Podcasts about even before

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How God Says He Loves Us: Part 1 -- The Covenant with Noah” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

How God Says He Loves Us: Part 1 -- The Covenant with Noah MESSAGE SUMMARY: We have a God that loves us so much, and God's love for us is expressed to us through His “covenants”. Also, God's “covenants” reveal to us His grace and faithfulness. In today's message, we will discuss God's Covenant with Noah. A “covenant” can be defined as an “oath or promise of God”. In a Biblical covenant: 1) God establishes the Covenant; 2) God always implies that “I am your God, and you are my people” – God desires a personal relationship with us; and 3) God sets the covenant's terms and rulers. In Genesis 6:5-22, the corruption of humanity, through mankind's sin after the Fall, became too much for God, and He became sorry that He made mankind. From Genesis, we know that God “grieved in His heart” because of human evil, corruption, and violence. However, Noah found favor in the eyes of God. Noah was righteous and blameless, and Noah “walked with God”. After destroying all humans and all other inhabitants of the earth, except for Noah, his family, those animals that Noah collected for His arch, God “blessed Noah in Genesis 9:1-29; and God established His covenant with Noah in Genesis 9:9-1:10,11-13: “'Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you . . . that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.' And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.'". Therefore, this covenant is not only with Noah and all other living things on the earth; but God's covenant with Noah is with us too! The “rain'bow'” is a sign of this covenant between Noah and all humanity; and this “rainbow” is, also, a sign of God's love, grace, and mercy. In 1 Peter 3:18-21, the Apostle Peter relates Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, which is redemptive covenant for our salvation, to God's earlier covenant with Noah: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . .". In this text from 1 Peter, we learn that our “baptism” represents our Salvation through Jesus. Like Noah and his family, we have been saved “through the water” not “by the water”. Therefore, “baptism” is another covenant between God and all humanity, through God's Grace, to save mankind from itself if we accept God's Grace. God does not see us, now, in our sin like humanity's evil of Noah's time; rather, God sees us through the eternal (like the “rainbow”) “Justifying” covenant blood of Jesus.     TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Genesis 6:5-22; Genesis 9:1-29; 1 Peter 3:18-21; Psalms 28:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” ”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

How God Says He Loves Us: Part 1 -- The Covenant with Noah MESSAGE SUMMARY: We have a God that loves us so much, and God's love for us is expressed to us through His “covenants”. Also, God's “covenants” reveal to us His grace and faithfulness. In today's message, we will discuss God's Covenant with Noah. A “covenant” can be defined as an “oath or promise of God”. In a Biblical covenant: 1) God establishes the Covenant; 2) God always implies that “I am your God, and you are my people” – God desires a personal relationship with us; and 3) God sets the covenant's terms and rulers. In Genesis 6:5-22, the corruption of humanity, through mankind's sin after the Fall, became too much for God, and He became sorry that He made mankind. From Genesis, we know that God “grieved in His heart” because of human evil, corruption, and violence. However, Noah found favor in the eyes of God. Noah was righteous and blameless, and Noah “walked with God”. After destroying all humans and all other inhabitants of the earth, except for Noah, his family, those animals that Noah collected for His arch, God “blessed Noah in Genesis 9:1-29; and God established His covenant with Noah in Genesis 9:9-1:10,11-13: “'Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you . . . that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.' And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.'". Therefore, this covenant is not only with Noah and all other living things on the earth; but God's covenant with Noah is with us too! The “rain'bow'” is a sign of this covenant between Noah and all humanity; and this “rainbow” is, also, a sign of God's love, grace, and mercy. In 1 Peter 3:18-21, the Apostle Peter relates Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, which is redemptive covenant for our salvation, to God's earlier covenant with Noah: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ . . .". In this text from 1 Peter, we learn that our “baptism” represents our Salvation through Jesus. Like Noah and his family, we have been saved “through the water” not “by the water”. Therefore, “baptism” is another covenant between God and all humanity, through God's Grace, to save mankind from itself if we accept God's Grace. God does not see us, now, in our sin like humanity's evil of Noah's time; rather, God sees us through the eternal (like the “rainbow”) “Justifying” covenant blood of Jesus.     TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Genesis 6:5-22; Genesis 9:1-29; 1 Peter 3:18-21; Psalms 28:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” ”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Turkeys and Eagles, Part 3: A Child of God's Light” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Turkeys and Eagles, Part 3: A Child of God's Light MESSAGE SUMMARY:    Introduction – When God looks at us, our actions and the situations in our lives, God sees us as if we had never sinned – we are Justified through the blood of Jesus. While we are forgiven of our sins, we are instructed to confess our sins (1 John 1:9) because this “confession” is for us – it is so that we might be healed and renewed in the Holy Spirit. Also, this “confession” is for us to forgive as Christ forgives -- we are to unconditionally release those we believe have offended us just as Christ released us. Also, by our forgiving others, we are released. We were created to be like Jesus – to soar like the eagle and not to be “Turkeyized”! Message – God has made us to be “Eagle Christians”, but so many times we are “Turkeyized”. Often, we have been taught things that are not in line with the Christian faith. In Proverbs 23:7: “As a man thinks within himself, so he is.”. As a Christian, our behavior follows our thinking. – If we think right, the presence of the Lord will be with us.   In Ephesians 5:1-14, Paul explicitly defines for us how we are to be “imitators of God” as God's beloved children (i.e. God is our father). From Ephesians, we can differentiate between “Turkeyisms” Vs. “Eagle Thinking “: 1) My circumstances are such there is no way God could be honored in my life Vs. God gives me the ability to represent Him in my life and the world; 2) Sex is dirty and is not appropriate for Christians Vs. Sex is a gift from God, and it is beautiful within the context of marriage; and 3) My life doesn't make much of a difference Vs. I am a vessel of God's light – when we are not living for Jesus as our Lord, we are living in darkness. We, as followers of Jesus, are the light of the world – we need to live as we were created to be; and then we will be blessed and soar like eagles.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-14; Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9; John 8:12; Psalms 70a:1-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” ”: at our website:  https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Title: Enemies Made Into Friends Text: Acts 16:26-34 FCF: We often struggle loving others especially our enemies. Prop: Because God strikes down all His enemies and does so by making some His friends, we must love all, even our enemies. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 16. In a moment we will read from the New English Translation starting in verse 25. You can follow along in the pew bible or in the version you prefer. Last week we saw that in correlation to God being sovereign over His mission and His people responding to His gospel, He has many enemies. We noted that though God allows these enemies to persist, He does so for His glory so that when they are finally put down, His fame will only increase. But we also left one major cliff hanger. The human enemies of God and His children have seemingly won. They were able to beat and imprison Paul and Silas without, as it stood, any response from God. We left Paul and Silas singing and praying in their jail cell as the other prisoners listened in. Where was God? Why did He let this happen to His children? Those answers will come today… and my friends… they come in a big way, especially for a certain warden and his household. Please stand with me out of respect for and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Father, we know that were it not for Your grace we would still be Your enemies. Were it not for Your love, we would still be opposed to You. Among us today we have many stories of how You took a wretch and made it Your treasure. Our lives are living testaments to the power of Your grace. Today, as we look into Your word, show us more of Your amazing grace. Reveal to us the power of Your gospel to destroy even the hardest heart so it can receive Your truth. Renew us today in the strength of Your Right Hand. For Your power unto salvation is the gospel of Your dear Son. It is in His name we ask this, Amen. Transition: Once again, we will go right to the text this morning as we attempt to fit all this in to a reasonable time. I.) God will eventually strike down all His enemies, so we must love all, even our enemies. (26-29) a. [Slide 2] 26 - Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors flew open, and the bonds of all the prisoners came loose. i. Luke includes in his description of this earthquake, just enough details to assure us of the divine agency in it. ii. First, it must be said that earthquakes are quite common in Greece. 1. Some records indicate Greece on average has a small or moderate earthquake every two or three days. 2. Greater earthquakes are less common. The last great earthquake was in 1956 and they are expecting another large earthquake to occur sometime in the next 2-3 years. iii. Second, ancient Greeks would read considerable religious significance into great earthquakes. 1. They frequently built their temples along fault lines. There are two reasons for this. a. Natural springs occur around or near fault lines and they would be sought after for a temple. b. The connection to the gods, specifically Hades or Pluto and the underworld, or even Poseidon or Neptune and the sea would be far clearer as the faults are literally cracks in the earth to the underworld and the abyss. 2. Therefore, an earthquake would already be seen as a divine act. It is simply a question of which divine being did the shaking and why. iv. Third, is the particularity and specificity of which divine being caused this earthquake. And Luke gives us that by recording that all the prisoner's hands were freed and all the doors were opened. 1. Although this earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, the walls did not crumble and the prisoners and the guards were not harmed. 2. The only noticeable result of the earthquake was that the prisoners were freed. 3. It is no small coincidence, nor would anyone think it so, that the earthquake occurs on the one night in which these missionaries who preach the Most High God are imprisoned and then released by such an event. 4. And as we'll see the jailer's response actually points to this fact. 5. He will assume that it is the God of Paul and Silas that is at work here. b. [Slide 3] 27 - When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he assumed the prisoners had escaped. 28 - But Paul called out loudly, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” i. We have commented before on this very issue, but as a jailer it would be your primary responsibility to keep the prisoners from escaping. If you should fail at this task, your life is forfeit. ii. We saw how Herod killed the guards who allowed Peter to escape. iii. The same would be true for this jailer. iv. So, waking from the earthquake and seeing all the doors open he assumed that all the prisoners had escaped. v. If he would lose his life for losing 1 prisoner – how much more would he have to pay for losing all of them. vi. Indeed, he most likely faced crucifixion for his dereliction of duty. vii. Certainly, an act of the gods like an earthquake would excuse him from his failure we would think. But I'm not sure this jailer wanted to take that risk. viii. The honorable way to pay for allowing the prisoners to go free – divine act or not - would be to take his own life. And we see him taking out his sword to do just that. ix. Before he is able to complete the deed, Paul calls out to him loudly from within the inner cell. x. Though Paul was imprisoned unjustly and though the jailer was no doubt unkind and lacking empathy for Paul and Silas only a few hours prior – Paul does not want to see this man lose his life arbitrarily. xi. It is unclear how Paul is able to see him. Whether the light from outside allowed for those inside to see out but not for those outside to see in, or perhaps through divine revelation, we don't know, but somehow Paul knew the suicidal jailer's intention. xii. He informs him that every prisoner is safe and secure. There is no need for him to take his own life. xiii. Most likely, Paul knows that none have left, because they are all in the same prison room together. c. [Slide 4] 29 - Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell down trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. i. After hearing the voice of a prisoner claiming they are all still present – the jailer calls for torches to be brought in so he can verify that this is true. ii. He would not have been alone. He would have had guards helping him to secure the jail, probably members of his household. iii. After the lights are brought in and Paul and Silas are discovered - he falls down trembling before them. iv. Why is he trembling? v. As we have already discussed, earthquakes served as divine omens of judgment. The fact that these men were only here for one night, now freed by a very specific earthquake, and were kind to him even though he was probably not kind to them, clearly proved to this jailer that Paul and Silas' god –– whoever it was – was angry that they had been imprisoned. vi. And if that god was angry at them being imprisoned, that would mean that this god was also angry at him. vii. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. viii. Sure, he won't be crucified for letting prisoners escape… but now he faces something far more dreadful. ix. He faces the judgment of a god whom he has been caught actively opposing. d. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: Last week we witnessed the apostles face down two enemies of God. Demons and humans. In the power and authority of Jesus' name, the demons were cast out. But last week we stopped short of God's victory over his human enemies. Today we see God acting in such a way that both proves He is above all the false gods that were worshipped by the Greeks and the Romans while simultaneously freeing His people from their grasp. In this process the indomitability of God is on full display. He is not able to be subdued, no creature can tell him no, no one can slap his hand away. The jailer got the point. His fear of this God far exceeded all the would-be gods he had feared in the past. As an enemy of this God, one who mistreated His servants, he was absolutely terrified at what this God would do to Him. But notice what the missionaries did… EVEN BEFORE the jailer knew what had happened. Paul saved his life. My friends, if God will put down all His enemies eventually, then we should love our enemies and show compassion and care for them. What more can you do to the enemies of God than God will do? Did Paul try to cast the demon into the abyss? No. He simply cast him from the slave girl. And Paul could have done nothing and watched this jailer end his own life. But instead, he told him – we are all here. Spare your life. Would I have been so gracious to a man who so recently mistreated me? I shudder to think. We must love all men, even our enemies. Even when they despitefully use us… we must pray for them. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But what comes of the Jailer? He is terrified at the coming judgment of God. But what happens? Does God destroy Him? If God truly destroys all His enemies, we might expect that to be the case. Are Paul and Silas as concerned about his soul as they are his life? Let's see. II.) Sometimes God will strike down His enemies by making them into His friends, so we must love all, even our enemies. (30-34) a. [Slide 7] 30 - Then he brought them outside and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” i. Most likely the prisoners are brought out from the inner room into the courtyard of the prison. Once in the courtyard they could get everyone to safety from the compromised building and do a proper head count of the prisoners. ii. It is here that this warden asks the missionaries a question. iii. His question is flawed in two regards. 1. First, it is probably flawed in its scope. a. While it is possible that the jailer had heard the gospel from the lips of the missionaries, or had heard the proclamation of the slave girl, it is more likely that his theological understanding is quite shallow. b. Thus, his question about salvation most likely has to do with the physical judgment of the God that these missionaries served. He wanted them to tell him how to be spared from that punishment. c. He is not far off the mark – but enough to where he doesn't understand the true depth of his need. d. He doesn't understand that it isn't only his mistreatment of this God's men which has led to him being in danger of judgment, but that all his sin has made him an object of the wrath of this God. e. As so many today, he thinks he has only slightly angered the god of the Jews, when in reality He has committed acts of treason against the Most High God, Creator of all that is and was and will be, Who is the First and the Last and beside Him there is no god. 2. Second, his question is flawed in means. a. Like the Jews at Pentecost when they were pricked to the heart and asked what they should do, like the Ethiopian Eunuch who asked what prevents me from being baptized, like the rich young ruler who lacked some command to enter the Kingdom of God, so also the Philippian Jailer asks what he must do to be saved. b. From a pagan perspective, he is probably asking Paul and Silas to prescribe to him a set of sacrifices or rituals which he can execute to square himself to their god and avoid his or her judgment. c. As many do today, he measured his offense on the cosmic scales of human effort, assessing that he would be able to pay the balance he owed by a few heart-felt rituals and sacrifices. If I do enough good it will outweigh my offenses. d. But should man do exactly what God desires, he has done what God has expected. There is no extra credit. Therefore, there is no way to make up the ground you have lost. Saying it a different way, in order to be pleasing to God you must be Holy as He is Holy. And if you violate the law in one point you violate the whole law and are condemned by it. e. Therefore, the question is asked amiss. f. What can he do? Truly? Nothing. He can do nothing. g. So how will the missionaries respond? Will they say – you can't do anything? b. [Slide 8] 31 - They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” i. The way this reads is much like the way the Elisha/Naaman scene transpired in II Kings. ii. The jailer, having seen the Lord's hand in freeing and preserving the prisoners and himself, and trembling in fear at being found opposing such a god, no doubt asks what great feat he must accomplish to be spared judgment. iii. He probably expected a very difficult task. The Greeks and Romans both had mythologies and legends where the gods assigned difficult tasks to people to get on their good side. It is probable that he expected some sort of task for himself to make things right. iv. But as Elisha told his servant to tell Naaman to bathe in the Jordan 7 times, so Paul and Silas (the servants of Jesus) tell the jailer to believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. 1. This is a pregnant statement by Paul. What is he saying? Is he saying, “Say a prayer and then you are saved forever.” No. 2. He says believe on the Lord Jesus - which is a command, that in the Greek, emphasizes its completion or fullness. Believe completely and undividedly on Jesus as Lord. 3. And then he says, if you do this, you will be saved. In the future. Believing completely does not immediately produce this salvation. It is something that occurs sometime after one believes completely. 4. Furthermore, your saving, is also done by someone or something else. It is passive. The believer is receiving the saving not doing the saving by their actions. 5. Now does this statement fully address what the warden is asking? 6. No, not really. But it does indicate that Paul probably understood exactly what the jailer was asking when he said “what must I do to be saved.” 7. Paul understood that the man was afraid of being judged by God and desired to do something to be square with Him. 8. Paul does not prescribe some great task… but instead commands him to believe completely in Jesus as Lord of all Lords and any future judgment he has earned, he will be spared of it. 9. Paul declares that this man must abandon every other lord he trusts in, and trust in only one Lord. Jesus. 10. Then He will be saved. 11. Paul speaks of a future aspect of salvation rather than a present one. Because that is what the Jailer feared. Future judgment. v. Before we move on we must address the last statement here. vi. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household. 1. Proponents of the infant baptism view point out that here in the Greek the verb believe and the verb saved both occur in the singular form. Proving, they say, that the salvation of the head of the household is applied in one way or another, to the rest of the household. 2. But this construction is not uncommon in the Greek. In fact, the NET translates this in such a way as to help us see how this works. Because we do it in English too. 3. Let me give you a couple of examples in English. a. Wash your hands and you will be healthier, you and your family. i. Now if I said that, would you assume that my whole family will be healthier simply because I washed my hands? ii. Or would you assume that I was saying that if my family does the same, they too will be healthier. iii. Here is another. b. Eat and you will be filled, you and your family. i. This is even less ambiguous. ii. While we could make a case that my whole family would be healthier if only I washed my hands, it makes absolutely no sense that my family will be filled if I am the only one that eats. 4. Basically, the phrase, “You and your family” implies that the same command fulfilled will produce the same promise or reward for fulfilling it. 5. Paul, really, is predicting that the gospel call will go out to his household too. c. [Slide 9] 32 - Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him, along with all those who were in his house. i. Here we see a further explanation of the gospel to both the jailer and his household. ii. Probably his household consisted of his family and his servants, all of which applied themselves to the keeping of prisoners. Therefore, all of them are up at this late hour dealing with this peculiar situation. iii. His household has joined them in the courtyard where Paul and Silas elaborate on their previous gospel presentation. iv. Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, is a true statement, but it certainly could afford to be fleshed out a little right? v. John Calvin called this gospel presentation a “cold and hungry” definition of salvation. vi. And he is 100% right. It is complete… but it would not be enough for the jailer. He will need more. And that is what we see happening here. vii. Believe on him for what? What has He done? What am I being saved from? What am I being saved to? viii. We can assume that the fullest expression of the gospel is given to the warden and his house. d. [Slide 10] 33 - At that hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized right away. i. Remember the situation not a few hours prior. The warden secured them against the wall and left them to a painful and sleepless night. ii. Now, moved by compassion that is only explained by saving faith, like the woman who washed Jesus' feet, he as the jailer washes their wounds. iii. My friends, wardens at this time did no such thing. As a jailer, his task was to keep the prisoners and afford them no luxury. He wasn't even required to feed them. That was the responsibility of their loved ones. iv. But here, he washes their wounds. v. And immediately after this – no doubt in the same water mixed with the blood and sweat of the missionaries, he was symbolically washed of his sins. He and all his house. e. [Slide 11] 34 - The jailer brought them into his house and set food before them, and he rejoiced greatly that he had come to believe in God, together with his entire household. i. Again, we see the fruit of the Spirit follow conversion. His hospitality and care for the missionaries which he formerly sought to harm, is evidence of a changed man. ii. He feeds them. A task which could actually get him in a lot of trouble. Why? He willfully released the prisoners to come into his home and fed them. This is at very least risking his career, if not his skin. iii. And again, we must deal with this final statement here in this text which seems to suggest that only the jailer believed even though his entire household was baptized. iv. There is actually a very good grammatical argument for why the way the NET translates it is quite excellent. But I can give that to any interested this Thursday night at Bible Study. v. Long statement short – the words at the end of the sentence show us that both the rejoicing and the belief in God were shared by the entire house. vi. And how remarkable for God to save not only this jailer, but also open the eyes of his entire house to believe the gospel. f. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: In our last point we saw that our God is indomitable. He is unable to be subdued. He is unable to be tamed. He is unable to be controlled. He is the Most High God. And because of this, he will subdue all His enemies eventually. But in the Philippian Jailer's life – we see that that subjugation is not always punishment. Because our Lord is also gracious and loving, He sent His Son so that all the believing ones in Christ would not perish but be given everlasting life. Sometimes God subdues His enemies by making them His friends. Indeed, He is drawing to Himself a bride, a fold, a priesthood, a unified body of people in Christ. And because of this – as we see both the Missionaries and the jailer and his house do, we must love one another. We must love our enemies and we must love God's people. The missionaries loved this man enough to share the gospel with him and his household. And this jailer loved these new brothers so much he risked his career to care for them. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC? How then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 13] Building from the scene from last week, we know that our God has enemies both spiritual and physical. Although our God is sovereign over all things, He allows His creation to oppose Him in His plan to glorify Himself. And today, we are reminded that eventually God will subdue all His enemies. And He will do so in one of two ways. Either He will judge them for their sin, or He will judge another for it and make them His friend. Either you will be destroyed or you will be destroyed and rebuilt. The Philippian Jailer came to the end of himself, and though he was ignorant of exactly what his problem was or what he might need to do to fix it, one thing he knew for sure. He was in trouble. The God of these missionaries was able to shake the foundations of the prison, release his men and everyone else, and yet this God's followers were kind and even saved his life. As the Lord would have it – the Philippian Jailer's destiny was not to be destroyed someday in the future – but to be destroyed that very night in his jail courtyard, in the wee hours of the morning. He and all his household believed on the Lord Jesus and were remade into new creatures. The missionaries and the Jailer serve as our examples of the one application from this text. We must love all men, even our enemies. This application flows out of the fact that God will destroy all His enemies and some by making them His friends. If this is true, it is Anti-Christ to hate God's children. Since they are the body of Christ, His Son. And, it is Anti-Christ to hate God's enemies, for only He is the judge and will determine whether He destroys them or destroys them and remakes them. But let me make these applications much more concrete so that we may take them into our everyday lives all the easier. 1.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must believe that all men, being enemies of God and deserving His eternal wrath, will eventually be subdued by Him. a. There is a lot in this little statement that we must believe. b. The Philippian jailer feared what the Lord would do to him since he had opposed His servants. c. The earthquake sent him quaking, fearing what their God's reprisal would be on him. d. But he underestimated his status before the Most High God, Creator of all things, and Holy Lord of Glory. e. He did not stand in offense… He stood opposed. f. He did not merely trespass, He mutinied. He was not merely an offender. He was an enemy. g. The scriptures declare to us that all men are enemies of God, children of wrath, of their father the devil, incurably sick with sin, desperately wicked, neither seeking nor desiring God. h. All men are guilty of the whole law and are subject to the only just penalty of breaking the whole law. i. Eternal wrath in a death devoid of God's mercy and empty of His grace. j. Many ask, why is the lake of fire eternal? Why cannot a man pay for his sin and then the Lord restore him to heaven or at least just snuff them out of existence? Why must God preserve their eternal souls to suffer forever? k. Such questions reveal the same shallow understanding the Philippian jailer had of his own sin. l. Sin is so heinous, so terrible, so egregious… it is so unnatural… so diabolical… that were we given all eternity to pay for even 1 sin against our Holy God… My friends… it would not be enough. m. That is why God's wrath is poured out eternally on those who are enemies of God. Because in that eternity – they are no closer to paying for their sin. n. And here is the kicker… o. All men are enemies of God. p. And here is the terrible warning I have for you today. q. All men will be subdued by God. All men will be put down. r. Every enemy of the Lord will be destroyed. One way or another. s. That is a terrifying thought. t. But it only gets worse. u. Let me continue with the bad news this morning. And it is found in something that many men believe that is false. 2.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that we are able to make up for or help God make up for our sin by acts of obedience, ritual, or sacrifice. a. The Philippian Jailer assumed, like many today, that his sin was only a minor matter. Something that he could easily make right by performing some act of obedience, some ritual, or paying some penance or sacrifice. b. Like the Philippian jailer this thought divides into two categories. c. Either someone may think that they can do good deeds, or give up things they love for a period of time, or perform certain rituals and this will somehow earn extra credit from God who will apply it to their account and allow them to balance the scales of His justice. d. Or as others concede, Christ has to help us in some degree. They believe He has built up for us a storehouse of merit, and because we still sin, we must continue to add to that storehouse lest we potentially run out. We must keep ourselves in this status of salvation and if we do not, then we risk punishment and even hell. e. But given our discussion about the heinousness of our sin, I hope you realize that such a thing is wholly impossible. No amount of good deeds could possibly make up for 1 offense against the Lord because good deeds are what He requires of us. There is no “extra” credit available for doing what He has commanded us to do. f. My friends, no act of obedience, ritual, or sacrifice could possibly make up for any sin we may commit. g. The bad news is… our sin is a real and deadly problem. h. Our sin separates us from a holy God… And there isn't anything we can do about that. Why? Because we are separated from Him. i. How do you make peace with a God you cannot approach? And even if you could get an audience with Him – what would be your offering to Him? j. Would you approach His holy throne with your righteous deeds? He has declared through the prophet Isaiah that all our righteous deeds are like used menstrual rags. Will you bring these to the Most High God and expect Him to be pleased? Pleased enough to forgive you? k. Nothing we can do can make up for our sin. l. We are wholly and completely destitute. Dead in our sin. m. But now it is time for some good news. Something we must believe. The gospel… 3.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must believe that it is in the will of a loving and gracious God, to destroy some of His enemies by making them His friends and conforming them to His Son. a. What must be done with a vessel that does not serve the purpose it was created to serve? b. What does a potter do with a vessel that rips on the wheel? c. He must remake it. d. Yes, God destroys all of His enemies. e. But some of them, He remakes into His friends. He presses them into a new mold. Not the old broken mold of Adam which springs a leak and cannot hold water. f. He presses us into the mold of Christ which is a vessel fit to hold the finest treasures of our Lord. Namely His Spirit. g. God will destroy all His enemies. This is true. h. But some of them will forever praise Him for the glories of His grace because even though they should have been cast into the fire with the rest… i. He chose to save them, remake them, and build them back into a vessel fit for glory. j. What does that mean? 4.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must believe on the Lord Jesus and we will be saved. a. The Holy God, the Most High God, The Creator of all that is, was and will be, The first, the last, the alpha the omega, Yahweh… b. He has supplied exactly 1 way of salvation. i. He loved every nation so much that He sent His only and unique Son, the second person of the Godhead, to humiliate Himself by becoming one of us by taking on a human nature and adding it to His divine nature. ii. This Jesus, who is the Lord of Glory, submitted Himself to a shameful death after living a sinless life, and died as the most wicked sinner that has ever died – having taken on Him the sin of all of His people. And by dying He suffered the full wrath of God for them. iii. By raising again the third day He conquered death supplying a way for all who are in Him to go to the Father of Lights who is the giver of only good gifts. iv. And by ascending He now stands as an advocate for His bride while they are being prepared to be wed to Him. c. My Friends! d. Because you are absolutely, comprehensively, thoroughly, ultimately, exhaustively, extensively, inside out and upside down, through and through, woefully and perfectly wicked and unable to do anything to change it, unable to do anything to prevent this GOD from utterly destroying you… e. WILL YOU NOT BELIEVE? WILL YOU NOT BOW? Will you not cast all your hope on this One who has not commanded you to die for Him so you can be saved, but has died to save you from His own judgment? f. Will you not completely and finally believe no matter what it costs? g. Would you not do something far greater and more taxing to escape the coming eternal judgment of His wrath? h. Why then will you not only believe? i. And I do not speak of a simple mental assent where you just agree that He is who He says He is. j. No. k. I mean a belief that this Jailer had. l. A belief that cast aside everything else in order to obtain it. m. A belief that proves itself out in a changed life. n. One in which… 5.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must love one another, even our enemies. a. My friends, there is no such friend of God who is not completely and irrevocably changed by His remaking hand. b. God's people, those He has destroyed and sought to remake… DO NOT LOOK THE SAME AS THEY ALWAYS HAVE! c. This jailer only moments after his beleif was washing the wounds and feeding these prisoners. d. Why? e. Because He wasn't the same. f. Paul and Silas being ambassadors of the Living God, should have been treated like the Kings … but when they were maligned, abused, mistreated, mocked, ridiculed – they neither retaliated nor did they complain. g. Instead, they sang songs of praise to God. h. And when they had a chance to watch the jailer who treated them so poorly, end his life in front of their eyes so they could escape… they stopped him from doing it! i. And when he asked how to be saved – they could have refused, they could have laughed at his flawed question…but did not. They taught him and his WHOLE HOUSEHOLD the word of God. j. My friends… k. You cannot be a Christian and hate one another. You cannot be a Christian and withhold forgiveness from others. You cannot be a Christian and hate your enemies. l. God will put them down, one way or another. That is His role as a Just Judge. m. Our role… is to love one another. Even our enemies. n. Even those who abuse us. o. Even those who spitefully use us. p. Why? q. Because we've been remade. We aren't the same broken jar we once were. r. We hold living water. s. But perhaps your heart looks to the enemies of God and screams what mine often does. t. There is no hope for these people. They are too far gone. u. Or perhaps… you are saying that of yourself. Perhaps you think… you are too far gone too. v. Take heart… 6.) Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” There is no enemy of God beyond His reach to judge or to save. a. There are only two options in front of every enemy of God. b. Either they will be judged by the just judge and they will pay for every crime they have committed against Him… c. Or Christ will. d. That's it. Either Christ has already paid it, or they will pay it. There is no third option. e. Do you realize that Kamala Harris is 1 earthquake away from being your sister in Christ? f. Do you realize that Gretchen Whitmer is 1 opened heart away from being a friend of God? g. I don't care what you've done sinner… or how wicked you've been. h. Paul sought and killed Christians for a living. He did it zealously. He did it joyfully. He did it as a holy charge to the false god he served. He was the Hitler of the early church… And Jesus Christ threw him on the ground, rebuked him and commanded him to serve him. That Paul died that day. And the Paul we see today was reborn in his place. i. No one… is beyond the reach of God's destructive power. He will destroy all His enemies. And that is a great comfort to we, who were destroyed and then remade. j. And it is a terrible warning to you if you remain His enemy… k. But you don't have to succumb to a future destruction. You can be destroyed… right now. l. That is my prayer for you. Let me close with a prayer by the Reformer John Knox Strong and mighty God, You destroy the word of the ungodly and rid the world of tyrants, whenever You decide. No force can resist Your everlasting determination. Now look on Your cause for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is time, Lord. Bring to nothing all those things that stand against You and Your holy word. Do not let the enemies of Your truth oppress Your word and Your servants. We seek only Your glory, and above all things wish in our hearts that Your holy name would be glorified among the nations. Grant that we Your servants would speak Your irresistible truth and wisdom. Even though we justly deserve this plague and famine of Your word, we pray that You would release us in our true repentance. We vow before You to better use our gifts, and to order our lives according to Your will and pleasure. We will sing unending praises to Your blessed name, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen. Benediction: Let those who trust the Lord be like Mount Zion, Which cannot be shaken but endures forever. May that same Lord establish you in the Gospel So that all peoples might believe and obey Him Who is the only wise God; the glory is to Him forever through Jesus Christ! Until we meet again… Go in peace!

Turkeys and Eagles, Part 3: A Child of God's Light MESSAGE SUMMARY:    Introduction – When God looks at us, our actions and the situations in our lives, God sees us as if we had never sinned – we are Justified through the blood of Jesus. While we are forgiven of our sins, we are instructed to confess our sins (1 John 1:9) because this “confession” is for us – it is so that we might be healed and renewed in the Holy Spirit. Also, this “confession” is for us to forgive as Christ forgives -- we are to unconditionally release those we believe have offended us just as Christ released us. Also, by our forgiving others, we are released. We were created to be like Jesus – to soar like the eagle and not to be “Turkeyized”! Message – God has made us to be “Eagle Christians”, but so many times we are “Turkeyized”. Often, we have been taught things that are not in line with the Christian faith. In Proverbs 23:7: “As a man thinks within himself, so he is.”. As a Christian, our behavior follows our thinking. – If we think right, the presence of the Lord will be with us.   In Ephesians 5:1-14, Paul explicitly defines for us how we are to be “imitators of God” as God's beloved children (i.e. God is our father). From Ephesians, we can differentiate between “Turkeyisms” Vs. “Eagle Thinking “: 1) My circumstances are such there is no way God could be honored in my life Vs. God gives me the ability to represent Him in my life and the world; 2) Sex is dirty and is not appropriate for Christians Vs. Sex is a gift from God, and it is beautiful within the context of marriage; and 3) My life doesn't make much of a difference Vs. I am a vessel of God's light – when we are not living for Jesus as our Lord, we are living in darkness. We, as followers of Jesus, are the light of the world – we need to live as we were created to be; and then we will be blessed and soar like eagles.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-14; Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9; John 8:12; Psalms 70a:1-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” ”: at our website:  https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus?” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share Publicly Your Relationship with Jesus? (Resurrection Anglican Church; Woodstock, GA) To what extent are you willing to share with others your relationship with Jesus? What price are you willing to pay, personally, so that others may know the good news of Jesus – the Gospel? What are you willing to go through to advance the Kingdom of God? In Ephesians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul summarizes the price that he joyfully accepts to carry the news of the Gospel to the Nations: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentile -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.". In Acts 26:19, Paul gives his public testimony, in his hearing before King Agrippa; and told the King and everyone in attendance that he, Paul, felt privileged to testify, to the Nations, about his conversion and his relationship with Jesus: “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.". Paul was in prison facing a trial by the despotic Emperor of Rome, Nero. However, you may never have to go to prison or face death to communicate the Gospel; but you will face both physical and emotional discomfort as you become a visible follower of Jesus. While articulating the Gospel to others is important, the most effective way to communicate the Gospel is not by what you say but how you live – walk the talk and let others see Jesus in you. The world, the country, your friends, and your family have so many issues and hurts for which Jesus and His Gospel are the answer; but we keep this good news a secret by our unwillingness to live a visible life walking the talk of the Gospel and sharing the Gospel. Do you have the faith and courage and are you willing to share the Gospel? If you do, then pray for God's guidance to you for His will and role for you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 3:1-21; Acts 9:15; Acts 26:12-23; Psalms 124:1-8. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share Publicly Your Relationship with Jesus? (Resurrection Anglican Church; Woodstock, GA) To what extent are you willing to share with others your relationship with Jesus? What price are you willing to pay, personally, so that others may know the good news of Jesus – the Gospel? What are you willing to go through to advance the Kingdom of God? In Ephesians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul summarizes the price that he joyfully accepts to carry the news of the Gospel to the Nations: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentile -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.". In Acts 26:19, Paul gives his public testimony, in his hearing before King Agrippa; and told the King and everyone in attendance that he, Paul, felt privileged to testify, to the Nations, about his conversion and his relationship with Jesus: “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.". Paul was in prison facing a trial by the despotic Emperor of Rome, Nero. However, you may never have to go to prison or face death to communicate the Gospel; but you will face both physical and emotional discomfort as you become a visible follower of Jesus. While articulating the Gospel to others is important, the most effective way to communicate the Gospel is not by what you say but how you live – walk the talk and let others see Jesus in you. The world, the country, your friends, and your family have so many issues and hurts for which Jesus and His Gospel are the answer; but we keep this good news a secret by our unwillingness to live a visible life walking the talk of the Gospel and sharing the Gospel. Do you have the faith and courage and are you willing to share the Gospel? If you do, then pray for God's guidance to you for His will and role for you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 3:1-21; Acts 9:15; Acts 26:12-23; Psalms 124:1-8. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Guest: Ben Gioia   Guest Bio: Ben Gioia (“joya”) is a four-time, best-selling author, podcast, and international radio show host whose teachings are used by more than 80,000 leaders & game-changers. Ben helps folks write great books in as little as 5 weeks, enjoy 5-figure speaking fees, and attract 6-figure consulting. (Even BEFORE publishing!) Ben's trained 100s of millionaires and helped a Fortune 100 create an empathy video game. He helped launch the world's largest magazine (AARP) and won a patient services award from The ALS Association.   Guest Links: The Influence With A Heart® Book Success Assessment (Will Your Book Actually Work?)  The Influence With A Heart® Book Success Assessment will help you write/finish a high-quality book fast, elevate your business right, and position yourself for 2X-5X-10X more money and impact. It's a “strategic litmus test” whether you're starting, in the middle, or almost done with your book. Going through this quick assessment will help you maximize what's working — and refine what you want to improve — so you can create more income, influence, and impact. You will discover how to stand out and serve your people in a more powerful, positive, and profound way by writing an unforgettable book!     About Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders Download your free gift, The Salesology® Vault. The vault is packed full of free gifts from sales leaders, sales experts, marketing gurus and revenue generation experts.  Download your free gift, 81 Tools to Grow Your Sales & Your Business Faster, More Easily & More Profitably. Save hours of work tracking down the right prospecting and sales resources and/or digital tools that every business owner and salesperson needs. Watch the demo of the Salesology® Prospecting Method, A Simple, 3-Step Method That, On Average, Increases Qualified Appointments & Sales By 73%. If you are a business owner or sales manager with an underperforming sales team, let's talk. Click here to schedule a time. Please, subscribe to Salesology®: Conversations with Sales Leaders so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to https://podcast.gosalesology.com/ and connect on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check out our website at  http://www.gosalesology.

You hear this phrase said all the time, “Won't He do it?” But you only hear it said from people whom God has done something for. You hear it when your friend just got married after waiting for YEARS for God to bring her a husband. You hear it when your sister announces a long-awaited pregnancy after years of infertility. You hear it when another friend pays off their last bit of debt that by God's grace and mercy they were able to get out of. This is a declarative statement that assumes it's already done EVEN BEFORE it happens. Won't He do it? When you have a testimony, you declare to those you share it with that EVEN BEFORE He has done it for them, He has done it for you, because won't He do it?    Monologue: Autumn gives an update about her first week of classes.  Message: Autumn unpacks 2 Kings 7 when the lepers decidedly shared with the king the miracle God had done to end a famine across the land.  Question: “Do you think it's possible to start fresh at a church that knows your history?” Praise Report: A listener shares how she was saved by God from homelessness and the heavy influence of substances.   What Are My Thoughts On: Are skinny jeans in style or out of style?   Bible References: 2 Kings 7:7-16 Exodus 1   Links from the show BOOKS: www.autumnmiles.com/resources SPEAKING: www.autumnmiles.com/speaking MERCH: autumnmiles.square.site   If you have a question for Autumn, testimony to share, or other inquiry for the Autumn Miles Ministries, click here and fill out the form, or send us an email at hello@autumnmiles.com    Join us on social media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheAutumnMiles/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/autumnmiles/   Click here to join our weekly and monthly newsletters and get updates on our podcast and exclusive content! If you feel led to give to the Autumn Miles Ministries, click here to donate. Thank you for supporting Autumn Miles Ministries!

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Beginnings in Prayer -- Part 2: Faith, a Gift of the Spirit, Is a Key Element in Our Relationship with God Through Prayer” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Beginnings in Prayer -- Part 2: Faith, a Gift of the Spirit, Is a Key Element in Our Relationship with God Through Prayer MESSAGE SUMMARY: Part I -- INTRODUCTION: We are told in the New testament that there is a Spiritual Gift of faith that God imparts, but most of us don't use our Spiritual Gift of faith. Faith is like a muscle; if we don't use it, like a muscle, faith atrophies. You cannot live on yesterday's faith -- you must use your faith, or you will become weak in your faith! Part II -- PRAYER - 2: Prayer is: 1) spending time with God – acknowledging God's presence in all our lives' activities; and 2) conversation with God – listening to and talking with God. Prayer reflects on our relationship with God. Why don't we pray. The Apostle James, in James 4:2-3, provides a perspective regarding Prayer Life: “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." We are trying to encounter God as He wants us to through prayer. Prayer is an incredible Spiritual Gift that the Lord has given us; a gift so that we might know Him and to accomplish His purpose for us. When discussing prayer, the attribute of prayer, that is often left out, is faith. As Jesus tells us about the importance of faith in Matthew 15:25-28: “But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.' And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed instantly.”. It does not take much faith to have great faith. The writer Hebrews, in Hebrews 11:1-3, defines faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.". In order to create and sustain our prayer life, we must: 1) have faith and believe that God exists; 2) believe that God will honor your seeking Him – start by praying as you are; and 3) exercise your faith – stretch your prayers for God. If you have a prayer life, how do you approach your prayer life? Do you enter your God relationship through prayer with a faith expectation and confident that God hears you and will respond? Just remember that Jesus taught us that it does not take much faith to have "great faith". Faith is what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Prayer exercise for this week: 1) pick some issue for which you need direction; 2) ask god, by faith, to give you an answer; and 3) all week long, come to God asking for an answer until you get an answer. Faith is the power behind your prayers.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 8:10; Matthew 15:25-28; Matthew 8:26; Matthew 14:31; Matthew 17:20-21; Hebrews 11:1-3; Hebrews 11:6. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORDFROM THE LORD WEBSITE LINK: www.awordfromthelord.org DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Beginnings in Prayer -- Part 2: Faith, a Gift of the Spirit, Is a Key Element in Our Relationship with God Through Prayer MESSAGE SUMMARY: Part I -- INTRODUCTION: We are told in the New testament that there is a Spiritual Gift of faith that God imparts, but most of us don't use our Spiritual Gift of faith. Faith is like a muscle; if we don't use it, like a muscle, faith atrophies. You cannot live on yesterday's faith -- you must use your faith, or you will become weak in your faith! Part II -- PRAYER - 2: Prayer is: 1) spending time with God – acknowledging God's presence in all our lives' activities; and 2) conversation with God – listening to and talking with God. Prayer reflects on our relationship with God. Why don't we pray. The Apostle James, in James 4:2-3, provides a perspective regarding Prayer Life: “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." We are trying to encounter God as He wants us to through prayer. Prayer is an incredible Spiritual Gift that the Lord has given us; a gift so that we might know Him and to accomplish His purpose for us. When discussing prayer, the attribute of prayer, that is often left out, is faith. As Jesus tells us about the importance of faith in Matthew 15:25-28: “But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.' And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.' She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed instantly.”. It does not take much faith to have great faith. The writer Hebrews, in Hebrews 11:1-3, defines faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.". In order to create and sustain our prayer life, we must: 1) have faith and believe that God exists; 2) believe that God will honor your seeking Him – start by praying as you are; and 3) exercise your faith – stretch your prayers for God. If you have a prayer life, how do you approach your prayer life? Do you enter your God relationship through prayer with a faith expectation and confident that God hears you and will respond? Just remember that Jesus taught us that it does not take much faith to have "great faith". Faith is what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Prayer exercise for this week: 1) pick some issue for which you need direction; 2) ask god, by faith, to give you an answer; and 3) all week long, come to God asking for an answer until you get an answer. Faith is the power behind your prayers.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 8:10; Matthew 15:25-28; Matthew 8:26; Matthew 14:31; Matthew 17:20-21; Hebrews 11:1-3; Hebrews 11:6. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORDFROM THE LORD WEBSITE LINK: www.awordfromthelord.org DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Jesus Is the Only Door to Your Eternal Life, But Jesus Has Given You the Key – His Gospel” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Is the Only Door to Your Eternal Life, But Jesus Has Given You the Key – His Gospel MESSAGE SUMMARY: From the Gospel of Luke ”Life's Possessions and Wealth” A Yale Pediatric Oncologist's (A Window to Heaven: When Children See Life and Death) experienced a life transformation from being an Atheist to an Agnostic and then becoming a Christian because of her involvement with the death and near-death experiences of young children with cancer. These children had no predisposed reason to understand God or Heaven; however, their verbalized near-death experiences are compelling. In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus gives us a glimpse of Heaven because He does not want us to miss out on Paradise. Are you going to be saved? Before presenting His Parable of the Narrow Door, Jesus sets up this Parable in Luke 13:24: “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.". in John 10:7-9, Jesus tells us that He is the door: “So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.". Also, Jesus paints the picture, in Luke 13:24, of a feast in Paradise: “And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.”. In this Parable in Luke 13:25, Jesus expresses how difficult it will be to get into Heaven: “When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.'". After the door is inaccessible, Jesus tells us in Luke 13:27: “But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!'". Knowing God personally and His Grace, through Jesus on the cross and Jesus' Resurrection, is what enables us to have eternal life – Jesus the Christ is the door, as Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that He is the only way to eternal life: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'". Eternal life is offered to us through God's grace, but we can only receive eternal life through our personal faith and our knowing God through a personal relationship with Him.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 13:22-30; Luke 23:43; Revelation 2:7; John 3:16; John 10:7-9; John 17:3; Matthew 7:21-23; John 14:6; Psalms 22b:17-31. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Is the Only Door to Your Eternal Life, But Jesus Has Given You the Key – His Gospel MESSAGE SUMMARY: From the Gospel of Luke ”Life's Possessions and Wealth” A Yale Pediatric Oncologist's (A Window to Heaven: When Children See Life and Death) experienced a life transformation from being an Atheist to an Agnostic and then becoming a Christian because of her involvement with the death and near-death experiences of young children with cancer. These children had no predisposed reason to understand God or Heaven; however, their verbalized near-death experiences are compelling. In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus gives us a glimpse of Heaven because He does not want us to miss out on Paradise. Are you going to be saved? Before presenting His Parable of the Narrow Door, Jesus sets up this Parable in Luke 13:24: “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.". in John 10:7-9, Jesus tells us that He is the door: “So Jesus again said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.". Also, Jesus paints the picture, in Luke 13:24, of a feast in Paradise: “And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.”. In this Parable in Luke 13:25, Jesus expresses how difficult it will be to get into Heaven: “When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.'". After the door is inaccessible, Jesus tells us in Luke 13:27: “But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!'". Knowing God personally and His Grace, through Jesus on the cross and Jesus' Resurrection, is what enables us to have eternal life – Jesus the Christ is the door, as Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that He is the only way to eternal life: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'". Eternal life is offered to us through God's grace, but we can only receive eternal life through our personal faith and our knowing God through a personal relationship with Him.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 13:22-30; Luke 23:43; Revelation 2:7; John 3:16; John 10:7-9; John 17:3; Matthew 7:21-23; John 14:6; Psalms 22b:17-31. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Jesus Appears Again” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Appears Again MESSAGE SUMMARY: Repentance is a turning away from evil. In Luke 24:15, Jesus appeared again after His resurrection: “While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.". Most Christians around the world see Easter not as one day but as the Season of Easter, lasting fifty days. During this Season of Easter, Jesus appeared many times to many people, including several encounters with His disciples and the Apostles along with an appearance to a group of more than five hundred people. On the fortieth day, Jesus ascended into Heaven. After Jesus Ascension, He appeared to Saul, who became the Apostle Saul, on Saul's trip to Damascus. Beginning in Luke 24:36 (“Luke's Great Commission”), Jesus opened the Apostles minds spiritually to the Gospel; and the Gospel is summarized in “five truths” – the Gospel is a: 1) “double historical event” – Jesus death and His Resurrection, which really happened; 2) “double proclamation” – repentance (the Gospel demand) and forgiveness (the Gospel offer) of sins will be preached in His name; 3) “double reach or focus” – the preaching of the Gospel was to begin in Jerusalem with the Jews, but it was to be extended to all nations; 4) “double validation” – validated by the prophecies of the Old Testament and the Apostles' witness through their writing of the New Testament; and 5) “double sending” – Jesus promised the sending of the Holy Spirit to His Apostles, and the sending of the Apostles to the nations of the world in the power of the Holy Spirit..   If Jesus was speaking to His Apostles in Luke 24, what is He saying to us, His modern-day disciples, about two thousand years later? Jesus is telling us, today, the same thing that He told His Apostles in Luke 24!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 24:36-49; Psalms 119:18-20; Romans 1:16; Acts 1:8. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Appears Again MESSAGE SUMMARY: Repentance is a turning away from evil. In Luke 24:15, Jesus appeared again after His resurrection: “While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.". Most Christians around the world see Easter not as one day but as the Season of Easter, lasting fifty days. During this Season of Easter, Jesus appeared many times to many people, including several encounters with His disciples and the Apostles along with an appearance to a group of more than five hundred people. On the fortieth day, Jesus ascended into Heaven. After Jesus Ascension, He appeared to Saul, who became the Apostle Saul, on Saul's trip to Damascus. Beginning in Luke 24:36 (“Luke's Great Commission”), Jesus opened the Apostles minds spiritually to the Gospel; and the Gospel is summarized in “five truths” – the Gospel is a: 1) “double historical event” – Jesus death and His Resurrection, which really happened; 2) “double proclamation” – repentance (the Gospel demand) and forgiveness (the Gospel offer) of sins will be preached in His name; 3) “double reach or focus” – the preaching of the Gospel was to begin in Jerusalem with the Jews, but it was to be extended to all nations; 4) “double validation” – validated by the prophecies of the Old Testament and the Apostles' witness through their writing of the New Testament; and 5) “double sending” – Jesus promised the sending of the Holy Spirit to His Apostles, and the sending of the Apostles to the nations of the world in the power of the Holy Spirit..   If Jesus was speaking to His Apostles in Luke 24, what is He saying to us, His modern-day disciples, about two thousand years later? Jesus is telling us, today, the same thing that He told His Apostles in Luke 24!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 24:36-49; Psalms 119:18-20; Romans 1:16; Acts 1:8. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Kerri and I had SO much fun chatting with Khelsi Stone from Harris County, Georgia. We took time to get to know Khelsi and highlight her latest adventure on the dating show, Farmer Wants a Wife. Khelsi loves love and describes herself as someone who has always been a hopeless romantic. Even BEFORE social media days (hard to remember, huh)?! she sent in a DVD to be on the cast of the Bachelor! The three of us really connected over our love for reality tv. We recapped some funny happenings from episode one and created a game for "anytime Farmer Hunter uses a crazy idiom, you ______.'' (Take a drink when_____) I'm excited for y'all to get to know her. It was a really neat experience talking to someone that's been on TV and we look forward to having her back! Tune in every Wednesday on FOX at 9/8 cst for new episodes of Farmer Wants a Wife. Keep up with Khelsi on socials: Instagram: @khelsss TikTok: @itskhelsss Dwell Verse for March- James 1:22 "But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." Devotional book Kerri mentioned- The Sunshine Mind by Tanya Rad @tanyarad on Instagram 1 John 4:18 "Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love." Spade and Sparrows WINE- @kaitlynbristowe on Instagram Miller Lite------sponsor me.

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “From the Gospel of Matthew (24:1-51): “Jesus is Coming”  ” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

From the Gospel of Matthew (24:1-51): “Jesus is Coming”  Message Summary: If you've been a follower of Jesus Christ for any period time, you've been exposed to the Christian belief in the return of Jesus Christ to planet Earth. We learn that He is going to prepare a place for us; and He will return to take us to be where He is -- at the right hand of the Father. This belief in Jesus' return is what the season of Advent is about. We say it every week when we say the Nicene Creed: “I believe that he will come again to judge the living and the dead.”. Christmas music is now playing on the radio; however, it is not Christmas. It is Advent. Advent is the time that the Church is celebrating the return of Jesus. Advent is a season of anticipation -- anticipating the Second Coming of Jesus Christ while, also, anticipating the Christmas celebration of Jesus' birth. Also, Advent is a season of warning – a warning of the coming judgment. We are warned to be ready and to prepare for the coming of the King of Kings. In Genesis 6:5-6, God is so disturbed with the sins of humans that He wishes that He had never created mankind: “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.". To this end, God destroyed the earn with floods. Only Noah and his family survived. In Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus tells His disciples of God's displeasure, again, with mankind's sinful ways: “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.'”. Jesus' Disciples, not understanding His pronouncements, asked Jesus the meaning of his prophecy in Matthew 24:3-6: “As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?' And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.'”. In the days before the flood, in Genesis 6:5-6, the people were eating, drinking and, and giving in marriage up to the very day Noah entered the ark. The people knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. This uncertainty of Jesus' return is how it will be at the second coming of the Son of Man. Jesus compares his return to the days of Noah -- unbelievers will be oblivious to what's going on; Jesus says they'll know nothing. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:3: “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.". In the remainder of 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11, Paul is telling us that the un-Godly will be taken away to their judgment and the righteous will be left to enter the Kingdom. The primary message of Advent is to keep serving and watching. We must keep doing what the Lord has given us to do while we are serving Him, watching, and keeping ready.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 24:1-51; Genesis 6:5-6; Revelation 9:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:3-1. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

From the Gospel of Matthew (24:1-51): “Jesus is Coming”  Message Summary: If you've been a follower of Jesus Christ for any period time, you've been exposed to the Christian belief in the return of Jesus Christ to planet Earth. We learn that He is going to prepare a place for us; and He will return to take us to be where He is -- at the right hand of the Father. This belief in Jesus' return is what the season of Advent is about. We say it every week when we say the Nicene Creed: “I believe that he will come again to judge the living and the dead.”. Christmas music is now playing on the radio; however, it is not Christmas. It is Advent. Advent is the time that the Church is celebrating the return of Jesus. Advent is a season of anticipation -- anticipating the Second Coming of Jesus Christ while, also, anticipating the Christmas celebration of Jesus' birth. Also, Advent is a season of warning – a warning of the coming judgment. We are warned to be ready and to prepare for the coming of the King of Kings. In Genesis 6:5-6, God is so disturbed with the sins of humans that He wishes that He had never created mankind: “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.". To this end, God destroyed the earn with floods. Only Noah and his family survived. In Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus tells His disciples of God's displeasure, again, with mankind's sinful ways: “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.'”. Jesus' Disciples, not understanding His pronouncements, asked Jesus the meaning of his prophecy in Matthew 24:3-6: “As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?' And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.'”. In the days before the flood, in Genesis 6:5-6, the people were eating, drinking and, and giving in marriage up to the very day Noah entered the ark. The people knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. This uncertainty of Jesus' return is how it will be at the second coming of the Son of Man. Jesus compares his return to the days of Noah -- unbelievers will be oblivious to what's going on; Jesus says they'll know nothing. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:3: “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.". In the remainder of 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11, Paul is telling us that the un-Godly will be taken away to their judgment and the righteous will be left to enter the Kingdom. The primary message of Advent is to keep serving and watching. We must keep doing what the Lord has given us to do while we are serving Him, watching, and keeping ready.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 24:1-51; Genesis 6:5-6; Revelation 9:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:3-1. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

SourcesWhat is Sweat Equity Distribution - and why should DAOs care?Decentralized Identity and Web3Ethereum Is Getting Cheaper to Use, Even Before the MergeHow to Get Into Seed Club, the 'Y Combinator of Web3'A DAO That Literally Wants to Party on the Moon Just Sent a Viral YouTuber to SpaceMental health support prime for decentralization, say academicsEthereum founder speaks against transferable governance, community respondsCrypto Kailash on Twitter: "What DAOs can learn from Corporate Governance?The corporations and DAOs face the principal-agent problem (Agency theory) and there are good practices that could be adapted to DAO reality.This discussion was inspired in the @MakerDAO case and the proposal from @hasufl.

With bitcoin briefly touching $25K earlier today after dipping into the $24K range, plus a look at what influences Ethereum's gas fees, CoinDesk's “Markets Daily” is back with the latest news roundup.This episode is sponsored by Algorand.Today's Stories...Read the full show notes here.Featured Story: Ethereum Is Getting Cheaper to Use, Even Before the Merge-Algorand is shaping the future with the world's greenest blockchain technology. Algorand delivers security, scalability, and speed without sacrifice – inspiring you and billions of other users to reach a sustainable standard of peak blockchain performance. Learn more at algorand.foundation. -CoinDesk's new event, the Investing in Digital Assets and Enterprises Summit, or IDEAS, facilitates capital flow and market growth by connecting the digital economy with traditional finance. Join us for a 360° investment experience where you can source, invest and secure the next big deal in digital assets in one place. Use code MARKETS20 for 20% off a General Pass. Register today at coindesk.com/ideas .-This episode was edited & produced by Adrian Blust with original music by Doc Blust & Colin Mealey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus?” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share Publicly Your Relationship with Jesus? (Resurrection Anglican Church; Woodstock, GA) To what extent are you willing to share with others your relationship with Jesus? What price are you willing to pay, personally, so that others may know the good news of Jesus – the Gospel? What are you willing to go through to advance the Kingdom of God? In Ephesians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul summarizes the price that he joyfully accepts to carry the news of the Gospel to the Nations: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentile -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.". In Acts 26:19, Paul gives his public testimony, in his hearing before King Agrippa; and told the King and everyone in attendance that he, Paul, felt privileged to testify, to the Nations, about his conversion and his relationship with Jesus: “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.". Paul was in prison facing a trial by the despotic Emperor of Rome, Nero. However, you may never have to go to prison or face death to communicate the Gospel; but you will face both physical and emotional discomfort as you become a visible follower of Jesus. While articulating the Gospel to others is important, the most effective way to communicate the Gospel is not by what you say but how you live – walk the talk and let others see Jesus in you. The world, the country, your friends, and your family have so many issues and hurts for which Jesus and His Gospel are the answer; but we keep this good news a secret by our unwillingness to live a visible life walking the talk of the Gospel and sharing the Gospel. Do you have the faith and courage and are you willing to share the Gospel? If you do, then pray for God's guidance to you for His will and role for you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 3:1-21; Acts 9:15; Acts 26:12-23; Psalms 124:1-8. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share Publicly Your Relationship with Jesus? (Resurrection Anglican Church; Woodstock, GA) To what extent are you willing to share with others your relationship with Jesus? What price are you willing to pay, personally, so that others may know the good news of Jesus – the Gospel? What are you willing to go through to advance the Kingdom of God? In Ephesians 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul summarizes the price that he joyfully accepts to carry the news of the Gospel to the Nations: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentile -- assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.". In Acts 26:19, Paul gives his public testimony, in his hearing before King Agrippa; and told the King and everyone in attendance that he, Paul, felt privileged to testify, to the Nations, about his conversion and his relationship with Jesus: “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.". Paul was in prison facing a trial by the despotic Emperor of Rome, Nero. However, you may never have to go to prison or face death to communicate the Gospel; but you will face both physical and emotional discomfort as you become a visible follower of Jesus. While articulating the Gospel to others is important, the most effective way to communicate the Gospel is not by what you say but how you live – walk the talk and let others see Jesus in you. The world, the country, your friends, and your family have so many issues and hurts for which Jesus and His Gospel are the answer; but we keep this good news a secret by our unwillingness to live a visible life walking the talk of the Gospel and sharing the Gospel. Do you have the faith and courage and are you willing to share the Gospel? If you do, then pray for God's guidance to you for His will and role for you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ephesians 3:1-21; Acts 9:15; Acts 26:12-23; Psalms 124:1-8. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

To reduce the risk of injury, it's best to do a 10- to 15-minute warmup of light aerobic exercise before strength training. Stretching is not necessarily needed before strengthening; however, stretching can be performed afterward with at least 30 seconds of stretch per muscle group. WRONG would be bad form, too heavy, not enough rest, too many sets Rep ranges are 10-15, 3-7 sets, about 10-20 per body part per week, rest 3-7 days depending upon...well...many factors.“Another way to minimize risk is to follow a machine-based program, at least initially, where the range of motion is predetermined,” “But it's free weights that will ultimately produce the best technique and posture and, consequently, muscle gains.”On paper, the benefits of weight training for teens and adults are the same: increases in muscle mass, tendon and ligament strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and coordination. But youths, particularly those who have gone through puberty, have the benefit of a hormonal surge that increases the response to the training stimulus.“After puberty, testosterone production is maximized, and both androgenic and anabolic effects take place,” Testosterone levels, which increase as a result of weight training regardless of age and gender, are central to muscle growth. It's understandable, then, that a natural spike in this hormone would lead to even greater gains for a teenager engaged in a program of regular, progressive weight training. But even before this Wonder Years—induced hormonal peak, lifting elicits plenty of benefits. EVEN Before puberty, weight training can improve neural activity and muscular recruitment patterns,” But how young is too young?  8  is ok WITH a trainer that knows what they are doing. The key is that the training must be taught correctly and supervised constantly. The ideal age to start a general resistance program is 11, when you can reinforce technique and movement skills. True resistance training for the purposes of hypertrophy [muscle growth] is best saved for 14.”Weighted exercises such as the squat, bench press, overhead press and bent-over row should be comple-mented by bodyweight exercises such as the push-up, pull-up and step-up. “They also recruit the most muscle, which is key for maximizing hypertrophy.” 

Praying with Perseverance (Fowery Parish; Cornwall, UK) MESSAGE SUMMARY: INTRODUCTIOIN -- Prayer is: 1) spending time with God – acknowledging God's presence in all our lives' activities; and 2) conversation with God – listening to and talking with God. Prayer reflects on our relationship with God. Why don't we pray. The Apostle James, in James 4:2-3, provides a perspective regarding Prayer Life: “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." In praying, we should know the difference between prayers of "petition" (praying for one's own needs) and prayers of "intercession" (praying for the needs of others). God wants prayers of "petition" from us -- all our needs and concerns should be brought to Him in prayer because He loves and cares for us. However, God want us to, also, focus on others and their needs (intercession) -- physical and spiritual. "Intercessory prayer” is fundamental to deepening our prayer life and our personal relationship with God. SUNDAY MESSAGE – Jesus' parable, in Luke 18:1-8, is about both faith and prayer. In this text from Luke, Jesus speaks about the power of persistent prayer. In Luke 18:1, Jesus tells us: “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.". In Luke 18:2-3, Jesus is speaking about an “unrighteous judge” who is constantly appealed to, for justice, by a widow. For a while, this judge refused to hear the plea of this widow. However, because the widow was so persistent in her appeal, the judge the Judge hears the widow's appeal for justice: “For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'” (Luke 18:4-5). In further comment regarding the message of His parable in Luke 18:6-8, Jesus tells us that persistence in both our faith and prayer matters greatly: “And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'". Additional lessons, that we can learn from this parable, include: 1) God is more ready to answer prayer than we are ready to pray; and 2) we must be persistent in our prayers until we have an answer. Pray specific prayers, in the Holy Spirit and in Scripture, for ourselves and for others -- be persistent.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:5; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 5:25-34; Luke 11:5-8; Luke 11:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:1,3-4. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Praying with Perseverance (Fowery Parish; Cornwall, UK) MESSAGE SUMMARY: INTRODUCTIOIN -- Prayer is: 1) spending time with God – acknowledging God's presence in all our lives' activities; and 2) conversation with God – listening to and talking with God. Prayer reflects on our relationship with God. Why don't we pray. The Apostle James, in James 4:2-3, provides a perspective regarding Prayer Life: “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." In praying, we should know the difference between prayers of "petition" (praying for one's own needs) and prayers of "intercession" (praying for the needs of others). God wants prayers of "petition" from us -- all our needs and concerns should be brought to Him in prayer because He loves and cares for us. However, God want us to, also, focus on others and their needs (intercession) -- physical and spiritual. "Intercessory prayer” is fundamental to deepening our prayer life and our personal relationship with God. SUNDAY MESSAGE – Jesus' parable, in Luke 18:1-8, is about both faith and prayer. In this text from Luke, Jesus speaks about the power of persistent prayer. In Luke 18:1, Jesus tells us: “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.". In Luke 18:2-3, Jesus is speaking about an “unrighteous judge” who is constantly appealed to, for justice, by a widow. For a while, this judge refused to hear the plea of this widow. However, because the widow was so persistent in her appeal, the judge the Judge hears the widow's appeal for justice: “For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'” (Luke 18:4-5). In further comment regarding the message of His parable in Luke 18:6-8, Jesus tells us that persistence in both our faith and prayer matters greatly: “And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'". Additional lessons, that we can learn from this parable, include: 1) God is more ready to answer prayer than we are ready to pray; and 2) we must be persistent in our prayers until we have an answer. Pray specific prayers, in the Holy Spirit and in Scripture, for ourselves and for others -- be persistent.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:5; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 5:25-34; Luke 11:5-8; Luke 11:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:1,3-4. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Praying with Perseverance (Fowery Parish; Cornwall, UK)” at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Praying with Perseverance (Fowery Parish; Cornwall, UK) MESSAGE SUMMARY: INTRODUCTIOIN -- Prayer is: 1) spending time with God – acknowledging God's presence in all our lives' activities; and 2) conversation with God – listening to and talking with God. Prayer reflects on our relationship with God. Why don't we pray. The Apostle James, in James 4:2-3, provides a perspective regarding Prayer Life: “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." In praying, we should know the difference between prayers of "petition" (praying for one's own needs) and prayers of "intercession" (praying for the needs of others). God wants prayers of "petition" from us -- all our needs and concerns should be brought to Him in prayer because He loves and cares for us. However, God want us to, also, focus on others and their needs (intercession) -- physical and spiritual. "Intercessory prayer” is fundamental to deepening our prayer life and our personal relationship with God. SUNDAY MESSAGE – Jesus' parable, in Luke 18:1-8, is about both faith and prayer. In this text from Luke, Jesus speaks about the power of persistent prayer. In Luke 18:1, Jesus tells us: “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.". In Luke 18:2-3, Jesus is speaking about an “unrighteous judge” who is constantly appealed to, for justice, by a widow. For a while, this judge refused to hear the plea of this widow. However, because the widow was so persistent in her appeal, the judge the Judge hears the widow's appeal for justice: “For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'” (Luke 18:4-5). In further comment regarding the message of His parable in Luke 18:6-8, Jesus tells us that persistence in both our faith and prayer matters greatly: “And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'". Additional lessons, that we can learn from this parable, include: 1) God is more ready to answer prayer than we are ready to pray; and 2) we must be persistent in our prayers until we have an answer. Pray specific prayers, in the Holy Spirit and in Scripture, for ourselves and for others -- be persistent.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 1:5; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 5:25-34; Luke 11:5-8; Luke 11:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:1,3-4. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Put God First and All Else Will Follow”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Put God First and All Else Will Follow MESSAGE SUMMARY: Who is going to be responsible? God wants us to take responsibility and accountability for that which He has entrusted us. Some would say: “God has not entrusted me with much.”. This person would be wrong! What about his or her life? What about Jesus Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) to make disciples? What about the lives of his or her children? What about his or her job? God has entrusted us with much, and God is holding us personally responsible and accountable for these trusts. In Jesus' parable from Luke 16 about the rich man's incompetent manager, Jesus summarizes the meaning of His parable in Luke 16:9: “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.". in Luke 16:12-13, Jesus summarizes His position regarding our responsibilities and accountabilities, along with the prioritization of our responsibilities, for His trusts given to us as well as the trusts given by others in us here on earth: “And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”. Jesus is, also, telling us that if we cannot be responsible for earthly treasures how can we be responsible for Spiritual Treasures. As Christians, it is imperative that we put God first. If we don't put God first in our lives, then, in a subtle way, we begin to resent God and His Grace. Proverbs tell us, in Proverbs 19:22, that the desire of every human heart is to love: “What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.". Only Jesus can give us this “steadfast love”, which is a Spiritual gift or entrustment from God. However, most of us go through our lives trying to find substitutes for God's love to fill our lives; and we can't find a substitute outside of God. Only God and Jesus can meet out heart's need for “steadfast love”. By the way, our earthly riches don't make it into heaven with us; only our heavenly or Spiritual riches accompany us. We are responsible and accountable for all with winch God has entrusted us – both earthly and heavenly.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 16:1-15; Proverbs 19:22; Matthew 28:18-20. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever ‘believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}'”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/  DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB  

Put God First and All Else Will Follow MESSAGE SUMMARY: Who is going to be responsible? God wants us to take responsibility and accountability for that which He has entrusted us. Some would say: “God has not entrusted me with much.”. This person would be wrong! What about his or her life? What about Jesus Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) to make disciples? What about the lives of his or her children? What about his or her job? God has entrusted us with much, and God is holding us personally responsible and accountable for these trusts. In Jesus' parable from Luke 16 about the rich man's incompetent manager, Jesus summarizes the meaning of His parable in Luke 16:9: “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.". in Luke 16:12-13, Jesus summarizes His position regarding our responsibilities and accountabilities, along with the prioritization of our responsibilities, for His trusts given to us as well as the trusts given by others in us here on earth: “And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”. Jesus is, also, telling us that if we cannot be responsible for earthly treasures how can we be responsible for Spiritual Treasures. As Christians, it is imperative that we put God first. If we don't put God first in our lives, then, in a subtle way, we begin to resent God and His Grace. Proverbs tell us, in Proverbs 19:22, that the desire of every human heart is to love: “What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.". Only Jesus can give us this “steadfast love”, which is a Spiritual gift or entrustment from God. However, most of us go through our lives trying to find substitutes for God's love to fill our lives; and we can't find a substitute outside of God. Only God and Jesus can meet out heart's need for “steadfast love”. By the way, our earthly riches don't make it into heaven with us; only our heavenly or Spiritual riches accompany us. We are responsible and accountable for all with winch God has entrusted us – both earthly and heavenly.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 16:1-15; Proverbs 19:22; Matthew 28:18-20. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because Whoever ‘believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}'”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/  DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

It's good to know who you are but is who you are who you WANT to be? Welcome to the Shape It Up Over 40 podcast! I am so glad you are here today! If you are new to the podcast my name is Nicole Simonin and I help women over 40 lose weight for the last time.  I wanted to let you know that if you missed the last Crush Your Cravings workshop…we are doing it again! Inside the workshop you will learn how to manage your cravings without using willpower or resistance. You will learn the ONE thing that makes your cravings worse. A craving tool that is sooo counter intuitive but works beautifully. How what you are currently doing isn't working and what to do instead. And how to be calm and relaxed around your favorite foods. Go to https://endcravings.gr8.com/  to register for free. So Mark your calendars for July 12th! The workshop will be hosted in a private Facebook group for 7 days! I will be teaching you live the 5 steps to crushing your cravings and I will be answering your questions inside the Facebook group. If you can't make it live...no worries the replays will be hosted in the group for those 7 days. Again, head to https://endcravings.gr8.com/ to save your spot.   If you are ready to discover a whole other side to losing weight…one that you actually want to do and enjoy doing it… I want to invite you to book a call with me at ShapeItUpFitness.com/call to learn how you can get started on feeling empowered…feeling comfortable in your body…feel validated…feeling you are enough….because you are ALL these things EVEN BEFORE you lose the weight.

Jesus Followers Have Eternal Life, Even Before their Earthly Death, Because they “believes him {God} who sent me {Jesus}” MESSAGE SUMMARY: First, the moment you become a Jesus Follower, you have immediate Eternal Life; and you become a Citizen of Heaven.  Jesus tells us, in John 5:24, that His followers have Eternal Life and are Citizens of Heaven here on earth living their earthly lives: “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.". As Christians and Citizens of Heaven, we know that the Lord is coming back -- either to greet us when we die or before we die at His Second Coming. For most of us, however, our vision of Heaven is clouded by looking backwards; therefore, the return of Jesus does not have any power in our life. Paul reinforces the return of the Lord of Heaven in Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.". When Jesus returns, we will put on our spiritual bodies, as promised. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”.   TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD’S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Peter 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-27; Luke 22:20; Psalms 1:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY’S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach’s Current Sunday Sermon: “Jesus Followers Are Key to Stopping Marriage’s Perversion by Following God’s Plan in Their Families and Marriages", at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S SERMON VIDEO – “We All Need “Hope” in Today’s World of Fear, Doubt in Our Faith, and Feelings of “Hopelessness”; and God Is this “Hope””:  www.AWFTL.org/watch DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

At this week's Round Table, Inica, Julianna, and Olivia discuss global refugee education with Chrystina Russell, Executive Director of the visionary Global Education Movement (GEM) at Southern New Hampshire University. Even BEFORE the COVID-19 pandemic, over 70 million people were displaced worldwide, with over 25 million people living as refugees. Currently, just 3% of refugees are in higher education compared to 34% of the non refugee population globally. GEM was created to bring university education and employment pathways to refugees and traditionally underserved learners through a blended learning model that is all the more relevant at this time when much of the world has been forced to do remote learning. We had a rich conversation about refugees, what works and what's challenging about online learning, and what it will take to increase and improve learning opportunities for transient and vulnerable populations. Thanks for joining us and we hope you enjoy the podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nextgenpolitics/message