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04 Suffering & God's Response Pt. 4 Called to Suffer By Louie Marsh, 3-30-2025   Last slide – good must suffer with them.   1) Suffering is an INTEGRAL part of following Jesus.   “19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)   Suffering should come as no surprise to Christians   2) There's No ESCAPE From It.   “18“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19If 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. 20Remember 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.” (John 15:18–20, ESV)   No escape that is if we want to continue to follow Jesus   3) Suffering Can be GOOD For our Faith!   “6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7, ESV)   What These Verses Say About Suffering     1, It refines our faith - helps us to grow spiritually   2, It results in glorifying God   3, So for the Christian - suffering has a purpose!   4) The four SOURCES of suffering.   · The World – culture, society   “22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.” (Matthew 10:22–25, ESV)   This includes people around us, and the systems of government and law that they create. This also includes YOU when you do things that bring suffering upon yourself!   · The Flesh – Myself   “16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:16–17, ESV)   · The Devil   “8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:8–9, ESV)   Spiritual warfare is a reality. Satan is the driving force behind much of what we see in the world   ·  God!   “7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:7–10, ESV)   This is called discipline for the purpose of helping us grow spiritually. But it still hurts and it's still suffering!   5) EMBRACE it, don't try and erase it.   “8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” (Psalm 32:8–9, ESV)   “16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:16–18, ESV)    

Luke 5:1–11 (ESV) On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.Jesus: “Follow Me.”He Is Always Inviting, Drawing (body, soul & spirit)helkuo - to tug, draw or drag, metaphorically by an inward powerTo His DisciplesTo Everyone He MetThrough His Disciples To OthersAfter His ResurrectionHis Disciples After His AscensionThrough His ChurchInto Modern DayIt's The Defining Mark Of ChristianityMore Than LikingMore than AttendingMore Than BelievingFOLLOWINGHe Is Always Drawing, In General:John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will DRAW all people to myself.”John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.Matthew 11:28 (ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.The Crowd:Jesus is speaking, Lake of GennesaretFisherman, merchants and customersPeople who have come to hear JesusBUT Individually:Matthew 11:27 (ESV) All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.John 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.John 6:65 (ESV) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”Peter:Night fishing, nothing caught, washing nets, end of shiftJesus requested to get into Peter's boat, requests that he push outJesus teaches the crowd but Peter is trapped to listen.Jesus does what He always does - “trust me” - “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Requires obedienceMake no sense - “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! Obedience unlocks the miracle - But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. That moment is the miracle that DRAWSThat moment REQUIRES a RESPONSERejectionLikeabilityBeliefFollowFOLLOW: they left everything and followed him.This is not a natural encounter, interaction and decision.It unlocks everythingLeave everything and follow.

John 17:1-2 | Jesus Lifted Up His Eyes to Heaven from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe John 17:1-2 JESUS THE PREACHER JESUS THE MEDIATOR Jesus Turns to the One Who is Faithful Jesus Turns to the One Who Saves Jesus Turns to the One Who Answers GLORIFY YOUR SON John 15:14–15 (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. Psalm 123:1 (ESV) To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Psalm 123:1 (ESV) To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Psalm 121:1 (ESV) I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? John 15:16 (ESV) … whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. Job 9:33 (ESV) There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both. Thomas Manton This was the agreement between God and [Jesus], that he was first to establish a right, and then to sue it out in court: … This prayer is nothing else but Christ presenting his merits before the tribunal of God. John 12:32–33 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. John 16:32 (ESV) Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.

What is the love of money, anyway? This is my response to the "Money Speech" in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. 1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Matthew 6:24 (ESV) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV) “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” YouTube: Winning Minds Official Winning Minds Podcast Merch | Redbubble *Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)* God Over Money Records | Music, Apparel, & Lifestyle God Over Money - YouTube

Bible verses on test, trials, and tribulations. James 1:12 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 1 Peter 5:10 ESV And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. Romans 12:12 ESV Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. James 1:2 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. Romans 5:3 ESV Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, #teststrialsandtribulations #leanonthelord #bibleversesontesttrialsandtribulation --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/biblequestionsandanswers/support

I have a question for you. Are you ready to do some culture jamming against the intelligence services that hate our guts and watch to watch and listen to everything we do? What does that mean? I do think it's time that we engage in this form of civil disobedience. In Australia, the police are suppressing video of a priest being stabbed by a jihadist, but they still want the Australian people to trust them and not talk about the efforts to hide this video. Are you ready to culture jam people like this? Congress certainly isn't going to stand up against them. With new evidence being revealed about the assassination of JFK Jr, it is clearly shown that the actions of these agencies are not compatible with freedom or democracy and it's time to do something about it. I will share a way, that if we choose to, we can all stand together and culture jam the NSA and the FBI. If they don't like it, they can get a warrant.  What does God's Word say? Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV  There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.Isaiah 54:17 ESV  No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”Ephesians 6:11 ESV Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.Episode 1,556 Links:Thanks to order by Judge Cannon, key evidence related to classified docs case is now unredacted.Australian police: "Police will be the source of truth, and not social media and misinformation."Members of Congress are Terrified of Intel Agencies Planting Kiddie Porn on their Computers — Intel Committee Members and a High Ranking Sr. Elected Official Admitted it's Happening -What a beautifully done parody on abortion male/female relationshipsTucker Carlson Goes Off on Mike Pompeo, Says He Intimidated Trump to Not Release the JFK FilesDemocrats Just Blew Off Impeachment Of Alejandro Mayorkas, And Republicans Will Do Nothing About ItRFK Jr. Says the CIA is GUILTY of Murdering His Uncle ‘Beyond a Reasonable Doub4Patriots https://4Patriots.com/Todd Stay connected when the power goes out and get free shipping on orders over $97.    Alan's Soaps https://alanssoaps.com/TODD Use coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.  Bioptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/todd Use promo code TODD for 10% of your order and get up to 2 travel size bottles of Magnesium Breakthrough free.      Bonefrog   https://bonefrogcoffee.com/todd Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.  Bulwark Capital  Bulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com) Call 866-779-RISK or visit online to get their FREE Common Cents Investing Guide. GreenHaven Interactive Digital Marketing https://greenhaveninteractive.com Your Worldclass Website Will Get Found on Google!  Liver Health https://GetLiverHelp.com/Todd Order today and get your FREE bottle of Nano Powered Omega3 and free bonus gift. Native Path Krill https://nativepathkrill.com/todd For a limited time get Native Path Antarctic Krill Oil for as little as $23 per bottle.  

Jack Hibbs is a great pastor and a man of God. He knows Mike Johnson and I don't, but I strongly disagree with his defense of the Speaker. Jack claims that the push to oust Mike Johnson is because he is supporting Israel. Is it though? Or is it that Speaker Johnson has betrayed the oath he made to this country?What does God's Word say? Colossians 3:23-24 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV  There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.Isaiah 54:17 ESV  No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”Episode 1,553 Links:The Supreme Court has DISMISSED the Arizona Election Integrity Case without comment.Jack Hibbs defends Speaker Mike Johnson@RepJasonCrow Admits Ukraine Aid Benefits Weapons ContractorsHillary Clinton is in full projection mode again. The failed 2016 candidate just claimed that Donald Trump wants to "kill" and jail his opposition. Donald Trump did NONE of these things as U.S. President — something Hillary Clinton will never be.FIVE middle school female athletes in West  Virginia refuse to throw shot put against male, Becky Pepper-Jackson.4Patriots https://4Patriots.com/Todd Stay connected when the power goes out and get free shipping on orders over $97.    Alan's Soaps https://alanssoaps.com/TODD Use coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.  Bioptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/todd Use promo code TODD for 10% of your order and get up to 2 travel size bottles of Magnesium Breakthrough free.      Bonefrog   https://bonefrogcoffee.com/todd Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.  Bulwark Capital  Bulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com) Call 866-779-RISK or visit online to get their FREE Common Cents Investing Guide. GreenHaven Interactive Digital Marketing https://greenhaveninteractive.com Your Worldclass Website Will Get Found on Google!  Liver Health https://GetLiverHelp.com/Todd Order today and get your FREE bottle of Nano Powered Omega3 and free bonus gift. Native Path Krill https://nativepathkrill.com/todd For a limited time get Native Path Antarctic Krill Oil for as little as $23 per bottle.  

This weekend, Pastor Whit continues through Jesus' teachings in His Sermon on the Mount in our current series, How To Be Human. This weekend, we talked about money, attention and your needs.   Matthew 6:19-20 ESV 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.   Matthew 6:21 ESV For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   Matthew 6:22-23 ESV 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!   Matthew 6:24 ESV “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.“   Matthew 6:25-33 ESV 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."   Did you love this message? Our Lead Pastor, Whit George, has a podcast called "Tell Me More" where he answers questions and talks about things he didn't get to discuss on the weekend with our Spiritual Formation Pastor, Casey Shirley.   If you're a podcast listener, you can find all the episodes of Tell Me More housed in our In Motion Podcast: Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/2IPv975... Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...   If you're a podcast watcher, you can find the episodes on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@cotm?si=RhHkf8YJZdOxn8u7

“You're not at war with your prodigal, you're at war with the enemy out to kill, steal and destroy them. And when you realize that, that's when you start praying because nothing else will bring them home.” Best-selling, award-winning author, TV, and podcast host, Laine Lawson Craft, shares the power of prayer as we lift up our children to the only One Who can change a human heart. Find hope, encouragement and answered prayer in this episode as Laine tells her story about her prodigal children returning home. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org ABOUT OUR GUEST Laine Lawson Craft is a best-selling, award-winning author, TV, and podcast host based in sunny Fort Walton Beach, Florida. More than a devoted wife and mom, she's a powerhouse of hope, turning life's impossible into breathtaking realities. Her book, The Parent's Battle Plan, was recently awarded the 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year Golden Scroll Award, and her Warfare Parenting Podcast is in the top 10% globally of all podcasts. Emerging from a near-collapsed marriage and financial hardship, Laine understands firsthand the transformative power of faith. Her real-life victories over spiritual warfare resonate, turning her into a magnet for parents seeking guidance and solace. Laine loves being with her family and finds solace in beach walks, Pilates, and cooking. Yet, her eyes are firmly set on a singular goal: empowering millions of parents grappling with wayward teens, using stories of triumph as her guiding light. For Laine, it's not just about spreading hope; it's about making victory a shared experience. SCRIPTURES  By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. Hebrews 11:28 ESV   For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. Exodus 12:23 ESV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 NKJV And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV   LINKS Laine's Website   BOOKS The Parent's Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal Enjoy Today, Own Tomorrow: Discover the Power to Live the Life You Love Enjoy Today Own Tomorrow Journal   MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Moms in Prayer Facebook Fundraiser Support Our Mission

“God is bigger than anything happening. He is in the business of transforming hearts, even our prodigal kids. He sees and knows all, and we are not alone.” In today's episode, Aubrie shares a testimony from a Moms in Prayer mom who walked a difficult journey with her prodigal child. We can find hope even in the middle of the battle! Listen in as we hear the truth of Who God is and how mightily He moves. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org SCRIPTURES  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 ESV  No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! Psalm 84:11b-12 ESV The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. Exodus 34:6 NKJV The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:9 NKJV No one is good except God alone. Mark 10:18b ESV   LINKS MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Join a Moms in Prayer Group Rise Up North Texas Event Find an Event Near You! Read More Stories Like This on Our Blog Support Our Mission

The question is not “which variety of preaching is best” and then choose from the various genres and sub-genres of preaching options. Some prefer topical sermons, because just like topical ointments, they go right to where the itch is…Others prefer a more narrative approach, since life is one big unfolding story, shouldn't our sermons include stories, or even be framed as one big story itself? Maybe the autobiographical yet informative Ted talk is the way forward? The real question is “is God's Word powerful?” And since the answer is yes, we who have opportunity to speak about it in public need only to discover what model of preaching allows the Word to speak the most plainly, most directly - or to put it another way, what form of preaching unleashes God's Word? Since the Bible is God's very words, and have within themselves His very authority - I believe that expository preaching should be the most consistent offering that we offer unto God and to His peopleWhat is expository preaching? Quite simply it is exposing what is inside the pages of the Bible to the hearers, for all to understand believe and apply. think of a report who does an expose on a politician or a corporation. She does the work of discovering what is hidden and what previously is unknown, and then she exposes it to the watching world. “I want to tell you the true story of what you may only know the surface of” Not to imply that the scriptures are unknowable, and locked to all but a few experts. It isn't that the main message of scripture is inaccessible, but simple that it is un-accessed by many. (Another example of exposition … maybe the mohler quote?) So what the expositors does, week after week, is go deep into the pages, the themes, the paragraphs and the words of scripture. But what is also happening - is that the expositor is going deep into the Word, and the Word is going deep into the heart of the expositor. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13, ESV)Naked and exposed. The expositor is also the exposed one! Such is the power of God's word and that is why expository preaching is powerful because it is putting people into direct contact with God's Word. And what does it do? It exposes us. It lays us bare! τραχηλίζω trachēlizō This is the only time this word is used in the whole Bible. Its used in extra biblical literature to describe when a defendant at a trial is made to face their accusers : a knife was put to their chin so that they would have to meet their gaze, they couldn't look down in shame, or they couldn't look away as a way of escaping the consequence of what they did, or the severity of the situation that they are in. It is also used to describe grave face-to-face confrontations of two wrestlers who meet in the middle of the mat. they would grab each other by the throat to start their competition. This is what God's Word does to us! Now- granted this is very confrontational, and nearly violent language, but I want to highlight it to us right now at the start of this training event. We will be speaking about techniques and approaches for us to expose the meaning of ancient passages and how to help other people grasp the truths… but make no mistake… this truth is grasping you by the throat! You are being held in its gaze! You are laid bare before it. The expositor first and foremost must be exposed. And - after that takes place in our personal study, then we are ready for public proclamation. Since we are convinced of the inherit power in God's Word, and as we shape our addresses to be plainly, simply, exposing one section at a time; it should be a humble yet confident act on our part. Since this is God's very Word - we're not up there to speculate, we're not surmising, we're not commenting, we're not sharing : we have something to proclaim! “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10–11, ESV)No more sharing - it is time to proclaim I flew over here from Ireland yesterday. There is a world of difference between the safety announcements at the beginning of a flight, and then what would happen if there is severe turbulence or if there is an actual emergency in the air. Instructions will be given, and everyone should listen, because this is crucial now. My friends, we are alive in crucial times - no more messing about. There is a peripheral of frivolity that still exists, but more and more people are coming to realise that the times are getting serious, the stakes are getting higher And lets not kid ourselves, your sermon isn't going to save the world - but as we arrange opportunities for small or large groups of people to have a living, face to face, knife to the throat, hand to the neck confrontation with the living God; THAT is going to be what changes lives, and from a changed life, who knows what the ripple effect could be from there? The God who spoke the the world into being now uses our words to shape the world to His will. - John KoesslerFor information about our upcoming training events in Texas and Indiana visit ExpositorsCollective.com The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective

Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Scripture: Romans 12-16 AN APPEAL IN LIGHT OF THE POWER OF GOD Romans 12:3-8 — HUMILITY IN LIGHT OF GRACE Romans 12:9-21 — LET LOVE BE GENUINE Romans 13 — LIFE IN THE CITY Romans 14-15:13 — MATURITY AND UNITY IN THE CHURCH CONCLUDING SUMMARY LIFE IN LIGHT OF MERCY Romans 1:16 (ESV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 5:6 (ESV) For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:10 (ESV) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 8:35 (ESV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:37–39 (ESV) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Frederick William Faber For right is right, since God is God, And right the day must win. Frederick William Faber Thrice blest is he to whom is given The instinct that can tell That God is on the field when he Is most invisible. Romans 2:1 (ESV) Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

Matthew 6:24 ESV  “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money War what is it good for? Break https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztZI2aLQ9Sw  

 Text: John 8:1-11Summary: Living a life of grace is the only true way to reflect Jesus Christ in a broken world.  John 1:16–17 (ESV)For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.1. God gives Grace by removing my burden.     Psalms 38:4 (ESV) For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 2. God gives Grace by showing me a new way.  John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.Psalms 25:4-5 (KJV) 4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  3.        God gives Grace by giving me the power to change. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. Romans 5:1-2 (KJV) 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

 Text: John 8:1-11Summary: Living a life of grace is the only true way to reflect Jesus Christ in a broken world.  John 1:16–17 (ESV)For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.1. God gives Grace by removing my burden.     Psalms 38:4 (ESV) For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 2. God gives Grace by showing me a new way.  John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.Psalms 25:4-5 (KJV) 4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  3.        God gives Grace by giving me the power to change. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. Romans 5:1-2 (KJV) 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

(English) In this message Ps Catherine talks about if any good could come our of hard times in these 6 points:(Luke 4:1-2 NIV) “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, (2) where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”1.The Father Loves You2.The Holy Spirit is with You(Luke 4:3-4 NIV) “The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.' (4) Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone.'” 3.Feed Yourself the Right Things(Luke 4:5-12 NIV) “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. (6) And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. (7) If you worship me, it will all be yours.' (8) Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' (9) The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,' he said, ‘throw yourself down from here. (10) For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; (11) they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'' (12) Jesus answered, ‘It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'”4.There is Always a Way Out(1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV) “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 5.Trust in God's Plan(Luke 4:13-14 NIV) “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (14) Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.” 6.Empowered and Enlarged (James 1:2-4 TPT) “My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! (3) For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. (4) And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.”

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)

1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” How do we deal with temptation and what is the escape route that God has provided for us?

It's interesting how some of the most simple things seem to be the hardest within our health and prayer life. Join me for some thoughts on these and scriptures to back a few things up. Psalm 34:17 ESV When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need 1 Peter 5:6 ESV Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it Isaiah 52:12 ESV For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear -- Connect with Mindy https://my.captivate.fm/mindylawhorne.com (Website) https://www.facebook.com/mindylawhorne/ (Facebook) https://www.instagram.com/mindylawhorne/ (Instagram) https://www.youtube.com/user/MindyLawhorne (YouTube) -- Looking for a community of Godly babes? Join the https://my.captivate.fm/www.TheBibleBabes.com (the Bible Babes)!

Intercession 2: Father, in the name of Jesus, we decree that no weapon formed or fashioned against any member of Chosen Vessel Podcast and their family members shall ever prosper. Isaiah 54:17 ESV “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mama-kosso/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mama-kosso/support

Hey! You can learn more about me at https://www.patriciaholland.org Have you ever opened your Bible and a promise seemed to jump off the page? I mean it came so alive to you that if felt like it was written just for you? So of course, you reread the verse. It felt like God was talking to you personally and that this promise was for you. And because you understand the power of stewarding the Word of God, you probably opened your Prayer Journal and wrote it out long hand. Whether you typed it or wrote it isn't the point, but you just knew this verse was so good that you just had to remember it.   Don't you just love it when that happens?   Oh, wow, I sure do. I mean, I do and I don't.   Let me explain. Any time you get a promise from God, a promise means that God's going to do it. But between the promise and the fulfillment of their promise, there's this gap. It's the waiting time.   Do you like to wait? Not me!   But then I think about Abraham. Abraham wanted a son really, really bad. When Abraham was 75 years old, that's a long time to want something, God gave Abraham a promise that he was going to give him a son.   There was a span of 25 years between the promise and the fulfillment of that promise.   How do you wait 25 years?   I mean, I can't imagine. You know, I'm one of those people that I used to stand in front of my microwave and tap my foot wanting to hurry it up impatiently, saying, come on, come on. When I was just simply trying to eat a cup of coffee.   But I learned something. I learned that instead of standing there watching the microwave, I could go clean out the dishwasher or I could clean out the counters. Or sometimes I would even play a game with myself and running around a room, put on a load of clothes and try to beat that time on the on my microwave. You see, that's what God did for Abraham.   God knew that there would be a time between the promise and the fulfillment of that promise.  And so… He gave Abraham some reminders. Well, at that time, his name was Abram, but he gave him some reminders that would help him along the way. How did they keep his eyes off the clock, no, the calendar? Because the span was 25 years, not 25 minutes.   Even though Abraham had to wait, his faith didn't waver.   Romans 4:20-21 ESV No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.      I want to have a story like that. I want God to say, “Pat's faith didn't waver.” How ‘bout you?   Abraham did something very important while he waited, something that we can do too.   I want to tell you about it in this podcast teaching. Be sure to pray with me at the end of the video. I love praying with you!

“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” - John 6:27 ESV “Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” - John 6:29 ESV “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” - John 6:44 ESV “And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” - John 6:65 ESV

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mildred-kingsley-okonkwo0/message

Genesis 11:9 (ESV)“…There the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.”Deuteronomy 32:8 (ESV)“…He fixed the borders of the peoples    according to the number of the sons of God.” Psalm 82:6-7 (ESV)“You are gods,    sons of the Most High, all of you;nevertheless, like men you shall die,    and fall like any prince.” Deuteronomy 32:9 (ESV)“But the Lord's portion is His people,    Jacob (Israel) His allotted heritage.”Genesis 12:1,3 (NIV & ESV)“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.” “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”Galatians 3:16 (NIV)“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.”Genesis 15:1 (ESV)“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:”  Genesis 15:1 (ESV)“Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”Genesis 15:2-4 (ESV)“But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.”Genesis 15:5 (ESV)“And He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”Genesis 15:6 (ESV)“And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.”Genesis 15:7 (ESV)“I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”Genesis 15:8 (ESV)But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?”Genesis 15:12-21 (ESV)“As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.”James 2:23 (ESV)“Abraham believed God…and he was called a friend of God.”Galatians 3:29 (ESV)“…if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.”John 15:15 (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.”

Happy Spring! A new year is here—well it still feels like the year has just begun, even though it's March—and time doesn't stop when I feel stuck, inadequate or needing longer showers (my shower is my “prayer closet” so we need more rain.) I want to take stock, re-evaluate my days and months to make sure I'm investing in what counts. How do we know what lasts? We read in I Peter,  “ . . . since you have been born again . . . through the living and abiding word of God . . . the word of the Lord remains forever.'  (I Peter 1:23-25 ESV) No matter how small or insignificant our daily actions seem, living a life that counts means investing in people and the abiding word of God, and then leaving the results of those actions with Him.  The Bible is clear that this life is brief, a “mist” we read in James 4:14 — a “blade of grass” says the Psalmist in Psalm 103. I forget that truth when caught up in my busy day, and stressed by all I'm not doing nor can't do. God is gracious to remind me that when I bake with a young gal, meet a lonely friend for coffee, or listen to my children, I am investing in what's eternal. Listen today and be encouraged that we can live a life that counts for eternity when focused on God, His word and the people He brings our way every day.    To help us determine what we should be doing, here are the questions I listed:  TAKING STOCK: SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK   Think about your natural abilities and talents. What gives you joy? When do you feel God's pleasure? An inordinate amount of self-examination can keep me stuck, but a healthy dose of self-knowledge helps me determine which direction to take.   Do I need to take a course, invest money or time so I can get better? Should I try something I've never tried before? Do I need to stop doing what I'm currently doing? Have I exercised the sanctified “No” lately or am I running frantically from task-to-task in the name of Christian service? God calls us to be empowered by Him, not to be exhausted by perceived expectations of others or ourselves. Do I have the courage to pray, “Lord, do you want me to stop what I'm doing right now and try something new?"   _________ A great way to invest in what counts is getting to know your neighbors. Here are simple steps. Happy Hosting for Heaven's sake! Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part II.   You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but, you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our 'hood and we've lived here over 30 years.   It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too?   You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it.   CLICK HERE today for simple steps to invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and simple recipes. Try them out and I'll come over!    

Forget what you heard … you better run like Joseph ||Episode Mentions & Shameless Plugs||

Week 3 SexGod blessed humanity when He made us to live in community, and there is no closer community than our families. What makes a family strong? In this series, we'll examine topics to help us get to a solid, Christian family based on God's principles.When used in the right way, sex is an amazing gift that God gave us to enjoy.Song of Solomon 2:3-6 (ESV) Part of this couples' dating experience is the awakening of sexual desire for each other.Song of Solomon 2:7 (ESV) She says to not awaken love until the time is right.When it comes to sex, there's a time not a line.The proper time for any sexual touch or activity is after marriage.Solomon records what the wedding night is like from the man and woman's perspective.Song of Solomon 4:1-5 (ESV) Song of Solomon 7:7-8a (ESV)Song of Solomon 5:10,14-15 (ESV)Song of Solomon 4:16-5:1 (ESV) There are aspects of sex that are incredibly helpful for married couples and incredibly harmful and destructive to anyone else.1. Sex Blinds“You can't objectively judge compatibility with someone you're sleeping with.” – Dave Lanuti2. Sex BindsSong of Solomon 6:3 (ESV)Song of Solomon 8:6 (ESV)1 Corinthians 6:12-18 (ESV)1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV) No matter what your past is, not only can God forgive you, but He can also cleanse you and use you in His Kingdom.To support the mission of Hope Community Church, visit gethope.net/give today.

Grace Satisfies Pastor Ricky Hemme John 4:1-27 (ESV) No one is off limits to Jesus and he sees your real thirst.

Renewing My Walk With GodWe Find Renewal in the Death and Resurrection of Jesus ChristIsaiah 53:5–6 (ESV)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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.1 Corinthians 11:23–24 (ESV) For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”1 Corinthians 11:25–26 (ESV) In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.Eternal life is all about knowing God.John 17:3 (ESV) And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only trueGod, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.Revelation 2:4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.1. Know God as your Father.Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.2. Know God as your Friend.John 15:15 (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.3. Know God Face to Face.Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel (face of God): for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.Tools that Can Help:- Personal retreat, finding personal revival, five or six hours. - Daily Devotion, YouVersion bible app, Rick Warren's Daily Devotional- Bible - bibleproject.com

In this first in a series of Hidden History Half Hour episodes I explore the history of perhaps the most important financial institution in the world. Have you heard of it? The Bank For International Settlements was created on "May 17, 1930" to handle the WW2 reparations placed on Germany under the Treaty of Versailles called the Young Plan. There were several very powerful individuals who played a role in the founding of BIS. Per Jacobssen who was eventually named managing director of the International Monetary Fund IMF. He was a member of the Economic and Financial Section of the League of Nations Secretariat from 1920 to 1928. Charles G. Dawes CFR member in which the Dawes Committee was named after. It was a board tasked with a plan to implement the reparations. He was the director of the United States Bureau of the Budget in 1921 and later served on the Allied Reparation Commission in 1923 *Owen D. Young chairman of G.E. & CFR Board Member Hjalmar Schacht co-founder in 1918 of the German Democratic Party, & Currency Commissioner and President of the Reichsbank. Sir Montagu Norman, Governor of the Bank of England for many years, was a partner of Brown, Shipley and Company, & 30th vice president of the United States from 1925 to 1929. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1925. In 1929, the committee, under the chairmanship of Owen D. Young, the head of General Electric and a member of the Dawes committee, proposed a plan that reduced the total amount of reparations demanded of Germany to 121 billion gold marks, almost $29 billion, payable over 58 years. Their headquarters is based in Basel, Switzerland In a 24 story building that's shaped like a boot and some call it: "The Tower of Basel." Supposedly there are only 18 exclusive members as well almost all central bankers. The BIS is The Bank For Central Bankers." Chairmans of the federal reserve, the bank of England, European central bank, the bank of China and, Central Bank governors of Canada, Sweden, Italy France, Germany, Brazil and India attend. They have a more exclusive meeting that was formally known as the G 10 governors meeting but change to the EEC Economic consultive committee. This is a specialize meeting only for the top elites from advanced countries where they discuss global financial policies and international markets and they prepare for the yearly global economy meeting and decide it's agenda. That meeting covers 30 countries that they decide are the most important to the international economy. There are 60 banks who are members of the bank of international Settlements. Ben Bernanke and Paul Volcker were both of course members. From Dennis L. Ciddy's Secret Records Revealed- On August 5, 1995 the New York Times published an article by Keith Bradshire in which he wrote: "In a small Swiss city sits an international organization so obscure and secretive… Control of the institution the bank for international Settlements lies with some of the worlds most powerful and least visible man: the heads of 32 central banks officials able to shift billions of dollars and alter the course of economies at the stroke of a pen." Joan Veon "The bank for international settlements designed the present borderless flow of monies between countries when it pushed for the deregulation in 1980 of monetary laws of the major North American European and Asian countries. By tearing down national financial borders they created the ability for 1.2 trillion daily to flow around the world (uncontrolled stateless money) looking for the highest interest or fastest currency play." See: Dr. Dennis Cuddy -- Conspiracy Pt. 2 https://newswithviews.com/Cuddy/dennis281.htm Dennis L. Cuddy THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF AMERICA https://newswithviews.com/Cuddy/dennis140.htm Steven Solomon THE CONFIDENCE GAME: HOW UNELECTED CENTRAL BANKERS ARE GOVERNING THE CHANGED WORLD ECONOMY https://www.amazon.com/Confidence-Game-Steven-Solomon/dp/0684801825 Now interestingly enough The Swiss government has no power or jurisdiction over the bank of international settlements building and property because it was founded by an international treaty protected by the 1987 headquarters agreement with the Swiss government. It's laws are very similar to that of the united nations and international monetary fund as well as diplomatic embassies. This government police and military would need the permission of the bank of international settlement management to enter the banks buildings. The bank often communicates in code and Their correspondence that you letters are also covered by the same protections to embassies meaning they cannot be opened. The bank of international Settlements is exempt from Swiss taxes. Even its employees do not have to pay income tax on their salaries. Even they are seen similar to diplomats and their bags cannot be searched by the Swiss government. All bankers who travel there are also immune to Swiss laws. Around 600 staff come from over 50 countries to work inside the building. The banks assets are not subject to civil claims under Swiss law and can never be seized. The bank guards bankers secrecy the time agenda an actual attendance list of the global economy meeting is not released in any form. The governors who meet in Basil every other month are public servants their salaries airplane tickets hotel bills and lucrative pensions when they retire or paid out of the public purse. Their duties include managing the supply of money to national economy's setting interest rates that's deciding the value of our savings and investments and they decide whether to focus on austerity or growth in Porten decisions to shape the world. The economist magazine is quoted as saying central bankers are now more powerful than politicians holding the destiny of the global economy in their hands. Adam Labore says the VIS is the most important bank in the world and predates both the IMF and the World Bank. Cofounder SCHACHT was known as the genius behind Nazi finance he during world war two became a de facto arm of the Rice bank excepting a looted Nazi gold and caring out for an exchange deals for Nazi Germany. The banks ties with Berlin a.k.a. the Nazis was full well known in Washington DC and London. Well so many soldiers were fighting and dying in World War II just a few miles over in Switzerland the bank was business as usual. The assistant GM Paul HECHLER was a member of the Nazi party and even signed his letters heil Hitler. After 1945 five bank of international Settlements directors were charged with war crimes! In 1930 Allen Dulles CFR Director, CIA Chief, Lawyer for Sullivan, & Cromwell picked Leon Fraser a Director of The Council On Foreign Relations to be president of the newly established Bank for International Settlements. His uncle Robert Lansing and his grandfather John W Foster had been secretaries of State. In 1937 he became president of the First National Bank of New York. He also held senior positions with General Electric, US Steel and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In the courtyard of his Granville home, Fraser shot himself in the head. Alan Dallas's brother John Foster Dallas went on to become US secretary of state for Eisenhower in the 50s. Both brothers famous for assisting the Nazis to escape during an after World War II. In the beginning the federal reserve was not permitted to own shares in the BIS so JP Morgan founder of the CFR, The First National Bank of New York & The First National Bank of Chicago joined the BIS to represent the United States. He said by the end of 1930 13,000 people had applied for jobs at the bank for international settlements many were lawyers or economist who had previously been employed by The League of Nations. Carl MELCHIOR became a vice president of VIS. He was a former chairman of the finance committee of the league of Nations. John J. McCloy (former Chairman of the CFR, and Chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank) used his position as coordinator of information for the US government to build the framework of what was to become the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), created in 1941-1942 era, headed by Bill Donovan. Quotes From This Book! Adam LeBor Tower of Basel: The Shadowy History of the Secret Bank that Runs the World https://www.amazon.com/Tower-Basel-Shadowy-History-Secret/dp/1610393813 BIS Documentary https://youtu.be/q1Nd4IBbwQ4 Meet The Secretive Group That Runs The World (BIS) https://www.lewrockwell.com/2015/04/tyler-durden/meet-the-secretive-group-that-runs-the-world/ Historical Roster of CFR Directors and Officers Including Dawes, & Young https://www.cfr.org/historical-roster-directors-and-officers BIS Tests International Settlements With Central Bank Digital Currencies https://www.technocracy.news/bis-tests-international-settlements-with-central-bank-digital-currencies/ The Federal Reserve: Bankers for the New World Order https://thenewamerican.com/the-federal-reserve-bankers-for-the-new-world-order/ THE PLUTOCRACY CARTEL https://www.plutocracycartel.net/ Secrets of The Federal Reserve https://modernhistoryproject.org/mhp?Article=FedReserve&C=11.0 Anglo-American Money Owners Organized World War II (I) https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2015/05/04/anglo-american-money-owners-organized-world-war-ii-i/ "We are at present working discreetly with all our might to wrest this mysterious force called sovereignty out of the clutches of the local nation states of the world. All the time we are denying with our lips what we are doing with our hands, because to impugn the sovereignty of the local nation states of the world is still a heresy for which a statesman or publicist can perhaps not quite be burned at the stake but certainly be ostracized or discredited." Arnold Toynbee Pre-U.N. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever. George Orwell, 1984 The BIS building is famously shaped like a boot. "Permit me to issue and control the money of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws." Attributed to Mayer Amschel Rothschild Ephesians 5:11-12 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 2 Kings 17:9 The sons of Israel did things secretly which were not right against the Lord their God. Moreover, they built for themselves high places in all their towns, from watchtower to fortified city. The Tower of Basel Matthew 6:24 ESV “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESV He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Odd Man Out Patreon https://www.patreon.com/theoddmanout Patreon-Welcome to The Society Of Cryptic Savants https://www.bitchute.com/video/C4PQuq0udPvJ/ All Odd Man Out Links https://linktr.ee/Theoddmanout Their Order Is Not Our Order!

Prayer for God to Turn Things Around God is faithful to turn things around for our good when we have even mustard seed sized faith. Even when we think we are in a rut, God has more for us. Pray for: prayer to turn it around, pray for things to turn around, prayer for God to turn things around

Our weekly worship service and messaxge from St. Augustine, Florida with Pastor Josh Hersey. Sermon Notes: Good In-Tension (Genesis 27:3 NLT) Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me. (Matthew 10:16 NLT) Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. (James 1:2-4 NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (Romans 5:3-4 NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Just in Case (Psalm 91:1-2 NIV) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:9-10 NLT) If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. (Proverbs 18:10 ESV) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Full Draw (John 6:44 ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (John 12:32 TLB) And when I am lifted up on the cross, I will draw everyone to me.

Matthew 6:24 (ESV) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.     All of your actions bring delight to a commander.     Matthew 20:21b-22 (ESV) She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking.     Matthew 20:25-27 (ESV) 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,    Matthew 20:28 (ESV) Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”   Matthew 25:31-34 (NLT) 31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.   Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’     You don’t have to know you are serving Jesus to actually be serving Jesus.     Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.   Matthew 25:41-43 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’     To God, an absence of giving and serving is noticed just as much as giving and serving.     1 Peter 4:10-11 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.   Here I am. Send me     Matthew 25:45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’     4. Refusing to serve God and others is an intentional decision.     1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.   Isaiah 6:8 (NLT) 8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”  

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

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

Lies Taste Like Wonder-bread. In this episode, part one of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s essay, “Live Not by The Lies.” We discuss the two kingdoms, the need for Christ alone with no additives, and the importance of having an ethos. SHOW NOTES: Live Not By Lies - Alexander Solzhenitsyn http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles/SolhenitsynLies.php  Black Sabbath’s Vol. 4 to Get Expanded Deluxe Edition Reissue https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/12/black-sabbath-vol-4-super-deluxe-edition/  MARK MANSON - Life Advice That Doesn't Suck https://markmanson.net  Game Theory - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_theory  Serenity Prayer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer  Alan Watts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Watts  Gad Saad quote https://youtu.be/fLty-9XXTSU  Heather Heying thread https://twitter.com/HeatherEHeying/status/1355997697874907139  Psalm 106 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20106&version=ESV  No tuna in Subway's tuna sandwiches and wraps, lawsuit claims https://www.cbsnews.com/news/subway-tuna-sandwiches-wraps-lawsuit/  The Temptations of Socialism https://overcast.fm/+F5Xw1gZs  Commerce Clause https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commerce_Clause  Life on Mars https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478942/  Germs - Weird Al https://genius.com/Weird-al-yankovic-germs-lyrics  — CONTACT and FOLLOW BannedBooks@1517.org Facebook Twitter Telegram SUBSCRIBE YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play TuneIn Radio iHeartRadio SUPPORT Gillespie Coffee (gillespie.coffee) Gillespie Media (gillespie.media) Donavon Riley The Warrior Priest Podcast 1517 Podcast Network Support the work of 1517

John 15:15 (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 … Continued

John 15:15 (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 … Continued

We have a tendency to romanticize Bible stories. As each unfolds in our mind, they do so on a big screen with an epic soundtrack and dynamic visual effects. We often miss that each one took place on an average day, in a regular neighborhood, and in the lives of common people, just like you and me. But they were common people with remarkable qualities. And it was those remarkable qualities that positioned those common people to experience God giving birth to the miraculous in their lives! This series is to draw your attention to those common people, to see the us in them, and do lean into their remarkable qualities so that His eternal purposes can come to life in our lives.Matthew 1:18–21 (ESV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Mary & Joseph were positioned to hear as Heaven spoke.Heaven Is Always Speaking. The Miraculous Is Unlocked As We Are Positioned To Hear.Every miracle in your life will begin with God speaking followed by you hearing. The key is to continue to position yourself to hear. Right NOW.Mary:Luke 1:28, 30-31 (ESV) And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.Joseph:Matthew 1:19 (ESV) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.resolved – to think with the purpose of planning a course of actionMatthew 1:20–22 (ESV) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:considered: to process information by giving consideration to various aspectsMatthew 11:15 (ESV) He who has ears to hear, let him hear.Revelation: Revelation 2:7 (ESV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ears - not only the ability, but the responsibilityhear – pay attention and respondToday there are more distractions than any ever, because this time matters on earth more than any otherGod wants to do more today than any other collective time in history! It starts with being tuned into him.God can speak out of the blue, but hearing is enhanced:create moments of listeningread and listen to the wordpodcasts & bookscreate environments to encounter the one speakingdynamic environment with the Spirit engagedJohn 14:26 (ESV) 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.prayer, corporate worshipThis is something we do; something others do on our behalf.put your children in a place to have an encounter with heavenwe can’t guarantee the response, but we can guarantee the opportunityour highest call is not our children’s graduation, getting a good job, marriage, good relationship with uscreate moments to hear from and respond to GodMary & Joseph were recognized as righteous.Right Living Best Positions Us For All That God Wants To Do For Us, In Us And Through Us.God can do anything, anywhere for anyone at any time. But he consistently does his best things frequently in the lives of those who live according to His Word.Mary - Luke 1:27–29 (ESV) to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.her righteous life had earned her favor with GodJoseph - Matthew 1:19 (ESV) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.he had every right to rub her face in her “assumed sin”his response – protect herright-living matters to Godright-living aligns us with Godright-living best positions us for His purposeswanting one thing when heaven wants another, and yielding…Mary - Luke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.Joseph - Matthew 1:20–25 (ESV) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.submission isn’t real until there is a burn, and redirection of the willobedience is a reality when you want to do something else.Some people willfully sin because they know God will forgive.Romans 6:1–2 (ESV) What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! Hebrews 10:26–27 (ESV) For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.1 John 3:6–10 (ESV) No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 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. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.The Unintended Consequences Of Sin :brings injury to your relationship with Godlimits the function of the Holy Spiritgive the devil a foothold and his resourcespledges obedience to sininvites deceptionnegatively impacts the faith of othersmakes it difficult for God’s best to unfoldRight-living: cannot be allowed to turn into self-righteousnessthat turns into self-righteousness is offensive to Godcannot lifts lf up and looks down on others self-righteousness omits the crosspossible because of His grace Luke 18:9–14 (ESV) He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”Mary & Joseph: aligned with Biblical sexualityHonoring Biblical Sexuality Unites Us With Heaven And Protects Us From Being United With _______________________.Our relationship with God is incredibly intimate - His Spirit lives within usSex unites us, body soul and spirit with someone else in a way that can only be compared to the closeness God wants to have with us.Have you ever invited someone too close and then couldn’t get rid of them?Matthew 1:18 (ESV) …Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together …Luke 1:, 34 (ESV) And Mary said to the angel, “…I am a virgin?”Culture has always had something to say about what is sexually in bounds.Man has always had desires and experiences outside of those boundsSex is a gift from God. Sex unites us, body soul and spirit with someone else in a way that is only comparable to the closeness God wants to have with us.To bring something that close that is out of bounds will affect you, and will affect your relationship with God, not to mention your relationship with others1 Corinthians 6:18–19 (ESV) Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,1 Corinthians 6:15–17 (ESV) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.Some of the greatest acts of worship and offerings you can give to God is burn you experience when obedient in moments of sexual temptation.

LIBERATING FINANCES WHEN PLANTING CHURCHESPredicated on Micro/Bivo…freelance pastor• Sending church—low overhead• New church—none of the traditional costs• Education• Salary• Rent• Church planter• No seminary: A. Money B. Time tax• Good salary• Freedom to quit job if/when necessary• “Future Church”• Church plant can amass money if growth is outsized• Sending church can send money when it will do the most goodMicro/Bivo solves two major problems• Problem 1—Constant worry/attention to raising money • Matthew 6:24 ESV No oneone can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.• Problem 2—Unable to succeed due to pressing finances• Luke 14:28-30 ESV For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topic: MasterMatthew 6:24 ESV - “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.Real-Esteem: Finding your true identity in Christ - Printed/eBook Available in http://www.eyniith.com/booksDo you want to know Jesus for yourself? - http://www.eyniith.com/salvation-messageReal-Esteem: Finding your true identity in Christ - Printed/eBook Available in http://www.eyniith.com/books

Topic: MasterMatthew 6:24 ESV - “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.Real-Esteem: Finding your true identity in Christ - Printed/eBook Available in http://www.eyniith.com/booksDo you want to know Jesus for yourself? - http://www.eyniith.com/salvation-messageReal-Esteem: Finding your true identity in Christ - Printed/eBook Available in http://www.eyniith.com/books

AMEN, a customary statement at the end of a prayer or during preaching to express our agreement with what is said and the hope that it will take place. But, AMEN is much so more than just a statement.AMEN is a Person, and His Name is JESUS - Revelation 3:14 (ESV) “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. AMEN is who God is molding you to be - Romans 8:29 (ESV) …he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son… AMEN is an attitude, a posture, a way of life.AMEN is the resounding YES to all that God says. AMEN is the response that unlocks the abundance of Heaven.The Carte Blanche Amen Carte Blanche is a cheque that is already signed but has no numerical value entered, yet.The Carte Blanche AMEN says Yes to God before He says it, no matter what He says.Failure to make key life-decisions in advance is to wait until seated at the final sales desk with 1000 high-pressure voices appealing to every wrong motive.The Carte Blanche AMEN agrees with God before He whispers a Word. Luke 21:14 (ESV) Settle it therefore in your minds... beforehand… GOD Is Always Good, Is Always For Me, And His Word Leads Me To His BEST.He is always good. - Mark 10:18 (ESV) …No one is good except God alone. He is always for me - John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Luke 4:19 (ESV) to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Romans 5:8 (ESV) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. His Word is always for my best - Psalm 119:105 (ESV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. John 6:63 (ESV) …The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. best does not mean easy, problem free, comfortable… The Carte Blanche Amen Know That Positioning Him First In All Things Allows All Things To Work For His Best. Exodus 20:2–3 (ESV) “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Luke 14:26 (ESV) “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. first in devotional life, relationship, church participationTHE CARTE BLANCHE AMEN Knows That EVERY Blessing We Enjoy Comes From His Hand And Belongs To Him. James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights… Deuteronomy 8:17–18 (ESV) Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 1 Timothy 6:17–19 (NIV) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Luke 19:32–35 (ESV) And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. Mark 14:13–16 (ESV) And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. everything I have is His – I am a stewardfor my enjoyment, but he can call for it whenever he wantsTHE CARTE BLANCHE AMEN Knows That Sex Is A Gift From God, A Sacred Act Meant For The Marriage Bed Alone.the Bible begins with sex, as God created itit contains the blueprint of The Kingdom - seedno sin like sexual sins that will impact your life (spirit, soul and body)Hebrews 13:4 (ESV) Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 1 Corinthians 7:4–5 (ESV) For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 6:16–20 (ESV) Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. sex is for procreation and pleasure, between a man and woman, committed to one another in the covenant of marriage.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.~ Exodus 20:16 (ESV)No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continuebefore my eyes.~ Psalm 101:7 (ESV)Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.~ Proverbs 12:22 (ESV)Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor,for we are members one of another.~ Ephesians 4:25 (ESV)You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was amurderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth inhim. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.~ John 8:44 (ESV)Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Fatherexcept through me.~ John 14:6 (ESV)O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 2 He who walksblamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; 3 who does not slanderwith his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;4in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord;who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5 who does not put out his money atinterest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shallnever be moved.~ Psalm 15 (ESV)Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.2I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nogood apart from you.” 3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whomis all my delight. 4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; theirdrink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. 5 The Lord is mychosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasantplaces; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 7I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in thenight also my heart instructs me. 8I have set the Lord always before me; because he is atmy right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my wholebeing rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, orlet your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in yourpresence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.~ Psalm 16 (ESV)

In this sermon, Pastor Shawn teaches that there is always a way to freedom by encouraging us with the truth that whatever you feed grows and whatever you starve dies. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. There is always a way out from what confines and restricts you!

Our personal finances matter to God. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (ESV) No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Luke 16:13 (ESV) The struggle is not between serving God or serving the Devil. Jesus says no – conflict is between God and money. The struggle is between serving God and getting sucked into materialism, getting sucked into serving stuff. He has invited us into a relationship where we make our love of money, our love of our stuff subservient to our love and devotion to Him. “I don’t want your stuff, I want you! I want to be your treasure and when I am that which you treasure the most I have your heart!”

Learn to Discern Enemy Has One Play Book and one goal:  to be God. [2Th 2:3 ESV] Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, [2Th 2:4 ESV] who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. God is restraining him. [2Th 2:6 ESV] And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. [2Th 2:7 ESV] For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only He who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. [2Th 2:8 ESV] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. Counterfeit Everything [2Th 2:9 ESV] The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, [2Th 2:10 ESV] and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. God gives over people [2Th 2:11 ESV] Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, [2Th 2:12 ESV] in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. How is a Christian to React and Respond to the Orlando Event? Do Not Be Deceived.  [1Co 6:9 NASB] Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,  [1Co 6:10 ESV] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. That is a list of what Unrepented people do.  Sin is the great equalizer. [Rom 3:23 ESV] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [1Co 6:11 ESV] And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. How should a Christians respond to the Orlando Event? 1. Unpack it correctly. Let the Bible inform you. A member of Islam murdered sodomites.  Darkness attacked darkness. A unrepented lost person of a godless religion attacked unrepeneted lost people indulging in fornication, idolatry, adultery, effeminate, homosexuality, drunkenness. That event was a demonic nightmare from beginning to end.  [1Jo 3:4 ESV] Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. The devil's goal was to create counterfeit martyrs out of sodomites. So people will support LGBT. . . . .  It worked!    Reminder, God gives over people to their evil.  [2Th 2:11 ESV] Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, [2Th 2:12 ESV] in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. I saw so-called Christian ministers “standing in unity” with LGBT. ..  Never affirm evil for any reason.  Your sadness should be that unrepented people perished horrifically in their sin.  2. Respond Correctly How did Jesus respond to a massacre at a synagogue in His Day?  He told them to repent.  [Luk 13:1 ESV] There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. [Luk 13:2 ESV] And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? [Luk 13:3 ESV] No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. [Luk 13:4 ESV] Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? [Luk 13:5 ESV] No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." Never Affirm sin. For any reason.   Sodomites, fornicators, adulterers and drunkards LGBT. . .  [Jde 1:22 ESV] And have mercy on those who doubt; [Jde 1:23 ESV] save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. How do we save others and show mercy?  Learn how to Share the Gospel.  Jesus Commands IT! The Righteousness of God [Rom 1:16 ESV] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [Rom 1:17 ESV] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Speak It & Cut and Paste. [2Ti 3:16 ESV] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [2Ti 3:17 ESV] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. God has you, now move forward and share the Gospel.  [Jde 1:24 ESV] Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, [Jde 1:25 ESV] to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Learn to Discern More presentations from Jeff Rossignol

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by him this man is standing before you well. (Acts 4:8-10 ESV) When someone asks me for money, I’m usually caught off guard. I’m Thanks for taking care of this ladies! I really appreciate of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. (Acts 4:8-10 ESV) "No good deed goes unpunished." If that phrase existed when the apostles lived through the events in Acts 3, they probably would have said it. Last week we saw the miraculous healing of the man lame from birth. This caused a crowd to gather and Peter took the opportunity to declare the person and work of Christ. He pointed back not just to the miracle but to the power, works, and salvation available in Jesus. The people were excited, but the religious leaders weren’t. In fact, the apostles actions and teaching earned them a night in jail. This week we will continue to tell the story of what happened next. I encourage you to take some time and re-read Acts 3-4 before Sunday. It only takes a few minutes. How did their view of Christ motivate their actions? It’s a pretty amazing picture.

Sanctification:  Hope in Change, Your Change. Sanctification:    1. A Separation from the world to God.  2. Purified 3. Justified consecration to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity: consecration, purification the effect of consecration sanctification of heart and life [2Th 2:13 ESV] But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. [2Th 2:14 ESV] To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. All Things for Your Good and God's Glory.  [Rom 8:28 ESV] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [Rom 8:29 ESV] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [Rom 8:30 ESV] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Sanctification.  Sep apart for God.  [1Co 1:30 ESV] And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, [1Co 1:31 ESV] so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." Victory that comes From God and Through God, To God Glory.  [Rom 8:31 ESV] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [Rom 8:32 ESV] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? The Victory is you, rescued from evil and set apart for God.  [Rom 8:33 ESV] Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. [Rom 8:34 ESV] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [Rom 8:35 ESV] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [Rom 8:36 ESV] As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." Pause Right There.  The Love of Christ.  Clearly is not “creature comforts”.  True Life; The Real You is already been made alive. The Real You is already Immortal.  [2Co 5:4 ESV] For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened--not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. The Love of Christ is the Relationship forever connected with Your Creator. So that every little detail of  your life, from what socks you will wear to your career, relationships.  All have an eternal meaning and purpose.  More than a Conqueror.  [Rom 8:37 ESV] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [Rom 8:38 ESV] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [Rom 8:39 ESV] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Creation's enemies simply cannot beat the Creator.  Sin & Death, Sanctification and Eternal Life [Rom 6:19 ESV] I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. [Rom 6:20 ESV] For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. [Rom 6:21 ESV] But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. [Rom 6:22 ESV] But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. [Rom 6:23 ESV] For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God Perfects His Children [1Jo 4:15 ESV] Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. [1Jo 4:16 ESV] So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. [1Jo 4:17 ESV] By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. [1Jo 4:18 ESV] There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. [1Jo 4:19 ESV] We love because he first loved us. God who does not change, changes us.  [Mal 3:6 ESV] "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. Reflection questions Are God things becoming habit in your life? Are God things becoming the norm? The Five Disciplines.  Are they life habits for you?  Church is an uncompromising norm.  Sunday I go to church.  God Will Finish what He started.  [Phl 1:6 ESV] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Sanctification More presentations from Jeff Rossignol Sanctification var siteUrl="http://www.authorstream.com/";var pid="2769809_635939672226777500";var es='425x354'; More presentations from Jeff Rossignol

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

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Sermon Notes (PDF, 103KB) Sunday Morning […]

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will...

In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai. (Esther 2:21-22, ESV) No good deed goes unpunished. This little quip is thrown around when we don't get what we think we deserve. In fact, while we don't call it that, we kind of believe in karma. If I do good stuff, good stuff will come around. But what if it doesn't? What if you do the good, noble, right thing and are forgotten or worse punished? Is it still worth doing? As we come to the core of the Esther story, we are confronted with a convoluted storyline where do-gooders are forgotten and villains are promoted. And, worse yet, their plots are advanced. And we are left to wonder if God knows, cares, and is still in charge. Take some time in the next couple days to read through Esther 2-6. We will be continuing to look for the hidden God.