel Fair.

Season 3 Episode 49 This podcast is based from 1 Peter 1:3 -- ESV "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, KJV 1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I cover five points: 1) The Living Hope and Peter's Doxology 2) The Living Hope and Our Savior's Identity 3) The Living Hope and the Greatness of God's Mercy 4) The Living Hope and Family (New Birth) 5) The Living Hope and Vitality (living hope). The context of this passage is critically important to understanding the practical moment by moment living hope we have through the resurrected life of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter is writing to believers who are experiencing great intense trials in the every day moments of their lives and he is assuring them of the practical blessed living hope there is in Christ in every sphere of living. He is assuring them of living hope personally, living hope in the family (marriage and parenting), living hope in the community, living hope in the church family, living hope in the light of Christ's coming in the days when "...evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2 Tim 3:13). Here are the verses that give the extended context: 1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: We just celebrated Resurrection Sunday this past Sunday as we gathered for Worship. This podcast came about as a result of my reflecting and prayerfully meditating on the practical application of the LIVING HOPE WE HAVE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. I begin the podcast with prayer based on Ephesians 1 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/randy-cook/message

Mark 12:1–12 | A Vineyard, It's Tenants and a Beloved Son from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Scripture: Mark 12:1–12 HE BEGAN TO SPEAK A VINEYARD THE TENANTS A BELOVED SON WHAT WILL THE OWNER OF THE VINEYARD DO? PSALM 118 | THE STONE THE BUILDERS REJECTED Isaiah 5:1–7 Jeremiah 7:25–26 (ESV) From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day. Yet they did not listen to me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. Mark 11:30 (ESV) Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Mark 11:32 (ESV) But shall we say, ‘From man'?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. Matthew 3:17 (ESV) a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Mark 9:7 (ESV) a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Ephesians 1:3–6 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Hebrews 1:1–2 (ESV) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son Psalm 36:1–2 (ESV) Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 5:6 ESV “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Life takes a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes it feels like we are always wandering from on disruptive event to another. It is hard at times to see how God is working and moving when things are uncomfortable and not ideal. In the middle of it all we all yearn for something more. A promised land maybe. A simple life. Sometimes we meet God in the wilderness and it changes us, makes us better. More faithful. This was what happened to Moses. Nothing for him seemed easy but God was present through it all. Exodus 2:1-10 (ESV)Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews' children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child's mother. And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”Matthew 5:3-9 (ESV)“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Love & Relationships! I thought it would be great to talk about something all of us have to be around, Relationships- spouse, coworkers, an employer, family, friends, etc. • Ephesians 5:1-2 PJSV Walk in love, follow the example of Christ! >>>> “Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future.” James 1:5 ESV “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Proverbs 3:13 ESV “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,”

Love & Relationships! I thought it would be great to talk about something all of us have to be around, Relationships- spouse, coworkers, an employer, family, friends, etc. • Ephesians 5:1-2 PJSV Walk in love, follow the example of Christ! >>>> “Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future.” James 1:5 ESV “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Proverbs 3:13 ESV “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,”

www.codydthrash.com, click the "ready for the next step?" link. cody.d.thrash@gmail.com for addiction coaching and mentoring. Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. "relations have to be built on trust" Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” 1. Value long-term relationships 2. Be honest 3. Honor your commitments 4. Admit when you're wrong 5. Communicate effectively 6. Be vulnerable 7. Be helpful 8. Show people you care 9. Stand up for what's right 10. Be transparent --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/menofintegrity/support

- Matthew 5:10 (ESV) ““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. How do we respond to persecution? - Prioritize Jesus above anyone else - Speak to people out of love - Live righteously - Suffer well - Rejoice and be glad

- Matthew 5:10 (ESV) ““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. How do we respond to persecution? - Prioritize Jesus above anyone else - Speak to people out of love - Live righteously - Suffer well - Rejoice and be glad

Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Matthew 5:8 (ESV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This week we are discussing the Pure in Heart. We shared that Holiness is a ‘cutting off' or separation from what is unclean, and consecration to what is Pure. Purity describes both who you are as well as what you do. Pure - undefiled, undivided, clean, blameless, unstained from sin and guilt; not dirty; freedom from contamination.

Matthew 5:8 (ESV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This week we are discussing the Pure in Heart. We shared that Holiness is a ‘cutting off' or separation from what is unclean, and consecration to what is Pure. Purity describes both who you are as well as what you do. Pure - undefiled, undivided, clean, blameless, unstained from sin and guilt; not dirty; freedom from contamination.

Sermon Notes: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector By Robin Spengler  BTh. Hons Read the Parable. Luke 18:9-14 (ESV) - 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”   Immediate context: In Luke 17:20 Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come. This is followed by a series of teachings by Jesus on the kingdom of God and in Luke 18:9-14 we have the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, so the parable is given in the immediate context of the Kingdom of God. The Main Point The Self-Righteous will not enter the Kingdom of God. Characters Pharisee: Those who rely on self-righteousness. Tax Collector: Those who rely on God. More Theology Imparted Righteousness: The Church. This is also known as infused righteousness and was the main reason for the reformation (1517-1600). Trans-substantiation. Indulgences. Other religions. Always rules and regulations, Concentrates on good deeds. Your own views. New age thinking, leading a good life. Imputed Righteousness:   Romans 3:21-28 (ESV) - 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. The Pharisee Represents religion or Imparted Righteousness Thinks his own Goodness and religious efforts will get him into the Kingdom of God. Thought that his own goodness and his adherence to religious ceremonies were sufficient to entitle his entrance into the kingdom. Considered himself superior, showed disdain towards those who did not follow his views. Did not acknowledge his own sin. Didn't ask for forgiveness. His prayers were all about himself. No sign of gratitude or love towards God. Tax Collector. Represents faith and repentance or Imputed Righteousness. * Aware of his sinful state. * Cries out to God for mercy. * Is “Poor in Spirit”. He stands far off as he is aware of his unworthiness before God Psalm 38:1-10 (ESV) - 1O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! 2 For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. 5 My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, 6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. 7 For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. 8 I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart. 9 O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. 10 My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes - it also has gone from me. He beats his chest and cries out to God for mercy Psalm 51:1-10 (ESV) - Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. He is genuinely, “Poor in Spirit” Matthew 5:3 (ESV) - “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Being Poor in Spirit means. * I can do nothing to save myself. * I come to God empty and desperate. * I realise that good works can't save me. * I realise that it is God's mercy that saves me. That I can do nothing in my own strength to save myself Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV) - 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. I come to God empty, spiritually bankrupt, and desperate. I realise that only God, through his mercy, can save John 3:14-15 (ESV) - 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. I realise that no amount of good works, knowledge of scripture, church attendance or following of rituals can save me. That the only work that saves me is the work God has already done on the cross of Jesus. The five Solas of the Reformation Sola scriptura (Scripture alone) Solus Christus (Christ alone) Sola fide (faith alone) Sola gratia (grace alone). Soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). Lastly, remember our roots. These five Solas are the blueprint for our understanding God's plan.

Prayer for Tax Trouble Uncle Sam may not be merciful, but the God we serve is full of mercy. Let's pray for our God to work this out for our good. Pray for: prayer for tax trouble, prayer for taxes, pray for tax debt, prayer for back taxes, prayer for taxes, owe taxes, tax, taxes

James 1:12 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.Galatians 6:9 ESV And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.Romans 5:3-5 ESVMore than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Pray with Confidence The confidence of our prayers does not lie in our strength or the eloquence of our words, but in our faith in the strength of God. Pray for: pray with confidence, prayers of confidence, prayer of faith, prayer of strength, praying boldly, pray bold prayers Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/heb.10.35-36.ESV So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/heb.13.6.ESV “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jer.17.7.ESV And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.5.14.ESV --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/choosejoywithtisa/message

Prayer for Giving to Others We can't beat God's giving no matter how hard we try. We give to one another, to charities, to churches and our God just keeps giving more back to us. Pray for those impacted by Ida, but give too. Pray for: prayer to give more, pray for giving, prayer to help one another, pray to give for relief efforts, prayer to help one another Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:37-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.6.37-38.ESV Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. Psalm 41:1-2 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.41.1-2.ESV The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/2co.9.6-7.ESV ✉️ Let's connect: Prayer requests - https://tisajones.com/prayer-requests Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tisajisforjoy/ Leave a voice message - https://anchor.fm/choosejoywithtisa/message #choosejoywithtisa #dailyprayer © Copyright https://tisajones.com Simple prayers for a complex world

Prayer for Dealing with Negativity Pray this prayer with me for dealing with negativity. We all have trials, but our faith is a shield for us that blocks negative thoughts and pessimism from growing in our minds. Our faith guides our perspective. Pray for: dealing with negativity, deal with negative people, deal with difficult people, dealing with difficult people

“Well, I hope so,” doesn't sound like hope at all. It's flimsy, wimpy and empty. We speak of hope more often than we believe in it. Hope in the Bible isn't the weak word we use in our culture. Instead, it is a living hope, throbbing and powerful. It produces action, steadfastness and stability. 1 Peter 1:3 ESV “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”   Let's look at the first time the word for hope is used in the Bible. Joshua 2:21 NIV “Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.” The lady speaking here is Rahab…and where's the hope in this story? Or better yet, where do we find hope that makes us stable in unstable times? I'm so glad you asked. I want to tell you about it.

Prayer for the Presence of God We are praying for: Pray for God's presence, prayer for presence of god, prayer to seek God's presence

Psalm 1:1–3 (ESV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Jeremiah 17:5–8 (ESV); Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Philippians 4:6–9 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.Luke 24:1-12 (ESV)But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Sunday, March 28, 2021 Brad Barrett Minor Prophets—Turn and Live! Obadiah—Comfort and Hope David, king of Israel, in 1000 B.C. said this, Psalm 13:1–2 ESV How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?…How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? What is David after? He is after justice. His enemies were triumphing over him, and he thirsted for justice. He wanted God to do something about it. Such cries for justice and deliverance have been uttered in every generation since the Creation. Today we cry for “social” justice. Justice and equity and fairness in our society in a variety of ways. We also cry out for criminal justice. Someone assaults us or hurts us, and rightfully we want the perpetrator to be held accountable. Even young children know something about justice, as one child cries out to Mom and Dad about his sibling, “That's not fair.” It is right for us to cry out like David, for God at his very core loves justice. Psalm 99:4 ESV The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Our text today is from an OT prophet named Obadiah. It's a very short book. In fact, it's the shortest book in the OT. Only 21 verses. The theme of Obadiah's book is largely about justice. It is addressed to a foreign nation called Edom. An enemy of Israel. Edom had mistreated Israel, kicking them while they were down. This short book reveals the determination of God to bring about justice over all the earth. And at the same time, we get a glimpse of hope for the future of Israel and us. Obadiah Obadiah (ESV) Vs. 1-4 1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” First, who is Obadiah? The OT lists about 12 different men by the name of Obadiah. So what do we know about this prophet? Well, the first four words in vs. 1— “The vision of Obadiah”—is his biography. That is our exhaustive look at the man. So if you take an exam on OT history, and you're asked, “Who is Obadiah the prophet?”, all you need to say is, “I don't know.” We don't even know when he wrote this. Some scholars think in the 800's B.C. Others think in the 500's B.C. So I that narrows it down doesn't it? Just a tiny 300-year window. So we know nothing about the man. And we don't know when it was written. So far, our learning this morning is stunningly deep, don't you think?  So would you like to learn what we actually DO know? Verse 1 tells us we know the nation Obadiah wrote about: EDOM. Edom was on the southern border of Israel. Today Edom would consist of a portion of modern-day Israel and Jordan. The main storyline in Obadiah is that Edom had severely mistreated Israel, so the Lord is uttering a judgment against them. And giving hope to Israel. There is a long history between Edom and Israel. Edom is another name for Esau. Esau was a man who lived more than 1000 years before Obadiah. He had a twin brother named Jacob. Jacob was later given the name ISRAEL by God. These twins were sons of Isaac, and grandsons of Abraham. So the nation Edom is related to Israel The OT reveals a long and troubled history between Jacob and Esau themselves…and their descendants. We know that any brothers can have a contentious relationship, and these two brothers show us how bad it can get. We can read about it in Genesis. It began in their mother's womb where we are told they struggled against each other. Problems continued when Mom favored Jacob, and Dad favored Esau. Favoritism never helps a family. Then Jacob deceived his brother and stole his birthright, the rights of the firstborn. Then Esau, being the forgiving brother he was, decided he wanted to kill his twin because of the stolen birthright. Jacob had to flee for his life, and lived away from the rest of the family for 20 years. Then as the centuries went on, this adversarial relationship continued…. And it's described multiple times in the OT. Now some discussion on vs. 1-4: We come to Obadiah's day. Vs. 1 1 …. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” God will bring other nations to battle against Edom as God's judgment. Vs. 2: 2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. The Lord calls for their attention: “Behold!” Look. Listen. Edom thought they were great and mighty, but the Lord will bring them down, making them small, even utterly despised by other nations. They must pay attention lest they perish. Vs. 3-4: 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” 4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. Edom's pride makes them boast, “Who can defeat us?” They are self-deceived due to this pride. But God is going to humble them. All over the Scriptures we are told of the dangers of pride and the glories of humility. Slide One example, Proverbs 16:18 ESV Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Even if Edom was a powerful nation, which they were not, the Lord could and would humble them. We won't talk much more about pride and humility today, but let me say this: There is hardly a more destructive quality in our lives than pride. When we are proud and focused on ourselves, we will find ourselves in a tug-of-war with God, and we will not win. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” It will go better for us if we humble ourselves before the Lord does it for us. Edom is an example of God's opposition to pride and arrogance. Hebrew Poetry Before going on, let me talk for a few minutes about Hebrew poetry. •Much of the OT is written in Hebrew as poetry. Job, the Psalms, and most of the Prophets. You know it's poetry by the formatting shown in every English Bible I've ever seen. It's formatted line by line and in stanzas. Not in paragraphs. This line by line is very important. We must learn to read it differently than prose, which I'm far more used to. Prose in the Bible would be narratives like Genesis or Matthew or Acts. We read in terms of paragraphs, not line by line and stanzas. •As poetry, these books were much easier for Israel to memorize or sing than prose. •Like poetry in many languages, Hebrew poetry compactly communicates God's truth, and at the same time evokes emotion through rich imagery. For example, look again at verse 4: Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. This is an image rich and emotional way to say what Jesus said centuries later: Matthew 23:12 “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled…” Both express God's eternal truth, but they are said in very different ways. If you put poetry like Obadiah to music, how memorable and instructive that would be on the dangers of pride. And if you add a parable to Jesus' words in Matthew, how memorable and instructive THAT would be. Same truths expressed in different ways. Now back to describing Hebrew poetry: •Hebrew poetry is different than typical Western poetry. Western poetry commonly focuses on rhyme and meter. Hebrew poetry focuses on balanced, parallel lines. On this thought of parallelism, this is quite important. This will help us when we read the Prophets or Psalms. Let's look at two examples: Verse 2: Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. The second line essentially repeats the thought of the first line. Saying something twice but with different imagery is powerful. That's one style of parallelism. Verse 4 (again): Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. Line 2 echoes line 1. But then line 3 describes what the Lord will do in response. The fourth line is a separate thought, but emphasizing the Lord will make all this happen. I've known of this parallelism for years, but I've never really looked at it earnestly until the past two weeks. I've found it to be eye-opening the past two weeks as I read the prophets and psalms. The text simply makes more sense when I read it more line by line with parallelism in mind. To know just a little more about types of parallelism, go to Stonebrook's website, www.stonebrook.org, Then go to SEARCH. Type in “OVERVIEW” for a document giving an overview of the Minor Prophets. The last page on the handout has a list of the types of parallelism in Hebrew poetry. Vs. 5-7 In vs. 1-4, Obadiah speaks in future tense. Judgment is coming. Notice as we get to verse 6, he switches to past tense. Though judgment is still coming, apparently God had already begun his judgment on Edom. 5 If thieves came to you, if plunderers came by night— how you have been destroyed!— would they not steal only enough for themselves? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? 6 How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out! 7 All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you— you have no understanding. God has brought judgment on Edom from the hands of others, and it is complete and devastating. Obadiah describes it with rich imagery: Edom will be plundered, destroyed, stolen from. They will be left with no gleanings. Their treasures will be taken. They will be driven to the border. They will be deceived by former allies, and caught in a trap. Edom will be completely humbled and crushed. Vs. 8-9 8 Will I not on that day, declares the Lord, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau? 9 And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman, so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter. The Lord asks a rhetorical question: “Can anyone thwart Me from accomplishing My will?” He promised he would humble them in their pride (vs. 2-4)…by sending nations to pillage them completely (vs. 5-7). Now (vs. 8-9) he commits to bring their wise men and warriors low and put them all to death. Vs. 10-14 In addition to their pride and arrogance listed in vs. 2-4, the Lord lists more specific sins Edom committed against Israel. 10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. 11 On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. Then in vs. 12 Obadiah changes from the past tense to the present, warning Edom: 12 But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. 13 Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. 14 Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress. Though it is not mentioned explicitly, Israel was being punished for their rebellion against the Lord. We know this because part of the Covenant to Israel through Moses was that if Israel walked by faith with the Lord, they would never be defeated by enemies. Never. But if Israel rejected the Lord, he would bring enemies upon them as judgment. So here since Israel has been crushed by enemies, we can safely assume that God himself has brought judgment upon Israel, using the nations and Edom as his tool. However, Edom was violently wicked in their treatment of their “brothers”, descendants of Abraham and Isaac. So the Lord is holding Edom accountable. And actually even in our day, any nation who treats another nation like Edom did will be worthy of judgment. Someday all sin will be dealt with in perfect justice. Vs. 15-18 Verse 15 sums it all up well: 15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. To the level of Edom's evil and even ALL the nations, that is how they will be judged. 16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been. The “drinking” refers to drinking the cup of God's wrath, a metaphor found multiple times in the Scriptures. Verse 17 gives a glimmer of hope for Israel: 17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions. A remnant will escape. Some will return to the Promised land and own land again. There is hope for Israel when they repent. And look at the graphic imagery in vs. 18: 18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble; they shall burn them and consume them, and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau, for the Lord has spoken. God is going to use Israel to be like a fire set to stubble. Edom will burn up quickly. Such a graphic description. In our backyard, we have a garden area with some tall grasses planted. A few weeks ago, I burned off all the dead grass. It burned easily and quickly like a torch. So it will be with Edom. And the very last line in vs. 18: “The Lord has spoken” (vs. 18b), leaves no question about God's determination to make this all happen. Vs. 19-21 Now in this last section, Obadiah brings more hope to Israel. We look back and remember that Israel has been punished by the Lord when these other nations destroyed them. And Edom has been and will be punished. But there is still hope for God's people. Someday… some future day…Israel is going to be raised back up. 19 Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau, and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines; they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 20 The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the Negeb. 21 Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord's. Though the Lord had often spoken hard words of warning to Israel throughout their history, here Obadiah speaks of a future glory for Israel. On some future day, they will possess the land of all their enemies, and all of it will belong to the Lord as part of his kingdom. This apparently speaks of the inauguration of Christ's kingdom. Vs. 21 seems to allude to events that are still future even to us. Who these “saviors” are is not clear. The word means “deliverers.” “Rescuers.” Perhaps they are some of God's people who will serve the Lord in eternity, guiding the people. All of this seems to speak of the future kingdom of Jesus Christ. All over the Scriptures we are pointed to a day when Jesus Christ will come back to earth literally and bodily, and he will set up his eternal kingdom on earth. And he will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will bring condemnation on all who have rejected him. He will bring reward and honor to all who have believed him The “kingdom” shall be the Lord's. This last line makes me think of Revelation 22: Revelation 22:3–5 ESV No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Application I want to make some application from Obadiah to our lives today. Be WARNED. God is just and will deal with all sin. The unchanging truth of God is that he will judge ALL sin. Nothing will escape his eye. Hebrews 4:13 NIV Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. No sin ever committed escapes the eye of him to whom we must give account. Author A.W. Pink said this, “Though he be invisible to us, we are not so to Him. Neither the darkness of night… nor the deepest dungeon can hide any sinner from the eyes of Omniscience.” This truth of God's perfect justice is TERRIFYING. And we are WARNED. The warning comes to every one of us: God is perfectly just and righteous, and no sin will go unpunished. Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death…” Everyone should take heed and be warned. Someday everyone will stand alone before this holy Creator God. But mercifully, there is an escape. And only one way of escape: That is through faith in Jesus Christ, who died to be our substitute in judgment. To finish up Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This perfectly just God mercifully offers deliverance is through Jesus, the Son of God. This is the very reason God sent his Son to earth 2000 years ago. And God has provided no other way. That is the WARNING. What should you do? 1.Humble yourself. Don't be like Edom. If you don't humble yourself before the Lord, he will do it to you. 2.Believe in Jesus Christ. He has suffered the wrath of God for you. You can go free. A greater gift you will never find. 3.Talk to a friend. Don't go it alone. So the JUSTICE of God WARNS us. But the JUSTICE of God also COMFORTS us. It comforts us in two ways. First, it COMFORTS all of us who have believed in Jesus Christ. For us, Jesus took the condemnation we deserved. And so now, we have been set free. Romans 5:1 says that we now have peace with God. Romans 8:1 says that we will never be condemned. Romans 8:16 says that we have been adopted as children of Almighty God. Romans 8:38 says that nothing can separate us from the love of God. What comfort and joy and hope we have in words like that. Forever and ever and ever glory in the presence of the Lord is ours. What should we do? 1.Every day, every morning give thanks to God. Rejoice. 2.Every day, read passages like 1 Peter 1. 1 Peter 1:3–4 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you… We so quickly forget the truths of the gospel. 3.In addition to giving thanks and reading daily, stay intimately engaged with God's people, the church. We are not meant to do this alone. I am quite independent by nature. But that independence does me no favors. I must be and you must be linked together like a Body. We must be together like a Family. As we do these things, God will bring us great COMFORT and HOPE. A SECOND WAY we can find COMFORT in God's justice is to know that all evil in our world will be dealt with in perfect justice someday. The injustices we experience personally….and the injustices we see out in the world….these can drive us crazy with anger and anguish and hopelessness. But we can be comforted because it won't be much longer. For anyone who is on the side of an injustice done to them—like the harsh treatment the nations exacted on Israel—God will avenge. Perpetrators will be judged. Police departments today may have an “Unsolved Crime Unit,” but God needs no such thing. He sees all and knows all and will deal with all. We can find great comfort that the Lord will make all things right in the end. So what can we do to experience more COMFORT and HOPE in the justice of God in the face of great EVIL and INJUSTICES? 1.First, learn to regularly cry out like David in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord? How long before justice is done?” The psalmist prayed in an honest faith like that. This is healthy—even necessary—for us to vent our hearts directly to the Lord. God can take our holy, faith-filled venting. 2.Second, cling to passages that promise us that nothing will escape God's eye. Remember Hebrews 4:13, that nothing will escape the eye of God. Everyone will give an account. We are not guaranteed justice on the earth (though we should strive for that). But we are guaranteed justice before the Throne of God someday soon. We can take heart and not be distressed. 3.Third, remain humble and grateful. It is tempting to become angry and vengeful and forget that we too were once lost and worthy of wrath. Only “amazing grace” has saved wretches like us. So we must stay humble and grateful for what God has done for us. And our gratitude for God's mercy to us can even drive us to pray for our enemies and love them as Jesus commanded us to do in Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount. Conclusion Let me finish with this. Whether God is dealing with a nation like Edom or with people like us, he is the God of all justice. The God of perfect, all-seeing justice. By this we are WARNED. By this we are COMFORTED. And as we see glimpses of in Obadiah, he is also the God of Mercy and Hope. What he promised through Obadiah has now come true. The long-awaited Hope of God, Jesus Christ, has come. And he is coming again soon. We finish with these words from Jesus himself, almost the last words in the Bible. Revelation 22:12 NIV “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

Sunday, March 28, 2021 Brad Barrett Minor Prophets—Turn and Live! Obadiah—Comfort and Hope David, king of Israel, in 1000 B.C. said this, Psalm 13:1–2 ESV How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?...How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? What is David after? He is after justice. His enemies were triumphing over him, and he thirsted for justice. He wanted God to do something about it. Such cries for justice and deliverance have been uttered in every generation since the Creation. Today we cry for “social” justice. Justice and equity and fairness in our society in a variety of ways. We also cry out for criminal justice. Someone assaults us or hurts us, and rightfully we want the perpetrator to be held accountable. Even young children know something about justice, as one child cries out to Mom and Dad about his sibling, “That’s not fair.” It is right for us to cry out like David, for God at his very core loves justice. Psalm 99:4 ESV The King in his might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Our text today is from an OT prophet named Obadiah. It’s a very short book. In fact, it’s the shortest book in the OT. Only 21 verses. The theme of Obadiah’s book is largely about justice. It is addressed to a foreign nation called Edom. An enemy of Israel. Edom had mistreated Israel, kicking them while they were down. This short book reveals the determination of God to bring about justice over all the earth. And at the same time, we get a glimpse of hope for the future of Israel and us. Obadiah Obadiah (ESV) Vs. 1-4 1 The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” First, who is Obadiah? The OT lists about 12 different men by the name of Obadiah. So what do we know about this prophet? Well, the first four words in vs. 1--- “The vision of Obadiah”—is his biography. That is our exhaustive look at the man. So if you take an exam on OT history, and you’re asked, “Who is Obadiah the prophet?”, all you need to say is, “I don’t know.” We don’t even know when he wrote this. Some scholars think in the 800’s B.C. Others think in the 500’s B.C. So I that narrows it down doesn’t it? Just a tiny 300-year window. So we know nothing about the man. And we don’t know when it was written. So far, our learning this morning is stunningly deep, don’t you think?  So would you like to learn what we actually DO know? Verse 1 tells us we know the nation Obadiah wrote about: EDOM. Edom was on the southern border of Israel. Today Edom would consist of a portion of modern-day Israel and Jordan. The main storyline in Obadiah is that Edom had severely mistreated Israel, so the Lord is uttering a judgment against them. And giving hope to Israel. There is a long history between Edom and Israel. Edom is another name for Esau. Esau was a man who lived more than 1000 years before Obadiah. He had a twin brother named Jacob. Jacob was later given the name ISRAEL by God. These twins were sons of Isaac, and grandsons of Abraham. So the nation Edom is related to Israel The OT reveals a long and troubled history between Jacob and Esau themselves…and their descendants. We know that any brothers can have a contentious relationship, and these two brothers show us how bad it can get. We can read about it in Genesis. It began in their mother’s womb where we are told they struggled against each other. Problems continued when Mom favored Jacob, and Dad favored Esau. Favoritism never helps a family. Then Jacob deceived his brother and stole his birthright, the rights of the firstborn. Then Esau, being the forgiving brother he was, decided he wanted to kill his twin because of the stolen birthright. Jacob had to flee for his life, and lived away from the rest of the family for 20 years. Then as the centuries went on, this adversarial relationship continued…. And it’s described multiple times in the OT. Now some discussion on vs. 1-4: We come to Obadiah’s day. Vs. 1 1 …. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom: We have heard a report from the Lord, and a messenger has been sent among the nations: “Rise up! Let us rise against her for battle!” God will bring other nations to battle against Edom as God’s judgment. Vs. 2: 2 Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. The Lord calls for their attention: “Behold!” Look. Listen. Edom thought they were great and mighty, but the Lord will bring them down, making them small, even utterly despised by other nations. They must pay attention lest they perish. Vs. 3-4: 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?” 4 Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. Edom’s pride makes them boast, “Who can defeat us?” They are self-deceived due to this pride. But God is going to humble them. All over the Scriptures we are told of the dangers of pride and the glories of humility. Slide One example, Proverbs 16:18 ESV Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Even if Edom was a powerful nation, which they were not, the Lord could and would humble them. We won’t talk much more about pride and humility today, but let me say this: There is hardly a more destructive quality in our lives than pride. When we are proud and focused on ourselves, we will find ourselves in a tug-of-war with God, and we will not win. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” It will go better for us if we humble ourselves before the Lord does it for us. Edom is an example of God’s opposition to pride and arrogance. Hebrew Poetry Before going on, let me talk for a few minutes about Hebrew poetry. •Much of the OT is written in Hebrew as poetry. Job, the Psalms, and most of the Prophets. You know it’s poetry by the formatting shown in every English Bible I’ve ever seen. It’s formatted line by line and in stanzas. Not in paragraphs. This line by line is very important. We must learn to read it differently than prose, which I’m far more used to. Prose in the Bible would be narratives like Genesis or Matthew or Acts. We read in terms of paragraphs, not line by line and stanzas. •As poetry, these books were much easier for Israel to memorize or sing than prose. •Like poetry in many languages, Hebrew poetry compactly communicates God’s truth, and at the same time evokes emotion through rich imagery. For example, look again at verse 4: Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. This is an image rich and emotional way to say what Jesus said centuries later: Matthew 23:12 “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled…” Both express God’s eternal truth, but they are said in very different ways. If you put poetry like Obadiah to music, how memorable and instructive that would be on the dangers of pride. And if you add a parable to Jesus’ words in Matthew, how memorable and instructive THAT would be. Same truths expressed in different ways. Now back to describing Hebrew poetry: •Hebrew poetry is different than typical Western poetry. Western poetry commonly focuses on rhyme and meter. Hebrew poetry focuses on balanced, parallel lines. On this thought of parallelism, this is quite important. This will help us when we read the Prophets or Psalms. Let’s look at two examples: Verse 2: Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised. The second line essentially repeats the thought of the first line. Saying something twice but with different imagery is powerful. That’s one style of parallelism. Verse 4 (again): Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. Line 2 echoes line 1. But then line 3 describes what the Lord will do in response. The fourth line is a separate thought, but emphasizing the Lord will make all this happen. I’ve known of this parallelism for years, but I’ve never really looked at it earnestly until the past two weeks. I’ve found it to be eye-opening the past two weeks as I read the prophets and psalms. The text simply makes more sense when I read it more line by line with parallelism in mind. To know just a little more about types of parallelism, go to Stonebrook’s website, www.stonebrook.org, Then go to SEARCH. Type in “OVERVIEW” for a document giving an overview of the Minor Prophets. The last page on the handout has a list of the types of parallelism in Hebrew poetry. Vs. 5-7 In vs. 1-4, Obadiah speaks in future tense. Judgment is coming. Notice as we get to verse 6, he switches to past tense. Though judgment is still coming, apparently God had already begun his judgment on Edom. 5 If thieves came to you, if plunderers came by night— how you have been destroyed!— would they not steal only enough for themselves? If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave gleanings? 6 How Esau has been pillaged, his treasures sought out! 7 All your allies have driven you to your border; those at peace with you have deceived you; they have prevailed against you; those who eat your bread have set a trap beneath you— you have no understanding. God has brought judgment on Edom from the hands of others, and it is complete and devastating. Obadiah describes it with rich imagery: Edom will be plundered, destroyed, stolen from. They will be left with no gleanings. Their treasures will be taken. They will be driven to the border. They will be deceived by former allies, and caught in a trap. Edom will be completely humbled and crushed. Vs. 8-9 8 Will I not on that day, declares the Lord, destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of Mount Esau? 9 And your mighty men shall be dismayed, O Teman, so that every man from Mount Esau will be cut off by slaughter. The Lord asks a rhetorical question: “Can anyone thwart Me from accomplishing My will?” He promised he would humble them in their pride (vs. 2-4)…by sending nations to pillage them completely (vs. 5-7). Now (vs. 8-9) he commits to bring their wise men and warriors low and put them all to death. Vs. 10-14 In addition to their pride and arrogance listed in vs. 2-4, the Lord lists more specific sins Edom committed against Israel. 10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. 11 On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. Then in vs. 12 Obadiah changes from the past tense to the present, warning Edom: 12 But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress. 13 Do not enter the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; do not gloat over his disaster in the day of his calamity; do not loot his wealth in the day of his calamity. 14 Do not stand at the crossroads to cut off his fugitives; do not hand over his survivors in the day of distress. Though it is not mentioned explicitly, Israel was being punished for their rebellion against the Lord. We know this because part of the Covenant to Israel through Moses was that if Israel walked by faith with the Lord, they would never be defeated by enemies. Never. But if Israel rejected the Lord, he would bring enemies upon them as judgment. So here since Israel has been crushed by enemies, we can safely assume that God himself has brought judgment upon Israel, using the nations and Edom as his tool. However, Edom was violently wicked in their treatment of their “brothers”, descendants of Abraham and Isaac. So the Lord is holding Edom accountable. And actually even in our day, any nation who treats another nation like Edom did will be worthy of judgment. Someday all sin will be dealt with in perfect justice. Vs. 15-18 Verse 15 sums it all up well: 15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. To the level of Edom’s evil and even ALL the nations, that is how they will be judged. 16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been. The “drinking” refers to drinking the cup of God’s wrath, a metaphor found multiple times in the Scriptures. Verse 17 gives a glimmer of hope for Israel: 17 But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy, and the house of Jacob shall possess their own possessions. A remnant will escape. Some will return to the Promised land and own land again. There is hope for Israel when they repent. And look at the graphic imagery in vs. 18: 18 The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble; they shall burn them and consume them, and there shall be no survivor for the house of Esau, for the Lord has spoken. God is going to use Israel to be like a fire set to stubble. Edom will burn up quickly. Such a graphic description. In our backyard, we have a garden area with some tall grasses planted. A few weeks ago, I burned off all the dead grass. It burned easily and quickly like a torch. So it will be with Edom. And the very last line in vs. 18: “The Lord has spoken” (vs. 18b), leaves no question about God’s determination to make this all happen. Vs. 19-21 Now in this last section, Obadiah brings more hope to Israel. We look back and remember that Israel has been punished by the Lord when these other nations destroyed them. And Edom has been and will be punished. But there is still hope for God’s people. Someday... some future day…Israel is going to be raised back up. 19 Those of the Negeb shall possess Mount Esau, and those of the Shephelah shall possess the land of the Philistines; they shall possess the land of Ephraim and the land of Samaria, and Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 20 The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the Negeb. 21 Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion to rule Mount Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s. Though the Lord had often spoken hard words of warning to Israel throughout their history, here Obadiah speaks of a future glory for Israel. On some future day, they will possess the land of all their enemies, and all of it will belong to the Lord as part of his kingdom. This apparently speaks of the inauguration of Christ’s kingdom. Vs. 21 seems to allude to events that are still future even to us. Who these “saviors” are is not clear. The word means “deliverers.” “Rescuers.” Perhaps they are some of God’s people who will serve the Lord in eternity, guiding the people. All of this seems to speak of the future kingdom of Jesus Christ. All over the Scriptures we are pointed to a day when Jesus Christ will come back to earth literally and bodily, and he will set up his eternal kingdom on earth. And he will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will bring condemnation on all who have rejected him. He will bring reward and honor to all who have believed him The “kingdom” shall be the Lord’s. This last line makes me think of Revelation 22: Revelation 22:3–5 ESV No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Application I want to make some application from Obadiah to our lives today. Be WARNED. God is just and will deal with all sin. The unchanging truth of God is that he will judge ALL sin. Nothing will escape his eye. Hebrews 4:13 NIV Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. No sin ever committed escapes the eye of him to whom we must give account. Author A.W. Pink said this, "Though he be invisible to us, we are not so to Him. Neither the darkness of night… nor the deepest dungeon can hide any sinner from the eyes of Omniscience.” This truth of God’s perfect justice is TERRIFYING. And we are WARNED. The warning comes to every one of us: God is perfectly just and righteous, and no sin will go unpunished. Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death…” Everyone should take heed and be warned. Someday everyone will stand alone before this holy Creator God. But mercifully, there is an escape. And only one way of escape: That is through faith in Jesus Christ, who died to be our substitute in judgment. To finish up Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This perfectly just God mercifully offers deliverance is through Jesus, the Son of God. This is the very reason God sent his Son to earth 2000 years ago. And God has provided no other way. That is the WARNING. What should you do? 1.Humble yourself. Don’t be like Edom. If you don’t humble yourself before the Lord, he will do it to you. 2.Believe in Jesus Christ. He has suffered the wrath of God for you. You can go free. A greater gift you will never find. 3.Talk to a friend. Don’t go it alone. So the JUSTICE of God WARNS us. But the JUSTICE of God also COMFORTS us. It comforts us in two ways. First, it COMFORTS all of us who have believed in Jesus Christ. For us, Jesus took the condemnation we deserved. And so now, we have been set free. Romans 5:1 says that we now have peace with God. Romans 8:1 says that we will never be condemned. Romans 8:16 says that we have been adopted as children of Almighty God. Romans 8:38 says that nothing can separate us from the love of God. What comfort and joy and hope we have in words like that. Forever and ever and ever glory in the presence of the Lord is ours. What should we do? 1.Every day, every morning give thanks to God. Rejoice. 2.Every day, read passages like 1 Peter 1. 1 Peter 1:3–4 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you… We so quickly forget the truths of the gospel. 3.In addition to giving thanks and reading daily, stay intimately engaged with God’s people, the church. We are not meant to do this alone. I am quite independent by nature. But that independence does me no favors. I must be and you must be linked together like a Body. We must be together like a Family. As we do these things, God will bring us great COMFORT and HOPE. A SECOND WAY we can find COMFORT in God’s justice is to know that all evil in our world will be dealt with in perfect justice someday. The injustices we experience personally….and the injustices we see out in the world….these can drive us crazy with anger and anguish and hopelessness. But we can be comforted because it won’t be much longer. For anyone who is on the side of an injustice done to them—like the harsh treatment the nations exacted on Israel—God will avenge. Perpetrators will be judged. Police departments today may have an “Unsolved Crime Unit,” but God needs no such thing. He sees all and knows all and will deal with all. We can find great comfort that the Lord will make all things right in the end. So what can we do to experience more COMFORT and HOPE in the justice of God in the face of great EVIL and INJUSTICES? 1.First, learn to regularly cry out like David in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord? How long before justice is done?” The psalmist prayed in an honest faith like that. This is healthy—even necessary—for us to vent our hearts directly to the Lord. God can take our holy, faith-filled venting. 2.Second, cling to passages that promise us that nothing will escape God’s eye. Remember Hebrews 4:13, that nothing will escape the eye of God. Everyone will give an account. We are not guaranteed justice on the earth (though we should strive for that). But we are guaranteed justice before the Throne of God someday soon. We can take heart and not be distressed. 3.Third, remain humble and grateful. It is tempting to become angry and vengeful and forget that we too were once lost and worthy of wrath. Only “amazing grace” has saved wretches like us. So we must stay humble and grateful for what God has done for us. And our gratitude for God’s mercy to us can even drive us to pray for our enemies and love them as Jesus commanded us to do in Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount. Conclusion Let me finish with this. Whether God is dealing with a nation like Edom or with people like us, he is the God of all justice. The God of perfect, all-seeing justice. By this we are WARNED. By this we are COMFORTED. And as we see glimpses of in Obadiah, he is also the God of Mercy and Hope. What he promised through Obadiah has now come true. The long-awaited Hope of God, Jesus Christ, has come. And he is coming again soon. We finish with these words from Jesus himself, almost the last words in the Bible. Revelation 22:12 NIV “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

Antonio joins me for the finale of this series. We discuss two extremely important characteristics of God: His mercy and His love. This series has certainly been a blessing for us, and we hope you have enjoyed as well! Please share with a friend! Below we have listed additional scriptures on God's mercy and love! Mercy: Matthew 5:7 ESV “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 1 Peter 1:3 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 John 1:9 ESV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Micah 7:18 ESV / Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. Titus 3:5 ESV He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, sinners.” Psalm 145:9 ESV The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made Love: 1 John 3:1 ESV See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 4:16 ESV So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. Romans 8:37-39 ESV No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 2:20 ESV / I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 1 John 4:19 ESV / 3,820 We love because he first loved us. Psalm 86:15 ESV / But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biblereadaloud/support

John 18:28-37 A Kingdom, Not of this World In 1979, the late Jerry Falwell pioneered a political machine known as the Moral Majority. Falwell, originally a pastor and university president, became alarmed at that social and cultural transformation taking place in America through the 1960’s and 70’s and responded by seeking to reclaim the nation through the American political system. Falwell saw traditional family values were under attack. Sexual promiscuity was on the rise, the advance of homosexual agenda socially, the legalization of abortion, schools were promoting evolution and removing group prayer. Falwell shifted his focus in 1979. Previously he had been a radio and eventually a television preacher. But he found a greater opportunity in politics than in preaching. One historian writes: Recognizing that he could gain greater attention by talking about social issues than theological topic, Falwell turned (from television preaching) to politics.1 Things started off with a bang. In the fiscal 1979, the program raised $35 million from the two and a half million people on its mailing lists.2 Adjusting for inflation, that would be $95 million in today’s money. Almost $100 million raised in one year. The Moral Majority, was self-described as pro-family and pro-American. They were anti-abortion. Anti-pornography. Anti-communist. Anti-homosexuality. Anti-gambling. Pro-Israel. In 1980 the Moral Majority was credited with helping Ronald Reagan win the presidential election. A new day of political conservatism seemed to be dawning. Grass roots campaigns were taking place at the local and state level. Many others had tried unsuccessfully to create similar movements and failed. What gave the movement such success? Well Falwell was joined by other megachurch pastors—Charles Stanley (adding a Southern Baptist contingency) and D. James Kennedy (from the PCA, the Presbyterian Church in America). Reached across doctrinal lines within Christianity. And not just from within Christianity, but beyond it. They found allies and supports among Catholics, Mormons and Jews who shared the same concerns about society and desire to see cultural transformation.3 As sociologists reflect on what made this movement so powerful, it credits the key to the apparent success the fact that they were able to enlist the support of 72,000 pastors. 72,000 pulpits that began to unite a grass roots campaign and a concerted effort to take back America and reclaim the moral high ground. 72,000 pulpits that began to prioritize the focus of God’s people from the simple message of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, to one of reclaiming America. That was the trade. Fast forward ten years to 1989 and the Moral Majority had already disbanded, and although they had aligned the American church with the republican party in the so-called religious right, even they recognized that their ambitions never materialized as they hoped. So, what’s to show for all the time and money today? Every moral battle the Moral Majority fought for in America is now either in the same spot or much worse. Go down the list and compare the legislation, the legal rulings, the media and entertainment industry, the practice and celebration of sin and compare the 1980’s to today. What was the problem with the Moral Majority? Was it what they stood for? No. Not really anyway. Christians should care about many of the things the Moral Majority did. They should fear the Lord, affirm what he affirms and hate what he hates. Was it that they involved themselves in politics through legislation and supporting candidates? No. Christians have a stewardship and the privilege of living in a democratic republic where we get to tangibly support what we believe honors God. The problem was a misplaced hope and a misplaced means for accomplishing that hope. What they failed to understand, and what we so often fail to understand is that although there are consequences of legislation and legal rulings from court battles and elections, God’s mission for his church is to center on the evangelizing of the lost and the edification of the saints so that we would be worshipers of God, for his glory. What they wanted was a good desire. What Christian doesn’t want to see righteous leaders and just laws. And punishment of evil doers and the promotion of legitimate civil liberties. The restraint of evil. Truthfulness. And honor and respect. The protection of the vulnerable. And peace. That kingdom is coming, but it isn’t here yet. We struggle because we want to see the promised kingdom come here and now through our own efforts. Through something that we can control. Something we can fundraise for. Mobilize. Gain enough influence and clout. Have the right party in control. Have the right person in the White House. God’s mission for his church is to center on the evangelizing of the lost and the edification of the saints so that we would be worshipers of God, for his glory. And to wait for his coming kingdom. It is a misplaced hope and a misplaced means for accomplishing that hope. We want the promised kingdom to come here and now through our own efforts. My friends, there is no such thing as a Christian nation or empire. What if the Moral Majority had been successful? What if every initiative had proved successful? What if we had a Christian for a president? Christian governors and judges and senators? What if abortion was illegal? What if evildoers were punished and true civil liberties were protected? Everyone feels better about their grandkids and reading the news and what others are posting online. But how does achieving that impact the cause of Christ? We don’t know exactly. But we have somewhat of a case study in church history. At the end of the third century, Christians suffered the most intense persecution the church had ever faced to that point. It started in rather indirect ways. First, pressure came against Christians regarding the military. Around A.D. 295 a number of Christians were condemned to death, some for refusing to join the army, and others for trying to leave it.4 Basically, Christians were viewed as a problem because they might not be embracing the military the way the pagan would. It was viewed as a threat to military morale. So, the pressure for conformity wasn’t direct (i.e., you believe in Jesus) but rather your lack of conforming to our military expectations. Next, in 303 A.D. Diocletian issued an edict to remove Christians from positions of responsibility within the empire. It seemed fairly benign. Just remove believers from government positions. And yet when it came to applying this decree, there were those who did it with greater zeal—they went beyond what was commanded by the decree. They began to destroy Christian buildings and books. If people refused to hand over their books, they were tortured and condemned to death. This caused conflicts that led Diocletian to become convinced that Christians were conspiring against him. And so he decreed all church leaders be arrested, and every Christian sacrifice to the gods. Thus was unleashed the most cruel of all persecutions that the ancient church had to endure… efforts were made to encourage Christians to abandon their faith. Accustomed as they were to the relative ease of several decades, many Christians succumbed. The rest were tortured with refined cruelty, and eventually killed in a variety of ways.5 Galerius was the mastermind behind Diocletian who was pushing the agenda against Christians. He was succeeded by Maximinus, who: …sought to perfect the policies of Galerius by having Christians maimed and put to work in stone quarries.6 But of course, that work didn’t stop the progress of the church: But then many of the condemned began organizing new churches in their places of punishment, and Maximinus had them killed or deported.7 Soon there was a decree granting a stay to stop punishing Christians as long as they “do not interfere with the public order.” I highlight that because the injunction wasn’t to stop preaching Christ, but to not do things that would threaten society. Public health and safety and peace in the empire were the ways that pressure came against the church. All of this set the backdrop for the arrival of Constantine. Constantine the night before a battle for the empire, had a dream where he received a command to put the Christian symbol on the shields of his soldiers. He didn’t come to salvation through repentance and faith in the finished work of Christ, but he had an experience that led him to believe that he wanted the Christian God on his side. And we get a window into what happens when the church goes from being persecuted to being in vogue. Constantine legalized Christianity. Finally, we had a guy who was on our side. He immediately upheld the free exercise of religion. He gave Christians back their property. Constantine was convinced that the glory of the Roman empire would be realized not apart from, but through Christianity. With the empire led by a supposed Christian, people were flocking to the churches. Apparent converts were happening so fast that there was hardly time to catechize them before baptism, let alone disciple them in the faith, or even validate if they were truly regenerate. Churches were receiving donations from the government. Soldiers were ordered by edict in A.D. 324 to worship the God of the Bible on the first day of the week. Constantine appointed a number of Christians to high positions within the government. He called together a church council in 325 and also sought to remove pagan temples and replace them with churches. During this time there were those who saw Constantine as God’s man for the job. He had been given to bring the church and empire together and for history to culminate. Constantine’s influence is difficult to underestimate because western civilization and much of our view of Christianity here in the West is connected to these very roots. Just consider some of the changes that were taking place… Christian theology was being shaped by the new circumstances, even to the point of abandoning some of the traditional themes… For starters, the prevailing view of the early church was that it was rare for the rich to see their need for salvation and be saved. But under Constantine, Riches and pomp came to be seen as signs of divine favor… Church buildings went from simple structures to get the job done (i.e., be a place to gather) and became ornate. There was a clerical aristocracy that began, that is to say church leaders began to operate in an official capacity, not longer just one of the common folks. They began to change from normal clothing to special attire. But perhaps the most significant change was in the area of a believer’s hope. Eusebius of Caesarea was one of the great theologians of his time. He was caught up in the apparent success of Christianity as marked by money and buildings and social clout and favor. And in the midst of that, his theology shifted. Although Eusebius does not go as far as to say so explicitly, in reading his words one receives the impression that now, with Constantine and his successors, the plan of God has been fulfilled. Beyond the present political order, all that Christians are to hope for is their own personal transference into the heavenly kingdom… there was a tendency to set aside or to postpone the hope of the early church, that its lord would return in the clouds to establish a Kingdom of peace and justice… the scheme of history that Eusebius developed led him to set aside a fundamental theme of early Christian preaching: the coming Kingdom of God.8 Do you see what happened? The shift from being out of season, to being in season marked a shift in focus among God’s people. Rather than think about the kingdom to come, they began to focus on seeing the kingdom come in their own time in their own way. My friends, it is a luxury to have such a view. In fact, I would dare say that the worldview that things will get better and better until Jesus comes not only misunderstands the Scripture, but could only be maintained if you live in a place like Rome during the time of Constantine or America for the past 300 years. And the kingdom is not here right now. We are not living in the spiritualization of kingdom promises. By that we mean to say that this world does not fit the description we read about in Scripture when the Messiah is reigning and ruling with his enemies subdued under his feet. World religions. Islam fastest growing religion in the world right now. Buddhism. Hindu. Atheists. Paganism and other faiths. Then you have within the supposed Christian numbers Roman Catholics. Prosperity Gospel. Protestant liberalism (to say they don’t believe in the core tenant of the Gospel). Worldwide lawlessness abounds. Error abounds. There’s no nation you can point to that is experience peace within and without, with God-fearing rulers who love justice and citizens who live righteously. We reject post-millennialism, that is to say that we are going to see the kingdom ushered in through the gradual progress of Christ’s dominion on this earth. We reject amillennialism, which says either the kingdom doesn’t exist at all, or we are in the kingdom right now. Rather, we believe that the kingdom is a bona fide reality where Jesus will actually be visibly seen, seated on a throne, and by which his glory will be made known. He is coming to establish this kingdom. The Bible teaches that we are still waiting for this to come to fruition. Turn with me to Acts 1 to see this in just one place so evidently. This was after Jesus died and was raised and appeared… Acts 1:6 (ESV) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Is it gonna be here now?? What does he say next? My kingdom, the promises you have been waiting for are actually spiritual realities. I’m head of the church, so all of that stuff about peace and justice and righteousness, I meant that will happen in the church, not in society. You misunderstood the promises of my kingdom. No. Acts 1:7–8 (ESV) He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. We are waiting on it. I’m not giving you a date. But in this Jesus is affirming that there is a kingdom and in that kingdom is coming. What are the disciples to do in the meantime? But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Wait for the spirit and then get to work. I’m tasking you with a mission until my kingdom comes. Make your way back to John 18 with me and we get to see how this kingdom is presented here by Jesus. Pilate meets his maker today and declares him innocent (John 18:29-38). Last week we parked on the first verse and saw that… Religious hypocrites do anything to keep saving face (28) That was our main point. Religious hypocrites don’t want to be righteous, but they don’t want to stop looking righteous. So they pretend. Pilate meets his maker and declares him innocent (29-38) John 18 (ESV) 28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. John’s purpose here as we said, is to demonstrate that Jesus Christ was unjustly condemned and in fact, exonerated of any guilt. He records the details, and we will look at them briefly as we make our way to the statement, we are going to hone in here in v. 36 my kingdom is not of this world. 28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. The they here, is explained by Mark in his Gospel as: Mark 15:1—the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; This was the Sanhedrin, the ruling body in Jerusalem made up of various religious leaders. Almost like a city council, except they operated in behalf of the nation. It was early morning. Not a legitimate trial. This was carried out through the night. But a man wasn’t to be tried and convicted on the same day according to their own statutes. Due process is being violated because they aren’t concerned with justice. This is an outcome-based trial. We know what we want and so we force the situation to fit into those rules. Jesus knew this was going to happen and said as much: Mark 10:33–34—…Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. The whole thing is a sham. But these men are hell-bent on their own desires and they are blind to their hypocrisy. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. Save face at all costs. Unwilling to come clean and drop the pretending. The religious leaders, filled with pretense, must still keep the appearance of righteousness. They must keep it up to appease their own consciences and to garner the esteem of others. Normally the governor lived in Caesarea, but during the great feasts it was prudent for him to come to Jerusalem in case a riot or insurrection took place. Passover was particularly dangerous because emotions ran high as the Jews remembered their deliverance from bondage. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, He goes outside. One time when the Jehovah’s witness ladies came to our door and I didn’t know that that’s a big no-no for them to come into the house. So, I told ‘em, “come in, let’s talk…” I told them… I’m in seminary right now, and we were just talking about you guys the other day. I’d love to sit down and try out some passages on you. They never came back… I think we had a different idea of a good time. Anyway, we had to stay outside to talk. Pilate goes outside. He’s no dummy. He knows this is a sham. And so, he asks them, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Great non-answer. Just be honest. They say if he were not doing evil… What’s the truth about what Jesus has done? … he has cured every kind of diseases, has driven the devils out of men, has made the paralytics and the lame to walk, has restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and life to the dead? Such were the real facts, and those men knew them well; but… when men are intoxicated with pride, nothing is more difficult than to arouse them to form a sound and correct judgment.9 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” Look, I’m not going to be sucked into this. You can’t even bring a legitimate charge for something that I need to deal with. The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” We can’t. the Sanhedrin already condemned Jesus for blasphemy. But they can’t carry out the sentence because they would be breaking Roman law. They need the conviction at that level. Pilate isn’t going to swallow this thing. Even though he could at times be hard on the Jews, he has no interest in petty matters, and he certainly isn’t interested in granting false death sentences. So, he chooses rather than to simply affirm the case the Jews have made, to conduct his own trial and investigation. All of these events from the individuals are just happening. But God has a divine purpose in all of it. Verse 32 is an editorial comment by John. This would be in parenthesis if we were writing it today. Note: 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. If the Sanhedrin had Jesus killed they would have stoned him. Stoning broke bones. Here Jesus would be crucified in order: (a) to fulfill prophecies (e.g., that none of His bones be broken; cf. 19:36–37); (b) to include both Jews and Gentiles in the collective guilt for the deed (cf. Acts 2:23; 4:27); (c) by crucifixion, Jesus was “lifted up” like “the snake in the desert” (cf. comments on John 3:14). A person under God’s curse was to be displayed (hanged) on a tree as a sign of judged sin (Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:13).10 33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” What’s he trying to figure out? Is this guy actually an insurrectionist? Is he trying to overthrow the government? 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Putting it Pilate’s conscience. Is this really what you think I am? The charges of course were partly true and party false. Jesus was in fact the Christ, but Luke tells us the charge they made was: Luke 23:2b—We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King. They knew the claim to be a king would be the only potential way to get Rome involved. Jesus is an enemy of the state. 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Why are you here? You’re the one who got delivered over today… not me.11 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” I wonder what went through Pilate’s mind at that moment. Jesus is no doubt unphased being before Pilate. He isn’t begging for his life. He isn’t railing insults. He is calm. And he is undeterred. Unintimidated. And he looks him in the eyes and he says: my kingdom is not of this world. Unlike your kingdom that is of the world, mine is not. Jesus is speaking of origin here. The preposition of is ἐκ = source. It doesn’t originate from this world. It isn’t brought about through traditional forms of conquest. What’s his evidence? If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, We would have organized a militia. We would have some plan to overthrow Rome. I would have been campaigning. Stockpiling resources. Organization. Planning. When I was to be brought into custody my servants would have been battling… that I might not be delivered over to the Jews.12 There would have been a coup. A coup d'etat is defined as a group who overthrows a government and rules for at least a week. Usually requires significant skill or resources to overthrow even a weak government. You need a lot of power on your side. Jesus is saying, if my kingdom originated here on this earth, I’d have some military guys who knew how to use weapons and kill people. Instead look at me… I’ve got fisherman, tax collector, one random zealot with Simon who was involved in politics but wasn’t a trained military man that we know of.13 Look, if you need proof, just go ask Malchus. Malchus is the servant of the high priest who Peter took a swipe at with his sword in the Garden. The guy should be dead right now because Peter went for his head and came away with just an ear. Jesus gives him the truth. Gives him the opportunity to submit himself to the truth, which Pilate will not do. He repeats himself. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Such strange words. Not backing down his claim to authority. This would be unnerving. You catch an insurgent leader—someone trying to lead a rebellion you expect them to be either 1) belligerent and defiant; or 2) diminutive and meek. Either still fighting or else trying to smooth things over. Either spit in your face or kiss your hand. But to stand there and not be angry or defensive and also not cower is astounding. Jesus sticks to the claim. He repeats himself. I’ve got a kingdom. Rome? Whatev… Yawn. Jesus doesn’t mock Pilate, but you could almost see him laughing… oh wait, you think I’m talking about this goofy little empire you guys have going? No. Sorry Charlie. I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in your cute little job Pilate. That’s so cute you guys stamp your faces on your money in your little kingdom. Pilate’s trying to figure out if Jesus wants Rome. Jesus is sticking to the facts—I’ve got a kingdom and it has nothing to do with yours. I actually feel bad for Pilate here. 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Struggling to track this whole situation. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. Jesus never claims to be a king during his first coming. It wasn’t part of his mission at this time. Jesus never refers to himself “the King of the Jews.” He says, “the designation is yours” And He answered him, “It is as you say.” Why? Well, because it is true that he is the promised, anointed one of Israel. Calling himself a king is going to bring confusion.14 Pilate is going to call him King of the Jews. The Maji are going to call him that. But that’s not a moniker he takes for himself. It’s not the right timing for him to be revealed as such. He’s not going to be caught saying, “I’m the King of the Jews” because it is going to be misunderstood, and his kingdom is going to include a lot more than just Jewish people. Nevertheless, the kingdom is a central theme of the earthly proclamation ministry of Jesus.15 Some would say it’s the central theme of the Bible. Explain Michael Vlach… Just let’s take one sample. Here in one gospel record. Matthew wanted to demonstrate Jesus was the promised Messiah fulfilling Jewish prophecies. But he’s just recording Jesus ministry. Let this convince you of how central the kingdom is. Matthew 2–Jesus Messiah… John the Baptist came on the scene before Christ saying what? Matthew 3:2 (ESV) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Satan comes to tempt Jesus. And what’s the bait? Matthew 4:8 (ESV) Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. You can have your glorious reign now with all of the nations bowing to you in worship, and I’ll offer it to you without the pain of the cross. Bypass the humiliation and get the glory now. What’s his temptation? The kingdom exaltation without the suffering. Right off the bat, same chapter the preaching ministry of Jesus is centered on what? The kingdom.16 Matthew 4:17 (ESV) From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” It is near. Matthew 5, Jesus preaches what we know as the sermon on the mount. What does he address in that sermon? Who inherits the kingdom? Who gets to be in? Matthew 5:3 (ESV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 (ESV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (ESV) For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The future kingdom is to influence your life today recognizing that there are those who will be great and those who will be the least in this kingdom… Matthew 5:19 (ESV) Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. You are to pray for the arrival of this earthly kingdom: Matthew 6:10 (ESV) Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Your entire life is to be oriented around Christ and the future you have with him. Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Finally, entrance in the kingdom will not be based upon what you have done for God or done in his name. It will be based upon those who those who obey God out of a heart of love because they have been born again. Matthew 7:21 (ESV) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Jesus is found preaching about, you guessed it, the kingdom.17 Sons of the kingdom, Matthew 8 The gospel (good news) of the kingdom, Matthew 9 Sends his disciples to go preach 10:7 that the kingdom is at hand Talking about the kingdom in Matthew 11 The kingdom in Matthew 12 In Matthew 13, Jesus says that: Matthew 13:11 (ESV) And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. And from then Jesus begins to teach in parables saying, “the kingdom of heaven is like…”18 The seed that a sower sows on various kinds of soil The wheat and the tares (good soil mixed with weeds) Like mustard seed Like leaven Like a treasure Like a fishing net It’s going to be a place where righteousness and justice reign: Matthew 13:41–43 (ESV) The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. The church is given the keys to this kingdom. Talk about an amazing and wonderful responsibility. The idea that the church is carrying out the responsibility of on earth clarifying who is and isn’t part of the kingdom Matthew 16:19 (ESV) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Humility is esteemed in the kingdom… Matthew 18:1–4 (ESV) At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. A few days prior to this, Jesus had come riding into Jerusalem on an unridden foal. It was the sign of a humble king: Matthew 21:9 (ESV) And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Many are called into this kingdom, but few are chosen. Matthew 22 records that Jesus tells a parable of a King who offers an invitation to his son’s wedding. And when his invitation is disregarded (in this case by Israel) he extends the invitation to anyone who will come. And yet those who come in their own clothes, their own righteousness are cast out. 19 You are to be ready for this kingdom by repenting and turning to Christ now while there is time. So, you are not left like the virgins who are unprepared when the bridegroom arrives and they miss entering the kingdom. Matthew 25:1 (ESV) “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. You are to be looking forward to the fact that there is a new kingdom coming that will be your inheritance. God will be doling out rewards and punishment. Matthew 25:34 (ESV) Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. The glorious promise of this kingdom. What you are desiring is good. And it will be fulfilled. Just not yet. So many in Israel at the time of Jesus had a hard time understanding his ministry, not because they were completely wrong about the fact that Jesus was David’s promised Son who would rule. But they misunderstood that he wasn’t establishing his kingdom in his first coming. It was coming later. Too often we lose sight of this coming kingdom and we want to see these things here and now through means that we can control. It’s a misplaced hope. What you want isn’t wrong with regard to the desire for a coming kingdom. But you have to understand the timeline and agenda for getting there. It’s a different path, generally speaking: Acts 14:21–22 (ESV) When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. That message isn’t suffering so that you can get saved. You get saved by trusting in Christ. But entering the kingdom, that process—is fraught with many trials. Many hardships. Right now, where is Jesus in all of this? He is seated at the right hand of the Father. He has all authority. He has been affirmed in the right to rule. But not all things have been put in subjection to him. Satan is still deceiving the nations. World superpowers are still doing what they will in rejection of Christ. Error and deception and wickedness is running amuck. 1 Corinthians 15:24–25 (ESV) Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. You can belong to this kingdom. Jesus invites you to enter into his kingdom. He beckons you to be part of it. How do you gain citizenship in this glorious kingdom? Faith in his all-sufficient sacrifice for you. But there’s a catch. You’ve gotta wait for it. Conclusion See his kingdom not of this world. It doesn’t originate from any human authority. And it isn’t brought about through human means. This should be an anchor point for you. It should be invigorating. Hebrews 12:28–29 (ESV) Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. His kingdom agenda is not cultural transformation. It isn’t to eradicate poverty. Or to relieve human suffering. That day is coming. But it comes when he brings it. And it comes when he is seated on David’s throne and he rules over all in perfect justice and righteousness and peace. It comes when he subdues his enemies underneath his feet. And at that moment he comes and reverses the curse and begins to make right what is currently wrong with this earth. Pilate has Jesus killed. Ok so that just accomplished God’s will. And then it didn’t even work because Jesus came back to life. Diocletian tries to get people to abandon their faith. Maximinus starts maiming Christians and sending them to work camps—ok now they have work camp church plants. Constantine ushers in a golden age of Christianity. Well kinda. Some huge benefits to the church—free to work on out theology and yet it also weakened the the church. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall. Pendulums will swing. The wicked are going to prosper. Not bringing the kingdom here and now… Your invitation… Are you part of this kingdom? Then are you joining in advancing this kingdom? Don’t you dare for a second get caught up in the wrong definition of the kingdom. You can properly care about good legislation and good candidates without hoping in it. So now we are ambassadors for this king: Matthew 24:14 (ESV) And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. It was the words of our Lord to comfort his disciples: Matthew 26:29 (ESV) I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Welcome to Day 1514 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomBible Study – Formatting Text and Font Styles – Meditation MondayWisdom - the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek! Where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Hello, my friend; I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase Wisdom and Create a Living Legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1514 of our Trek, and it is time for Meditation Monday. Taking time to relax, refocus, and reprioritize our lives is crucial in order to create a living legacy. For you, it may just be time alone for quiet reflection. You may utilize structured meditation practices. In my life, Meditation includes reading and reflecting on God's Word and in prayer. It is a time to renew my mind, refocus on what is most important, and making sure that I am nurturing my soul, mind, and body. As you come along with me on our trek each Meditation Monday, it is my hope and prayer that you, too, will experience a time for reflection and renewing of your mind.  We are continuing our series this week on Meditation Monday as we focus on Mastering Bible Study through a series of brief insights from Hebrew Scholar, Dr. Michael S. Heiser. Our current insights are focusing on what the Bible is. Today let us meditate on: Bible Study – Formatting Text and Fonts Styles·      Insight Thirty-Five: Pay Attention to the Formatting of Your Bible Translation No, I'm not recommending that you need a degree in book design for productive Bible study. I am suggesting that you pay attention to how the biblical text is presented in your translation. Believe it or not, Bible publishers use specific formatting conventions to draw the reader's eye to the text features that do indeed assist in Bible study. Let's start with something every English Bible reader has seen but likely not considered: line breaks and indenting. Look at Psalm 1:1-2 in the ESV: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked. nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. If you read this in today's Wisdom Journal, notice how the formatting breaks the poem into stanzas, clearly showing which thoughts are in parallel to each other. Proper formatting is crucial for drawing attention to how Hebrew poetry works. Now look at the same passage in the 1769 edition of the King James Version: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. There is no formatting, no line breaks, and indentation, to bring out the parallelisms. The text is presented as simple prose like a historical narrative would be. The symmetry of the lines is completely lost. Here's another example. Modern translations segment chapters into pericopes, sections of prose that the grammar of the original text marks off as thought units. Observing the pericope divisions helps Bible students discern the immediate context of a verse within that unit. So, yes, formatting matters. Don't just read your Bible. Observe it. ·      Insight Thirty-Six: Font Styles MattersWhat difference could font style mean in your Bible study? You'd be surprised. Let's talk about italics. Did you know that some English translations use italics to indicate words in the translation that have been supplied for the sake of English but for which no word in the original language exists? For example, Genesis 1:2 reads as follows in many editions...

Today as we look across the landscape of Western culture, is it possible that we have an incomplete view of what it means to truly “follow Jesus?” DISCIPLE will define and distinguish the difference what it means to be a disciple of Jesus vs. a casual Christian and help each of us find the road forward as a disciple. In Week 3 of DISCIPLE, Pastor Tim Matthews delivers his first sermon at Radiant Church and speaks on the need to want to be more like Jesus. If Jesus came up to you and asked what you wanted, what would your answer be? Don't miss this electrifying word from our church-wide series! Focus Scriptures Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV) “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Matthew 5:6 (ESV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” John 6:15 (ESV) “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Sermon Highlights If Jesus came up and asked us what we want, our answer needs to be WE WANT YOU. If Jesus didn't reject you then, He won't reject you now. You won't become like Jesus if you don't like Jesus. God transforms our hearts so that we can love Him and walk according to His ways. God sanctifies, trains, redeems, and purifies, so that we can be blameless when we stand before Him. It takes God to love God. When you pray, “God help me love you more,” He's up in heaven saying, I'm already doing it. The church is not only the bride of Christ, but it is also the BODY of Christ. When God said IT IS FINISHED, it didn't mean that HE IS FINISHED moving and working in our lives.

Election season is always full of hot topics.  Which candidate is better.  Which party is better.  Who will be savior of our county.  Blah.  Blah.  Blah.  Very little time is spent dealing with what really matters.  Black, white, red, brown, or blue - they ALL matter.  And they ALL matter the same.  I'm not political, nor is this show.  But, I did spend some time wondering what the word of God says about politics.  Join me as I share my time with God having a Political Party.     Tools that helped with this episode:   Romans 13:1-7 ESV Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.    1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV  First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.   Titus 3:9 ESV  But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.   Psalm 33:12 ESV /  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!   Matthew 22:17-21 ESV Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”   Acts 5:29 ESV  But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.   Radio Show airs on: www.wkby1080.net , 2 pm & 10 pm ET, 11 am & 7 pm PT on WKBY 1080 AM (Chatham, VA).   *** The RZNGMEN Show can also found on iTunes & Spotify!! ***

The Psalms were written in order to be sung. Part of their function is to shape our emotions. In this case Psalm 1 holds out a picture of what a flourishing Christian life looks like. John explains. Psalm 1 (ESV) Blessed is the man[a]    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor… Continue reading

Matthew 5:5 (ESV)“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Kevin and Quinn re-calibrate in a sick world.Matthew 5:8 (ESV)Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Romans 5:3-4 ESV More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, James 1:12-18 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. ... Hebrews 10:36 ESV For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. James 1:2-4 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:12 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Colossians 1:11 ESV May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, Revelation 3:10 ESV Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world. Romans 15:4 ESV For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Good morning and welcome to the ALC Weekly Podcast, My name is Jared Pollard and I am the Youth and Worship Pastor here at Abundant Life Church. Today we will be joined by one of our pastors, Dr. Jon Clark to talk about conquering fear as an essential employee. ___________________________________________________ “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:” - ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 ESV “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” ‭‭- Hebrews‬ ‭13:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Count it all Joy! A command in scripture that is often misunderstood. No, the burden is not on us to summon up joy. Praise God, that's Jesus' job! Our role is to introduce our trials to Jesus. Bring them before Him in dialogue. Journey with me today as I discuss how Jesus modeled this for us and how we can effectively "Count it all joy."Scriptures mentioned: Hebrews 12:2 ESV"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." James [Jacob] 1:2-4 ESVCount it all joy, my brethren when you meet trials of various kindsJames [Jacob] 1:12 ESV"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."Nehemiah 8:10 ESV"... for the Joy of the Lord is your strength."John 10:4-5 NASBWhen he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”Practical Conversation with God Tips: Switching from a monologue to a dialogue in our time with Him. Get quiet. Settle into whatever space your in. Begin to acknowledge that Jesus is with you there, even if you don't feel His presence. Think about His character. What about Him brings you delight? From that place, start by asking Jesus this first question, you can ask it out loud or silently in your head, but it'll help you begin to locate where you hear His voice within. Ask, "Jesus, Am I a child of God?" Now, wait. Listen to where you hear the answer. You may notice that the thought that comes to you in response to that question is different from the thought that comes to you if asked a question like, what's your favorite ice cream flavor? It's because "The Spirit himself, testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:16 NIVRomans 8:16 TPT, "For the Holy Spirit makes God's fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, "You are God's beloved child!"Continuing The Conversation: Jesus, who am I full of Joy? What do I look like?Jesus, how do I return to that place of joy, that expression of joy you've created me for?Jesus, When do I feel most joyful?Jesus, is there a particular emotion, thought, or situation from which I have difficulty returning to joy? What would help me?Jesus, what do you want to communicate from your heart to mines?Jesus, what situation in my life could use your encouragement?Enjoy the conversation with Jesus! New episodes every Tuesday!Thanks for subscribing and leaving a review! Please feel free to share with your family and friends.Record your question for the show, and I'll answer it on a future episode. https://www.speakpipe.com/returningtojoypodcastWebsite: https://www.returningtojoy.com/For more frequent encouragement follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/returningtojoypodcast/Music by AG (Affirming Grace) @agmusic4godSupport the show (https://admin.wildfire.church/page/635)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-7 (ESV) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me... 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (ESV) 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

Ezekiel 37-11:14 (NLT) Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ Therefore, prophesy to them and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the Lord. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the Lord has spoken!’”There is a common them that runs throughout scriptures and is highlighted in this passage. And it points to one of the most exciting and compelling ideas in all creation. That is hope.GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR HOPEHope requires an object, or an anchor for the hope. Hope does not exist without something to fulfill that hopeMisplaced Hope: Relationships, Career, Success, Acceptance/Belonging, Wealth, Health, Drugs & Alcohol, etc.The entire book of Ecclesiastes is about how nothing but God, satisfies our hope.He sent His son, Jesus as a guarantee of that hope. Colossians 1:27 (ESV) “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.”Romans 15:13 (ESV) May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.HOPE IS THE ANTIDOTE FOR DISAPPOINTMENTPhilippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.Romans 8:24-25 (NLT) We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)“Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” – Stephen King, The Shawshank RedemptionRomans 5:3-5 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.3. HOPE ENCOURAGESIsaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Psalms 3:2-6 (MSG) God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms, Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery: “Hah! No help for him from God! “But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high; With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain. I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I’m up again—rested, tall and steady, Fearless before the enemy mobs Coming at me from all sides. ROCKY THEME SONG!Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV) But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.In all of the passages there is an acknowledgement that the situations that you face will not always be ideal but, take courage! We will overcome!HOPE POINTS US INTO OUR FUTURE2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.Lamentations 3:21-24 (ESV) But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”You may feel like you are without hope or that hope has been lost. But, despite how it may look or feel, hope is never really gone. When it looked like Jesus was defeated, he rose from the dead proving that nothing is impossible for him. Attach your hope to someone that will not fail.

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.'3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”11 …Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?”And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.1 Samuel 16:1-13(ESV) And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”1 Samuel 13:13-14(ESV) Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3(NIV) Trust in His ways Meditate on His word Remain by the water  Produce in the waiting

Topic: Parenting Edition - BlessedScripture: Jeremiah 17:7 ESV - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Real-Esteem: Finding your true identity in Christ - Printed/eBook Available in http://www.eyniith.com/booksDo you want to know Jesus for yourself? - http://www.eyniith.com/salvation-message

Topic: Parenting Edition - BlessedScripture: Jeremiah 17:7 ESV - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Real-Esteem: Finding your true identity in Christ - Printed/eBook Available in http://www.eyniith.com/booksDo you want to know Jesus for yourself? - http://www.eyniith.com/salvation-message

He took our filthy rags and gave us His righteous robe. For us, He kept the Law,  atoned for sin, and satisfied God's wrath.  He took our filthy rags and gave us His righteous robe. Imputation 3. Law. to ascribe to or charge (a person) with an act or quality because of the conduct of another over whom one has control or for whose acts or conduct one is responsible. 4. Theology. to attribute (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to a person orpersons vicariously; ascribe as derived from another. ARTICLE 13 We affirm that because of Christ's life of obedience and death, our sin is imputed to Him and His righteousness is imputed to us by faith. We deny that our sin is merely overlooked or passed over, and we also deny that Christ's righteousness is not imputed to us. Monergy VS Synergy.  [Isa 64:6 ESV] We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21) God forgave us of our sins AND declared us Righteous in Christ The Law helps us see we can't do. [Rom 3:20 ESV] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. [Rom 3:21 ESV] But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- [Rom 3:22 ESV] the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: [Rom 3:23 ESV] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [Rom 3:24 ESV] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Does not do Works of the Law.  [Rom 4:5 ESV] And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, [Rom 4:6 ESV] just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: [Rom 4:7 ESV] "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; [Rom 4:8 ESV] blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin." Jesus became our Righteousness [1Co 1:28 ESV] God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, [1Co 1:29 ESV] so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. [1Co 1:30 ESV] And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, [1Co 1:31 ESV] so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." Righteousness comes through Faith in Christ, not works. [Phl 3:9 ESV] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— Sola Fide, by faith alone. Sola Scriptura, by Scripture alone. Solus Christus, through Christ alone. Sola Gratia, by grace alone. Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone. What about doing good works? Work's does not save you, works is the response of the saved.  Call to action:  Response. [Phl 3:8 ESV] Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ Call to Action:  Love may Abound more and more.  [Phl 1:9 ESV] And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [Phl 1:10 ESV] so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [Phl 1:11 ESV] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. What are the works of the saved? Great Command Great Commission Five Disciplines.  What is most important to you? Communion  [1Co 11:23 ESV] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [1Co 11:24 ESV] 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." [1Co 11:25 ESV] In the same way also he took the cup,  after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." [1Co 11:26 ESV] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Who Is Jesus 5 More presentations from Jeff Rossignol

Justice is Good Pseudo dichotomy  Equal Opportunity VS Equal ResultsChristian Martyrdom VS Irresponsible VictimLethal Self-Defense VS Pacifism Justice VS RevengeJustice VS LoveChristian Liberty VS Ministry / Fellowship = Christian Love Justice; It's Good Just this Week. An example of injustice and evil. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-david-daleiden-faces-20-years-in-prison-for-offering-to-purchase-h HOUSTON, January 25, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – The lead investigator behind the undercover Planned Parenthood videos faces up to 20 years in prison after a Houston grand jury decided on Monday not to charge Planned Parenthood with any wrongdoing – and instead indicted him for offering to purchase human organs from the abortion provider. Proverbs 28:5Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all things.Justice is Good.  [Psa 106:3 ESV] Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! [Lev 19:15 ESV] "You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. [Lev 19:17 ESV] "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. [Isa 61:8 ESV] For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Isn't God mean in the OT and Jesus nice in the NT? Suffering for being a Christian[2Th 1:3 ESV] We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. [2Th 1:4 ESV] Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.[2Th 1:5 ESV] This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering-- [2Th 1:6 ESV] since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,[2Th 1:7 ESV] and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels [2Th 1:8 ESV] in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. [2Th 1:9 ESV] They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, Why Justice? [2Th 1:10 ESV] when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.[2Th 1:11 ESV] To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, No Justice, No Gospel! [Rom 3:20 ESV] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. [Rom 3:21 ESV] But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— [Rom 3:22 ESV] the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:[Rom 3:23 ESV] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [Rom 3:24 ESV] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [Rom 3:25 ESV] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [Rom 3:26 ESV] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Be Responsible Psuedo Dichoto...More presentations from Jeff Rossignol

http://abundant.us — Intro: Jesus took his disciples up the mountain to teach them how to be happy disciples - Matthew 5:1-3 ESV Blessed: makários, (mak-ar'-ee-os): supremely blessed; by extension, fortunate, well off:—blessed, happy - Matthew 5:3 ESV, Matthew 5:3 AMP, Matthew 5:3 MSG

The Meta Narrative for the Christian is an Amazing Story! 1. The Daily Grind of life[Ecc 2:22 NIV] What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?[Ecc 2:23 NIV] All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. [Ecc 12:13 ESV] The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.[Ecc 12:14 ESV] For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. The Invitation; “You just can't say no.”[Eph 1:3 ESV] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,[Eph 1:4 ESV] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love[Eph 1:5 ESV] he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,WHY? [Eph 1:6 ESV] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.How Did He Do It?[Eph 1:7 ESV] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,[Eph 1:8 ESV] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight[Eph 1:9 ESV] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ[Eph 1:10 ESV] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.CAN'T Lose It!1. God planned it. [Eph 1:11 ESV] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,[Eph 1:12 ESV] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. Discovering a spiritual world very few even know about.  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is Real. [Luk 3:21 ESV] Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,[Luk 3:22 ESV] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Discovering the Great War and realizing one is part of it.  [Eph 6:12 KJV] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].  [1Pe 2:9 ESV] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellences of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.[1Pe 2:10 ESV] Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.[1Pe 2:11 ESV] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.[1Pe 2:12 ESV] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. You are special and have a special call. [2Co 5:17 ESV] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.[2Co 5:18 ESV] All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;[2Co 5:19 ESV] that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.[2Co 5:20 ESV] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.[2Co 5:21 ESV] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Old friends begin to separate.[1Pe 4:1 ESV] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,[1Pe 4:2 ESV] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.[1Pe 4:3 ESV] For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.[1Pe 4:4 ESV] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;[1Pe 4:5 ESV] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. Discover new friends who are special too.[Heb 10:24 ESV] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [Heb 10:25 ESV] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Finding God's People at the local Church; [Act 2:42 ESV] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [Act 2:43 ESV] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [Act 2:44 ESV] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. Embrace purpose & call. What about you?Do you identify with the any of these chapters?What chapter are you in right now? [Jhn 6:43 ESV] Jesus answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves.[Jhn 6:44 ESV] No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.[Jhn 6:45 ESV] It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me--[Jhn 6:46 ESV] not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.[Jhn 6:47 ESV] Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. Are you more interested in what God wants or what you want?Everything that keeps you busy on your schedule is in God's creation, not yours. Are the very things God has given you are the things you use to hate God. Hate God?  Well sure, if God is not part of your daily life, for any reason.In God's Universe, In God's Solar System, On God's Planet, In God's Country, In the Body God gave you, . . what part your daily schedule is set aside for God's Will?  [Jhn 3:16 ESV] "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.[Jhn 3:17 ESV] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. I can't make you a Christian, I can't make you love God. I can trick you into thinking you're a Christian, but I can't make you true Christian.  The Purpose & 5 Disciplines.  If this is bothering you that I bring this up every week? Something is wrong. Every week I give you New Bible verses, but the conclusion is always the same. Love God, Love People.And this is what it looks like.  5 Disciplines. Every Sunday we get a chance to make course corrections our lives. We are reminded where true North is on our God compass. What changes do you need to make in your life, to live even more of God's Commands? Young Adult Books; Chapter 8; Embrace Purpose and CallMore presentations from Jeff Rossignol

Reanimated dead, the body is not really working. It's an inversed version of a live person.  Reminder of a zombieReal life zombies.[Eph 2:1 ESV] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins[Eph 2:2 ESV] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--[Eph 2:3 ESV] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Zombies are better organized than the movies.  The have leaders. “false teachers”[2Ti 3:2 ESV] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,[2Ti 3:3 ESV] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,[2Ti 3:4 ESV] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,[2Ti 3:5 ESV] having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.[2Ti 3:6 ESV] For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,[2Ti 3:7 ESV] always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. The cure for zombies:  2 Ingredients The Holy Spirit & The Gospel Regeneration or Rebirth Definition of regeneration:  Greek word; paliggenesianew birth, reproduction, renewal, recreation, regeneration The Holy SpiritBefore and after; regeneration [Tit 3:3 ESV] For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.[Tit 3:4 ESV] But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,[Tit 3:5 ESV] he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,[Tit 3:6 ESV] whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,[Tit 3:7 ESV] so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Born Again is Regeneration: [Jhn 3:3 ESV] Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."[Jhn 3:5 ESV] Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.[Jhn 3:6 ESV] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[Jhn 3:7 ESV] Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'[Jhn 3:8 ESV] The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." God can bring a zombie to life. [Col 2:13 ESV] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,[Col 2:14 ESV] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.[Col 2:15 ESV] He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Even the Earth and the Heavens will be reborn:[Mat 19:28 ESV] Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Contextual for Israel but true for all. [Eze 36:26 ESV] And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.[Eze 36:27 ESV] And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Caused us to be born again[1Pe 1:3 ESV] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,[1Pe 1:4 ESV] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,[1Pe 1:5 ESV] who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Share the Gospel[2Ti 4:1 ESV] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:[2Ti 4:2 ESV] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.[2Ti 4:3 ESV] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,[2Ti 4:4 ESV] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. The Great Commission [Mat 28:19 ESV] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,[Mat 28:20 ESV] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." So share the Gospel[Rom 1:15 ESV] So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.[Rom 1:16 ESV] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.[Rom 1:17 ESV] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Feet ready to tell the Gospel [Rom 10:13 ESV] For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."[Rom 10:14 ESV] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?[Rom 10:15 ESV] And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"[Rom 10:16 ESV] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"[Rom 10:17 ESV] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Saves to Share the Gospel[2Co 5:17 ESV] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.[2Co 5:18 ESV] All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;[2Co 5:19 ESV] that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.[2Co 5:20 ESV] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.[2Co 5:21 ESV] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Hunt the zombies! It's the wise thing to do. [Pro 11:30 ESV] The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. [Jas 5:20 ESV] let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Your Weapon: Use the Bible.Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Functionally it looks like this. You share the Gospel, God does the work. [2Ti 2:24 ESV] And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,[2Ti 2:25 ESV] correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,[2Ti 2:26 ESV] and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. Romans road, Color beads,  Nov.  29th.   Thanksgiving Church Fellowship Meal.Church bring sides and drinks & ice & deserts.  Zombie Hunting The CureMore presentations from Jeff Rossignol

Zombie Hunting What is a zombie? Living dead or animated dead people. They are reanimated by either magic, or science or a virus, etc.  Zombies are fictional  Can anyone think of any famous zombies? Frankenstein, a mummy, Solemn Grundy, Minecraft,  What do zombies really look like?  However God talks about such creatures.  Creatures that are alive, but dead.  Real life zombies.[Eph 2:1 ESV] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins[Eph 2:2 ESV] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--[Eph 2:3 ESV] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [Rom 7:14 ESV] For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. [Rom 3:10 ESV] as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one;[Rom 3:11 ESV] no one understands; no one seeks for God.[Rom 3:12 ESV] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."[Rom 3:13 ESV] "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips."[Rom 3:14 ESV] "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness."[Rom 3:15 ESV] "Their feet are swift to shed blood;[Rom 3:16 ESV] in their paths are ruin and misery,[Rom 3:17 ESV] and the way of peace they have not known."[Rom 3:18 ESV] "There is no fear of God before their eyes."[Rom 3:19 ESV] Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. [1Jo 3:14 ESV] We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.[1Jo 3:15 ESV] Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. Zombies cannot understand moral goodness. [1Co 3:3 ESV] for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?[1Co 3:4 ESV] For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?[1Co 2:14 ESV] The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Zombies are better organized than the movies.  The have leaders. “false teachers”[2Ti 3:2 ESV] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,[2Ti 3:3 ESV] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,[2Ti 3:4 ESV] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,[2Ti 3:5 ESV] having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.[2Ti 3:6 ESV] For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,[2Ti 3:7 ESV] always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Zombie detector,  The Word of God. First use the detector on yourself.  1. You Love Jesus Christ Luke 10:27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 2. You want God most of all. . Proverbs 8:17  I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. What does it look like to diligently seek the Lord? John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Isaiah 55:6-7 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. You Love God more than the World.   James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 3. Psalm 119 is a description of you. [Psa 119:4 ESV] You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.[Psa 119:5 ESV] Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes![Psa 119:6 ESV] Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.[Psa 119:7 ESV] I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.[Psa 119:9 ESV] [Beth] How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.[Psa 119:10 ESV] With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments![Psa 119:11 ESV] I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.[Psa 119:12 ESV] Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes![Psa 119:13 ESV] With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.[Psa 119:14 ESV] In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.[Psa 119:15 ESV] I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.[Psa 119:16 ESV] I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.[Psa 119:17 ESV] [Gimel] Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.[Psa 119:18 ESV] Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.[Psa 119:19 ESV] I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! According to the zombie detector which are you?Do you love yourself and the world more than the creator of the world?  Living a life in obedience to Jesus looks a lot like zombie hunting.  Next week we are going to talk about The Cure, and how hunt a zombie.  Here is a highlight of next week.  The Cure: Death to Life. [Jhn 5:24 ESV] Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.[Jhn 5:25 ESV] "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.[Jhn 5:26 ESV] For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.[Jhn 5:27 ESV] And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.[Jhn 5:28 ESV] Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice[Jhn 5:29 ESV] and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. The Cure.[Eph 2:4 ESV] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,[Eph 2:5 ESV] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--[Eph 2:6 ESV] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [Mat 5:38 ESV] "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'[Mat 5:39 ESV] But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.[Mat 5:43 ESV] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'[Mat 5:44 ESV] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,[Mat 5:45 ESV] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.[Mat 5:46 ESV] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?[Mat 5:47 ESV] And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?[Mat 5:48 ESV] You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Zombie HuntingMore presentations from Jeff Rossignol Zombie Huntingvar siteUrl="http://www.authorstream.com/";var pid="2633600_635812702117952500";var es='425x354';More presentations from Jeff Rossignol Zombie Huntingvar es='425x354';var pId="2633600_635812702117952500";siteUrl="http://www.authorstream.com/";More presentations from Jeff Rossignol

The Invitation: You just can't say no.  Chapter One: . . . Do I have a something higher and better than this?  Harry Potter,  a letter from an owl.  The first one was burned. Then so many letters arrived that not even the adults who were trying to suppress him could deny the letters.  Katniss saves her sister by replacing her in the games.  Divergent, the girl is not like everyone else, her difference makes her dangerous to the powers that be.  Spiderman, Peter Parker is bitten by the spider and he can't go back.  The Christian Calling.  [Eph 1:1 ESV] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:[Eph 1:2 ESV] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [Eph 1:3 ESV] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [Eph 1:4 ESV] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.  In love[Eph 1:5 ESV] he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, WHY? [Eph 1:6 ESV] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. How Did He Do It?[Eph 1:7 ESV] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, [Eph 1:8 ESV] which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight [Eph 1:9 ESV] making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ[Eph 1:10 ESV] as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. CAN'T Lose It!1. God planned it. [Eph 1:11 ESV] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,[Eph 1:12 ESV] so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 2. God Sealed You Forever.[Eph 1:13 ESV] In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,[Eph 1:14 ESV] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Saved from the zombies.  [Eph 2:1 ESV] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins[Eph 2:2 ESV] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--[Eph 2:3 ESV] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [Eph 2:4 ESV] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,[Eph 2:5 ESV] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--[Eph 2:6 ESV] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,[Eph 2:7 ESV] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. God saved you, you did not “Let' God save you. [Eph 2:8 ESV] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,[Eph 2:9 ESV] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. How about you? Meta Narrative Chapter 2; The CallingMore presentations from Jeff Rossignol Meta Narrative Chapter 2; The Callingvar siteUrl="http://www.authorstream.com/";var pid="2591571_635776535823056250";var es='425x354';More presentations from Jeff Rossignol Meta Narrative Chapter 2; The Callingvar es='425x354';var pId="2591571_635776535823056250";siteUrl="http://www.authorstream.com/";More presentations from Jeff Rossignol

Question: What have Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Barack H. Obama, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, The (14th) Dali Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Kofi Annan all got in common? Add John Hume’s name to that list and it should be a bit easier. Answer: Over the years, they were all awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Peace: absence of conflict According to Wikipedia; Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all. Those who make peace between people, or between nations, perform a great service to mankind. However, as good as the absence of violent conflict is, there is hardly a country in the world where the harmony described above is perfectly in place. Even in the best families or nations, there are issues that minority (or even majority) groups struggle with. Below the surface, there are many causes of discontent. The riots in England last year are an example of the unrest that generally lies dormant, but which can come to the forefront with dramatic effect at times. The absence of violent conflict does not necessarily mean that there is the harmony or peace that we desire. Inner peace Many people strive for inner peace. It might be peace of mind from worrying about the future such as job security, pension provision, safety of grandchildren, health, etc. Others cannot have peace because their conscience knows at them because of things that they did in the past. Peace with God People try to find inner peace through all kinds of methods, from retail therapy to relationships. But as the African theologian Augustine said about God long ago; “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” James tells us that the lack of harmony and peace that we experience is due to sin: “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:1–2 NLT) Sin brings disharmony and robs us of peace, from the relatively trivial sins to the most significant evils. The Bible tells us that peace and righteousness go hand in hand, and that the absence of peace is due to sin: Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. (Psalm 85:10, ESV) “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22, ESV) Everywhere that there is lack of peace is in one way or another, directly or indirectly, the result of sin. Jesus is the Prince of Peace The solution, according to the Bible, is to have our sin problem resolved. Our sin problem is primarily between us and God, so we need to be at peace with God. Peace between people will naturally follow from being at peace with God. Jesus calls us to come to him, in order to have rest for our souls. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV) Paul tells us that through faith in him, we can have peace with God. “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19–20, ESV) When people turn to Jesus, they are at peace with God: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1, NLT) And we look forward to the fullness of our peace, our rest, with him for eternity, when we go to be with him. If you don’t know this peace, trust in Jesus, believing that he makes peace between you and God the Father, through his death on the cross. You could pray this prayer to receive this forgiveness and be at peace with God. Be peacemakers God is the ultimate peacemaker. He loved us while we were still his enemies, and he started the biggest peace process in the history of mankind. Christians too should similarly have a desire for making peace, loving their enemies, and doing good to those who hurt them. We ought to live at peace with others, as much as possible: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18, ESV) “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building.” (Romans 14:19, ESV) ““Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, ESV) Experiencing peace Trusting in God can provide inner peace of mind as we do not worry but cast all our concerns to him in prayer, as we know forgiveness from our sins and have a clear conscience before him, and as we know that he is the rock of stability in our lives, as we eagerly look forward to eternity with him. If anyone ought to get the biggest peace prize going, it ought to be the God of the Bible!

Question: What have Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Barack H. Obama, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, The (14th) Dali Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Kofi Annan all got in common? Add John Hume’s name to that list and it should be a bit easier. Answer: Over the years, they were all awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Peace: absence of conflict According to Wikipedia; Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all. Those who make peace between people, or between nations, perform a great service to mankind. However, as good as the absence of violent conflict is, there is hardly a country in the world where the harmony described above is perfectly in place. Even in the best families or nations, there are issues that minority (or even majority) groups struggle with. Below the surface, there are many causes of discontent. The riots in England last year are an example of the unrest that generally lies dormant, but which can come to the forefront with dramatic effect at times. The absence of violent conflict does not necessarily mean that there is the harmony or peace that we desire. Inner peace Many people strive for inner peace. It might be peace of mind from worrying about the future such as job security, pension provision, safety of grandchildren, health, etc. Others cannot have peace because their conscience knows at them because of things that they did in the past. Peace with God People try to find inner peace through all kinds of methods, from retail therapy to relationships. But as the African theologian Augustine said about God long ago; “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” James tells us that the lack of harmony and peace that we experience is due to sin: “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:1–2 NLT) Sin brings disharmony and robs us of peace, from the relatively trivial sins to the most significant evils. The Bible tells us that peace and righteousness go hand in hand, and that the absence of peace is due to sin: Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. (Psalm 85:10, ESV) “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22, ESV) Everywhere that there is lack of peace is in one way or another, directly or indirectly, the result of sin. Jesus is the Prince of Peace The solution, according to the Bible, is to have our sin problem resolved. Our sin problem is primarily between us and God, so we need to be at peace with God. Peace between people will naturally follow from being at peace with God. Jesus calls us to come to him, in order to have rest for our souls. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV) Paul tells us that through faith in him, we can have peace with God. “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19–20, ESV) When people turn to Jesus, they are at peace with God: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1, NLT) And we look forward to the fullness of our peace, our rest, with him for eternity, when we go to be with him. If you don’t know this peace, trust in Jesus, believing that he makes peace between you and God the Father, through his death on the cross. You could pray this prayer to receive this forgiveness and be at peace with God. Be peacemakers God is the ultimate peacemaker. He loved us while we were still his enemies, and he started the biggest peace process in the history of mankind. Christians too should similarly have a desire for making peace, loving their enemies, and doing good to those who hurt them. We ought to live at peace with others, as much as possible: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18, ESV) “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building.” (Romans 14:19, ESV) ““Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, ESV) Experiencing peace Trusting in God can provide inner peace of mind as we do not worry but cast all our concerns to him in prayer, as we know forgiveness from our sins and have a clear conscience before him, and as we know that he is the rock of stability in our lives, as we eagerly look forward to eternity with him. If anyone ought to get the biggest peace prize going, it ought to be the God of the Bible!

Question: What have Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Barack H. Obama, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, The (14th) Dali Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Kofi Annan all got in common? Add John Hume’s name to that list and it should be a bit easier. Answer: Over the years, they were all awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Peace: absence of conflict According to Wikipedia; Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all. Those who make peace between people, or between nations, perform a great service to mankind. However, as good as the absence of violent conflict is, there is hardly a country in the world where the harmony described above is perfectly in place. Even in the best families or nations, there are issues that minority (or even majority) groups struggle with. Below the surface, there are many causes of discontent. The riots in England last year are an example of the unrest that generally lies dormant, but which can come to the forefront with dramatic effect at times. The absence of violent conflict does not necessarily mean that there is the harmony or peace that we desire. Inner peace Many people strive for inner peace. It might be peace of mind from worrying about the future such as job security, pension provision, safety of grandchildren, health, etc. Others cannot have peace because their conscience knows at them because of things that they did in the past. Peace with God People try to find inner peace through all kinds of methods, from retail therapy to relationships. But as the African theologian Augustine said about God long ago; “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” James tells us that the lack of harmony and peace that we experience is due to sin: “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:1–2 NLT) Sin brings disharmony and robs us of peace, from the relatively trivial sins to the most significant evils. The Bible tells us that peace and righteousness go hand in hand, and that the absence of peace is due to sin: Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. (Psalm 85:10, ESV) “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22, ESV) Everywhere that there is lack of peace is in one way or another, directly or indirectly, the result of sin. Jesus is the Prince of Peace The solution, according to the Bible, is to have our sin problem resolved. Our sin problem is primarily between us and God, so we need to be at peace with God. Peace between people will naturally follow from being at peace with God. Jesus calls us to come to him, in order to have rest for our souls. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28–30, ESV) Paul tells us that through faith in him, we can have peace with God. “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:19–20, ESV) When people turn to Jesus, they are at peace with God: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1, NLT) And we look forward to the fullness of our peace, our rest, with him for eternity, when we go to be with him. If you don’t know this peace, trust in Jesus, believing that he makes peace between you and God the Father, through his death on the cross. You could pray this prayer to receive this forgiveness and be at peace with God. Be peacemakers God is the ultimate peacemaker. He loved us while we were still his enemies, and he started the biggest peace process in the history of mankind. Christians too should similarly have a desire for making peace, loving their enemies, and doing good to those who hurt them. We ought to live at peace with others, as much as possible: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18, ESV) “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building.” (Romans 14:19, ESV) ““Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, ESV) Experiencing peace Trusting in God can provide inner peace of mind as we do not worry but cast all our concerns to him in prayer, as we know forgiveness from our sins and have a clear conscience before him, and as we know that he is the rock of stability in our lives, as we eagerly look forward to eternity with him. If anyone ought to get the biggest peace prize going, it ought to be the God of the Bible!