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6 episodes with esv they
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2 episodes with esv they
CONVINCED: The Book Of LukeLuke 9:10–17 (ESV) On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And whatwas left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.Unlock Natural ProvisionLearn These Principless To Unlock Throughout Your Lifetime Unlock Supernatural ProvisionGlorifies GodWill Far Exceed The Natural ProvisionProvides A Powerful TestimonyDraws Others To HimPowerful Gift To The Next GenerationLuke 9:11 (ESV) When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.Kingdom & Kingdom PrinciplesHe's about to demonstrate one of themThis story has a part two, smaller crowd, more leftoversGod rarely does the same thing twice That would to trusting a formula, not Kingdom principles - FAITHVISION FOR A GOOD THING - Luke 9:12 (ESV) Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”A GOOD THING BECOMES A GOD THINGLuke 9:13 (ESV) But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.”Not all good things are God thingsThe Kingdom currency faith, but it can't be faith unless God speaksYou can't walk on water unless he invites or you or you function at a gift of faith leveSometimes we act on:EmotionsPersonal commitmentsPeer pressureWe were convinced to buy somethingWrong: evangelist asking for your last dollar to unlock your miracleRight: god asking for your last meal to unlock your abundant provisionGod is not obligated to act on a good thingLearn to hear God speak about a good thing and turn it into a God thingESTABLISH THE NATURAL GAPLuke 9:13 (ESV) They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”Make no efforts to solve the issue in the fleshENGAGE OBEDIENCE & SACRIFICELuke 9:14–16 (ESV) For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.Sit down in groupsHe took what they hadHe blessed themHe broke the loavesWhen you have a GOD need, and you're believing for aSUPERNATURAL OUTCOME, sacrificial giving to GOD unlocksHis FLOW of provision2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.ENJOY SUPERNATURAL PROVISIONLuke 9:17 (ESV) And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Believe it or not, California is actually losing members of the Hollywood elite. Jillian Michaels is leaving California. She's a fitness influencer who achieved fame on The Biggest Loser TV show. We'll talk about some other people who are waking up to what California is and how important it is that we are there to help them, to embrace them, to celebrate not just the red pilling, but the fact that they may well escape spiritual captivity. I think it's very difficult to not be a spiritual captive in California. We'll also talk about Elon Musk. He is saying out loud on his own platform that in fact, they are attempting to rig an election. Bu,t will Twitter be the place where we can learn the truth about COVID? Because I know we can't count on YouTube. In the UK, things are changing. They're backing away from the safe and effective law. What does God's Word say? Jeremiah 9:3 ESV They bend their tongue like a bow; falsehood and not truth has grown strong in the land; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know me, declares the Lord.John 1:1-5 NIVThe Word Became Flesh1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.Episode 1,686 Links:HOLY SMOKES THIS IS FIRE! Fitness Influencer Jillian Michaels blasted California Leftists and explained why she's fleeing the state. Please help spread her message! Everyone needs to see this!!!A young woman says all men will simp for her.Your man is NOT trying to control you. He's trying to PROTECT you.How non-citizens are getting voter registration forms across the US — and how Republicans are trying to stop itImmigration Accountability Project: Biden Admin “Orders all federal agencies to provide voter registration information to everyone they come in contact with. — State election officials are not permitted to ask for proof of citizenship for applicants who fill out the federal form.”UK Politicians Abandon Ship on “Safe and Effective” Narrative; A dramatic shift in rhetoric has emerged, signaling trouble for vaccine pushers.Pfizer in the crosshairs again; Kansas joins Texas in suing Pfizer, alleging the manufacturer "willfully concealed, suppressed, and omitted safety and efficacy data relating to its COVID-19 vaccine.”We Now Have Proof The COVID Vaccines Damage Cognition; Examining the causes and treatments of the common neurological injuries caused by vaccinationAlan's Soapshttps://alanssoaps.com/TODDUse coupon code ‘TODD' to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizershttps://bioptimizers.com/toddUse promo code TODD for 10% off your order. Sharpen your edge and reach your potential with Mushroom Breakthrough by Bioptimizers.Bonefroghttps://bonefrogcoffee.com/toddUse 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. EdenPUREhttps://edenpuredeals.comUse code TODD3 to save $200 on the Thunderstorm Air Purifier 3-pack.GreenHaven Interactivehttps://greenhaveninteractive.comGet more customers onine showing up more with Google!Native Pathhttps://nativepathkrill.com/toddGet an ocean of benefits from Antarctic Krill from Native Path. Renue Healthcarehttps://renue.healthcare/toddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit renue.healthcare/Todd
The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Part 8: Lose the Leaven! By Louie Marsh, 5-26-2024 Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.' Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.' Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.'" 1) To be like Jesus I must learn to THINK! “14Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. (Mark 8:14–16, ESV) They aren't thinking, their reacting. · Jesus rebukes them for not using the BRAINS God gave them. 17And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?” (Mark 8:17–18, ESV) 2) Then they understood SUBTLY change happens. “12Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:12, ESV) “33He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”” (Matthew 13:33, ESV) 3) The bad leaven also leads to HYPOCRISY. “1In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:1–2, ESV) The man-made teachings of the Pharisees were as pervasive as yeast in a loaf of bread. Their corruption advanced in hardly perceptible ways, but it was extensive. The Pharisees displayed an outward conformity to the law, but their hearts were full of unbelief and sinfulness (Mark 7:6–13). “27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 28So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27–28, ESV) What does this lead to – Drag Video 4) I must beware of what often seems like Godly LOVE. “31And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” (Mark 8:31–33, ESV) · Love is good – but it is not ENOUGH. “17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”” (John 21:17–18, ESV) · I need GOD'S LOVE not human love, if I am do His will. “26It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:26–28, ESV)
Pastor Whit begins a new teaching series in the Book of Ruth: Ruth 1v1 ESV In the days when the judges ruled... Judges 21v25 ESV In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Ruth 4v17 ESV They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. Ruth 1v1 ESV In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land... Genesis 12v10 ESV Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. Genesis 26v1-2 ESV 1 Now there was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines. 2 And the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you." Genesis 46v3-4 ESV 3 Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again..." Ruth 1v1-2 ESV 1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. Ruth 1v3-5 ESV 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Ruth 1v16-17 ESV 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” Ruth 1v19 ESV So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” Ruth 1v22 ESV So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. 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 right here on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsVdKf8YUxQdQit_EXTDmkA
The Gospel of Mark 1-8 Part 5: It's Never Too Late By Louie Marsh, 5-5-2024 Last Slide – God is never late 1) Above all else I must keep FOCUSED on Jesus. “22Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24And he went with him. And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him.” (Mark 5:22–24, ESV) · Never be afraid to PRAY about anything! “6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6, ESV) · Staying focused on Christ isn't EASY. “25And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”” (Mark 5:25–28, ESV) 2) God keeps a deeply PERSONAL focus on me & my growth. “29And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?' ”” (Mark 5:29–31, ESV) · Jesus take time out of one ministry to personally ENCOURAGE her. “33But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”” (Mark 5:33–34, ESV) 3) I'm bothered by BUMPS in the road – not Jesus. “35While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.” (Mark 5:35–37, ESV) · They laughed at Jesus and will do WORSE to me. “39And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40And they laughed at him… (Mark 5:39–40a, ESV) · Jesus doesn't waste time arguing, he ACTS. …But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.” “41Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.” (Mark 5:40b–42, ESV) 4) Through it all, Christ is in CONTROL. “43And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.” (Mark 5:43, ESV)
Mark 9:43–48 (ESV) And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.'The Facts About HELLThe Bible refers to the idea of hell some 54 times.OT references use the word Sheol & Hades11 out of 12 times Jesus used the phrase GehennaNT "GehennaOT "Hinnom," a valley south of JerusalemThe History Of The Valley Of Hinnom:Reign of King Ahaz - (2 Chronicles 28, 33) the valley was used by Baal worshipers to offer their children in their furnaces to their god Molech.Ministry of Jeremiah - (Jeremiah 7, 19) referred to the valley as "The Valley of Slaughter."Reign of King Josiah - (2 Kings 23:10) proclaimed "defiled" and no one was allowed to use it for any purpose.Ministry of Jesus - valley evolved into a garbage dump. Trash was burned around the clock, as well as the bodies of dead animals, criminal corpses. It was a well known hangout for lepers and the sick. There was continual smoke, stench, maggots and flies. At night, dogs could be heard fighting over the trash. The Lies About HELL/AFTERLIFEHell Does Not ExistThe Dead Cease To Exist - the atheistic belief that man, upon death, forever ceases to be and quietly rots into nothingness. Annihilationism - the belief that all the ungodly will be annihilated by God.Restorationism - The belief that all men will be given a second chance to make the choice for God that they did not make during this life.Purgatory - the belief that all those who die at peace with the church but are not perfect must undergo penal and purifying sufferings in order to go to heaven.Reincarnation - the belief that individuals return to life again in a form determined by the quality of life previously lived. Universal Heaven – the belief that everyone who believed in something arrives at heaven with everyone else who believed in something.The TRUTH About HELLHell Is Happening Right NowLuke 16:19–20, 22-23 (ESV) “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his sideHell Includes Memories Of This Life Luke 16:27–28 (ESV) And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'Hell Will Take Anyone – it will try to claim good and bad, religious and non-religious, black and white, rich or poor, sick or healthy… it will even take youMatthew 7:22–23 (ESV) On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'Hell Is A Place Of Torment Matthew 25:30 (ESV) And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'Hell Has No Holidays - no breaks, timeouts, holidays, day off's, no future starting point to wait for or stopping point to bring comfort. Mark 9:48–49 (ESV) ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.' For everyone will be salted with fire.Hell Is A Fixed DestinationLuke 16:26 (ESV) And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'Hell Is Eternal Separation From God2 Thessalonians 1:9 (ESV) They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,You Deserve HellEzekiel 18:20 (ESV) The soul who sins shall die.Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,Christ Paid Our Price To Escape HellIsaiah 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.Acts 2:38–39 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”You Can Impact The Future Destination Of OthersMark 16:15–16 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.Jude 21-23 "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."
Romans 3:9–20 | None is Righteous from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Romans 3:9–20 ARE WE JEWS BETTER OFF? NONE IS RIGHTEOUS THE WHOLE WORLD HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD Psalm 53:1–3 (ESV) The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Psalm 5:9 (ESV) For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. Psalm 140:3 (ESV) They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Psalm 10:7 (ESV) His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity. Proverbs 1:16 (ESV) for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. Isaiah 59:7-8 (ESV) Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways. The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. Isaiah 59:2 (ESV) but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, Psalm 36:1 (ESV) Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. Romans 7:22–23 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.
Built For This – Built to Belong Romans 10:9 (ESV)“if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”1. Belonging to our local Church is how we express that we are apart of the family of God. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)“as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”Matthew 16:18 (ESV)“...I will build my church...”Ephesians 1:22-23 (NIV)“God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” “it is simply not possible to live a God center, Christ Center, spirit, lead life unless my life is also Church center,” - Sinclair Ferguson Matthew 12:47-50 (NIV)“Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”2. We belong to a family that is directed and sustained by God's word. 1 Timothy 4:6,7.11-17 (ESV)“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”Acts 2:42 (ESV)“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...”James 3:1 (ESV)“...my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”Acts 20:28 (ESV)“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”3. Belonging to the family of Faith Church is a commitment to be devoted to one another.Romans 12:10 (NIV)“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”Galatians 5:13 (NIV)"...serve one another humbly in love.”James 4:11 (NIV)“do not slander one another...”1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)“...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”“it is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brothers and sisters”- Dietrich Bon Hoffer from his book "life together Says 4. Belonging to the family of Faith Church means you are cared for by the pastors God has set in place. 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV)“ shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work”Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord;make his paths straight.'”Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.Mathew 3:1-6 (ESV)They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”2 Kings 1:8Life on the fringes“in the wilderness”A new story, a new song‘baptised by him' // ‘confessing sins'A prophetic life‘the kingdom is at hand”What made JTB stand out?The Nazirite Vow – set apart for GodSpeak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried…. All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long….All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body.Numbers 6:2-3, 5-6 (NIV)No grapes or grape products: a vow of sobrietyNo cutting of the hair: a vow of primitivismNo dead bodies: a vow of purityExamples: Samuel, Samson (a bad example), even Paul took the vow for a timeTo live a prophetic life of difference:1/ Jesus, be my comfort2/ Jesus, I give you my image3/ Jesus, set me apart
God Reveals His Norming Norm We are often arbitrary in how we evaluate ourselves and others – But God has a perfect standard we are evaluated by – the Truth He has revealed to us in His holy word. Read Exodus 34:1-9 Dictionary.com defines truth as the actual state of a matter; conformity with fact or reality. What is the opposite of truth? Falsehood, or lies. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolators, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. -Rev. 22:14-15 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) Every biblical command God gives is based on His truth and is to help you flourish as His child. Every sin listed in the Bible has built in consequences that will be experienced when you reject God's truth for you and engage in that sin. Precept, Principle, Person (Josh McDowell). And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1:14 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” -John 14:6 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -John 8:32, 36 (ESV) The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. -John 12:48 (ESV) The word for truth in Exodus 34:6 is the Hebrew word emet (H571), which occurs 125 times in the O.T. It is usually translated truth or faithfulness. The sum of Your word is truth [emet], and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever. -Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth [emet]. -Psalm 145:18 (ESV) Let the [lying] prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully [emet]. -Jeremiah 23:28 (ESV) Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness [emet] or steadfast love [hesed[, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. -Hosea 4:1-2 (ESV) Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy [emet] and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. -Ex. 18:21 (ESV) Now therefore fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness [emet]. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:14 (ESV) Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth [emet]; Unite my heart to fear your name. -Psalm 86:11 (ESV) They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. -Romans 9:4-5 (ESV) Do not be arrogant toward the branches [i.e., currently unbelieving Jews]. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. -Romans 11:18 (ESV) My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. -1 John 2:2 (ESV)
By the Power of the Holy Spirit “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name”John 14:26 (ESV) John 15:26 (ESV)“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth”John 16:7 (ESV)“...it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.”Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)“...Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”Acts 2:19 (ESV)“I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath”1 Cor 2:4-5 (NIV)“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.”Isaiah 32:14-18 (ESV)“For the palace is forsaken,the populous city deserted...until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,and the fruitful field is deemed a forest.Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace,and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”September 3, 2023 // Pastor Jason KingIsaiah 44:3 (ESV)“For I will pour water on the thirsty land,and streams on the dry ground;I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,and my blessing on your descendants.”John 6:63 (NKJV)“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing”Isaiah 63:10 (ESV)“They rebelledand grieved his Holy Spirit;therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.”1 Cor. 6:19 (NIV)“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)“...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”
Walking in Spiritual Authority Mark 1:27 (ESV)“They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”Luke 9:1 (ESV)“He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases.” Spiritual Authority Where do you get it? Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)“Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”John 12:49 (ESV)“For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has Himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.” John 14:10 (ESV)“Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does His works.” John 16:13-15 (ESV) “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore, I said that He will take what is mine and declare it to you.” “So, if Jesus and the Holy Spirit functioned under God's Authority then naturally you and I as followers of Jesus and temples of the Holy spirit should also.” How do you get it? Matthew 21:18-22 (ESV)“In the morning, as He was returning to the city, He became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, He went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And He said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”How do you lose it? Matthew 8:5-10 (ESV)“When He had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to Him, appealing to Him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And He said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,' and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who followed Him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”James 4:7 (CSB) “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” How do you use it? 2 Corinthians 13:10 (ESV)"For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.”
Isaiah 8:21 (AFV) And they shall pass through the land, hard pressed and hungry; and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall rave and curse their king and their God, and look upward. (ASV) And they shall pass through it, sore distressed and hungry; and it shall come to pass that, when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse by their king and by their God, and turn their faces upward: (BBE) And he will go through the land in bitter trouble and in need of food; and when he is unable to get food, he will become angry, cursing his king and his God, and his eyes will be turned to heaven on high; (Brenton) And famine shall come sorely upon you, and it shall come to pass, that when ye shall be hungry, ye shall be grieved, and ye shall speak ill of the prince and your fathers' ordinances: and they shall look up to heaven above, (BSB) They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God. (BSBHebGrkINT+) and they will pass through1 it2 hard pressed3 and hungry4 and it shall happen5, when6 they are hungry7, that they will be enraged8, and curse9 their king10 and their God11, and look12 upward13. (ESV) They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward.+ (ERRB) And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead hardened and hungry famished : and so be it shall come to pass , that when they shall be hungry famish , they shall fret themselves enrage and curse abase their king sovereign and their God Elohim , and look face upward.
Message for 05/21/2023 "Conquer" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Consecration, Cleansing, and Conquest Conquest Joshua 6:1-5 - Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2 But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3 You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4 Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram's horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5 When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams' horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.” Joshua 6:15-21 - On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the town as they had done before. But this time they went around the town seven times. 16 The seventh time around, as the priests sounded the long blast on their horns, Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the town! 17 Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies. 18 “Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel. 19 Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury.” 20 When the people heard the sound of the rams' horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. 21 They completely destroyed everything in it with their swords—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Joshua 10:1-14 - Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and completely destroyed Ai and killed its king, just as he had destroyed the town of Jericho and killed its king. He also learned that the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel and were now their allies. 2 He and his people became very afraid when they heard all this because Gibeon was a large town—as large as the royal cities and larger than Ai. And the Gibeonite men were strong warriors. 3 So King Adoni-zedek of Jerusalem sent messengers to several other kings: Hoham of Hebron, Piram of Jarmuth, Japhia of Lachish, and Debir of Eglon. 4 “Come and help me destroy Gibeon,” he urged them, “for they have made peace with Joshua and the people of Israel.” 5 So these five Amorite kings combined their armies for a united attack. They moved all their troops into place and attacked Gibeon. 6 The men of Gibeon quickly sent messengers to Joshua at his camp in Gilgal. “Don't abandon your servants now!” they pleaded. “Come at once! Save us! Help us! For all the Amorite kings who live in the hill country have joined forces to attack us.” 7 So Joshua and his entire army, including his best warriors, left Gilgal and set out for Gibeon. 8 “Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” 9 Joshua traveled all night from Gilgal and took the Amorite armies by surprise. 10 The Lord threw them into a panic, and the Israelites slaughtered great numbers of them at Gibeon. Then the Israelites chased the enemy along the road to Beth-horon, killing them all along the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the Lord destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm from heaven that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword. 12 On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. 14 There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day! Judges 4:4-7 - Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. 5 She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. 6 One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam, who lived in Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. 7 And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin's army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.” Judges 4:17-21 - Meanwhile, Sisera ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because Heber's family was on friendly terms with King Jabin of Hazor. 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come into my tent, sir. Come in. Don't be afraid.” So he went into her tent, and she covered him with a blanket. 19 “Please give me some water,” he said. “I'm thirsty.” So she gave him some milk from a leather bag and covered him again. 20 “Stand at the door of the tent,” he told her. “If anybody comes and asks you if there is anyone here, say no.” 21 But when Sisera fell asleep from exhaustion, Jael quietly crept up to him with a hammer and tent peg in her hand. Then she drove the tent peg through his temple and into the ground, and so he died. Judges 6:1-6 - The Israelites did evil in the Lord's sight. So the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. 2 The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, marauders from Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east would attack Israel, 4 camping in the land and destroying crops as far away as Gaza. They left the Israelites with nothing to eat, taking all the sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. 5 These enemy hordes, coming with their livestock and tents, were as thick as locusts; they arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count. And they stayed until the land was stripped bare. 6 So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. Judges 7:19-24a - It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams' horns and broke their clay jars. 20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” 21 Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. 22 When the 300 Israelites blew their rams' horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 23 Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian. 24 Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to attack the Midianites. Cut them off at the shallow crossings of the Jordan River at Beth-barah.” Joshua 6:15 - On the seventh day the Israelites got up at dawn and marched around the town as they had done before. But this time they went around the town seven times. Joshua 10:36-37 - From Eglon, Joshua and the Israelite army went up to Hebron and attacked it. 37 They captured the town and killed everyone in it, including its king, leaving no survivors. They did the same thing to all of its surrounding villages. And just as he had done at Eglon, he completely destroyed the entire population. Joshua 15:13-15 - The Lord commanded Joshua to assign some of Judah's territory to Caleb son of Jephunneh. So Caleb was given the town of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), which had been named after Anak's ancestor. 14 Caleb drove out the three groups of Anakites—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the sons of Anak. Deuteronomy 20:10 - As you approach a town to attack it, you must first offer its people terms for peace Most readers imagine that God commissioned his nation to vengefully wipe out an entire nation of Canaanite men, women, and children. However, a deeper reading reveals that the reasons for the conquest were more complex, the scope of the destruction was smaller, and God's mercy was present throughout. - Andy Patton Deuteronomy 9:5 - It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. The Lord your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Genesis 15:16 - After four generations your descendants will return here to this land, for the sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction.” Revelation 17:14 ESV - They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Romans 12:9-21 - Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Text: Rom 8:18-30Summary: There is nothing that God cannot and will not use for your good and His glory!Review:Wk 1 Rom 8:1-5 The struggle is Real, BUT so is the VictoryWk 2 Rom 8:6-17 We are free to Be. It's not merely what I'm free from BUT it's what I'm free to.Romans 8:18-301. God is doing something greater than we often see, feel and understand. V 18-25A. Life has sufferings (plural). V 18. Romans 8:18 (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.Philippians 1:29 (ESV) For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,Philippians 3:8 (ESV) Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain ChristPhilippians 3:10 (ESV)that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,4 Sources of suffering: The brokenness of the worldThe actions of othersOur adversary the devil My own sinfulnessB. We answer suffering with godly hope! Romans 8:24–25 (ESV)For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.Colossians 1:27 (ESV)To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.2 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV)6If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.2. God will use all things for my good right now. V 26-30Romans 8:28–29 (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. 29For 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.So what do I do today?1. Stay faithful to my walk with God.1 Peter 4:19 (ESV)Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.2. Live in faithful obedience to the revealed will of God. John 17:16–18 (ESV)They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 3. Go beyond the why!
Text: Rom 8:18-30Summary: There is nothing that God cannot and will not use for your good and His glory!Review:Wk 1 Rom 8:1-5 The struggle is Real, BUT so is the VictoryWk 2 Rom 8:6-17 We are free to Be. It's not merely what I'm free from BUT it's what I'm free to.Romans 8:18-301. God is doing something greater than we often see, feel and understand. V 18-25A. Life has sufferings (plural). V 18. Romans 8:18 (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.Philippians 1:29 (ESV) For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,Philippians 3:8 (ESV) Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain ChristPhilippians 3:10 (ESV)that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,4 Sources of suffering: The brokenness of the worldThe actions of othersOur adversary the devil My own sinfulnessB. We answer suffering with godly hope! Romans 8:24–25 (ESV)For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.Colossians 1:27 (ESV)To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.2 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV)6If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.2. God will use all things for my good right now. V 26-30Romans 8:28–29 (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. 29For 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.So what do I do today?1. Stay faithful to my walk with God.1 Peter 4:19 (ESV)Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.2. Live in faithful obedience to the revealed will of God. John 17:16–18 (ESV)They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 3. Go beyond the why!
Descriptions of a Healthy Church Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)“go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”Matthew 18:20 (NIV)“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”Acts 2:38-41 (NIV)“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”Descriptions of a healthy church1. Devotion to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.Acts 2:14 (ESV)“Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them”Acts 2:42 (ESV)“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching”2. Devotion to one another.Romans 12:10 (ESV)“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”Galatians 5:13 (NIV)"serve one another humbly in love.”James 4:11 (NIV)“do not slander one another.”1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)“clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”3. Devotion to God's flow of leadership. 1 Peter 5:2-4 (NIV)“Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
Mark 13:14–31 | The Meaning of Words That Won't Pass Away from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Scripture: Mark 13:14–31 THE OLIVET DISCOURSE THREE OBSERVATIONS FROM MY OWN PROCESS OF STUDY This is My Beloved Son. Listen to Him. As it is written … Let the Reader Understand THE INTERPRETATION v14-23 - The Abomination of Desolation v24-27 - The Son of Man v28-31 - The Lesson of the Fig Tree THREE TAKEAWAYS That was a lot of work! Jesus is the Son of Man in Power and Glory God's purpose is not that we would suffer in judgement, but that we would suffer like him in mission. Mark 1:2 (ESV) As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Daniel 11:31 (ESV) Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. Jeremiah 6:14 (ESV) They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. Isaiah 13:10 (ESV) For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light. Isaiah 34:4 (ESV) All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll. All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree. Daniel 7:13–14 (ESV) v13 - I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. v14 - And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. Mark 9:1 (ESV) Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.
Mark 5:1–20 (ESV) They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. 14The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. THE CONTEXT: THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECLARED AND DISPLAYED Mark 1:14–15 (ESV) — 14 …Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 4:1-34 - The Parables of the kingdom declared Mark 4:33-5:43 - The Power of the Son of God displayed THE TEXT: JESUS DISPLAYS HIS POWER OVER SIN & DARKNESS The Embarkation (v1-7) The Exchange (v8-12) The Entry (v13-14) The Exit (v15-17) The Exhortation (v18-20) OUR APPLICATION: DO YOU WANT JESUS TO GO AWAY OR DO YOU WANT TO GO AWAY WITH JESUS… John 3:16–21 (ESV)
Description: The devil attacked your heart to make it impenetrable. He wanted you to cut off your love and emotions so you couldn't be who God created you to be. But, your love isn't gone, it's just covered over. Remove the scales from your heart and feel the love of Jesus again. Hold your family in your arms and appreciate them. Find out how hurt leads to a stoney heart and make sure you never let it harden again. Show Notes: A stoney heart doesn't happen overnight. There are a series of events and decisions that lead you there. In this episode, you'll track your steps and be free from the perspective that closed your heart. Enter a new season of your life. Feel God in every decision you make and watch your call take off. This episode ensures that you're free from the harm of the past and that you live today. The Best Teaching to Follow Up With At Liberty to Love (Audio Message) Heal the Broken Hearted (Audio Message) Related Episodes Allow the Holy Spirit to Heal Your Insecurity to Unlock a Greater Portion of Prophetic Anointing (Ep. 215) Scriptures That Restore Love Ephesians 4:18-19 (ESV) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:26–27 (ESV) Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the Next Generation of Prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Your Prophetic Word Confirmed Speak to a wing man at: 760 466 7257 Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram
Description: The devil attacked your heart to make it impenetrable. He wanted you to cut off your love and emotions so you couldn't be who God created you to be. But, your love isn't gone, it's just covered over. Remove the scales from your heart and feel the love of Jesus again. Hold your family in your arms and appreciate them. Find out how hurt leads to a stoney heart and make sure you never let it harden again. Show Notes: A stoney heart doesn't happen overnight. There are a series of events and decisions that lead you there. In this episode, you'll track your steps and be free from the perspective that closed your heart. Enter a new season of your life. Feel God in every decision you make and watch your call take off. This episode ensures that you're free from the harm of the past and that you live today. The Best Teaching to Follow Up With At Liberty to Love (Audio Message) Heal the Broken Hearted (Audio Message) Related Episodes Allow the Holy Spirit to Heal Your Insecurity to Unlock a Greater Portion of Prophetic Anointing (Ep. 215) Scriptures That Restore Love Ephesians 4:18-19 (ESV) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:26–27 (ESV) Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Join Our Community! https://www.apostolic-network.com Sponsor the NextGen Prophets Podcast Take this message further. Be responsible for raising the Next Generation of Prophets. Get Your Free E-book and Course Here https://www.nextgenprophets.org/ Watch Our Free Prophetic Teachings on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ToachMinistries Get Your Prophetic Word Confirmed Speak to a wing man at: 760 466 7257 Get Connected With Apostles Craig and Colette Toach Submit Your Question to the Apostles: ToachMinistries.com Follow the NextGen Prophets Facebook: NextGen Prophets Follow the NextGen Prophets Instagram: NextGen Prophets Instagram
The Silhouette of Redemption Exodus 7:3-5 (ESV)“…I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring My hosts, My people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” 1. Nile turned to blood2. Frogs3. Gnats4. Flies5. Death of livestock6. Boils7. Hail8. Locust9. Darkness Exodus 10:23 (ESV)“They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”Colossians 2:15 (NIV)“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross”Exodus 11:1 (ESV) “The Lord said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely.” Exodus 11:4-6 (ESV)“So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again.” Exodus 11:9-10 (ESV) “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land." Hebrews 3:15 (CSB)“…if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Exodus 12:1-2 (ESV)“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you.” Lamb: “without defect” vs 5Jesus: “Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 1:19 2. Lamb: “slaughter at twilight” vs 6 Jesus: “as evening approached” Christ died Mark 15:42 3. Lamb: “blood was to be shed” vs 7 Jesus: “a sudden flow of blood” John 19:34 4. Lamb: “Blood to be applied” to save you vs 22 Jesus: “atonement (Salvation), through faith in his blood” Romans 3:25 5. Lamb: “No bones of the lamb were to be broken” vs 46 Jesus: ““Not one of his bones will be broken.” John 19:36 6. Lamb: “Those redeemed by the blood were God's possession” Exodus 13:2 Jesus: “You are not your own, you were bought with a price” 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 7. Lamb: “Eat it with your traveling clothes on” vs 11 Jesus: “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Exodus 12:21-24 (ESV) “Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 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. You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever."
Find Community • https://willamette.cc/community • Growth happens best in community. Community Life starts this week! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Worship • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJiXY9vBKd-n2kH_vqUbneg • Check out Willamette Music's YouTube channel to find the songs we most often sing together on Sundays. Week 5 Study Resources • https://cdn.willamette.cc/assets/downloads/Week_5_Printable_Copy.pdf • Download the resources used by our Home Communities to study this chapter of Ruth Sermon Notes - February 20, 2022Choose: Legacy - Brian Becker Ruth 1:2-5 (ESV)They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons…and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Ruth 1:20-21 (ESV)She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” Ruth's story:Better than a fairytale— It is real. “We are delusional to imagine that those whose lives are marked by deep tragedy will somehow, someday escape the weight of grief.” -Carolyn Custis James “Sad stories do not always have happy endings, but sad stories can yield new beginnings.” Ruth discovered grief could shape her rather than destroy her. Ruth 4:13-14 (NLT)So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! Ruth 4:14-15 (NLT)May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!” Ruth 4:16-17 (NLT)Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. “The world has a hole in it now. I shall look at the world through tears. Perhaps I shall see things that dry-eyed I could not see.” -Nicholas Wolterstorff “I struggle indeed to go beyond merely owning my grief toward owning it redemptively. But I will not and cannot disown it. I shall remember Eric. Lament is part of life.” -Nicholas Wolterstorff Ruth 4:17-18 (NLT)“Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez: Ruth 4:19-22 (NLT)Perez was the father of Hezron.Hezron was the father of Ram.Ram was the father of Amminadab.Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.Nahshon was the father of Salmon.Salmon was the father of Boaz.Boaz was the father of Obed.Obed was the father of Jesse.Jesse was the father of David. “The decisions we make today are the stories we will tell tomorrow.” Hesed חֶסֶד:“A costly brand of love that involves going above and beyond what anyone has a right to ask or expect.” Psalm 23:6 (NLT)“Surely your goodness and kindness “hesed” will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” -King David Different types of links in the chain: Broken link (Mahlon and Chilion) Damaged link (Elimelech) Strong link (Boaz) First link (Ruth) Our God:is able to bring beauty out of ashes.is able to take our past and give us purpose for our future.
Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life with Pastor Dave Cover
Christian meditation can help refocus your mind on God's presence using biblical imagery to get the stress, anxiety, and anger out of your heart and out of your body. Take about 20 minutes to meditate with this episode. By listening to this podcast episode, you're carving out a quiet time to be alone with God. Using meditation to recalibrate your mind and heart and even your body with the vertical reality of God's presence and God's promises. Using your biblically guided imagination to experience God's presence and promises to you in a way that replaces stress and anxiety and worry and even shame with God's peace and joy and assurances. This is something God's people have been doing for thousands of years. Remember what Paul writes in… 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who … contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. A synonym for contemplate is to meditate. Biblical meditation is a focused imagination that “contemplates the LORD's glory” (2 Cor 3:18), and brings transformation by recalibrating your whole self, including your body, with God's Spirit. Let's take the time to do that now. (But first, if your podcast app is set to skip silent sections, disable that now.) Biblically guided meditation gives you a quiet time with God — where you can contemplate the Lord's glory by meditating on biblical pictures — images — of God for you to experience God in a deeper way by using your imagination in meditation. The eyes of your heart. A common image for God in the Bible is a clear, abundant stream of life-giving water. Like when God calls himself “the fountain of living waters” in Jeremiah 2:13. That's a picture for you to set your imagination on in mediation so you see God and experience God in a deeper way. So David meditates on this, speaking of those who take refuge in the LORD… Psalms 36:8-9 (ESV) They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life… Let's meditate using this same biblical image…picture this! Focus your mind on imagining this reality. The I AM is a river of delights — a fountain of life — that your whole self – including every cell in your body — is satisfied by. Feel this image in your body. Try to feel your whole body (every cell) bathing and drinking from the I AM who is the river of delight and fountain of life. Only God can give life-giving “living waters” to your body. Your soul. Your mind. Your whole being. Using the eyes of your heart, see this reality as true for you — picture yourself drinking in delight from the abundance of God's fountain of life. Feel your body floating in God's river of delight. David's imaginative meditation is ultimately prophetic in that he gives a poetic picture of what will ultimately be true when heaven comes back to earth when Jesus returns. Revelation 7:17 (ESV) For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water… Revelation 22:1 (ESV) Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb… Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. But there is a reality to this you can experience now through a kind of mental time travel — meditation is a way to feast on the abundance of God's house. A way to drink from the river of his delights. A way to experience God now as our “fountain of life.” Because it's true now. The I AM inhabits eternity. Who he will be for you when heaven returns to earth in Jesus is who he IS for you now by his Holy Spirit. This is a meditation on an image with a promise. Picture this — “springs of living water” — “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal,...
A Bigger Life Prayer and Bible Devotionals with Pastor Dave Cover
This episode picks up the same theme of the meditation in the last episode. God — the I AM — as a fountain of life-giving Living Water. By listening to this podcast episode, you're carving out a quiet time to be alone with God. Using meditation to recalibrate your mind and heart and even your body with the vertical reality of God's presence and God's promises. Using your biblically guided imagination to experience God's presence and promises to you in a way that replaces stress and anxiety and worry and even shame with God's peace and joy and assurances. This is something God's people have been doing for thousands of years. Remember what Paul writes in… 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who … contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. A synonym for contemplate is to meditate. Biblical meditation is a focused imagination that “contemplates the LORD's glory” (2 Cor 3:18), and brings transformation by recalibrating your whole self, including your body, with God's Spirit. Let's take the time to do that now. (But first, if your podcast app is set to skip silent sections, disable that now.) Biblically guided meditation gives you a quiet time with God — where you can contemplate the Lord's glory by meditating on biblical pictures — images — of God for you to experience God in a deeper way by using your imagination in meditation. The eyes of your heart. A common image for God in the Bible is a clear, abundant stream of life-giving water. Like when God calls himself “the fountain of living waters” in Jeremiah 2:13. That's a picture for you to set your imagination on in mediation so you see God and experience God in a deeper way. So David meditates on this, speaking of those who take refuge in the LORD… Psalms 36:8-9 (ESV) They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life… Let's meditate using this same biblical image…picture this! Focus your mind on imagining this reality. The I AM is a river of delights — a fountain of life — that your whole self – including every cell in your body — is satisfied by. Feel this image in your body. Try to feel your whole body (every cell) bathing and drinking from the I AM who is the river of delight and fountain of life. Only God can give life-giving “living waters” to your body. Your soul. Your mind. Your whole being. Using the eyes of your heart, see this reality as true for you — picture yourself drinking in delight from the abundance of God's fountain of life. Feel your body floating in God's river of delight. David's imaginative meditation is ultimately prophetic in that he gives a poetic picture of what will ultimately be true when heaven comes back to earth when Jesus returns. Revelation 7:17 (ESV) For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water… Revelation 22:1 (ESV) Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb… Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. But there is a reality to this you can experience now through a kind of mental time travel — meditation is a way to feast on the abundance of God's house. A way to drink from the river of his delights. A way to experience God now as our “fountain of life.” Because it's true now. The I AM inhabits eternity. Who he will be for you when heaven returns to earth in Jesus is who he IS for you now by his Holy Spirit. This is a meditation on an image with a promise. Picture this — “springs of living water” — “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” — that brings life and...
In this special sermon from Pastor Toby Cavanaugh, the Radiant School of Ministry Director, we learn about the dangerous power of gossip and discover ways to identify and remove the enemy's weapon from our lives. Sermon Highlights 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV) “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Romans 1:29-31 (ESV) “They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient TO parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” Matthew 15:19 (ESV) “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Ephesians 4:31 (ESV) “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” 1 Corinthians 12:20 (ESV) “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV) “There are six things that the Lord hates,seven that are an abomination to him:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,and hands that shed innocent blood,18 a heart that devises wicked plans,feet that make haste to run to evil,19 a false witness who breathes out lies,and one who sows discord among brothers.” What is gossip? Passing on privileged or unconfirmed information, often that would portray someone in a negative light The danger things: 1. Is the person not there? 2. Are you uncertain it is true? 3. Is it at all private or personal? 4. Is it at all negative? Why is it such a big deal? 1. Gossip breaks relationships 2. Gossip is the fuel for conflict 3. Gossip is addictive yet hurts you – like a drug Gossip destroys unity. And unity is a necessary ingredient for a move of God How do I stop? 1. Repent 2. Start using the Ephesians 4:29 filter What do I do if someone starts gossiping to me? Strategy 1: covering Strategy 2: refuse to listen Strategy 3: quarantine
In this special sermon from Pastor Toby Cavanaugh, the Radiant School of Ministry Director, we learn about the dangerous power of gossip and discover ways to identify and remove the enemy's weapon from our lives. Sermon Highlights 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV) “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Romans 1:29-31 (ESV) “They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient TO parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” Matthew 15:19 (ESV) “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” Ephesians 4:31 (ESV) “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” 1 Corinthians 12:20 (ESV) “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV) “There are six things that the Lord hates,seven that are an abomination to him:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,and hands that shed innocent blood,18 a heart that devises wicked plans,feet that make haste to run to evil,19 a false witness who breathes out lies,and one who sows discord among brothers.” What is gossip? Passing on privileged or unconfirmed information, often that would portray someone in a negative light The danger things: 1. Is the person not there? 2. Are you uncertain it is true? 3. Is it at all private or personal? 4. Is it at all negative? Why is it such a big deal? 1. Gossip breaks relationships 2. Gossip is the fuel for conflict 3. Gossip is addictive yet hurts you – like a drug Gossip destroys unity. And unity is a necessary ingredient for a move of God How do I stop? 1. Repent 2. Start using the Ephesians 4:29 filter What do I do if someone starts gossiping to me? Strategy 1: covering Strategy 2: refuse to listen Strategy 3: quarantine
(All translations NRSV unless otherwise stated)On singular and collective ruling:1Kings 12.13The king answered the people harshly. He disregarded the advice that the older men had given him.Acts 1.26And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.Acts 4.15So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another.Acts 11.1-2Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him...Acts 15.6-7aThe apostles and the elders met together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them...On distribution of Holy Spirit:Numbers 11.16-7So the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them take their place there with you. I will come down and talk with you there; and I will take some of the spirit that is on you and put it on them; and they shall bear the burden of the people along with you so that you will not bear it all by yourself. Acts 2.17-18In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.John 14.15-7If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. On destruction and approvalMatthew 7.13-4Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.Romans 1.29-32 (ESV)They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 17:14 ESV They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” AMEN --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/erica-brown24/message
A Bigger Life Prayer and Bible Devotionals with Pastor Dave Cover
Meditation is a very broad word. Biblically speaking, it's a time of focused, intentional thought. Using your imagination to better see reality. Meditation embraces the importance of talking to yourself rather than just always listening to your brain's chatter.Psalm 42:5–6 NIV5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you.Psalm 42:8 NIVBy day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.Psalm 42:11 NIVWhy, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.Genesis 24:63 (ESV)And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.Psalms 119:27 (ESV)…I will meditate on your wondrous works.Psalms 119:23 (ESV)Even though princes sit plotting against me,your servant will meditate on your statutes.Psalms 119:78 (ESV)…They have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.Psalms 119:148 (ESV)My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.Psalms 77:12 (ESV)I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it.Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecoverFollow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePodThis podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life with Pastor Dave Cover
Meditation is a very broad word. Biblically speaking, it's a time of focused, intentional thought. Using your imagination to better see reality. Meditation embraces the importance of talking to yourself rather than just always listening to your brain's chatter.Psalm 42:5–6 NIV5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you.Psalm 42:8 NIVBy day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.Psalm 42:11 NIVWhy, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.Genesis 24:63 (ESV)And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.Psalms 119:27 (ESV)…I will meditate on your wondrous works.Psalms 119:23 (ESV)Even though princes sit plotting against me,your servant will meditate on your statutes.Psalms 119:78 (ESV)…They have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.Psalms 119:148 (ESV)My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.Psalms 77:12 (ESV)I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it.Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecoverFollow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePodThis podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
A Bigger Life Prayer and Bible Devotionals with Pastor Dave Cover
Meditation is a very broad word. Biblically speaking, it's a time of focused, intentional thought. Using your imagination to better see reality. Meditation embraces the importance of talking to yourself rather than just always listening to your brain's chatter. Psalm 42:5–6 NIV 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you. Psalm 42:8 NIV By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:11 NIV Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Genesis 24:63 (ESV) And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming. Psalms 119:27 (ESV) …I will meditate on your wondrous works. Psalms 119:23 (ESV) Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. Psalms 119:78 (ESV) …They have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. Psalms 119:148 (ESV) My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. Psalms 77:12 (ESV) I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter https://twitter.com/davecover (@davecover) Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter https://twitter.com/abiggerlifepod (@ABiggerLifePod) This podcast is a ministry of https://www.thecrossingchurch.com/ (The Crossing), a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
A Church Familiar with God the Holy Spirit John 14:26 (ESV)“The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name…” John 15:26 (ESV)“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth…” John 16:7 (ESV)“It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.” Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” “The work of the Holy Spirit is to manifest the active presence of the God in the world, and especially in the Church.”- Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology The Activity of God the Holy Spirit 1. Is to bring life and to be a blessing. Isaiah 32:14-18 (ESV)“For the palace is forsaken, the populous city deserted…until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 44:3 (ESV)“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit upon your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants.” Isaiah 63:10 (ESV)“They rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore He turned to be their enemy, and Himself fought against them.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
Week 2 – AdvocateIn church, we speak about God and Jesus all the time, but we tend to avoid the subject of the Holy Spirit. By evading the topic, we miss out on an amazing gift God has given to us as Christians. The Holy Spirit acts as our teacher, advocate, and guide.The Holy Spirit is given to us as Christians as a gift, and He advocates for us to God the Father.Shame is an emotion felt by all people.“It matters not if the person earns a two-comma salary or works for minimum wage. She may be married or single. He may be African American or Caucasian. Depressed, anxious or just plain angry; happy, sad or indifferent. He may be the father or the son, the employer or employee. It may be an individual, a couple, family, community, school or business organization. And you needn't have ever darkened the office door of a psychiatrist. It doesn't require the breakdown of our mental health to be plagued by it. It only requires that you have a pulse. To be human is to be infected with the phenomenon we call shame.” – Curt Thompson, “The Soul of Shame”Genesis 2:25 (ESV) Humanity was created without shame.Genesis 3:7 (ESV) They felt shame and tried to hide.Genesis 3:1 (ESV) Satan began to deceive.Genesis 3:2-3 (ESV) Eve got confused and began to doubt her own story.Genesis 3:4-5 (ESV) Satan tempted Eve.Genesis 3:7a (ESV) Once the man and woman disobeyed, they felt shame.Genesis 3:7b (ESV) They tried to cover their shame. Genesis 3:8 (ESV) They hid themselves from God.The Holy Spirit is our advocate to God the Father.John 14:16 (ESV)1 John 2:1-2 (ESV) Jesus is another advocate as He covers the sin of the world.There is no condemnation once Jesus has died in your place, and the Spirit lives in you.Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)Romans 8:33-34 (NLT)Romans 8:15-16 (NLT)Romans 8:5-6 (NIV)
The Gospel of John 1-7 Pt. 7: When the Going Gets Tough…John 6:54-69 By Louie Marsh, 5-30-2021 Intro – next series and 4 cartoons. 1) Jesus deliberately CHALLENGES my faith. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” John 6:56-60 (ESV) To REFOCUS me on Christ. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. John 6:47 (ESV) So I’ll CONFRONT my sins & problems. 11 Ephraim was a trained calf that loved to thresh, and I spared her fair neck; but I will put Ephraim to the yoke; Judah must plow; Jacob must harrow for himself. 12 Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:11-12 (ESV) 2) Tough times prepare us for the TOUGHER TIMES ahead! 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) John 6:61-64 (ESV) 3) Tough times SEPARATE the surface from the serious disciple. 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. John 6:66 (ESV) They also REVEAL the heart of Jesus to me. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” John 6:67 (ESV) 4) How should I respond to tough times? Reaffirm my commitment to CHRIST. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68-69 (ESV) Ask God to help me SEE what’s really going on. 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (ESV) Tough Times Prayer: “Lord open my eyes to see You in my life.” Look carefully for where Jesus is HIDDEN in my life. As they sat down to eat, he took a small loaf of bread, asked God's blessing on it, broke it, then gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:30-32 (NLT) 8 “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; 9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23:8-10 (ESV) Choose to keep going & MOVE THROUGH the pain. 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him. 1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. John 6:70 – 7:1 (ESV)
Hebrews 2:10-13 “Jesus, Your Perfect Older Brother” Jesus became lower than the angels to bring salvation for us. And in bringing salvation he made us his brothers and sisters. This is tightly connected to the Old Testament concepts of salvation and God’s deliverance as we will see. But this section focusing on the humanity of Jesus shows him as your brother. The comfort of having a big brother in your corner. On your side. A big brother who isn’t ashamed of you. Who protects you… and who brings you to where you need to be. Jesus is your big brother, spiritually speaking. And it so wonderful. The passage may be divided into an introduction, which speaks of the appropriateness of the Son’s suffering within the divine purposes (v. 10), the Son’s solidarity with the sons and daughters (vv. 11-13), the reasons for his incarnation (vv. 14-16), and a conclusion that speaks of Jesus becoming an effective high priest (vv. 17-18).1 Hebrews 2 (ESV) 5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. It was proper that He… the He from whom and by whom all things exist is the Father. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (ESV) yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is proper that God the Father should make perfect… that’s the point of emphasis here God is the cause. The director. The one who designed the plan and implemented the plan… 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Why was this a good plan to humiliate the Lord of glory and to make him suffer? We know it was to accomplish our salvation. It was to rescue us from the consequences of our sin. In this context, it is connected to what we saw last week, which is the restoration of creation. The idea that Jesus comes to make right all that went wrong in Adam. Jesus will restore mankind’s dignity and dominion over the creation. Our writer says here: in bringing many sons to glory This is why Jesus tasted death for everyone (v. 9)… This is your ultimate destiny. It’s what you were created for. Not the glory of creation, but the glory of the creator. The enjoyment and magnification of the creator. For the one who is before all things and in whom all things come together. God’s salvation work is in our behalf, but it is not anthropocentric (man-centered) by theocentric (God-centered). We share in his glory, but it is ultimately about him. Isaiah 60:19 (ESV) The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Romans 2:7 (ESV) to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; Romans 5:2 (ESV) Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. You and I were created for glory—and expression of God’s glory in creation. And in the fall that glory was diminished and marred by sin. But God gets what he wants and he will get glory now through the redemption of sinners. It was fitting… it was only right and appropriate that what was originally designed would be recovered. Eternity, with God, forever and ever in glory. This is your orientation now in life… deferring hope to the life to come. many sons Some translations make this sons and daughters. Or people will say, “daughters of the king”—it kind of misses the point here. That’s true. 2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV) and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty. The analogous use of language. We are all sons—by that meaning that relationship between us and God is how a Father relates to a Son. It’s an analogy. God saves many men and many women and many boys and many girls. The focus here isn’t on age or gender, but on defining the relationship between us and God. Consider how God is a Father. God is our Father but he didn’t procreate us as an earthly Father. He doesn’t parent us identically to how an earthly father does. He isn’t married to a mother who is also God that brough us forth. God isn’t a male when we think of his biology as if he has a sexual expression. God isn’t analogous to a single-parent home where we are raised by our stay-at-home Father or absentee Father out in the workplace. Rather, we learn various characteristics about how God relates to us through the expression, through the analogy, of God as our Father. It is how God accommodates himself to our understanding. How do I want my people to view the way we relate to one another? We relate as a Father to a son. Likeness. Legal rights of the family inheritance. You were brought into sonship by the work of Jesus Christ, here designation as… founder of their salvation The founder. The originator. The initiator. The source. The author. Use three other times in the New Testament, always referring to Jesus.2 The best translation value for how this is being used is pioneer. He is the pioneer of their salvation. Trailblazers, pioneers—are the ones who go ahead into uncharted territory where there isn’t yet a path and way and makes it so that others can come along behind and reach the same destination. Pioneer provides implications beyond simply starting a process… a founder who gets the ball rolling. A pioneer is not only starting something, but starting something in behalf of and in relation to others. Richard Phillips writes: We follow a path blazed only by Jesus Christ, who leads us into the promised land of salvation and eternal life. He has gone where we could not go; by his own resources of righteousness and truth and an all-conquering life, he has opened up the way to heaven for us.3 You couldn’t get to God on your own efforts. You couldn’t navigate this life in sinless perfection. You were born in Adam. Jesus didn’t merely come to show us the way to God. He did show us the way to God. But after as he provided the way to God. John 14:2–4 (ESV) In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” No alternative trail. No alternative path. You can’t make it on your own. You can’t find a method of gaining John 14:6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. This connection of the pioneer of salvation indicates the sovereign work of God in saving his people. That he and he alone gets the credit. Salvation has always been God’s work and Jesus as pioneer of our salvation in the New Covenant, looks back to the salvation of YHWH in the Old Covenant. The same Lord who led Israel in the exodus, freeing them from Egypt, is leading his people to glory through Jesus Christ.4 Who led Israel out of Egypt? Moses certainly was the earthly leader. He was the head. He led the nation. He was replaced by Joshua. There was a clear leader, a clear chief over the nation. But who put Moses in that role? Who commissioned Moses from the flocks? Who equipped Moses with mighty wonders and signs? Who gave Moses the words on the teleprompter? Israel followed Moses, but who was Moses following? Moses was the deliverer, but he himself was only the earthly component. Exodus 3:7–10 (ESV) Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:17 (ESV) and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’ Exodus 6:6–7 (ESV) Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Exodus 20:2 (ESV) I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. YHWH brought Israel up out of Egypt. YHWH authored and initiated and accomplished salvation for them. And now the writer of Hebrews picks up that theme, connecting it to Jesus. Israel was delivered by YHWH, we are delivered by Jesus. God led Israel out of a foreign land into the promised land of Canaan. Jesus leads us out of this cursed world and into the new heavens and the new earth, the ultimate promised land.5 What he did there was amazing. He took a nation that was under the thumb of the greatest superpower in the world at that time. And he brought that superpower, Egypt to her knees. He made it so that the leader, Pharoah was begging them to leave. And the people were not only saying, “good riddance…” but “here take my most valuable stuff with you when you go…” There was no battle. No bloodshed. Israel received deliverance from YHWH her God. And that was the pattern. That was to show what it was going to look like when deliverance came for not only Jews, but for the whole world. That was YHWH through Moses for one ethnic group. Now is God through Jesus for every tribe and tongue and people in his church. The same pattern. Now expanded. Elevated. He passed through the heavens and then says, trust me and I’ll bring you with me. perfect through suffering. We hear perfection and we think moral perfection. Spotless. Without defect. Without lack. Not imperfect, but perfect. And perfection could be understood in that way. It is used in Scripture in that way. But not here in Hebrews… in Hebrews here the author is not indicating Jesus lacked something morally that was made up for in suffering. He didn’t have a sin nature. He didn’t have any moral defects or moral incompleteness that needed suffering to make up for. He is the lamb without blemish or spot. Rather, we must understand this in light of the connections to the Old Testament. See, where this author is going is the identification of Jesus as our great high priest. Much of the arguments of the central part of the book relate to his priesthood. So, Jesus, was made perfect not in terms of moral improvement. But in being shown or proved to be qualified to serve as priest. Perfect or complete in the Old Testament was used of priests in conjunction with their consecration for the office. Was fully equipped for his office. God qualified Jesus to come before him in priestly action. He perfected him as a priest of his people through his sufferings, which permitted him to accomplish his redemptive mission.6 The writer of Hebrews here begins a theme that will dominate much of this book. Jesus, the true high priest to whom all the other pointed, offered his own life and gave his own blood to open the way for sinners to come to God.7 Think of it by way of analogy like this: Jesus deity alone isn’t what qualifies him to be a our substitute. It wasn’t just Jesus showing up as God incarnate and then dying. A stillborn Jesus couldn’t accomplish redemption. An adult Jesus slowing up couldn’t accomplish redemption. He had to be born under the law. He had to be born as a Jew. His family line, and yes even his DNA was traced back to Abraham. And not only born under the law, but he then had to obey under the law. He had to be circumcised on the eighth day according to custom. He had to fulfill every dimension of the law not only in the letter, but in the intent behind it. All ______ regulations. And so, it was his life as a man, which demonstrates and in one sense even qualifies him to serve in that role. Under the Mosaic covenant a priest would be ordained. He would go from at some point being a man who was not a priest to become a man who was a priest. We see a similar example of qualifications in the apostle Paul—he is saved on the road to Damascus and instantly called as an apostle of Jesus Christ… regeneration. He has a divine calling. He is equipped by Jesus himself. Intrinsically qualified. Yet in terms of his qualification to serve as an apostle alongside the others he had to go to Jerusalem first and spend time with the apostles. He had to submit his doctrine to them. He had to the credentials. Paul would even say, no one added anything to me… He wasn’t lacking prior to that. Yet it was still a necessary part of the qualification process. Furthermore, it was qualifying in the sense that he could say, “I’ve actually been there and done that.” He isn’t a human priest because he is the all-knowing God who looked upon creation and merely said, “I get it.” He wasn’t like the person is an expert in something that they really haven’t experienced yet. From time to time go out in the field to show some respect for the role… go jackhammer in the trench for 8-10 hours in the mid-90’s. Jesus didn’t just play sympathetic high priest by proxy. He became a man and lived on this earth so that he might be qualified to serve in this role. He suffered. Not just at Calvary. Surely at Calvary. The cross was the apex of all of the suffering of Jesus. But he suffered far beyond the cross. Slandered/misrepresented—good efforts called evil (loss of reputation… he does his miracles by Beelzebul) Misunderstood—crowds and even disciples asking… who is this? Ignored—stay awake and pray… don’t go tell anyone who healed you… Hated—many plotting to kill him because of intense hatred Disregarded—his own feeling Loneliness—no one who truly understood him… weeping over Jerusalem… a burden and a mission that he bore alone (even in the Garden the disciples weren’t engaged) Rejection—he came to his own and they did not receive him Exhaustion—marathon weeks, early mornings, pressed continuously by the crowds Sickness—not recorded, but happened to him… canceled plans, fever and chills and body aches Fear—cup in the Garden, even the threats of those who hated him Temptation—40 days without food… the temptation to have the glory without the cross Humiliation—taking on flesh was humiliating, getting his diaper changed, submitting to flawed parents, with his ultimate humiliation being the cross Separation from his Father—in his humanity he left heaven above Forsaken—forsake by all his friends and ultimately by his Father, “Why have you forsaken me…” Learning and acquiring knowledge— What did Isaiah say of him? Wonderful Counselor. When you meet the one who can identify with your struggle… Jesus was perfected through suffering And he comes through that equipped to meet our needs. The pioneer. Perfected in this role. Completed in this role. By his experience. Pre-requisite for being a priest is knowing God and knowing the human experience. Now he has both. He is able to help us and come to our aid in our suffering because he understands our constitution, our weakness. For it was fitting that he Entirely appropriate… this is the focus of this verse. The appropriateness. It is frontloaded in the original, the first position in the sentence. Of greatest significance and attention. Greco-Roman world this was incomprehensible… utterly shocking and inappropriate the idea that a deity, whom you worship experiences suffering—weakness and pain. The notion of a crucified Lord was a scandal to the first century world. Crucifixion was a public form of execution, and its cruelty was well known. For Jews, death by crucifixion meant a person was under the curse of God, while pagans protested that it was sheer madness.8 To the human, it’s inappropriate. Stone of beauty? Stone of easy acceptance? Stone of sweetness? Stone of offense. What is so offensive about the stone of Jesus? It’s the reproach of the cross. The natural man finds Jesus offensive. And an object of ridicule and scorn… “on the contrary, perfectly appropriate.” 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. Jesus is here the one who sanctifies. He doesn’t need to be sanctified, because he is the very essence of sanctity and the one to whom all the rest of us are to be set apart to. Jesus as the ever-obedient one didn’t need to be placed into the realm of the holy. He was always and ever the holy one and was dedicated to God throughout his life. Holiness is the defining characteristic of God’s people. He is holy, we are to be holy. How is it that we are made holy? Consecration and purification was a theme of the Old Testament. God is holy. You are not. Set apart what is common for special use. Consecration. Purification. How does this relate to perfection here? And the priesthood? A Christians unconcerned about personal holiness is a misnomer. Jesus is the savior and the sanctifier. One of the great goals of your sanctification. Ephesians 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 Romans 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. On the path to glory… We are called to trust and to obey. We are called to pursue sanctification by these means. Even commanded to be holy (be sanctified). Christian, be who you are. God tells you, who are his child to: 1 Peter 1:16 (ESV) since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” He set you apart when he saved you. Know you are to grab hold of that which is yours in Christ, by faith. Hebrews 12:14 (ESV) Strive … for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. This is what the Christian life is about—growth in holiness.9 Francis Schaeffer once defined the basic aspiration of people today, including evangelical Christians, as material affluence and enough personal peace to enjoy it. But what we see in this passage is something far greater, a higher and more wonderful destiny and calling. We are reborn in Christ as his fellow brothers and sisters for the glory that his in the heavenly realms, and the holiness that distinguishes God and his children.10 Sanctification is always by faith. We don’t possess the ability to sanctify ourselves. God does that. You do it because God is at work in you. Beware of those who diminish or make muddy this very simple and plain doctrine in Scripture. There are those who use the grace of God as a license to excuse fleshly indulgences. They are crafty. They are deceptive. They use compelling, articulate arguments. And they appeal to the flesh. Christ has secured your justification and now you are passive in sanctification. Misunderstand the Scriptures and God’s design for the believer. The distinction between justification and sanctification. Others would speak of sanctification and imply that it is just learning to do the right thing. Learning better habits. Trying to stop the bad things you do and do more good things apart from the resources God supplies. Ephesians 6 is clear—God provides all of the weaponry and the armor and strength. But you are called to put it on. So, when your sanctification wanes you are not to blame God for his lack of sanctifying work in your life, and when you pursue sanctification it is through the grace which he supplies. This is such a help. When you are weak and when you are failing, you trust he will sanctify his people. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (ESV) For this is the will of God, your sanctification… And so, for Jesus here to be the sanctifier of his people is to connect him to YHWH in the Mosaic law. In the Old Testament sanctification is an activity regularly ascribed to God: so in the Pentateuch he identifies himself with the formula, ‘I am the Lord who sanctifies you’.134 Sometimes this sanctification of people is done through other agents, like Moses (Exod. 19:14; 29:1; Lev. 8:11-12).11 Leviticus 20:8 (ESV) Keep my statutes and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you. Leviticus 21:8 (ESV) You shall sanctify him, [the priest] for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, the LORD, who sanctify you, am holy. Leviticus 21:15 (ESV) that he may not profane his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.” Leviticus 21:23 (ESV) but he shall not go through the veil or approach the altar, because he has a blemish, that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” Leviticus 22:9 (ESV) They shall therefore keep my charge, lest they bear sin for it and die thereby when they profane it: I am the LORD who sanctifies them. Leviticus 22:16 (ESV) and so cause them to bear iniquity and guilt, by eating their holy things: for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” Leviticus 22:32 (ESV) And you shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the LORD who sanctifies you, Here’s what you are to do… follow the plan, obey my commandments in faith, and trust that I am the one who makes your working effectual. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. There is a qualitative difference between us… and yet a solidarity. Difference—he is sanctified, we are being sanctified. Similarity or solidarity—we have the same Father. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, The ones being sanctified, that’s the, “them…” If you are being sanctified, Jesus isn’t ashamed to call you his sibling. He isn’t ashamed of you. Are you ashamed of him? We’ve all been ashamed of Jesus. We are often ashamed of him, but he is never ashamed of us.12 Hebrews 11:16 (ESV) But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. They experienced the temptation to be ashamed of him… Hebrews 10:32–34 (ESV) But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Hebrews 13:13–14 (ESV) Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” Psalm 22:22 (ESV) I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: Psalm 22:1 (ESV) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? Psalm 22:7–8 (ESV) All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” Psalm 22:16–18 (ESV) For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. Isaiah 8:14–18 (ESV) And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching among my disciples. I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” Literally: I will sing hymns in church. When did Jesus first call his disciples brothers? Notice that he doesn’t call them besties… or homies… he calls them brothers, but only after the cross. In fact, immediately after the cross he told the women who had just seen him in his resurrected body: Matthew 28:10 (ESV) Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” It isn’t our shared humanity that makes us siblings of Jesus. It isn’t that we are both human. But rather a spiritual connection by faith. We have the same righteousness. We have the same Father. We are united now to him as his brothers and sisters. The most important blessing we gain by having Jesus as our elder brother is entry into the family of God. He is not only the elder brother, but he is also the natural-born Son of God. By grace we adopted into the family to which Jesus belongs as the rightful Son. We are not his brothers and sisters because we are children of God; rather, we are children of God because we are his brothers and sisters.13 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” Jesus in his suffering had to put his trust in the Father. He endured by entrusting himself to his faithful Father. It was an act of submission to the Father. It was dependence. It was how he endured suffering. When you are suffering, you have Jesus as your example of entrusting himself to God in the midst of a situation. He had to trust: the Father will raise me from the dead, the Father will recompense my enemies. And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” God has given children to the Son. Oh, that he would want us. Beloved, let this sink in deeply to your thinking. Jesus isn’t ashamed of you. He isn’t embarrassed to be a human and he isn’t embarrassed that you are part of his family. He isn’t begrudgingly receiving you from his Father as a punishment. It’s not that his Father has paired Jesus with the bad ones to rehabilitate us. Or because he has displeased his Father in some way. Rather, it is regarded that we are a gift to him from his Father. John 6:37 (ESV) All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 10:27–29 (ESV) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. John 17:6 (ESV) I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Sorry, Lord, you got the short end of the stick on that deal. You became a son of man that I could become a Son of God? Yes. Gladly. It was my intention and my very best plan from the beginning. Jesus became lower the angels. He took on flesh. He tasted of death on a cross. And it was so that he might bring us into God’s family, where we become little brothers and little sisters. We look to him as our pioneer who made a way for us and who ministers to us as a high priest who can sympathize with our weakness.
There are many people that we classify as the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time), but what is the Greatest Commandment Of All Time? Join us as Brian unpacks this question from the Gospel of Luke. I'm New • https://willamette.cc/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - May 9, 2021Luke: The Great Commandment - Brian Becker THE GREATS The Great CommandmentThe Great CommissionThe Great Collaboration THE G.O.A.T. The Greatest Commandment Luke 10:25 (ESV)And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Deuteronomy 6:6-8 (ESV)And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. Matthew 23:5-7 (ESV)They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. Luke 10:26-27 (ESV)He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:28a (ESV)And he said to him, “You have answered correctly… Luke 10:28 (ESV)And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live. It's one thing to know; It's another to live.It's one thing to teach;It's another to embody. Romans 5:8 (NIV)But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Luke 10:29 (ESV)But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:30 (ESV)Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Luke 10:31 (ESV)Now by chance, a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. Luke 10:32 (ESV)So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Luke 10:33 (ESV)But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. “Let no man eat the bread of the Cuthites (Samaritans), for he who eats their bread is as he who eats swine's flesh…And do not remember the Cuthites in the Resurrection.” Eat. Drink. Be Merry. Eat. Drink. Be Angry. Luke 10:34 (ESV)He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. Luke 10:35 (ESV)And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Luke 10:36-37 (ESV)Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Love God so fully that you can love your neighbor completely.
Hebrews 1:1-4 Jesus, God’s Climactic Revelation Grab your Bibles and open them up to Hebrews 1. Hebrews 1 we begin digging into this letter sermon together. Hebrews 1:1–14 (ESV) 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. If you read the Bible, and especially the letters written in the New Testament, you realize this is not the normal way that a letter begins… No greeting. No pleasantries. No commendation. No author. No blessing. It’s not: to the saints; grace and peace; greet you in the Lord Jesus; blessed be our God. He doesn’t even mess around with introducing himself. It’s a good way to start a sermon. Right out of the gate, he throws down the core proposition of the book. What God gave you in Jesus is better—and once you have Jesus, don’t ever go back to what you had before him. What God gave you in Jesus is better—and once you have Jesus, don’t ever go back to what you had before him. The theme of this opening monologue is this: God spoke his final and best [ultimate] revelation not through human prophets, but in his divine Son. God spoke his final and best [ultimate] revelation not through human prophets, but in his divine Son. The purpose of the letter is to convince a small group of Jewish Christians not to go back. Don’t do it. We find out in the next chapter (2:3-4) that this church was begun under the apostolic preaching ministry that proclaimed Jesus as Christ. It was an exhilarating message. Jesus of Nazareth is your Messiah—he is God’s anointed. He is seated at the right hand of the Father. He is the resurrected son of David. Acts 2:36 (ESV) Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. These precious saints heard that message and they believed it. They have left the comfort Judaism. Left the synagogue. Left the festal calendar. Left the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Left the comfort of close family relationships severed by allegiance to Jesus Christ. Left the safety of being a religion that was more culturally tolerable than Christianity. Christ had meant the seizure of their property. Christ had meant for some imprisonment. For them in those early days it was worth it—they accepted persecution joyfully. The body has been in existence long enough that the preacher will say in 5:14—you should have a whole rack of teachers by now because you’ve been in the faith long enough to be mature, even though you aren’t yet mature. They had come out of the shadows of Judaism and into the brilliance of Christianity. And yet now they are contemplating going back. Returning what they knew so well. Those good old ways. If after coming to Jesus you have ever doubted whether you want to or can remain in him, Hebrews is a message for you. When you have been disillusioned because people in the body keep failing you. When you have become discouraged because your progress in the faith seems like its at a standstill and you are tired of struggling in the Christian life. When you have been rattled by opposition to Christ or your own personal doubts and you wonder… is this really worth it? It happens. And when it does, your solution is to become freshly acquainted with Jesus. Christ is the ultimate object of worship. If you are in Christ, then the Spirit of God draws you to Christ and he is your solution. That’s how the preacher shepherds this congregation. Let me reexplain, further explain Christ to you. His approach is simple: I’m going to make Jesus clear to you, and in so doing make you say—how could I possibly go back? Whatever loss I have experienced I count it gain that I now have Christ and am found in him. As unbelief has crept in and like Israel began to complain in the wilderness. Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV) Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Jesus is a fuller revelation. He is a better revelation. Once you hear from God through him, there’s no going back. God has spoken to his people Previously God spoke piecemeal revelation through human prophets (1) Now God spoke ultimate revelation through unrivaled his Son (2-4) This is a brilliant way to begin a sermon. It is written with wonderful logic and clarity. God spoke his final and best [ultimate] revelation not through human prophets, but in his divine Son. This is one sentence in the original from v. 1-4. One sentence that unequivocally asserts and demonstrates the superiority of Jesus Christ over everything. The theme in vv. 1-2a is God speaking. Previously God spoke piecemeal revelation through human prophets (1) 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, Πολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως πάλαι ὁ θεὸς λαλήσας τοῖς πατράσιν ἐν τοῖς προφήταις It opens here sounding a bit like a long ago in a land far, far away. But it is nothing of the sort. The best English rendering here is: God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways (Legacy Standard Bible) God speaks to people through people. The people he speaks to first are called prophets, they get a message that they give to other people who receive it as God’s words. God spoke to the fathers… to the forefathers, the patriarchs, the founding fathers by the instrumentality of prophets. Prophets spoke for God. In the Old Testament this took place at many times and in many ways. Each one brought a message that was truly the voice of God. Their opening refrain was often, “thus says the Lord” or “the Lord says.” Every message was 100% true. 100% divine in the source. That prophetic word was considered to be directly from God himself. It never strayed. It was utterly reliable. It came in many times or you could also translate this many portions. Many parts. I think both are true—it was many different instances of communication, each contributing a part… It was bits and pieces along the way. What lacked in this revelation wasn’t that it wasn’t true. It just wasn’t the whole deal. Each word from the Lord was fully accurate, but just a piece. You go to an expensive restaurant. As you know the pricier the menu the smaller the portions (generally). Let’s say you order a five-course meal. What happens? Someone brings you a plate with a tiny little bit of delicious food on it. It’s part one. The hors d'oeuvre, but that first little plate is a complete dish. It’s not just the garnish. Or just the sauce. It is a full hors d'oeuvre. But that first plate isn’t dinner. It’s just one part of the bigger meal. Many portions. Many pieces. A tid bit here. A tid bit there. Like hors d'oeuvres and various appetizers it is preparing you for the main course. Each one would contribute to a greater understanding like puzzle pieces each one coming together and creating more and more of a picture. Not only many pieces (many times… many portions). But many ways. Something I have always loved about God’s creative mind is the way he spoke to us. He could have had one sit down discussion with one person and given us the whole enchilada at one time. He could have dropped one book at one point. No. He revealed himself progressively. And he spoke in many ways…1 He walks with Adam in the Garden He comes to Abraham in a vision while he sleeps and shows up in person to speak to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre He wrestles with Jacob He gives Joseph dreams He speaks face to face with Moses He uses the still small voice, the gentle whisper to speak to Elijah (1 Kings 18:20-40; 19:12) A message here. A vision there. A dream here. A theophany (appearance of the pre-incarnate Son) there. But over and over we find God speaking over several thousand years to over 50 individuals.2 But the many ways ought not cause us to focus on the avenue for the revelation, but rather see its piecemeal nature. One commentator notes: His point is not merely the diversity of revelation in the Old Testament, but its fragmentary, incomplete, and gradual character.3 And every prophetic word originated from God: 2 Peter 1:21 (ESV) For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, whatever a prophet spoke was to be received as the very word of God and believed. Jesus rebukes the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Why? Because they didn’t see that he was the hermeneutical key to unlocking the Old Testament? No. Luke 24:25 (ESV) And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! You should believe the prophets. Those Jewish Christians knew the prophets. They grew up reciting the prophets. They memorized verses in the prophets. It was how they came to know God. If you want to begin to talk about privilege and privileged people on the earth—Israel had privilege. God spoke to them: Romans 9:4–5 (ESV) They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. But for the most part when God spoke, Israel yawned: Romans 10:21 (ESV) But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” Being a prophet wasn’t exactly posh in Israel. God’s people often rejected the prophets. Some of them were even killed. But to this little church, they valued the prophets. And they are tempted to think this… maybe we can find a Christless path to God. Christ is the dividing line for us—perhaps we can still relate to God without professing Christ and thereby remove the costliness of following God. People do this today. Give up wherever Christ is costly and attempt to relate to God on their own terms. So arrogant. That we would set the terms by which we relate to God rather than coming to his terms. The preacher here takes the prophets. And he doesn’t denigrate them. He doesn’t say they were useless or bad. But he uses beautiful and persuasive logic to argue for the superiority of Jesus as God’s final word. Era: Long ago vs. now in these last days Audience: God spoke to our fathers vs. now God spoke to us Manner: at many times and in many ways (i.e., piecemeal and incomplete) vs. (implied) now final and authoritative, the closing word. Instrument: by the prophets vs. now by his Son God spoke best and finally in his son Previously God spoke piecemeal revelation through human prophets (1) Now God spoke ultimate revelation through unrivaled his Son (2-4) 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, ἐπʼ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν τούτων ἐλάλησεν ἡμῖν ἐν υἱῷ, Here’s the uncreated creator. The self-existent God who needs nothing and answers to no one. Speaking. Speaking. Making himself known. Sharing himself by revealing himself. God is pictured not as a silent and distant force, impassively regulating the universe, but as a talker as One who has been speaking, arguing, pleading, wooing, commanding, telling stories, conversing and generally spinning words across the lines between heaven and earth since the beginning of time.4 God speaks to his people. We hear it and read it so much it requires pause to apprehend such a thought. So how did God speak to his people? The main verb in vv. 1-2a actually comes in v. 2. Your translation probably says has spoken. If you mark up your Bible, you can indicate that this is the main verb. Back up in v. 1 you probably have God spoke or after God spoke. This is a helping verb. So, here’s how this would work: having spoken or after having spoken, God spoke. The second speaking is a finite verb that indicates the definitive reality. Having previously spoken, God now spoke authoritatively and finally, you could say conclusively. Indicative here is presenting the information with absolute certainty.5 Forming a conclusion vs. formed a conclusion. And this point is furthered by the reference. He didn’t speak in prophets he spoke in Son. No article. No “the.” Of course, it was his Son, but it just says “in Son.” Why? Because he was just a son? We use the definite article in that way—hey could you bring a ball means something different than could you bring me the ball. The one signed by Steve Cishek. But this doesn’t men a Son. Rather to use Son without the article draws attention to the essential character of the one who is Son.6 The author’s point is not so much the identity of the Son, but the one having the quality of Sonship. It is one who: has the characteristics of a son. His credentials are vastly different from the credentials of prophets (or from the angels, as the following context indicates).7 Jesus, as God, brings superior revelation to any human prophet. Jesus is, “uniquely qualified to be the one through whom God spoke his final word.”8 Prophets. Prophets are great. Except their human. Except they are sinners. Except they die. Except they can only tell you what little piece of the puzzle they were given. Prophets are great if that’s all you’ve got. But to hear from the son is a whole other story. Sonship is oneness with the Father. The same essential nature. The same essential being. The Son of God is God and so to be spoken to in a Son is to be spoken to by God himself. Jesus came as the text says here in the last days. The last days came in (you guessed it) the prophets.9 The last days spoke of a new era where God would put his law in the hearts of his people. A time when he would visit Israel. And now you see that this time God didn’t send an average-Joe-run-of-the-mill-live-for-70-or-80-years kind of prophet. No this time God himself came to speak. John 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— God is here before you, teaching you, not through one human to the others humans, but through himself. God the Father is the source speaking. He is the ultimate cause here. The Son is the agent. This is the reality of the incarnation that we grapple with. God becoming man. Moses was the great prophet of old. The pre-eminences of the prophecy of Christ above that of Moses and all other prophets were of two sorts:—(1.) Such as arose from his person who was the prophet; (2.) Such as accompanied the nature and manner of the revelation made unto him.10 It was God himself coming. And God himself speaking. That made it final. Conclusive. It was the last word on salvation. It was the complete package. The main course. The last puzzle piece. This testimony was that the Son had arrived. It isn’t Jesus mixed in a group and he just seems to be roughly equivalent or similar in benefit. It isn’t even that he is first in the line of equals, or a head above all the rest. He is utterly unique and unrivaled in his excellencies because he is God of very God. He is intrinsically superior. Matthew 17:5 (ESV) He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” This final word spoken must be listened to. To hear the voice of the Son is to hear the voice of God. How you relate to the word of Christ is how you relate to Christ and how you relate to God. Turn with me to John’s Gospel and look at this portrayal of the final word of God. John 1:1 (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus is the word—he speaks and reveals God. John 1:11 (ESV) He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. Just as they rejected the prophets of old. Now the Father sends his very own Son and they reject him too. But this Son came bringing a better message than Moses, a better message than the prophets, through his own person: John 1:14 (ESV) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. God became flesh. He dwelled—made his abode on earth. Coming from the Father. This was a better message: John 1:17–18 (ESV) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. Literally, Jesus exegetes the Father. Moses brought the commandments. The instruction. There was grace in the law, but it was the code for how God would relate to his people. You want a relationship with God? It comes through the law. Jesus shows up and brings grace and truth. You can get to God directly because I’m here. I came to you. Everyone who had eyes to see could see that he was the divine Son: John 1:34 (ESV) And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” Peter’s testimony: Nathaniel’s testimony: John 1:49 (ESV) Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” And we are just in John 1. I want to show you just a few snapshots of this connection it is so obvious in light of Hebrews 1 and it is so marvelous: John 5:23–25 (ESV) 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. John 5:36–40 (ESV) 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. John 6:45 (ESV) 45 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— John 6:63 (ESV) 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:66–69 (ESV) 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 7:16–18 (ESV) 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. John 7:46 (ESV) 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” John 8:28 (ESV) 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. John 8:31 (ESV) 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, John 8:43–47 (ESV) 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 10:1–5 (ESV) 1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” Implication: what do you do with the voice of Jesus? If you listen to his voice, then you are his. But if you are hardened toward him or indifferent, then you are outside of him. See the warning was, recognize that this word of Jesus is even more significant than ignoring a prophet. Ignoring a prophet was bad. This is much worse. Likewise so is the corresponding comfort. Don’t leave the substance for the shadow. For them there was the temptation to return back to the former shadow. For us, the Son is the final and authoritative word. And God has graciously revealed himself to us. Instead of humans bringing parts and pieces you get God bringing you the complete and final word. So, for those original hearers…Think about it… Every patriarch was beset by sin Moses didn’t even get into the promised land because of his unbelief and anger that misrepresented God Elijah was used mightily by the Lord but then went into depression because of self-pity and fear of man and unbelief Jesus speaks a better word. God has spoken to us in his Son. Only reliable source for truth is God himself. There’s no other voice that you can trust except the voice of God. No other voice you need except the voice of God in Jesus Christ. This is to be your trust… Pulpit? As much as you can trust it, as it conforms to God’s Word. God speaks here as much as his word is the content. But his voice alone contains no error. Experts? Science? Politicians? The government? The academy? Hopelessly agenda-driven. Fallible. Self? Own thoughts. Your own feelings. Your own way of doing things? It’s as though God is still speaking today through what he spoke before. That’s the living and abiding word of God. It is a final, conclusive word. That means that we can soundly reject any prophet coming today to speak new revelation from God. Many false Christs. Many false prophets. Claiming they have new revelation from God. Claiming they know when Jesus is returning. Claiming all kinds of personal insights and authorities. Implications… How can I disregard in my thoughts and with my life? How can I distrust such a worthy word? How can I be indifferent? Comfort Commands Promises Warnings How can I not be humbled? What sets me apart from those who haven’t heard… or who have heard, and haven’t listened? Nothing… I’m a scoffer. Were it not for the grace of God there go I… But if you hear his voice as your shepherd, then you belong to the fold. How gracious that God speaks at all. Let alone came to speak to us in these last days. Do not be astonished if an emperor writes to us, for he is man. Wonder rather that God wrote the law for human beings and has spoken to us through his Son (Anthony, in Athanasius, Life of Anthony, 81). 11 Well as we said, this opening four verses is one sentence. And it presents Jesus as the superior prophet, the ultimate priest and the greatest king. This week we saw him as prophet, next week Lord willing we will see him as priest and king. Our great Messiah. We will see the qualities of this Son whom we have heard God speak to us through.
BACK TO KINGS- CHOSEN, CALLED, AND FAITHFUL--1 KINGS 19-19-21--BACK TO KINGS--Remember- - - KINGS--1 KINGS 1 - 16-1 KINGS 17 - 2 KINGS 13-2 KINGS 14 - 25--CHOSEN, CALLED, AND FAITHFUL---CALLED--- Who was called---'El' -God- - 'yasha' -saved- - 'God Is Salvation'--Significance----- Who called Elisha- -Verse 19----- What did God call Elisha to do- -Verse 19---2 KINGS 1-8 -ESV- - They answered him, -He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.- And he said, -It is Elijah the Tishbite.---2 KINGS 2-14 -NKJV- - 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, -Where is the Lord God of Elijah-- And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that- and Elisha crossed over.---- How did Elisha respond to God's call---Recognising God's kingship, he gave total, unreserved submission---- Verse 20--- Verse 21--- Why are we doing this---- The call to ministry--- The call to salvation---CHOSEN--Why did God call Elisha---- Not because ---------------------------------- Not because --------------------------------2 KINGS 2-23 -NKJV- - Then he went up from there to Bethel- and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, -Go up, you baldhead- Go up, you baldhead----- But because ---------------------------------1 KINGS 19-15-16 -NKJV- - 15 The Lord said to him, -Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus- and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 You shall also anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi king over Israel- and you shall anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.
Sermon Notes - March 7, 2021Luke: The Blind Receive Sight - Brian Becker "There is practically nothing that messes with people's relational harmony or dynamics more than broken expectations." - Jeremy Kubicek Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent… Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 16:16 (ESV)The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.” Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”Breakthrough belongs to those who go for it. Luke 18:17 (ESV)Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped… One of the only things worse than blindness, is not knowing that you are blind. “ Better to be blind and see with your heart, than to have two good eyes and see nothing.” - Helen Keller Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:49,50 (ESV)“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.' And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.' And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.” Luke 18:40b-41 (ESV)And when he came near, (Jesus) asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” Luke 18:42-43 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Psalm 121:1 (NIV)I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Sermon Notes - March 7, 2021Luke: The Blind Receive Sight - Brian Becker "There is practically nothing that messes with people's relational harmony or dynamics more than broken expectations." - Jeremy Kubicek Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:35-36 (ESV)As he (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. Luke 18:37-38 (ESV)They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent… Luke 18:39 (ESV)And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Luke 16:16 (ESV)The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.” Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”Breakthrough belongs to those who go for it. Luke 18:17 (ESV)Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped… One of the only things worse than blindness, is not knowing that you are blind. “ Better to be blind and see with your heart, than to have two good eyes and see nothing.” - Helen Keller Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 18:40-41 (ESV)And then Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:49,50 (ESV)“Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.' And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.' And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.” Luke 18:40b-41 (ESV)And when he came near, (Jesus) asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” Luke 18:42-43 (ESV)And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Psalm 121:1 (NIV)I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Intro: Welcome to the podcast Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem!, where by God's grace, you and I rise up and embrace the possibilities and opportunities for spiritual and psychological growth right now, in these days, all grounded in a Catholic worldview. This podcast is about transformation -- a radical transformation of self, overcoming anything that gets in the way of us loving God our Father and Mary our Mother with the trust and dependence of a little child. This podcast is all about real love in real relationships and it's messy. I'm clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski and I am here with you, to be your host and guide. This podcast is part of Souls and Hearts, our online outreach at soulsandhearts.com, which is all about shoring up our natural foundation for the Catholic spiritual life, all about overcoming psychological obstacles to being loved and to loving God and neighbor -- This is episode 47, released on December 21, 2020 and it is titled: Shame and Redemption: St. Peter and You it is the 11th episode in our series on shame. Thank you for being here with me. This episode stands alone Episodes 37, 38 and 39 lay out the conceptual foundations on shame Last episode we discussed how shame can lead to tragedy in the story of Judas Iscariot. Continuing to illustrate shame and related concepts with stories Now we are going to look at an story of intense shame and redemption. The story of the Apostle Peter Really going to look inside of Peter's mind, heart, body and soul today Really focus on understanding what happened in his life Making sense of his decisions, his choices I share his name. I connect with him, he makes so much sense to me. Very similar parts. In our fallen world, in our fallen human condition, all of us have elements of what Peter struggled with. We can learn from Peter's redemption Profiling St. Peter Teaching you to recognize parts in other, parts in yourself I am an IFS therapist -- really interested in parts of people Understanding parts really helps us grow in the understanding of ourselves and others Socrates: Know thyself Jesus: Removing the beam in your own eye Recognizing, identifying your parts and the parts of others is really helpful for loving the other person. Why? Loving a person means accepting loving all their parts. All of them. It is really helpful to know a part in order understand what it needs. Doesn't mean affirming every action Doesn't mean agreeing with every opinion Doesn't mean endorsing every desire Doesn't mean encouraging every impulse See what you resonate with What are parts? Discrete, autonomous mental systems, each with own idiosyncratic range of emotion, style of expression, abilities, desires views of the world. Modes of operating Subpersonalities Orchestra model Focus is on integration. Get forced into extreme roles -- attachment injuries and relational traumas Three roles Exiles -- most sensitive -- become injured or outraged. Threatens the system, external relationships Exploited, rejected, abandoned in external relationships Want care and love, rescue, redemption shame. Need for redemption Managers Protective, strategic, controlling environment, keep things safe Obsessions. Compulsions, reclusiveness, passivity, numbing. Panic attacks, somatic complaints, depressive episodes, hypervigiliance. Firefighters Stifle, anesthetize, distract from feelings of exiles No concern for consequences Binge eating, drug/alcohol use, dissociation, sexual risk taking, cutting Parts can take over the person Like in Pixar Movie Inside Out -- anger taking over the control panel of the main character Riley We call it blending. IFS on the Self -- (recorded) Self defined as the seat of consciousness Self can be occluded or overwhelmed by parts When self accepts and loves parts, those parts transform back into who they were meant to be Self-led mind is self-righting. self -- Active inner leader -- more than mindfulness Parts find the relationship with the self very reassuring But to reap the benefits they have to unblend from and notice the self This is frightening can challenging to parts Agency in the parts -- parts are making decisions about unblending in IFS model Intrinsic qualities of the self Curiosity Compassion Calm Confidence Courage Clarity Creativity Connectedness Kindness The self can be easily occluded, obscured, hidden by protective parts who take over in response to fear, anger or shame St. Peters Parts -- or modes of operating Boldness, self confidence Overconfidence Manager Part. Fisherman who owned his own boat A part that wants to be big. Have to make quick decisions Dangerous occupation Respected in Galilee, a leader Courage, Fortitude Leads to forgetting the teaching of Jesus Established, married. Defends against a shame exile. Spontaneity/Impulsivity Manager leaping in Quick reactions -- this part leaps into action instantaneously Man of action Courage here too Trusted his instincts. Capable of intense emotion Driven by that emotion Seizing opportunities as they arise See opportunity, seize opportunity No dithering Can lead to rash actions Not pausing for reflection, discernment, prayer -- can lead to some internal disorganization Leads to forgetting the teaching of Jesus Also a big part -- wants to command. Defends against a shame exile Caretaking of others Manager Part A big heart. Very affectionate, paternal Very protective of others. Moral Part Obedience Like my "Good Boy" Part Manager Part Strong sense of duty. Responsibility. Manager Part Aware of his sinfulness, his weakness. A familiar part Peter examined his conscience Motivated to repent -- can experience grief. Need for integration Awe and wonder A young part -- childlike Fearful Part Exile Depression is not his thing. Anger not his thing. Control and anxiety Part that reaches out for help in need When it is desperate. Unlike Judas. This part is small and willing to be rescued. Transparency. What you see is what you get. No guile. Opposite of Judas. Pattern: Bold manager part -- self confidence Teams up with Spontaneous Part -- impulsive, acting on instinct Gets into trouble, pain, is corrected Repents, seeks relationship and starts over in humility. The story of Peter Stories are so important Really enter into Peter's world, see Christ, see the world through his eyes Jesus calls Peter Matthew 14:18-20: 18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Mark: 1: 16-18: "immediately" Luke 5:1-11: While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennes′aret. 2 And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 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. 4 And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, 7 they beckoned 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. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zeb′edee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Jesus walks on the sea Matthew 14:22-33 22 Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land,[a] beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately he spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30 but when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Relied on Christ, then relied on himself, then on Christ again. Shifts Recovery Jesus allowed him to sink Jesus reached out to him Painting by Christian artist Yongsun Kim "Save Me-- The Hand of God" How many times to forgive? Matthew 18:21-22 21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ Mark 8:27-30 27 And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare′a Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Eli′jah; and others one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he charged them to tell no one about him. Peter is rebuked by Jesus Mark 8:31-33 31 And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.” Douay Rheims; Who turning about and seeing his disciples, threatened Peter, saying: Go behind me, Satan, because thou savorest not the things that are of God, but that are of men. ESV & NASB: But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Peter at the Transfiguration Mark 9: 2-8 2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them, 3 and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Eli′jah with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Master,[a] it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli′jah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. [DRA: They were struck with fear; NASB and ESV: They became terrified] 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son;[b] listen to him.” 8 And suddenly looking around they no longer saw any one with them but Jesus only. Luke 9:28-36 28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli′jah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep but kept awake, and they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli′jah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen;[a] listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. Peter and the washing of feet John 13:3-9 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. 5 Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. 6 He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Peter's Denial foretold John 13: 36-38 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow, till you have denied me three times. Matthew 26:30-35 And after singing a [l]hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus *said to them, “You will all [m]fall away because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' 32 But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33 But Peter replied to Him, “Even if they all [n]fall away because of You, I will never fall away!” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter *said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” All the disciples said the same thing as well. Mark 14:26-31 26 And after singing a [l]hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus *said to them, “You will all [m]fall away, because it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' 28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29 But Peter said to Him, “Even if they all [n]fall away, yet I will not!” 30 And Jesus *said to him, “Truly I say to you, that [o]this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31 But [p]Peter repeatedly said insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing as well. Luke 22:31-34 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,[d] that he might sift you[e] like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.” 33 And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 He said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you three times deny that you know me.” Boldness, overconfidence. Does not take Jesus' admonition to heart. Doesn't accept the word of God. Insisting he knows more about himself and his future actions than Jesus does. Bluffing. Bluff and bluster. Trying to fake it till he makes it. He didn't make it. Humility. Yes Lord, even if he doesn't understand. Addictions, problems -- I can overcome by sheer force of will. Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane Matthew 26: 51-56 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus [t]reached and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and [u]cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve [v]legions of angels? 54 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?” 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a man inciting a revolt? Every day I used to sit within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me. 56 But all this has taken place so that the Scriptures of the prophets will be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled. Mark 14:32-50 32 They *came to a place named [q]Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” 33 And He *took with Him Peter, [r]James, and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. 34 And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and [s]keep watch.” 35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began praying that if it were possible, the hour might [t]pass Him by. 36 And He was saying, “Abba! [u]Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” 37 And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not [v]keep watch for one hour? 38 [w]Keep watching and praying, so that you will not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again He went away and prayed, saying the same [x]words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to say in reply to Him. 41 And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough. The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being [y]betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let's go; behold, the one who is betraying Me is near!”43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up, [z]accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs who were from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him and lead Him away [aa]under guard.” 45 And after coming, Judas immediately went to Him and *said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 And they laid hands on Him and arrested Him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and [ab]cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a man inciting a revolt? 49 Every day I was with you within the temple grounds teaching, and you did not arrest Me; but this has taken place so that the Scriptures will be fulfilled.” 50 And [ac]His disciples all left Him and fled. John 18:10-11 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. 11 Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?” Peter's Denial Matthew 26:69-75 69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a slave woman came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another slave woman saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it, with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “You really are one of them as well, since even the way you talk [ae]gives you away.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the statement that Jesus had [af]made: “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. Crushing shame. He went out. He didn't stay. He withdrew, he hid. Think about that moment. Enter into Peter's world -- get to know your parts Was he possibly suicidal? Consequence of being big Shame can get in the way of repentance -- the shame boat. No room for guilt. John was able to stay small enough to be near Christ. John 18:15-18 15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. As this disciple was known to the high priest, he entered the court of the high priest along with Jesus, 16 while Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the maid who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are not you also one of this man's disciples?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants[b] and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. John 18:25-27 25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “Are not you also one of his disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants[c] of the high priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed. Did he pray? Peter not at the crucifixion P. 207 Seeing in vision how Peter denied his Master three times, Mary wept and prayed fervently for him, and her prayers earned him the grace of an almost immediate repentant. Suddenly the door of the hall opened, and Peter rushed out, weeping bitterly. In the glare of the torches, he recognized John and Mary. His conscience was already deeply stirred by the penetrating look which Jesus a given him and now he trembled as the Blessed Virgin said to him: “Oh Simon, what about my Son? What about Jesus?” Being unable to speak or to endure Mary's questioning eyes, Peter miserably turned away. But Mary approached him and said in a voice choked with emotion: “Simon, are you not going to answer me?” Then Peter exclaimed: “Mother, do not speak to me! Your Son is suffering cruelly. They have condemned him to death – and I have shamefully denied Him three times!” As John came near to speak to him, Peter ran off and made his way to the cave on Mount Olivet. Because of his perfect contrition, Mary obtained that God should soon forgive him, and she sent one of her angels to console him invisibly. P. 220 John met Peter coming to the Cenacle after having spent the night weeping and repenting in a cave near the Holy City. They found some of the Apostles and went to the Cenacle. Peter alone went in to see Mary first. Falling at her feet, he said the sobs of intense sorrow: “I have sinned, Lady. I have sinned before my God, and I have offended my Master and you!” The Blessed Virgin knelt beside him and said: “Let us ask pardon for your guilt from my And Your Master.” Then she prayed for Peter and reminded him of the Lord's many acts of mercy toward great sinners and of his own obligations as head of the apostles to give an example of strength in the Faith. Peter and the Resurrection John 20:3-10 Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag′dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. Luke 24:33-34 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them,34 who said, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. Healing John 21:1-19 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe′ri-as; and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan′a-el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb′edee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved[b] said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards[c] off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.Jesus and Peter 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.[d] 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.” Exercise: Consider which part of the story resonated with you the most. What did you connect with? Probably some resonance with a part of you and a part of St. Peter. How do you feel toward that part of you? What gets in the way of you loving that part of you? If you reject that part of you in you, you will reject similar parts in other people. That will get in the way of you loving them. Wrap up Next week St. Dismas -- the thief on the cross next to Jesus, I will discuss his story in a bonus podcast just for RCC members. - Shame and the cross. Will do a bonus podcast on how I relate with St. Peter's parts. How I see them in me. We have the resilient Catholic community. That community is about transformation, about preparing the way for love in our souls. Its about being together as Catholics on a journey, on a mission to really enter into an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ our brother, the Holy Spirit who is Love Himself and with our spiritual parents, God the Father and Mary our Mother. It's about sharing our experiences in that journey on that mission. Get on the waiting list soulsandhearts.com/rccd so you will get information before the general public does. I will be reaching out to those on the waiting list soon. Can start by sharing these podcast -- spotify, apple podcasts, google play, amazon. Share it on social media -- buttons are on our website at soulsandhearts.com/coronavirus-crisis -- get your word out there, with your personal recommendation -- how these episodes have helped you. Share them, let others know You can reach out to me at 317.567.9594 or at crisis@soulsandhearts.com Last Wednesday, second Wed. December 29, 2020 at 7:30 -8:30 PM EST -- social hour. Hanging out, celebrating Christmas, touching base Patronness and Patron. Include St. Peter
“Don't fear, just live right.” — Neal A. Maxwell Today's Scripture: Proverbs 3:23-24 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (ESV) They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. (NLT) Other verses mentioned in the episode: Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. (Proverbs 4:6) And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Lord, how my foes increase! There are many who attack me. Many say about me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side. Rise up, Lord! Save me, my God! You strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people. Selah (Psalm 3) If you want a place to see and answer the questions I ask in the episode and to keep track of the discoveries you make as we study Proverbs, we include a set of free journal pages for this devotional series in each of our Sunday emails Free journal pages to follow the study: http://www.getwisdom.link/email (www.getwisdom.link/email) http://www.getwisdompublishing.com (www.getwisdompublishing.com) http://www.graceandthegravelroad.com (www.graceandthegravelroad.com)
God is once again calling His Church to remember. Remember who we were created to worship. Remember where we were when He came for us. When we again find ourselves pinned down by impossible circumstances and hear the echoes of accusation pursuing us, we must remember that it is He who is fighting for us, leading us and bringing us into a land flowing with milk and honey. In this hour, it's time for us follow the fire by night and cloud of His presence by day. In this sermon titled Bread From Heaven from our Lessons From the Wilderness series, Pastor Lee Cummings brings a powerful word that asks the question: are you going to listen to the voice of God, or the voices of this world? Focus Scripture // Exodus 16:1-4,11-15 (ESV) “They set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the people of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. 2 And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, 3 and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger. 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 11 And the Lord said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.'” 13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. 14 And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” Sermon Highlights The wilderness became a training ground to develop Israel into a people that could actually possess the Promised Land. The miracle of the manna was a lesson that they had to learn to successfully navigate the rest of the journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. The manna test: will you listen to the voice of God over all other voices? You were created to be led by God daily, not occasionally. You were created to live in dependency. You were created to leave a testimony. Will you listen to the voice of God over all other voices?
Reformation Sunday: The Five Solas During the 16th Century. The reformers were protesting Protestants . Protestors against Catholicism. Battle Lines: Authority: Church Authority VS Biblical Authority Salvation: Synergy VS Monergy. God's Word is interconnected. You can't talk about one theology with it leading to another theology. The Five Guides protect us from man-made religion which war against Jesus Christ. The goal of the world is simple Anything but Jesus Christ. Pagan religions, secular humanism. Or Jesus Christ +. . . . . Cults, heresies, TBN, prosperity preachers Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone [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. Concerning divisions in the church: [1Co 4:6 ESV] I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. Written Word Inspired by the Holy Spirit. [2Pe 1:19 ESV] And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, [2Pe 1:20 ESV] knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. [2Pe 1:21 ESV] For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Sola Christus - Christ alone Jesus Christ is the only mediator. Penal Substitutionary atonement [Jhn 14:5 ESV] Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" [Jhn 14:6 ESV] Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [Jhn 14:7 ESV] If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." [1Ti 2:5 ESV] For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, [1Ti 2:6 ESV] who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. Sola Gratia - Grace alone Unmerited Grace: [Eph 2:8 ESV] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [Eph 2:9 ESV] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Eph 2:10 ESV] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. God saved me, Despite Me, not because of me. [Psa 14:2 ESV] The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. [Psa 14:3 ESV] They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Paul Reveals how Grace Works. [2Co 12:9 ESV] But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [2Co 12:10 ESV] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Sola Fide - Faith alone [Rom 5:1 ESV] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [Rom 5:2 ESV] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. You do not create faith. God gives you Faith [Rom 12:3 ESV] For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. [1Co 12:9 ESV] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, The Disciples Ask Jesus for more Faith. [Luk 17:5 ESV] The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" [Luk 17:6 ESV] And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. [Mar 9:23 ESV] And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." [Mar 9:24 ESV] Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" [Heb 12:1 ESV] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [Heb 12:2 ESV] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Soli Deo Gloria - the Glory of God alone Definition of Glory: noun, plural glories 1. very great praise, honor, or distinction bestowed by common consent;renown: to win glory on the field of battle. 2. something that is a source of honor, fame, or admiration; adistinguished ornament or an object of pride: a sonnet that is one of the glories of English poetry. 3. adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving: Give glory to God. 4. resplendent beauty or magnificence: the glory of autumn. Here is a clue if your theology is heading the wrong way. You make the case for some inherited goodness. When I. . . But Then I . . . . I am so thankful I. . . . . It should be. When God. . . . In His Mercy, God. . . . . But then God. . . . . [1Pe 2:24 ESV] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. [1Pe 2:25 ESV] For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. An Angel declares to the World. Fear God & Give Him Glory! [Rev 14:6 ESV] Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. [Rev 14:7 ESV] And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give Him Glory, because the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water." [Jhn 15:7 ESV] If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [Jhn 15:8 ESV] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. [Jhn 15:9 ESV] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [Jhn 15:10 ESV] If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. [Jhn 15:11 ESV] These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. Jesus' after Judas went off to betray Him. [Jhn 13:31 ESV] When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. [Jhn 13:32 ESV] If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. [Psa 96:4 ESV] For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. [Psa 96:5 ESV] For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. [Psa 96:6 ESV] Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. [Psa 96:7 ESV] Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! [Psa 96:8 ESV] Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts! [Psa 96:9 ESV] Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth! [Psa 96:10 ESV] Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity." [Psa 96:11 ESV] Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; [Psa 96:12 ESV] let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy [Psa 96:13 ESV] before the LORD, for He comes, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness. [1Co 10:31 ESV] So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. The Five Solas More presentations from Jeff Rossignol
4th of July, 2016 Live as a Christian Where You Are. If you have more Freedom in America as a Christian then more is required of you. Individual responsibility = Freedom. The moment you hand your individual responsibility to a government you lose that freedom and become a slave to that government. Moral Laws are all you can enforce as a government. Murder, Lying, con-artist Stealing: embezzling Governments carry the sword for a reason. When a government creates laws to prevent a sin before it happens, that is when you lose your freedom and no government can manage what they create. Thought Laws: “hate crimes” “hate speech” God's Plan for the Local Church [Eph 4:11 ESV] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [Eph 4:12 ESV] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, To What End? To Grow Up. [Eph 4:13 ESV] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [Eph 4:14 ESV] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [Eph 4:15 ESV] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [Eph 4:16 ESV] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Don't do what the world is doing. [Eph 4:17 ESV] Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. [Eph 4:18 ESV] They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. [Eph 4:19 ESV] They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Heads Up Christian! [Eph 4:20 ESV] But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- [Eph 4:21 ESV] assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, [Eph 4:22 ESV] to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, [Eph 4:23 ESV] and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, [Eph 4:24 ESV] and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Your New Action Plan [Eph 4:25 ESV] Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Anger is not Sin. [Eph 4:26 ESV] Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, [Eph 4:27 ESV] and give no opportunity to the devil. Individual Responsibility . . . there it is. [Eph 4:28 ESV] Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Watch your mouth. [Eph 4:29 ESV] Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. rotten, putrefied For the Christian, the Holy Spirit is IN YOU. [Eph 4:30 ESV] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Don't carry dung in your heart and mind. The opposite of forgiving. [Eph 4:31 ESV] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [Eph 4:32 ESV] Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Your Christian work this week. Read Ephesians 5 once a day, every day. Freedom's Cost More presentations from Jeff Rossignol
Justice is Good Pseudo dichotomy Equal Opportunity VS Equal ResultsChristian Martyrdom VS Irresponsible VictimLethal Self-Defense VS Pacifism Justice VS RevengeJustice VS LoveChristian Liberty VS Ministry / Fellowship = Christian Love Justice; It's Good Just this Week. An example of injustice and evil. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-david-daleiden-faces-20-years-in-prison-for-offering-to-purchase-h HOUSTON, January 25, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – The lead investigator behind the undercover Planned Parenthood videos faces up to 20 years in prison after a Houston grand jury decided on Monday not to charge Planned Parenthood with any wrongdoing – and instead indicted him for offering to purchase human organs from the abortion provider. Proverbs 28:5Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all things.Justice is Good. [Psa 106:3 ESV] Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! [Lev 19:15 ESV] "You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. [Lev 19:17 ESV] "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. [Isa 61:8 ESV] For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Isn't God mean in the OT and Jesus nice in the NT? Suffering for being a Christian[2Th 1:3 ESV] We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. [2Th 1:4 ESV] Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.[2Th 1:5 ESV] This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering-- [2Th 1:6 ESV] since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,[2Th 1:7 ESV] and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels [2Th 1:8 ESV] in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. [2Th 1:9 ESV] They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, Why Justice? [2Th 1:10 ESV] when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.[2Th 1:11 ESV] To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, No Justice, No Gospel! [Rom 3:20 ESV] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. [Rom 3:21 ESV] But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— [Rom 3:22 ESV] the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:[Rom 3:23 ESV] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [Rom 3:24 ESV] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [Rom 3:25 ESV] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [Rom 3:26 ESV] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Be Responsible Psuedo Dichoto...More presentations from Jeff Rossignol
What is going on? Why is evil celebrated in our country this week? History and sexual immorality. History is attached via the confederate flag and the Government continues to hate God and promote great evil. The Confederate Flag Attack. Freedom means Individual Responsibility. If you cannot be individually morally responsible, you cannot have freedom. You will lose your responsibility and become a slave. Historically, the national sin of slavery, As states were unwilling to stop enslaving humans they separated themselves and said the Federal Government cannot tell individual states what to do. 1. They were correct. 2. However, they very objection they were raising to Federal government, they were doing to humans within their own states. 3. The south lost the war and then lost their state's right. Same is try after 9/11. Terrorism brings fear. Americans would rather have security not freedom. So Department of Homeland Security is created. Another bloated government agency feeding off the responsible working class of Americans. Sin as an individual and a nation always leads to lose of freedom. Sexual ImmoralitySupreme Court Ruling Makes Same-Sex Marriage a Right NationwideNew York Times - 1 day agoIn a long-sought victory for the gay rights movement, the court ruled, 5-4, that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. Why is humanity charging the gates of Heaven?Hoping to overthrow holiness, purity, righteousness, in the name of love? All humans are enemies of God. [Psa 14:1 ESV] To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.[Psa 14:2 ESV] The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.[Psa 14:3 ESV] They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.[Psa 14:4 ESV] Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD? Walking dead. [Eph 2:1 ESV] And you were dead in the trespasses and sins[Eph 2:2 ESV] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--[Eph 2:3 ESV] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. God's Judgements. [Rom 1:18 ESV] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.[Rom 1:19 ESV] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.[Rom 1:20 ESV] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.[Rom 1:21 ESV] For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.[Rom 1:22 ESV] Claiming to be wise, they became fools,[Rom 1:23 ESV] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.[Rom 1:24 ESV] Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,[Rom 1:25 ESV] because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.[Rom 1:26 ESV] For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;[Rom 1:27 ESV] and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.[Rom 1:28 ESV] And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.[Rom 1:29 ESV] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,[Rom 1:30 ESV] slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,[Rom 1:31 ESV] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.[Rom 1:32 ESV] Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Hope for zombies, He saved us when we were zombies.[Eph 2:4 ESV] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,[Eph 2:5 ESV] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved--[Eph 2:6 ESV] and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,[Eph 2:7 ESV] so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.[Eph 2:8 ESV] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,[Eph 2:9 ESV] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.[Eph 2:10 ESV] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. What are we to do?[Eph 5:7 ESV] Therefore do not become partners with them;[Eph 5:8 ESV] for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light[Eph 5:9 ESV] (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),[Eph 5:10 ESV] and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.[Eph 5:11 ESV] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.[Eph 5:12 ESV] For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.[Eph 5:13 ESV] But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,[Eph 5:14 ESV] for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."[Eph 5:15 ESV] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,[Eph 5:16 ESV] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.[Eph 5:17 ESV] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.[Eph 5:18 ESV] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,[Eph 5:19 ESV] addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,[Eph 5:20 ESV] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Repent Continually. [1Pe 4:1 ESV] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,[1Pe 4:2 ESV] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.[1Pe 4:3 ESV] For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.[1Pe 4:4 ESV] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;[1Pe 4:5 ESV] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.[1Pe 4:6 ESV] For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.[1Pe 4:7 ESV] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. The Gospel must be spoken from your Mouth[Rom 10:13 ESV] For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."[Rom 10:14 ESV] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?[Rom 10:15 ESV] And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"[Rom 10:16 ESV] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"[Rom 10:17 ESV] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Evangelize and Teach. [Mat 28:19 ESV] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,[Mat 28:20 ESV] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Sharing the Gospel has got to be Priority. [1Co 9:19 ESV] For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.[1Co 9:20 ESV] To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.[1Co 9:21 ESV] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.[1Co 9:22 ESV] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.[1Co 9:23 ESV] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.[1Co 9:24 ESV] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.[1Co 9:25 ESV] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.[1Co 9:26 ESV] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.[1Co 9:27 ESV] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. Christians first American's 2nd. Save your neighbor not the country. [1Pe 2:9 ESV] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.[1Pe 2:10 ESV] Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.[1Pe 2:11 ESV] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.[1Pe 2:12 ESV] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. The downfall of America is not the downfall of the world. Peace and Joy is not based on outward circumstances. [Phl 4:4 ESV] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.[Phl 4:5 ESV] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;[Phl 4:6 ESV] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.[Phl 4:7 ESV] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.[Phl 4:8 ESV] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.[Phl 4:9 ESV] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Link to the Slideshow here.
Acts 12 Political Resistance [Act 12:1 ESV] About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.[Act 12:2 ESV] He killed James the brother of John with the sword,[Act 12:3 ESV] and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. Which Herod is this?A. Herod Agrippa I was the son of Aristobulus and Berenice, and grandson of Herod the Great. After various changes in fortune, he gained the favour of Caligula and Claudius to such a degree that he gradually obtained the government of all of Palestine, with the title of king. He died at Caesarea, A.D. 44, at the age of 54, in the seventh [or the 4th, reckoning from the extension of his dominions by Claudius] year of his reign, just after having ordered James the apostle, son of Zebedee, to be slain, and Peter to be cast into prison: Acts 12:21 Herod = "heroic"The first Herod was the political leader when Jesus was born. The 2nd Herod was Herod “Antipas”This Herod was AgrippaHis son was Herod Agrippa the II [Act 12:4 ESV] And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. The Angelic Rescue[Act 12:5 ESV] So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.[Act 12:6 ESV] Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.[Act 12:7 ESV] And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.[Act 12:8 ESV] And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."[Act 12:9 ESV] And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.[Act 12:10 ESV] When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.[Act 12:11 ESV] When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." Go to His Local Church[Act 12:12 ESV] When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.[Act 12:13 ESV] And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.[Act 12:14 ESV] Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.[Act 12:15 ESV] They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!"[Act 12:16 ESV] But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.[Act 12:17 ESV] But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place. Meanwhile back at the local Government [Act 12:18 ESV] Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. Herod's Motive is not Justice. [Act 12:19 ESV] And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there. Government Intrigue; Herod offers peace, gives a speech and God strikes him dead. [Act 12:20 ESV] Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.[Act 12:21 ESV] On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.[Act 12:22 ESV] And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!"[Act 12:23 ESV] Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. If humanity in general is at war with God, of course the Governments of the world are also at war with God. [Psa 2:1 ESV] Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?[Psa 2:2 ESV] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,[Psa 2:3 ESV] "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us."[Psa 2:4 ESV] He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.[Psa 2:5 ESV] Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,[Psa 2:6 ESV] "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."[Psa 2:7 ESV] I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.[Psa 2:8 ESV] Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.[Psa 2:9 ESV] You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."[Psa 2:10 ESV] Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.[Psa 2:11 ESV] Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.[Psa 2:12 ESV] Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. For Christians in America at the moment: Political Incorrect, The New Tolerance; which means the only thing that is bad is saying that bad is bad. In which case everyone is allowed to say it's bad. Biblical mortality is socially unacceptable. Government supported and promoted Child sacrificehttp://dailysignal.com/2015/01/03/planned-parenthood-performed-327653-abortions-2013-accepted-528-million-taxpayer-funds/ According to the statistics in the report, the 327,653 abortions comprised 94 percent of Planned Parenthood's pregnancy services, which also include prenatal care and adoption referrals. During the fiscal year 2013-14, Planned Parenthood received more than $528 million in taxpayer funds; or about $1.4 million per day. Taxpayer funding accounts for 41 percent of Planned Parenthood's revenue.Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit, currently holds more than $1.4 billion in net assets.37 babies an hour are sacrificed to demons and the president rejoices. Flashback to Acts 4, when Peter and John are arrested for healing and proclaiming Jesus. [Act 4:19 ESV] But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,[Act 4:20 ESV] for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."[Act 4:21 ESV] And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.[Act 4:22 ESV] For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.[Act 4:23 ESV] When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. The Church prayed from Psalms 2[Act 4:24 ESV] And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,[Act 4:25 ESV] who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, "'Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?[Act 4:26 ESV] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'--[Act 4:27 ESV] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,[Act 4:28 ESV] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. Look at their prayer request[Act 4:29 ESV] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,[Act 4:30 ESV] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."[Act 4:31 ESV] And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. The Real Word of God increases. After Herod's death.[Act 12:24 ESV] But the word of God increased and multiplied.[Act 12:25 ESV] And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. Share the Gospel[2Ti 4:1 ESV] I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:[2Ti 4:2 ESV] preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.[2Ti 4:3 ESV] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,[2Ti 4:4 ESV] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Celebrate Communion[1Co 11:23 ESV] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [1Co 11:24 ESV] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." [1Co 11:25 ESV] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." [1Co 11:26 ESV] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Memorial Day 2105 Temporal Life, Eternal Life 60 people at the Memorial service around a memorial. Of men and women who died in wars to fight and protect our country and our freedom. Folks visiting grave sites. Annual Paw Paw Alumni Banquet. Evening Schedule: Tribute to Deceased Members: 1905-2015. 110 Years! Time Verses.[Jas 4:13 ESV] Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"--[Jas 4:14 ESV] yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.[Jas 4:15 ESV] Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."[Jas 4:16 ESV] As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.[Jas 4:17 ESV] So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. Time Verses.[Eph 5:15 ESV] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,[Eph 5:16 ESV] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.[Eph 5:17 ESV] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. We are commanded to Know for sure we are going to Heaven. [1Jo 5:13 ESV] I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. Step One; Level the playing field. Who is a sinner? I am and You are. 12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.13 “You shall not murder.[c][Mat 5:21 ESV] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'[Mat 5:22 ESV] But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.14 “You shall not commit adultery. [Mat 5:28 ESV] But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.15 “You shall not steal. (Regardless of value)16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Lie)17 “You shall not covet If we broke even one of these laws once we are guilty of breaking it all. [Jas 2:10 ESV] For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. [Psa 130:3 ESV] If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? [Rom 3:23 ESV] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, A Good God MUST punish sin. A Good God is a Just God. Romans 6:23 EsvFor the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.John 3:36 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not HelpfulWhoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.God's Judgement is Terrifying![2Th 1:8 ESV] in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.[2Th 1:9 ESV] They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,So now all humanity has a problem. God is good and holy, We are evil in God's site and He must punish us. The Throne[Rom 14:12 ESV] So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.So here you are before the complete righteous throne of God. God asks you. “Why should I let you into my Heaven”?What will you say? . . . . .Will you try to justify yourself? I did good, I went to church, I walked the isle, I prayed the sinners prayer, I was part of the Lions club, Kiwanis, I gave to the red cross, I believed in social justiceWill you come up with an excuses? I didn't know you were there, How was I supposed to know the Bible was the right religion? Will you blame God for your life? You God placed my with my abusive, alcoholic, broke parents, You let my loved ones die in that accident, your local church did me wrong, You made me have those sexual desires, You made me that way. Let's look at the One and Only Right Answer!God so Loves the World. Here is HOW God So Loved the World. He sent someone to take His Wrath in Your Place. [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.Propitiation. God's Righteous Judgement; Wrath is satisfied. [1Jo 2:2 ESV] He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.[1Jo 4:10 ESV] In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.How did God make Jesus the propitiation for our Sins? [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.Jesus is our substitute Sinner, even though He Never Sinned.God made Jesus the object of His Wrath to Satisfy His Justice. God Mercy & Grace saved us from God's Justice. [Rom 8:1 ESV] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[Rom 8:2 ESV] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.[Rom 8:3 ESV] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,[Rom 8:4 ESV] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.Legal Transaction. Need volunteers.What do you do with this information?Admit: You are evil and deserve God's Justice. Trust: Jesus Christ substituted Himself in your place. Took God's punishment on your behalf. God can legally declare you justified before Himself and allow you a relationship with Him. Ask God to let the sacrifice of Jesus Christ be applied to you. Yield yourself to God as His servant and tell Him you will learn His Will and Obey. Let's visit the Throne of God Again. Here is the one and only right Answer. [Job 42:1 ESV] Then Job answered the LORD and said: [Job 42:5 ESV] I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;[Job 42:6 ESV] therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."I know I am an evil sinner deserving your Wrath.I stand here forgiven because You had Jesus take my punishment for me. Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord is the only reason I can come into your Heaven. I bring you nothing else. God Commands everyone to repentActs 17:30 ESV / 5 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, You need to trust in the deepest part of your heart, that it is only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ instead of you to satisfy the Justice of God that you deserve. When Jesus returns it will be too late for anyone else. [2Th 1:7 ESV] and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels[2Th 1:8 ESV] in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.[2Th 1:9 ESV] They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,[2Th 1:10 ESV] when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. Please See the Slide Show Here.
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