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Luke 3:16 (ESV) John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.Jesus Became JESUS After His Holy Spirit BaptismHe Was Limited As A Man - Philippians 2:5–7 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.He Could Not Raise Himself From The Dead - Romans 8:11 (ESV) If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.Jesus Baptizes Us For Similar Purpose & FunctionJoel 2:28–29 (ESV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.Ezekiel 36:27–28 (ESV) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.He Concentrates Our RelationshipHe Leads/Guides UsHe Reveals TruthHe Activates & Empowers Supernatural Spiritual FunctionHe Creates Next-Level Anything/EverythingEngage The Holy Spirit For Similar Experience/OutcomesGalatians 5:16 (ESV) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.Daily Invitation/DeclarationSituational RequestSeasonal Engagements

Sunday Service (11/17/24) // MBC 3rd Year Anniversary // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.org Follow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others To support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... #DanielBatarseh | #mbchicago | #mbcchicago | #Bible | #BibleStudy | #livechurch | #churchlive | #chicagochurch | #chicagochurches | #versebyverse | #church | #sermon | #sermons | #sermononline | #chicago | #gospelofmark | #baptism | #bookofmark | #newtestament | #scripture | #verses | #lessons | #crucifixión Philippians 2:5 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV) 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Romans 1: 21-22 (ESV) 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1: 29-31 (ESV) 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 (ESV) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Ephesians 1: 16 (ESV) 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Philippians 1:3-5 (ESV) 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Luke 10: 17-21 (ESV) 17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, *“I thank you*, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. John 6:9-11 (ESV) 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when *he had given thanks*, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. John 11: 41-42 (ESV) 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” Matthew 26: 26-29 (ESV) 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 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.” Genesis 16: 13-14 (ESV) 13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,”[a] for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”[b] 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi;[c] it lies between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 21: 17-19 (ESV) 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

John 17:11-12, 20-23 | Keep Them in Your Name from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe John 17:11-12, 20-23_ KEEP THEM IN YOUR NAME Jesus will no longer be in the world. Holy Father, Keep Them Unity Kept and Guarded THAT THEY MAY BE ONE Unity and Witness Glory John 14:8–9 (ESV) Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. John 20:29 (ESV) Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Acts 2:42 (ESV) And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Matthew 4:16 (ESV) the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned. Romans 5:1–2 (ESV) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

John 19:29–30 (ESV) A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jesus WAS before He was BORNHe Existed Before He Was Born - John 8:53–59 (ESV) Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.' But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.He Died Before He Was Born - Revelation 13:8 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Christophanies/Theophanies In The Old Testament - The Angel of The Lord // The Angel, The Lord, allows himself to be worshiped.He Is Credited For Creation - Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.He Walked With Adam - Genesis 3:8 (ESV) And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.He Appeared To Abraham (several times) - Genesis 18:1–3 (ESV) And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.He Wrestled Jacob - Genesis 32:30 (ESV) So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”He Spoke Out Of The Burning Bush To Moses - Exodus 3:4 (ESV) When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”He Appeared to Joshua - Joshua 5:13-15 as the commander of the army of the Lord before the battle of Jericho.He Appeared to Gideon in Judges 6:11-24 as an angel, speaking on behalf of God.He Appeared to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:25 as one like a son of God, walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.He Appeared To Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-8 when he saw a vision of God on his throne.He Appeared To Ezekiel - el throughout his book through various visions and encounters with God's glory.JESUS Was Born Fully MAN*Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Set divinity asideHe had access but refrained.Limitations of all menBaby, vulnerableGrew in status with menTired, weary, hungry, frustrated, angryJesus' Power Came From The Holy SpiritIf Jesus was just a man, where did his power come from?Luke 3:21–22 (ESV) Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 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.”When Jesus Did Miracles, He Wasn't “Proving Who He Was” Or “Showing Off.” He Simply Recognized Things Out Of Alignment With Heaven And Demonstrated “How To!”Your Power Comes From The Same Spirit - Romans 8:11 (ESV) If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.Was Tempted, Suffered And Crucified In Every Way By/For Sin.We are tempted/sin in every way - Body, Soul SpiritWe SIN on all Levels Jesus Suffered On All Levels, For Our SinBody - John 19:16–18 (ESV) So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.Soul - Luke 22:41–44 (ESV) And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.Spirit - Matthew 27:46 (ESV) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”He Suffered During Temptation - Hebrews 2:18 (ESV) For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.He Did Not Sin - Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.He Became Sin - 2 Corinthians 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.He Died* John 19:29–30 (ESV) A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.John 3:14–15 (NLT) And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold?  SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: How Faith Is the Opposite of Fear  By Sarah Frazer “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” Hebrews 11:23 (ESV) “Have courage every single day.” The plaque my mother had gifted me sat on the windowsill right in front of my kitchen sink. I looked at it every day and sometimes a tear would slide down my cheeks into the soapy water as I washed the dishes. I didn't feel like having courage. Fear of the future and the unknown consumed my thoughts.  Going through a hard year with our family taught me many things, but one of the most powerful lessons I learned was that the opposite of fear wasn't courage, but faith. Faith is where we find the courage to keep going. When I think about my own story, which includes adoption, I also think about the story of one of the great heroes of the Bible: Moses. Moses was adopted by the pharaoh's daughter when he was a baby.  Moses is one of those men who will be always known for his amazing acts of bravery and courage. He faced the Pharaoh and miraculously led the people of Israel out of slavery from Egypt. He wrote the first five books of our Bible. Stories like the Red Sea parting, manna in the wilderness, and the Ten Commandments are accredited to Moses.  Those parts of his life, although amazing, are not what resonates these days in my heart. The part of Moses' story I see in my own story isn't about him, but his mother. The Bible says in Exodus 2:3, “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.”  Can you imagine how she felt when she gave her baby up? I think she felt afraid, but instead of being remembered for her fear, she is remembered for her faith. Hebrews 11:23 says, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” In Exodus 6:20 we find out that her name was Jochebed. There have been times in my life where I've prayed: “God, I don't know what you have planned for my life. This situation feels so hard, painful, and filled with grief. But I want to trust you. So I will try and trust you.”  In Exodus 2:1-10 we read her story. I can imagine, as she placed her baby in the basket, she didn't feel brave. But she put him in there. The author of Hebrews said she was not afraid of the king's command to kill all of the male children. Why? Because of her faith. Each day, she chose to keep her baby alive. She chose faith.  When we face each day, even when we feel afraid, we can step forward. One step at a time, we can take our fear by the hand and go confidently in faith. Each day, we have a choice to give in to fear or to step forward in faith. We can choose faith, too.  Maybe you are thinking that your faith is too small. You might think that the fear is too big, but it isn't about our faith at all. It is all about Who we have our faith in. The Object of our faith is God, the all-powerful, all-loving God of the universe! Jochebed knew that God was bigger than all the fears. God was bigger than the Pharaoh. God was bigger than the river. God was bigger than the uncertain future. She had faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” When Jochebed comes to the river, she doesn't cast away her son. Instead of tossing away her child-like garbage, she intentionally and deliberately surrenders him to it. The basket was prepared ahead of time, carefully constructed with tar and a tight weave. It would not leak or sink. Jochebed prepared a place for Moses to be safe. In a sense, she obeyed the king's edict as she put her son in the river. Instead of throwing him away, she gave him over to God. She surrendered her plans for herself, her son, and the future. Faith allows us to give our plans to God.  Choosing to have faith in God means we hand our fears over to God and He will meet us right there. The opposite of fear is not courage, but faith. Even a small faith placed in a big God allows us to move forward. Have confidence in the things that are “unseen,” knowing that God is very real and present in your life.  Intersecting Faith & Life: What feels so scary right now in your life? How can faith in God bring you courage? What do you need to do as a “next step” to push through the fear you hold?  Further Reading: Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 27:1 John 14:27 Deuteronomy 31:6 Psalm 56:3-4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Good  Life // Becoming Like Christ  Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”  Philippians 2:12-18 (ESV)“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”  The Good Life 1.     Living like Jesus shows the way to Jesus.  2.     Living like Jesus looks different than those who don't know Him yet.  Daniel 12:3 (ESV)“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”   3.     Living like Jesus is an example for other believers to follow. Philippians 2:19-30 (NIV)“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” 4.     When you fix your eyes on Jesus your life will become more and more like his. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)“let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Fresh Start – How Offense Makes Us Fools                                                                                                What is offense? Offense = An annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles.  Hebrew: peša = Transgression or sin “You know you are a true servant when it doesn't upset you to be treated like one.” - Unknown How Offense Makes Us Fools 1.     Offense makes me angry.                   Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges (makes its home there) in the bosom of fools.”   2.      Offense distracts me from the relationship. Proverbs 17:9 (ESV)“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” 3.      Offense hardens my heart. Proverbs 18:19 (ESV)“A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” 4.     Offense distorts my view of reality. Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”   Proverbs 19:11 (ESV)“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”  Four Strategies to Overlook an Offense 1.      Give up your Rights. Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”  2.      Choose to Love. Proverbs 10:12 (ESV)“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Hatred = loving myself more than others)  Colossians 3:12-15 (ESV)“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”      3.      Choose to Forgive. Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Ephesians 4:29-32 (ESV)“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  4.     Ask a Question. Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” Matthew 7:3-4 (ESV)“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is the log in your own eye?”  

“The first characteristic of a healthy family is to have an attitude of service.” Author, speaker, pastor, and counselor, Dr. Gary Chapman, shares about his newest book, 5 Traits of a Healthy Family. He gives wise counsel from his years of experience and his lessons from the Lord. As Jesus emptied Himself and became human to serve and save us, we too should display this same service to our spouse and children. Listen in to hear Dr. Chapman give us ideas on how to do just that. 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 Gary Chapman, Ph.D.—author, speaker, pastor, and counselor—has a passion for people, and for helping them form lasting relationships. Chapman is a well-known marriage counselor and director of marriage seminars. The 5 Love Languages® is one of Chapman's most popular titles, topping various bestseller charts for years, selling over twenty million copies, and has been on the New York Times best-sellers list continuously since 2007. Chapman has been directly involved in real-life family counseling for more than 30 years, and his syndicated radio programs air nationally on Moody Radio Network and over 400 affiliate stations. For more information visit www.5lovelanguages.com SCRIPTURES  You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:13-16 ESV Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 NASB  For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5:23-24 ESV Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 ESV LINKS The 5 Love Languages Website BOOKS 5 Traits of a Healthy Family The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Our God is Faithful Prayer Journal Moms in Prayer Booklet Support Our Mission

King David was a man after God's own heart. Yet, David had committed adultery and murder which had negative consequences ripple throughout his life and throughout the generations of descendants to come. How did King David continue to move forward after his great moral failures? How do we learn to let go of our past sins as we move forward in life? It's only by the power of Jesus' cross. Psalm 51 (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!For I know my transgressions,    and my sin is ever before me.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.Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,    and in sin did my mother conceive me.Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Let me hear joy and gladness;    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.Hide your face from my sins,    and blot out all my iniquities.Create in me a clean heart, O God,    and renew a right spirit within me.Cast me not away from your presence,    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of your salvation,    and uphold me with a willing spirit.Then I will teach transgressors your ways,    and sinners will return to you.Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,    O God of my salvation,    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.O Lord, open my lips,    and my mouth will declare your praise.For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;    build up the walls of Jerusalem;then will you delight in right sacrifices,    in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;    then bulls will be offered on your altar.Matthew 16:24-28  (ESV)Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Family Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)“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...”Mathew 19:4-6 (ESV)“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh.” What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”God's design for man in the family. Ephesians 5:23,25-33 (ESV)“the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church…Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself...”1.     Husbands are the head of the family. 2. Husbands should be in love with Jesus more than anything or anyone. Luke 14:25 (ESV)“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”3. Husbands are to take responsibility.4. Husbands are to protect. Isaiah 62:6 (NKJV)I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;They shall never hold their peace day or night.You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,5. Husbands are to provide 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)“...God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

Family                                                                                              SelfChurchFamilyGovernmentGenesis 1:27 (ESV)"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”Mathew 19:4-6 (ESV)“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh.” What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”MarriageActs 17:28 (ESV)“In him we live and move and have our being”Ephesians 5:31 (ESV)“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.  

Episode Summary:  Do you constantly compare yourself with others? On social media, in your neighborhood, at church, or in the school drop-off lane, do you push yourself to prove that you measure up . . . and then feel ashamed when you don't? Measuring yourself against others isn't healthy. And it isn't God's plan. In fact, the way of Jesus is completely upside down from this measure-up world. He invites us to follow him and be restored to freedom, confidence, and joy. Join me with Shannon Popkin as we address how to stop comparing yourself to others. Quotables from the episode: The constant effort to prove that I measure up (or try to hide when I don't), does not lead to a life of freedom and joy. Here's what does: learning to live me-free. At its root, comparison places value on our differences. Comparison is really a pride issue—it keeps us focused on ourselves. When we compare ourselves to others, we focus on how we measure up (or don't) like lines on a measuring glass. But Jesus points out the spout—that place where we pour out on others. Comparison 1) distracts me from my purpose; 2) depletes my productivity, and 3) destroys our potential. When we fall prey to comparison, we need to ask ourselves “Is this something Jesus would say to me?” Comparison is a tactic of the enemy, whether we are comparing our appearance, our status, our sin, or even our ministry for Jesus to others'. Humility is a key to combatting comparison. Comparison is often bred because we don't desire to be “less than” others, but in God's economy those who are the least, are considered the greatest. There is NO exclusivity in the kingdom of God. Healthy comparison includes those times we are inspired and learn from others, and are then encouraged to be and do what I am uniquely called to do. Comparison divides us and causes us to back away, when God is calling us to move toward him! When tempted to compare yourself to others, ask yourself “who am I listening to?” Scripture says “my sheep know my voice,” so be sure you are listening for God's voice.   Scripture References: Philippians 2:5-7 ESV Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant James 3:14-15 ESV But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. Matthew 20:26-27 ESV But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[c] 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,[d] 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,    Recommended Resources:  Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World by Shannon Popkin Control Girl by Shannon Popkin 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 Shannon Popkin: Website / Podcast / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / 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: From the platform, page, and podcast mic, Shannon Popkin invites women to drink deeply of God's story, and live like it's true. Shannon's books include Comparison Girl, and Control Girl, and she hosts the “Live Like It's True” podcast. Shannon has been featured on FamilyLife Today, Revive Our Hearts, and Proverbs 31. Shannon is happy to be sharing life with Ken, who makes her laugh every day. Together, they have the joy of watching their three young-adult kids become the amazing people God created them to be.    Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

1 Peter 4:1-6 | Since Christ Suffered, Arm Yourselves from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Scripture: Romans 1:28–32 SINCE CHRIST SUFFERED, ARM YOURSELVES THE ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED HAS CEASED FROM SIN TO CEASE FROM SIN IS TO LIVE FOR THE WILL OF GOD TIME PAST IS SUFFICIENT FOR SIN THEY ARE SURPRISED AND MALIGN YOU THIS IS WHY THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED 1 Peter 3:18 (ESV) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 (ESV) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, Philippians 2:5 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:8 (ESV) And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:9 (ESV) Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 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. Romans 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. 1 Peter 3:17 (ESV) For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  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.

Ephesus – Recovering Love Revelation 2:1-7 1 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.' 1. We should be grateful that Jesus sees our faithfulness even if our love has waned (2:2-3, 6). 2. Jesus desires (and deserves) our love above all else (2:4). But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. ---Revelation 2:4 (ESV) We love because he first loved us. ---1 John 4:19 (ESV) 17…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ---Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV) 3. We should be quick to remember, repent and return when Jesus corrects us (2:5). 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. ---Revelation 2:5 (ESV) Have you left the love you had at first? - Can you remember a time you were more intentionally close to Christ? - Has Jesus commanded you to repent of a sin you are entertaining? - Has a conflict between you and someone else weakened your prayer and devotion time? - Does the world and its trappings draw more interest from your heart and time?

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Have you ever had a bad or negative thought? Well if so you are in good company. Most people have had a bad thought. The thought process is under attack constantly. The enemy/ Satan can't make us do things BUT he can put thoughts in our head. Have you ever been overcome with fear about something that would more than likely never happen? Have you been filled with distrust for someone who hasn't done anything wrong? Have you been fearful and maybe took an action you normally wouldn't that may have or may not have caused more problems for you? Some may say oh that's just an overactive imagination. I will tell you this. The Bible speaks on these things. Not specifically the things i just listed but it speaks on our thoughts and taking them captive. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Good morning Kings and Queens, ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Have a blessed day

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.

Table TalkThe Way of the Cross Scripture: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,' and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.” - Matthew‬ ‭4:1-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” - Matthew‬ ‭16:22-26‬ ‭ESV‬‬“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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.” - Philippians‬ ‭2:5-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” - Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬Discussion: Why is death to self necessary to walk with Jesus? What is the difference between self-denial and self-loathing? What is a healthy way to approach this? Consider the following quote from Sunday's message. Do you agree? Why or why not? “It's not evil to want to be seen and heard. It's called being human. But it's pride and arrogance when I demand it.And it's idolatry when I try to find it in anything or anyone else but Him.” Take some time in your community today to pray together.

1. Take Time to Laugh For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. —Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, ESV If you've been on this planet for more than a few years, you know life isn't one big laugh. It's filled with difficult trials. Even so, the Bible declares there is “a time to laugh.” Some ways to incorporate more laughter into your life: Talk to a friend with a good sense of humor, retell a funny story from the past or play a practical joke on a good friend or family member. Need another idea? Spending time around children or pets is typically a surefire way to ramp up the laughter.2. Share Joy A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22, ESV Don't keep joy to yourself. Share the “good medicine” of a joyful heart with others. Have you brought joy or laughter to someone today? If not, think of a way you can make one person laugh. It'll bring joy to both of your hearts.3. Lighten Your Load Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. —Luke 6:21b, ESV Have you ever been so sad that you thought you'd never laugh again? If you are a follower of Christ, you are blessed to be part of God's kingdom. The God of the universe can bring you comfort and inner peace even as you struggle with a heavy heart. Being “blessed” is about experiencing hope and joy regardless of circumstances. King David once wrote about it this way: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness” (Psalm 30:11). Feeling burdened today? Ask God to lighten your load.4. Savor Surprises—And Don't Be Afraid to Laugh at Yourself And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” —Genesis 21:6-7, ESV Abraham's wife, Sarah, waited 90 years to become a mother. Thinking there was no way she could provide a family heir herself, she was downright dumbfounded when told she would have a son. She had to laugh out of pure joy. Think of a time when you were pleasantly surprised by God's timing.5. Expect Great Things Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” —Psalm 126:2, ESV When God led His people out of captivity and brought them back to their homeland, they were so relieved and thankful that they laughed and shouted for joy. After spending 70 years as captives, one of the first things they did was build an altar and worship God. It can be easy to dwell on things that aren't going your way, but remember the verse above—God does do great things. Keep an eye out this week for the great things He is doing in your life, then take a moment to thank Him for it. .--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/supportThank you for your continued support and encouragement to the making of the Daily Insights. Reaching an average of 60 people a day with over 10000 total plays. I invite you to partner with us by supporting podcast through monthly or one time donations.Your contributions will be used to sustain the episodes subscription and hosting platforms. . My goal is to inspire and share insightful messages in our generation. Empowering one person at a time each day to continue serving the purSupport the show (https://pod.fan/pastor-lucy-paynterdaily-insights?oneTime=1)

1. Take Time to Laugh For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. —Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, ESV If you've been on this planet for more than a few years, you know life isn't one big laugh. It's filled with difficult trials. Even so, the Bible declares there is “a time to laugh.” Some ways to incorporate more laughter into your life: Talk to a friend with a good sense of humor, retell a funny story from the past or play a practical joke on a good friend or family member. Need another idea? Spending time around children or pets is typically a surefire way to ramp up the laughter. 2. Share Joy A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22, ESV Don't keep joy to yourself. Share the “good medicine” of a joyful heart with others. Have you brought joy or laughter to someone today? If not, think of a way you can make one person laugh. It'll bring joy to both of your hearts. 3. Lighten Your Load Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. —Luke 6:21b, ESV Have you ever been so sad that you thought you'd never laugh again? If you are a follower of Christ, you are blessed to be part of God's kingdom. The God of the universe can bring you comfort and inner peace even as you struggle with a heavy heart. Being “blessed” is about experiencing hope and joy regardless of circumstances. King David once wrote about it this way: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness” (Psalm 30:11). Feeling burdened today? Ask God to lighten your load. 4. Savor Surprises—And Don't Be Afraid to Laugh at Yourself And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” —Genesis 21:6-7, ESV Abraham's wife, Sarah, waited 90 years to become a mother. Thinking there was no way she could provide a family heir herself, she was downright dumbfounded when told she would have a son. She had to laugh out of pure joy. Think of a time when you were pleasantly surprised by God's timing. 5. Expect Great Things Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” —Psalm 126:2, ESV When God led His people out of captivity and brought them back to their homeland, they were so relieved and thankful that they laughed and shouted for joy. After spending 70 years as captives, one of the first things they did was build an altar and worship God. It can be easy to dwell on things that aren't going your way, but remember the verse above—God does do great things. Keep an eye out this week for the great things He is doing in your life, then take a moment to thank Him for it. . --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pastor-lucy-paynter/support

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son… from the Father, full of grace and truth. -ESV Have you ever pondered that text from John 1:14? That Almighty God would step down off His throne where myriads of angels continually sing Holy, Holy Holy….for the sole purpose of showing us how to live, how to die, defeating death and casting our sins as far as the east is from the west. Yes my dear Brothers and Sisters the veil has indeed been torn. How? The Word became flesh…. Why? Why would the Word (Jesus Christ) become flesh? Revelation 21:3 tells us: Behold, the dwelling place of God is with….man. He will dwell among them….and they will be His people… and God Himself will be with them… as their God. Wow! So, if Jesus Christ became flesh, and He is physically going to dwell among His people in the New Heaven & the New Earth….why do we as His bride tend to think our own physical bodies as…. bad? That somehow our flesh is just a mere “tent” that houses all our evil desires? Is that really the case? Have we really ever considered the theology of our bodies? Guest: Christopher West Book: Fill These Hearts: God, Sex & The Universal Longing Website: http://corproject.com

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” - 1 Samuel 8:4–5 (ESV) Have every really wanted something so bad that you begged God for it? Did God answer your prayer? When you received it did it turn out like you planned? When we ask God for things we want Him to answer our prayers by granting our wishes. When He doesn't we can become disappointed and doubt, but have you ever considered that God giving you something could not be his blessing but actually his judgment? It's a reversal of how we usually think. Getting what we want has to be blessing. Right? In 1 Samuel 8, Samuel is old, and the people are without a king. They are still doubting God and their solution,' give us a king!' If we only had a king then things would be better. We would be safe, protected, and whole. The only problem is their desire and dependance on a king means they have forgotten who is the true King. Take a few minutes to read through 1 Samuel 8 to get the context of the narrative. Come ready to consider what you are asking God for and plan to bring a friend with you to church.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith… Romans 12:1-6 (ESV) Have a good grip on yourself 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 (ESV) Have a good grip on the message 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. Romans 12:14-17 (ESV) 8 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:8 (ESV) 19 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.” 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21 (ESV) Live at peace with everyone Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16 (ESV)

I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. - Romans 15:24-25 (ESV) Have you ever had a trip that didn't go like you expected? You had grand plans. Every detail was mapped out. Reservations were made and confirmed. But in the middle your plan suddenly took a detour. Maybe it was an accident. Maybe someone lost the reservation. Maybe the money wasn't there for the trip. How did you respond? How did it turn out? What did you learn? This week as Paul begins to close out the book of Romans, he tells the recipients of his upcoming travel plans. He hopes to go from Corinth to Jerusalem then out to Rome and on to Spain. This grand plan will have its challenges, especially traveling in the ancient world, but what could go wrong? I'd like to encourage you to read the last half of Romans 15. If you want to get a glimpse into how it worked to take a look at Acts 20-24. Along the way we can learn how God takes our plans and changes us for his Glory and our good.

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. 2 It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. 3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned to her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.” 6 So David sent word to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. 7 When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab was doing and how the people were doing and how the war was going. 8 Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” And Uriah went out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king. 9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.10 When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?” 11 Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” 12 Then David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. 13 And David invited him, and he ate in his presence and drank, so that he made him drunk. And in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.14 In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 15 In the letter he wrote, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die.”2 Samuel 11:1-15 (ESV) When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she lamented over her husband. 27 And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.2 Samuel 11:26-27(ESV) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 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. Psalm 51:1-9 (ESV) We Return to God Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV) We reengage in the hidden work of the heart. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:13-17 We refocus our attention. Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar. Psalm 51:1-19 (ESV) We keep our influence in the palace, but keep our hearts in the pasture. Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:3-5(ESV)

Mark 11:22-23 ESV Have faith in God. Whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and...believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.

“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.” (Romans 1:16, ESV)Have you ever been in a situation when God has blessed you with the privilege to tell others about Him? As Christians we have been commanded to tell people about Jesus Christ and the message that we are telling is called the Gospel (literally “good news”). Quite literally, we were told to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Does the thought of sharing this good news with strangers make you nervous? Do you get nervous to share about the faith that God has gifted to you?The Gospel Must Transform You Before You Have the Confidence to Share ItBefore the Gospel message can be shared without nervousness, anxiety, or shame, one must first be transformed by the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God to everyone who believes. It may be difficult for you to share the message of the gospel if you have yet to believe the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. In order to have confidence in evangelism, you must be born again.The Gospel Message Possesses Salvation Power for Those Who BelieveWe can have confidence in Evangelism because the Gospel message has power. The Gospel is power for all those who believe. Our calling is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not save people. We can have confidence in our evangelism because the gospel message is powerful. We can have confidence in our evangelism because the gospel is the message that Christ has commissioned the church to share. May we make much of Jesus as he empowers us to share about him.

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! - Romans 11:11–12 (ESV) Have you ever seen one of those pictures that is made up of a bunch of miniature pictures. Each smaller picture makes up a pixel of the larger image. Depending on what medium you are viewing it in, you can zoom in and out. The big picture is made up of all these little pictures. This make me think about the way I often think about God's sovereignty in my life. I'm concerned personally and selfishly for things to go well for me. I want the 'all things' in Roman 8:28 to work out to my advantage, peace, and comfort. I don't think I'm that unusual, but in many ways we are concerned about the little picture. We are concerned about the outcome and effect of God's plan only so much as it intersects with me. When we back up we find out there is a much BIGGER picture that is being painted. It's one we can't always see or comprehend. It's one that at times feels uncomfortable. This week in Romans 11 we are going to pull back the lens. We are going to see how the hardening of Israel intersects with us. God gives us a chance to see the larger picture. In doing so I'm praying we gain a greater love and trust that He knows the beginning from the end even when it's totally beyond our view. Take a few minutes to read back through Romans 11. Slow down and focus on verses 11-24 as you read. Do you see the BIGGER picture? We will also be celebrating God's plan of redemption through communion, so come ready to worship together at 10:30. Will you reach out to someone right now to encourage them to join you?

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬Have you ever thought about how a candle changes everything in a dark room? It’s impossible to escape its influence. This is how our lives are to be. Let’s talk about it!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬Have you ever thought about how a candle changes everything in a dark room? It’s impossible to escape its influence. This is how our lives are to be. Let’s talk about it!

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. -- Psalm 22:1–2 (ESV) Have you ever felt like God was distant or unavailable to you? Like he forgot who you were or what you needed? Maybe it was in a moment that you needed his help the most. What did you do? What did you pray? One thing I like about the Psalms is the honesty of emotions. The passages are not a pious religious rehearsal but a real human cry of longing, fear, and trouble. They are often more honest then we are willing to be. In Psalm 22, David is struggling to sense and know God's presence and gain God's help. He wonders if God has cast him to the side. This struggle and his words find their way into Jesus' mouth and the gospel writer's pen to describe the life and work of Christ. Join us on Sunday as we explore this Psalm, one of the most used and quoted in the New Testament. It will help us connect not only David's but our experience to that of Christ's work.

“...but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭ESV‬‬Have you ever faced a time in your life when God seemed so distant that questioned whether He was even real? As a nation, Israel did. What does God have to say to us when we feel this way?Let’s talk about it!

“...but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭ESV‬‬Have you ever faced a time in your life when God seemed so distant that questioned whether He was even real? As a nation, Israel did. What does God have to say to us when we feel this way?Let’s talk about it!

That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. - Romans 4:22–24 (ESV) Have you ever doubted your faith? What made you doubt? What did you do with those doubts? Have you ever talked about them? Often in the church we treat doubt with disapproving frown and even scold people for asking questions. Some think this is the right thing to do because we should have solid, sold-out faith. In fact the passage that we are going to look at in Romans this week seems to display Abraham as an example of unfaultering faith. But was he? Didn't he wonder and question? Didn't he even think he needed to help out God to fulfill his promises? So what do we do with that? Join us this week as we explore the nature of saving faith in Romans 4:17-25. Why not take a few minutes before Sunday to read though Romans 4?

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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” -- Romans 1:16–17 (ESV) Have you ever been ashamed of your faith? Maybe not outright shame, but maybe just a bit of hiding? Unwilling to mention it or make it an issue? Have you hoped that someone didn't bring up religion so you that you weren't obligated to enter the conversation? Did you feel guilty afterwards? We might be tempted to see this text as Paul's bold denunciation of us. The loud, ranting apologist telling us scrubs to get it together, but I believe that would be a mischaracterization. This declaration acknowledges the difficulty not with our feelings but with bold truth of the gospel. A gospel that justifies sinners and makes no sense to the wise. It calls us not to look at ourselves, but to the outrageous claims of the gospel to find pride.

"When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." -- Luke 14:12-14 (ESV) Have you signed up yet for "Dinners for 8" or have gone to one? Have you a dinner planned with invited guests this summer or will you be an invitee to one? Well, this next parable about a planned dinner may give you some "food for thought" for your next dinner conversation. Jim Maynard will unfold this dinner parable found in Luke 14:12-24 this Sunday. So before you hear it, read and think about this passage, maybe even before you eat your next meal. Hope to see you at Hope this Sunday, and bring someone with you.

". . . . , What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? . . . . , Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? . . . . , 'It was fitting to celebrate and be glad for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.' " -- Luke 15:1-32(ESV) Have you ever lost something really important to you and then found it again? Imagine those emotions when you realized you found it. This Sunday, Michael Bell will be sharing the parables of lost things from Luke 15 that should evoke similar emotions. We want to encourage you to take a look at this whole chapter in Luke before Sunday. Bring someone with you, maybe someone who has lost their way in life.

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. -- 2 Peter 1:9-10 (ESV) Have you ever doubted your salvation? Did you really mean the prayer you prayed? Have you done enough? How does God look at you? These are important and can be scary questions. When the answers to these questions linger we start to live in a circle of fear for our soul. Peter's statement here does not seem to quell those questions. Or do they? This week we will struggle with the ideas of assurance, election, and salvation. So it will be a light, easy sermon (Just kidding). I want to encourage you to read through 2 Peter 1 to remind yourself of the context.

You Shall Live & Not Die w/ Mother Green - Diversity An expression of love for all and a desire to spread unity of oneness among the nations by faith. 1 Corinthians 14:10 ESV There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, Romans 12:16 ESV Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Malachi 2:10 ESV Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? Matthew 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, 1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:7 ESV If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? Revelation 10:11 ESV And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” Romans 12:4-8 ESV For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Matthew 28:19-20 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Welcome back JP Nation! You are in for a treat. We are truly honored to have an incredible guest with us today. We have Steve Noble on our show to share some wisdom with you. He is the host of Called2Action Radio as well as a teacher at a seminary school. Steve shares with us a little of his journey in becoming a born again Christian. He has always viewed himself as a Christian, much like most of the population. The one difference between the Christian he was and the one he is now, is one simply word, grace. He had truth, but no grace. Jesus had grace. When he was being nailed to the cross, he could have brought wrath but instead he brought on grace. He says one simple thing that speaks a million words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34, ESV) Have you ever gotten into a rut basing your self-worth on material things? Have you ever felt depressed about the way your life was going? Steve gives us three ways to overcome depression. We must get to know our Creator. We have to rely on His love and stability. We can’t put our weight into worldly things; we can only trust in Him. We have to acknowledge that we need help. Most of us were brought up being taught to hide our struggles, not letting other people know we are suffering through something. We were taught that to show weakness is weakness. That ultimately will lock us into unhealthy habits. We have to be teachable. We have to be open to receiving help. Many times we have to humble ourselves in order to get the help we need. Some people might have too much pride to reach out. We must put our pride to the side. There are two different times that Steve had a struggle he overcame and he shares those with us today. But he wasn’t able to overcome these struggles on his own. God sent his wife to walk with him through these adversities. When he started his Called2Action radio ministry, it was a different path than everyone else in his family had taken. He and his wife were visiting family when he hit a wall. He felt so shameful that he wasn’t making as much money as the rest of his family. He was holding his self-worth and value in material things. He was condemning himself for not being as “successful” as the rest of the family. His wife then spoke to him and pulled him out of that depression. She explained to him how he was called to that type of work and how he must obey! His other struggle was very similar. But instead of his wife talking him through his depression, she just simply handed him a Bible and said that he needed to get back into God’s Word. Both times, he was able to have a quiet, calm reserve come over him. His wife was standing with him and gave him the courage he needed to move forward. He didn’t know what the future held, but he knew that God was holding that future for him. There are so many people who endure the battlefield of the mind. They are having a hard time distinguishing true thoughts against the lies of the enemy. You have to obtain fuel from the outside and Jesus is that fuel. God will perform miracles; they just take time. Miracles happen through the perseverance of faith. Are you willing to continue to ask for something and have the faith that God will make it happen? God is for you and with you. He proved that on the cross. You will not be disappointed by tuning in today. Steve keeps us all on the edge of our seats the entire time. He has great wisdom that he is sharing with us. To get more information on Steve Noble or to reach out to him, you can visit his website at c2atoday.com. You can also follow him on Facebook at c2a radio as well as Twitter @stevenobleradio. Don’t forget about our new podcasts that we will be doing with your questions. Please send your feedback and questions to us at feedback@journeyprinciples.com. If you enjoyed our show today, please comment and share with others. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Stephen Scoggins The Journey Principles, as well as Twitter, @stephen_scoggins to get information on the bonus items we have for each show and any upcoming events.

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.” (Acts 1:8 ESV) Have you ever had post-holiday let down? There is this big build up for weeks, maybe even months to THAT day. It might be your birthday or Christmas or National Cheeseburger Day (I’m sure it exists). It arrives in a flurry of activity and excitement. Then it’s gone. And the next day comes. We get back into our day-to-day routines and life continues to plod on. From a Christian standpoint, it would be easy for us to feel that way about Easter. We are reminded of the horror of Good Friday and the power of Resurrection Sunday, but then Monday comes. It would be easy to abandon the joy of the Resurrection as it fades into just another holiday. But the truth is the resurrection changed everything on that day and for everyday afterwards. So, in one sense, we come together every Sunday to be pointed back to that truth. Even for the disciples, in those days following the resurrection, this truth changed everything. This week, we begin our new series called ‘The Gospel on the Move’ and begin unfolding the story after Easter. This Sunday we will hear Jesus’ final earthly words to the disciples in Acts 1. I’d encourage you to sit down and read through the first few chapters of Acts to see what happened after the resurrection. Also starting next week, we will be producing weekly sermon questions for you to use individually or with your community group.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). - (Matthew 1:23 ESV) Have you ever felt the presence of God? Was it one of the holy moments? Those times seem rare, isolated to moments of special venues and secret times. They are hard to describe and even harder to recapture. But what if God was here? Right where you are? That time and space would become sacred. Not in a mysterious hidden temple kind of way but at a spot where you met the only one who knows you thoroughly because he created you. We are told that in Jesus we are promised not a God that hides on lofty mountains or in secret temples, but someone who dwells with us! He is ‘God with Us’! Will you join us this week as we explore and celebrate Immanuel? Will you bring someone with you? Earlier this week, we sent you a digital invite. Forward it to your friends, family, and neighbors. Share it on social media. Get the word out. This Sunday @ 10:30 am we will have carols, a special children’s presentation, the advent wreath, and more. And then next Thursday, December 24th, on Christmas Eve, we will have a special family Christmas service with the Christmas story, carols, the final advent candle, and more songs by candlelight. It will be a great way to begin your celebration of Christmas.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22 (NLT) Message Title:  Same Team Stop trying to change each other. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.  So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:31-33 (NLT) They aren't you and that's great news thing! Go to counseling! Maintenance is always better than repair… Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) Build your team Find people who you want to be like and do what they do Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. 21 You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT) Fight the Crazy Cycle Healthy conflict can only exist with a same team mentality. Keep it Current Keeping it current helps you fights the temptation to sweep issues under the rug and allow bitterness to grow. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) Have a playbook! Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Let HIM lead; Let HER counsel And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.  As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:21-24 (NLT) For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word… Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT) So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 (NLT) Leading the home is a responsibility NOT a right… responsibility serves; right demands. When you are on the same team… what used to be viewed as CRITICISM is now seen as COUNSEL. Parent from the Same Team Support in front of them… discuss away from them. Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) Protect the 1st Team As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.  Ephesians 5:31-32 (NLT) Be more concerned with hurting your spouses feeling, than hurting other people's feelings.  Play with Passion Have FUN and stop making everything so SERIOUS. The team who plays together off the field will play better together on the field. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her… Ephesians 5:25 (NLT)

What is going on?  Why is evil celebrated in our country this week? History and sexual immorality.  History is attached via the confederate flag and the Government continues to hate God and promote great evil.  The Confederate Flag Attack. Freedom means Individual Responsibility.  If you cannot be individually morally responsible, you cannot have freedom.  You will lose your responsibility and become a slave.  Historically, the national sin of slavery, As states were unwilling to stop enslaving humans they separated themselves and said the Federal Government cannot tell individual states what to do.  1. They were correct. 2. However, they very objection they were raising to Federal government, they were doing to humans within their own states. 3. The south lost the war and then lost their state's right.  Same is try after 9/11.  Terrorism brings fear.  Americans would rather have security not freedom. So Department of Homeland Security is created.   Another bloated government agency feeding off the responsible working class of Americans.  Sin as an individual and a nation always leads to lose of freedom.  Sexual ImmoralitySupreme Court Ruling Makes Same-Sex Marriage a Right NationwideNew York Times‎ - 1 day agoIn a long-sought victory for the gay rights movement, the court ruled, 5-4, that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. Why is humanity charging the gates of Heaven?Hoping to overthrow holiness, purity, righteousness, in the name of love? All humans are enemies of God. [Psa 14:1 ESV] To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.[Psa 14:2 ESV] The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.[Psa 14:3 ESV] They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.[Psa 14:4 ESV] Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD? Walking dead. [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. God's Judgements.  [Rom 1:18 ESV] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.[Rom 1:19 ESV] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.[Rom 1:20 ESV] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.[Rom 1:21 ESV] For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.[Rom 1:22 ESV] Claiming to be wise, they became fools,[Rom 1:23 ESV] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.[Rom 1:24 ESV] Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,[Rom 1:25 ESV] because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.[Rom 1:26 ESV] For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;[Rom 1:27 ESV] and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.[Rom 1:28 ESV] And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.[Rom 1:29 ESV] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,[Rom 1:30 ESV] slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,[Rom 1:31 ESV] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.[Rom 1:32 ESV] Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Hope for zombies, He saved us when we were zombies.[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.[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.[Eph 2:10 ESV] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. What are we to do?[Eph 5:7 ESV] Therefore do not become partners with them;[Eph 5:8 ESV] for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light[Eph 5:9 ESV] (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),[Eph 5:10 ESV] and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.[Eph 5:11 ESV] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.[Eph 5:12 ESV] For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.[Eph 5:13 ESV] But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,[Eph 5:14 ESV] for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."[Eph 5:15 ESV] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,[Eph 5:16 ESV] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.[Eph 5:17 ESV] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.[Eph 5:18 ESV] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,[Eph 5:19 ESV] addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,[Eph 5:20 ESV] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Repent Continually.  [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.[1Pe 4:6 ESV] For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.[1Pe 4:7 ESV] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. The Gospel must be spoken from your Mouth[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. Evangelize and Teach.  [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." Sharing the Gospel has got to be Priority. [1Co 9:19 ESV] For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.[1Co 9:20 ESV] To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.[1Co 9:21 ESV] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.[1Co 9:22 ESV] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.[1Co 9:23 ESV] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.[1Co 9:24 ESV] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.[1Co 9:25 ESV] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.[1Co 9:26 ESV] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.[1Co 9:27 ESV] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. Christians first American's 2nd.   Save your neighbor not the country. [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 excellencies 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. The downfall of America is not the downfall of the world.  Peace and Joy is not based on outward circumstances. [Phl 4:4 ESV] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.[Phl 4:5 ESV] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;[Phl 4:6 ESV] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.[Phl 4:7 ESV] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.[Phl 4:8 ESV] 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.[Phl 4:9 ESV] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Link to the Slideshow here. 

1 John 3:1-10 ESV Have you completely embraced the love that the Father has for you? Have you reserved for yourself an area of life devoted to sinful practices? How long can someone who professes their faith in Christ continue to live in their lifestyle of sin and still call themselves a Christ Follower? Do you act more like the world or more like the Father? A LIVING IN A LIFESTYLE SIN IS THE DANGER ZONE.