Podcasts about even peter

What happens when following Jesus stops being convenient? In a culture where Christianity is often reduced to a lifestyle choice, this powerful examination of John 6 challenges us to consider whether we're fans or true followers of Christ.The turning point comes after Jesus performs spectacular miracles—feeding thousands and walking on water. Instead of leveraging His popularity, Jesus delivers challenging teaching about being the bread of life and the exclusive source of meaning. When many disciples find this teaching "too hard" and abandon Him, Jesus turns to His closest followers with a heart-wrenching question: "You don't want to go away too, do you?"Peter's response reveals everything about genuine discipleship: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." This moment crystallizes the fundamental difference between fans and followers. Fans connect with Jesus for what He can provide—blessings, convenience, popularity. Followers commit to Jesus because of who He is—the Holy One of God, regardless of difficulty or cost.Through vivid illustrations—from schoolyard four-square games that establish clear boundaries to an aging, arthritic dog painfully climbing stairs to be near its master—we discover what true following looks like. It's not about perfection but direction. Even Peter, who boldly proclaimed his loyalty here, would later deny Jesus, yet through repentance became a powerful spiritual leader.This message will help you examine whether you're merely connected to Jesus or truly committed to Him. Are you seeking His blessings or His person? Following when it's popular or when it's unpopular? Making Him part of your life or the center of your life? The line is clear, and the invitation remains: move from fan to follower today.

By Mary Lindow The words, “The Harsh Winds of Life”  have been playing themselves over and over in my mind. As I have pondered them and have allowed the Voice of the Holy Spirit to instruct me as to why I have been impressed with this statement, I sense the Lord addressing many deeper issues that are well anchored and maintained within our souls as believers.   HARSH WINDS These blustery currents in the natural can be devastating to property, trees, and all living-breathing creatures. We have all seen what the devastation of hurricanes and tornadoes can do in a very short amount of time. Often when listening to the traumatic stories of those who have lived through a nightmarish storm, the realities of what they hold near and dear have been laid bear and brought to the surface. Many weep over the loss of family photographs or tender things like Grandma's old chipped china and are unconcerned about larger material items, but are deeply thankful for the safety of family members after a traumatic event. Others, are shaking fists at the sky and are enraged that they have been infringed upon during a difficult time, and want somebody else to pay for it!   THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE BLOW UPON THE GODLY AND THE UNGODLY.  NO ONE IS EXEMPT. There are some of life's storms that threaten to blow away everything we've depended on as well. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, and the Lord uses these harsh winds blowing against our lives to remove the crusty chaff that can form and harden around the seed of our lives. Those who are independent in nature find a bitterness creeping into their attitudes and heart. They feel infringed upon when things are not easily controlled or maneuvered in their favor. And so, the Holy Spirit allows the winds to blow until a conviction penetrates the self centered soul, and exposes the fleshy comfort zone of, ‘My Way, My World, My Rights”! "No man has power over the wind to contain it;  So no one has power over the day of his death.  And no one is discharged in time of war,  So wickedness will not release those who practice it." -Ecclesiastes 8:8   HOW LONG WILL THE HARSH WINDS BLOW? As long as we practice wicked behavior in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot stop it! He is winnowing us, allowing us to be caught up into the refining wind of the Holy Spirit's conviction so that the chaff and waste places in our souls are removed. And trust me my friends, anything that you may be hiding or pretending wasn't “that bad”, that harmed someone else, well God will allow it to come to the light to be either judged or to be cleansed and yes, there may be consequences that you don't like.   WE CAN'T HARM OTHER PEOPLE, OR ABUSE THEM, SEXUALLY PREY UPON THEM, SPIRITUALLY ABUSE AND DOMINATE OR SLANDER, and then pretend that it wasn't “that big of a deal”! It's a huge deal to God and he will continue to pursue us in order to cleanse us if we will allow him access. (Yes you can say "ouch" right about now!)   CHAFF MUST BE REMOVED.  BUT WHY? Chaff is a waste material plowed into the soil or burned. Chaff, as a waste product from grain processing, shows us a symbolic use of the idea that refers to something seen as worthless. Now, this is where we read, "to separate the wheat from the chaff" from Matthew 3. It means to separate things of value from things of no value. Another example is in Psalm 1 which says: "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away".   WE CHRISTIANS OFTEN PRESUME THAT BECAUSE WE ARE REDEEMED THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE OF CHRIST FOR OUR LIVES, THAT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EASIER AND MORE PRIVILEGED LIFE. This is simply not so! We are given a shield and a holy stamina to withstand the wiles of this world, but no free passes to a life of ease.   THE LORD LOVES ALL OF MANKIND. He longs for ALL of mankind, (that includes you and I) to come to a place of trust in His way, not “our way”. Fully stripped of self-will, self-gratification, self- justification, and self-focus. Matthew 5:45 says~  “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”   I KNOW! I KNOW! THIS STINGS! "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth." James 3:14 About now, I can hear a few righteous folks saying, "I would never boast about envy! " Well! Selfish ambition is well hidden in our personal behaviors. We offer gifts or opportunities for others to be blessed or helped as long as we are feeling in control and benevolent at the time of the offer or good intention. But when the winds of life shift and the Lord allows the chaff of "waste materials" in our soul to be Tornadoed —bitterness and exclusive rights abound! Huffiness, abrupt harshness and passive aggression (which means getting even) will manifest and expose the soul's clinging nature, which does not want the hand of God striping away any safety veneer that we use to protect our approach to life.   A CHANGE IN THE SPIRITUAL CLIMATE HAS OCCURRED! John 6:18 says, “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.” Jesus allowed the wind to be a teaching point for his disciples. They had walked with Him, talked with Him and served alongside Him. But trusting Him when the Storms and Harsh winds blew revealed a weakness that we all must look at, and often. We trust the Lord when things are going our way, but when the Harshness of a storm blows us off the course that we set, many times we run to our own devices or “Plan B”.   SO MANY AT THIS TIME IN THIS DIFFICULT AGE ARE SCREAMING, “Lord! Don't you care about me? The winds are blowing, and I am fearful for my life! If you Love me, why are you allowing this horrid event to occur?” Even Peter in his zeal to get out of the boat and see if it was indeed Jesus calling to him to come, once he was out of the safety of his own control and the winds blew against him, he focused on the wind, and not upon Jesus, who was there the whole time. Peter cries out, "LORD I am perishing! SAVE ME!”   CONTROL IS A DEEP, DEEP NEED. Perhaps THE deepest need people have, is for control. When we feel out of control, we experience a powerful and uncomfortable tension between the need for control and the evidence of “inadequate control”. Without the Presence of God in our lives, we will attempt to control everything, every event, and every person around us in order to attain the sense of order and “identity power” that we crave.   DRAWING NEAR TO GOD It was James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote to the believers in Jerusalem, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded people!" (James 4:8). If we draw near to God, he will respond and draw near to us. Drawing near to God is spending time with Him, worshiping Him, praying and talking to Him, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. EVERY.  PART.  OF.  OUR.  LIFE.   BRING YOUR HEART UNDER HIS LORDSHIP James gives us the blueprint for drawing near or “right up close” to the Lord.  If you've committed sin, confess it, get rid of it. Next, ask the Lord to examine your heart, your motives, and the things that make you do what you do.   Bring your heart under His Lordship as well. May our actions be manifestations of a clean heart and conscience. Allow HIM to remove the Chaff, the wasted time controlling things, and TRUST Him to align your life. Notice that when he writes about this he says, "Purify your hearts, double-minded people."   WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY "DOUBLE-MINDED"? Well, a person who is double-minded is drawn in two completely different directions. And so he or she will get nowhere fast because loyalty is divided. They will vacillate between faith and unbelief. And, a double-minded person is unstable in all his/her ways and his/her spiritual walk is inconsistent because he/she tries to serve God and his/her own interests, and gamble their life against the Harsh Winds. We've all learned that this kind of living never works.    YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS. Friends again I say this under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the master that you serve whether it be hiding something that is a secret sin or offense to The Lord, or things that you are aware of that have dishonored others, they will be brought into the light one way or the other. If you think you can hide it, if you think you can gloss it over, God will eventually bring it into the light and have you exposed for deception. Or, you choose to get the help you need and you can humble yourself! Yes, there may be consequences you don't like, because of your actions and choices. But repentance and accountability will save your soul. It may not save your marriage, it may not save your ministry, and it may not save your job or your relationships. But it will save your soul, because humility enters, and God can re-create what has been destroyed and damaged.   GOD DOESN'T PLAY GAMES! No one is going to get very far with God by playing spiritual games. It will soon be discovered that the only people playing the game with you will be you, yourself, and again, YOU.  It's just like people thinking that they can "ride the fence" into the kingdom. There is no riding the fence; there is no lukewarm support group. You're either in or out. If we really want to know Him, we are going to have to get serious about our relationship with Him.   WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT!  I will tell you right now, that even as I write and speak these words, I can feel the resistance to pruning and more change in my gut!   Are you in a pruning, shocking, "getting trimmed back" difficult season right now?  Most everyone is!  Feeling like your wings have been clipped? Are you seeing a pattern of lethargy and a dullness of joy maybe in your daily life?  Don't waste those struggles friends! Know that God is very... VERY... intentional. And, He has a good plan for all of it.  Every challenge is an opportunity to practice walking one day at a time, with really clear thinking and gratitude, and He is right there, inside you, to help you.   LIKE I SAID BEFORE! WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT!  But my oh my, I do want to be like Him! So I'm in surrender-mode now, friends.  I'm saying, “Cut away, Lord. Go deep.”  WHY? Because I want ALL that He has for me.  I want the fruit.  I want all that abundance, and I know it's waiting for me when this weird and awkward season changes.   THERE IS ANOTHER PHENOMENON I FIND THAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCESS, WHEN THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE ARE BEARING DOWN. And, one that I find that is unhealthy to ignore. The enemy of our soul is observing and is feverishly “taking notes” about this difficult process, and I believe he finds it quite enjoyable; he laughs and ridicules and flings missiles of insults that shout that, "only a loser needs this kind of difficult adjustment ”.  This of course, is a lie but, one which we can tend to believed on a bad day! Listening to the wrong voice can tempt us to believe the blowing away of chaff in our lives is punishment, and comes from God being mad at us.  It can cause us to pull back from deeper fellowship or social engagements (social distancing tools too, like Face Time, ZOOM, integral) these paralyze honesty, transparency and humility. It can lead to self-hatred, self-protection, denial about how we hurt others with half-truths, and so on!   I AM TRULY BECOMING MORE AWARE IN MY SPIRIT THAT GOD CAN ONLY USE ME—OR “BEST USE ME”, THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIP OF HIS POWER AND MY WEAKNESS.    A wise and well-tested man by the name of Alan Hood must have had a few pruning clippers dig into his life at time or two and learned this lesson. He stated,  “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.” LET'S READ THAT AGAIN…      …S  L  O  W  L  Y !    “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.”   TRYING TO USE OLD THINGS WHEN GOD IS TRYING TO GIVE US NEW THINGS IS REALLY SUCH FOOLISHNESS!  Psalm 85 talks about Restoration, Re-tooling and Revival. Verse 8 says,  “I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to his people, His saints —but let them not return to folly.”   I'M TRUSTING THE LORD'S GOOD AND GRACIOUS HAND IN THE PROCESS THAT THE WORLD IS EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW.  I know God does not intend to leave even a healthy fruit-bearing branch how it is, but He is always after a more abundant harvest for His people. I don't get it, I don't like or want difficult!  But I also don't want a puny little sick looking basket of bitter, green, unusable fruit out of life!  He will “give the increase” when I reach the end of this seeming devastation of stymied ideas and “put on hold” plans, and let me tell you something crazy, I feel it coming!  The increase! I'm learning to WALK in harmony, in tune with the truth that, “He is dwelling like healthy sap, in me, and will keep sin and despair from having dominion over my life”. (Romans 6:14) YOUR LIFE TOO!    A MOMENT IN HIS ANGER - A LIFETIME IN HIS FAVOR. God disciplines for a moment when He wishes to get our attention and our lives may indeed become painful for a period, but then comes His favor. God doesn't delight in either our depression or our damage.  And, when He begins to deal with the chaff in our lives, it is for our advantage, that we may be conformed to His likeness and reflect His holiness. When we sense God's disapproval, when it appears He has withdrawn from us, it is only so that we see our utter need of Him.   WHEN LIFE SEEMS TO BE SO SOUR, WHEN EVERYTHING CRUMBLES, then we must remember what we “say we believe”, that God's favor is with us, because of Christ's worthiness given to us, because we are adopted and are His - which means, that His favor always wins out over His disapproval.   THIS PICTURE IS PAINTED WELL BY THE WORDS "WEEPING REMAINS FOR A NIGHT."  Weeping and sorrow are pictured as a traveler who comes to stay for a night. The pain and sorrow we feel may seem as though it has moved in with us like an unwelcome guest, who decides to stay for a very long time.   REJOICING THOUGH, COMES IN THE MORNING. Your “mourning”, will dissipate in the morning”. Your winter, will melt into summer. God will replace your sighing, with singing. Grief, will give way to gladness. What was once bitter, will be made sweet. And, what was once a desolate wilderness, will be transformed into a paradise.   LIKE THE FIRST RAYS OF THE SUNRISE WHICH DISPEL THE HARSH WINDS AND GLOOM OF NIGHT,  GOD GIVES US JOY WHEN THE DARKNESS OF OUR PROBLEMS SEEM AS THOUGH THEY'LL NEVER LEAVE.   YOUR CROSS IS HIS GLORY What is so crucial to understand is that as a Christian, your life will be filled with times of weakness and strength, with want and wealth, with disgrace and honor, with crosses and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, delight and mourning. As this cycle of separating “Chaff” from our lives reoccurs many times in our lives, and it moves us from the cross to glory. For your own health and so that you find all your satisfaction in Christ alone, God will send you times of great growth and other times of emptiness. When the harsh winds blow, know that God desires that you find your hope and comfort by His own fire. When the balmy breezes come, give Him praise and thanksgiving for the warmth He provides. Psalm 57:1 says, "Have mercy on me, O God, Have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”   (PROPHETIC EXHORTATION AND WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE NOT INCLUDED IN WRITTEN MESSAGE CONTINUE IN THE AUDIO MESSAGE FORMAT BEGINING AT AUDIO PLAYER TIME MARKER 21:38) Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed 
provided that complete message, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!
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In this episode, Dr. Mo further discusses the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. On this Resurrection Sunday, Dr. Mo reads select verses from Mark 16 and further discusses the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. After the Resurrection of Jesus, He went to Galilee waiting there for the disciples. Even Peter. Jesus had experienced abandonment, rejection, and betrayal from the disciples. He summoned them to meet with Him even AFTER they abandoned Him. When Jesus appeared where the disciples were, we read that Jesus rebuked them - sharply criticizing them for their unbelief. Then, after He got a few things off of His chest, He commissioned them to go forth and preach the gospel.Tune in to this episode as we think about how during this Resurrection Week we can pray about any relationships, personal or substitutionary, where we are being invited to take a posture of humility and not defensiveness.  Perhaps we can resurrect relationships if we choose to listen to another who has been rejected, abandoned, and betrayed.  Information for Dr. Mohttps://www.drmoniquesmithgadson.com/Link to order “Finding Hope in A Dark Place”:https://lexhampress.com/search?query=Finding%20Hope%20in%20a%20Dark%20Place%3A%20Facing%20Loneliness%2C%20Depression%2C%20and%20Anxiety%20with%20the%20Power%20of%20Grace&sortBy=Relevance&limit=30&page=1&ownership=all&geographicAvailability=allhttps://www.amazon.com/Finding-Hope-Dark-Place-Loneliness/dp/1683596358/ref=rvi_sccl_7/138-1785751-1148333?pd_rd_w=decCb&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=GMEBCA5ZB54MM98HHN5F&pd_rd_wg=pwctW&pd_rd_r=0cf054c6-aedd-427d-ac2a-563757407228&pd_rd_i=1683596358&psc=1Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/And-The-Church-Said-Podcast-106848090932637https://instagram.com/drmoniquesmithgadson?igshid=1bmt2hei1j6i8Support And The Church Said:Cash App:  https://cash.app/$andthechurchsaidPayPal:  https://paypal.me/andthechurchsaid?locale.x=en_US. 

Text: Proverbs 22:3 (ESV) 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. BE PRUDENT Prudence is sometimes rendered as "shrewdness." Though shrewdness carries negative implications today. Our colloquial word for this is ‘street smart.' In a good sense, he is a person who thinks about things and makes a beneficial choice accordingly. He is a man of foresight. However, the word translated "simple" does not mean a person who is not intelligent. Rather, he is a person who is unaware or inexperienced (Prov 1:4; 19:25). In some cases, it can refer to someone who is gullible or easily fooled (Prov 9:4; 14:15). The 'street smart' person sees danger coming and avoids it while the ignorant person walks right into trouble. Solomon may have in mind the kind of trap enemies set to catch unsuspecting victims. Wise believers should be wise today. He should be aware of the devil's traps and deceptions. The Lord teaches us to pray to be kept out of temptations and be delivered from evil. [Mat 6:13] Even Peter warns believers to be "sober-minded" and "watchful" for the adversary the devil "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8).  Let us be like Jesus. We must repel the devil by quoting and obeying Scripture. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,“‘He will command his angels concerning you,'and“‘On their hands they will bear you up,lest you strike your foot against a stone.'”7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,“‘You shall worship the Lord your Godand him only shall you serve.'”11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Mat 4:1–11).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to another episode of the Daily Radio Bible. Today is March 26th, and you are joining us on day 86 of our journey through the Bible, guided by your host and Bible reading coach, Hunter. Together, we will delve into the rich passages of Joshua chapters 23 and 24, Psalm 44, and 1 Corinthians 11. In this episode, Hunter explores the theme of faithfulness, reflecting on Joshua's charge to the Israelites and their bold declarations to serve the Lord. However, as Hunter reminds us, it was Christ who truly fulfilled what we could not, offering us the gift of life through His finished work. As we meditate on these scriptures and join in prayer, let this time be a source of comfort and strength, reminding us of God's presence and love in our lives. So, wherever you are, settle in as we spend these moments together in God's Word and in prayer. Enjoy today's episode! TODAY'S DEVOTION: We will serve the Lord—or so we say. This was the bold proclamation of the Israelites to Joshua. They promised their unwavering allegiance to God. Yet, Joshua challenged their declaration, asserting their inability to uphold such a promise. The cry of the flesh is loud—boasting of what it will do. Even Peter, in his own resolve, stated he would never disown the Lord. But before the rooster crowed, his flesh betrayed his resolve three times. Human resolve can be a frail thing; the flesh is prone to failure. What we truly need is someone who has already accomplished what we cannot. Enter our Lord Jesus. He didn't just promise obedience—He lived it. He perfectly upheld the covenant that Adam and all his descendants couldn't. Jesus served His Father completely, from beginning to end. He did it, and with His final breath, declared, "It is finished." Therefore, as followers of Christ, let us move away from the notion of what we will do, and rest in the confidence of what has been done. Jesus has accomplished it. It is finished. His work allows us to remain in the land, in Him, in His promises, and in life. Every day, remind your heart that He has done it. This is a prayer I hold for my own soul, for my family—my wife, daughters, and son—and for you. May it be so, as we continue to live in the victory secured by Christ. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Peter took his eyes off Jesus and we do the same thing. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus daily.

Segment 1: Complacency – The Silent Drift "Let's start with complacency. It's the idea that ‘I'm good where I'm at'—the spiritual autopilot. Maybe we've read the Bible enough, prayed enough, or served enough that we start thinking we've ‘arrived.' But the Bible warns us about this. Revelation 3:16 says, ‘So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.' That's a strong warning! Complacency leads to stagnation. We stop growing, stop striving, and soon, we're spiritually asleep. So, how do we fight it? Stay hungry for the Word, set new spiritual goals, and challenge yourself in your walk. Surround yourself with people who push you toward God, not just comfort." Segment 2: Overconfidence – The Subtle Pride "Then there's overconfidence. Thinking we're strong enough on our own, we stop depending on God. 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, ‘So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!' Even Peter, who walked on water, denied Christ when he thought he was strong enough to stand on his own. Overconfidence makes us pray less, read less, and trust ourselves more than God. The enemy loves it when we're running on self-power, because that's when we're most vulnerable. So, how do we fight this? Stay humble. Daily surrender to God. Keep your dependence on Him. Never let past victories make you think you don't need to suit up for battle today." Segment 3: Distraction – The Hidden Enemy "If the devil can't destroy you, he'll distract you. And today, distractions are everywhere—social media, entertainment, endless scrolling, busyness. Luke 10:41-42 tells the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus says, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.' We can be so busy doing everything but spending time with Jesus. And that's exactly how distraction works—it fills up our schedules and minds so there's no room left for God. So, how do we fight it? Be intentional. Set aside time for God first. Turn off the noise. Protect your focus." Segment 4: Desensitization – The Slow Fade "Desensitization happens when we get used to things that once convicted us. Maybe it's the content we consume, the language we hear, the attitudes we accept. We start compromising in small ways, and soon, things that once grieved us don't even bother us anymore. Romans 12:2 tells us, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' We can't let culture define what's acceptable—only God can do that. To fight desensitization, we have to constantly realign our hearts with Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts soft toward the things that matter." Segment 5: Apathy – The Lack of Fire "Lastly, apathy. When we just don't care as much anymore. Maybe we've been hurt, disappointed, or just weary. But indifference is dangerous. Revelation 2:4 says, ‘Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.' If your passion for God has faded, it's time to reignite it. Remember what He has done. Serve others. Get back to prayer and worship—not just as a habit, but as a lifeline. Apathy is defeated when we stir up the fire of faith again." "So, let's recap: complacency, overconfidence, distraction, desensitization, and apathy—these are the real threats we face today. Not external attacks, but internal erosion. But here's the good news: we don't have to fall for them. God gives us everything we need to stay strong. Take action today. Ask yourself, ‘Where have I let my guard down?' and invite God to reignite your passion and focus.   www.TheSecondAdam.com   

The first lesson in God's Word For Life: Jesus, Our Savior taught by Assistant Pastor Dillon Meadway on Sunday, February 9th, 2025

"Even Peter" preached by Pastor William Moore at the First Jesus Name Church of Benndale on the Sunday morning of 2 - 9-2025. For more information about our church or this message please email us at fjncbenndale@icloud.com. Have a wonderful and blessed day.

Sunday February 9th, 2025

Even Peter - Jeanie Bland

Come join us for service!Sunday School Service At The Pentecostals Of Dothan.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Podothan

Calvary Apostolic Church

Send us a textThe good shepherd stays and lays down his life; the bad shepherd runs for his life. The apostle Peter wavered between good shepherd and bad shepherd. Pick up your Bible or phone and turn to John 18 to hear that story.This episode is based on the God's Word for Life, Winter 2024–2025 Adult Lesson Guide, entitled, "Even Peter" (February 9, 2025). Find an Apostolic church that preaches this glorious gospel and our response at UPCI.orgThis episode is produced by the Pentecostal Resources Group and is hosted by LJ Harry. To order resources of the God's Word for Life curriculum, visitPentecostalPublishing.com and PentecostalResourcesGroup.com.

Sermon Date - 1/19/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford John 13:33-36 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . Ask yourself 3 questions: What is the American church (The Church) known for today? And What is your own church known for today? And finally, What are you known for today? These are dangerous questions to ask. But in the verses before us this morning, is a challenge and a description. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. His disciples should be known for their Christ-like love. So we must pursue and proclaim an unusual, and otherworldly type of love. Now ask yourself, is that what you are known for? Martin Luther King’s letters from the Birmingham jail call the church to seek to be known as disciples of Jesus through love, rather than following the winds of society. If the church doesn’t love deeply across all divides and distinctions, we lose the identity of what makes us followers of Christ. In this passage, Jesus gives us a commandment that is new - love one another as Jesus has loved us. The standard has been raised in this command. Jesus is telling His disciples, “you have walked with Me, and suffered with Me, and you know how I have loved you. Now go, and give that love to others!” Jesus’ love moves beyond attraction and emotion and condition. And that’s what he calls us to do! So: 1)what should we do? 2)how will this happen? How to love like Jesus - With Service, Without selectiveness, and With Sacrifice. Through His examples in this chapter, shows us that Love is humbling as Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Is your love only demonstrated from your position of convenience? Even Judas’s feet were washed - love with unconditional service. Even Peter’s feet, when he would soon deny him. Acting like Christ means to pray and love and have compassion and humility even of those who would betray. The kind of love Jesus is disciplining us in, is loving your enemies, even when you mean you harm and hate. So, how does Jesus expect us to do it? Where does the provision come from to do this? 1)Recognizing the source - When Jesus died sacrificially, he fuels us with the capacity to love. Because he first loved us. In our resurrection, having died with Christ, we have received the ability to do so. 2)we have clear pictures of who were were before Christ. We were like Judas. How can I withhold love from those who betray me? When I - a perpetual denier and betrayer - have been loved so much by Jesus. 3)the Spirit within us, will allow us to boldly, courageously love with sacrifice and without condition. The Spirit which Jesus gives us the provision of, empowers us to be able to do so!

Sermon Date - 1/19/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford John 13:33-36 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . Ask yourself 3 questions: What is the American church (The Church) known for today? And What is your own church known for today? And finally, What are you known for today? These are dangerous questions to ask. But in the verses before us this morning, is a challenge and a description. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. His disciples should be known for their Christ-like love. So we must pursue and proclaim an unusual, and otherworldly type of love. Now ask yourself, is that what you are known for? Martin Luther King’s letters from the Birmingham jail call the church to seek to be known as disciples of Jesus through love, rather than following the winds of society. If the church doesn’t love deeply across all divides and distinctions, we lose the identity of what makes us followers of Christ. In this passage, Jesus gives us a commandment that is new - love one another as Jesus has loved us. The standard has been raised in this command. Jesus is telling His disciples, “you have walked with Me, and suffered with Me, and you know how I have loved you. Now go, and give that love to others!” Jesus’ love moves beyond attraction and emotion and condition. And that’s what he calls us to do! So: 1)what should we do? 2)how will this happen? How to love like Jesus - With Service, Without selectiveness, and With Sacrifice. Through His examples in this chapter, shows us that Love is humbling as Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Is your love only demonstrated from your position of convenience? Even Judas’s feet were washed - love with unconditional service. Even Peter’s feet, when he would soon deny him. Acting like Christ means to pray and love and have compassion and humility even of those who would betray. The kind of love Jesus is disciplining us in, is loving your enemies, even when you mean you harm and hate. So, how does Jesus expect us to do it? Where does the provision come from to do this? 1)Recognizing the source - When Jesus died sacrificially, he fuels us with the capacity to love. Because he first loved us. In our resurrection, having died with Christ, we have received the ability to do so. 2)we have clear pictures of who were were before Christ. We were like Judas. How can I withhold love from those who betray me? When I - a perpetual denier and betrayer - have been loved so much by Jesus. 3)the Spirit within us, will allow us to boldly, courageously love with sacrifice and without condition. The Spirit which Jesus gives us the provision of, empowers us to be able to do so!

The book of Galatians in the Bible is known as the Magna Carta of Christianity. Paul's letter to the Galatians, long before Magna Carta in 1215, proclaimed Freedom for all people through faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:1 says: ‘it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.'   Jesus came to liberate everyone from the slavery of sin and condemnation so that each one of us can live lives enjoying the grace of God. He came to free us from guilt and shame, free us from fears, addictions and all forms of oppression. He came to free us in our worship, and to free us from legalism and being bound up with religious rules and regulations.   Spiritual freedom leads to many other kinds of freedoms in society. In the 18th Century revival, those Christians who had experienced personal freedom in Christ were the main supporters of the American Independence movement and who were united on both sides of the Atlantic to abolish slavery and promote movements for social reform.    In the 20th Century, Communist regimes oppressed the church because they knew it stood for freedom. The peace prayer movement in Nicholai Kirche in Leipzig started the chain of events leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the freedom of East Germany.  Studying this book of Galatians over the coming weeks will show us just how important it is to understand what freedom in Christ really means and how we can live our lives, not as slaves but as sons and daughters of God. We start by looking at Galatians 1:1-10 where we see 3 things Paul is telling us, and then 3 applications to our lives.   The Apostle Paul says he was: 1. Sent by God (Galatians 5:1-2,11; Acts 13 and 14) 2. Saved by Jesus (Galatians 1:3-5) 3. Shocked by the church (Galatians 1:6-9, 2:11-14, 4:10, 2, 5 & 6) Applications to us – we are saved: 1. By faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:16) 2. Not by observing rules (Galatians 2:21 & 3:1-3) 3. Keep your focus on Jesus (Matthew 23:4 & 11:28–30; Galatians 1:10)  Apply   1. Sent by God (Galatians 5:1-2). It's important that we too as Christians know that we are God-sent. Our mission is not one we've set ourselves but if you are a Christian, you have been called and commissioned by Jesus: by God himself. Paul's commissioning was as an apostle; a church planter, an overseer of churches (Galatians 1:11). Paul tells us he is sent by God to the churches in Galatia, and that's who Paul is writing to: it's a letter to a group of churches and chapter 4 makes it clear these are churches he founded. Galatia is an area where Turkey is nowadays. Paul went there on his first missionary journey starting churches in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (Acts 13 and 14).   2. Saved by Jesus (Galatians 1:3-5). Paul says we are living in an evil age. Bad things are done all around us: there is evil in this world. And the wrong we have all done - our sin - deserves punishment. But Paul says Jesus gave himself for our sins and that Jesus' followers have been rescued from this evil age.  3. Shocked by the church (Galatians 1:6-9). Why was he shocked? What had gone so seriously wrong with the Galatian church? The problem was, over time, they had become legalistic: got into rules. The first Christians had been Jews: Jesus' disciples in fact. Then very soon non-Jews (or Gentiles) had started to become Christians, including the people in Galatia that Paul evangelised and they were full of joy to know God. But some Jewish Christians then came to Galatia and said that as well as believing in Jesus, they also had to follow Jewish religious rules. A look ahead at the coming chapters shows us then: • Rules about food (Galatians 2:11-14) - it says the apostle Peter had led people to follow Jewish food laws and Paul had had to correct him. • Rules about religious festivals (Galatians 4:10) - it says some taught they had to observe special days and months. Paul says we should not be bound by these traditions. • Rules about getting circumcised (Galatians 2, 5 & 6) - it says people were teaching that to be a Christian you had to be circumcised and Paul writes 'no'.   Paul says this is a big issue. Why was he so strongly opposed to these rules? Because the Gospel sets people free from legalism, and that freedom was under threat. Traditional religion laid burdens on people that they couldn't fulfil. Jesus had transformed that with the good news of grace. But now people had come in and pushed the Galatians back to legalistic religion; and Paul said 'no: that's not the gospel' If you add in extra requirements so that the Gospel becomes 'believe in Jesus AND do certain things' then actually in Paul's words this is "a different gospel" or "no gospel at all." So what does all this mean for us?   In Galatians 2:16 Paul writes: "a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ." There are 3 application points.   1. By faith in Jesus: Know that God accepts you, just because you believe in Jesus. Putting your trust in Jesus and telling Him 'I will follow you' is all that is needed.  2. Not by observing rules: Know that you don't have to do things to win God's approval. For thousands of years people tried to keep the laws of the Old Testament, and everyone failed. That's why we needed Jesus (Galatians 2:21). No-one gets right with God by following rules, Jewish customs or other religious laws.   Law - or introducing Rules - has been a big issue not just in the early church but through history. In the Middle Ages there were lots of rules in the church. People were told to earn merits by going on pilgrimages, repeating set prayers and doing other things, like getting merits in school. If you got enough merits, you got to heaven. God brought the Reformation to the church. Luther and others taught 'sola gratia': "by grace alone". It's not by following rules. Today too we need to know it's not by keeping rules. Going to all the right meetings doesn't make someone a Christian, or more of a Christian. Repeating all the right prayers doesn't make God accept you. If we try to do and say all the right things, if we try to be good enough, we will fail. God accepts you not because of your efforts but just because of your faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:1-3). We must not just start, but also stay walking in faith. It's not by observing rules. Know that you don't have to do things to win God's approval. God accepts you: just as you are.  3. Keep your focus on Jesus. Examine ourselves: am I living by grace? It's faith in Jesus that counts: putting our trust in Him. Paul was shocked because the Galatians had changed. We should examine ourselves and make sure we haven't changed or drifted away from grace and aren't imposing rules on ourselves or others. If we're helping other Christians, we want them to do all the right things so it's easy to get legalistic: laying requirements on them: do this, do that, you must read this, pray that. It's easy for rules to creep in about what clothes are acceptable, what music you should listen to, what you should watch. There is wisdom to be had in all these things: but no rules. If you walk by the Spirit, you will have wisdom. But there should be no laying down rules. Even Peter had to be rebuked by Paul for following rules. It's the same rebuke Jesus gave the religious leaders of his day, saying they'd got it wrong by putting heavy burdens on the people (Matthew 23:4) and that “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30) So, we must resist legalism, not lay a burden on ourselves or others - the expectation that you have to do this list of things - because that is to change the Gospel.   If we are trying to please people that can be a pressure. Paul makes it clear (Galatians 1:10): stop trying to please people. Just serve God. Paul wasn't trying to please people when he wrote this letter, he was writing to them because he loved them and wanted them to get back to the heart of the Gospel. Let's keep our focus on Jesus and his grace: not on keeping rules. It's about having a relationship with God who loves and accepts you (Galatians 5:1). Freedom is God's plan for you. Freedom has always been God's plan for His people. The Israelites were set free from slavery in Egypt, the great exodus when oppression ended. Today can be your exodus from an old world of religion into a new life of freedom in Jesus. 

The book of Galatians in the Bible is known as the Magna Carta of Christianity. Paul's letter to the Galatians, long before Magna Carta in 1215, proclaimed Freedom for all people through faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:1 says: ‘it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.'   Jesus came to liberate everyone from the slavery of sin and condemnation so that each one of us can live lives enjoying the grace of God. He came to free us from guilt and shame, free us from fears, addictions and all forms of oppression. He came to free us in our worship, and to free us from legalism and being bound up with religious rules and regulations.   Spiritual freedom leads to many other kinds of freedoms in society. In the 18th Century revival, those Christians who had experienced personal freedom in Christ were the main supporters of the American Independence movement and who were united on both sides of the Atlantic to abolish slavery and promote movements for social reform.    In the 20th Century, Communist regimes oppressed the church because they knew it stood for freedom. The peace prayer movement in Nicholai Kirche in Leipzig started the chain of events leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the freedom of East Germany.  Studying this book of Galatians over the coming weeks will show us just how important it is to understand what freedom in Christ really means and how we can live our lives, not as slaves but as sons and daughters of God. We start by looking at Galatians 1:1-10 where we see 3 things Paul is telling us, and then 3 applications to our lives.   The Apostle Paul says he was: 1. Sent by God (Galatians 5:1-2,11; Acts 13 and 14) 2. Saved by Jesus (Galatians 1:3-5) 3. Shocked by the church (Galatians 1:6-9, 2:11-14, 4:10, 2, 5 & 6) Applications to us – we are saved: 1. By faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:16) 2. Not by observing rules (Galatians 2:21 & 3:1-3) 3. Keep your focus on Jesus (Matthew 23:4 & 11:28–30; Galatians 1:10)  Apply   1. Sent by God (Galatians 5:1-2). It's important that we too as Christians know that we are God-sent. Our mission is not one we've set ourselves but if you are a Christian, you have been called and commissioned by Jesus: by God himself. Paul's commissioning was as an apostle; a church planter, an overseer of churches (Galatians 1:11). Paul tells us he is sent by God to the churches in Galatia, and that's who Paul is writing to: it's a letter to a group of churches and chapter 4 makes it clear these are churches he founded. Galatia is an area where Turkey is nowadays. Paul went there on his first missionary journey starting churches in Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (Acts 13 and 14).   2. Saved by Jesus (Galatians 1:3-5). Paul says we are living in an evil age. Bad things are done all around us: there is evil in this world. And the wrong we have all done - our sin - deserves punishment. But Paul says Jesus gave himself for our sins and that Jesus' followers have been rescued from this evil age.  3. Shocked by the church (Galatians 1:6-9). Why was he shocked? What had gone so seriously wrong with the Galatian church? The problem was, over time, they had become legalistic: got into rules. The first Christians had been Jews: Jesus' disciples in fact. Then very soon non-Jews (or Gentiles) had started to become Christians, including the people in Galatia that Paul evangelised and they were full of joy to know God. But some Jewish Christians then came to Galatia and said that as well as believing in Jesus, they also had to follow Jewish religious rules. A look ahead at the coming chapters shows us then: • Rules about food (Galatians 2:11-14) - it says the apostle Peter had led people to follow Jewish food laws and Paul had had to correct him. • Rules about religious festivals (Galatians 4:10) - it says some taught they had to observe special days and months. Paul says we should not be bound by these traditions. • Rules about getting circumcised (Galatians 2, 5 & 6) - it says people were teaching that to be a Christian you had to be circumcised and Paul writes 'no'.   Paul says this is a big issue. Why was he so strongly opposed to these rules? Because the Gospel sets people free from legalism, and that freedom was under threat. Traditional religion laid burdens on people that they couldn't fulfil. Jesus had transformed that with the good news of grace. But now people had come in and pushed the Galatians back to legalistic religion; and Paul said 'no: that's not the gospel' If you add in extra requirements so that the Gospel becomes 'believe in Jesus AND do certain things' then actually in Paul's words this is "a different gospel" or "no gospel at all." So what does all this mean for us?   In Galatians 2:16 Paul writes: "a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ." There are 3 application points.   1. By faith in Jesus: Know that God accepts you, just because you believe in Jesus. Putting your trust in Jesus and telling Him 'I will follow you' is all that is needed.  2. Not by observing rules: Know that you don't have to do things to win God's approval. For thousands of years people tried to keep the laws of the Old Testament, and everyone failed. That's why we needed Jesus (Galatians 2:21). No-one gets right with God by following rules, Jewish customs or other religious laws.   Law - or introducing Rules - has been a big issue not just in the early church but through history. In the Middle Ages there were lots of rules in the church. People were told to earn merits by going on pilgrimages, repeating set prayers and doing other things, like getting merits in school. If you got enough merits, you got to heaven. God brought the Reformation to the church. Luther and others taught 'sola gratia': "by grace alone". It's not by following rules. Today too we need to know it's not by keeping rules. Going to all the right meetings doesn't make someone a Christian, or more of a Christian. Repeating all the right prayers doesn't make God accept you. If we try to do and say all the right things, if we try to be good enough, we will fail. God accepts you not because of your efforts but just because of your faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:1-3). We must not just start, but also stay walking in faith. It's not by observing rules. Know that you don't have to do things to win God's approval. God accepts you: just as you are.  3. Keep your focus on Jesus. Examine ourselves: am I living by grace? It's faith in Jesus that counts: putting our trust in Him. Paul was shocked because the Galatians had changed. We should examine ourselves and make sure we haven't changed or drifted away from grace and aren't imposing rules on ourselves or others. If we're helping other Christians, we want them to do all the right things so it's easy to get legalistic: laying requirements on them: do this, do that, you must read this, pray that. It's easy for rules to creep in about what clothes are acceptable, what music you should listen to, what you should watch. There is wisdom to be had in all these things: but no rules. If you walk by the Spirit, you will have wisdom. But there should be no laying down rules. Even Peter had to be rebuked by Paul for following rules. It's the same rebuke Jesus gave the religious leaders of his day, saying they'd got it wrong by putting heavy burdens on the people (Matthew 23:4) and that “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30) So, we must resist legalism, not lay a burden on ourselves or others - the expectation that you have to do this list of things - because that is to change the Gospel.   If we are trying to please people that can be a pressure. Paul makes it clear (Galatians 1:10): stop trying to please people. Just serve God. Paul wasn't trying to please people when he wrote this letter, he was writing to them because he loved them and wanted them to get back to the heart of the Gospel. Let's keep our focus on Jesus and his grace: not on keeping rules. It's about having a relationship with God who loves and accepts you (Galatians 5:1). Freedom is God's plan for you. Freedom has always been God's plan for His people. The Israelites were set free from slavery in Egypt, the great exodus when oppression ended. Today can be your exodus from an old world of religion into a new life of freedom in Jesus. 

The Moonlight Kiss of Betrayal. Today Michael is still in Mark (we're just about done!) and he is going to tell a story, like a story, not just reading.  True narrative format and it's good! Jesus is talking with His disciples, letting them know, that all ‘will fall away'.  Meaning, when the going get's tough, the disciples won't be so tough! And this theme, with Jesus, His disciples and the message is about betrayal.   Back on topic, the disciples hear Him tell them that they will bolt when it get's tough and they are, of course, agast.  What, “US” leave you?  Are you kidding????" Even Peter, a rock if there ever was one, cannot believe He is telling them that.  Naturally, Peter claims his undying loyalty to the cause and Jesus reminds him, even he will fall away. So, twelve of them go to the Mount of Olives (one is missing; wonder where Judas is?) and they come to a lush grove, Gethsemane, and Jesus tells them to rest, sit and pray.  Jesus leaves them and prays three times.  Each time he comes back, the disciples are asleep.  During all of this, the disciples can see Jesus is in extreme anguish and knows something very foreboding, serious is coming His way. Finally, a crowd appears to take Jesus away.  They drag him into the city and a trial will soon begin.   During all of this, Jesus suffers three betrayals: 1. Notably, Judas Iscariot. 2. The religious leaders and the system of the time. 3. HIs disciples.   Our central message this week, concerning betrayal is: "When you experience betrayal, and you will, trust God and choose better over bitter”. Today's verses can be found in Mark 14: 27 - 52 Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 

Title: Exodus Revisited Text: Acts 12:6-17 FCF: We often struggle to trust the Lord in great tragedy and persecution. Prop: Because God saves and keeps saving His people, we must trust and obey Him while preserving ourselves from harm. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 12. In a moment I'll begin reading in the LSB starting in verse 6. Today we continue the episode begun in chapter 11. The church's troubles are multiplying. Last week we saw how the most recent incident with Peter eating with the Gentiles had caused hatred to build in Jerusalem from the Jews toward the church. This hatred combined with a ruler who desired power and popularity was a perfect recipe for persecution. James the brother of John and leading apostle of the church has been killed. Herod executed him. Peter is now in prison. Herod's plan is to execute him too. But the church is praying fervently for him. What will happen to Peter? Will he join James in martyrdom? Or does God have other plans? Stand with me out of reverence for and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: O Most High, as we approach your Word today, our souls wait for you; you are our help and our shield. Our heart is glad in you, because we trust in your holy name. Our hope is in you; let your presence and steadfast love be upon us. Help us to see your watch care and protection and guide us in the exposition of your word today. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Transition: The story that follows is a real-life historical record of what occurred. Nothing I am about to say diminishes that. But you should make no mistake… this story is a comedy. Be prepared to laugh. There are some absolutely hilarious details that follow in this text and it isn't the first time we've seen humor in the book of Acts. In fact, the last time was when Peter was miraculously delivered from jail the first time. It is almost like God loves humiliating leaders who think they are wiser and more powerful than He is. Let's look to the text this morning starting in verse 6. I.) God alone saves and keeps saving His people, so we must trust and obey God. (6-11) a. [Slide 2] 6 - Now on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. i. For all intents and purposes… Peter has absolutely NO hope of escaping his jail cell this time. ii. Why do I say that? 1. First, he is sleeping between two soldiers. a. He doesn't even get a bed in a room by himself. b. Instead, he must sleep between two other soldiers who are awake keeping watch over him. c. Luke doesn't tell us what the significance may be of Peter being able to sleep soundly the night before his execution. d. Many scholars point to Peter's faith here. He is trusting the Lord for the outcome and therefore is content and at peace enough to be able to sleep. 2. Second, not only is he between two soldiers, but he is also bound with two chains. a. We aren't told but we can surmise that most likely he is chained either left side to one guard, right side to another or hands to one guard and feet to another. b. So, guards keep watch over him, changing shifts every 3 hours. And in that, they keep him between them and chained to them. c. There is absolutely no way Peter can escape. 3. Third, as if that wasn't enough to make it utterly impossible, the other two guards of the squad assigned to him for those 3 hours… were watching the doors that led out of the prison. a. We learn later that this is probably 1 guard per guard post leading out of prison and into the city. b. Even if Peter were able, somehow, to incapacitate the guards next to him or slip away from the chains and sneak away from guards who were well rested and alert… he now had to make his way through two locked guard post doors each of which were guarded by another awake and alert guard. iii. Now what is the significance of establishing that Peter could not possibly have released himself from prison? iv. Let's hold on to that question until we get to the end of this point. v. So, what happens? The sun rises and Peter is executed right? b. [Slide 3] 7 - And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and woke him up, saying, “Rise up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. i. In the introduction I told you that this was a comedy, right? ii. Well, here is the first hilarious detail that Luke records. iii. We have already established that it is absolutely impossible for Peter to escape. Peter trusts the Lord no matter the outcome. And the outcome seems to be guaranteed to be his death. So, he sleeps in contented faith – waiting to join James, Stephen, and all those who have been martyred so far. iv. Then all of a sudden… an angel of the Lord appears and lights up this entire jail cell. v. Luke doesn't tell us the magnitude of the brightness… but I don't think this is a candle flicker. vi. I think this cell became bright as day. vii. What do you notice here about the guards? viii. Nothing. They aren't mentioned. ix. Now are we to assume they were asleep? Are we to assume they were negligent? Did they go out for a late-night coffee assuring themselves that the prisoner was secure? x. Based on the details Luke has given us so far, and what I see as the first of many correlations between this story and Jesus' resurrection as well as the Exodus from Egypt. xi. They simply could not see the angel, nor could they see the light. xii. Much like the guards posted in front of the tomb, and much like the people of Egypt not standing in the way and even giving gold and silver to the people as they left. So here the guards are rendered absolutely benign. Unwilling, unable or unaware of the need to intervene. xiii. The humor intensifies to reveal that not only did the guards not see the angel appear, nor see the light… Peter didn't either. Because he was asleep! xiv. The angel strikes him in the side to wake him up. This is the first of two times in this chapter that an angel strikes someone. The next time will render significantly different results. xv. And what does the angel say? xvi. Rise up. Quickly! xvii. Another similarity between the Exodus and this event. His departure was to be hurried and guided by God through His messenger. Sound familiar? Oh and when was Peter in jail again? Yes during Passover. Interesting. xviii. Although we don't see Peter's obedience in this verse, in preparation for his obedience and in order to make his obedience possible, the chains fall off of him. xix. Once again, they fall off and the guards are none the wiser. c. [Slide 4] 8 - And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your garment around yourself and follow me.” i. More humor emerges as the story unfolds. ii. Imagine with me Peter standing in a brightly lit room with an angel of the Lord. iii. He meets the gaze of the soldiers in the cell with him. But they look right through him. They have no idea that he is standing directly in front of them. iv. They are blind to all that is happening in the cell. v. They don't feel the chains fall from Peter. vi. They don't hear the angel's instruction to Peter. vii. Peter begins putting on his undergarments and sandals. viii. The soldiers say nothing. They do nothing. They simply stare into the distance as if nothing was happening at all. ix. Peter throws on his cloak, his outer garment, preparing himself to go out into the night. x. Still the soldiers do not do or say anything. They don't react at all. xi. Notice again the similarity to Exodus. The donning of traveling apparel. xii. Peter obeys the angel and begins to follow him. xiii. And still the soldiers remain by his bed where his chains lay… empty. d. [Slide 5] 9 - And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but was thinking he was seeing a vision. i. Peter follows the angel out the door. ii. And Luke suspends reality no longer. iii. He actually records what Peter had running through his head. iv. This is a dream. There is no way this is real. v. Why would he conclude this? vi. Well, think about it… he is moving around, making noise, putting on his clothes, walking through prison doors and watching all the soldiers… do and say nothing. vii. Either this is a dream or he is a ghost. viii. Peter's conclusion should not prompt us to say… silly Peter. Why didn't he see this. ix. Instead, it should prompt us to say… Mighty God! Who are you that you can switch off the senses of men? To be blind and deaf. To feel nothing as it all happens before you. e. [Slide 6] 10 - And when they had passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. i. Peter continues to follow the angel. Much like the children of Israel followed Moses. ii. Past both doors and both guards. iii. He passes through the iron gate (probably not a soundless gate) iv. Oh and also… by the way… it opens by itself! So Iron is heavy… I don't think a large prison gate could be blown open by a strong wind. Nope. It just opened. v. Much like the way the Red sea opened before the children of Israel as they left Egypt for good. vi. They go out into the street and just as suddenly as the angel had come… he was gone. vii. Just like the puny gods of Egypt could not prevent Yahweh from reclaiming His own, so also puny Herod could not keep Peter. f. [Slide 7] 11 - When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now truly I know that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” i. Much like the two on the road to Emmaus who came to themselves to identify the traveler as none other than the risen Christ, Peter came to himself and realized what he thought was only a dream was true. ii. An angel of the Lord had rescued him from Herod. iii. All that the Jewish people were hoping would happen the next day, would come to nothing. It was the will of God to rescue Peter. g. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: Peter is spared what is an almost certain death and the church is spared yet another apostle's death. But Luke doesn't record this story for us merely to tell us of Peter's rescue. What is the message of the book of Acts? The church is united and triumphant! Why? Because God alone saves, expands, keeps and preserves His people. From physical safety to Spiritual deliverance God alone saves and keeps saving His people to the uttermost. What is our response to such a glorious truth? What did Peter do? He trusted the Lord and obeyed the angel right? We too must trust and obey the Lord. Regardless of the situation we are in and the danger it may pose, we must trust that God alone saves and keeps us and because of that, set out to obey Him. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank) So, if God alone saves and keeps saving His people… Peter should go right back to doing everything he was doing before right? He went right back to preaching in the temple the last time he was released from prison. Shouldn't he trust that the Lord saves and keeps him and boldly go back to leading the Jerusalem church? II.) God alone saves and keeps saving His people, we must not tempt the Lord. (12-17) a. [Slide 10] 12 - And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. i. Realizing that it was the Lord's Sovereign will to spare him from death, he dared not test the Lord. ii. Unlike the last time he escaped prison where he was commanded to go and preach in the temple, this time Peter had no such command. iii. He did not assume that since God had let Him out again that He should go back to what he was doing before. Instead, he sought safety from fellow believers. iv. Knowing those who gathered in the church and where, he realized he was near a dear saint's home. v. He went to Mary's home. A wealthy woman with a home in Jerusalem large enough to accommodate a great crowd of believers. vi. We are not told much about Mary. We don't even know if she was married, widowed or divorced. We only know that she had a son named John who also went by the name Mark. vii. John called Mark will feature prominently in the next chapter, so we won't spend much time talking about him at the moment. But we should know that he is the same Mark who wrote the gospel that bears his name. viii. Here we see that they were having a prayer meeting in the home of Mary. ix. Now we are not told directly by Luke that they were praying for Peter. x. One manuscript does have “for him” after praying, indicating that this is what at least one copyist thought. xi. We were told earlier that the church was praying fervently to the Lord for Pete, so it seems likely that he is of primary concern in the prayer meeting. xii. And if that is the case, the irony and humor is set up to continue throughout the rest of the episode. b. [Slide 11] 13 - And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. i. Further emphasizing the fact that Mary was wealthy, we see that she has at least 1 servant girl working her estate. ii. This girl is often depicted as a little girl in dramatizations and cartoons, but there is actually no indication of her age here by Luke. The term used is essentially “female slave” and not necessarily a little girl. iii. Also, it was Rhoda's job to guard the door and welcome any from the church and fend off any who might have bad-faith intentions for the church meeting there. It could be that a little girl would be well-suited for such a job, but perhaps not. c. [Slide 12] 14 - And when she recognized Peter's voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate. But she ran in and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate. i. Perhaps this is the reason she is portrayed as a little girl. ii. In what strikes our funny bone yet again, we imagine this girl hear the voice of Peter imploring to be let in. iii. At which point she forgets her primary job of letting people in who are welcome. iv. Her joy overwhelms her and she runs in to report to the rest that Peter was standing in front of the gate. v. So, Peter remains outside in the streets of Jerusalem – a fugitive from the law. vi. Thanks Rhoda! vii. Perhaps here we see another allusion to the wilderness wanderings as the children of Israel came to the very edge of the promised land only to be shut out. d. [Slide 13] 15 - And they said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel.” i. Again, rather ironically and humorously, we see the church praying, probably for Peter's release, consider it absolutely bonkers that Peter could be standing at the front gate. ii. Perhaps another allusion to the resurrection of Christ, where the disciples did not initially believe the women's report. Luke says that the disciples thought the women's words seemed like nonsense to them. iii. Now it is possible that they were not necessarily praying for him to be miraculously delivered from prison. More than likely they were praying for God's will to be done and for Him to be merciful with Peter and the church. iv. But God often answers prayer abundantly beyond what we ask or think. And here they are caught, not in disbelief, but pure humanness. v. There is no way he could be standing at the gate. It is not possible. And everyone… including Peter not too long ago… thought that was the case. vi. So, Rhoda's crazy. vii. But when she kept insisting… they came up with an alternate explanation… viii. It was Peter's angel. ix. This refers to the Jewish mythological belief that each person is granted 1 angel to watch over them. In some cases, this guardian angel can take our appearance and mannerisms. x. This is not necessarily affirmed by this text. And searching for such a teaching throughout the bible turns up very little to prove it. But whether the myth is true or not is immaterial. They believed it. And therefore, their explanation was that it was Peter's angel. xi. The irony of course… is that it may well have been his guardian angel that was sent by God to free him. e. [Slide 14] 16 - But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door, they saw him and were astounded. i. Again – more humor – Peter probably waits by the gate for a few moments… ii. Is she coming back? iii. Rhoda? Are you there? iv. I better knock again. v. So, he keeps knocking and finally they all come to see who is knocking at the door and are amazed that it is indeed Peter. vi. No doubt this caused quite the stir. Perhaps shouts of joy? Perhaps hymns of praise? f. [Slide 15] 17 - But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he recounted to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. i. He motions them to be quiet. ii. No doubt, if we read between the lines, he comes into the house and they sit down and he tells them about all that had happened. iii. Notice that although it was an angel of the Lord who led him out, Peter gives credit only to the Lord for leading him out. iv. Angels, just like us, get no glory for obeying their King. g. [Slide 16] And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers.” Then he left and went to another place. i. And here we an interesting transition that helps to explain some perplexing things. ii. Peter was very obviously the head of the church up to this point. He didn't make all the decisions, but was certainly the most prominent apostle among the 12. iii. Nevertheless, in the book of Acts we see his authority in Jerusalem diminish. iv. By Acts 15, James the Lord's half-brother, becomes an Elder and leader of the church of Jerusalem. How did all that come about? Well this story helps us to understand. v. The apostles are not safe in Jerusalem anymore. Even Peter is said to go to another place. While this could mean that he left the city more likely it means that Peter is going to make himself scarce in Jerusalem. vi. Probably not disappearing entirely as some commentators suggest. Nor does it mean that he has to go on some evangelistic or missionary effort to lands not controlled by Herod. vii. So since Peter and the other apostles are not safe in Jerusalem, they must leave leadership in the hands of those who are trusted and wise. viii. James had at this time probably already written or was in the process of writing his letter that bore his name. He has proven his wisdom and faithfulness. ix. He is a good Jew who had probably not publicly eaten with Gentiles but would not have refused them which bridges the gap between some of the more conservative factions arising among Jewish Christians. x. James becomes an ideal candidate to take over the leadership of the Jerusalem church. xi. Peter gives instruction for them to inform James and the brothers (which probably means other elders) of what had happened. xii. Then Peter departs. xiii. And although he will reappear in Acts 15 for a moment, his release from prison is the last time Peter is the focal point of any narrative in the book of Acts. h. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: God alone saves and keeps on saving His people. Peter affirms this in his testimony before these church members gathered to pray. God is the one who delivered Him. But just because God has delivered him, does not mean that God will always deliver him. Peter was released from prison before, and he went right back to preaching publicly. But the difference there is that God commanded him to do that. Here, Peter uses the good sense that the Lord gave him to realize that Jerusalem was no longer safe for him. So, he hid and fled. What is the lesson for us? We trust the Lord that He saves and keeps us but we realize that one of the ways God keeps his people is by human agency. He gives us sense to preserve and prevent our own harm. And so, we must not test the Lord by running into hazardous situations expecting him to safeguard us. Conclusion: So CBC, what doctrinal point must we see here today and how does it impact us? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 18] One side effect of studying one book of the bible expositionally is that the theme of the book will not only be a significant part of almost every single text of the book, but will even be the main point of several sermons. This idea that God alone saves, expands, keeps, protects, preserves, grows, guides, and blesses His church has been the main point of several of the sermons in the book of Acts so far. And it will probably be the main point of many more to come. It isn't because I particularly like repeating myself. It isn't because it is all I can think of. It is because that is what the text is saying. All the way back at the introduction to the book of Acts, I stated that if I were to rename the book it would be The Acts of The Holy Spirit rather than the Acts of the Apostles. I stand by that statement. God's divine hand of providence is integral to every movement, every facet of the church's existence. And in that the church is united and the church is triumphant. That is, essentially, the message today. Herod wanted Peter dead. God didn't. Herod did all he could to get his way. God sent one angel to accomplish His will. And God won. Peter didn't rescue himself and the church wasn't even expecting him to be rescued. God did it. God saves and keeps saving His people. And He does it alone. But we do see two responses to this truth in this text. One we've seen before, but the other is worth pointing out too. We ought to trust and obey God, no matter what situation we find ourselves in. Peter trusted God and obeyed the angel's instructions. We must trust that He alone is able to save and keep us. And we must then obey Him knowing that He will do what is ultimately for our good and His glory. But we cannot test the Lord, and put ourselves into needless peril claiming this truth as our foundation. Instead, we must exercise our human agency to protect and preserve ourselves, while relying on God ultimately to deliver us into His Kingdom. So how does this truth and these responses connect to our daily lives? 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 God has worked out all things for the good of those who love Him. a. The last two sermons have assured us that we as the church will experience trouble and persecution. b. That we will be hated and afflicted. c. As far as sermons go, these are not the most pleasant to deliver. d. But as assured as it is that we will be afflicted and hated, we must remember that God has promised that He has worked all things in our lives for our good and His glory. e. There is nothing that transpires in the life of those who love God that He has not ordained to produce good for them. f. God is no clock maker setting the inner workings of our salvation and then walking away. g. Christ is not twiddling his thumbs up in heaven waiting for the day when He is to return to reclaim us. h. Instead, God the triune is actively saving, protecting, keeping, helping, purifying, convicting, instructing, and preserving His people until the day of redemption. i. He will never leave us… that is what He promised. j. Yes even in a jail cell, chained to two guards, awaiting execution… God's good to Peter is on display. k. So, in whatever situation no matter how bleak. No matter how convinced we are that what is happening is terrible! We must believe through faith that it is not bad… but good. l. Even in the midst of sin, our sin, God's goodness is on display. It is not good that we are sinning… but if you are His child – even your sin cannot keep you from the good that God has planned. Indeed, your sin will be part of His plan for your good. m. This is why Paul exclaims in verse 31 of Romans 8 – If God is for us… who is against us? Who indeed. No man. No angel. Not even ourselves. God wins my friends. Always. n. God was for Peter… could Herod hope to stand against Peter? 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 our good always means physical protection and provision. a. My friends, James' execution with a sword was also… God's good to James on display. b. That is where it gets tricky doesn't it. c. This is why Jesus said to seek the Kingdom of God first. d. Our greatest good is not found in this world. But in that New Kingdom. e. And while God may plan good for us here, forming, molding, shaping, and pressing us into the image of Christ… His plan for good may include suffering and even death. f. God was for James… Herod was against him. g. And if we look with eyes of this world we might observe that in the case of James… Herod won. h. But if that is our conclusion – we'd be dead wrong. i. For what can men do to us? To live is Christ and to die is gain. j. In reality… hear me now…God's goodness to James far exceeded His goodness to Peter. James was given a martyrs death 20 years before Peter. k. My friends, sometimes God's good for us is not our definition of good. l. All that means is that our perspective needs to change. m. Sometimes the best thing God can do for us… is to take something away from us. n. If Jesus is the vine, if we are the branches, if the Father is the gardener… is it not good for the vine to be pruned? Is pruning not a painful process for the plant? o. God's good for us may not be pleasant… but it is always good. 3.) 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 trust and obey the Lord, even in situations where the outcomes seem certain, knowing He is able to do abundantly more than we ask. a. Peter was as good as dead. b. Herod assured it. c. The Jews expected it. d. The church expected it. e. Even Peter expected it. f. Literally NO HUMAN in this story expected Peter to survive. g. Yet Peter was asleep. He trusted the Lord. Whatever comes… the Lord is good. And Peter lost not a wink of sleep over it. h. But when the angel kicked him in the ribs and told him to get up and get out… i. Peter didn't wave his hand and say… no no… I am suffering for Jesus here. j. And although it took some convincing the church did not say… no no… it isn't possible for God to save Peter. k. We too must trust the Lord that He is always able to change any situation and do beyond what we could think or ask. l. No one expected Peter that night. But they got him anyway. m. We too must trust the Lord and obey Him hoping and praying that He can do mighty things, in spite of the worst situations. 4.) De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop considering recklessness to be great faith. a. For this point, I don't want to press it too far. b. We've all heard stories of missionaries doing crazy things and the Lord preserving and protecting them. c. I don't want to cast doubt or criticism at these stories. d. But we should observe from Peter a time when recklessness doesn't equal faith. e. Peter certainly is not Jesus and everything he does is not always right. But there is no hint in this text that the choice Peter made to lay low and seek safety from Herod was some great act of weakness or faithlessness. f. Jesus even said to flee persecution if you are able to flee. It is not a sign of faithlessness or doubt for someone to take steps to preserve their own life. g. Nor would I say it is a sign of great faith for someone to take no precaution or protection for themselves. h. Even with the promise that God would not allow His holy one to have his foot dashed against the rocks, Jesus denied Satan at his temptation citing that it was improper to test the Lord. i. The great principle here is that God desires us to exercise human agency to preserve and protect ourselves. To be good stewards of our bodies and lives here. And the only time that is overridden is when we have clear direction from God to endanger ourselves for His sake. j. It is not necessarily great faith to be reckless with our lives. k. So, we must do all we are able in order protect and care for ourselves knowing that God is ultimately the one who will work out all things for our good and His glory. And that this may include our suffering and death. 5.) Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Our God mocks and laughs at the pride of the wicked. a. Oh, how sure Herod was that he would have the applause of the people! b. Oh, how certain he was that 2 of the 3 most prominent apostles would be dead after Passover. c. He no doubt imagined the accolades he would have and the love he would have from the people. d. Rome would be so pleased with him that he would inherit even more control, perhaps rivaling even Solomon's reign. e. But the next day… no one knows what happened. f. God mocks Herod's arrogance by taking his servant Peter from his grasp without leaving a single trace. g. My friends, it may seem like the wicked are winning. It may seem like everything is breaking and that things are getting so terrible. h. It may seem like the world is descending and is bound for a crash. i. But my friends, the Lord laughs and mocks the pride of the wicked. j. He is in complete control of His creation. And that has never changed. k. Do you think our world leaders are any different than Herod? l. Do you think Satan is any different than Herod? m. The Lord our God is One. He is one in number and He is the only one at His level. Nothing else compares. n. Take comfort in the fact that your God… the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David – The God who sent Jesus His Messiah – the God of the apostles. The God of the church – Our God… reigns. And He laughs and mocks the wisdom of the world. Let me close with a Puritan prayer titled “The Servant In Battle” ​ O LORD, We bless you that the issue of the battle between Yourself and Satan has never been uncertain, and will end in victory. Calvary broke the dragon's head, and we contend with a vanquished foe, who with all his subtlety and strength has already been overcome. When we feel the serpent at our heel may we remember him whose heel was bruised, but who, when bruised, broke the devil's head. Our souls with inward joy extol the mighty conqueror. Heal us of any wounds received in the great conflict; if we have gathered defilement, if our faith has suffered damage, if our hope is less than bright, if our love is not fervent, if some creature-comfort occupies our heart, if our souls sink under pressure of the fight. O You whose every promise is balm, every touch life, draw near to Your weary warriors, Refresh us, that we may rise again to wage the strife, and never tire until our enemy is trodden down. Give us such fellowship with You that we may defy Satan, unbelief, the flesh, the world, with delight that comes not From a creature, and which a creature cannot mar. Give us a draught of the eternal fountain that lies in Your immutable, everlasting love and decree. Then shall our hands never weaken, our feet never stumble, our swords never rest, our shields never rust, our helmets never shatter, our breastplates never fall, as our strength rests in the power of Your might. It is in Jesus The Conqueror's name we pray this… Amen. Benediction: May the Lord make you a blessing and send down showers of blessing in their season; May you dwell securely, and may none make you afraid. May you know that the Lord your God is with you and that you are His people. Until we meet again… Go in Peace.

It is not everyone who is close to you who will understand your challenges . Job's friends did not understand what he was going through. Even Peter did not understand why Jesus should die. The man that was born blind in John 9, it was not because of the single of any of his parents. Anytime you do not understand your friend's challenges, do not conclude that it must be his sin. Keep praying for him.

In John's passage, Jesus is often misunderstood, much like navigating without GPS. Some, like Judas, betray Him for personal gain. Others, like the guards, blindly follow authority. Even Peter misunderstands Jesus's true victory. Yet, the Gospel remains a beacon of hope, guiding us back to the truth of who Jesus is and His divine purpose for us.

                             Trouble in AntiochPaul and Barnabas are back in Antioch after their missionary journey to Galatia. Peter comes for a visit and mingles with all the new believers--Jews and Gentiles alike. All is well until some Jewish believers show up from Judea and insist that all Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses. Even Peter and Barnabas are swayed, but Paul is horrified. He calls Peter out, and Peter returns to Jerusalem.The believers in Antioch cannot decide what to do, so they send Paul and Barnabas and others to Jerusalem to consult the leaders there. Meanwhile, Jewish believers are making the same case for circumcision to the new believers in Galatia. Paul writes the Galatians a letter, warning them not to fall for this.We cover     Acts 15:1-35    Galatians 2:1 thru 3:22A free Study Guide is available. A video version of the class is available on YouTube. More info at EversBibleClass.com.

Today, in 1 Timothy 2: 8-15, we see some of Paul's words that may be the hardest to understand and make sense of, and that's saying something talking about Paul. Even Peter agrees that Paul can be hard to understand at times (2 Peter 3: 15-16).  Paul talks to women about the importance of modesty and then goes into concepts of submission and learning. What could he mean by this? And what does this mean for us?  Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here  - https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=574153909You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13 Psalm 85:9–14 Romans 9:1–5 Matthew 14:22–33 How do we find God in the storms and struggles of our lives, in the trials we encounter in trying to do His will? God commands Elijah in today's First Reading to stand on the mountain and await His passing by. And in the Gospel, Jesus makes the disciples set out across the waters to meet Him. In each case, the Lord makes Himself present amid frightening tumult—heavy winds and high waves, fire and earthquakes. Elijah hides his face. Perhaps he remembers Moses, who met God on the same mountain, also amid fire, thunder, and smoke (see Deuteronomy 4:10–15; Exodus 19:17–19). God told Moses no one could see His face and live, and He sheltered Moses in the hollow of a rock, as He shelters Elijah in a cave (see Exodus 33:18–23). The disciples, likewise, are too terrified to look on the face of God. Today's Gospel is a revelation of Jesus' divine identity. Only God treads across the crest of the sea (see Job 9:8) and rules the raging waters (see Psalm 89:9–10). And the words of assurance that Jesus speaks—“It is I”— are those God used to identify Himself to Moses (see Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10). Even Peter is too overcome by fear to imitate his Lord. His fears, Jesus tells him, are a sign of his lack of faith. And so it often is with us. Our fears make us doubt, make it hard to see His glory dwelling in our midst. Yet, we should know, as we sing in today's Psalm, that His salvation is near to those who hope in Him. By faith we should know, as Paul asserts in today's Epistle, that we are heirs to the promises made to His children, Israel. We must trust that He whispers to us in the trials of our lives—that He who has called us to walk along the way of His steps—save us whenever we begin to sink.

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

  Signs Various passages April 23, 2023 I. Introduction: A. Last week we began our red bus tour of the book of John. We took one complete trip around the book with a map/chart in hand and a narrator/me pointing out key areas to us! 1. Today we want to get off at our first point of interest that we want to explore a bit more closely. 2. That is the area of signs. B. Turn to John 20:30-31 1. We learned last week that John's purpose in writing this book was very clear – read v30-31 a) First, that we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God b) Second, in believing we might have life through Jesus 2. But he also shows us in these verses the vehicle/means he uses to get us to believe. a) Look back again and read 30-31a - signs/these b) It was signs that Jesus had performed. C. So what is a sign? 1. If I am driving on an expressway and I see a sign that says Chicago this way and Detroit that way, that sign points me in a specific direction. a) The sign is not Chicago or Detroit, but the sign points me to Chicago and Detroit 2. Turn to John 2 so we can see how John defines a sign. This is the section where at the wedding Jesus does the miracle of turning the water into wine. Read v2:11 – 2 a) John is clearly equating Jesus' miracles with being a sign. b) Just l as we saw in John 20:30-31 this sign did what it was supposed to do, it manifested Jesus' glory and resulted in his disciples believing in him. Read 2:23 • The miracle is the supernatural act itself. John, in this book, is using those miracles as II. Signs to prove who Jesus is A. We learn in John 20:30-31 that John is using these miracles to point us to, certify, convince, prove, validate, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. B. In John 3:2 Nicodemus confirms that the signs are doing exactly what they are supposed to do – 1. Read John 3:1-2 2. Nicodemus said these signs confirm that God is with him. C. Even Peter stated in his sermon on Pentecost that Jesus' miracles were designed to show and prove who he was. Read Acts 2:22 1. Attesting means to show that something is true, to prove it. 2. Peter says God was using the miracles to prove to them/us who Jesus was. D. It is interesting to note the even when the apostles and their close associates performed miracles it was to validate them as God's messengers and the message they were bringing. 1. Read 2 Corinthians 12:12 – it was a proof as to who the true apostles of Jesus Christ were. So just like the miracles validate Jesus as the Messiah, the miracles validated the apostles as messengers sent by God. 2. God also used the miracles as proof that their messages was from God read Hebrews 2:1-4. a) Jesus spoke a very important message, eternally significant message from God. Those who heard Jesus speak it, the apostles took his message to others b) God was working right alongside the apostles as they delivered that message testifying, that is validate confirming, endorsing and bearing witness about their message by miracles. 3 • So John used Jesus' miracles to validate/prove who Jesus was and that his message was “from” God. These miracles were signs to III. Prove Jesus was the Christ the Son of God! A. Jesus' miracles were signs, proofs that he was who he said he was! We see this repeatedly in the book of John. 1. In John 4, after Jesus supernaturally told the Samaritan woman at the well all about her life without having met her beforehand. Listen to what she told her friends. Read 4:29 2. In John 5, we saw on Easter after Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath who had been lame for 38 years that Jews accused Jesus of making himself equal with God by claiming God as his Father! a) Jesus said it is true he is equal to God and stated that he does nothing but what God does, he does everything God does and does it in the same way. b) Then he goes on to give others who give testimony to who he is. He starts with John the Baptist (1) Then he says this in 5:36 – read (2) The works/miracles that he does testify about who he is. 3. After Jesus fed over 5000 people with just a few fish and loaves listen to what the people said - read John 6:14 a) Shortly after this, Jesus goes into a long discourse using this miracle to talk about himself as the true bread of God that has come down from heaven to give life and many departed from him because his words were hard to accept. Read 6:67-69 4. Listen to the crowd's response when he was teaching at the Feast of Booths. Read John 7:31 5. Chapter 10 where Jesus claims his oneness with the Father – essentially a claim to be God! (1) Read 10:30-33 (2) In response to this, Jesus claims to be the Son of God and it is his works miracles as proof that he is God the Son and is one with the Father. Read 10:36-39 4 (3) We see the same idea that his miracles are a witness or proof that he is God. 6. Listen to chapter 11 with the raising of Lazarus from the dead a) Mary had sent word to Jesus that her brother Lazarus was dead. Listen to what Jesus said to his disciples after hearing this. Read 11:14-15; b) Listen to the response of the people after Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead! Read 11:41-45, B. While Jesus' miracles were designed to be proof of who he was so that they would believe at the same time, it drove those who opposed him into deeper unbelief and resistance against him. 1. Note the response of the Jewish leaders – read 11:47-48; 53,57; 12:10-11, 12: 37-38 C. The key reason why these miracles prove that Jesus is the Christ is because the miracles that Jesus did were samplings of the miracles that will take place in the Messiah's future kingdom…. 1. Turn to Matthew 11:2. Read v2-6 a) Are you the expected one? The Messiah? The Christ? b) Jesus answered not by saying go tell him that I am but rather by an even stronger argument than words, tell him about the miracles I have done. (1) Heard of show and tell? This is the show portion of that. c) This is why Jesus answered that way. Turn and read Isaiah 35:3-4 (1) V4 is that time in the future when Jesus will come and judge the nations and then set up his earthly kingdom! d) Now listen to v5-6 (1) Jesus was saying tell him that I am doing, the very miracles that Isaiah said the Messiah would do. 2. Turn to Matthew 12:22-23, the crowds of common folk associated the miracles Jesus did with the Messiah who is also called the “Son of David” D. Jesus' miracles, the supernatural acts that God did through him, were meant to be signs to prove to them that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God so that they could believe in him and have eternal life! 5 1. If you read through the gospel of John with this in mind you will see it popping out repeatedly in the book and will deepen your conviction regarding who Jesus is and how a person receives his life! • You cannot talk about miracles today without raising in people's minds the question IV. Do miracles still happen today? A. My answer is yes but you need to walk with discernment because not all miracles come from God 1. When you study miracles, you will see that people who did not know Jesus, false prophets, the antichrist, the false prophet of the antichrist, and even demons did miracles. 2. Read Matthew 24:24. 3. Revelation tells us that miracles are what the false prophet will use as signs to deceive people into following the antichrist. Read Revelation 19:20 4. Therefore, we need discernment when it comes to miracles in our day. B. God still does miracles today. Read Galatians 3:5 C. When we read the rest of the New Testament after getting through the historical books of the gospels and Acts, we learn that the emphasis of the miracles is on miracles of the heart! 1. The miracle of salvation, the miracle of a transformed life, and the miracle of the Spirit of Christ living his life through us moment by moment - day by day producing in us a life that has no explanation except God. D. Actually, if you properly understand the Christian life you know that it is not a difficult life to live, rather it is impossible. The whole Christian life is a miracle. Every moment of the Christian life is designed to be supernatural and life changing but not necessarily “externally spectacular.” E. However, God does not just do internal miracles. Let me tell you about two different woman here at MVC, who had verified cancer by medical testing. 1. Sandy – one came and asked the elders to anoint her with oil and pray that God would heal her. The next time she went back to doctors, they validated through medical testing that her cancer was gone. 6 2. Rose – another woman had the same story but it was during a worship portion of our service as she was worshipping God that she had a strange sensation come over her. Next time to the doctor, the cancer was gone. F. I cannot think of a better way to close than to thank God for the great miracles he does for us out of his lovingkindness! Read Psalm 136:3-4

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!

Flaming Fire Revelation arrives at Throne of Iniquity part three on Warn Radio. Today we see an increase of the persecution of Christians, along with the rise of wickedness, deception, and outright evil. It grows daily, even here in America. The Lord died on the calvary's cross so that man would be spared the second death. The redemption of man through the atonement provided by Jesus, Yeshua on the cross is also joined by Grace. God's grace will not last forever. But for now, you have His grace to repent and follow the Lord.    Go https://linktr.ee/warnradio more info.   Flaming Fire Revelation depict the coming of the Lord. Even Peter addresses the truth that the "heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat"- 2nd Peter 3:12 KJV. Today the world is focused on many things like global warming. If they are worried today, well they will be weeping and wailing at that moment. However, the #SonsofGod will be revealed when the Lord Comes as well. We shall be like Him, the Son of God, #JesusChrist; "we know when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" -1st John 3:2.  It will at that time be that we will behold the Revelation of the #Lord and associated with this is "Flaming Fire" as mentioned in Second Thessalonians chapter one, verse 7. It is good if you repent before that event occurs.  #FlamingFire, #Revelation, #SonofGod, #Yeshua, #JesusChrist   To get the Books from the Watchman Dana G Smith go to his website http://www.DanaGlennSmith.com/shop

As Evangelical Calvinists we believe in experiential Christianity. In other words, you personally experience God's work of conviction and conversion and a walk with the Lord. But this felt experience is not the bedrock of our faith, although it is the evidence of a personal receiving of faith. Even Peter makes it clear that his personal witnessing the transfiguration of Christ is not better than the Scriptures you and I have, for the Scriptures are a more sure word of prophecy- --1. The Apostolic Word--2. The Prophetic Word--3. The Inspired Word

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” As Jesus walks along the sea, he passes by Levi, a tax collector sitting at his customs post. Jesus says to him, “Follow me.” Levi got up and followed Jesus. At his house, Jesus and the disciples sat with tax collectors and sinners, and the Pharisees accuse him by saying, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners.” Jesus, the Divine Physician, responds by saying that those who are well don't need a physician, but the sick do. Jesus, God made man, could have chosen anyone to follow him—kings, political leaders, the rich and powerful. Instead, he chose sinners. Even Peter, on being called by Jesus, fell at his knees and says to him: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Just as Peter recognized his sinfulness, anyone with an illness must first acknowledge it before seeking treatment. In my own acknowledgment of particular sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus seeks to heal me in a way that corresponds to each of these. How do I respond to that call? God, help me understand that you sent your Son to set us free; “to proclaim,” as the Gospel acclamation says, “liberty to the captives.” Through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, you understand every human need and what each one of us in particular lacks. Help me identify any sins and illnesses in me so that, as Paul says in the first reading, “I can confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.” The demands of the day clamor in my ears. Help me be still. Lord, just as you taught the crowds as you went out along the sea, give me the grace today to walk with you and hear your words. Divine Physician, heal me and quiet my soul! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lectiodiv/videos Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/lectio-divina-daily-reflections/id1637258440 Web: https://lectiodiv.wordpress.com Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=85589341 "The Divine Physician" flickr photo by Lawrence OP https://flickr.com/photos/paullew/33245612915 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license "The Call of St Matthew" flickr photo by Lawrence OP https://flickr.com/photos/paullew/29832494395 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lectio-divina-daily/support

Even Peter feared criticism. Key Verse: Galatians 2:12

Even Peter struggled with his faith. It is okay for us to have doubts. Watch Jesse as he deconstructs these concepts in this week's video.

We all have tendencies to resist the purpose of Christ-even Peter.   #KingdomSpeak #Podcast #Podcaster #AntiChrist

This Sunday we continue in Acts 10:1-23. This passage is about God's determination to help his church know that He definitely intends for the good news to go to the nations, the Gentiles. He makes it so clear to Peter and Cornelius. In doing so, God breaks down so many lesser barriers that we use to judge and separate us from one another. Even Peter struggled to understand this and needed God's help. And what we find is that God does this through us through the simple means of sharing together at a meal. Come prepared to be challenged.

By Mary Lindow The words, “The Harsh Winds of Life” have been playing themselves over and over in my mind. As I have pondered them and have allowed the Voice of the Holy Spirit to instruct me as to why I have been impressed with this statement, I sense the Lord addressing many deeper issues that are well anchored and maintained within our souls as believers.   HARSH WINDS These blustery currents in the natural can be devastating to property, trees, and all living-breathing creatures. We have all seen what the devastation of hurricanes and tornadoes can do in a very short amount of time. Often when listening to the traumatic stories of those who have lived through a nightmarish storm, the realities of what they hold near and dear have been laid bear and brought to the surface. Many weep over the loss of family photographs or tender things like Grandma's old chipped china and are unconcerned about larger material items, but are deeply thankful for the safety of family members after a traumatic event. Others, are shaking fists at the sky and are enraged that they have been infringed upon during a difficult time, and want somebody else to pay for it!   THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE BLOW UPON THE GODLY AND THE UNGODLY.  NO ONE IS EXEMPT. There are some of life's storms that threaten to blow away everything we've depended on as well. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, and the Lord uses these harsh winds blowing against our lives to remove the crusty chaff that can form and harden around the seed of our lives. Those who are independent in nature find a bitterness creeping into their attitudes and heart. They feel infringed upon when things are not easily controlled or maneuvered in their favor. And so, the Holy Spirit allows the winds to blow until a conviction penetrates the self centered soul, and exposes the fleshy comfort zone of, ‘My Way, My World, My Rights”! No man has power over the wind to contain it;  So no one has power over the day of his death. And no one is discharged in time of war, So wickedness will not release those who practice it. Ecclesiastes 8:8   HOW LONG WILL THE HARSH WINDS BLOW? As long as we practice wicked behavior in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot stop it! He is winnowing us, allowing us to be caught up into the refining wind of the Holy Spirit's conviction so that the chaff and waste places in our souls are removed. And trust me my friends, anything that you may be hiding or pretending wasn't “that bad”, that harmed someone else, well God will allow it to come to the light to be either judged or to be cleansed and yes, there may be consequences that you don't like.   WE CAN'T HARM OTHER PEOPLE, OR ABUSE THEM, SEXUALLY PREY UPON THEM, SPIRITUALLY ABUSE AND DOMINATE OR SLANDER, and then pretend that it wasn't “that big of a deal”! It's a huge deal to God and he will continue to pursue us in order to cleanse us if we will allow him access. (Yes you can say "ouch" right about now!)   CHAFF MUST BE REMOVED.  BUT WHY? Chaff is a waste material plowed into the soil or burned. Chaff, as a waste product from grain processing, shows us a symbolic use of the idea that refers to something seen as worthless. Now, this is where we read, "to separate the wheat from the chaff" from Matthew 3. It means to separate things of value from things of no value. Another example is in Psalm 1 which says: "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away".   WE CHRISTIANS OFTEN PRESUME THAT BECAUSE WE ARE REDEEMED THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE OF CHRIST FOR OUR LIVES, THAT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EASIER AND MORE PRIVILEGED LIFE. This is simply not so! We are given a shield and a holy stamina to withstand the wiles of this world, but no free passes to a life of ease.   THE LORD LOVES ALL OF MANKIND. He longs for ALL of mankind, (that includes you and I) to come to a place of trust in His way, not “our way”. Fully stripped of self-will, self-gratification, self- justification, and self-focus. Matthew 5:45 says~  “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”   I KNOW! I KNOW! THIS STINGS! But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. James 3:14   About now, I can hear a few righteous folks saying, "I would never boast about envy! " Well! Selfish ambition is well hidden in our personal behaviors. We offer gifts or opportunities for others to be blessed or helped as long as we are feeling in control and benevolent at the time of the offer or good intention. But when the winds of life shift and the Lord allows the chaff of "waste materials" in our soul to be Tornadoed —bitterness and exclusive rights abound! Huffiness, abrupt harshness and passive aggression (which means getting even) will manifest and expose the soul's clinging nature, which does not want the hand of God striping away any safety veneer that we use to protect our approach to life.   A CHANGE IN THE SPIRITUAL CLIMATE HAS OCCURRED! John 6:18 says, “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.” Jesus allowed the wind to be a teaching point for his disciples. They had walked with Him, talked with Him and served alongside Him. But trusting Him when the Storms and Harsh winds blew revealed a weakness that we all must look at, and often. We trust the Lord when things are going our way, but when the Harshness of a storm blows us off the course that we set, many times we run to our own devices or “Plan B”.   SO MANY AT THIS TIME IN THIS DIFFICULT AGE ARE SCREAMING, “Lord! Don't you care about me? The winds are blowing, and I am fearful for my life! If you Love me, why are you allowing this horrid event to occur?” Even Peter in his zeal to get out of the boat and see if it was indeed Jesus calling to him to come, once he was out of the safety of his own control and the winds blew against him, he focused on the wind, and not upon Jesus, who was there the whole time. Peter cries out, "LORD I am perishing! SAVE ME!”   CONTROL IS A DEEP, DEEP NEED. Perhaps THE deepest need people have, is for control. When we feel out of control, we experience a powerful and uncomfortable tension between the need for control and the evidence of “inadequate control”. Without the Presence of God in our lives, we will attempt to control everything, every event, and every person around us in order to attain the sense of order and “identity power” that we crave.   DRAWING NEAR TO GOD It was James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote to the believers in Jerusalem, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded people!" (James 4:8). If we draw near to God, he will respond and draw near to us. Drawing near to God is spending time with Him, worshiping Him, praying and talking to Him, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. EVERY.  PART.  OF.  OUR.  LIFE.   BRING YOUR HEART UNDER HIS LORDSHIP James gives us the blueprint for drawing near or “right up close” to the Lord.  If you've committed sin, confess it, get rid of it. Next, ask the Lord to examine your heart, your motives, and the things that make you do what you do.   Bring your heart under His Lordship as well. May our actions be manifestations of a clean heart and conscience. Allow HIM to remove the Chaff, the wasted time controlling things, and TRUST Him to align your life. Notice that when he writes about this he says, "Purify your hearts, double-minded people."   WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY "DOUBLE-MINDED"? Well, a person who is double-minded is drawn in two completely different directions. And so he or she will get nowhere fast because loyalty is divided. They will vacillate between faith and unbelief. And, a double-minded person is unstable in all his/her ways and his/her spiritual walk is inconsistent because he/she tries to serve God and his/her own interests, and gamble their life against the Harsh Winds. We've all learned that this kind of living never works.   YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS. Friends again I say this under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the master that you serve whether it be hiding something that is a secret sin or offense to The Lord, or things that you are aware of that have dishonored others, they will be brought into the light one way or the other. If you think you can hide it, if you think you can gloss it over, God will eventually bring it into the light and have you exposed for deception. Or, you choose to get the help you need and you can humble yourself! Yes, there may be consequences you don't like, because of your actions and choices. But repentance and accountability will save your soul. It may not save your marriage, it may not save your ministry, and it may not save your job or your relationships. But it will save your soul, because humility enters, and God can re-create what has been destroyed and damaged.   GOD DOESN'T PLAY GAMES! No one is going to get very far with God by playing spiritual games. It will soon be discovered that the only people playing the game with you will be you, yourself, and again, YOU.  It's just like people thinking that they can "ride the fence" into the kingdom. There is no riding the fence; there is no lukewarm support group. You're either in or out. If we really want to know Him, we are going to have to get serious about our relationship with Him.   WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT! I will tell you right now, that even as I write and speak these words, I can feel the resistance to pruning and more change in my gut!   Are you in a pruning, shocking, "getting trimmed back" difficult season right now? Most everyone is! Feeling like your wings have been clipped? Are you seeing a pattern of lethargy and a dullness of joy maybe in your daily life?  Don't waste those struggles friends! Know that God is very... VERY... intentional. And, He has a good plan for all of it.  Every challenge is an opportunity to practice walking one day at a time, with really clear thinking and gratitude, and He is right there, inside you, to help you.   LIKE I SAID BEFORE! WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT!  But my oh my, I do want to be like Him! So I'm in surrender-mode now, friends. I'm saying, “Cut away, Lord. Go deep.”  WHY? Because I want ALL that He has for me.  I want the fruit. I want all that abundance, and I know it's waiting for me when this weird and awkward season changes.   THERE IS ANOTHER PHENOMENON I FIND THAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCESS, WHEN THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE ARE BEARING DOWN. And, one that I find that is unhealthy to ignore. The enemy of our soul is observing and is feverishly “taking notes” about this difficult process, and I believe he finds it quite enjoyable; he laughs and ridicules and flings missiles of insults that shout that, "only a loser needs this kind of difficult adjustment ”.  This of course, is a lie but, one which we can tend to believed on a bad day! Listening to the wrong voice can tempt us to believe the blowing away of chaff in our lives is punishment, and comes from God being mad at us.  It can cause us to pull back from deeper fellowship or social engagements (social distancing tools too, like Face Time, ZOOM, integral) these paralyze honesty, transparency and humility. It can lead to self-hatred, self-protection, denial about how we hurt others with half-truths, and so on!   I AM TRULY BECOMING MORE AWARE IN MY SPIRIT THAT GOD CAN ONLY USE ME—OR “BEST USE ME”, THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIP OF HIS POWER AND MY WEAKNESS.    A wise and well-tested man by the name of Alan Hood must have had a few pruning clippers dig into his life at time or two and learned this lesson. He stated, “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.” LET'S READ THAT AGAIN…      …S  L  O  W  L  Y !  “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.”   TRYING TO USE OLD THINGS WHEN GOD IS TRYING TO GIVE US NEW THINGS IS REALLY SUCH FOOLISHNESS! Psalm 85 talks about Restoration, Re-tooling and Revival. Verse 8 says,  “I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to his people, His saints —but let them not return to folly.”   I'M TRUSTING THE LORD'S GOOD AND GRACIOUS HAND IN THE PROCESS THAT THE WORLD IS EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW. I know God does not intend to leave even a healthy fruit-bearing branch how it is, but He is always after a more abundant harvest for His people. I don't get it, I don't like or want difficult! But I also don't want a puny little sick looking basket of bitter, green, unusable fruit out of life!  He will “give the increase” when I reach the end of this seeming devastation of stymied ideas and “put on hold” plans, and let me tell you something crazy, I feel it coming!  The increase! I'm learning to WALK in harmony, in tune with the truth that, “He is dwelling like healthy sap, in me, and will keep sin and despair from having dominion over my life”. (Romans 6:14) YOUR LIFE TOO!    A MOMENT IN HIS ANGER - A LIFETIME IN HIS FAVOR. God disciplines for a moment when He wishes to get our attention and our lives may indeed become painful for a period, but then comes His favor. God doesn't delight in either our depression or our damage. And, when He begins to deal with the chaff in our lives, it is for our advantage, that we may be conformed to His likeness and reflect His holiness. When we sense God's disapproval, when it appears He has withdrawn from us, it is only so that we see our utter need of Him.   WHEN LIFE SEEMS TO BE SO SOUR, WHEN EVERYTHING CRUMBLES, then we must remember what we “say we believe”, that God's favor is with us, because of Christ's worthiness given to us, because we are adopted and are His - which means, that His favor always wins out over His disapproval.   THIS PICTURE IS PAINTED WELL BY THE WORDS "WEEPING REMAINS FOR A NIGHT." Weeping and sorrow are pictured as a traveler who comes to stay for a night. The pain and sorrow we feel may seem as though it has moved in with us like an unwelcome guest, who decides to stay for a very long time.   REJOICING THOUGH, COMES IN THE MORNING. Your “mourning”, will dissipate in the morning”. Your winter, will melt into summer. God will replace your sighing, with singing. Grief, will give way to gladness. What was once bitter, will be made sweet. And, what was once a desolate wilderness, will be transformed into a paradise.   LIKE THE FIRST RAYS OF THE SUNRISE WHICH DISPEL THE HARSH WINDS AND GLOOM OF NIGHT, GOD GIVES US JOY WHEN THE DARKNESS OF OUR PROBLEMS SEEM AS THOUGH THEY'LL NEVER LEAVE.   YOUR CROSS IS HIS GLORY What is so crucial to understand is that as a Christian, your life will be filled with times of weakness and strength, with want and wealth, with disgrace and honor, with crosses and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, delight and mourning. As this cycle of separating “Chaff” from our lives reoccurs many times in our lives, and it moves us from the cross to glory. For your own health and so that you find all your satisfaction in Christ alone, God will send you times of great growth and other times of emptiness. When the harsh winds blow, know that God desires that you find your hope and comfort by His own fire. When the balmy breezes come, give Him praise and thanksgiving for the warmth He provides. Psalm 57:1 says, "Have mercy on me, O God, Have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (PROPHETIC EXHORTATION AND WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE NOT INCLUDED IN WRITTEN MESSAGE CONTINUE IN THE AUDIO MESSAGE FORMAT BEGINING AT AUDIO PLAYER TIME MARKER 21:38) Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed 
provided that complete message, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!
 Copyright 2022 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com https://marylindow.podbean.com Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts and Audio Messages. THANK YOU! Please go to PAYPAL to donate  or support this blog:  Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of:  paypal.me/mlindow    (His Beloved Ministries Inc.)  Or  You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to:  His Beloved Ministries INC  PO Box 1253  Eastlake CO 80614  United States  

Fr. Roger J. Landry Collegiate Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck, Valetta, Malta Third Sunday of Easter, Year C May 1, 2022 Acts 5:27-32, Ps 30, Rev 5:11-14, Jn 21:11-19   To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/5.1.22_Homily_1.mp3   The outline for today’s homily was: History of St. Paul’s Shipwreck […] The post How Even Peter’s Betrayal Worked Out for the Good of Greater Love, Third Sunday of Easter (C), May 1, 2022 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

In this second chapter of Galatians, there is a lot going on. Paul is establishing a fairly critical piece of theology that defined the Christian Church vs. historical Judaism: that the law convicts and brings death, but Christ gives life. He is trying to bring that live to the early church, but of course it was no small task. Even Peter (called “Cephas” several times here, the Aramaic version of his name) didn't always get it right, and Paul got fiery about it. He called Peter out in front of others which was more than a rebuke of a man. It was a stand in favor of a united Church. Don't worry, though. The two of them will still be working together!

In the Midst of the Lampstands Revelation 1:9-20 by William Klock We've all heard that old statement, “Consider the source,” haven't we?  When I was a kid, someone would insult me and I'd get upset and say something about to my mom and she'd say, “Consider the source.”  In other words, “Why would you take what someone like that says seriously?”  If someone you know to be an inveterate liar tells you something, you probably won't believe it.  For a number of years someone was sending me thick envelopes stuffed with poorly made, oddly shaped photocopies of newspaper clippings and weird, barely coherent explanatory letters claiming to be from a prophet.  The person who sent them was obviously a lunatic, it showed, and they went straight into the trash.  But other things we take seriously.  A letter from Revenue Canada?  The stationery itself demands we take it seriously.  An order from the Provincial Health Officer?  Bonnie Henry may be fairly unassuming, but we know that behind those orders stands the authority of the Province of British Columbia.  Or maybe you're experience something difficult.  Someone you love has just died.  Or you're going through a crisis of faith.  Someone comes alongside you, someone sends you an email or a letter, someone calls you.  And that person offers encouragement—maybe some advice.  And we all know that it means a lot more coming from someone who has walked the same road or from someone whose great faith we respect.  When a mature Christian offers a bit of spiritual advice or, maybe even a rebuke, it carries a great deal more weight than similar words coming from a brother or a sister who is worldly or immature. As I said last week, Revelation is a letter and Chapter 1 is the introduction.  We'll be looking at verses 9-20 this morning.  John is the author of the letter, the one who penned the words, and sent it off with a courier to be read in the churches, but as we saw last week, this is Jesus' revelation.  God has given it to him and he has given it to John.  Jesus is the one who speaks with authority in this book—he's the source, he's the authority behind it—and here John gives us a glimpse at who it was who spoke to him.  Here John shows us just who this Jesus is and the picture he paints with his words tells these churches—and us—that we'd better pay attention and take this seriously. So, verses 9-11: I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.  I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”   John, first, tells them his own situation.  He is their brother and their partner—he is their sharer—in three things: in tribulation, in the kingdom, and in patient endurance.  He, himself, is living in exile on the island of Patmos, a little island about fifty kilometres off the coast of what's now Turkey.  It had a military garrison there, but we don't know if John was literally in prison or if he'd just been forced into exile.  He had an apostolic role when it came to these churches and, presumably, someone hoped that by removing their leader, this movement of Jesus-followers would flounder, maybe even die off.  We don't know who exiled him, whether it was local or Roman authorities, but what's important is that John says he's there “on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”  Notice that he doesn't say he's there because of his own testimony, because of his own preaching, because of his own witness to Jesus.  No, he says that he's there because God has spoken and because Jesus has given testimony.  Jesus, by his death, resurrection, and ascension has borne testimony against the gods and kings of this age, and they have lashed out in retaliation against his apostle.  And not just against John.  They have lashed out at the Church. Brothers and Sisters, there are three things that are a certainty for the believer.  The first is tribulation.  There is no escape.  Jesus warned his disciples in John 15:20, “A servant is not greater than his master.  If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”  First the Jews, then the Romans went after the fledgling Church.  Those early believers suffered great tribulation, but they had faith in the words of Jesus, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).  In Acts 14 Luke writes that Paul and Barnabas travelled, visiting these churches, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”  They knew that Jesus had inaugurated his kingdom and that tribulation was the prelude to its consummation.  Their suffering was in union with the suffering of Jesus.  Paul wrote to the Colossians, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24). And that's the second certainty: the kingdom.  We can face tribulation because Jesus has already inaugurated the kingdom.  As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, Jesus reigns “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And he put all things under his feet” (Ephesians 1:21-22).  The battle with the kings and gods of this age wages on, but Jesus has been given dominion over all.  John draws on the language and imagery of Daniel 7.  The Prophet writes: Behold, with the clouds of heaven          there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days          and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion          and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages          should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion,          which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one          that shall not be destroyed.  (Daniel 7:13-14) The Church faces tribulation precisely because Jesus' kingdom is here and now, because it stands in conflict with the gods and kings of the present age.  But that means that the Church—Brothers and Sisters, that we—can pursue the mission Jesus has given us with confidence.  Jesus won the decisive battle at the cross; his kingdom shall not be destroyed. That leads us to the third certainty: perseverance.  This is the heart of the book of Revelation.  The individual letters to the churches highlight this.  Where they have done well, they must persevere in well-doing.  Where they have compromised, it is critical that they return to Jesus and persevere.  And the rest of the book goes on to reveal the faithfulness of God to strengthen faith that they might persevere.  But notice, all these things are centred in Jesus.  We face tribulation because we are united with Jesus and because of his witness against the present age.  But we have confidence because we are united with Jesus and know and are part of his kingdom.  And we persevere as we are united with Jesus—sharing in his life and empowered by his Spirit—and knowing that what he has begun he will surely complete.  In the incarnation and at the cross, God has invested his beloved Son in the redemption of his creation from sin and death and we can be sure that no matter how bad things may get, God will never cut his losses.  The resurrection of Jesus was the decisive victory over the present age.  He will continue until he puts every enemy under his feet. Now, John goes on to say that he was “in the Spirit on the Lord's Day”.  The Lord's Day is a reference to Sunday.  I think, too, that there's some intentional symbolism here, drawing on the Old Testament idea of the Day of the Lord—the day when God would come in judgement to vindicate his people and to destroy their enemies.  And being “in the Spirit” is language drawn from the Old Testament prophets to certify John's status as a prophet.  Throughout the Old Testament the prophets speak of being in the Spirit as God speaks through them.  Prophecy is not a gut feeling, an impression, or a vague idea.  Prophecy is the distinct and clear word of God, delivered to man, through the mediation of the Holy Spirit.  This is why prophecy is taken so seriously in the Bible.  God's word is true and because of that his people can have confidence in it.  That trust, however, is undermined by false prophets and so to prophesy falsely is a grave offense.  It's an offense against God and against God's word.  The test is simple.  Does the word spoken come to pass?  Does it jibe with what God has already revealed about himself?  In the Old Testament, if it didn't, the false prophet was sentenced to death.  The equivalent in the New Testament would be excommunication.  It's something that, sadly, the modern church does not often take seriously with the result that we've cheapened prophecy and have a multitude of false prophets running around leading people astray and undermining faith in God's word. But, John, truly in the Spirit, hears a voice like a trumpet—a clarion call and a summons—and he is instructed to record what he is about to see and to send that record to seven churches: Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.  This is a cluster of churches in western Asia Minor, western Turkey—churches where John's ministry was well-known.  If it were today we could say that he was their bishop. First John hears that great voice and then he turns to see who it is.  Look at verses 12-16. Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.  The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.  In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. Who is it that speaks?  Why should we care what he has to say?  Does his word carry authority?  Well, his summons to John was like the summons of a trumpet—imagine the sound of trumpets blown by royal heralds.  And now, turning he sees this awe-inspiring image.  If it's hard to wrap your head around John's description, that's because it's a composite of a bunch of different images drawn from all over the Old Testament, but especially—again—from Daniel.  Whatever John saw, this was the best way he could describe it. So, first, John is drawn into a sort of heavenly analogue to the holy place of the tabernacle or temple.  That was the place where, in Israel, the lampstand stood, burning always and filling the tabernacle with its light.  But here there are seven—a connection with the seven churches to which John writes—but united in Jesus.  Jesus stands in the midst of them.  The long robe and the golden sash around his chest show him as the high priest.  He's the one who tends the lamps, trims their wicks, keeps them burning.  These churches were struggling through difficult days, but the Lord Jesus sustains them. And John describes him as one like a son of man—that's a figure from Daniel 7—but he also uses imagery to describe him that draws on Daniel's description of the Ancient of Days.  The son of man—and I read the passage about him from Daniel just a bit ago—was the representative of Israel, of the people of God, to whom the Ancient of Days gave dominion, glory, and kingdom forever.  This is Jesus.  But what's really interesting is that John's physical description of him is that of the Ancient of Days, of the one who gives the son of man his dominion, of God himself.  Here's Daniel 7:9-10. As I looked, thrones were placed,          and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow,          and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames;          its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued          and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him,          and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment,          and the books were opened.   So this isn't just a description of Jesus as majestic and awe-inspiring.  John uses this description to equate Jesus with God himself.  It's a remarkable testimony to the divinity of Jesus that does so drawing on the Old Testament.  And that's not all.  There just isn't time this morning to get into every detail.  The flaming eyes, the bronze feet, again the gold sash, are all drawn from Daniel 10.  And while his call was like the sound of a trumpet, when he addresses John, it's like the overwhelming sound of rushing waters, which is how Ezekiel describes the sound of God's glory returning to the temple. Jesus holds a constellation of seven stars in his hand.  This one's pretty cryptic, although John does tell us in verse 20 that these stars are the angels of the seven churches—possibly heavenly beings with some kind of oversight of these churches, but I think more likely referring to their bishops or elders.  It's not an easy bit of imagery to sort out.  The sword proceeding from Jesus' mouth, however, is much more obvious.  This is his word.  In 2:16 we read that by it he will make war against his enemies and in 19:11-16, by it he will conquer the nations. Even to trace all the pieces of this image of Jesus back to their Old Testament sources is overwhelming.  It's good to do so, but I like George Caird's warning not to “unweave the rainbow”.  He writes, “John uses his allusions not as a code in which each symbol requires separate and exact translation, but rather for their evocative and emotive power.  This is not photographic art.  His aim is to set the echoes of memory and association ringing.”[1]  That's a good way to understand the imagery of Revelation and, especially, passages like this.  It's something like look at a rainbow—or it should be.  The rainbow is made up of bands of colour as this imagery is made up of allusions to the Old Testament.  But as the rainbow itself is more than just sum of its colours, so John's images are more than just the sum of all these biblical allusions.  Our problem is that we lack that memory and association those first Jewish Christians had.  I think the image, which seems so “weird” to us, would have been far less weird to the original audience and would simply have inspired a natural awe.  They saw the rainbow, where we see the bands of colour and struggle even to put names to them. And natural awe exactly John's response.  As I was reading this I was thinking of a recent conversation I had with Rob.  He was talking about visiting anther church here in Courtenay and said he could understand why people went there.  I think the words he used to describe it were “fun” and “party”.  I know, the services there—as is increasingly common—are modelled on rock concerts.  It's not just them; it's symptomatic of our culture.  We have lost a sense of the holy.  We have little space left for reverence.  We're increasingly familiar and casual with everything and everyone—including God.  And yet that's just not what we see in the Bible when people encounter God.  Throughout the Scriptures, the people who encounter God are overwhelmed with awe and fear.  Even Peter, who was comfortable to argue with Jesus as the rabbi who got into his boat and told him to row out into the lake, fell to his knees and begged him to leave—his exact words were, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”—when the understanding of just who Jesus was sank in.  Even meeting an angel inspires fear throughout the Scriptures—with the odd exception of Jacob's, who decided to start a fight.  No one with a real sense of who God is—or who Jesus is—walks casually into the presence of holiness.  Here's what John has to say about his own response in verses 17-20: When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.  But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one.  I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.  Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.  As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.   Like everyone else who has ever had a real encounter with God, John prostrates himself.  But human fear in the presence of the holy is only half the story.  Like every other time God's servants fall at his feet this way, Jesus says those wonderful words, “Fear not.”  The fire will not consume those whom the holy One calls into his presence.  This is language drawn from Isaiah.  “I am the first and the last,” Jesus says.  He identifies himself with the God of Israel and he does so again with those words we find across the Old Testament, “I am the living one”—a title closely tied to God's very name, the I AM.  But in Jesus this title takes on new meaning.  He is the one who died—who was crucified—and whom God raised from death.  He is the firstborn of the resurrection, the firstborn of God's new creation.  He's not only alive forevermore, but in conquering death itself, he now holds the keys to death and hades—he holds the keys that will release humanity from bondage. And in a scene that recalls Isaiah, Jesus commissions John.  There is no purifying coal held to John's lips as there was to Isaiah's.  The old Israel was an unclean people in need of redemption, but the new Israel, John and the people, the seven churches to whom he is commanded to write, have already been purified by the blood of the lamb.  They have already been made holy—now they're being exhorted to persevere. And, Brothers and Sisters, that brings us back to where we started.  That whole thing about “consider the source”.  Jesus speaks to the Church and John shows us our Lord as he speaks.  And on the one hand we see the God of Israel, the Ancient of Days, the living God, the great I AM.  We enter in the presence of the holy.  This is the God before whom we can only fall on our knees and sing out with the greatest of reverent fear, “Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty.”  But he is, at one and the same time, the Son who has lovingly humbled himself for our sake, who has taken upon himself our flesh, who has submitted himself to hatred, to abuse, to torture, and to death to redeem a people for himself.  He is the Ancient of Days, but he is also the one of whom we can sing, “The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want.”  He is the good shepherd who has given his life for the sheep and who now draws us near. Here's the heart of this revelation.  Here are those three certainties: tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance.  We struggle to reconcile the joint presence of tribulation and kingdom.  How can God's kingdom be present when we face tribulation?  But this is just it.  Jesus took his throne, he established his kingdom, he won the victory over sin and death through suffering.  And now, Brothers and Sisters, he exhorts his people to follow the same path.  The Church will be victorious, the Church will see the consummation of Jesus' kingdom one day, but it will triumph over the would-be gods and kings of this present age ultimately through tribulation.  It is not an easy path, but the purpose of this Revelation of Jesus the Messiah is to show us the way and to assure us that our Lord is with us every step we take. Let's pray: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning—and in particular the Revelation of Jesus that you gave to St. John: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. [1] The Revelation of St. John the Divine (London: A & C Black, 1973), 25.

Everything is going swimmingly.  The Holy Spirit is going ballistic.  Even Peter's shadow has power to heal bodies and minds.  The other apostles hands are doing wonders.  No surprise, multitudes are being added to the LORD and are enjoying the togetherness of the church.  This is what is expected out the the book of ACTS.  And then this happens:"None of the rest DARED join them."  Now they esteemed the believers.  But who doesn't esteem a person of conviction, courage, daring, submission, hard work, faithful, kind, generous, and tax-paying?  Tell me something I don't know.Apparently, belief, this taking a step of faith is SCARY.  Some didn't do it because they did not DARE to.  They were stopped at the courage barrier, perhaps because of not knowing what is ahead. To their credit, they are right.  Everything changes. Lordship of your life changes, money changes, sexual morals change, your tongue changes, who you hang out with changes, etc.  But, also what happens to your sin changes.  What happens to your life and after your life changes.  You get a new people.  You get a new PERSON.DARE today.  Believe.  It is worth everything. Then do the scary thing of subscribing to this podcast so you might listen tomorrow.

Bible Study with Jairus – Acts 15   Acts 15 tells us three stories. The first story is about Paul and Barnabas getting into a fierce argument with people about the need to circumcise the Gentiles. Peter and James responded saying that God had chosen the Gentiles. The second story is the sending of Judas and Silas to Antioch to comfort the brothers and sisters of Gentiles. The third story is about Paul and Barnabas getting into a disagreement whether or not they should take Mark to Pamphylia.    The discussion we had in our Bible study revolved around these three stories.   In the first story, the woman leading our Bible study asked why Paul and Barnabas opposed circumcising the Gentiles? What does circumcision signify? Why did the Pharisees insist on circumcising the Gentiles to keep the Law of Moses? This opened up our discussion. I shared some of the views of an American teacher on the history of the Pharisees, while I was studying a New Testament course in seminary. My teacher recommended some books in class, telling us that the Pharisees are actually people like the "vigilantes" of Jewish history. “Vigilantes" is the nickname I have given to the Pharisees. If you don't know the meaning of this internet slang, you can look it up online. I call them “vigilantes” because they are always looking for someone making a “mistake.”  For example, the Pharisees challenged Jesus for not washing His hands before meals and, in the end, were rebuked by Jesus. He said that the Pharisees broke the law of God because of their human traditions. God never created a rule that Moses should wash his hands before meals. This law was created in the Jewish tradition. Although the law requires the Levites to wash themselves when they serve in the tabernacle or in the temple, the Pharisees are not the Levites. And, the law does not require the Pharisees, or even the Levites, to wash their hands before meals. This was a human created law, not one declared by God.   The Pharisees were an extremely strict sect. When they were suppressed by the Romans, they felt that it was because the other Jews did not keep the law, so they have adhered strictly to the law (voluntarily) and forced others to obey all of the rules, those made by God and those made by man. They believed the Jews were under the power of the Gentiles because they did not keep the Law of God. Thus, they strictly obeyed the Law of the God and even added a lot of rules to it.   In other words, they were acting like "vigilantes." Vigilantes are people who aren't policemen, but act like they are. The Pharisees were such people.  God didn't call them or order them to do so; they volunteered to do these things out of their responsibility to preserve the survival and law of the Israelites. Actively obeying the Law of God is good, but on the other hand, they were unconsciously becoming the executors of the law. This was a bit much because God did not ask them to do so.   The Bible did require the Jews to be circumcised. This was a sign of covenant between Jews and God. But the Bible does not strictly require the circumcision of the Gentiles. All the Bible said was that those Gentiles who live in Israel need to satisfy certain conditions first before they could be circumcised. Instead, the Pharisees demanded that the Gentiles be circumcised. Circumcision is one of the many laws the Pharisees tended to enforce.   The woman who led the Bible Study also asked why the following verse was mentioned twice: “Gentiles wanted to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.” (NlV, Acts 15:20).   It is first mentioned when Simon witnessed how God saved the Gentiles and filled them with the Holy Spirit. After that, James said that God also gave salvation to the Gentiles. He used the prophetic words in the Old Testament to confirm that God did promise He would one day reveal himself to the Gentiles. Therefore, he suggested, "Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For the Law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” (NIV, Acts 15: 20-21).” When the brethren sent Judas and Silas to explain these to the Gentile brothers, they had again mentioned: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements.  You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things." (NIV, Acts 15:28- 29).   What do these two repetitions mean? This is important because, the Pharisees would execute the law excessively, and the Gentiles knew nothing about the law. So, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the brethren decided to adopt a compromise or balanced strategy, by applying only a few laws to the gentiles. This helps us understand how to work with different Christian groups today while maintaining unity in the Spirit. The conflict among most churches is still due to their different understandings of the Bible. If we can take a step back and hold to some basic truths, such as Jesus (the Word) became flesh, died and was resurrected, without arguing over other controversial issues, then we can stay unified in the Holy Spirit.     The second story is about when the apostles and elders chose two people, Judas and Silas, to go to Antioch and explain the unanimous decision, reached by the Church of Jerusalem, denying that the people who were calling for the circumcision of the Gentiles were not sent by them. The Bible commended Judas and Silas for being “men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"(NIV, Acts 15:26). Verse 22 says that "They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.” This passage of scripture foreshadows our understanding on why Paul and Barnabas argued later in this chapter. We did not see it at the beginning, but we realized this foreshadowing while talking about the third story.     The third story is about Paul and Barnabas engaging in a conflict with Mark. Barnabas insists on taking Mark, but Paul thought that Mark was not suitable to bring since he returned home early on their last trip. Paul and Barnabas disagreed. Eventually, Barnabas takes Mark and sails for Cyprus. But Paul chooses to take Silas with the blessings of the brethren, and travelled through Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the churches there.   The teaching that I've received explains that the reason why Barnabas and Paul were arguing is that Barnabas may have a bias because Mark was his relative. And, perhaps, Paul just thought that Mark was not suitable to go with them at this time. But Paul admitted in his letter later that Mark was useful to him, and that Mark was restored years later. One argument of those who hold this view is that Barnabas has never been mentioned in the subsequent verses of the Bible.   This argument makes some sense. But through our study of this chapter in today's study, several members had different opinions. One woman said that maybe the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas is not a question of who is right or wrong, but rather Paul not wanting to risk their mission since Mark left early last trip. Barnabas seems to think that Mark is still trustworthy to serve. Therefore, he regards Mark's spiritual life as more important and is thinking about Mark first. From this point of view, the difference between Paul and Barnabas is not necessarily a question of who is right or who is wrong, but rather different priorities being placed on them by the Holy Spirit. Because Mark is restored later maybe we can say that Barnabas played an important pastoral role in his restoration.     While this argument is reasonable, another woman replied that this still does not explain why the Bible does not mention Barnabas again, as if his exit is a bit unexpected. She asked everyone: “Is it unexpected for people like Moses, whom God favors, to suddenly exit out of the scene of Bible?” I said that although Moses offended God, and God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land, Moses still appears later in the New Testament (NIV, Matthew 17:2-3). From this, we can see that Moses was able to enter the Promised Land in a different way. And there is a greeting behind every letter written by Paul so it is reasonable to end something properly. This woman speculated that perhaps Barnabas did something that made God unhappy. In this regard, I think that everyone who serves God will make mistakes, but some mistakes are too big and carry consequences for future generations. Maybe Barnabas changed and no longer was following the Lord's leading and, thus, no longer appears in Scripture.   The meeting approached its end, but I saw that not everyone wanted to finish. I sensed the Holy Spirit might have something else to say. As expected, the Holy Spirit suddenly inspired me regarding two verses. This verse appears after the sending of Judas and Silas (who represent the church of Jerusalem) to Antioch and other places to read the council's letter. “The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. But Silas decided to remain there.” (NIV , Acts 15:31-34).   Suddenly, I was inspired by the Holy Spirit and asked everyone a question: "When the brethren sent Silas and others back from Antioch and to Jerusalem, why was Silas unwilling to leave then?” The Bible specifically stated that only Silas believed that he should continue to stay in Antioch. And, the Bible also mentioned that Silas was a man who led the brethren in Jerusalem and said that he risked his life for the Gospel of God. He is also a prophet, a person who has received words and revelations from the Lord.   This involves a huge principle of the Holy Spirit, and it is definitely not a simple disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Rather, the questions should be: (1) How can the Holy Spirit move forward and assign who will be the leader for the next move of God? (2) Who will be able to match Paul with moving God's work forward? (3) And, how will the Holy Spirit make use of His spiritual gifts to build the church?   The verses that I've mentioned (and laid a foundation) in the beginning of the article clearly show that the Holy Spirit wanted Barnabas to step out in this stage. This is only on the surface, and the root cause of it is that God wanted to guide Silas towards front-line service and co-work with Paul. This is a big point that many of us have overlooked. I had not seen this before and just saw this in the meeting when the Holy Spirit suddenly illuminated these words.   I'll explain it in more detail. Perhaps it will help you understand it better.   First, let's look at the relationship between Barnabas and Paul. When Paul was still Saul, he experienced a sudden change from a person who persecuted Christians to a person who served God. The disciples had not accepted Paul; only Barnabas introduced and accepted Paul. Barnabas's mentoring played a significant role in Paul's development. This may be one of the reasons why the Holy Spirit had not mentioned Barnabas' shortcomings and weakness here. God was willing to cover for him because he was helping Paul to grow spiritually. Once, when I was teaching in another session, I asked our bible study members, why did Barnabas accept Paul and not the others, but in the end Barnabas and Paul get into a conflict resulting in a split? My answer then was that it's not easy to accept a new person, and it's even more difficult to accept a new person to be your leader. The first point is that Barnabas was doing better than others. The second point is that maybe he is not doing so well.   Why do I think this? For example, if we are in the church today or even in a cell group, a newcomer, who has lower qualifications than you or even a person you have helped/mentored before, becomes your boss or leader, how would you feel? Perhaps some bitterness? This is only human nature. Barnabas was certainly useful in shaping Paul, but when Paul was mature enough to be a builder (which God called him to be), perhaps this is where the conflict between him and Barnabas started. On the surface, it seems that it's a problem with Mark. But the fundamental problem is who is in charge. Barnabas may have felt that he was older than Paul, and he also recommended bringing Paul into the ministry. Paul should listen to him, or at least agree with him by allowing Mark to go, but Paul is adamant, putting Barnabas in an awkward position.   But maybe Paul is the one following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and he may have felt in his spirit that it wasn't right. He did not give in just because he had a relationship with Barnabas. Maybe Barnabas wanted Paul to take Mark, so he could learn. If Barnabas was a senior at that time ready to retire, Mark could probably inherit his mantle and continue his ministry. Why didn't Paul use this opportunity to give Barnabas a favor and help Mark?   If Paul had let Mark come, it would be understandable according to human standards, but he may have missed God's will because God's plans for your life far exceed human standards. I told many of the men and women who have been with me in our Bible studies that the Holy Spirit is the best film director and screenwriter. Every time we read the Bible, we must carefully understand the ideas and thoughts of the directors and playwrights, in order to help us understand the Bible better.   The previous argument over circumcision led the disciples to choose Judas and Silas as the “men who were leaders among the believers” (NIV, Acts 15:22), and praised them that “they can risk their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV, Acts 15:26). Afterwards, it says that “Judas and Silas were prophets themselves, and they said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.” (NIV, Acts 15:32). When the brethren of Antioch thought that they had already spent enough time there, they intended to send him and Judah off safely. The Holy Spirit specifically mentioned that only Silas felt that for some reason, he should continue to stay there. Why? We can say that since he is a prophet, he was moved by the Holy Spirit to stay. At that time, he still didn't know the reason why he should stay and not leave. But, after reading and listening to this part, I think you may already understand the reason behind it. The Holy Spirit decided to have Paul and Silas to work together so that Silas could be at the forefront of this stage of history. From just a background character, who renders service to a person who is put in front of the stage, to a leading role with Paul. This leads him to go with Paul who is set out by God to build the house of God and lead the movement of God. Thus, Silas was moved by the Holy Spirit and to stay in Antioch. Otherwise, if he did not obey the will of the Holy Spirit and left in accordance with the opinions of the brethren, then he would not have been able to complete or accomplish the task that was to be entrusted to him.   God's plan was for Silas to stay with Paul, but the brethren of Antioch had the intention of sending him back to Jerusalem, and Barnabas wanted to bring Mark along with him. This clearly shows the inconsistencies between humans and God. Even church leaders or mature Christians can miss God's will. This is God's will versus man's opinion. This has a very significant spiritual significance. A pastor in the United States, Bill Johnson, often says that "Over the ages, people who have opposed the new move of God are the ones used by God in His previous move." In other words, yesterday, we may have been greatly used by God, but when God moves forward again, we may not be able to keep up and, consequently, hinder God's work. For example, Barnabas may be a good person. As the Bible stated, maybe, he had no intention of being hard on Paul as I've guessed before. Perhaps, it was just that Barnabas was already old and had some established views on things and how God works. On the other hand, Paul was young, and had received revelation from God. Still, Barnabas may have felt that Paul was not reliable. As a result, the two had a conflict. Their conflict may be caused by their love of God. The two sides have no selfish motives. They are both trying to do what they think is right for the sake of the Lord and the Church. But they have affected God's work. Even if Barnabas's idea is a little old, and he hasn't done anything bad to Paul, it still may not be suitable to be co-workers with Paul again.   My other guess is that perhaps God has reminded Barnabas many times: "You can retire, let the young people do it. Through your guidance and mentoring, Paul has become more mature now. You can retire already. Let's give the young people some opportunities." Barnabas may have said to the Holy Spirit, "Actually I am still like Caleb. I refuse to give in to old age. My expertise is still needed.  For example, Mark is a good young man. Shouldn't I continue to develop him to be a co-worker for Paul in the future?   I shared at the meeting that it's not easy when you are the leader in the church because, when the time comes, they'll let you retire and let the young people replace you. This is hard because sometimes you don't feel ready to retire just yet. It's also hard because if you retire, you hope to put someone in place who will give you some say in the future. This is only human nature.   But I said that this is not the purpose of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to introduce and bring Silas to the front stage. In addition to the special commendation by Holy Spirit towards Silas that I've mentioned previously, the Holy Spirit continues to give Silas more credit, paving the way for his appearance. This has another profound hidden meaning which is contained in 1 Corinthians 12:28. The verse says “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.” (New International Version, 1 Corinthians 12:28).   Both Paul and Barnabas are apostles. How did the apostles come into being? These two apostles are mentioned in Acts 13. When the prophets and teachers were worshiping the Lord and fasting in the church at Antioch, the Holy Spirit called Paul and Barnabas to be apostles. Rick Joyner, a prophet in the United States, said that only when teachers and prophets come and serve together, will the apostles be produced. He is referring to the traditional church's neglect of the gift of the prophet and other churches that acknowledge the gift of the prophet but do not pay attention to the gift of the teacher. The two did not integrate fasting and praying so it is impossible to produce apostles like Paul and Barnabas in today's church.   Another aspect of this passage is Christ Jesus' work in building the foundations of the apostles and prophets. This is what the Holy Spirit said through Paul in Ephesians 2:20. Ephesians 2:19-20 says, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (NIV) Since the Holy Spirit has laid a good foundation for the church (through apostles like Paul and Barnabas), the next step is to build a second foundation, the prophets. Therefore, the Holy Spirit specifically mentioned that Silas was a prophet Himself and had said much to encourage and strengthen the believers in Antioch. He was anointed by the Holy Spirit and because of this he remained in Antioch. The Holy Spirit's guidance had profound significance because it lead a prophet like him to work with Paul, while building the second foundation of the church, the prophet.   Some people say that the apostles are the greatest gifts to the church. Paul was gifted in many ways. His role as an apostle meant he could function as a prophet, teacher, miracle worker, servant etc. In layman's terms an apostle is a well-rounded person or a general practitioner. A general practitioner is not an expert in any one area, but versed a little in all of them. For example, when you have a general practitioner as your family doctor, they know a little bit about everything. When the patient comes, the general practitioner can help further diagnose the problem, but you will probably need to see a specialist for serious issues. But since a good general practitioner knows a thing or two, they will be able to help find the problem, but might not be able to fix it. Sort of like Tiger Balm, which can do a lot, but not fully heal everything.     The primary gift of the prophet is to hear God's timely word. Although I am a Christian who grew up in a traditional church focused on the gift of teaching, I am still extremely eager to pursue the gift of prophecy. I was exposed to the modern prophetic movement in the US, after the Lord led me to come out of my evangelical church and into the Charismatic church. Since I have studied the five prophetic courses in an online prophetic school, I understand the prophetic movement more clearly. In particular, I'm familiar with the tradition of paying attention to the gift of teaching, which takes a lot of time to study and teach God's word. But now I've been exposed to the prophetic movements who tend to worship, praise, be alone with God, staying up all night waiting for God, fasting and praying etc. People have limited energy. You could be well-rounded, but there is only one Paul in this universe. You may not be a well-rounded person like Paul, or even if you are, you may not be as good as Paul.   God raised up some well-rounded leaders like Moses, David, and Paul, who were talented in many areas, but this is not the only path. In the church, we have different gifts, according to the grace given us. The Holy Spirit is unbiased, but we have different callings. The gift given to you is different. It's not that God doesn't want to give you the good gifts, but you might be too distracted if you are given too much. You may not be able to focus on God's calling because your time, energy, and ability are limited. What God wants to create is not only a person like Paul, but a team, or a structure - the gift of the body of Christ, such as the apostles, prophets, teachers, etc., working together to build up the body of Christ.   I heard Rick Joyner say in a message that the gifts of the prophets and teachers need to be balanced by each other. Prophets can often hear God's timely words, but if there is no balance by the gift of teaching, it's easy to fall into extremes. I know what this means because I have been pursuing the prophetic gifts. I mentioned previously that I have had some prophetic experiences including seeing Jesus in heaven and I have also been taken to mysterious, heavenly places in my dreams. I am still a novice who has learned only a little about the gift of prophecy. Many people who have more experience with the prophetic gifts may have more wonderful spiritual experiences. One day they may say they visited heaven and another day they may say they've visited hell. Should you believe them or not? So, if there is no foundation and restrictions of God's word, it will be unbalanced. For example, I recently saw a WeChat article saying that a Korean pastor had witnessed Calvin in the lake of fire. I know some churches that were deeply influenced by Calvin, were opposed to the charismatics, and blocked the work of God to a certain extent. But just because of a vision or testimony that Calvin is in the lake of fire by a pastor, you cannot know that Calvin is in hell. Sometimes stuff like this just gets circulated on the web. I personally think this may be an extreme example of relying too heavily on the so-called prophetic gift or personal experiences.   On the other hand, the gift of teaching also needs to be balanced by the gift of prophecy. This is one of the reasons why God put the gift of the prophet in front of the gift of the teacher. If the teacher isn't able to get God's timely touch and words, there is a danger that the spiritual understanding of the message of the Bible can be elevated to the level of doctrine. Over time, it will limit the freedom of the Holy Spirit. I was saved in a traditional evangelical church. This church pays great attention to the study of God's word. Basically, it is indifferent to or against Pentecostalism and the prophetic movements. When I was led by God to leave my church and come to the Pentecostal Church to learn about the gifts of the Spirit, the church elders who care for me were honest with me about their fears that I may have been deceived by the evil spirits. They loved me so much that they wouldn't directly reprimand me, but they expressed some anxiety.   I personally think that the evangelical church pays too much attention to the gift of the teacher and has overlooked the gift of the prophet, which leads to dogmatism and legalistic tendencies. As the Bible says: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint.” (NIV, Proverbs 29:18). The prophet sees vision from God, and teachers need to learn from them keeping their minds open. Of course, another imbalanced situation can happen in the Pentecostal Church if they pay too much attention to the prophets and ignore the teachers of the Word of God.     Back to our topic, who should Paul take on his journey – Silas, Barnabas, or Mark? Naturally, the Holy Spirit wanted him to take Silas, otherwise the Holy Spirit wouldn't have annointed Silas to stay, nor would it praise Silas again and again in the text. God wants to build the foundation of the church through the gift of the prophets and the apostles. Barnabas was just another apostle, and Paul had already worked with him for a while, and he did a good job. God continued to lead the merger, or cooperation of apostles and prophets. But is Mark a prophet or a teacher? The Bible isn't explicit about that. Paul later mentions in another letter that Mark was useful to his ministry. Perhaps Mark has the gift of the "helper" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. Of course, the Bible does not say that, it's just my guess.   So, what the Bible addresses here is not only about Barnabas and Mark, but about the question of who will continue to work together with Paul and how will the church be built? At face value, it is a human dispute, but it's actually about how the church will develop. One false step will make a great difference. If Paul listens to Barnabas's suggestion and lets Mark become his co-worker, it may have interfered with God's plan (again, this is my guess).   In my life, various circumstances have come up that didn't seem to make sense at the time. Over time I realized that this was the Holy Spirit intervening through circumstances to lead me in the proper direction. We don't often see it clearly in the midst of difficulty.  This is especially true when I don't obey God's guidance. God always stirs something up around me that forces me back in the right direction of God's leading. When I look back, I realize that these small accidents or changes in my life are actually orchestrated by God. God may have spoken to Barnabas many times and led him to withdraw from the stage, or he may not have followed  God's leading, so God allowed the disagreement with Mark to happen resulting in a separation between Barnabas and Paul. Either way, Paul ended up taking Silas who was prepared by the Spirit to work with Paul. I am not saying this because I want to advocate conspiracy theories or say that God used unethical means. Instead, I am saying this because I hope to comfort those who have experienced church disputes and divisions. You should not think that it is merely the attack or destruction from evil spirits, and there is no need to argue on who is right or wrong in these kinds of disputes. We can look at it from another perspective. Perhaps God's guidance is different towards different people. Perhaps God is leading you in a new direction, taking you to the place He has prepared for you which is beyond your expectations.   If we are like Barnabas, and have been used by God to help bring someone further toward God, when the time comes, will we be able to let go of our pride or resist and be a hindrance to God? Have we allowed Silas, who was led by the Holy Spirit, to enter the front stage and play the leading role? Or will we choose Mark instead, someone who was fostered and trained according to our past church traditions? I have no intention of belittling Mark, but the Bible does not mention that Barnabas ever helped or guided Silas. At this time, Barnabas didn't know Silas. If you were Barnabas, could you accept this reality? You may have longed to see the revival of God, but you didn't expect that when the revival came it would fall on a church next door or on a group of people who you disagree with. Would you throw yourself into the revival fire of the Holy Spirit or would you just stand at a distance and criticize it? These are very practical issues, and it is worthwhile for us who serve God and who are church leaders to think them over.   Silas was a great help to Paul in his later service which is clear because Paul repeatedly mentions him and even says some of the letters were written by both Paul and Silas. Just like 1 Thessalonians 1:1, where Paul, Silas, and Timothy have written to the church at Thessalonica. Acts 16:25 tells us that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Afterwards, in 2 Corinthians 1:19 Paul says: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.”” (NIV, 2 Corinthians 1:19). Even Peter said: "With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it." (NIV, 1 Peter 5:12). We see from these verses that Silas is a faithful person, more so than Mark who left halfway through their last journey. Clearly, there is a reason why the Holy Spirit chose Silas to replace Barnabas to work with Paul, and Silas was even valued and praised by Peter. This proves once again the importance of our character to the service of the Lord. I hope I have made it clear to you what was really happening in the dispute between Paul and Barnabas. It was not simply an HR dispute. It was a much deeper. It was the question of who should continue to co-labor with Paul to lead in the next move of God. Silas's gift and calling as a prophet would help the Apostle Paul to build the foundation of the church which is the work of Apostles and Prophets, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:20. Dear readers, or listeners, have you been taught that there are no apostles or prophets today? If you have, I am telling you that you are being fooled by the enemy. God is restoring the gifts of apostles and prophets today. Once your veil is taken away, go do some research, and you will find out God is doing a great work in restoring these gifts today. Have you ever wondered why we don't have great apostles like Paul today? It is not that the age of apostles has gone. But it is because that the teachers and prophets haven't come together to pray and fast. One night the Lord appeared to me in a dream and told me two rivers would merge together. I have been thinking about it ever since. I may share more about the experience in another blog, but I would say the merging of the gift of teaching and the gift of prophecy could be the merging of two rivers in my dream. Thank you for your time reading, or listening, and stay tuned. We have a lot more to share.    

The entire night had been passed in the mountain; and as the sun arose, Jesus and His disciples descended to the plain. Absorbed in thought, the disciples were awed and silent. Even Peter had not a word to say. Gladly would they have lingered in that holy place which had been touched with the light of heaven, and where the Son of God had manifested His glory; but there was work to be done for the people, who were already searching far and near for Jesus.

CAFOD's Children's Liturgy - 2021-09-12 Today we hear about how it is not always easy to follow Jesus or to accept what God wants to happen in our lives. Even Peter, one of Jesus's disciples found it difficult. Let's think some more about this today… Christ Jesus, you call us to follow you. May we have the courage to answer that call, even in the most difficult times. Amen. https://cafod.org.uk/Education/Children-s-liturgy

Bible Study with Jairus - Acts 5   Acts 5 begins with the story of Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit about the proceeds of the land sale. The Holy Spirit punished them severely for keeping some of the proceeds for themselves, while claiming they had given it all. Ananias and Sapphira's sin doesn't seem very serious, so why was the punishment so severe? Many modern-day Christians do not even tithe, let alone give the entire proceeds of a sale or business deal. So why doesn't the Holy Spirit punish modern-day believers?   As we consider this question, let's put aside the lens of punishment and fear for a moment. This lens can limit our understanding of this issue.     Being closer to God is like being closer to the sun   First, we can understand this issue using the analogy of “light.” We often hear others say that God judges us not because of the sin and darkness that is in us, but rather for how much we reject the “light.” Before salvation, we lived in darkness and ignorance. The sins we committed before we came to Christ were committed in ignorance.   However, after we come to know Jesus, the “light of the world,” it is another matter altogether. God holds us accountable for rejecting the clear presence of the Holy Spirit. In vs. 15, we see that the Holy Spirit was powerfully working all around Ananias and Saphira. Even Peter's shadow could heal people of their diseases! Despite all this, Ananias and Saphira still sinned blatantly against the Holy Spirit. Hence, it is only natural for them to be punished severely.   The closer you are to the sun, the more you are at risk of being burned. In the same way, the closer we are to God's light and the Holy Spirit's powerful working, the less our darkness is tolerated. However, if the Holy Spirit is not as active in the world, and an individual is farther away from God, the punishment will not be as harsh.   This does not mean that God excuses sin. God hates all sin. However, as we draw closer to God, God's expectations for our holiness increase. As we serve God, we need to be holy. As mentioned previously in our study of Acts 4, the Holy Spirit was specifically at work during this time, choosing the apostles and working powerfully among the people. Despite this, Ananias deliberately lied to the Holy Spirit. For this reason, he was severely punished.   The outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the capacity of the vessel   Second, we can consider this topic using the concept of "capacity.” Humans are like vessels, or containers, that hold God's power and glory. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is like a powerful current of electricity. Only the strongest of wires can handle such high voltage.   God wants to strengthen us so we can handle his “high voltage.” Peter and the other disciples had been prepared during Jesus' three and a half years of ministry on earth. Without this preparation, they would not have been able to handle the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Modern-day Christians also need to undergo many trials and tests to prepare us to handle the weight of God's powerful working. We need to grow our capacity.   Consider the analogy of a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers can withstand higher pressure than normal non-pressure cookers. If a regular pot is placed under high pressure, it will explode. Even a pressure cooker has a limit to the amount that it can withstand.   Similarly, each of us has a different capacity to withstand pressure. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:13 that he would not boast beyond limit, but would only boast about the area of influence God had assigned to him. We each have our own area of influence. We must not reach beyond the measure or capacity that God has assigned to us. Each of us has a limit to the amount of pressure we can take, but we are often greedy for more than we can handle. Then we are unable to manage this pressure.   So, to a certain extent, it was not God who killed Ananias, but rather Ananias' own lack of capacity to cope with the pressures of such holiness. Jesus explained that when you put new wine in old wineskins, the wineskins will burst. On the one hand, the new wine caused the wineskins to burst; on the other hand, the old wineskin was unable to manage the pressures of the new wine. During the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Ananias tried to receive and contain God's glory within his flesh. But since he was not a clean and pure vessel, he self-destructed, just like a normal pot disintegrates under high pressure.     Ever since the ascension of Christ to heaven and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit has always been with us. If the Holy Spirit is present with us, why do we lack the manifestation and movement of the Holy Spirit within the Church? One reason could be the lack of capacity of our own vessels.   Jesus Christ molded and empowered the disciples as vessels for His use. This process of preparation is essential to prepare us (his vessels) to receive the Holy Spirit. It only takes a second for the Holy Spirit to fill you, but it takes more than 20 years to prepare a vessel.   The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is like a heavy downpour, and we are the containers that are used to collect the rainwater. If we are not prepared to receive the Holy Spirit—in the areas of holiness, character, personality etc.--we are an ill-prepared vessel. When the rain comes, we are unable to manage the rainwater. Instead, we will leak.   In the Old Testament, Elisha performed the miracle of providing olive oil to the widow. Elishaa asked the widow to borrow vessels from her neighbors. When all the vessels were filled, there was no more oil. This is a wonderful image which illustrates that our vessel's capacity limits the amount of oil we can receive (2 Kings 4:1-7). We need to ensure that we allow God to prepare us to be vessels for him, so that we can manage the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, we will run into trouble.   Many Christians desire revival but have not made themselves ready as vessels. For this reason, many spiritual revivals die a premature death due to lack of preparation of the vessels. God wants to grant us our desire. He wants to send a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But he wants us to be willing, prepared vessels. He is using the waiting time to prepare us as his vessels.     The process of obtaining God's glory   The third lens through which we can approach this subject is the importance of God's glory. Although Ananias and Sapphira's sin may seem inconsequential, it was significant because it was an affront to God's glory. The couple wanted access to God's glory without sacrificing their money to God. This is a very serious matter. The couple sinned in the same way as Satan did: exalting themselves against God and wanting to steal his glory.   Jesus was different. He humbled Himself, never desiring to obtain glory for himself. He sacrificed himself because of God's love, and in return he received glory and honor. If we want to receive God's glory, we must take the path of self-sacrifice. If we desire glory without sacrificing our own interests, we will be punished. God will not share His glory with such people.  God punished Ananias as a warning to us. We must not attempt to steal God's glory.   America experienced a healing revival in the 1950s, where God blessed many with the gift of healing. However, this revival ended prematurely. Many healers refused to train other assistants, hoarding the gift of healing for themselves. They wanted glory for themselves instead of giving the glory to God. Because they tried to steal God's glory, God withdrew his presence and cut short the great revival.   God's severe punishment of hypocrisy   Fourth, we must consider this question through the lens of hidden sin and hypocrisy. Hypocrisy must be exposed. Those who live double lives bring great harm to the church. Servants of God who sin morally while pretending to be godly cause great destruction. In the scripture, Jesus also points out the hypocritical pharisees, who seem morally flawless but have hidden sins. They may be able to deceive many people, but they cannot deceive God. God exposed them for all to see.   Some sins are obvious to all. Even non-Christians who abide by worldly moral standards will disapprove of these sins. These sins are condemned by the conscience and by the law. However, other sins are hidden in the heart. Only God, who sees the heart, can perceive these sins. Therefore, God alone can expose these sins. If Ananias had become an apostle without his hypocrisy being exposed, he might have brought great harm to the work of God. No one would have ever known about his sins.   Even today, God continues to expose hidden sins of church leaders and lay leaders. He does this so that the church can become a pure, holy community.   Where did Ananias' wife go?   Acts 5:7 says, “after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.” Where was Ananias' wife during those three hours? The Bible doesn't tell us, so we don't know the answer to this question. However, my guess is that she went to settle the fortune, the money they had decided to keep. Due to the powerful presence and working of the Holy Spirit, everyone in the Christian community was sharing the money they had with the Christian community. But this couple wanted to keep half the money for their own use.    Ananias and Sapphira both sinned. They fell into sin as a couple, just like Adam and Eve did. In Genesis, Eve was deceived, and Adam consciously chose to sin. Both husband and wife faced temptation at the same time. This story reminds us that Christian couples need to help and support each other. When one spouse is weak, the other spouse needs to be strong. If both are weak at the same time, it is a recipe for disaster. Many believers can attest to the value of mutual support. The husband can support the wife when she is weak, and vice versa.   If either Ananias or Sapphira had been spiritually strong, they would have been able to have avoided falling into sin. The strong one could have supported the weak one and keep them faithful to God. Unfortunately, both were weak and sinned at the same time, which led to this tragic outcome.    Positive and Negative Examples   Often, when the Bible gives a positive example, it follows up with a negative example of the same concept. For instance, the positive example of Barnabas' generosity is given in Acts 4. Barnabas ‘sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostle's feet.' Then in Acts 5, God gives a negative example about the lack of generosity: Ananias and his wife. The Bible often places a positive and negative example together to illustrate a point. The point God illustrates in this passage is that we need to sacrificially give to God, and not lie to Him.     Your enemy could be God's messenger Because Peter preached about Jesus and performed signs and wonders, there were some who wanted to kill him and his fellow apostles (Acts 5:33). However, a pharisee named Gamaliel interfered. He said, “Keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” (Acts 5:38-39 ESV). Because of Gamaliel's wisdom, a disaster was averted.   This story illustrates that the very people whom we view as enemies could be God's angels in disguise. Even though Jesus had criticized the Pharisees, Gamaliel the Pharisee actually helped Peter and the apostles at this critical juncture. Some people whom we treat as enemies or do not consider as friends, could all be angels in disguise. God can make everything work together for the benefit of those who love God.   Here is an example to illustrate this point. There was a Taiwanese Christian couple who often performed charitable acts and took care of children with cancer. However, due to their status as celebrities, they were criticized by those who did not believe them. People began to spread rumors that the couple were profiting financially off of their acts of charity. This was completely untrue, and the couple felt deeply betrayed. However, because of the rumors, many people learned about their charitable work and donated to their cause. They gained a lot of publicity, which meant they received many more donations and were able to help many more children.   To be free from punishment and fear   Nobody knows if Ananias and his wife went to heaven or hell, as it is not recorded in the Bible. However, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:5 regarding Christians who have sinned, “you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” In the Old Testament, Aaron's two sons and Uzzah were both killed by the Lord. What happened to Aaron's sons, Uzzah, Ananias, and Sapphira after death? God is the one who judges; only He knows the answer to this question. According to Paul's principle, there is a possibility that God struck them down to prevent them from committing a greater sin. Although their bodies died, their spirits may have been saved.   When we read the Bible, our understanding is often clouded by our own perception. Our perspective of fear and punishment makes us think that God is easily angered. We imagine he will punish us for every little mistake. Many Christians say that God is love, but are unable to truly grasp God's love in their minds and hearts. Many Christians feel like God is intentionally punishing or hurting them, just like he punished Ananias. Even though Ananias' story is an extreme example and many do not have the same experience in their lives, Christians can become fearful and expect God to punish them like he punished Ananias. Understanding God's love helps us understand difficult stories, such as the story presented in this chapter.   We need to change our perspective about trials and difficulties. The hard times we go through were not created by God. God allows them to happen in order to increase our capacity and prepare us as vessels for His glory. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit lives inside us (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Holy Spirit wants us to exhibit the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives.   At the same time, God's discipline is real. Even though the killing of Ananias is an extreme example, we often encounter God's discipline in our lives today. God disciplines us in order to put our flesh to death. He trains us for our own good. Galatians 5:17 states that, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Our flesh often tempts us to indulge in greed, sinning against the Holy Spirit. However, God does not kill us. The killing of Ananias is an extreme example and should not be used to negate God's love for us. God is love. His love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4). More often than not, God treats us with great kindness and patience, even when run away from Him. God loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). However, if we want to be united with God and partake of His love, we need to flee from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire (2 Peter 1:4).   God's love and holiness are two sides of the same coin. God loves us, but He is also holy and just. Because God loves us, He sent His son to redeem us. On the other hand, God is also holy. If we want to draw close to Him, we need to live in holiness.

Elders are to care for the church of God (Acts 20:28). This is a legacy passed down to Elders from Christs apostles. As the early Church developed there was a gradual shift from Apostles to Elders. The Biblical term Elder is synonymous with pastor and bishop. Paul wrote to Titus, This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you (Titus 1:5, ESV). The responsibility of the Elders to replicate themselves. As Paul said to Timothy, You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:12, ESV). Even Peter who plays a major role in our message today experienced this transition from Apostle to Elder. He writes, So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you. So, the message this morning is going to particularly apply to Elders. But if youre not an Elder, please dont close you ears because you will see that you also have a significant importance in the message.

After hearing a message about correcting injustice, a church member approached the pastor weeping, asking for forgiveness and confessing that he hadn’t voted in favor of calling the black minister to be pastor of their church because of his own prejudice. “I really need you to forgive me. I don’t want the junk of prejudice and racism spilling over into my kids’ lives. I didn’t vote for you, and I was wrong.” His tears and confession were met with the tears and forgiveness of the minister. A week later, the entire church rejoiced upon hearing the man’s testimony of how God had worked in his heart. Even Peter, a disciple of Jesus and a chief leader in the early church, had to be corrected because of his ill-conceived notions about non-Jewish people. Eating and drinking with gentiles (who were considered unclean), was a violation of social and religious protocol. Peter said, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile” (Acts 10:28). It took nothing less than the supernatural activity of God (vv. 9–23) to convince him that he “should not call anyone impure or unclean” (v. 28). Through the preaching of Scripture, the conviction of the Spirit, and life experiences God continues to work in human hearts to correct our misguided perspectives about others. He helps us to see that “God does not show favoritism” (v. 34).

Our relationships are not random. God brings people into our life for a purpose. Maintaining these relationships is not always easy. Even Peter and Paul, men greatly used by God, struggled in this area. Through their lives and others in the Bible, God teaches us the essentials for healthy relationships. Listen as Bishop Kimble and Overseer King discuss this topic and more. Original air date 01/31/2021

We reach the last chapter of Luke's gospel and the accounts of the resurrection this week. The women discover the tomb empty and are greeted with angels announcing the news. The men are skeptical. Even Peter, when he sees the empty tomb and the folded linens, does not know what to make of it.

Even Peter, the leader of the disciples, can't stand by Jesus at the end. In our discussion we reflect on the fact that human intention is not enough to guarantee that we behave the way our best selves would like us to.

Philippians 2:16-18 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. HOLD FAST TO THE WORD OF LIFE. To see the brethren at Philippi holding fast to the word of life was Paul's source of pride. Why? That is what matters when the ‘day of Christ' comes, that is, during Jesus' return. Interestingly, he had confidence that God will keep them through, saying, “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.” [Phil 1:6] Jesus is the word of life.[John 1:1] Like him, Paul had wanted them to be committed to Christ as himself.[Phi 1:21] Otherwise, either his run or labor for them are all in vain. Simply said, this was his joy. Even Peter had expressed this when asked if the disciples should stop following Jesus like the others. “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”[John 6:38] In other words, Peter did believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is the life [John 6:53,54;14:6] For this, Paul has expressed his joy at being able to serve them, though he does refer to his life as a "drink offering." This was an Old Testament practice of pouring a drink offering in worship (Numbers 15:1–10; 28:1–8). The priest would sacrifice a lamb, ram, or bull. Then, he would pour wine beside the altar as a show of worship. He did expect that the Philippians brethren do reciprocate.[v.18] What matters most to you? What would give you the most satisfaction in life? At the end of the day, it is the life devoted to Christ that all matters at the ‘day of Christ.' ------------------------- Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube and Facebook

Even Peter's Quicksilver debuting in WandaVision gives the MCU an opportunity to resolve a big unfinished X-Men plotline involving the character --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/shalom-kolontarov/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/shalom-kolontarov/support

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13 Psalm 85:9–14 Romans 9:1–5 Matthew 14:22–33 How do we find God in the storms and struggles of our lives, in the trials we encounter in trying to do His will? God commands Elijah in today’s First Reading to stand on the mountain and await His passing by. And in the Gospel, Jesus makes the disciples set out across the waters to meet Him. In each case, the Lord makes himself present amid frightening tumult—heavy winds and high waves, fire and earthquakes. Elijah hides his face. Perhaps he remembers Moses, who met God on the same mountain, also amid fire, thunder, and smoke (see Deuteronomy 4:10–15; Exodus 19:17–19). God told Moses no one could see His face and live, and He sheltered Moses in the hollow of a rock, as He shelters Elijah in a cave (see Exodus 33:18–23). The disciples, likewise, are too terrified to look on the face of God. Today’s Gospel is a revelation of Jesus’ divine identity. Only God treads across the crest of the sea (see Job 9:8) and rules the raging waters (see Psalm 89:9–10). And the words of assurance that Jesus speaks—“It is I”—are those God used to identify himself to Moses (see Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10). Even Peter is too overcome by fear to imitate his Lord. His fears, Jesus tells him, are a sign of his lack of faith. And so it often is with us. Our fears make us doubt, make it hard to see His glory dwelling in our midst. Yet, we should know, as we sing in today’s Psalm, that His salvation is near to those who hope in Him. By faith we should know, as Paul asserts in today’s Epistle, that we are heirs to the promises made to His children, Israel. We must trust that He whispers to us in the trials of our lives—that He who has called us to walk along the way of His steps. He will save us whenever we begin to sink.

Teaching by: Pastor Ray BentleyMatthew 26:57-75Jesus was forsaken by the disciples. They all fled into the darkness of the garden, and He was alone. Every one needs to learn from His example of intimacy with God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had a communion and intimacy with the Father that strengthened Him to endure the cross. We are living in a unique time of history. Take advantage of being alone with the Father! After His arrest, He was brutalized, beaten and spit upon. And still alone. Even Peter denied Him. My heart goes out to Peter. For I have been in the same place, doing what I never thought I would do. I have failed. My flesh has failed. Yet Peter was restored -- and we are too!

My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. (Pro. 3:21 NLT) Today, I was reminded of why I rarely browse social media these days. No, it wasn’t anything horrifying that I saw. But it was a bit unsettling. It was a post by a Christian, supposedly warning others about Christian music and using discernment, and included a link to a website. And like a sucker, I clicked.What followed was a blog post; a diatribe disguised as Christian caring; vicious gossip in the guise of “discernment” and many “should” and “should not’s” juxtaposed with the blogger’s reluctant “duty” to inform us that these particular songs, bands, churches, and Bible teachers are heretical. She doggedly insisted that we, as well as our churches, should have nothing to do with them. She then provided a list of “approved” music, teachers, and pastors.How thoughtful.That said, I don’t have a problem with Bible-literate believers legitimately warning others about heresies, false doctrines, and the like. The apostle Paul did this often, and with no qualms about naming the guilty parties, such as Alexander the coppersmith and fellow believers Phygelus, Hermogenes, and Demas. (2 Tim. Ch. 1 & 4) Even Peter and Barnabas didn’t escape Paul’s righteous indignation, as he names them and calls out their hypocrisy in Galatians 2:11-13. And John? Well, in 3 John 1:9-11, good old Pastor Diotrephes was lambasted by John for his evil ways.Even John the Baptist, and Jesus himself called the scribes and Pharisees “broods of vipers.”By these and many other such verses, we see that warning others about legitimate threats is fine, and often necessary. And of course, anyone who has been victimized by someone at church should be able to report the abuse and receive help, without being further victimized by verbal bludgeoning and other such vindictive behavior.In Matthew 10:16, Jesus instructed the apostles he sent out to, “… be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves.”Good advice, don’t you think?Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-proverbs-3-21-using-discernment/

Understanding the textThe world is full of false and empty gospels that offer vain hope and strength. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ is able to save, sustain, and transform us because it is the truth. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are objective historical events, and therefore have genuine power. As Christians, we must be on guard against false hopes and false gospels. As a church family, we are to “stand firm” in the truth of Jesus.Even Peter, an Apostle and eyewitness to the resurrected Jesus, needed other people in his life. Without the support and friendship of people such as Sylvanus and Mark, he could not have accomplished the work that God had given him. Consequently, standing in the truth of the gospel is a community project that requires us to live in brotherly love with one another. As we live in this truth, we increasingly experience the peace of Christ.Additional scripture1. Ephesians 6:10-202. John 14:63. 1 John 4:1-6Applying the text1. What are some of the false hopes or gospels you are tempted to believe?2. How has Peter demonstrated his own neediness in 1 Peter?3. Take a moment to list the people in your life that you depend on. Pray for them, giving thanks for their presence, and ask for God's protection and provision in their lives.

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. (2 Pe 2:1–10, ESV)   There’s a difference between a false teacher and a teacher who’s wrong. Even Peter himself was corrected by Paul.   ________ a ________. ________ a teacher ________.   They bring in things from ________ into ___________.   They call ________ ________.   They call ________ ________   ________ a ________. ________ who is ________.   Signs of a false teacher.   1.________: ________________________________.   2. ________: ________________________________.   Notes:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Joe Coffey | Have you ever felt like you’re not worthy of Jesus’ love because you have failed him in some way? If so, you’re in good company. Even Peter, called to be the rock upon which Jesus would build his church, failed Jesus pretty spectacularly. Peter denied he knew Jesus three times after Jesus was arrested, despite assuring Jesus, he would stay faithful to him. Peter should have been disqualified from being used by God from that point on, but he wasn’t... and he went on to bring thousands of people to Christ. The reason? Jesus’ grace and forgiveness. The same grace and forgiveness he has for all of us if we’re willing to accept it.

Joe Coffey | Have you ever felt like you’re not worthy of Jesus’ love because you have failed him in some way? If so, you’re in good company. Even Peter, called to be the rock upon which Jesus would build his church, failed Jesus pretty spectacularly. Peter denied he knew Jesus three times after Jesus was arrested, despite assuring Jesus, he would stay faithful to him. Peter should have been disqualified from being used by God from that point on, but he wasn’t... and he went on to bring thousands of people to Christ. The reason? Jesus’ grace and forgiveness. The same grace and forgiveness he has for all of us if we’re willing to accept it.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A1-12&version=ESV (Luke 24:1-12) All around the world, today churches are filled to overflowing with people celebrating Easter. Perhaps folks outside the Christian faith are wondering what to make of Easter. What is the big deal regarding this Christian holiday? Maybe you are even asking this question as you listen today. So I thought I'd take a few minutes and respond to this question regarding Easter. Perhaps you've already noticed, I am using a lot of “re” words in this introduction, with good reason. You see, many “re” words jump out at us as we read this story. For instance, we first see a re-appearance. The women, having left the tomb on Friday, reappear on Sunday with spices to anoint the body of Jesus. It was a sign of love and respect for their dead friend – similar to us taking flowers to the cemetery. Our next word is re-opened. The huge stone covering the tomb was now rolled away and the tomb was reopened. The women went in and discovered the tomb was empty and the body of the Lord Jesus was gone. I once heard someone say the stone wasn't rolled away to let Jesus out, but to let Jesus' followers in to witness the emptiness of the tomb. Their friend was not there. Next there is re-proof. Angels appear and, in their fear, the women bow their faces to the ground before them. The words spoken by the angels are a reproof. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” I have to believe the angels were probably smiling as he said these words to the women. He perhaps had a look on his face saying, I can't wait to tell you the big surprise I have for you. The joke is on you, silly ones: He is living! Next is the word re-vealing. He reveals to them the amazing news of what God has done. “Jesus is not here; he is risen,” which literally is translated, “He has been raised.” The One who was dead, the dying man they had watched breath His last on the cross as they stood off watching in the distance – Jesus, their master and friend whom they watched as He was laid in a rich man's tomb – was now alive! Following the news they are given a re-minder. Before they could respond to this amazing news, the angel reminded them of something Jesus had said. “Remember how Jesus told you while He was still in Galilee that He must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day rise.” There are those words again: He must. It was a divine necessity. Jesus said it not once but three times. God's divine plan for rescuing a sinful world had to be fulfilled, and now it has been accomplished with the resurrection. We are told the women re-membered the words of Jesus spoken earlier. You might wonder if we are seeing a bit of faith on their part in this story as they remember. Perhaps, they did have some faith, but it is difficult to see. Then the women re-turn from the tomb, and they re-call the experience to the disciples and all the rest. The last word: re-jection. The eleven disciples (remember, Judas is dead) rejected the women's news. Their words seemed like an idol tale, and they did not believe them. By the way, I think all of this doubt on the part of the disciples gives the resurrection even more credence. No person would make up a story to get people to buy into it by using women as witnesses to the resurrection. They had no status in this patriarchal society. They could not even be witnesses in a court. Even if the women's story was made up, wouldn't you think the disciples would've responded affirmatively to make it more convincing? Risen? Of course He is! Jesus said this would happen. But their response was rejection. They thought the women were crazy in their grief, and they would not believe. Even Peter, who ran to the tomb and saw the folded grave clothes, only walked away from it marveling at what happened. No faith there....

From an explanation of Paul’s letter to the Galatians by Saint Augustine, bishop⁣⁣ Let us understand the workings of God’s grace⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Paul writes to the Galatians to make them understand that by God’s grace they are no longer under the law. When the Gospel was preached to them, there were some among them of Jewish origin known as circumcisers—though they called themselves Christians—who did not grasp the gift they had received. They still wanted to be under the burden of the law. Now God had imposed that burden on those who were slaves to sin and not on servants of justice. That is to say, God had given a just law to unjust men in order to show them their sin, not to take it away. For sin is taken away only by the gift of faith that works through love. The Galatians had already received this gift, but the circumcisers claimed that the Gospel would not save them unless they underwent circumcision and were willing to observe also the other traditional Jewish rites.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The Galatians, therefore, began to question Paul’s preaching of the Gospel because he did not require Gentiles to follow Jewish observances as other apostles had done. Even Peter had yielded to the scandalized protests of the circumcisers. He pretended to believe that the Gospel would not save the Gentiles unless they fulfilled the burden of the law. But Paul recalled him from such dissimulation, as is shown in this very same letter. A similar issue arises in Paul’s letter to the Romans, but with an evident difference. Through his letter to them Paul was able to resolve the strife and controversy that had developed between the Jewish and Gentile converts.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In the present letter Paul is writing to persons who were profoundly influenced and disturbed by the circumcisers. The Galatians had begun to believe them and to think that Paul had not preached rightly, since he had not ordered them to be circumcised. And so the Apostle begins by saying: I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting him who called you to the glory of Christ, and turning to another gospel.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ After this there comes a brief introduction to the point at issue. But remember in the very opening of the letter Paul had said that he was an apostle not from men nor by any man, a statement that does not appear in any other letter of his. He is making it quite clear that the circumcisers, for their part, are not from God but from men, and that his authority in preaching the Gospel must be considered equal to that of the other apostles. For he was called to be an apostle not from men nor by any man, but through God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.

This message was delivered by Evangelist Atkins on Sunday morning, November 18th, 2018.

In a sermon reflecting on events on the night Jesus was arrested, Laurence talks about the natural human fear that lads Peter to deny that he is a disciple of Jesus. There are times when fear takes hold of us, and we lose our hold on faith. But God doesn't let go of us. Even Peter's denials can't sever his connection to Jesus. Reading is John 18:15-27.

False teachers. It almost sounds like an oxymoron. Those two words just don’t seem to go together. Teachers should be known for telling the truth. After all, their job is to educate and to disseminate information. Why would a teacher want to pass on falsehood? Well, the easy answer is: Because it fits their personal agenda. Teachers have been guilty of spreading lies for years. Not all teachers, but enough of them to make a difference. These kinds of teachers twist the truth and play with the facts in order to pass on their particular view of things. This is true in history, science, literature, and even religion. And it’s not a new phenomena. It’s been going on for generations. Even Peter had to deal with false teachers and the flawed content coming out of their mouths. In 2 Peter 2, verses 1-3, Peter is going to begin a diatribe against any and all who attempt to deceive the people of God with clever-sounding, ear-tickling truth claims that are nothing more than the lies of the enemy disguised with piety and religious rhetoric. These people are appealing, because what they have to say sounds so good. They tell people what they want to hear, rather than saying what God wants said. Truth becomes subjective and the words of men take precedence over the Word of God. But Peter warns that these people are dangerous and to be avoided at all costs. And they stand condemned before God.

by Mary Lindow TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE AS AN AUDIO PODCAST PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE AUDIO PLAYER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. The words, When Harsh Winds Blow- Chaff  Must Go, have been playing themselves over in my mind. As I have pondered them and have allowed the Voice of the Holy Spirit to instruct me as to why I have been impressed with this rather unwavering statement I sense the Lord addressing many deeper issues that are well anchored and maintained within our souls as believers. HARSH WINDS These blustery currents in the natural can be devastating to property, trees, and all living-breathing creatures. We have all seen what the devastation of hurricanes and tornadoes can do in a very short amount of time. Often when listening to the traumatic stories of those who have lived through a nightmarish storm, the realities of what they hold near and dear have been laid bare and brought to the surface. Many weep over the loss of family photographs or tender things like Grandma s old chipped china and are unconcerned about larger material items, but are deeply thankful for the safety of family members after a traumatic event. Others, are shaking fists at the sky and are enraged that they have been infringed upon during a difficult time, and want somebody else to pay for it! THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE BLOW UPON THE GODLY AND THE UNGODLY. NO ONE IS EXEMPT. There are some of life's storms that threaten to blow away everything we've depended on as well. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, and the Lord uses these harsh winds blowing against our lives to remove the crusty chaff that can form and harden around the seed of our lives. Those who are independent in nature find a bitterness creeping into their attitudes and heart. They feel infringed upon when things are not easily controlled or maneuvered in their favor. And so, the Holy Spirit allows the winds to blow until a conviction penetrates the self centered soul and exposes the fleshy comfort zone of," My Way, My World, My Rights" ! No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. Ecclesiastes 8:8 HOW LONG WILL THE HARSH WINDS BLOW? As long as we practice wicked behavior in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot stop it! He is winnowing us, allowing us to be caught up into the refining wind of the Holy Spirit's conviction so that the chaff and waste places in our souls is removed. (Yes you can say "ouch" right about now!) CHAFF MUST GO! WHY? Chaff is a waste material plowed into the soil or burned. Chaff, as a waste product from grain processing, shows us a symbolic use of the idea that refers to something seen as worthless. This is where we read, "to separate the wheat from the chaff" from Matthew 3. It means to separate things of value from things of no value. Another example is in Psalm 1 which says: "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away". We Christians often presume that because we are redeemed through the beautiful sacrifice of Christ for our lives, that we have an opportunity for an easier and more privileged life. This is simply not so! We are given a shield and a holy stamina to withstand the wiles of this world, but no free passes to a life of ease. The Lord loves ALL of mankind. He longs for ALL of mankind, (that includes you and I) to come to a place of trust in His way not our way. Fully stripped of self-will, self-gratification, self- justification, and self-focus. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45 I KNOW! I KNOW! THIS STINGS! But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. James 3:14 I can hear a few righteous folks saying, "I would never boast about envy! " Well! Selfish ambition is well hidden in our personal behaviors. We offer gifts or opportunities for others to be blessed or helped as long as we are feeling in control and benevolent at the time of the offer or good intention. But when the winds of life shift and the Lord allows the chaff of "waste materials" of our soul to be Tornadoed -bitterness and exclusive rights abound! Huffiness, abrupt harshness and passive aggression will manifest and expose the soul's clinging nature which does not want the hand of God striping away any safety veneer that we use to protect our approach to life. A CHANGE IN THE SPIRITUAL CLIMATE HAS OCCURRED! A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. John 6:18 Jesus allowed the wind to be a teaching point for his disciples. They had walked with Him, talked with Him and served alongside Him. But trusting Him when the Storms and Harsh winds blew reveal a weakness that we all must look at, and often. We trust the Lord when things are going our way, but when the Harshness of a storm blows us off the course that we set, many times we run to our own devices or Plan B. So many at this time in this difficult age are screaming, Lord! Don t you care about me? The winds are blowing, and I am fearful for my life! If you Love me, why are you allowing this horrid event to occur? Even Peter in his zeal to get out a boat and see if it was indeed Jesus calling to him to come, once he was out of the safety of his own control and the winds blew against him, he focused on it, and not upon Jesus, who was there the whole time. Peter cries out, "LORD I am Perishing SAVE ME!! CONTROL IS A DEEP, DEEP NEED Perhaps the deepest need people have is for control. When we feel out of control, we experience a powerful and uncomfortable tension between the need for control and the evidence of inadequate control. Without the Presence of God in our lives we will attempt to control everything, every event and every person around us in order to attain the sense of order that we crave. DRAWING NEAR TO GOD It was James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote to the believers in Jerusalem, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double- minded people!" (James 4:8). If we draw near to God, he will respond and draw near to us. Drawing near to God is spending time with Him, worshiping Him, praying and talking to Him, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. BRING YOUR HEART UNDER HIS LORDSHIP James then gives us the blueprint for drawing near. If you've committed sin, confess it, get rid of it. Next, ask the Lord to examine your heart, your motives, and the things that make you do what you do. Bring your heart under His lordship as well. May our actions be manifestations of a clean heart and conscience. Allow HIM to remove the Chaff, the wasted time controlling things, and TRUST Him to align your life. Notice that when he writes about this he says, "Purify your hearts, double-minded people." What does he mean by "double-minded"? A person who is double-minded is drawn in two completely different directions. And so he or she will get nowhere fast because loyalty is divided and they will vacillate between faith and unbelief. A double-minded person is unstable in all his/her ways and his/her spiritual walk is inconsistent because he/she tries to serve God and his/her own interests and gamble their life against the Harsh Winds. We've all learned that this kind of living never works. You cannot serve two masters. GOD DOESN'T PLAY GAMES! No one is going to get very far with God by playing spiritual games. It will soon be discovered that the only people playing the game with you will be me, myself, and I. It's just like people thinking that they can "ride the fence" into the kingdom. There is no riding the fence, there is no lukewarm support group you're either in or out. If we really want to know Him, we are going to have to get serious about our relationship with Him. A MOMENT IN HIS ANGER - A LIFETIME IN HIS FAVOR. God disciplines for a moment when He wishes to get our attention and our lives may indeed become painful for a period, but then comes His favor. God doesn't delight in either our depression or our damage. When He begins to deal with the chaff in our lives, it is for our advantage, that we may be conformed to His likeness and reflect His holiness. When we sense God s disapproval, when it appears He has withdrawn from us, it is only so that we see our utter need of Him. When life seems to be so sour, when everything crumbles, we must remember what we say we believe, that God s favor is with us, because of Christ s worthiness given to us, because we are adopted and His - which means that His favor always wins out over His disapproval. This picture is painted well by the words "Weeping remains for a night." Weeping and sorrow are pictured as a traveler who comes to stay for a night. The pain and sorrow we feel may seem as though it has moved in with us like an unwelcomed guest who decides to stay for a very long time. BUT, REJOICING COMES IN THE MORNING. Your mourning will dissipate in the morning. Your winter will melt into summer. God will replace your sighing with singing. Grief will give way to gladness. What was once bitter will be made sweet, What was once a desolate wilderness will be transformed into a paradise. Like the first rays of the sunrise which dispel the harsh winds and gloom of night, God gives us joy when the darkness of our problems seem as though they ll never leave. YOUR CROSS HIS GLORY What is so crucial to understand is that as a Christian, your life will be filled with times of weakness and strength, with want and wealth, with disgrace and honor, with crosses and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, delight and mourning. And as this cycle of separating Chaff from our lives reoccurs many times in our lives it moves us from the cross to glory. For your own health and so that you find all your satisfaction in Christ alone, God will send you times of great growth and other times of emptiness. When the harsh winds blow, know that God desires that you find your hope and comfort by His own fire. When the balmy breezes come, give Him praise and thanksgiving for the warmth He provides. "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed." Psalm 57:1 Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed 
provided that complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You 
Copyright 2012 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com www.globalprayerrooms.com

MUST-HEAR EPISODE! 1/4: We're to preach gospel of kingdom at hand - and commandments; Even Peter needed help with his unbelief; Effort to keep commandments will show lacks where our belief falls short; We follow Satan from time to time; Know "righteousness of God"; Contracts => Sin of Sodom = poor not strengthened by faith, hope, charity; Gathering to care for one another = coming together in Christ's name/character/spirit; Kingdom of God is devoid of contracts; We're bound by OUR debts; What we're told about bible, and those telling us...all wrong; Scholars disagreeing - BIG clue language is but babble; Chugging up (the[ir]) "belief hill", ignoring the "WRONG WAY" signs; Be like Peter - turn around; They want us (need us)...lazy...and dumb; 2/4: Belief has levels; Loving God/Christ linked to loving our neighbors; Kingdom is 50/50 minimum and needs ministers to effect; Power to force our neighbor, is power to force us; Only salvation is to repent; Belief, not of(from) God, imprisons; Internet, phones, etc. a means to the Living Network; World wants you angry, fearful, hating; Misconceptions connected to translations; Holy Spirit guides to truth; Preconceived notions/degrees of knowledge = degrees of imprisonment; Humility is cure to degrees of unbelief; 3/4: "Strong delusion" begins at Eden; Bible not source of truth; Back in Egypt by apostate ministers; Scribes = accountants; Compelled contributions start small; Jesus in royal treasury, etc. because He's King; Your minister is to whom you tithe; Common word for "ignorant" and "unlearned" not found in Acts 4:13; Power to heal - tempered by H.S., or else...; Belief (in what?) saves; Deceived. Daily?!; KJV translators taught by post-inquisition "church" run schools; Thayers made changes to his work; Current tax system, etc. evidences turning our backs on God; Only virtuous thrive; True ministers prepare Lord's table - for others; Love for real - forsake not gathering 10s, 100s, 1000s; Idiots vs. Idiotes; Seek!; 4/4: Same message, but in different ways; Call in to radio broadcasts with questions for others' sake; Building codes in bible as examples/application of the 10 kingdom principals; What to say to folks, when - depends; Gambling is coveting; Abraham spent 70 years getting the "many souls" out; What is/how to tell "true love" in self/others; "Sweet in mouth, sour in belly"; Your life is for learning voice of H.S.; We can't get of Babylon if not wanting to set our neighbor free; Your neighbor maybe needs to remain bound!?

Introduction In one of his most profound and triumphant statements in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said to Simon Peter, in Chapter 16:18, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” It really is an astounding statement because it combines two images that don't ordinarily go together —that of an astonishing rescue and a magnificent building project. Now for myself, I love to read stories of heroism. I was reading recently about one of the most incredible rescues that occurred toward the end of World War II January 30th, 1945. 150 rangers specially trained commandos from the United States Army went 30 miles behind the lines enemy lines, in the Philippines, where the Japanese were still fighting for every square inch of territory. The US High Command was concerned that the Japanese might murder over 500 POWs held at the Cabanatuan POW camp, so they sent 150 rangers, 30 miles behind enemy lines to rescue 511 POWs. It was an incredible achievement. Then to lead them back over those 30 miles of enemy-held territory back to safety, which they did successfully — it was an incredible rescue. But even this daring rescue, I tell you in all of the daring rescues that there have ever been in history, does not compare with what Jesus Christ is doing every single day in rescuing sinners and bringing them to eternal life, through faith in Christ and using us to do it sending us into enemy territory to bring them back. He says the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than it, more about that later. He sends us into enemy territory, and yet here is this other image, the image of a building on this rock, “I will build my church.” There is erected inside our mind an elaborate glorious structure for worship. Like the Cathedral at Notre Dame, which took 185 years to build from the 12th century to the 14th century. All of those stones were quarried from gypsum right around Paris and built up. And for 185 years, expert craftsman, stone masons and craftsmen, and stain glass carpenters and architects erected this incredible structure which you've seen perhaps in photos, if not in person. The Cathedral of Notre Dame is a center of French culture, of French literature, of French history. It's even the zero-kilometer point of the entire nation, all the miles to Paris, are marked from a stone right in front of the cathedral of Notre Dame. Certainly, the Cathedral of Notre Dame took exquisite skill to build, a lot of courage, a lot of money, some people died while building it. But I tell you again as glorious and majestic as it is, it doesn't compare with the Church of Jesus Christ, which is taken far greater courage, far greater skill, far greater investment of all resources that are valuable in the human race. Over 2000 years Jesus has been building his church. Now I have begun my sermon in a strange way. With two very different images and with a Mother's Day debut. You have these images coming together in this text of an astonishing military rescue and that of a building rising up to the glory of God. How do they fit together? Imagine, just in your mind's eye, the most incredible building project in history going on during the midst of the fiercest battle in history. The building materials for the church are over the walls and in enemy territory, and the skilled craftsmen that are going to be building that cathedral to the glory of God have to be commandos with military courage to go into enemy territory, quarry out the living stones, and safely get them to the building site where they are erected to the glory of God. You have a picture then of what Jesus is doing in Matthew 16:18 when He says, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than it." Let's get our bearings here, in some context. Last week we looked for the first time at this section of Scripture. In Mathew 16:13-20, we saw the most important question you'll ever answer. Remember that Jesus had gone somewhat on retreat with his disciples to Caesarea Philipp. He wanted to spend some time with them, build into them pour into their lives, and so when He came there, he asked them the most important question. He began by getting a sense of a survey of opinions of popular opinions. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” That's Jesus, the son of man, and they replied, "Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah or Jeremiah and some, one of the prophets.” “But what about you,” he asked. “Who do you say that I am?” In a world full of opinions and a world full of questions, this one remains the most important question you will ever face as we mentioned last week. Who do you say that Jesus of Nazareth is? As we mentioned last week, the destiny of your soul depends on your heart-filled answer to that question. Simon Peter gave the correct answer. He said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him, “This wasn't revealed to you by man but by my Father in Heaven.” The correct answer must be revealed to you by almighty God by the power of a spirit through the ministry of his word. That's how we discover who Jesus is. That was last week. But Jesus goes on from Peter's saving confession to make an incredible statement about the church. Look at verses 18 and 19, again, “… and I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” The Foundation of the Church Through the Apostles and the Prophets So, we come to the question of the foundation of the church, on what is it build, and it's interesting that He begins by changing Peter's name. Now this had already happened, but he's reiterating the change that has occurred in Peter's name. A change of name, I think, gives a sense of ownership and a sense of the transforming power of Christ in the life of an individual. Jesus owns Peter, He rules over him, He has the right to change his name. It's just like what happened with Abram going over to Abraham, Sarai becoming Sarah, Jacob becoming Israel. The book of Revelation 2: 17 says, "To him who'll overcomes, I will give a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." If we overcome by faith in Christ, we're going to get a new name. It's a sense of ownership and of a transformation of our very natures. Made like him, we rise. We will become new creations completely, including our resurrection bodies. The change of name, I think in Peter's case, signifies a divine work of God's grace in Peter's heart. He will be a major part of the church, and Christ intends to equip him for it. He's going to prepare him to be what He wants him to be, for the history of the church. However, these words have caused major consternation in the history of the church and a great deal of misunderstanding. “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and I'll give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” For millennia and a half, the Roman Catholic Church has gone back to this statement by Jesus to the apostle Peter and said that Jesus was investing him papal authority and papal succession. In this moment, He gave him papal authority, the right to rule over all affairs, for the Christian church in Christ's place. The symbol of the Vatican is the Cross Keys. The keys, they're going right back to this statement in Matthew 16, a symbol of the Vatican and its authority and powers that Jesus entrusted to Peter, the keys. So, he has papal authority as the Bishop of Rome. Furthermore, there's also this idea of papal succession. That once Peter died, and went on to his eternal reward, he gave his earthly position to his successor, like a king on his death bed giving it to the Crown Prince. There is this idea of papal succession, so the present Pope has authority over all matters to do with the church in the entire world. That is Catholic teaching. However, I believe that Jesus is not doing that here, I don't think that's what He's doing with Peter. He's not entrusting to Peter authority over all spiritual things, so that Peter would rule somewhat like an earthly potentate over the church. There's a play on words going on here. There are two different Greek words, very similar in meaning. Both of them could be translated “rock”. He says, "You are Petros and on this rock, Petra will build my churches... Changing the terminology slightly to show that there's not a one-to-one correspondence between Peter and the rock. So, for me, I want to know what is Christ's church built on? What is the foundation of Christ's church? Some has said it's Peter's confession and, on that rock, the rock of confession, you are the Christ, the Son of Living God, I will build my church. But I don't think so, although I do think it's essential that we all make that confession in order to be saved, but I don't think that's what He has in mind. I think it says Peter, and the other apostles, were to play a very significant and unique role in the history of the church, a role that we don't play. What then is the foundation of Christ's church? Paul the apostle puts it this way in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “No one can lay any foundation other than the one that is already laid and that is Jesus Christ,” so Christ is the foundation of his own church. But in one sense, there's another truth to this idea of foundations and that is that none of us has access to Christ, except through the ministry of the apostles, and prophets. We must have the apostles and prophets tell us who Jesus is or we will never know him. Therefore, the apostles play a key role with the prophets in the foundation of Christ’s church. In Ephesians 2:19-20, the Apostle Paul wrote, speaking of God's household, that it's built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. How are the apostles and prophets a foundation for God's eternal temple and how is that not contradictory to what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:11, "No one can lay any foundation except Jesus,”? I think this is it. The fact is that the apostles and prophets testified of Christ for now twenty centuries. They’ve been testifying to us to who Jesus is so that we can put our faith in him, and believe and on that foundation, the apostolic testimony and witness to the risen Christ the whole structure depends. It depends on the word of God through the apostles and prophets. This is how we know who Jesus is, and no other way. There's an intimate connection between Jesus Christ and his saving work, and this Bible. The apostles and prophets and their testimony to Christ. We can know a lot of things about God the Creator, by looking at what he has made by looking at creation, by looking at a magnificent sunrise, or a beautiful sunset, by looking at a majestic and powerful mountain, or experiencing a thunder and lightning storm, or feeling a soothing general rain or breeze, or hearing about a hurricane or tornado and its destructive power or watching an eagle soar on a thermal. All of these things give us evidence that there is a God, that He is mighty, that He is loving, that He is powerful, but they tell us nothing directly about Christ. We must have the scripture in order to know him. So, in this sense, “You are Peter, and you are going to testify to me, and on the basis of your testimony and that of the other apostles will the rest of the church be founded.” Therefore, we must know Christ based on the ministry of the apostles, and prophets. the Apostle John put it this way, in 1 John 1:1-3, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at, and our hands have touched, this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared, we have seen it, and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father, and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us." Do you see the “we” in rhythm in 1 John 1:1-3? The “we” is the apostles, I believe. That's a good interpretation of it because we haven't seen with our eyes or handled or heard with our ears. We were not eyewitnesses, but they were. “Those things which we saw with our own eyes, which we were eyewitnesses to, this we proclaim concerning the word of life, so that you also can have fellowship with us and go to Heaven.” In that sense, the church is built on the apostles and prophets. Peter put it this way in 2 Peter 1:16, "We did not follow cleverly-invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." Peter was the rock on which the church was built in that he was an apostle, and together with the other apostles, he began on Pentecost preaching that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and that was the start of it all. On this rock I will build my church. Christ is the Builder of the Church Look at the progress of the church. He says, "On this rock, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than it.” Let's begin with Jesus Christ. It is Jesus Christ who builds the church. “On this rock I will build my Church, I will build it.” Peter did not build the church and neither did Paul or John or any of the apostles. Martin Luther did not build the church and neither did Calvin or Zwingli or any of the Reformers. William Carey did not build the church neither did any of the missionaries, however great their sacrifices might have been. Yes, Jesus used each one of these godly servants to build up his church, but it is Jesus who builds his church and each one of those godly people would have told you the same. “Jesus raised me up, and he used me to build this church, but it was Christ that built it.” Notice also that sense of a promise, a sense of certainty. “I will build my church.” There's a sense of absolute confidence in this. I am putting my omnipotence behind this. "All authority in heaven and earth is behind this building project and it cannot fail. I will build my church.” He never loses focus, never forgets what He's about, never gets distracted. There are no significant setbacks, everything is on schedule, everything is progressing for 2000 years. Notice also the sense of ownership, “I will build my church.” There is no one here who can make that statement, not about any local church, not any absolute statement about the church. Jesus alone is the ruler of the church, Jesus alone shed his own blood for her, He bought her with his own blood. We are his... “I will build my church”, a sense of possession. Misconception of Papal Authority in the Church That leads us to the question of authority — the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Many again have stumbled over these words, misunderstanding them. As I said, the Catholic Church Roman Catholic church focuses on Peter saying that he is Christ’s vice regent on the earth, able to make absolute statements and the church must obey. Sometimes the interpretation is given that Peter has the keys in terms of who gets in and who doesn’t and from that has come a whole genre jokes about Peters at the pearly gates — ask a series of questions and if you answer the question right, you'll get in and if you don't, you won't. You know what I'm talking about? The whole thing is based on a theological misunderstanding as though Peter has the right to decide who gets in and who doesn't. He has the keys and if he doesn't let you in, you don't get in. Henry IV, in order to receive forgiveness from his papal magnificence, had to go and spend three days begging in the snow. Kneeling and begging and doing contrition in the snow before the Pope ordained to see him. When Henry was humbled sufficiently, he was brought into the papal court and there the Pope humbled him some more in front of everyone. Finally, he re-established him and took away the excommunication. Pope Gregory VII declared that the Pope has the right to depose kings and emperors, to make laws to require secular rulers to kiss his feet. He said that nobody has the right to judge the pope. Gregory also declared that because of the merits of Saint Peter, every duly elected pope is automatically a saint in their way of understanding. One hundred years later, Pope Innocent III said the authority of the Pope was like the sun, and that of all secular leaders like that of the moon, a reflected authority emanating originally from the pope. Let me tell you something, all of this pomp and arrogance does not come rightly from Matthew 16. It doesn't come from the keys, it doesn't come from the binding and loosing. I know in the Greek; Peter does receive something directly. It is second person singular, "I'll give to you Peter, the keys of the kingdom of heaven." That is true, but he also links the keys to the binding and loosing. Look at verse 19, "Whatever you bind on earth will bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Binding and loosing, is a term used by rabbis, to make spiritual pronouncements and decisions like binding someone's lifestyle or someone's practices or someone's behavior or binding the church, concerning doctrine. It implies the power to govern spiritually to make decisions. I believe this is what He gave to Peter, but we should not understand that Heaven was following Peter's leadership, as though Heaven didn't know what to do. "Tell us, Peter... What to do. The angels are wondering. We're kind of in a mish-mash up here, let us know what to do." It's not like that at all, there's perfect clarity in heaven. Heaven knows exactly what to do. The cloud is here on Earth, is it not? Even Peter sometimes got into the cloud, not dealing properly with Gentile converts and needed to be rebuked by the Apostle Paul, in Galatians 2. So, it's not like heaven needs Peter's help in figuring out what to do. In Matthew 6:10 in the Lord's prayer, "May your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." So, Heaven takes the lead. Actually, I think the problem is a translation one. I think that the translation would be better this way, "Whatever you bind on earth will be having already been bound in heaven. And whatever you loose on earth will be having already been loosed in heaven." That's the way it is and that's an accurate translation. Therefore, what is Peter's role of announcing what's been bound and loosed in heaven? We have the role and the responsibility of saying what heaven decides in matters, not doing it ourselves. And the binding and loosing is based on the Scripture. It's based on how God has revealed his truth, this is what binds us, this is what loses us, the scripture, and the binding and loosing He has given to all of his disciples. Turn over a few chapters to Matthew Chapter 18: 15- 20. There it's dealing with sin between brothers and sisters in Christ. As we have encounters with one another, we have issues from time to time. Look at verse 15 and following, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you, plural, bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you, plural, loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three come together in my name there am I with them." Here in this passage, the binding and loosing is given to the disciples, it's given to the church and in this case, it has to do with church discipline. Notice in the hierarchy, the final court of appeals isn't Peter, it's the church. This authority of the church concerning binding and loosing, concerning sin and doctrine, this authority stands over every individual believer in Christ no matter how powerful they are in their secular responsibility. For example, it stands over a President of the United States. If the President of United States is a member of a church and commits adultery, the church has the responsibility to deal with it as they would anyone else. There's no difference. Doesn't matter what their position, doesn't matter if they're a king, an emperor. It doesn't matter who they are, if they have sin, the church has a responsibility of dealing with the sin in the same way they would with anyone else. But the church does not have the right to dictate secular policy to the President, and that's where the papal authority made its mistake, it got involved in secular affairs. The power of the church in the statement by Christ to Peter, and it's still in place, concerns spiritual ministry, strategy for missions, doctrinal statements and the issue of church discipline. The binding and loosing I think is especially connected to the issue of the forgiveness of sins. The issue of the forgiveness of sins. Jesus, the day He was raised from the dead, appears to his disciples in John chapter 20 and, "He shows them his hands and his sides, and he breathes on them and says, receive the Holy Spirit, if you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Again, we are not in the place of God. We don't sit on the throne and judge, that's not it. We are given the responsibility and the great privilege to announce based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, based on the Word of God, somebody's spiritual situation before God, based on that. Let's say you're doing some workplace evangelism. You've got a co-worker who's an atheist. You share the gospel with that co-worker, they don't change at all. They might even mock a little bit. You get done with the encounter. I think it's your responsibility to tell him the truth. "I want you to know that based on your rejection of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you are still in your sins, and you're not ready to die." That may be uncomfortable, but I think it's our responsibility. “You're still bound by your sins. Jesus can release you; he can set you free. Every chain can be broken. Simply trust in him for the forgiveness of your sins, and you'll have eternal life. But if you don't, you're still bound by your sins and in that you will die, you'll die in your sins and you'll be condemned to hell if you don't repent.” You must tell them the truth; they are still bound by their sin. Conversely, you share the gospel with someone, and they're moved. They're asking questions. You answer their questions. They're moved some more. After a while you start to know the spirit of God is present in that encounter. They want to accept Christ. What do I do? Act 16 says that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." You tell them that, and they say, "Lord Jesus, save me from my sins." I think you have a responsibility to tell them that based on their confession of faith in Christ, that their sins are forgiven. Now we can be tricked. We can be fooled, and our approval of their faith doesn't mean much on Judgment Day, but I think as we share the Gospel with people, we have the responsibility to tell them, in Christ, their sins are loosed, and they can be forgiven. That's the binding and loosing. The Gates of Hades: Jesus is Stronger But then Jesus makes this incredible statement, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than it." Now what does this mean? The gates of Hades? In Greek mythology, Hades was both the name of the King of the Dead and his dark realm where he reigned, the underworld realm where the dead went. Hades was used either for the king or for his dark kingdom. It was similar to the Hebrew concept of sheol, the grave. The dark kingdom of Hades in Greek mythology was across the river Styx and had powerful gates guarded by a three-headed dog named Cerberus, a vicious, vicious dog and there was no getting past the gates of Hades. However, in Greek mythology from time to time, famous Greek heroes would be able to pass through the gates on certain missions to be able to show their skill or their strength thereby. For example, Hercules. One of his errands was to go down and actually capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog which he does by his supernatural God-given, in that mythology, strength. He's able to grab this three-headed dog and carry it up. King Hades wants his dog back and he eventually gets his dog back. But so, the story goes, it takes incredible strength. Then there's another story of a sweet singer named Orpheus who I believe on his wedding day, lost his bride because she stepped on a poisonous snake. She was carried down to the realm of the underworld and Orpheus wants his bride back and so he... Through the sweetness of his song is able to charm King Hades and he allows Orpheus to bring Eurydice, his wife, back up through the tunnel, through the gates and back to the realm of the living, except on one condition. That is, he cannot turn around and look at her as they are departing. So, he's traveling up as he goes, he's not hearing anything behind him. Very concerned about this, right as he's approaching the gates of Hades, he turns around... She's there and then suddenly there is King Hades as well who takes her back down, and Orpheus spends the rest of his life singing sad songs. How does Christ use this term, then, the “gates of Hades”? I think it represents death, and the one who holds the power of death, the devil, it says in Hebrews 2:14-15, "Since the children [that's us] have flesh and blood, He, Christ too, shared in their humanity. So that by his death, He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who, all their lives, were held in slavery by their fear of death." Christ is mightier than Hercules. He rescues all of his people from the kingdom, and He destroys the kingdom itself. Christ is more skillful than Orpheus; He can look at us as much as He wants, his bride, and nobody's going to suddenly pop up and take us back to the realm of the dead. Christ is the hero that rescues us from the gates of Hades. I’s so beautiful, because it says in Revelation 1:18, Jesus’ speaking, “I am the living one. I was dead and behold, I'm alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades." Jesus holds the keys. And this is the one that speaks and says, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove strong within it." How? I think in two senses, in the present age, and in the future, the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than the church. Notice He doesn't say, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than me." That's not what he says. He says, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than the church." He's going to send the church on an assault mission and the gates of Hades don't stand a chance. That's the picture here. Now, in the present age, the gates of Hades, I think represent Satan's power of death that Satan holds captives in that power. That fear of death, they're captives. For most of military history, the safest place you could be would be inside a fortress, a walled fortress, like a walled city, or a castle or stronghold of some sort. That's where you wanted to be, until gunpowder blew that apart. But that's where you wanted to be. The weakest defense are the gates, so that's where special military engineering went. They were designed to be gates of death really, where they'd let you in and then some portcullis would come down and arrows would rain down. It was diabolical and powerful. If you can take the gates, you can take the whole city, so the gates represent the whole walled fortress I believe of Satan's dark power of sin and death. Jesus says, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than it." What's the issue here? It's a battle of power. You've got one captain, Jesus. You've got another captain, Satan. They are not equal in power, not even close. Jesus sends his church and they're going to win. Satan is not equal power to Jesus, but Jesus said in Luke 11:21-22, "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe but when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and he divides up the spoils." Satan is the strong man, Jesus is the one stronger and he strips Satan's powerful gates away, and he plunders Satan's dark kingdom. Each one of us who sit here today, each one of us who believes in Christ today were rescued from the dominion of darkness. Colossians 1 says we were transferred over into the kingdom of the Son that God loves, we were rescued from Satan's dark dominion. Christians are the Building Blocks of the Church Furthermore, we have become building materials. Remember I told you there's two images here. There's the image of a commando-raid rescue and then there's the image of a building. "I will build my church on this foundation," He says, "On this rock." Solomon's temple was built by stones that were dressed by Hiram, King of Tyre, floated down and then traveled inland, dressed off-site and then so no iron tool was heard on the work site there. Notre Dame was made, as I mentioned, from gypsum stones quarried from around Paris. It was very expensive to transfer them, so it was right nearby. St Peter’s Basilica in Rome was built in1499 out of marble from a specific quarry that Michelangelo later used to make the Pieta and other sculptures that were there. What did Christ use to build his church? He built the church out of us. We are the living stones in 1 Peter 2, "As you come to him, the living stone rejected by man, but chosen by God and precious to him. You also like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." We're living stones set in the walls of this beautiful spiritual house. That's what we are. We are both commandos going over the wall, through the wall, through the gates to go get the living stones and we are also the living stones in the wall. We're both. We are given, therefore, a mission and the only way, friends, that we are going to accomplish our mission is to have unshakable confidence in Jesus Christ that we will be victorious. The early opposition of the Jewish leaders couldn't stop the church. The persecution of the Roman emperors couldn't stop the church. Neither could the barbarian hordes that swept across. Neither could the Dark Ages. Neither could the Viking depredations stop the church. Neither could the Counter-Reformation stop the church. Neither could the Age of Enlightenment, or German higher criticism or the theory of evolution or two world wars, or the Cold War or communism stop the church, and neither will the self-indulgent materialism in which the United States of America leads the way, stop the church. None of those things can stop the building of the church. All of them have been satanic threats, but Jesus has overcome every single one of them by his sovereign power. Are you confident in that? Are you willing to risk it to do some evangelism? Are you willing to risk it, to go over the walls, and rescue some people who are perishing? Are you willing to do that? That is the present triumph of the church over the gates of Hades. What about the future triumph of the church? Our biggest test is yet to come. Someday it is appointed to every one of us to die, every one of us will die. Right before Jesus died, He said, "Father into your hands I commit my Spirit”, so you will do as well," and will Hades, those dark gates, be strong enough to keep your body in the grave? Can the grave hold you back when Christ summons you forth and gives you a resurrection body? Does the grave have the power to say, "No," to Jesus in that matter? I tell you it does not. "I will build my church out of people who will have... resurrection bodies and the gates of Hades cannot hold them back," and glory to God for it. In John 11: 25-26, Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me will live even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Also in 1 Corinthians 15, "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead, the body that is sown is perishable, it is raised, imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body but is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there will be a spiritual body.” And “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true, death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” When Jesus raises you from the dead and you pass through the gates of Hades and you see them as nothing and the grave cannot hold you back, you will sing a triumph song and say, “Where O death, is your victory?" Application What application can we take from this magnificent passage? First of all, I want to speak to those of you that are here today, maybe your guests, family members, and maybe you've never trusted in Christ. I was speaking to you earlier. When I was saying that Jesus has the power to break the chains of sin. He has the power to forgive all of your sins, all you have to do is call on his name. He doesn't want your good works; He wants your faith. He wants you to just simply trust in him, turn away from sin. Turn away from wickedness, repent and turn to Christ, and He will welcome you. He will forgive you. On the basis of that I, and any Christian here, has the authority to tell you, "Your sins will be forgiven if you simply trust in Christ." If you've already made that commitment, can I urge you to be courageous for Christ? Don't waste encounters with non-Christians, not talking to them about Jesus. See yourself as a courageous warrior involved in a very powerful battle. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. There are spiritually flaming arrows flying everywhere, bullets going everywhere, it's on. It's a tough battle, but this is what God has called us to do. Our theme verse for the entire year, in Luke 19:10, Jesus said, "The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” Are you seeking, and are you an instrument in God's hand to the saving of the lost? Are you involved? This week speak to someone about Christ, invite them to church, talk to somebody at the workplace, bring these issues home to bear. They're not thinking properly, they don't see time properly, they don't see sin properly, they're not ready for judgment day. Please tell them the truth. If they repent, tell them the good news that their sins are forgiven. If you've already repented and trusted in Christ, can I tell you the good news, your sins are forgiven. We walk around defeated all the time forgetting that Jesus' blood is ample provision for our guilt and that we are forgiven people. Shake off your chains and get up and get involved in what Jesus is doing in the world. Follow him. He's a courageous captain. He said, "Nothing's going to stop the building of my church." Can I also urge you to respect the authority of the church? The Church has the right to send out from its midst unrepentant sinners. Matthew 18 says, "We have that authority and that responsibility. Respect that authority." God also raises up leaders, elders who have the power and the authority to preach and to teach and to rightly divide the word of truth. I believe in congregational polity. The Church has the right to remove them from their position if they're found to be inaccurate and wrong in their ministry, but I believe that God raises up spiritual leaders and it's for the church to follow that leadership. Respect the authority of the church. Finally, don't fear death and Hades. Their days are numbered. Jesus is going to throw death and Hades into the lake of fire, it says in Revelation 20, and there'll be no more death. No more Hades. Death and Hades are temporary, but your life in Christ is not.

Introduction In our text today we come to the central question of all human history, and I contend it's a central question of the history of your soul. All of us stand before this question, and we must give an answer. Who was Jesus of Nazareth? What do you say about him? Who was he? We have the person of Christ standing in the text and confronting us today. And we have also, a word of great blessing, the greatest blessing in my life. The blessing of being able to make Peter's confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus, speaking over anyone who can make that confession from their heart, "Blessed are you, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in Heaven." We have this great question and this great blessing. Some time ago, James Hefley wrote a well-known paragraph, marveling over the person of Christ. It's familiar to some of you I think, entitled, “One Solitary Life.” He said, "Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was 30 and then for three years, he was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put his foot inside a big city. He never traveled more than 200 miles from the place where he was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness; he had no credentials but Himself. He had nothing to do with this world except the naked power of his divine manhood. While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. He was turned over to his enemies, he went through the mockery of a trial, he was nailed to a cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property he had on earth while he was dying and that was his coat. When he was dead, he was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Such was his human life. He rises from the dead. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the centerpiece of the human race. I am within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever were built, all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life." Napoleon Bonaparte said this about Christ, "I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have founded empires, but on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love and at this hour millions of men would die for him." Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Who was he? I can't actually ask the question that way. As a believer I have to say, "Who is he?" because I believe he's alive. But you have to answer the question for yourself. Who was this man, Jesus of Nazareth? I say to you, it's the most important question you will ever answer. Look at verses [Matthew 16]13 through 15 and try to understand what happens here in the text. "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' and they replied, 'Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you,' he asked. 'Who do you say that I am?'" We live in a world full of questions, some of them are trivial and inconsequential, some of them are very important. For example, if you go to see a doctor, he may probe with questions to get a diagnosis. Where does it hurt? How long have you had the pain? Are you taking on any other medications? Trying to gain information so he can make an accurate diagnosis. A 911 operator will ask what is the nature of your emergency? Is the break-in still in progress? That's an important question. Is the patient still breathing? Perhaps an even more important question. What is your address? Some of you are students, maybe you're about to face a professor's probing final examination and 50% of your grade will depend on your ability to trace out the sociological development of American industry after the industrial revolution and all of the ways that it connects to the 20th century and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I can't keep it going. Some of you will, in the next year, be sitting for the SAT and you'll have to be good at math and you'll have to be good at English and you'll have to write an essay. Those will be important questions because it may determine where you go to college, or if you go to college at all. Somewhere in the Triangle region, a young man may get down on one knee and face a beautiful young lady and he may pop the question. For her that will end up being one of the most important questions she ever answers in her life. Will you marry me? A witness about to give testimony in a court room has to answer this: "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" A very important question. There are deeper questions that face all of us day by day. Who am I, why am I here? What will happen to me when I die, is there life after death? What is the meaning of life? These are significant questions. In the midst of all of these important questions, we live in a world full of opinions. I don't think you've ever been able to access other people's opinions so easily as today, all you have to do is go on the Internet and read a blog. There's something called the blogosphere. You can live there, and you can just marinate in other people's opinions on all of these questions if you want to spend your time that way. You can, actually even venture some of yours on it, and maybe some people will read them. You can have any question answered, if you type it into certain lines, they'll give you an answer. Should I quit my job? Should I refinance my house? You can go to the internet and to get your answer. But I say to you in this world full of important questions and swirling opinions, this is the most important question you will ever answer: who do you think that Jesus of Nazareth was? Or more directly from the text, Jesus stands in front of you, I believe, through the Spirit, and says, "Who do you say that I am?" According to the Bible, whether you spend eternity in heaven or hell depends on your heart answer to that question. Jesus: “Who Do People Say That I Am?” Now, look at the context. Jesus is in Caesarea Philippi. It's located 25 miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee, 40 miles southwest of Damascus. It's on a beautiful plateau near the head waters of the Jordan river. Nearby, a few miles to the north, is Mount Herman. Generally snow-covered, beautiful, over 9000 feet tall, dramatic. Caesarea Philippi was originally named Paneas, after the Greek god of nature, Pan, who according to Greek mythology was born in a cave nearby. Caesar Augustus gave the region to Herod the Great who bequeathed it to his son, Philip, who named it after Caesar Augustus, and also after himself. Thankfully he put Caesar first, a good idea in those days — Caesarea Philippi. It's a few miles from the northern city of Dan, and therefore it's a bit of a crossroads where Jewish culture mingles with Gentile culture; therefore, cosmopolitan in its outlook with an ebb and flow of opinions. Jesus goes there, I believe, to retreat from the maddening crowd and from the increasing and the escalating pressures of his ministry. Huge crowds were constantly pressing him, yearning for physical healings. People wanted to take him, after the feeding of the 5000, by force and make him King. Herod probably wanted to kill him. The Scribes and Pharisees definitely wanted to kill him. It’s an escalating pressure, and Jesus backs off to spend some time in retreat with his disciples. We know that first he went to Tyre and Sidon, but that wasn't quiet for long, after Jesus heals the Syrophoenician woman, so he goes to this mountain retreat. He wants to spend some quality time with his disciples, He wants to pour Himself into them. It was central to his strategy to build into the lives of these 12 men, so that they would take what they had seen in him and learned from him and preach it to the ends of the earth. He wants to spend time with them, and He gets right down to brass tacks immediately. Verse 13, "When Jesus came to the region Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’” He's asking for a survey of opinions on this important question. “What are they saying about Me?” He uses this title "Son of Man”; it was Jesus' most common self-designation. As a matter of fact, He's the only one who calls Himself the Son of Man, but He called himself that frequently, over 30 times in Matthew's Gospel. I believe, definitely, He got the title from Daniel chapter 7, that magnificent Son of Man vision that Daniel had. In his vision, he saw one like a son of man approaching the Ancient of Days, Almighty God, and coming into his presence. He receives from him glory, authority and sovereign power and all peoples and nations and men of every language worshipped and served him. It's a vision of someone who is not the one seated on the throne but, like Revelation 5, comes into the presence, and he's one like a son of man. I believe Jesus called Himself Son of Man to focus in on this perplexing issue of how one can be both Son of Man and receive this kind of worship in adulation and glory from Almighty God. It's the mystery of the incarnation and Jesus focuses on it with this title, Son of Man. The title emphasized both the deity and the humanity of Christ. There are wide ranging opinions. Some people said that he was John the Baptist risen from the dead, that's what Herod thought, a bit difficult since their lives overlap so much. It’s hard to be in two places at once and so that really is impossible. But there it is. They thought that somehow John the Baptist had risen from the dead. Others said he was Elijah, who as you know, ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire. The legend was that he would come back in, perhaps in equally dramatic way, and perhaps Jesus was Elijah coming back from heaven. Some people thought he was Jeremiah. A popular legend was that at around the time of the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon, that Jeremiah hid the Ark of the Covenant and that at a certain point, he would come back and restore the ark and worship would begin again. There's nothing of that in the Bible, but there's a legend concerning that. Others just didn't know, one of the prophets, they said. It’s a wide-ranging base of opinions here. This is a common theme, that the answers fall infinitely far short of the truth. You see, Jesus is God the Son. Through him all things were made. He is the infinite God. He is before all things and in him all things hold together. He's the image of the invisible God, the first-born over-all creation. That's who Jesus is. But these answers all come short. They fall short of who Jesus really was. This is common, over and over. People want to praise Jesus faintly and say good things about him, short of that he's God in the flesh. Benjamin Franklin, for example, said this, "As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion is I think the system of morals and his religion as he left them to us, is the best the world ever saw or is likely to see, but I apprehend that it has received various corrupt changes over time. I have, with most of the present dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity. Though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it.” Friend, study it. Study whether he's God or not, it's very important. Franklin said he never found the time to study it and it was needless to busy himself with it, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble. Oh, he knows the truth. We ought to make this the study of our lives, friend. Who was Jesus of Nazareth? We have to find out whether he's God or not. It is true that at a point everyone will see him, even those who pierced him. But at that point, all the nations of the earth will mourn because of him. Too late, as we've mentioned, for Benjamin Franklin. Albert Einstein put it this way, "As a child I received instruction in both the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene. No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus, his personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life." Well, those are words of praise far short of He is God in the flesh. French atheist Ernest Renan said this, "Jesus was the greatest religious genius who ever lived." That's not going to save your soul. German rationalist, Strauss, put it this way, "Jesus is the highest model of religion." John Stewart Mill, a philosopher, called Jesus the guide of humanity. Transcendentalist philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson put it this way, "Jesus belong to the race of prophets, he saw with open eyes the mystery of the soul. One man was true to what is in you and me, and that is Jesus. He is, I think, is the only soul in history who has appreciated the worth of man." Fine words. Mikhail Gorbachev said Jesus was the first socialist, the first to seek a better life for mankind. Most commonly people who don't believe in Jesus call him a good moral teacher. Jesus is infinitely more than a luminous figure, a religious genius, the highest model of religion, the guide of humanity, of the race of prophets, the first socialist seeking a better life for mankind or a good moral teacher. C.S. Lewis, in his classic Mere Christianity, talked about this quite directly in his “Lord, Liar, Lunatic” trilemma. You've heard it before, but bears quoting again. He says, "I'm trying here, to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about him. I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher, he would either be a lunatic on the level of a man who says he is a poached egg, [that's my favorite line] or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make the choice. Either this Man was and is the Son of God, or else he's a mad man and something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon, or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God but let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us; he did not intend to." So, who was Jesus of Nazareth? Jesus forces us to declare, He forces us to study it, He forces us to make a statement about this issue. Now, our opinion doesn't change the fact either way. If you think he is only a great moral teacher, and not the Son of God, it will not change his nature and it will not get him down off the throne, but it's very important for your soul. Infinitely so. Other subjects we could study don't force this kind of a commitment. We don't have to learn and make a commitment on biology or geometry or ecology or any of these things, but Jesus forces us to fly, to fly our flag. Same is true of biographies. You can go through and study the life of Alexander the Great or Napoleon or any of these men that I've quoted and make a claim of commitment one way or the other, you can just study them and just move on. It's just a topic. Jesus brings you to a fork in the road. You must make a choice. You must either worship him as God or you must reject him entirely. He doesn't leave you a middle of the road option. The statements that C.S. Lewis is referring to are astonishing. Jesus doesn't say, “I teach the truth,” or “I am a guide to the truth.” He says, "I am the truth." He says, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." More than anything, Jesus of Nazareth confronts us with his deity, and we must make a decision about it. His life is bracketed by two miracles: the virgin womb and the empty tomb. Peter Larson once said, "Jesus entered or our world through a door marked, "No Entrance" and he left through a door marked,” No Exit." It's quite striking, isn't it? The twin miracles, the beginning and the end of Jesus' life, they proclaim his deity. This is a question and there is a right answer. I know that some of us like Calvin in Calvin and Hobbs say, "All that emphasis on right and wrong answers, makes me feel stupid.” We want to say that every answer is the right answer. We're going to accept any answer. Jesus doesn't accept any answer. We are a tolerant people, we delight in tolerance, but here is a right answer to this question, and Peter gave it. Look what it says in Verse 15 through 17, “‘What about you?’ He asked, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in Heaven.’” In verse 16, we have the right and true answer, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." This is Simon Peter's saving confession. Out of the fullness of his heart, Peter spoke, and he went far beyond all of these small current opinions about Jesus. He had seen Jesus' astounding miracles, a river of them, one after the other. He had heard Jesus' astounding words. Earlier, he had said to Jesus, "You have the words of eternal life, you alone have the words of eternal life." So, he'd heard his teachings. He had seen the perfection of Christ's character, how he handled difficult encounters with hate-filled sinners one after the other and dealt with every single one of them with perfect love, perfect character, holiness, humility every single encounter. Every word perfectly spoken. He saw him dealt with issues with great courage, he saw his perfect character. With all of that evidence, even with all of that evidence he still needed a miracle. I'm talking about Simon Peter. He still needed a miracle worked on his own heart in order to confess that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the living God. I don't want you to think that Peter's confession is like a magic word formula you have to say, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." It doesn't have anything to do with the words, it has to do with the truths behind the words. There are actually many such confessions in the New Testament. Nathaniel in John Chapter 1, said, "Rabbi, you are the son of God, you are the king of Israel." That's a saving confession. At the end of John's gospel, doubting Thomas is doubting no longer and he falls, I think, in front of Jesus and says, "My Lord and my God." That's a saving confession. Mark, 15:39, the centurion who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry, saw how he died and said, "Surely this man was the son of God." If he believed it in his heart, that's a saving confession. Even Peter had a different way of saying it at another time, "We believe and know that you are the holy One of God.,” a saving confession. The key element is a recognition that this man is God, that he is God in the flesh and no less. Our Recognition of Who Christ is Comes from God’s Revelation to Us As I've already mentioned this fact can only be believed by direct revelation of God the Father to your heart. It's the only way you will come to this conclusion. Look what he says in verse 17, Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in Heaven." Salvation is God's work from beginning to end, from first to last, he is the Alpha and the Omega of our salvation. He works it in us and, except a person receive direct revelation from God the Father, you will never make Peter's saving confession, it is actually impossible. Jesus did tremendous miracles in front of Jewish leaders and they never believed. Jesus healed people of paralysis and fed huge crowds of people, and they didn't believe in him. The miracles alone, the evidence of the miracles alone is not enough. Rather Christ must be directly revealed to your heart by God the Father. It's interesting to me, that Jesus entered the world to reveal God the Father to us. He says in John 14, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the father. Don't you know me, Philip after I've been with you all this time?" You look at Jesus, you see the Father, but it's only by the administrations of the Father, that you'll see Jesus properly. Do you see it? It says in Matthew 11:27, "No one knows the Son except the Father. And no one knows the Father, except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Do you see the revelation? Jesus reveals the Father to us, the Father reveals Jesus to us. But I say this, without this direct supernatural work of God on your heart, you will never believe. Never. So, it says, "Blessed are you Simon, son of Jonah." This is the greatest blessing in my life to have, Second Corinthians 4:6, "The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ, shining in my heart and the light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot extinguish it." Amen. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God shines in the heart of any born-again person and regenerate person. It's a light that God kindles, God the Father concerning his own son. In Christ, we see the perfections of God, and blessed are you if that's happened to you. "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah." What does “blessed” mean? It means happy, in a way you can't even imagine. Happy, like the world cannot make you happy. It means eternally, perfectly happy in the presence of God. You have just now the foretaste of the blessedness that comes from making this confession. This is the greatest blessedness that there is. During the first “Great Awakening” Jonathan Edwards wrote a sermon with a typically obtuse and difficult title; something like this: “Divine Supernatural Light Revealed Directly to the Human Heart, a Rational and Correct Doctrine.” Basically, what it means is that it is right for us to expect God to reveal things directly to our hearts based on the word of God. He's coming right out of this text, "Blessed are you, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in heaven." You must see in the face of Jesus of Nazareth, almighty God. God the Son. You must see it in this man who lived so many years ago, who lived that one solitary life, in order to be saved. The only way you can do it is if God the Father works it in you. I could preach for the next hour, I could preach with great eloquence. I could preach with great simplicity; I could stop right now. I could preach for another three hours. It wouldn't matter. The technique of communication doesn't matter. What matters is that God speaks directly to your heart, as you're hearing the Gospel preached, that's what matters. Apart from this work, we are lost, we were dead in our transgressions and sins, without hope and without God in the world. This saving revelation saved Peter's soul, and it was the first clear revelation of Jesus' deity made in Matthew's gospel; a clear statement and an important moment. Next week with God's help, according to the will of God, if we have the opportunity, I'm going to preach on the church and the doctrine of the church. I want to give you a brief overview of what we're going to see now. Based on Simon Peter's confession, God has orchestrated a huge church. Look what it says in Verse 18 and 19, "I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." The foundation of Christ’s church is the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as chief cornerstone. In their testimony to the saving work of Christ, we find our salvation. We would not have the New Testament if it were not for these eyewitnesses, who had their eyewitness testimony written down. On the basis of this, we know Jesus, we hear the gospel, and we are able to listen and to believe. On that rock He founded the Church, but since then the church has been making progress. Jesus said, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than it." It has progressed. There is now a multitude greater than anyone can count, from almost every tribe, and language, and people, and nation. That is the drive of the missionary endeavor in this world. That people from every tribe and language and people and nation, would confess that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, that is the church that Christ is building. And that church has authority, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth, will be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." It has to do with the authority of the church within the walls of the church to deal with its doctrines, and its life, and its practices, appropriately, to order itself for mission and to deal with church discipline, to keep itself pure and holy. Outside the walls of the church, to proclaim based on this gospel whether other people sins are forgiven or not. What a grave responsibility that is. Finally, it says, "The gates of Hades will not prove stronger than it." — future triumph, future conquest. The gates of Hades, I think, representing both Satan's wicked dark kingdom and its power of death, and then death itself, which will someday be thrown into the lake of fire. Amen and Amen. The death of death. Death will not hold us back, cannot bar us in but we will most certainly be raised to life, and we will live forever and ever. That is the nature of the future triumph of the church. It's not going to come lightly or easily. There's a march of suffering that's still ahead of us, but this is how Christ will build his church. You see that the foundation of it is an individual personal confession of faith in Christ. That's how the whole thing is built. Just as the universe is built out of atoms, so the church is built one living stone after another. Each one of them individually making that confession of Christ. Application Have you made that confession today? I prayed this morning that God would bring someone here today who had not made yet that confession, and that they would make that confession today, that they would see in the death of Jesus Christ, in his blood shed on the cross, an atoning sacrifice for sin their own salvation. That they would acknowledge that they have sinned, that they have transgressed the law of God, and that they have no hope of salvation apart from Jesus. That they would cling to Jesus, and they would see in Christ, deity. Not merely a good moral teacher, or a guide for humanity, but God, who willingly laid down his life. Are you that person? Have you made that saving confession yet? Don't leave this room without making that confession. Confess in your heart, "Jesus you are Lord. You are my savior; I trust in you." For the rest of you who have already made that confession, do you realize how blessed you are? Do you realize that Christ's word of blessing for Simon Peter stands over you and blesses you too? Do you realize that you would not be able to make that confession if God had not worked it directly in your soul by the power of the Holy Spirit? Do you realize that He knew you by name, He called you by name and you are his and He will never let you go? I'm hoping that your problems that you carried into this place, this morning, are shrinking into insignificance as you listen to this. The blessing of God swallows them all. You're going to live with him forever and ever in his presence. You are his and he is yours. Blessed are you. Confess and say, "You know, it's not through my own good works, it's not because I'm such a good believer, or such a good repenter or such a good faithful person. No, it's because He was gracious to me, because God the father revealed it to me, that's why." All praise and glory go to him. It is true that God intends for us to have a role to play. “How can they call on the one they've not believed in? How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?" Consequently, faith comes by hearing the message. The message is heard through the word of Christ. Let's be God's fellow workers, let's be his ambassadors, as though God himself were making his appeal through us. Find somebody at the workplace, find a neighbor who's not made the saving confession yet and share the gospel with them. God will use it. The whole time, you know that if it happens, it's only by the direct revelation of God the Father to that person's heart. Trust in him for that. One final thing, do you realize that God isn't done? I'm speaking to you believers now; God isn't done revealing Jesus to you. Do you have enough of Jesus, have you learned enough of him? Can we close that file and put it aside and study something more worthy now? Can that ever happen? Will it happen in eternity? When you get to a point when you've been there 10,000 years, bright, shining as a sun, that you've learned enough about Jesus? This is an infinite topic and infinite is the father's commitment to tell you about it. He will never tire of teaching Christ to you. For all eternity, you will study him and with Paul, you will continue to say what he says, in Philippians 3, "I want to know Christ, I want to know him." And as it says in Isaiah 9, "A great mystery of the increase of his kingdom and peace. There will be no end." I mean to eternity. Forever Christ will be increasing within you. Look forward to it, you're blessed. Your blessings are still infinitely yet to come.