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The writer to the Hebrews says, you know what? In the past God spoke in various ways. God made himself known through miracles and the writings of the prophets. But let me tell you right now, this is how God declares himself, in His son. And the son is the exact representation of the Father. Everything God wanted us to know about who He is, He made known to Jesus. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1170/29
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Sam 21-23; 1 Thess 1 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 the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter invites us to journey through day 133 of our adventure in the Scriptures. We dive into the dramatic and moving stories of 2 Samuel chapters 21–23, witnessing the final days of King David, including the resolution of a long-standing famine, the tales of his mighty warriors, and David's heartfelt songs of praise to God. We also begin a new journey in the New Testament with 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, where Paul's words challenge and inspire us to see others through the lens of God's love. Hunter reflects on how an encounter with Jesus can transform our hearts and perspectives, encouraging us to embrace a love that reaches beyond our own borders and communities. Closing with thoughtful prayer and the Lord's Prayer, this episode is both a deep dive into Scripture and a gentle invitation to let God's joy and love shape our day. Stay tuned for encouragement, insight, and a reminder that you are truly loved—no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: God's love changes everything—including how we see others. Here in 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul makes a remarkable declaration. He looks at this young, Gentile church in Thessalonica—people so different from him, people who didn't keep kosher or follow all the right traditions—and he says with conviction: “We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.” For someone like Paul, who had grown up believing gentiles were outside the fold, excluded from God's love and promises, this was a radical shift. What happened? Paul had encountered Jesus. And when you meet Jesus, you begin to see people the way God sees them. That's what Jesus does: he changes how we see and love others. He broadens the boundaries of our hearts. Our natural tendency is to draw circles around those who look like us, those who think or act or believe like us. But when we encounter Christ, our eyes open to just how big God's love really is. Suddenly, we see neighbors, strangers, even those we once called outsiders, as loved and chosen—just as we are. Paul says, “now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere.” Transformation ignites a ripple effect. The Thessalonians, having received and experienced this all-inclusive love, became living messengers, carrying God's welcome everywhere they went. They became an example of what God's love can do in a community—and for the world. Let's make that our prayer and our posture: that the boundaries of God's love would expand in our own hearts, and that our encounter with Christ would cause us to see all people as loved and chosen. Let the word of the Lord ring out from us—our families, our churches, our very lives—declaring that God's invitation is for everyone. May every day be a day when our vision is shaped not by old ways of seeing, by fear or favoritism, but by the revolutionary grace that Jesus brings. That's a prayer I have for my own soul, for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son, and that's a prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Loving God, you have knit us together in the body of Christ from every nation and tongue. Make us a vessel of your peace today. Where hatred stirs, let us bear your love. Where wounds run deep, let us be agents of pardon. Where fear grips hearts, may we speak faith. Where sorrow hangs heavy, may we carry joy. Teach us to listen more than we speak, to understand before we are understood, to love. For in surrender, we find abundance. In mercy, we discover grace. And in dying, we rise into your life. In the name of Jesus. 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. 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
The post I Believe Everything God Says appeared first on Living Fellowship.
Today's Promise: John 7:39 So many Christians know very little about the Holy Spirit. Yet, when you gave your heart to Christ, the Holy Spirit took up residence in you. Everything God is doing in your life today, He does through the Holy Spirit. Today we look at seven ways the Holy Spirit is working in our lives today. The secret to a successful Christian life is walking in the power God gives us through the Holy Spirit.
What is holiness? To be holy is to be consecrated, set apart, and dedicated to God. For some, this seems daunting. We can be intimidated by the word holy or the knowledge that God wants us to be holy. After all, we know our failings and shortcomings all too well.Main Points:1. But we must see that holiness is a good thing. Everything God calls us to pursue is for our good. Holiness is not outward actions and behaviors achieved in our strength. Becoming holy is a pursuit entered through the grace of God and developed with the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, you cannot become holy apart from God's help. He does not call us to become something without enabling us to do it.2. How can we get back on the track of pursuing holiness? To pursue holiness we actively seek and strive for a life that is set apart for God. It's a lifestyle characterized by moral purity, righteousness, and devotion to Him. It involves aligning our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and lifestyles with the principles and teachings of God's Word.3. Pursuing holiness involves separating ourselves from sinful behaviors, attitudes, and influences. It means turning away from anything that contradicts God's character and choosing to live a life that honors Him. Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 12:14 - “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”2 Corinthians 7:1 - “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”1 Peter 1:14-15 - “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group
Wisdom Key #122
Everything God has done in history, He has done as Christians' covenant God
Everything God has done in history, He has done as Christians' covenant God
It is said every snowflake has a unique pattern given to it by God. Is it any wonder that each one of us is divinely and uniquely created by God? Papa Tom seeks out uniquely created children of God who have a story to tell. This podcast reveals one such individual who is endowed with a unique wiring for music. Come listen to Erskin Annavitarte describe how God our Father has wired him for music. Erskin is not just a musician, he is an artist who can assemble music for audiences. In our interview, he reminded me of the movie August Rush for those of you who have seen it. Everyone of us is uniquely created with talents and gifts, Erskin's gifts and talent are in music. Come listen as we discuss sound and frequencies, interesting scientific and spiritual aspects of music and sound. The effects of sounds and frequencies on our souls and our bodies to create and edify or, sadly to tear down or destroy. Everything God created, was created by speaking it into existence. In other words, sound energy. Everything tangible is composed of sound energy, hence, frequencies . A question is posed: "Can you hear the sound of the Father's voice in the music you hear?" Can you hear it in the words that are being spoken? or the frequencies being released? Lucifer could create music, but he did not use it for good. God creates everything good and for His purposes. I assure you, you will learn something new when you take a listen and you will be blessed in the learning of it. Information is provided in the podcast for you to connect with Erskin and download his music for your enjoyment and edification.Blessings:Papa Tom
In this powerful message, we're reminded that miracles are not just stories from ancient times, but living realities for those who need them today. The central story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 teaches us about persistence in prayer and the power of faith.Notes for this sermon: https://bit.ly/4kx42gKWebsite | https://lifechurchww.comFacebook | https://facebook.com/lifechurchwwInstagram | https://instagram.com/lifechurchwwVida Music | https://vidamsc.com
Dave Brisbin 3.2.25 Jesus doesn't save anyone passively, in spite of themselves, beyond their willingness to actively engage a way of experiencing transformed life he calls Kingdom. If we're waiting for a savior, no one is coming. If we're waiting for anything, we're not in Kingdom. Waiting is passive, not yet; Kingdom is always in motion, herenow. Jesus saves by empowering us to act in ways we may have thought not possible or not allowed. He shows us the process of fundamental change, challenging us to make the small choices we can make now to start dominos falling toward radical transformation not yet. The good news of the gospels is that God is all poured out. Everything God is and has to offer is already herenow. Nothing withheld…Kingdom within, in our midst. Jesus' message tells us that we are empowered to accept the everything of God any time and always, and his Way is the unavoidable process of realizing our empowerment, only and always experiential—the choice by increasingly audacious choice or trust. Tragically, we've been taught a disempowering God who mirrors human leaders to whom we must appeal, who keep us waiting for what we need. If we're waiting, we're not empowered, not in Kingdom, and such a God is anathema to Jesus. Yet we've also been taught that God is disempowered himself and only half of the cosmic equation. The other half, Satan, God's arch enemy and opponent, has the power to lead us into temptation. We imagine ourselves pawns in this cosmic battle, victims, collateral damage in a scorched earth. That is anathema to the Jews who wrote the scriptures from which we extract such a creature as Satan. For Jews, God is unopposable, the One without opposite. No battle is possible, and ha-satan, the adversary, is God's agent—whether a person, spiritual being, or our own inclination to evil—providing us with the alternate choices that make free will real. But the choice is always ours, and ha-satan has no power over us that we don't give. Jesus is telling us we are not victims. Everything we need is right here. The choice is always ours to break through any resistance that would tell us otherwise. Empowered.
Everything God created in the Garden was good—but why did He allow a deceiving serpent and a deadly tree to exist? Was it a test of devotion, or part of a greater plan pointing to Christ? We are not meant to be alone—we have Jesus, our spouses, and the Body of Christ to strengthen, support, and uplift one another. When we love and aid each other, we reflect God's divine plan for unity and purpose. This week, we dive into the profound mystery of why it was “not good” for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18) and how God's design for relationships, marriage, and the Body of Christ reflect His love and purpose.
The Faith of God I wonder… what life would be like without faith.I wonder how believers would stand, how they would rise, How we would walk through trials and tribulations—Without the the Faith of God. But, Isn't it beautiful to have a FatherWho thought of everything,Who set it all in place,So we could walk in it?Isn't it powerful to know that we have the faith of Christ—the God kind of faith? Yet, too often, we let our flesh take the lead.We let doubt whisper louder than truth.We let fear creep in, forgetting—Forgetting that Christ has already overcome the world.Forgetting that with Him, we don't just survive— We overcome, for we operate with the overcomer mentality. Believers, hear me—No matter the storm, No matter the weight of the world pressing against you.We are never at a disadvantage. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says that “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. So, when life happensWhen trials comeWhen that opportunity passes you byWhen that miracle you prayed for didn't come when you expected itWhen it seems like you are having an avalanche of disappointmentsDon`t be disturbedFor we have the faith of GodGod`s Faith is what makes the difference.We are never at a disadvantage. Mark 11:22 says, "Have the faith of God."But what does that mean?It means in the midst of your storms, have the faith of God and know that the sun shines after the storm. In the midst of your problems and challanges, have the faith of God and know that a solution is on it's way. It means that no situation ends without me coming out the VictorIt is not about the faith you generate; it is about the faith God in us The faith of God is not about what you believe.It's about what He believes, and He believes in his Word. So, believers, step into what God believes.Because there is no limit to His faith.The only limits that existAre the ones we place on ourselves. But God's faith—God's faith breaks chains.God's faith tears through walls.God's faith speaks light into darkness,Life into dead places.God's faith brings peace in the face of a stormGod's faith brings joy in the middle of bad news For with God, nothing is impossible. Mary didn't argue with the angel.She didn't analyze or hesitate.She simply believed,Because she knew—What was about to happenWasn't based on her faith,But on God's. Hebrews11:11 says Sarah “judged Him faithful who had promised.”God made a promise.And if it was His promise,Then it would take His faith to fulfill it.Not Sarah's. See, as believers, we don't receive faith.We receive Christ.And He—He is the author and finisher of faith. Just like salvation,We didn't receive holiness or righteousness as separate gifts. We received Jesus.And in Him, righteousness became ours.In Him, holiness became ours.In Him, faith is not something we strive for—It's something we walk in. The faith of Christ—It makes man function like God.It moves mountains.It calls things that are not as though they were.It does the impossible. In circumstances that defeat common men, His faith defeats those circumstances Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” Faith comes by the word—The Word being Jesus Christ.Everything God spoke into existence came by faith.Faith is authored by the Word,And the Word is alive in us. So the next time life happens,The next time doubt knocks at your door,The next time the storm rages— Remember this: You don't just have faith.You have the faith of God.God`s faith in you.And what could not defeat Christ—Can never defeat you. So stand tall.Speak bold.Walk in faith.Not your faith, but His. Because with God on your side, Victory is not just a possibility—It's the only outcome.
The foods mentioned in the Bible are so much more than simple embellishments to the story. Food in scripture is there to point people in the direction of caring for their bodies the way God intended. This particular area of food study is the passion of Annette Reeder, also known as The Biblical Nutritionist. Annette is the author of The Seven Foods of the Promised Land, and loves sharing about getting back to our ancient roots of God-designed healthy nutrition by eating foods that are as close to their original design as possible. She discusses the importance of original wheat and barley, as well as foods like dates, pomegranates, and olives. Everything God created is good, and so we should stay away from foods that have been humanly corrupted, changed, and chemical-laden. TAKEAWAYS Nothing in biology makes sense except in view of creation Try to eat foods that are as close to the original source as possible, without genetic manipulation Learn how to make your own bread God designed certain foods to do certain things to heal and aid the human body naturally
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If what you're being taught isn't moving you to be centered in Christ and living out love then it's not God. Keep testing what you hear against what John teaches us in 1 John 4 and keep testing it. It's ok to wonder and ask questions when it comes to building your spiritual life. Everything God does flows from love and that's how you know it's God. If that's not what you're experiencing then maybe it's time to renovate your spiritual life and test your foundation against who God is and what Jesus lives out in scripture.
January 12, 2025 The post Everything God Can Do appeared first on Crossview EFCA Church.
January 12, 2025 The post Everything God Can Do appeared first on Crossview EFCA Church.
Like it is today, divorce was a controversial topic in Jesus' day. Old Testament laws allowed it, while New Testament laws forbade it. So what was Jesus' response to this issue? He highlighted the sacred beauty of marriage. God created marriage to be between one man and one woman. Everything God makes is good—including marriage!
Why should we cultivate gratitude in our lives? On this week's episode of The Alex McFarland Show, Alex discusses seven reasons to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and what the Bible says about this topic. This episode is packed with scriptures to encourage and equip you to praise the living God with a thankful heart.7 Reasons to Cultivate a Spirit of Gratitude:It is God's will. (1Thess. 5:18)God is Good. (Psalm 107:1Gratitude is commanded and expected by our Maker. (Col. 3:17)It will enhance your prayer life. (Col. 4:2)Everything God is doing or allowing in your life is ultimately good and for your good. (James 1:7)For the Bible. He has shown us all things for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)Gratitude on earth is proactive for the appreciation you will show when you see Jesus face to face. (Psalm 100:4)Scriptures:Malachi 3Hebrews 131 Thessalonians 5:18Psalm 100:4, 107:1, 136:1, 119:62 & 1641 Chronicles 16:34James 1:17Colossians 3:17, 4:2Ephesians 5:20Luke 18:1Romans 8:282 Peter 1:3Alex McFarland WebsiteAsk Alex OnlineMy Relationship with God BookletThe Cove - July 18th-20th, 2025 & July 28th-Aug 1st, 2025Speaking EventsBook AlexDonateAlex McFarland MinistriesP.O. Box 485Pleasant Garden, NC 273131-877-937-4631 (1-877-YES-GOD1)Send us a text
Everything God has promised, and we've prayed to manifest in our lives demands. He has to get us ready for what He has ready for us. Because, His preparation isn't just for us to receive but retain His blessings without them hindering our communion & connection with Him in the face of public temptation, opposition & accusation. So He prepares us for His best, the best way possible.How God prepares me for the promise, He:Redirects my lifeRefines my lifeRevises my lifeRedefines my lifeBig So What:Don't let "how" God prepares me cause me to forget "why" God has prepared me!
The Big Picture of the King and His Kingdom I want you to recall the five meta-narratives of the entire Bible from my previous sermon: God is completely unique; God gave us dominion of the Earth; we have rebelled against God and are in exile; God has been and will continue to repair the fix we are in; God will reestablish our place in Eden and on Earth. I also want you to think about how the Kingdom of God stretches out into eternity past and eternity future. In our own human history, the Kingdom of God started in a garden that resided in the land of Eden. The Garden of Eden was a real and specific location on Earth where Heaven and Earth co-existed. Isaiah and Ezekiel talk about this location being not only a garden but also a mountain (Isaiah 14:13-14 and Ezekiel 28:13-14). In Eastern and Mesopotamian cultures, a garden was where the king would spend leisure time with his family. It was also where kings met with their cabinet members. The garden inside the land of Eden then was a place created by God where Adam and Eve had fellowship with their heavenly Father. This is also where God met with His council members. These were angelic authorities, celestial beings, who were administrative rulers in God's kingdom. No doubt, Adam and Eve would have had multiple interactions with these beings while they lived in the Garden of God. This is why Eve did not freak out when the serpent spoke to her in Genesis 3. She had seen these beings before. Remember, there is no snake mentioned in the text of Genesis 3. In Hebrew, he is called the nachash [1]. The being that talked with Eve was a supernatural, ancient, super intelligent, celestial being, probably a seraph. A seraph was one of the highest orders of throne guardians that surrounded God's throne. He may have been one of God's council members in the past. Once Adam and Eve agreed to follow the nachash, they sabotaged their relationship with God and their ability to spread the dominion of Eden to the rest of the globe. Nonetheless, God has been moving forward to correct this dilemma for thousands of years. He is still using His heavenly and earthly councils to redeem the earth. The King and His Council All nations have kings or some sort of leadership that resembles kingship. Even our own Democratic Republic has fallen under the rule of people acting like kings. All kings have council members to help them administer their rule over the affairs of their kingdom. Human leaders did not make this concept up. It existed long before the Earth was created. The first council is the one that God established before the creation week of Earth. It's called the Divine Council. Now, even though God does not need help ruling over His universe, He insists on sharing responsibilities with the beings that He has made. Whether they are human or celestial. The problem is that among the celestial beings, certain council members rebelled against God. You may want to call them the infernal council. They absolutely hate God's human children and all righteous celestial beings who have remained loyal to God. Just as the Divine Council existed before the creation week, so too do I believe this rebellion occurred before the creation week. Others believe that it occurred possibly on Day 2 or 4 of the creation or soon after. Which ever position you take, it was a horrendous betrayal towards God and His remaining loyal family members. The King Delegates Responsibilities to His Divine Council Consider this: although Yahweh is supreme over His council, He allows them to discuss solutions. He then delegates to them authority for particular assignments. However, Yahweh is unique and superior to His council members. Scripture is full of examples where Yahweh is shown to rule among His council members. One example is Psalm 89:5-7: Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD (Yahweh), your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD (Yahweh)? Who among the heavenly beings [2] is like the LORD (Yahweh), God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? Some argue that the “holy ones” are human leaders, human “saints.” But the context proves otherwise because the residence of these council members is “in the skies.” Another example is in Daniel 4:17. Although Yahweh is supreme over His council members, He allows them to form and implement their own solutions: The sentence is by the decree of the watchers (council members), the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men. The council formed the solution for Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance and then they carried out the sentence. This resulted in the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar and the declaration of God's ultimate power over all nations. This is similar to 1Kings 22. A heavenly council meeting was called to determine the fate of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. God allowed His divine council to deliberate Ahab's demise. Here are verses 19-23: And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord (Yahweh): I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven (council members) standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?'And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.' And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?'And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.'And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.' Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.” Both stories are about kings who have ignored warnings from Yahweh. Notice also that in both cases God allowed His celestial council members to deliberate the solution and then implement the punishment. The Infernal Council Moses warned Israel not to worship the “host of heaven” in Deuteronomy 4:19 because of the Tower of Babel affair. After the Tower of Babel event occurred, celestial authorities were assigned to govern the nations and then shepherd them back into a right relationship with God. This is Moses' point in Deuteronomy 32:8-9: When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God [3] (angelic authorities). But the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. At some point, these heavenly shepherds became corrupt and received the worship of men. This is the point Moses is making in all of Deuteronomy 32: worship belongs to Yahweh only; do not worship the gods of the nations because they are rebel council members. This relates to Psalm 82, where Yahweh crashes a council meeting among the fallen heavenly shepherds and rebukes them for their rebellion. Verses 1 through 4 say: God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 58:1-2 captures this same idea: Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. Some argue that these passages do not support the Divine Council worldview. They see Psalm 82 as an event where God enters a council meeting of earthly kings and judges. I would respectfully push back – verse 7 proves that God is not angry at mere humans in this scene. He is rebuking fallen entities when He says that they will die like mere men. This would not be a punishment if God were rebuking human rebels. Again, it is important to understand that this passage is not talking about humans who have offended God; it is talking about fallen angelic authorities. These beings were once righteous participants of Yahweh's council. Everything God creates is good and perfect. They began their journey in agreement with the plans and purposes of God. I don't accept the theological concept, as some do, that Yahweh created them as evil entities to begin with; or that He created them with the idea that they would one day rebel in order to advance His own glory. Nevertheless, they did rebel. And since they had once been part of God's kingdom, they naturally formed their own authority structures based off of the kingdom they rejected. So, I believe that the infernal council is an imitation of what they once experienced in the Kingdom of God. This is not Polytheism, This is not Mormonism In the last sermon, I covered several attributes that prove that Yahweh is completely different than all other elohim, or the “sons of God” that He created to operate in His council. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, and immutable. He is the creator of all other heavenly beings; He existed before them. He can strip them of their immortality, and no heavenly being can outmaneuver Him. This is important to know because of the resistance you will get from those who are unfamiliar with this subject. People will want to categorize you as a polytheist or a Mormon. Neither of these are true. Most ancient cultures were polytheistic in nature. They believed in many gods. Often there was a chief god ruling the lesser gods and demigods. They often incorporated succession stories where one chief god was defeated in battle by a lesser god, who then became the leader. But what I am teaching is that our God is different. He is not a leader among a group of gods who are similar in nature; He is infinitely higher in supremacy. Again, He is the uncreated Creator. There is no being equal to Him. However, as I have already outlined, He assigns authority and responsibility to the heavenly sons of God, which He created. He also expects us to occupy our territory while expanding His kingdom. I am also not teaching Mormonism. Mormons teach that you can become a god; in fact, they claim that God was once like us. Joseph Smith said: “It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God. . . . He was once a man like us; . . . God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did” [4] But I insist that Mormonism is incorrect. I teach that God was never a created being. John 4:24 says, God is spirit (not a man), and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Again, as I outlined in the last sermon, there are unique attributes that belong only to Yahweh and no other being. Conclusion The Divine Council worldview has solid biblical backing. First, we see in several places that God is supreme yet also delegates His authority to a celestial council of lesser beings. These council members are called the “sons of God” in the Old Testament. Second, we see that certain members of this council rebelled against God and formed their own wicked authority structures. The Divine Council worldview that I am advocating is not a salvation issue. Those who disagree are not my enemies; however, without it, I believe you will have a truncated understanding of the spiritual realm. Some simply see the spiritual realm as more of a fairy tale than a reality. To them, heaven is nothing more than an eternal vacation spot where you sit on clouds and play harps. This kind of thinking is childish; there is so much more going on. One of my biggest complaints about modern Christianity is that it refuses to leave elementary school, so to speak. Many churches teach superficial concepts, and as a result, their congregations are withering in the shallow soil of mediocrity. And so, over the last several generations, the church has raised a gaggle of believers who barely understand their Bible and their God. The Divine Council worldview has helped me back up and look at the whole tapestry of Scripture. When I read a passage, I find threads that move in multiple directions and create larger ideas. For me, understanding the Bible through the Divine Council worldview has been as stunning as going from a black and white TV to the brilliant colors of plasma TV. It's like watching an action movie with a pair of good 3-D glasses. JCN 7/24 [1] In the Hebrew text, this rebel being is called han nachash, the nachash (Gen.3:1,2,4,13,14). As a noun, nachash means serpent (think more of a dragon rather than a snake); as a verb, it means a deceiver or a diviner; as an adjective, it means bronze or an object that is brazen or a radiant being that glows from within. All three meanings are at play here. The ideas of luminosity, serpentine features, and divine wisdom all relate to a divine throne guardian being. Both Hebrew and Gentile readers would have instantly understood this concept. Both seraphim and cherubim are known as guardians around God's throne. The Hebrew word seraph (Is. 6:2) especially relates here because its meaning derives from a burning, fiery serpentine being. [2] In Hebrew: ben el the “sons of God,” the celestial beings of heaven. [3]Some translations render the phrase as “sons of Israel,” while others render it “sons of God.” I believe that translations like KJV, NIV, and NASB are misinformed to render the phrase as “sons of Israel.” The phrase “sons of Israel” follows the Masoretic Texts, which were edited by Jewish scholars in the middle ages who were hostile to Christianity, and the supernatural appearances of the 2nd person of the Trinity (Jesus) throughout Old Testament passages. The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls uphold the phrase “sons of God.” Both of these sources were penned by Jewish scholars about 1000 years before the Masoretic Texts were collated. [4]Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, 1976, pp. 345 –46.
Motivational Quotes for true Happiness words of love to Empower you with positive Vibe
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In Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 and John 1, Pastor Jim explains how the eternal God places eternity in our hearts. Everything God does lasts forever, and that includes the endurance of our souls. We recognize that our response to Jesus is directly linked to how we spend eternity. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 27th, 2024.
In Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 and John 1, Pastor Jim explains how the eternal God places eternity in our hearts. Everything God does lasts forever, and that includes the endurance of our souls. We recognize that our response to Jesus is directly linked to how we spend eternity. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 27th, 2024.
Everything God does is through faith! We apply what we know about faith to so much of our lives, but what about having faith in God for the healing of our nation? If you're ready to see a radical release of the power of God in our country, listen to Richard Harris's encouraging message on how to have faith and hope for America! For more resources and to view our upcoming conferences and events: www.charisbiblecollege.org
Today's episode Pastor Todd & Katie Holmes speak what it means to sabotage yourself with doubt and negative mindsets. A lot of people think very little of themselves and this is NOT a good thing! God created you for excellence and as you begin to pursue a relationship with and knowing Hi, you will discover who HE made you to be! He makes ALL THINGS NEW, including YOU! Don't just sit back and wait, go after EVERYTHING God has for you! NEW EPISODES every Monday & Friday @ Noon. https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverOfTriCities/ https://www.youtube.com/@TheRiverofTriCitiesChurch https://www.instagram.com/rivertcchurch/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/thelastdayspodcast/?hl=en
What frogs in your life are you tolerating and won't let God remove? Everything God has for your life – MUST be built. But before He builds it, God wants to clear out the field to make way for better things. Peel back the fingers on that thing you are holding on to from your past and give it to God. Stop dealing with it tomorrow – deal with it today! At Union, we exist to help people unite with purpose. This is the podcast of Union Church led by Pastor Stephen Chandler. Connect With Us https://theunionchurch.com | Website https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBnAXqF7XlgHetiQlgtk-BQ | Youtube https://www.instagram.com/weareunionchurch/?hl=en | Instagram
The Big Picture of the King and His Kingdom I want you to recall the five meta-narratives of the entire Bible from my previous sermon: God is completely unique; God gave us dominion of the Earth; we have rebelled against God and are in exile; God has been and will continue to repair the fix we are in; God will reestablish our place in Eden and on Earth. I also want you to think about how the Kingdom of God stretches out into eternity past and eternity future. In our own human history, the Kingdom of God started in a garden that resided in the land of Eden. The Garden of Eden was a real and specific location on Earth where Heaven and Earth co-existed. Isaiah and Ezekiel talk about this location being not only a garden but also a mountain (Isaiah 14:13-14 and Ezekiel 28:13-14). In Eastern and Mesopotamian cultures, a garden was where the king would spend leisure time with his family. It was also where kings met with their cabinet members. The garden inside the land of Eden then was a place created by God where Adam and Eve had fellowship with their heavenly Father. This is also where God met with His council members. These were angelic authorities, celestial beings, who were administrative rulers in God's kingdom. No doubt, Adam and Eve would have had multiple interactions with these beings while they lived in the Garden of God. This is why Eve did not freak out when the serpent spoke to her in Genesis 3. She had seen these beings before. Remember, there is no snake mentioned in the text of Genesis 3. In Hebrew, he is called the nachash [1]. The being that talked with Eve was a supernatural, ancient, super intelligent, celestial being, probably a seraph. A seraph was one of the highest orders of throne guardians that surrounded God's throne. He may have been one of God's council members in the past. Once Adam and Eve agreed to follow the nachash, they sabotaged their relationship with God and their ability to spread the dominion of Eden to the rest of the globe. Nonetheless, God has been moving forward to correct this dilemma for thousands of years. He is still using His heavenly and earthly councils to redeem the earth. The King and His Council All nations have kings or some sort of leadership that resembles kingship. Even our own Democratic Republic has fallen under the rule of people acting like kings. All kings have council members to help them administer their rule over the affairs of their kingdom. Human leaders did not make this concept up. It existed long before the Earth was created. The first council is the one that God established before the creation week of Earth. It's called the Divine Council. Now, even though God does not need help ruling over His universe, He insists on sharing responsibilities with the beings that He has made. Whether they are human or celestial. The problem is that among the celestial beings, certain council members rebelled against God. You may want to call them the infernal council. They absolutely hate God's human children and all righteous celestial beings who have remained loyal to God. Just as the Divine Council existed before the creation week, so too do I believe this rebellion occurred before the creation week. Others believe that it occurred possibly on Day 2 or 4 of the creation or soon after. Which ever position you take, it was a horrendous betrayal towards God and His remaining loyal family members. The King Delegates Responsibilities to His Divine Council Consider this: although Yahweh is supreme over His council, He allows them to discuss solutions. He then delegates to them authority for particular assignments. However, Yahweh is unique and superior to His council members. Scripture is full of examples where Yahweh is shown to rule among His council members. One example is Psalm 89:5-7: Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD (Yahweh), your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD (Yahweh)? Who among the heavenly beings [2] is like the LORD (Yahweh), God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? Some argue that the “holy ones” are human leaders, human “saints.” But the context proves otherwise because the residence of these council members is “in the skies.” Another example is in Daniel 4:17. Although Yahweh is supreme over His council members, He allows them to form and implement their own solutions: The sentence is by the decree of the watchers (council members), the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men. The council formed the solution for Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance and then they carried out the sentence. This resulted in the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar and the declaration of God's ultimate power over all nations. This is similar to 1Kings 22. A heavenly council meeting was called to determine the fate of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. God allowed His divine council to deliberate Ahab's demise. Here are verses 19-23: And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord (Yahweh): I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven (council members) standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?'And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.' And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?'And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.'And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.' Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.” Both stories are about kings who have ignored warnings from Yahweh. Notice also that in both cases God allowed His celestial council members to deliberate the solution and then implement the punishment. The Infernal Council Moses warned Israel not to worship the “host of heaven” in Deuteronomy 4:19 because of the Tower of Babel affair. After the Tower of Babel event occurred, celestial authorities were assigned to govern the nations and then shepherd them back into a right relationship with God. This is Moses' point in Deuteronomy 32:8-9: When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God [3] (angelic authorities). But the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. At some point, these heavenly shepherds became corrupt and received the worship of men. This is the point Moses is making in all of Deuteronomy 32: worship belongs to Yahweh only; do not worship the gods of the nations because they are rebel council members. This relates to Psalm 82, where Yahweh crashes a council meeting among the fallen heavenly shepherds and rebukes them for their rebellion. Verses 1 through 4 say: God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 58:1-2 captures this same idea: Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. Some argue that these passages do not support the Divine Council worldview. They see Psalm 82 as an event where God enters a council meeting of earthly kings and judges. I would respectfully push back – verse 7 proves that God is not angry at mere humans in this scene. He is rebuking fallen entities when He says that they will die like mere men. This would not be a punishment if God were rebuking human rebels. Again, it is important to understand that this passage is not talking about humans who have offended God; it is talking about fallen angelic authorities. These beings were once righteous participants of Yahweh's council. Everything God creates is good and perfect. They began their journey in agreement with the plans and purposes of God. I don't accept the theological concept, as some do, that Yahweh created them as evil entities to begin with; or that He created them with the idea that they would one day rebel in order to advance His own glory. Nevertheless, they did rebel. And since they had once been part of God's kingdom, they naturally formed their own authority structures based off of the kingdom they rejected. So, I believe that the infernal council is an imitation of what they once experienced in the Kingdom of God. This is not Polytheism, This is not Mormonism In the last sermon, I covered several attributes that prove that Yahweh is completely different than all other elohim, or the “sons of God” that He created to operate in His council. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, and immutable. He is the creator of all other heavenly beings; He existed before them. He can strip them of their immortality, and no heavenly being can outmaneuver Him. This is important to know because of the resistance you will get from those who are unfamiliar with this subject. People will want to categorize you as a polytheist or a Mormon. Neither of these are true. Most ancient cultures were polytheistic in nature. They believed in many gods. Often there was a chief god ruling the lesser gods and demigods. They often incorporated succession stories where one chief god was defeated in battle by a lesser god, who then became the leader. But what I am teaching is that our God is different. He is not a leader among a group of gods who are similar in nature; He is infinitely higher in supremacy. Again, He is the uncreated Creator. There is no being equal to Him. However, as I have already outlined, He assigns authority and responsibility to the heavenly sons of God, which He created. He also expects us to occupy our territory while expanding His kingdom. I am also not teaching Mormonism. Mormons teach that you can become a god; in fact, they claim that God was once like us. Joseph Smith said: “It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God. . . . He was once a man like us; . . . God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did” [4] But I insist that Mormonism is incorrect. I teach that God was never a created being. John 4:24 says, God is spirit (not a man), and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Again, as I outlined in the last sermon, there are unique attributes that belong only to Yahweh and no other being. Conclusion The Divine Council worldview has solid biblical backing. First, we see in several places that God is supreme yet also delegates His authority to a celestial council of lesser beings. These council members are called the “sons of God” in the Old Testament. Second, we see that certain members of this council rebelled against God and formed their own wicked authority structures. The Divine Council worldview that I am advocating is not a salvation issue. Those who disagree are not my enemies; however, without it, I believe you will have a truncated understanding of the spiritual realm. Some simply see the spiritual realm as more of a fairy tale than a reality. To them, heaven is nothing more than an eternal vacation spot where you sit on clouds and play harps. This kind of thinking is childish; there is so much more going on. One of my biggest complaints about modern Christianity is that it refuses to leave elementary school, so to speak. Many churches teach superficial concepts, and as a result, their congregations are withering in the shallow soil of mediocrity. And so, over the last several generations, the church has raised a gaggle of believers who barely understand their Bible and their God. The Divine Council worldview has helped me back up and look at the whole tapestry of Scripture. When I read a passage, I find threads that move in multiple directions and create larger ideas. For me, understanding the Bible through the Divine Council worldview has been as stunning as going from a black and white TV to the brilliant colors of plasma TV. It's like watching an action movie with a pair of good 3-D glasses. JCN 7/24 [1] In the Hebrew text, this rebel being is called han nachash, the nachash (Gen.3:1,2,4,13,14). As a noun, nachash means serpent (think more of a dragon rather than a snake); as a verb, it means a deceiver or a diviner; as an adjective, it means bronze or an object that is brazen or a radiant being that glows from within. All three meanings are at play here. The ideas of luminosity, serpentine features, and divine wisdom all relate to a divine throne guardian being. Both Hebrew and Gentile readers would have instantly understood this concept. Both seraphim and cherubim are known as guardians around God's throne. The Hebrew word seraph (Is. 6:2) especially relates here because its meaning derives from a burning, fiery serpentine being. [2] In Hebrew: ben el the “sons of God,” the celestial beings of heaven. [3]Some translations render the phrase as “sons of Israel,” while others render it “sons of God.” I believe that translations like KJV, NIV, and NASB are misinformed to render the phrase as “sons of Israel.” The phrase “sons of Israel” follows the Masoretic Texts, which were edited by Jewish scholars in the middle ages who were hostile to Christianity, and the supernatural appearances of the 2nd person of the Trinity (Jesus) throughout Old Testament passages. The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls uphold the phrase “sons of God.” Both of these sources were penned by Jewish scholars about 1000 years before the Masoretic Texts were collated. [4]Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, 1976, pp. 345 –46.
Moses led the flock when he should have been leading people. When you are running from God and not living out his intention, you do less than you were created to do. I want God to engage in a conversation with me about my needs, where I am. It shouldn't at least be the opening conversation. Guide begins here with Moses. I am sending you to pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. Moses, there's a calling on your life, and now it's time to step up to it. Joshua follows Moses. Sometimes when everything goes bad in our life, we actually relinquish our intention rather than embrace it. Jonah is the story of a person who knew God's intention but chose not to live it out. And here's the crazy thing about being a human. We can violate and reject the intention God gave it. Everything God creates is under his intention. Wouldn't it be better to align your life with the intention for which you were created, so the whole universe will be in your favor? Have you ever noticed how much energy we lose when we're unhappy?
In the eleventh episode of "Divine Guidance," Duane Sheriff teaches Kingdom Protocol and how it helps us discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. We can confirm God's voice by recognizing three vital witnesses: righteousness, peace, and joy. God always speaks in righteousness. In Isaiah 45:19, God says, "I have not spoken in secret." Everything God says aligns with righteousness, making this a key marker to identify His voice. In Psalms 23:3, the scripture reveals that the Lord leads us in "paths of righteousness" for His name's sake. The second witness is peace. Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. This peace acts like an umpire, helping us make decisions that align with God's will. Duane shares a personal experience where his loss of peace served as a sign from God to alter his path, illustrating how peace can be a powerful indicator of divine guidance. Lastly, joy is a significant witness of the Holy Spirit's voice. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." We will experience a deep, abiding joy when we align with God's will. Joy comes from making righteous and peaceful decisions, which pleases the Holy Spirit. By understanding and applying these Kingdom Protocols—righteousness, peace, and joy—we can confidently navigate our spiritual journey and grow closer to God.
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You cannot live life without faith. What drives faith is that we're all looking to make sense of life. The more meaningless your life is, the more empty you will be of life, he says. Hope remains not just faith, but hope. Hope only exists in the future. The moment you get something you hope for, guess what? It's no longer a source of hope. Human beings are designed with a need for progress. Hope is not optional. It's essential. The moment you feel depressed, go, oh, my soul is telling me my life can be more. Only humans feel the depression of being less than they can see in their imagination. Everything God does is always expanding. You are designed to keep growing every moment of your life. When you love someone, you lose your mind. The best way to never put yourself in danger is to never love just before yourself. Love realigns your choices and redefines your life. Why do we even think about unconditional love? It's because our souls know we're designed for unconditional love.
Tell me the truth: Were you delighted to go to work today? Or were you thinking, "Whoa, it's only Tuesday; four more days until the weekend”? Why do we find this fairly universal attitude toward work? Everyone seems to live for the weekends. The title of my series this week is "Thank God It's Monday!" because if you're a Christ-follower and have been set free from sin and its curse by faith in Jesus, then you can—and should— have a totally different view of your work. You should be able to honestly say, "Thank God it's Monday—or Tuesday!" We saw yesterday God gave Adam work to do in the Garden of Eden, and until sin entered the picture, work was something to be enjoyed, something fulfilling and meaningful. Everything God created was good, so work was good. The original workplace was pleasant, a place of fellowship with others and with God, a place of cooperation and obedience. Adam's job was to take care of the garden—or farm—and that was a sacred assignment from God, not some secular job he had to do to earn a living. But once sin entered, that original plan was corrupted. And from that point on work became drudgery. Do you wonder why your workplace seems so miserable sometimes, or why relationships are so strained where you work, or why it's so difficult to get motivated in your job? It's because work has suffered the "thorns and thistles" of the curse as found in Genesis 3. In our corrupted workplaces, people reject God and often any other authority placed over them. There may be little cooperation and lots of jealousy. Seems like everybody is out for number one with little regard for the welfare of others. The workplace is ruled by human nature and that is a sinful nature. And here you are, a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, forced to go out into that corrupted workplace five days a week! Do you sometimes just long to be set free from this sin-corrupted work environment? Here's the thing. Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of sin, but he purposely left us in this world. We now have the amazing opportunity to demonstrate what work is really supposed to be like—yes, even in the midst of that corrupted workplace! Have you ever thought about the privilege you have to show your world how God intended work to be? Do you do that? Would you like to? I'll give you some suggestions starting tomorrow.
Thank you for listening to our Surge Church Podcast. Everything God does is built on principles. There are principles that govern life and govern His Kingdom. These principles are always at work. There are principles the govern laws of promotion. As we walk in these principles, we become the kind of people God can promote and elevate.
This isn't your ordinary Bible study. We're going on an exciting adventure through the Apostle Paul's powerful words on grace, justification, and God's love. Each week, we'll be exploring these timeless truths and figuring out how they fit into our crazy, everyday lives. "A Summer in Romans" is all about deepening our grip on the gospel message and drawing closer to God. So, pack your bags and let's hit the road on this faith journey together! If you liked this podcast, please like, subscribe and/or SHARE. If you would like to know more information about Canyon Springs Church in San Diego, visit http://www.canyonsprings.org Subscribe to all of our podcasts on iTunes here: http://goo.gl/h0mlhv
(Matthew 24:32-36) The Messiah will return soon, and He is not finished with His beloved nation of Israel. Everything God foretells He always fulfills. Listen to today's episode as Christ uses His creation to illustrate these truths! (08152240625) Download our Study Guide for the Parables of Jesus: https://enjoyingthejourney.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2404-15-Parables-of-Jesus-FLYER-web.pdf
McKenna Gehrke is more than beauty and brains.. she's an absolute doll and we are thrilled to have her on this week's episode! McKenna is an Arizona native, University of Arizona dance team alum, current Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and the host of her own podcast, On Eight! She shares her passions and mission to help other girls succeed in chasing their dreams as well as her journey to making hers come true. Through all of life's ups and downs, McKenna says God has been her rock and she holds onto His promise that He will always be with us. Make sure to follow, like & SUBSCRIBE to all things Sweet As Honey! SUBSCRIBE & WATCH this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@thesweetashoneypodcastFollow Sweet As Honey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetashoneypodcast/Follow Claire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairewolford/--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sweetashoneypodcast/support--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sweetashoneypodcast/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sweetashoneypodcast/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sweetashoneypodcast/support
Everything God has made is resistant to bondage and oppression. We were designed to have dominion. Every prolonged battle has an expiration date. This message makes the declaration that you're not just coming out of captivity, but you're not coming out empty.
Endure to Manifest Salvation (2) (audio) David Eells 6/5/24 Let's study more on how we manifest salvation and with God's grace, I hope to encourage you to keep enduring in your faith to see the fruit. The Bible teaches a progressive manifestation of salvation. (1Ti.6:11) But thou, O man of God (so he's talking to believers here), flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (12) Fight the good fight of the faith (We must fight! If you don't fight, you lose! You must run the race.), lay hold on the life eternal.... We have eternal life by faith, but when you have something by faith, you don't yet see it manifested. We as in (Rom.4:17) calleth the things that are not, as though they were… and if you endure in that faith, ultimately you see the manifestation of the fruit. For example, if you ask God to heal you and you claim that “by His stripes” you are healed, you are going to be sick until it has manifested. Salvation comes the same way. You must endure in your faith, claiming your right as a child of God over sin and as you keep on enduring in that faith, the fruit will be manifested. (1Ti.6:12) … lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called.... You were called to lay hold on life eternal and if you think that “calling” is out there to the world, you are wrong! This invitation is to God's children. The Greek word in that text for “call” is kaleo and it means “an invitation.” We have been invited to partake of the body and blood of Christ, but that doesn't mean you are going to do it! (1Ti.6:12) …, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. But see, beginning is not ending, is it? You can start a race and then you can lay down on the sidelines, but we must run the race! We have no choice! We have been called to inherit eternal life, but that doesn't mean we are going to make it, unless we stand by faith in the promises of God. And your faith needs to stand in the Word of God and not in somebody's theology or somebody's brilliant ideas. (Jud.3) Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation (by faith), I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints. The only way you are going to do that is to get it from the Bible and not from a modern theologian. (2Ti.3:14) But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned (Paul is talking about what he, himself, has taught Timothy.) and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. (15) And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The sacred writings are able to make you wise unto salvation; nobody else's writings can do that. Even good teachers don't have this power, except to the extent that they show you the sacred writings. Words of truth are the supernatural power of God. You know, I never went to an altar when I was young. Before I ever heard a preacher, I was saved just through reading the Bible. Somebody challenged me to read the Bible and it changed my life; these Words are supernatural. (Joh.6:68) Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And those “words of eternal life” are able to make you wise unto the manifestation of salvation. God wants to finish this work and God is able to manifestly complete salvation in you. “Salvation,” or soteria, is deliverance from sin, and the curse of sin and of death. Many preachers today say you will never attain to the manifestation of salvation, but God is able to do it in you. (Heb.7:25) Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost.... The Greek word for “uttermost” is “completely.” He is talking to Christians here, people who are saved by faith, and he's saying, “Listen, God is able to save you completely!” (Heb.7:25) Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Jesus “ever liveth to make intercession” for us and you must draw near to God through Him. We go to God in the name of Jesus Christ and what He accomplished for us on the cross. You can come boldly before the Throne of Grace to receive help in time of need because of the name of Jesus Christ. We know Jesus' name means His “nature, character and authority.” And God is able to complete this work in those who believe it, but He is waiting for you to draw near unto God through Jesus Christ and believe it is an accomplished work. So now you ask, “Well, David, do you mean I must believe salvation is an accomplished work, but believe it is not an accomplished work?” Yes. It is very important that you understand you haven't manifested salvation yet, so that you will (Php.3:14) Press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. It is very important that you exercise faith. Faith (Rom.4:17) ... calleth the things that are not, as though they were. You are reaching out for a gift of God. (2Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure. Then you will manifest the fruit of salvation, 30, 60, and 100 fold. You know you are called. You can feel the invitation of God in your heart to partake of Christ and you have partaken of Christ, but do you know if you are elect? (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. You are chosen, you are elect, only if you endure in your faith to bear fruit. The Lord called all Israel out of Egypt, but they were not all chosen because many of them rebelled against God and they would not walk by faith in the trials in the wilderness. (Jud.5) Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. We see that they started out believing because they came out of Egypt, but then they fell into unbelief when they went through the trials in the wilderness. When we are going through trials, we need to have our faith in God. We need to know that a sovereign God has a purpose in designing these trials that surround our life. There is a goal to be reached for and our purpose for being here is to reach that goal. Let's look at the parable of the talents. (Mat.22:14) For it is as when a man, going into another country, called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. (15) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. (16) Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents. (17) In like manner he also that received the two gained other two. (18) But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. There is a goal for each person to meet and that goal is to bring forth, to manifest, the fruit of what God has put in us. You are to bring forth Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). There are many people who have received a “talent,” but they have done nothing with it. It has brought forth no fruit in their life. God put us here, like planting a seed in the earth, and we're supposed to bear fruit, yet some people think, “All I have to do is just hold on to what I have.” Well, just holding on to what they have is called being an “unprofitable servant”! God's plan is to bring forth Christ in us and He put us here for that purpose. He has already given us every power that we need and all of it comes through faith. (2Pe.1:3) Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue. If you didn't step into the Kingdom but two years ago, that was God's plan because Jesus said, (Joh.6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him.... Don't panic and think, “Oh, my! I've started in the middle of my life and I needed my whole life!” No, you need exactly the amount of time God put you in the Kingdom, to do what God has given you to do, so don't worry about that, but do something with what He has given you. You can do it because Jesus made it possible. That is the Gospel! That is the Good News! It doesn't take a long, long time to bear fruit. Remember that faith is accounted as righteousness. If you die anywhere along this road upward and you are walking on this road with Christ, your faith is counted as righteousness. But, you have to be on the road and you have to be in the race. The Good News is that faith is accounted as righteousness, until you attain righteousness. Did you know that even a “baby” Christian can be doing what God sent them to do? Look at the natural parable. A baby learning to walk gets up and falls, gets up and falls, but each time they walk a little farther. That's the way our life is, too. A “baby” Christian is learning to walk more and more by faith, even though they might not be able to endure to the end of a trial. They fall and then they get up again but they walk a little farther the next time before they fall, so they're bearing fruit, even as a baby. You can't say that they're lost. But if they just sit on the ground and don't try to get up again because of discouragement and unbelief, they never grow. There are many who have been with the Lord for 40 or so years, but they haven't grown. They've done nothing with what God has given them. The “talent” that we've been given is the seed of God and that seed brings forth the life of God. He has given each of us the “talent” or ability to be what Jesus is, and as different members of the body of Christ, we take care of different parts of Christ. We have different parts of the body to manifest and we're only called to bring forth what God has put in. He is the sower who sows the Word in our heart but we must cooperate and read it. He is the One Who makes it possible and through faith we will mature and bring forth the fruit. We've been given authority over all the power of the enemy. (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. The devil has no power over us, if we believe the Gospel. He only takes his power when he deceives us into believing he has power. We have been given authority over all the power of the enemy. It says “enemy” there, not just “devil.” This means all of your enemies, including the flesh. (Eph.6:17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And we have been given the authority to use God's Word as a two-edged sword. (Heb.4:12) For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. There's one edge for us and one edge for the devil, but in order for the sword of the Word to be effective, it has to be according to the Word that was first delivered unto the saints. We have to hold fast with faith in the true Word. You have to be diligent to make your calling and election sure. (2Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence (meaning “careful or persistent work or effort”) to make your calling and election sure.... Now let me point out to you where many Bible versions have continued an error: (2Pe.1:5) Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith.... There should not be a comma after “diligence.” The comma belongs after “faith”! The correct translation is, “Adding on your part all diligence in your faith, supply virtue....” We can do that; we can be diligent in our faith because faith is the foundational gift from God. And when we read these Scriptures in the original language, we see clearly that each fruit of the Spirit is inside the previous one. Notice: (2Pe.1:5) Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence in your faith, supply virtue; and in [your] virtue knowledge; (6) and in [your] knowledge self-control; and in [your] self-control patience; and in [your] patience godliness; (7) and in [your] godliness brotherly kindness; and in [your] brotherly kindness love. However, there's a mistranslation of this in the King James: (2Pe.1:5 KJV) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6 KJV) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7 KJV) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. The error here is that you have to add each fruit of the Spirit to the previous one, but when you look at it correctly, everything is in faith. Each fruit of the Spirit is in the previous one and the first one is faith, and faith is a gift from God! You don't add anything to what God has done! All you need is faith in what God has done! Here's another confirmation that all the fruits of the Spirit are found in faith: (Phm.6) That the fellowship (Meaning “the communication” or “the sharing.”) of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ. When you realize that all the fruits of the Spirit are in your faith, then the fellowship, or communication, or sharing of your faith becomes effectual to produce the intended result, which is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” All you need is faith! Peter said to give “diligence in your faith” to manifest the gift that God has given you. Everything God has given you is in faith. All of the fruit of the Spirit is in faith. If you exercise the faith of God, all these things will be manifested. The “talent,” the seed of God, is in faith. When God gave you the Spirit of Christ, He gave you the ability to walk as Christ walked, but you need to be diligent in using the faith that God gave you to (1Ti.6:12) Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called,… Now, you could just sit there and not use your sword, but the Bible says, (Jer.48:10) Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. We have to do something with our faith. Every day you have a battle to fight and your enemies are the flesh and demonic spirits. You can't just sit back and do nothing! If you don't fight, you lose! If you don't fight, you are not bearing fruit! You must fight! We have to pick up our sword and fight! “Diligence” means to take the faith that God gave you and use it! Fight with it and you will win! In fact, Peter says that diligence in your faith is how you make your election sure. (2Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble. This next verse is another one that would probably get you called a “heretic” if you got up in front of most churches and read it to them. (2Pe.1:11) For thus (or “in this way”) shall be richly supplied unto you (speaking to Christians) the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now you are seeing manifested salvation! When you are entering into Christ and you are entering into salvation, you are entering into the Kingdom of God! And when you manifestly enter into the Kingdom, you leave sin behind because there is no sin in God's Kingdom. You see the progressiveness of your salvation here. You cannot separate “diligence in your faith” from salvation. And remember that faith is accounted as righteousness, so don't become worried, or anxious because that just defeats the purpose. God wants you to walk by faith in what He has given you as a free gift. It's already yours! Jesus said in (Joh.16:33) These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. He also said in (Joh.19:30) ... It is finished....” We conquered the devil at the cross. We conquered sin and the curse at the cross. You will win! Take the Word of God and use it on the devil like Jesus did when He was tempted in the wilderness. The devil can't stand before the Word of God! Plunder the devil's kingdom! Jesus said in (Luk.11:23) He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Everybody who does not gather or plunder of the devil's kingdom is going to scatter. You make your election sure by walking in these things. You can do it! Don't say you can't! If you say you can't, it's because you don't believe the Gospel. We're here to prove who it is who truly believes. (Php.4:13) I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. Be careful or you will prove yourself not to be a believer! It will be revealed who the believers are and it is not all of the called. It is the elect who are the believers because they are the overcomers who bear fruit to be chosen or elect. We need this knowledge, which is the “sword” in our hands. (Eph.6:10) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. (13) Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (15) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We're to take the “sword of the Spirit,” but some people are sitting on their sword. You are responsible to take it! Whether the preacher gives it to you or not, you are responsible to take it. If you don't take the sword and fight with it, you will not win. Taking the sword of the Spirit will bring you “unto salvation.” (1Pe.2:2) As newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile (or “without deception”), that ye may grow thereby unto salvation. Some translations leave out “unto salvation” and that is a major problem. The Bible talks a lot about progressive salvation, yet most churches teach only instantaneous salvation. You have to understand about progressive salvation or it will destroy your motivation. You begin to think, “This is great! It's all finished! All I have to do is sit down and wait to fly away.” No, now you must walk into what was provided for you. When you were baptized, by faith the old man died and you were united with Christ in the likeness of His death. The water symbolized that the old man was put to death by the Word. That was your act of faith. But what if you go on in your life after baptism and you don't ever put to death the old man with the “washing of water with the word” as in (Eph 5:26)? Suppose you just reckon it accomplished when you were baptized and you don't take the sword of the Word and put to death the old man. Will you ever actually manifest the salvation that God has given you? No! Baptism is an act of faith and it as in (Rom.4:17) ... Calleth the things that are not, as though they were. It says, “Now the old man is dead! Now I am delivered from the power of sin! Now I am delivered from the power of darkness! Now Jesus lives in me!” As you walk out your faith the rest of your Christian life, you need to put the old man to death. Don't let him live to say what he wants to say and do what he wants to do. You stick the sword of the Word in him and tell him, “No! Take that! You're dead! Dead men can't talk! Dead men can't walk! You're dead!” You walk out your baptism and let the water, which is the Word of God, put to death the old man. You keep pushing off that old man into that water so he drowns. He will die! God gave me a vision of that at the beginning of my Christian walk. I was going down an old dusty, dirty road and I had this old man on my back, piggyback. And I came up to this lake and jumped in, but that old man tried to climb up onto my head. Well, I just kept stiff-arming him and pushing him off, and pretty soon he drowned. And God showed me, “That's your life!” So you jump into that water and you stay in that water. The old man is allergic to that water and you just keep pushing him off while you are in the water and it will kill him. It's God's plan. The act of faith without the works that follow it is incomplete. (Jas.2:20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? Baptism is an act of faith and the work that follows it is that now you have to use the Word to put the old man to death. You walk it out using the faith in what Jesus did on the cross. That's our progressive salvation. Complete salvation is the redemption of our body. In (Rom.8:23) And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for [our] adoption, [to wit,] the redemption of our body. (24) For in hope were we saved.... The Greek word “hope” means “a favorable and confident expectation; a forward look with assurance.” We need to understand the difference between “hope” and “faith.” “Hope” looks toward the future and “faith” looks at the past. “Faith” says, “It is done” because of what happened on the cross. “Hope” is looking to the future to see it accomplished and “hope” is firmly expecting it to be accomplished. (Rom.8:25) But if we hope for that which we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for it. We are patiently waiting for what we received by faith at the beginning, patiently waiting for it to come to pass. We must patiently go through these trials of our faith. (Jas.1:3) Faith worketh patience. (4) And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. We have to be patient to see it come to pass, while hoping for something we do not see yet. We are hoping for this salvation to be manifested, to be completed. We have faith that it is complete and we have hope to see it come to pass. The Bible teaches that our spirit is born-again when we repent and receive the Spirit of Christ. So what does the Bible say about the soul? This is something that I wish every Christian would come to understand: (1Pe.1:21) Who through him (which is Christ) are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. (22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth.... When Peter uses the word “seeing,” he means with the eye of faith, “seeing” in the Spirit.” He wants you to see this by faith. (1Pe.1:22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth (Your spirit is simply purified by repentance, but your soul is purified by obeying the truth.) unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (23) having been begotten again.... This is the Greek word gennao and it's the same word used in John 3:5. It means “born again.” You must be born again. (23) Having been begotten (born) again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. When your spirit is born again, that's the very first knowledge you have of being a child of God. Every Christian is born again in spirit, but being born again in soul is a progressive thing through your obedience. And you are able to be obedient because of your faith. The “seed” God puts in you to give you rebirth is incorruptible. When you have received that seed, you are not corruptible, and when that seed is in you, you don't sin. Then that seed progressively takes over your life and your soul, until your whole soul is born of God. God's purpose is to replace your soul with Christ's Soul, and that means to put the Word of God in your life and in your heart. The Word of God is Christ and when you are born of Christ, that's incorruptible seed! In your obedience to the truth, your soul is born of God. The first part of salvation, being born again of spirit, is very simple, but being born again of soul is bearing the fruit of Jesus Christ. Born again of soul is manifesting the fruit of Jesus Christ and it is letting the Word live through you. Continuing (1Pe.1:24) For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth: (25) But the word of the Lord abideth forever. The flesh has to die, but the Word of God has to be manifested in our life and, so, being born again takes on a larger meaning, larger ideas, larger understanding. You have to keep on walking and standing in Christ for your soul to be born again. When the Bible talks about bearing fruit, it's talking about bearing fruit in the soul. You don't have anything to do with bearing fruit in the spirit. Christ did that! If He didn't do that, then Christ does not dwell in your spirit because He will not dwell in an unclean temple. When your spirit is clean, He said in (Eze.36:26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them. (28) And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. That was a promise of the New Covenant. But notice that He promised us a new heart, which shows you that the heart is not the spirit because He made two promises there. The soul is where you bear fruit and the person who doesn't bear fruit is an unprofitable servant. Now continuing with being born-again, (Joh.3:1) Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: (2) the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Many people say, “That's talking about the ‘water' of natural birth.” Well, they must be thinking like Nicodemus that Jesus was saying, “You have to go back into your mother's womb.” That wasn't what Jesus was saying. Notice Jesus said, “Except one,” and that's somebody who has already been born the first time. See, we have to be born of water and the Spirit, and that is the washing of water with the Word of God and the Spirit of God. We must be born again of that, and it doesn't stop at our spirit. In fact, it doesn't stop until we are Christlike, until we have a soul and a body like His. But you have to agree with God in this total process, from beginning to end, and the only way you can stay in agreement with God is by faith. You must take up the sword and fight the good fight of faith, and (1Ti.6:19) ... lay hold on the life which is life indeed. Other Scriptures that talk about the latter end of your work on earth are: (1Pe.1:5) Who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. By the way, “time” was not in the original. There is no numeric pattern for “in the last time.” The correct translation is “in the last” because this isn't “the last time” he's talking about. Peter is talking about your life here, about the finishing of the product in you, which is “ready to be revealed” at the end of God's work in you. His salvation is going to be manifested in people through their faith. (1Pe.1:6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, (7) that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: “ The revelation of Jesus Christ” here is talking about is the revelation of Jesus Christ in you! This is not talking about His coming in the sky. Everything that you're going through is so that Christ may be revealed in you. (1Pe.1:8) whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. Salvation is not the beginning of your faith; it's the end of your faith. We go through all these trials down here by faith. We are guarded through this faith that we have, unto a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of our old life. And we go through all of this in order for Christ to be revealed in us and so that we receive the salvation of our souls. This is what we are here for, to be saved in our souls. God's purpose is to have a new spirit in us, so that the Holy Spirit can move through our spirit, to manifest Christ in our souls through our obedience to the Holy Spirit. That's the whole purpose of God. (Rom.8:29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Christ was the firstborn among many brethren. God is bringing forth sons of God on the earth today!
We don't like hardship. But the writer of Hebrews reminds us that God uses hard times in our lives to discipline us. An intelligent son realizes, “Dad's disciplining me because he loves me.” Everything God does is for our good, even the spankings and corrections. Let's receive God's discipline so that we can really live.
Mercy isn't just something God does, it is at the core of everything God does. That is why when we show mercy to others, we are showing others the love of God. Today, Brett shares from Galatians 6:1-2 about how we can be merciful to others. To hear Brett's message on Blessed are the merciful go to: https://youtu.be/4eIipGSbcqg Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below. If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!
What is holiness? To be holy is to be consecrated, set apart, and dedicated to God. For some, this seems daunting. We can be intimidated by the word holy or the knowledge that God wants us to be holy. After all, we know our failings and shortcomings all too well.Main Points:1. But we must see that holiness is a good thing. Everything God calls us to pursue is for our own good. Holiness is not outward actions and behaviors achieved in our own strength. Becoming holy is a pursuit entered through the grace of God and developed with the strength and power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, you cannot become holy apart from God's help. He does not call us to become something without enabling us to do it.2. How can we get back on the track of pursuing holiness? To pursue holiness we actively seek and strive for a life that is set apart for God. It's a lifestyle characterized by moral purity, righteousness, and devotion to Him. It involves aligning our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and lifestyle with the principles and teachings of God's Word.3. Pursuing holiness involves separating ourselves from sinful behaviors, attitudes, and influences. It means turning away from anything that contradicts God's character and choosing to live a life that honors Him. Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 12:14 - “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”2 Corinthians 7:1 - “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”1 Peter 1:14-15 - “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”Quick Links:Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship NewsletterDonate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group
Christians who have been unengaged in politics are now beginning to engage. So, why would the host of one of David’s favorite podcasts suggest many of them are “mucking up everything?” David’s explanation of a key period in Medieval Christendom discussed in the podcast and tied to a key U.S. Supreme Court decision, along with David’s comments on observations about law by Hale Institute director Jeff Shafer, provide an answer.
Everything God created is to give him glory. And the chief purpose of every believer in Christ is to make it their life's pursuit. If you are wondering how best to praise God or you simply love the Psalms, join us for a workshop of Psalm 145!
Today's Promise: John 7:39 So many Christians know very little about the Holy Spirit. Yet, when you gave your heart to Christ, the Holy Spirit took up residence in you. Everything God is doing in your life today, He does through the Holy Spirit. Today we look at seven ways the Holy Spirit is working in our lives today. The secret to a successful Christian life is walking in the power God gives us through the Holy Spirit.
Ernest Hemingway’s first full-length novel features hard-drinking friends who have recently endured World War I. They bear the scars, literal and figurative, of the war’s devastation and try to cope with it via parties, grand adventures, and sleeping around. Always, there is alcohol to numb the pain. No one is happy. Hemingway’s title for his book, The Sun Also Rises, comes straight from the pages of Ecclesiastes (1:5 nkjv). In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon refers to himself as “the Teacher.” He observes, “Everything is meaningless” (v. 1) and asks, “What do people gain from all their labors?” (v. 3). Solomon saw how the sun rises and sets, the wind blows to and fro, the rivers flow endlessly into a never satisfied sea (vv. 5–7). Ultimately, all is forgotten (v. 11). Both Hemingway and Ecclesiastes confront us with the stark futility of living for this life only. Solomon, however, weaves bright hints of the divine into his book. There is permanence—and real hope. Ecclesiastes shows us as we truly are, but it also shows God as He is. “Everything God does will endure forever,” said Solomon (3:14), and therein lies our great hope. For God has given us the gift of us His Son Jesus. Apart from God, we’re adrift in an endless, never satisfied sea. Through His risen Son Jesus, we’re reconciled to Him. We discover our meaning, value, and purpose.
In this episode we cover our biggest lessons of 2023! Everything God has taught us and what we believe to be the most important highlights of our year. We speak to not prioritizing the Lord's work over the Lord's presence. Understanding that the only thing that is necessary is to lay at his feet. Along with what it means to be a true servant of Christ. As well as how wait on God and hear his voice even when it feels more convenient to go your own way + more! We'll be back in for our first episode January 3rd, 2024! Can't wait to talk to y'all then. Much love! CONNECT:
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