Podcasts about esv john

To Become Jesus Followers: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Every time you lie or cheat or lust or get stoned, you put a barrier between yourself and God because God is Holy. God's Holiness prevents Him from communing with sinners. The author of 1 John tells us in 1 John 3:8: “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.". God brought Jesus, who was both God and man, to live on earth. Therefore, Jesus' blood sacrifice on the cross permitted Him to take on your sins. By His sacrifice, Jesus became the doorway for your personal relationship with God and a path for your Salvation from your sins (1 John 1:9-10): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Addictions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Self-Control. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:2-3; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 16:13-20; Psalms 78b:13-24 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Come Holy Spirit”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Many of us may have heard the term "in the Spirit," and many of us may have different ideas of what it looks like to live or move "in the Spirit." But what does that actually mean, who is the Spirit? Continuing our new sermon season, "Godly Gifts," Dr. Daniel Davis joins us to identify the giver of our spiritual gifts and the role He plays in our daily lives. We pray this message would be enlightening to your understanding of the Holy Spirit! Scripture references: Genesis 1:2 (ESV) 1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV) Isaiah 61:1 (ESV) John 20:21-22 (ESV) Connect With Us: To learn more about Victory Church and to get connected, visit us at https://victory.church/   Worship Gathering Times: To see locations & worship gathering times, visit https://victory.church/locations/   Prayer: We believe in praying big prayers to a big God and expecting big results. If you're in need of prayer, our team would be honored to pray with you. You can reach us for prayer at https://victory.church/prayer   Giving: At Victory, we steward God's resources well and with radical generosity. If you'd like to give toward the mission of Victory Church, visit https://victory.church/give/   Follow Us: OKC Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchokc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorychurchok   Edmond Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryedmond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victory.churchEDM   Grapevine (Texas) Campus: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchgrapevine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089341962919

Follow Me - FOR THE SAKE OF THE CALL - MATTHEW 4:18-22 ESV, John Cautero, Teaching Team

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

To Become Jesus Followers: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Every time you lie or cheat or lust or get stoned, you put a barrier between yourself and God because God is Holy. God's Holiness prevents Him from communing with sinners. The author of 1 John tells us in 1 John 3:8: “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.". God brought Jesus, who was both God and man, to live on earth. Therefore, Jesus' blood sacrifice on the cross permitted Him to take on your sins. By His sacrifice, Jesus became the doorway for your personal relationship with God and a path for your Salvation from your sins (1 John 1:9-10): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:2-3; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 16:13-20; Psalms 78b:13-24. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Beginnings in Prayer -- Part 2: Faith, a Gift of the Spirit, Is a Key Element in Our Relationship with God Through Prayer”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He became Immanuel, God with us. Jesus came to die for our sins—He was born to die. This episode will discuss two questions: Why did Jesus come to die, and why did He need to die? This episode answers those questions by discussing the following: The Eternal Nature of Jesus: Jesus existed before Christmas.  The Purpose of Christmas:  The mission of Jesus went beyond birth; He came to save us from our sins by dying for us.  Why did Jesus need to die? Romans 3:23 tells us all have sinned, and Romans 6:23 says the consequence is death. We needed a Savior. Jesus, sinless and perfect, offered Himself to cleanse us of our sins. Verses to Reflect On: Isaiah 53:5-6 NKJV Hebrews 2:14 NLT John 10:17-18 NASB 2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB 1 John 1:5-9 NASB Romans 10:9 NASB Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV John 3:16 NASB Other resources: Hope Gathering: Helping widows find help and healing in Christ-centered communities

Prayer Night - Living Like A Christian Is To Love Like God Part 4 - Pastor Mark RalstonPrayer Night - Tuesday 22nd OctoberAll New King James VersionMatthew 22:37-39 (ESV)John 13:34-35Matthew 11:28-291 Corinthians 13:1-3Psalm 91:1-2Philippians 2:5-8

Pastor Aaron shares a message about hammering away a heart of stone and receiving a heart of flesh. We also take a look at the key to receiving life changing results in our faith journey. Scriptures referenced in this message:· Colossians 1:21-23 ESV· Ezekiel 36:26 ESV· Jeremiah 23:29 ESV· Proverbs 16:18· 1 Peter 5:6 ESV· Isaiah 41:10 ESV· Ephesians 4:32 ESV· Matthew 6:12 ESV· Matthew 6:14-15 ESV· Romans 12:2· Romans 7:18-19 ESV· Matthew 11:29-30 ESV· 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 ESV· Matthew 5:27–30 ESV· James 1:19-20 ESV· Genesis 3:1–13 ESV· Matthew 4:1-11 ESV· John 8:31-32 ESVLearn more about salvation, info about Destiny Church, or how to give by visiting our website.Real | Relevant | Relationship

Prayer Night - Living Like A Christian Is To Love Like God Part 3 - Pastor Mark RalstonPrayer Night - Tuesday 8th OctoberAll New King James VersionMatthew 22:37-39 (ESV)John 13:34-35Galatians 6:10Philippians 2:15James 3:17-18Proverbs 18:8 (ESV)

Jesus Followers “Know God”, which Is “Eternal Life”, Because they Have a Personal Relationship with God MESSAGE SUMMARY: Your personal relationship with God, and knowing Him in your life, renders everything else in your life insignificant.  Knowing God and having that personal relationship with Him, through your prayer life, is summarized in John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.". Jesus' interchange with the Apostle Peter, in Matthew 16:13-18, exemplifies the importance of God's gift to you of your access to Him on a personal one-on-one basis: “he {Jesus}asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'”. How is your personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe, today?     TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:2-3; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 16:13-20; Psalms 74a:1-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Some Christians Easily Walk Away from God, But God Rejoices When They Return”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

YOUR KINGDOM COME - TRUTH HEALS - JOHN 18:33-38 ESV, John Cautero, Teaching Team

Speakers: Kason Jeffreys Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) Romans 6:17-18 (ESV) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) John 14:15 (ESV) 1 Peter 3:8-10 (NLT) 1 John 5:18-19 (NLT) Zeke Smithson James 1:2-3 (ESV) Matthew 11:29-30 (ESV) 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) Psalm 56:3 (NLT) John 16:33 (NLT) Callie Dry James 2:14-17 (ESV) James 2:18-20 (ESV) James 2:21-23 (ESV) James 2:24-26 (ESV) Trinity Coots Daniel 3:17-18 (NLT) Malachi Collett Job 1:1-22 (NLT) Job 2:2-9 (NLT) Job 42:10-16 (NLT) Need Prayer? Send your prayer requests to: journeychurcheva.com/prayer To give to Journey: journeychurcheva.com/give

Jesus Followers “Know God”, which Is “Eternal Life”, Because they Have a Personal Relationship with God MESSAGE SUMMARY: Your personal relationship with God, and knowing Him in your life, renders everything else in your life insignificant.  Knowing God and having that personal relationship with Him, through your prayer life, is summarized in John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.". Jesus' interchange with the Apostle Peter, in Matthew 16:13-18, exemplifies the importance of God's gift to you of your access to Him on a personal one-on-one basis: “he {Jesus}asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'”. How is your personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe, today?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Self-Centeredness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:2-3; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 16:13-20; Psalms 74a:1-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Come Holy Spirit”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Episode Summary:  How does God reveal himself to you during simple moments in life? God moments are real and occur all around us all the time. The ability to recognize a God moment differentiates between an average and an extraordinary day. Pastor Gale Kragt and I talk about recognizing God moments in our lives. Quotables from the episode: Learn to see all the opportunities that are around you daily and be encouraged to step out in faith. If we want to recognize God moments in our lives, pray and ask God to make you more sensitive to those experiences around us. Experiencing God moments often comes as a result of looking for the opportunity to be a blessing. Practice stepping out in obedience to God—it feels risky but without the obedience, we don't see the blessing of participating in God Moments. Scripture References: Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (NIV) Eph. 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. (ESV) John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (NIV)   Recommended Resources:  God Moments: Amazing Encounters with the Divine in Everyday Life by Pastor Gale Kragt 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 Pastor Kragt: Website / Spiritual Care Consultants Website / SCC Healing Begins Website / Facebook / 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: Pastor Kragt holds a doctorate and master's degree in Christian Counseling and Psychology from the Carolina University of Theology in Stanley, North Carolina. He does private consulting and assists several churches in Hastings, Michigan. He served as a Chaplain for 18 years. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

(Bilingual) このメッセージではキャサリン牧師が【Who Deserves Honour? 】について以下の３つのポイントから話します。ディスカッション用の質問はノートの最後に確認できます。In this message Ps Catherine talks about "敬いに値する人ってどんな人？" in these 3 points:Check the questions for discussion at the end of the note.Romans 12:10 ESV | ローマ 12:10 ESV直訳John 13:1-17 NLT | ヨハネ 13:1-17 JCBMatthew 23:11-12 TP | マタイ 23:11-12 JCBPhilippians 2:3- 0 NIV | ピリピ 2:3-9 JCBRomans 5:8 NIV |ローマ 5:8 JCB1.自分の価値を知った上で仕える We Serve from a Place of Value 2.イエスの模範に従う Follow Jesus' Example 3.敬うことには修復し、立て直す力がある Honor Restores and Builds QUESTIONS(質問) : - How is the biblical view of honour different to the world's view? - What about Jesus' heart to serve and honour in John 13:17 impacts you? - How can we have the same mindsets in our relationship as Christ? (Philippians 2:5-9) - What are some ways we can show people honour in the way we serve them? Let's share some practical examples- 聖書の敬いに対する考え方は、世の中の考え方とどのように違いますか？- ヨハネ13:7にあるイエスの仕え、敬う心について、あなたはどのような影響を受けましたか？- 私たちがキリストと同じ考え方を持つにはどうしたらよいでしょうか？(ピリピ2:5-9）- 私たちが人に仕える時、どのような方法で敬意を示すことができますか？いくつかの実体験を分かち合いましょう。Connect with us:Web: mylifehouse.comInstagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobalVideo Messages: ビデオメッセージ: youtube.com/LifehouseTokyoOther Podcasts:Want to listen to our messages in other languages?Lifehouse Messages (English): https://lifehousemessages.captivate.fm/listenLifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

Today's Fear-Laden Events and “Noise” Will Not Matter If You Practice the Presence of God as You Live Your Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: You cannot practice the presence of God when you practice the presence of fear. You may be inclined to fear for the future of our country or fear about your personal finances or family or health issues. If you practice the presence of God, you will have peace in amidst your life-storm and trauma. The “Presence of Jesus” in your life begins with persistent prayer to the end that you constantly and consistently seek to include Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in all aspects of your life. “Practicing the Presence of Jesus” in your life will prove to be life changing a rewarding. Jesus provides comfort for your anxieties in Mathew 6:33-34: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.". Also, in Mathew 11:28-30, Jesus makes it clear to you that He wants to walk with you in your times of trouble and fear so that you can offload to Him, the Creator of the Universe, some of those issues that drive your fears: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.". If you practice the presence of God, it will not matter what this world or the devil throws your way.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Past Failures. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Grace. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 3:16-17; 1 John 5:1-5; Psalms 37e:41-50. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Remembering “he who is forgiven little, loves little”, Is Your Focus Outward in the Love and Service of Others?”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

David and Abigail- Huebner 1 Samuel 25:1-3, 21-35 ESV John 3:16-21

David and Abigail- Behrens 1 Samuel 25:1-3, 21-35 ESV John 3:16-21

By the Power of the Holy Spirit “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name”John 14:26 (ESV) John 15:26 (ESV)“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth”John 16:7 (ESV)“...it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.”Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)“...Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”Acts 2:19 (ESV)“I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath”1 Cor 2:4-5 (NIV)“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.”Isaiah 32:14-18 (ESV)“For the palace is forsaken,the populous city deserted...until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,and the fruitful field is deemed a forest.Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace,and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”September 3, 2023 // Pastor Jason KingIsaiah 44:3 (ESV)“For I will pour water on the thirsty land,and streams on the dry ground;I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,and my blessing on your descendants.”John 6:63 (NKJV)“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing”Isaiah 63:10 (ESV)“They rebelledand grieved his Holy Spirit;therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.”1 Cor. 6:19 (NIV)“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)“...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

By a Mocking of God and His Institutions, Threats to Our Churches, Country, and Jesus Followers Are Exacerbated MESSAGE SUMMARY: Our way of life is slipping quickly away from us, but our way of life is not just about elections and politics. This risk arises from direct threats to both our Christian faith-based institutions and our country's related founding principles. The news, 24/7, confirms that this risk is to our churches, to our country, and to our way of life. This threat is coming from a constant state of conflict among institutions, cultures, and individuals. The Bible provides examples of similar institutionalized conflicts throughout the ages. However, today's conflicts, in and among organized religion, are over the basic principles of Biblical teachings and Jesus' Gospel; and these conflicts make one wonder where the path for a way out of this descension and conflict will emerge.  From Clergy, Politicians, and the men and women in the street, God is mocked daily along with His institutions. Paul tells us, in Galatians 6:7, that: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Some ask, in a mocking fashion, “Where is Jesus; He is supposed to be the Peacemaker?”. Jesus answers this question in Matthew 10:34-35, 38-39: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law . . . And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."    The risks from this conflict, arising from the mocking of God and the large numbers of institutions walking away from the Christian principles upon which America was founded, will only be addressed by a change in our hearts. The hearts of the people will not change until we have a true “spiritual awakening”. As Jesus tells us in John 14:1: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”. Additionally, Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 35:4: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”. A spiritual awakening is needed not only to save souls from eternal damnation but to save our way of life. This “Spiritual Awakening” begins by proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; John 16:33; John 14:27; John 1:14; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:46; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:10; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; John 1:12; Psalms 52:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Wake Up America!”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Today's Fear-Laden Events and “Noise” Will Not Matter If You Practice the Presence of God as You Live Your Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: You cannot practice the presence of God when you practice the presence of fear. You may be inclined to fear for the future of our country or fear about your personal finances or family or health issues. If you practice the presence of God, you will have peace in amidst your life-storm and trauma. The “Presence of Jesus” in your life begins with persistent prayer to the end that you constantly and consistently seek to include Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in all aspects of your life. “Practicing the Presence of Jesus” in your life will prove to be life changing a rewarding. Jesus provides comfort for your anxieties in Mathew 6:33-34: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.". Also, in Mathew 11:28-30, Jesus makes it clear to you that He wants to walk with you in your times of trouble and fear so that you can offload to Him, the Creator of the Universe, some of those issues that drive your fears: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.". If you practice the presence of God, it will not matter what this world or the devil throws your way.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Lust. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Perfect Provision. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 3:16-17; 1 John 5:1-5; Psalms 37e:41-50. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 2: Trinity; Our Father”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

My peace I give to you. (ESV) John 14 : 27

John 20:30-31 (ESV) John 11:5-16 (ESV) Doubt is often accompanied by authentic devotion to God Doubt is often a normal part of growing in our understanding of God John 14:1-5 (ESV) Doubt is often an invitation to a supernatural experience with God John 20:24-28 (ESV) John 20:30-31 (ESV)

How Does God Say He Loves You: Part 5 The New Covenant MESSAGE SUMMARY: There is a difference in knowing about someone and really knowing someone. Our New Covenant with God gives you and I the ability to Know God in a Personal Way. This New Covenant was fulfilled in Jesus the Christ, as Jesus tells us in Luke 22:19-20: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'”.   Throughout human history, God has reached out to humans for a personal relationship and to express His love for humankind. We have a God that loves us so much, and God's love for us is expressed to us through His “covenants”. Also, God's “covenants” reveal to us His grace and faithfulness. In today's message, we will discuss God's New Covenant with us. A “covenant” can be defined as an “oath or promise of God”. In a Biblical covenant: 1) God establishes the Covenant; 2) God always implies that “I am your God, and you are my people” – God desires a personal relationship with us; and 3) God sets the Covenant's terms and rulers. In the Book of the Covenant (Exodus Deuteronomy 20 through 23 and Deuteronomy), the people made a Blood Covenant with God – the people promised God all that the God has said we will do. Therefore, the people would receive blessings or curses based upon what they did. However, the people always seemed to gravitate toward evil – doing what was wrong in the Lord's sight. With the people's sin, he kingdom was split into the “Northern Kingdom (Israel)” and the “Southern Kingdom (Judah)”; and still the people inclined their hearts and behaviors toward evil. Again, God responded by destroying Jerusalem and the Temple and exiling the people to Babylon because they broke their Covenant with Him. However, in Jeremiah 31:31-34, God declared that that he would make a New Covenant: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”. This New Covenant that God promised applies to us as well as the people of Jesus' time. The New Covenant is not focused on The Law but on “Knowing God” and having a personal relationship with Him – we are all equal now before God. With this New Covenant, the Apostle John tells us of God's love and God's desire for intimacy with us in 1 John 2:1-2: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.". We have this New Covenant because God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. God desires a personal relationship with each of us, and God has given us His New Covenants upon which to build our relationship with Him. Have you asked Jesus into your life so that your sin is atoned? If not, then there is a blot between you and God. Remember, the God who made Covenant with Moses is Jesus of our Trinitarian God.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 4:26; Luke 22:19-20; Jeremiah 31:31-34; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 2:1-2 (Click below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references.). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “JESUS BETRAYED BY JUDAS AND ARRESTED  – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Introduction--It is possible to miss the forest for the trees. That saying exists for a reason. It is possible to miss the whole of something because we are fixated on just parts of it.-When I say Matthew chapter 18, what comes to your mind---Most believers, who are truly familiar with Scripture, will immediately think - church discipline.-They are not wrong. We find a process for church discipline in Matthew 18.-But, in fact, that discussion of church discipline is a part of a much large discussion. Matthew chapter 18 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible on what it means to be a CHILD OF GOD.-Jesus has just given Peter a lesson about how to behave regarding an earthly expectation. Should we or should we not pay the temple tax-- Jesus taught him about that.-But our responsibilities in THIS WORLD should never obscure our focus on an identity that transcends this world. If we know God, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are God's children NOW and FOREVER.-The Bible announces this truth again and again.-ESV John 1-12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.-ESV John 11-51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.-ESV Romans 8-16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs-- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also

Introduction--It is possible to miss the forest for the trees. That saying exists for a reason. It is possible to miss the whole of something because we are fixated on just parts of it.-When I say Matthew chapter 18, what comes to your mind---Most believers, who are truly familiar with Scripture, will immediately think - church discipline.-They are not wrong. We find a process for church discipline in Matthew 18.-But, in fact, that discussion of church discipline is a part of a much large discussion. Matthew chapter 18 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible on what it means to be a CHILD OF GOD.-Jesus has just given Peter a lesson about how to behave regarding an earthly expectation. Should we or should we not pay the temple tax-- Jesus taught him about that.-But our responsibilities in THIS WORLD should never obscure our focus on an identity that transcends this world. If we know God, through faith in Jesus Christ, we are God's children NOW and FOREVER.-The Bible announces this truth again and again.-ESV John 1-12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.-ESV John 11-51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.-ESV Romans 8-16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs-- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also

One of the amazing mercies of an almighty and compassionate God is how He presents His Son to us in so many different ways on the pages of Scripture.-It is amazing is that much of that presentation is in the form of narrative. -What that means is that before it was written down in words, it was written down through a life. It was LIVED before the eyes of needy sinners.-John and the other apostles were not writing fiction.-ESV John 1-14 And 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 1 John 1-1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us-- 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us- and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

One of the amazing mercies of an almighty and compassionate God is how He presents His Son to us in so many different ways on the pages of Scripture.-It is amazing is that much of that presentation is in the form of narrative. -What that means is that before it was written down in words, it was written down through a life. It was LIVED before the eyes of needy sinners.-John and the other apostles were not writing fiction.-ESV John 1-14 And 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 1 John 1-1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us-- 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us- and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

5 members of Journey Youth get 5 minutes each to preach the Gospel. Kason - Priorities Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) 1 John 5:14 (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) Luke 10:41-42 (NLT) James 4:8 (ESV) Brea - Putting It Into Practice James 1:22-25 (ERV) James 1:2 (NLT) Philippians 3:10 (ERV) Alexis - The Whole Armor of God Ephesians 6:14-17 (NKJV) John 14:6 (NKJV) Galatians 5:22:23 (ESV) Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) Brantley - Let's Get Deep John 14:6 (ESV) John 1:12 (ESV) John 15:15 (ESV) James 4:8 (ESV) 1 John 4:19 (ESV) Malachi - Purpose In Your Pain 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) Austin Coots - Closing Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) Need Prayer? Send your prayer requests to: journeychurcheva.com/prayer To give to Journey: journeychurcheva.com/give To contact us: life@journeychurcheva.com

5 members of Journey Youth get 5 minutes each to preach the Gospel. Kason - Priorities Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) 1 John 5:14 (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) Luke 10:41-42 (NLT) James 4:8 (ESV) Brea - Putting It Into Practice James 1:22-25 (ERV) James 1:2 (NLT) Philippians 3:10 (ERV) Alexis - The Whole Armor of God Ephesians 6:14-17 (NKJV) John 14:6 (NKJV) Galatians 5:22:23 (ESV) Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) Brantley - Let's Get Deep John 14:6 (ESV) John 1:12 (ESV) John 15:15 (ESV) James 4:8 (ESV) 1 John 4:19 (ESV) Malachi - Purpose In Your Pain 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) Austin Coots - Closing Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) Need Prayer? Send your prayer requests to: journeychurcheva.com/prayer To give to Journey: journeychurcheva.com/give To contact us: life@journeychurcheva.com

Lets share Good News together. To partner with us financially visit www.gospelchurch.co/give or text the word "FRESH" to 94000. Message Notes: 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. — Luke 2v51-52 (ESV) Luke 2 recap Pt. 1 - Jesus is born in Bethlehem (v1-7) Pt. 2 - Shepherds were found in the field (v8-20) Pt. 3 - Jesus is circumcised at 8 days (v21) Pt. 4 - Simeon & Anna encounter Jesus (v22-40) Pt. 5 - fast forward to 12-year old Jesus (v41-52) And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. — Luke 2v52 (ESV) INCREASE - advance, proceed or lengthen out by hammer (as a smith forges metal) 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. – Philippians 2v5-7 (NLT) To be God is to be infinite but in taking on humanity Jesus took on finiteness. To be God is to be eternal but in taking on humanity Jesus took on perishableness. To be God is to be spirit but in taking on humanity Jesus took on a body of flesh. To be God is to be all-present but in taking on humanity Jesus took on the limited presence of humanity. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. — Luke 2v52 (ESV) 2023 - THE YEAR OF INCREASE 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. – Isaiah 54v2-3 (ESV) The year of increase: 1. Increase in our faith comes from decreasing our flesh 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. — Galatians 5v17-18 (NKJV) Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11v14 (ESV) John 3v25-28 (ESV) WITH THE BLESSING OF INCREASE COMES THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO DECREASE He must increase, but I must decrease. — John 3v30 (ESV) 2. Increase in our family comes from decreasing our distractions Luke 2v43-45 (ESV) Distractions: Fellowship with darkness Worry/Anxiety Social media The need to be “right” Political mini-kingdoms After three days they found him in the temple… – Luke 2v46 (ESV)

Lets share Good News together. To partner with us financially visit www.gospelchurch.co/give or text the word "FRESH" to 94000. Message Notes: 1 All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” — Exodus 17v1-3 (ESV) Christianity is different because our God walked among us before we ever chose to walk with Him. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. – Exodus 33v11 (NIV) 4 So Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 And the Lord said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel — Exodus 17v4-7 (ESV) Water represents Eternal life (Revelation 22v1) The Word of God (Ezekiel 35v25) The Spirit of God (John 7) 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” – John 7v37-38 (ESV) 1) Jesus was struck so we could find salvation 1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. – Isaiah 55v1-2 (ESV) 2) Jesus was struck so we could be whole 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53v5 (ESV) We need the kind of spirituality that doesn't just feel good but is emotionally healthy. 3) Jesus was struck so no one else has to be Hebrews 10v10 (NLT) Numbers 20v7-8 (ESV) Numbers 20v10-12 (ESV) 4) Jesus was struck to open up the way to the Father Genesis 3v23-24 (ESV) John 14v6 (ESV)

Lets share Good News together. To partner with us financially visit www.gospelchurch.co/give or text the word "FRESH" to 94000. Message Notes: 1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin (the antichrist) is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. — 2 Thessalonians 2v1-4 (NKJV) Eschatology – “the study of end times” Jesus on the end: 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. – Matthew 24v36-39 (ESV) John's Revelation on the End: 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. – Revelation 1v1-3 (ESV) Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. — Jeremiah 33v3 (ESV) What is end times revelation? 1) Revelation is a grace The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, – Revelation 1v1 (ESV) 21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; 22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. — Daniel 2v21-22 (ESV) 2) Revelation is inside information 1b He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. – Revelation 1v1b-2 (ESV) No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. — John 15:15 (ESV) “Salvation is a gift, but friendship is costly” 3) Revelation is a responsibility 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. – Revelation 1v3 (ESV) If you love me, you will keep my commandments. — John 14:15 (ESV) For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. — 2 Thessalonians 2v4 (NLT)

Who was, who is, and who is to come. Take a moment and reflect on the truth and reality that Christmas has been woven in and throughout time and history before, during, and after. Christmas can trigger a lot of thoughts, feelings, and reflection on who God is and how he shows up or in some cases doesn't seem to show up. So maybe in the middle of everything we ask who cares? Honestly, Jesus does. He is in every detail. Revelation 1:4-8 (ESV)John to the seven churches that are in Asia:Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”John 1:19-29 (ESV)And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said.”(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “If a Christian is not having tribulation in the world, there's something wrong!” ~Leonard Ravenhill “Persecution is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value-systems.” ~John Stott “The kind of love that led Christ to a cross and kept Paul unembittered amid the angry torrents of persecution is not soft, anemic, and sentimental. Such love confronts evil without flinching and shows in our popular parlance an infinite capacity ‘to take it.' Such love overcomes the world even from a rough hewn cross against the skyline.” ~Martin Luther King Jr. “And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” ~Acts 5:40-42 “God had a Son that had no fault, but He never had a son that was not found fault with. God Himself was slandered in paradise by Satan. Let us not expect, therefore, to escape from the venomous tongue.” ~Charles Spurgeon “Trust perfected is prayer perfected. Trust looks to receive the thing asked for and gets it. Trust is not a belief that God can bless or that He will bless, but that He does bless, here and now. Trust always operates in the present tense. Hope looks toward the future. Trust looks to the present. Hope expects. Trust possesses. Trust receives what prayer acquires. So, what prayer needs, at all times, is abiding and abundant trust.” ~E.M. Bounds “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ~Corrie ten Boom SERMON PASSAGE John 15:18-16:4 (ESV) John 15 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.' 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. John 16 1 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION Sin “is a deep interior dislocation in the very centre of human personality, and that you can never, as they say, ‘make people good by Act of Parliament.'” ~Dorothy Sayers (1893-1957), English writer, in Creed or Chaos “Underneath human anxiety is the reversal of identity in which the finite attempts to be infinite.” ~Jackie Hill Perry, poet, author and hip hop artist “It is the way of God: he humbles that he may exalt, he kills that he might make alive, he confounds that he might glorify.” ~Martin Luther, as quoted in The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment “…looking back on one's life, it's one of the things that strikes you forcibly – that the only thing that's taught one anything is suffering, not success, not happiness, not anything like that. The only thing that really teaches one what life's about – the joy of understanding…what life really signifies – is suffering, is affliction….” ~Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990), journalist who brought Mother Teresa to popular attention, from a 1980 interview “Suppose you eliminated suffering, what a dreadful place the world would be. I would almost rather eliminate happiness. The world would be the most ghastly place because everything that corrects the tendency of this unspeakable little creature, man, to feel over-important and over-pleased with himself would disappear. He's bad enough now, but he would be absolutely intolerable if he never suffered.” ~Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990) in his book Jesus Rediscovered “The greatest misery of all is for God to give you up to your heart's lusts and desires, to give you up to your own counsels (Ps. 81:11-12). [When visited by various trials and difficulties] think thus: ‘Lord, you have laid an afflicted condition upon me, but, Lord, you have not given me the plague of a hard heart.'” ~Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646) in The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment “When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines.” ~Samuel Rutherford (c.1600-1661), Scottish pastor and theologian SERMON PASSAGE John 15:1-11 (ESV) John 14 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. John 15 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

What does it mean to become a disciple of Christ? To become an example among believers? To become imitators of the work of Christ? In so many ways we have to become less so Christ can become more, more central, more valuable, and drive us at our core. The future of the church is entrusted to the people to become. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 (ESV)For we know, brothers[a] loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.  And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,  so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.John 3:27-30 (ESV)John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.  You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'  The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.  He must increase, but I must decrease.”

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “…what the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies. The mind doesn't direct the will. The mind is actually captive to what the will wants, and the will itself, in turn, is captive to what the heart wants.” ~Dr. John Ashley Null, scholar at the Humboldt University of Berlin “We don't need a praying life because that is our duty. That would wear thin quickly. We need time to be with our Father every day because every day our hearts and the hearts of those around us are overgrown with weeds. We need to reflect on our lives and engage God with the condition of our souls and the souls he has entrusted to our care or put in our paths. In a fallen world, these things do not come automatically.” –Paul Miller in his book A Praying Life “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” ~Martin Luther (1483-1546), German reformer “Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.” ~Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015), author, speaker, and missionary “Jesus is now upon the throne, and by suffering on the cross, in the lowest state of His humiliation, He has spoiled everything that can hurt…you. He has borne all your sins, sorrows, troubles, temptations, and He has gone to prepare mansions for you.” ~Thomas Wilcox (1549-1608), “A Choice Drop of Honey from the Rock of Christ” “If I stand, let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through / And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to you / And if I sing, let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs / And if I weep, let it be as a man who is longing for his home.” ~Rich Mullins (1955-1997), singer-songwriter “The self-sufficient does not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. No man is greater than his prayer life.” ~Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) English evangelist and author SERMON PASSAGE John 14:1-14 (ESV) John 14 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 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. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made…. 14 And 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…. 35 The next day again John [the Baptist] was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “Underneath human anxiety is the reversal of identity in which the finite attempts to be infinite. With our finite knowledge, we want to know everything so as not to be caught off guard by anything. With our finite abilities, we want and try to control everything so we're not controlled by anything. We fail to do both because it's impossible to be like God.” ~Jackie Hill Perry, poet, author and hip hop artist “Remember that pride is the worst viper that is in the heart, the greatest disturber of the soul's peace and sweet communion with Christ; it was the first sin that ever was, and lies lowest in the foundation of Satan's whole building, and is the most difficultly rooted out, and is the most hidden, secret and deceitful of all lusts, and often creeps in, insensibly, into the midst of religion and sometimes under the disguise of humility.” ~From Jonathan Edwards' (1703-1758) Letter to Deborah Hatheway (1741) “The Son of God was crucified: I am not ashamed—because it is shameful. The Son of God died: it is immediately credible—because it is absurd. He was buried, and rose again: it is certain—because it is impossible.” ~Tertullian (c. 155-220) North African church leader in On the Flesh of Christ “John is explicitly incomplete in aspects which… the Synoptic Gospels supply.” ~Richard Bauckham, New Testament scholar I know a place, y'all (I'll take you there) Ain't nobody cryin' (I'll take you there) Ain't nobody worried (I'll take you there) No smilin' faces (I'll take you there) Lyin' to the races I'll take you there. ~ “I'll Take You There” by The Staple Singers SERMON PASSAGE John 13:36-14:7 (ESV) John 13 21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?”… [A little later, Jesus said to the disciples:] 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.'… 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.” John 14 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. 14 And 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. John 2 13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “Divine love is in [God], not as in a subject that receives it from another, but as in its original seat, where it is of itself. Love is in God, as light is in the sun, which does not shine by a reflected light, as the moon and the planets do, but by its own light, and as the great fountain of light.” “The saints in heaven love God for his own sake, and each other for God's sake, and for the sake of the relation that they have to him, and the image of God that is upon them. All their love is a pure and holy…. Nothing shall hinder them from communing with God, and praising and serving him just as their love inclines them to do. Love naturally desires to express itself; and in heaven the love of the saints shall be at full liberty to express itself as it desires….” ~Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) from his sermon “Heaven, A World of Love” “There is tremendous relief in knowing that His love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion Him about me, in the way I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench His determination to bless me.” ~J.I. Packer (1926-2020), English-born theologian in Knowing God “The matchless self-emptying of the eternal Son, the eternal Word, reaches its climax on the cross.” ~D.A. Carson, New Testament scholar “If God is holy, then he can't sin. If God can't sin, then he can't sin against me. If he can't sin against me, shouldn't that make him the most trustworthy being there is?” “Holiness is what makes real love possible. Without it, love is purely sentimental.” ~Jackie Hill Perry, poet and author “See how they love one another!... how they are ready even to die for one another!” ~Tertullian (c. 155-220) North African early church leader (Apology 39.7) SERMON PASSAGE John 13:21-38 (ESV) John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. 14 And 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. John 13 1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him…. 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 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. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” 21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. 31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.' 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

The final week of the Gospel of John teaching series, where we'll be learning what it means to follow the way of Jesus. Today's message focuses on the redemption story of Jesus' disciple, Peter. [15] When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” [16] He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” [17] He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. [18] Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” [19] (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” (ESV) -John 21:15–19

Today's Fear-Laden Events and “Noise” Will Not Matter If You Practice the Presence of God as You Live Your Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: You cannot practice the presence of God when you practice the presence of fear. You may be inclined to fear for the future of our country or fear about your personal finances or family or health issues. If you practice the presence of God, you will have peace in amidst your life-storm and trauma. The “Presence of Jesus” in your life begins with persistent prayer to the end that you constantly and consistently seek to include Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in all aspects of your life. “Practicing the Presence of Jesus” in your life will prove to be life changing a rewarding. Jesus provides comfort for your anxieties in Mathew 6:33-34: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.". Also, in Mathew 11:28-30, Jesus makes it clear to you that He wants to walk with you in your times of trouble and fear so that you can offload to Him, the Creator of the Universe, some of those issues that drive your fears: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.". If you practice the presence of God, it will not matter what this world or the devil throws your way.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Resentment. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Compassion. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 3:16-17; 1 John 5:1-5; Psalms 37e:41-50. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Stop Making Excuses for Not Following Jesus and Follow Him Without Reservations”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Week 19 of the Gospel of John teaching series, where we'll be learning what it means to follow the way of Jesus. Today's message focuses on Jesus' resurrection, and how that changes everything. [24] Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” [26] Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” [28] Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (ESV) -John 20:24–29

Week 18 of the Gospel of John teaching series, where we'll be learning what it means to follow the way of Jesus. Today's message focuses on Jesus' death on the cross, and what that means for us. [28] After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” [29] 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. [30] When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (ESV) -John 19:28–30

Summary: God has given you a story that is unique to you. Your story has a God designed purpose of which you are a steward. 1. God gives everyone a story. John 1:6 (ESV) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 2. Your story is a part of a bigger story. John 1:7 (ESV) He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 3. Humility is the key to telling the story. John 1:26–27 (ESV) John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 4. Jesus is the best part of your story. John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. How can I give my story to God?

Summary: God has given you a story that is unique to you. Your story has a God designed purpose of which you are a steward.1. God gives everyone a story. John 1:6 (ESV) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.2. Your story is a part of a bigger story.John 1:7 (ESV) He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.3. Humility is the key to telling the story.John 1:26–27 (ESV) John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 4. Jesus is the best part of your story.John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.How can I give my story to God?

To Become Jesus Followers: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Every time you lie or cheat or lust or get stoned, you put a barrier between yourself and God because God is Holy. God's Holiness prevents Him from communing with sinners. The author of 1 John tells us in 1 John 3:8: “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.". God brought Jesus, who was both God and man, to live on earth. Therefore, Jesus' blood sacrifice on the cross permitted Him to take on your sins. By His sacrifice, Jesus became the doorway for your personal relationship with God and a path for your Salvation from your sins (1 John 1:9-10): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:2-3; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 16:13-20; Psalms 78b:13-24. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 3: Trinity; Jesus, the Christ”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Today, I am not only introducing you to one of my wisest and dearest friends, but my podcast partner: Miss Yvette Allen. In this episode we discuss our new LIFE: DECLUTTERED MINI CHALLENGE and cover the 7 topics in that challenge: home, calendar, digital space, mind, heart, body, and Spirit. Listen in to get inspired to make room for the good things of God and the abundant life. Making Room is all about making room for the abundant life and how we declutter the things that get in the way to make room for the good things of God. https://adept-builder-8973.ck.page/ae572d93f7 (Life: Decluttered Challenge)  Resources: https://www.amazon.ca/Ruthless-Elimination-Hurry-Emotionally-Spiritually-ebook/dp/B07NCJB86S/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1654900874&sr=8-1 (The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World) by John Mark Comer https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3ec85cc6-71e3-402d-9b6b-b28e75634bcc (How to Read the Bible and Why it Matters with The Bible Recap's Tara-Leigh Cobble) https://unroll.me/ (Unroll.Me) https://www.amazon.ca/How-Read-Bible-All-Worth-ebook/dp/B00GS084YA/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1655016210&sr=8-1 (How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth) by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart https://www.amazon.ca/Epic-Eden-Christian-Entry-Testament-ebook/dp/B0035RP56O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament) by Sandra L. Richter https://www.amazon.ca/Every-Good-Endeavor-Connecting-Your-ebook/dp/B007T8R18K/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1655011240&sr=8-1 (Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work) by Timothy Keller https://www.amazon.ca/Eerdmans-Commentary-Bible-James-Dunn/dp/0802879780/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1655047152&sr=8-1 (Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible) by James D. G. Dunn https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A13&version=ESV (1 Peter 1:13) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+10%3A10&version=ESV (John 10:10) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+10&version=ESV (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A1&version=ESV (Galatians 5:1) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A20&version=ESV (1 Corinthians 6:20) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12&version=ESV (Romans 12:1) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A2&version=ESV (Romans 8:2) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+ephesians+5%3A13-14&version=ESV (Ephesians 5:13–14) Connect with Faith School: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVLewmak0ZIb-un99yUJ1_w (Faith School) IG: https://www.instagram.com/leah.rempel/ (@leah.rempel) and http://instagram.com/faithschoolpod (@faithschoolpod) http://leahrempel.com/ (leahrempel.com)

Whether it's on social media or around the water cooler, it's becoming harder than ever to love people we disagree with. In this message, Duane Calvin talks about how we can use grace and truth as guiding principles to do it best. Message Notes:“How do I love people I disagree with? How do I respond with love to people that don't like me or who deeply conflict with my Christian beliefs?” It's easy to love the people who are easy to love, but what about the people who are not that easy to love? The best guiding principles on how to deal with confrontational or uncomfortable situations are found in God's Word. Grace:  God's undeserved favor Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) Truth:  Anything that is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory and Word of God. Having complete reliability, reliability linked to the dependable, unchanging character of Jesus John 8:32 (NIV) Jesus was and is the ultimate example of Grace and Truth, and they are linked to the very character of Jesus. John 1:14 (ESV) John 1:17 (ESV) John 8:1-11 (NIV) This is an example of Jesus demonstrating Grace and Truth.Practical examples of how we can love people who disagree with us: 1st - Recognize that Jesus has enough Grace and Truth for everyone, even them.  John 1:14 (ESV) The word “full” in Greek is plḗrēs, which means “filled up, thoroughly complete; lacking nothing.” 2nd - Lean into what we lack. Truth apart from Grace often produces a sense of legalism where we value rules and punishment and fairness more than we value forgiveness and relationship and people. Grace-oriented Christians at times can struggle with Christian truths like obedience because it feels too restrictive and because they don't want to be seen as being judgmental. 3rd -  Live in the tension of Grace and Truth because the Tension is where love of Christ is shared.If we offend everyone, we are emphasizing Truth at the expense of Grace; but if we offend no one, we are probably watering down Truth in the name of Grace. What will really make a difference in exercising these three truths in our lives is for us to put down the rocks.James 5:16 (NIV) “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”---For more information about our Hope Where You Are campaign, visit https://gethope.net/hwya/For a deeper dive into any of the questions addressed in the Asking for a Friend series, check out some of the resources that guided our teaching team as they prepared for these messages: https://gethope.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Asking-for-a-Friend-Resources-1.pdf Watch our Hope Music original, Asking for a Friend music video here: https://youtu.be/zuJ9HNmUXx4 If you're new to Hope or looking to get connected, click here: https://gethope.net/next/ If you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond here: https://bit.ly/3aWvIZN To support this ministry financially to help us continue to love people where they are and encourage them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, click here: https://gethope.net/give/ Subscribe to receive our latest messages: https://bit.ly/2XBbBxq Stay Connected with Hope:Website: https://gethope.net/Hope Community Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gethopecommunitychurchHope Community Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_hope/ Hope Community Church Twitter: https://twitter.com/get_hopeHope Community Church YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/HopeCommunityChurch

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” ~St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi “The astonishing paradox of Christ's teaching and of Christian experience is this: if we lose ourselves in following Christ, we actually find ourselves. True self-denial is self-discovery. To live for ourselves is insanity and suicide; to live for God and for [others] is wisdom and life indeed. We do not begin to find ourselves until we have become willing to lose ourselves in the service of Christ and of our fellows.” ~John R.W. Stott (1921-2011), pastor and theologian in Basic Christianity “Jesus Christ is God's everything for man's total need.” “Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man's real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a man's true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man's character and how he handles his money.” ~Richard C. Halverson (1916-1995), chaplain of the United States Senate “You can have all of the money and all of the success in the world, but you can still have…insecurities, and…can still be, in some sense, broken.” ~Esau McCaulley, professor and contributing writer at the New York Times “…the reason why I play golf is because…I'm trying to glorify God…. So, for me, my identity isn't a golf score.” ~Scottie Scheffler, professional golfer, 2022 Masters Tournament Champion, and World Number 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking SERMON PASSAGE John 12:1-11 (ESV) John 11 45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him. John 12 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.