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When you put your faith in Jesus you become a part of His body. We all have different roles, but we all have one thing in common… Jesus! However, that doesn't mean we'll always get along. In this message, we'll walk through Ephesians 4:1-16 and talk about how we are called to be unified in the Body of Christ!
Jesus Followers Know the Cornerstone of Christianity Is: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus is The Door and The Gate by which you must enter the Kingdom of God. In John 14:6-7, Jesus answers a question by the Apostle Thomas with the fundamental tenant of Christianity when He tells us all: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'". Also, in John 10:9-10, Jesus tells us: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief {Satan} comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Also, Jesus said, in Matthew 7:13-14, that He was "the Narrow Gate", and whomever enters the Kingdom through Him will be saved and have Eternal Life: {You} “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.". Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection are the events, of about two thousand years ago, that provided us all, by God's Grace, with access to The Narrow Gate, which is Jesus. Through Jesus' death on the cross for your sins and His Resurrection, He has given you eternal life, if you choose to enter The Narrow Gate. You may ask: “How do I enter this ‘Narrow Gate' of Jesus?”. By God's Grace you can enter Eternal Life, through Jesus, by your true belief and faith in Jesus as God along with your prayerful confession of your sins to God. With your belief, faith, and confession, you have entered through the narrow and only door to your Salvation. However and after your entry through the door, you must continue, in your faith and obedience, to follow Jesus – this is the only, and it is The Way provided by God's Grace through Jesus. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be ashamed of the Gospel. I will not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (including me). From Romans 1:16 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:5-7; Psalms150:1-6; John 10:9-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Beginnings of Prayer – Part 5: Start Now and Improve Your Prayer Life -- A Robust Prayer Life Will Transform Your Life ” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Maya Moore is a basketball legend. In college at UCONN, Moore was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year, two-time NCAA champion and a four-time First-Team All-American. The first overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft by Minnesota, Moore won four WNBA titles in her eight seasons, including the 2014 WNBA MVP and six All-Star selections. Her number 23 is retired by the Lynx. Moore also represented the United States at the Olympics and won two Gold Medals. In 2019, Moore took a sabbatical from basketball to help secure the release of Jonathan Irons, who was serving a 50-year sentence that started when he was 16 years old. She was successful in July of 2020 in securing his release and soon after, married Jonathan. They had their son JJ in 2022. In 2023, Moore and Irons released their book "Love and Justice." Today on the podcast, Maya Moore and Jonthan Irons share their powerful story of love, justice and their unwavering faith in Jesus. Email us with your questions, thoughts and guest ideas: jason@sportsspectrum.com WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him. https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/ If you would like to advertise with Sports Spectrum please email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com Have you heard our other Sports Spectrum podcasts? Sports Spectrum's What's Up Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7CvX5oXnEuKIYI5GCVT7Hi?si=9c61982675f1413d Sports Spectrum's Get in the Game Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7CFPZVet3TcsSJMZqRHndI?si=d6599c85917146a7
VIA is the Young Adults Ministry at Silverdale Baptist Church. We want to lead people to take their next step in following Jesus. — One of Via's values is “We Don't Keep It To Ourselves”. We believe an integral part of growing our faith in Jesus is sharing what He has done. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend! — Via meets weekly on Thursdays at 8p at our Bonny Oaks campus. https://www.silverdalebc.com/via/ — Follow VIA: https://www.instagram.com/theviasbc/ ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc
Since Your Judgment Is Coming, Are You Doing All You Can to Continue Growing Your Relationship with God? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus tells you about the certainty of your Judgment in John 5:25,29: “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live . . . and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.". Since Judgment is coming, are you doing all you can to keep your relationship with the Lord growing? Given certain Judgment for all, a primary purpose of the Church is to lead people into a growing relationship with the Lord. You must be constantly growing and nurturing your faith in Jesus. There is a day when we will all be judged by the Lord – do not you think you can wait until the last minute to have a real relationship with Jesus. TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, when I read even part of the story of Job, I too am overwhelmed by your “wildness.” Your ways and timing are beyond me. Job moved from hearing about you to having “seen you.” Lead me, Lord, on a pathway so that I too can pray as Job prayed: “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 89). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Evil Ways. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Goodness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Isaiah 24:19-22; Matthew 7:21-23; John 12:48-50; Psalms149:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Beginnings of Prayer – Part 5: Start Now and Improve Your Prayer Life -- A Robust Prayer Life Will Transform Your Life” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Please note that the 1st part is in English, and the 2nd part is in Malayalam starting at 14:05 mark.Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love. In the Roman Catholic church there are three saints with the name Valentine. All the three saints were stoned and beheaded for their Christian faith during the time of different Roman emperors. St. Valentine, officially known as Saint Valentine of Rome, is a third-century Roman saint whose memory is celebrated on February 14. Valentine day has its roots in paganism. Lupercalia was a pagan fertility festival celebrated in February, and it had ties to a Roman god. In an effort to clean up the pagan holiday, in 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius designated February 14th as Valentine's official feast day. The new holiday quickly spread to all countries that practiced Christianity. Historically it has commemorated romantic love, but recently it has been expanded to include all types of love. During the time of Emperor Claudius II, marriage was prohibited for soldiers. As a priest, Valentine conducted the marriages of couples who were in love. For this reason Valentine was sent to jail. Valentine used this time in jail to reach out to people with the love given by Jesus. The jailer, Asterius, became friendly with Valentine. He was impressed with Valentine's wisdom that he asked Valentine to help his daughter, Julia, with her lessons when she visited the jail. Julia was blind, and the jailer tested his faith by asking him to restore her blind daughter's eye sight. Placing his hands onto her eyes, Valentine restored Julia's vision. The jailer accepted Christianity along with 44 members of his family. The now faithful jailer then freed all of his Christian inmates. Emperor Claudius sentenced Valentine to death for not giving up his faith. Before he was killed, Valentine wrote a last note to encourage Julia to stay close to Jesus and to thank her for being his friend. He signed the note, “From your Valentine.” Valentine was beaten, stoned and beheaded on February 14, 270. St. Valentine sacrificed his life for his faith in Jesus, not for his love for us. There is someone who has done much more for each and every one of us than what St. Valentine did. That is Jesus Christ who is the Son of God. My name... Cicilysunny@gmail.com
Have you placed your faith in Jesus and now see no further need for Him? Second-year student Kallista Warkentin shares how the Lord brought her from believing this lie into the truth that she needs Him daily.
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they are taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. This week, Maeghan Adams shares her journey as a mother navigating the challenges and joys of raising a child with DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome. From moments of uncertainty to discovering a life-changing community at Barron Heights, Maeghan reflects on God's guidance through life's twists and turns. Tune in as she shares how faith, resilience, and the right support system transformed her family's experience and gave her a renewed sense of purpose.
Many people believe that they can earn their way into heaven. They may think that being good enough will grant them eternal life. The truth is that it is only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross that we can find redemption. In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that salvation isn't something we can achieve on our own; it is a precious gift of Grace offered to everyone who places their faith in Jesus.
If you placed your faith in Jesus, we want to give you a free gift! Click below to fill in your information so we can mail you your gift or you can pick it up at one of our in-person services at 8:30AM, 10:15AM, 12PM, & 1:45PM. https://churchalivenj.churchcenter.com/people/forms/129025Subscribe to Our Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEHNDPb5XMkf1LyqoTU30vg Help Support and Grow our Ministry to reach people around our community and spread the love of Jesus: https://churchalivenj.churchcenter.com/giving Stay connected with us through our:Church Alive Website: https://churchalive.tvInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchalivenj/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChurchAliveNJ/Plan your next in-person visit. We are located at: The Williams Center15 Sylvan St, Rutherford NJ
We have faith in Jesus, and faith for God to do great things - but what do we have faith to do?
How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? — Romans 10:14 In the Philippines there was a tribal group in the mountains that had never heard the good news of Jesus. Some of our missionary friends learned that the chieftain, who communicated with demonic spirits, performed a yearly sacrifice and scattered blood around the community as an atonement for the bad things people had done toward each other. They believed that one day a savior would come to do away with the need for the yearly sacrifice. An elderly woman in the tribe had told our friends all of this, and they were able to explain to her that the Savior had already come. “What is his name?” she asked. “And when did he come?” “His name is Jesus,” they said, “and he came 2,000 years ago.” “Then why didn't anyone come to tell us?” she asked. There was anger in her voice; their tribe had been waiting so long. And then she and many other members of the tribe came to faith in Jesus. In Romans 10, Paul explains that if people believe the gospel message and call on the Lord to rescue them, they will be saved. In addition, the church of Jesus needs to send messengers who will preach the good news. Some people are still waiting to hear the good news. What is your role in the work of sharing the gospel with them? Lord, show us how you want to use us in sharing the good news with people who have not heard. And may we serve you faithfully. Amen.
February 9: Faith DoesJames2:14-26It's one thing to believe. It's another thing to do. Or is it? What if faith and action were more like friction and heat? Do the one and you get the other. What if action is the window to what we really believe? This week we see that faith does and learn what faith in Jesus acts like. #grit #Jesus#churchonline WELCOME PAD / MY RESPONSE -- Use this link to respond to the sermon, request prayer, or to give tithe/offerings online:https://northridgefellowship.churchce...I'M SAYING YES TO JESUS!https://northridgefellowship.churchce... MORE SERVICE INFO AND INTERACTION:https://northridgefellowship.org/watch/
Bible Reading: John 10:27-30Tyler walked into the kitchen where his mom was preparing supper. They were going to a special program at church that night, so they would be eating earlier than usual.Mom looked up and smiled. "Hi, Tyler. What have you been doing?""I've been reading," Tyler replied. "I'm learning some pretty cool stuff about the United States.""What kind of stuff?" Mom asked as she began mixing up a salad. Tyler reached for the lettuce and started shredding it. "I found out that once a state approves an amendment to its constitution, it can't change it. I guess the state has to be pretty sure that it agrees with the amendment!""That's interesting," Mom said. "But what's really interesting is that if a state rejects an amendment, it can change its mind later," Tyler added. He sighed. Even though he had been reading all afternoon, he'd been thinking about something else too."What's wrong?" Mom asked, glancing at him over the salad bowl.Tyler sighed again. "I don't really want to go to church tonight. Speakers at programs like that sometimes make me feel like I'm not saved. I worry that when I sin, I've lost my salvation and have to trust Jesus to save me all over again.""Tyler, it doesn't work that way," Mom said gently. "If you have truly placed your faith in Jesus and believe He died for your sins and rose again, then He has saved you, and you'll always be saved.""Really?" asked Tyler. "Yes. It's like what you were talking about with states amending their constitutions. Before a person is saved, they can reject the good news of Jesus over and over again, but God never gives up on them. That person can always change their mind. Once you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, there's nothing that can change it. You'll still sin, but Jesus promises to forgive you when you confess your sins to Him."Tyler thought about that. "But how can I keep from sinning?""Once you're saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you and helps you follow Jesus," said Mom. "But you still have to choose to listen and obey what He says. It isn't always easy, but even when you mess up, God will never let you go." - Julia KicinskiHow About You?Are you ever afraid that you might lose your salvation? Do you ever think God will give up on you because you sin too much? God loves you and promises never to abandon you. He will always forgive you when you sin and help you obey Him. When you trust Jesus to be your Savior, He will hold you so tightly that you will never be lost again.Today's Key Verse:And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (NKJV) (John 10:28)Today's Key Thought:Salvation is forever
"I believe in God, so why am I not seeing Him at work in my life?""I know I am saved, but I really don't FEEL anything!"Have you ever heard those questions? Ever ASK those questions?Surprisingly, not all faith - even all faith in Jesus - is the same. Different types of faith will completely change what your Christian walk looks like, and especially how well prepared you are for the attacks of the enemy. That's why taking up the shield of faith is so critically important.As Ephesians 6:16 tells us, "above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
This week we're reading Luke 7:18-35. John the Baptist has been in prison since Jesus's baptism, so he hasn't been able to witness any of Jesus' ministry for himself. Now he sends his disciples to Jesus to ask him if he is really the Messiah or if John should look for another. Imagine John, the great disciple preparing the way for the Lord, suddenly doubting his faith in Jesus. Rather than make a declaration to John, Jesus tells John that the blind see, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news proclaimed to them. That should be enough, Jesus seems to say. Among all our squabbles about who Jesus is or isn't, who he should be or shouldn't be, all that matters is that the hurting are being healed and that poor are receiving good news.
Lots going on this Sunday morning! At both 8:45 and 10am worship, Rev. Rich Kirchherr will preach a sermon that helps us to better understand how we might engage two similar stories from the gospel, when their endings are very different. What do we do with that? Might the two different endings actually help us better understand how faith in Jesus is dynamic and not fixed? Our wonderful Bell Choir will play at both services and at the 10am service we will welcome new members to our congregation.Link to Livestream:https://youtube.com/live/sAHSSw-96FgLink to Start of Sermon:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAHSSw-96Fg&t=2300sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go toWelcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs
Understanding 1 John 5:6-8: The Testimony of Water, Blood, and SpiritIn this sermon, Pastor Rich Jensen centered around the profound and often debated verses of 1 John 5:6-8. These verses delve into the testimony of Jesus Christ through water, blood, and the Spirit, and their significance in affirming His divine nature and mission. Here, we explore the key points discussed in the sermon to provide a clearer understanding of these verses and their implications for Christian faith.The Foundation of Faith: Belief in Jesus as the ChristThe sermon begins with a reference to 1 John 5:1-8, emphasizing that belief in Jesus as the Christ is fundamental to being born of God. Loving God and keeping His commandments are intertwined, and these commandments are not burdensome because faith in Jesus overcomes the world.The Testimony of Water and Blood1 John 5:6 states, "This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies because the Spirit is the truth." - **Water**: Symbolizes the beginning of Jesus' ministry, marked by His baptism. At His baptism, the Father testified to Jesus' identity, and the Spirit descended upon Him, signifying His divine mission.- **Blood**: Represents the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry through His crucifixion. The shedding of His blood was necessary for the remission of sins, fulfilling God's plan for salvation.The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is introduced as the third witness, testifying to the truth of Jesus' work. The Spirit's testimony is crucial for the church's ministry and the believer's assurance of salvation. Pastor Jensen underscores that the Spirit, water, and blood together provide a comprehensive testimony to Jesus' identity as the Messiah.Perseverance and WitnessesPastor references Hebrews 11 and 12, encouraging believers to persevere by learning from the examples of faithful men and women throughout biblical history. The "great cloud of witnesses" serves as a reminder to lay aside sin and run with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus.In summary, this sermon provides a thorough examination of 1 John 5:6-8, affirming the testimony of water, blood, and the Spirit to Jesus' divine nature and mission. This testimony is foundational to the Christian faith, offering assurance and encouraging perseverance. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Reformed theology, the podcast offers valuable insights and resources.#FaithInChrist #BiblicalTruth #JesusIsLord #ChristianFaith #ReformedTheology #SpiritualWitness #GospelMessage #Incarnation #HolySpiritPodcast: www.ReformedRookie.comPodcast: https://anchor.fm/reformedrookieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReformedRookie Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYapologistSemper Reformanda!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… Guess how we get there? Through the Fountain of Life. We have a disconnect in a modern society about the work involved to draw water from a fresh source. We can readily walk to a faucet, turn a handle and have water immediately. Throughout Scripture the work involved in drawing and carrying water was adulation task that would cause people to thirst just from a normal daily task. Solomon and David tell us that the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that can keep us from the snares of death. For those who place their faith in Jesus, we understand the thirst for knowledge being fulfilled through the Holy Spirit. We understand the thirst for Justice being fulfilled through Jesus' sacrifice. We understand that we can only escape the snare of death by revering the one who has the authority over death. That One is Jesus.
You put your faith in Jesus—now what? He's changed your life and transformed your heart, and now your story has led you to the waters of baptism. Maybe you never saw it coming, or maybe you've been waiting for this moment. So, are you ready to GO get baptized? The step just might change everything.
Michael Hinton // The true test of our character is revealed in how we treat those around us. Too often, we're quick to judge and show favoritism, but the reality is that faith in Jesus and the mistreatment of others cannot coexist. Jesus himself showed no partiality—he loved, valued, and welcomed everyone. To follow him means doing the same, reflecting his heart in the way we see and treat others.Visit Our Website summitchurchfl.org Follow Us on Social Media Facebook // InstagramWatch Online Services and More YouTube Subscribe for weekly sermon podcasts!
You put your faith in Jesus—now what? He's changed your life and transformed your heart, and now your story has led you to the waters of baptism. Maybe you never saw it coming, or maybe you've been waiting for this moment. So, are you ready to GO get baptized? The step just might change everything.
It is our prayer that today's word would encourage and challenge to walk out your faith in Jesus, shine brightly in darkness and experience Kingdom impact in all you do! Stay connected with Belmont Church on our Facebook page, website or on the Church Center App.
John 2:1-12,On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.12 After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. I had not experienced the Joe Rogan podcast until last month — with its three-hour conversations. But I heard he hosted a Christian apologist from Canada named Wes Huff.At one point early on, they were talking about the beginning, whether creation, or “the Big Bang”:Rogan: However many billions of years ago there was nothing. And then all of a sudden there was something. . . science requires one miracle.Huff: When people ask me about . . . the miracles in the Bible . . . I say “Well . . . if the first miracle happened, if everything you know [came from] nothing [then] Jesus turning water into wine . . .Rogan: That's an easy one. Huff: Well, yeah. That's a party trick.Rogan: Yeah, exactly. It really is nothing compared to the birth of the universe. But [people today are] convinced at the creation of the universe, and we're very skeptical at other miracles. Huff: Yeah, very odd.Rogan: Yes, it's very odd.This morning we come to that “party trick.” And the Rogan and Huff conversation might help us put a piece of it in perspective.The fundamental miracle is that we're here. The world exists. You exist; you are alive. Once there was nothing, and now, everything you know! And if that original miracle happened, which it obviously did, then multiplying loaves, giving sight to the blind, turning water into wine, and even raising the dead — those are not the real issues. Life, existence, the world as it is, that's the original miracle, which clearly happened — and these other lesser miracles are secondary — important but secondary. And in that light, such miracles are not as imponderable as your average unbelieving person today might first think.Not Just Water and WineBut how does that help us this morning with “water into wine”? Well, perhaps like this: the most shocking reality in John 2 isn't that water became wine. What's most stunning is this person named Jesus. This story is not finally about water and wine. That's secondary. The story is about Jesus. It's not about science and whether this can happen; it's not about alchemy and whether we might be able to repeat it. The point is what the miracle points to — that is, whom the miracle points to.Which is why John calls this a “sign.” See that in verse 11:“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”A sign is something that points beyond itself. It signifies. And what does this miraculous episode signify in John 2? John says it “manifested [Jesus's] glory.” That echoes what we saw a few weeks ago in John 1:14:“the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”In this Gospel, John is giving us glimpses of the glory. John has seen Jesus's glory and believed in him. And so he carefully writes what he's seen, that we can see it too, with the eyes of faith. Verse 11 says that in doing this miracle, and revealing his glory, Jesus's “disciples believed in him.” That, John says, in 20:31, is the purpose of the book, chapter 20, verse 31,“that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”The Gospel of John was written to give us life (now and forever) in the name of Jesus by presenting him to us in his glory that we might find him compelling and believe in him. So, let's ask this morning: How does this story breed faith in Jesus? I'll highlight three in particular.Three Glories of JesusLet me give you a word ahead of time about where we're going at the end: I want to invite you to consider Jesus this morning like maybe you never have. I'm not going to ask you to raise a hand or walk to the front, but I am going to ask you not to get in the way of this Jesus decisively changing your heart and your life.I'm not asking you to make a decision today, as much as not get in the way. If you came here not believing in Jesus, or not quite sure what to think about Jesus, I'm asking you to let your guard down for a few minutes, and look with me at these three glories. See if Jesus presents himself to your soul as compelling, and whether he evokes your trust.1. Jesus Is the Good Son (verses 1–5)First, he's a human son to Mary, his earthly mother. Verses 1–3:“On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.'”Put yourself in Mary's shoes. She has raised this amazing boy, now a man. And while his sheer holiness must have been frustrating to her sin at times, can you imagine what it must have been like to have the sinless, eternal Son of God, in full humanity, as her earthly son? Just think of the ingenuity of Jesus.Somewhere along the way, her husband, Joseph, had died. We don't know when or how. But now Jesus is in his thirties, and for years he has provided for his mother. She has leaned on him as her man, and what a good son he must have been.So, Mary's helping with this wedding, perhaps for extended family, and they run out of wine (which is a huge disgrace at a wedding!). She comes to her son, who seems to always fix her problems. Just recently he left carpentry behind to take disciples and travel around as a teacher, and he's there at the wedding with his disciples. So Mary tells him, “They have no wine.” Jesus, help. You always know what to do, my good son.Then comes verses 4–5 and Jesus's surprising response:And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”Jesus's response is abrupt. It puts distance between this good son and his earthly mother. Instead of calling her Mother, or something more endearing, he calls her “Woman.” Which is not disrespectful; it's true. But it's a stiff arm. And a surprise.As we move through the Gospel of John, we will see how Jesus's mind and awareness is often operating at a different level than the person he is speaking with. Mary states the practical problem at hand: “They have no wine.” Jesus hears wine, and he thinks of his calling. The Old Testament has promised a coming messianic age in which, says Amos 9:13–14, “the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. [God] will restore the fortunes of [his] people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine.”Jesus hears whispers of the coming age, which he has come to bring in, but there will be a price, and he says, “My hour has not yet come.” What will become very clear in the Gospel of John is that Jesus's “hour” is the time of his death and resurrection — the moment of his glorification, when he's lifted up on the cross to die for sins of his people, and then lifted up from the grave in the new life of the resurrection.And this hour that Jesus has coming will not come from any human initiative. No human will suggest the time and the way Jesus will bring in the new age. Not even his dear mother.Jesus will take his cues from his heavenly Father, not his earthly mother. And how does Mary, who could have been offended, respond? She responds humbly, in faith. She trusts him.This is an awesome moment for Mary. Jesus has just distanced her (his own family, his own mother), which is necessary but surely unpleasant for her. Yet she responds in faith, and gives the wedding servants the timeless advice “Do whatever he tells you.” Which is what she would tell us still today.So, in verses 1–5, we see that Jesus is the good son. He is the earthly son of Mary, the one she has relied on for years, and she trusts in him even when he gives her this necessary pushback. And even more than Mary's good son, he is the Son of his heavenly Father, and does his Father's will, as we will see.2. Jesus Provides the Good Wine (verses 6–10)What does Jesus do next? Verses 6–8:Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.Verse 6 mentions the six stone jars used for Jewish rites of purification (key detail). To fill these, the servants must draw from a well about 150 gallons of water. This is no small job. It likely took some time. Mary has said, do whatever he tells you, and the servants do it, as much work as it is. Then, once they've completed the job, he says, “Draw now and carry to the master of the feast.” This is like the emcee today, the guy on the mic.What is Jesus doing with these six jars? Remember, Jesus already has in mind his “hour.” The coming hour of his death and resurrection, when he will usher in the new age, is not here yet, but in the meantime, he's going to give this modest wedding, and these servants, and his disciples a glimpse of his coming glory. A taste of the glory.The stone jars were used for Jewish purification rites, for various washings according to old-covenant laws and traditions. And Jesus wants the servants to fill up these six stone jars to show that the old way, the old covenant, is coming to its fulfillment. Then Jesus will do something new.Jesus brings with him a new covenant, a new era, a new age, one dripping in sweet wine, rather than endless washings and ritual cleansings. The old was grace (huge water jars, filled to the brim); the new is grace in place of grace (1:16), the dawning age that drips with wine.Now look at verses 9–10:When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”Like Mary speaks even better than she knows in verse 5 (“Do whatever he tells you”), now the master of the feast speaks even better than he knows: “you have kept the good wine until now.”The master of the feast thinks it was the bridegroom who provided the good wine, but the servants know it's Jesus. It's Jesus who kept the good wine till now. And it's Jesus's Father who in his perfect timing and plan has kept his good wine for now.Ultimately, what the master of the feast says is true about God, and about the way he works in the world and in history, and in particular in the old covenant with Moses and now the coming new covenant in Jesus: God has kept the good wine until now.By “now,” John means the church age — from the first coming of Christ until his second. We live now in the era of the new covenant; membership for God's people is not by birth, but new birth; not by family, but faith; and so the new covenant rituals, baptism and the Lord's Table, are based on faith, not family. The church is not a group of people born into Christian families; the church is a born-again people.What about the significance of wine here? The wine of the new covenant has multiple meanings. First is the Old Testament imagery: wine is associated with joy and celebrations, feasts and weddings. God's Messiah will come to rescue his people and bring them into joy, gladness, celebration, song.And yet, what else does wine represent (especially in these jars of purification)? It's red, like blood. And if you drink too much of it, it makes you stagger. Which is why a cup of wine can represent blessing or curse, depending on the context and use.The wine of this new covenant is rich with meaning. On the one hand, it's the joy and celebration of God's people finally united to him and near to him, living with him in final bliss. And on the other hand, the cup also represents the curse we deserve, which Jesus drinks to the bottom as he sheds his blood for us. At the cross, Jesus drinks the cup of our sin, that we might drink his cup of joy.(You might ask, whether this use of wine in John 2 has practical significance for us today, in whether we choose to partake, or not, in alcohol. It's a good question, but not the main point here. Let me save that for the article in the church email this Friday.)The point in the Old Testament prophecies and the point here is the glory of Jesus. He brings such blessing and joy and celebration, that wine, among other pointers, signifies the riches and abundance of his goodness and glory for his people.So, Jesus is the good Son, and he provides the good wine of a new-covenant relationship with God in him. And finally . . .3. Jesus Embodies the Good Groom (verse 9)Verse 9 mentions the bridegroom: “the master of the feast called the bridegroom.” This is the man whose wedding it was — and he was responsible for the feast. And when it is discovered that the wine has run out, he's the one on the hook. This is his oversight, his failure. So, by turning the well water into wine, Jesus is getting the bridegroom off the hook, and in doing so he's showing that he himself is a superior bridegroom.In the next chapter, just a few hundred words away, in John 3:29, John the Baptist will talk about Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the bridegroom's friend. John says,I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. 29 The one who has the bride [the people, the church] is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.(Elsewhere in the Gospels, Jesus portrays himself as the bridegroom in Matthew 9:15; 25:1, 5, 6, 10; Mark 2:19–20; Luke 5:34–35.)So, what's the bridegroom image mean, related to Jesus? He came, as the divine Son of God, to care for his people, the church, like a good husband. To save all who believe in him from their sins. And to love and lead and protect and provide for his bride, the church. To be our ever-strong, ever-providing, ever-reliable, ever-loving husband. Not just individually, but especially together as the church.This good Son, who provides the good wine, embodies the good groom. In Jesus, God himself has taken on our flesh and blood, that he might give his flesh for us, and shed his blood for us — which brings us to the Table, and with it, the invitation I mentioned at the beginning.Take the Next StepOkay, I'm not asking anyone to raise a hand or walk to the front, but I am asking you: Are you seeing any glory? Is this Jesus moving on your soul, in any compelling way? Is he opening your eyes? Is he stirring in your soul? If he is, I want to encourage you to welcome his work. Receive him. Embrace him. A miracle is in progress. Let it happen; don't try to stop it.What's next? You could start with a very simple conversation with someone you came with, or with Jonathan or me. We'll be here at the front after the service if you want to speak with a pastor.And for any here who would say that you believe, but have not yet been baptized, to identify publicly with Jesus, we have a baptism on March 2.And for the kids among us, say, ages 8-12, including teenagers too. Maybe you've grown up in the church, and you believe in Jesus, and it can be tough to know when to take the step to move toward baptism. We want to help with that this spring. Pastor Mike Schumann and I will be doing a two-week baptism class for kids during Sunday School on April 6 and 13. Sign up online.For the rest, who have believed in Jesus, and been baptized in his name, we come to this Table to drink his cup of blessing. Jesus drank the cup of our curse and shed his own blood, that through faith in him, we might have the good Son as our all-supplying bridegroom.
Do Everything You Do with a Grateful Heart - Psalm 107:1-3I am speaking of course about GRACE vision goggles! Those who have received God's grace through faith in Jesus are able to have a constant perspective that will help them serve God with clarity and confidence.5 G Living: Do Everything you do:For the Glory of GodFor the Good of your fellow manTo get the Gospel to non-believersTo help your fellow Christians GrowWith a Grateful HeartThe Hebrew word for Give Thanks is yada (H3034), which occurs 114 times in the Old Testament. It literally means “to throw” or “to cast.” Used toward God, it means “to praise” or “to give thanks.” But it is also used toward ourselves to confess our sins to God (Psalm 32:5).I acknowledged (H3034) my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess (H3034) my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.” - Psalm 32:5The word benefit in Luke 6, verses 32-33, and credit in verse 34 is actually the great word charis, the word for grace and favor but also a word translated benefit, credit, thanks and gratitude in the New Testament.The word for steadfast love in Psalm 107:1 is the great word Hesed (H2617), which occurs 251 times in the Old Testament. It is translated steadfast love in the ESV, Faithful love in the HCSB, Lovingkindness and Mercy in the KJV. It is used of God's covenant love toward Israel. The closest New Testament word to it may very well be grace.For it is all for your sake, so that as grace (G5485) extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving (G2169), to the glory of God. - Romans 4:15Being grateful is all about recognizing God's blessing in your life, from His common grace to His saving grace. A grateful heart becomes the “Night vision goggles” of 5 G Living.I give thanks (G2168) to my God always for you because of the grace (G5485) of God that was given you in in Christ Jesus. - 1 Cor. 1:4Thanks (G5485) be to God for His inexpressible gift. - 2 Cor. 9:15Note that the word for grace is translated thanks in 2 Corinthians 9:15. A Grateful heart is a grace-filled heart!As each one has received a gift (G5486), use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace (G5485). - 1 Peter 4:10For this is a gracious (G5485) thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows for while suffering unjustly. - 1 Pet. 2:19The benefits of gratitude go beyond the spiritual to the physical, psychological, and social.
In the Christian life, faith can be seen in two ways. First, there is the single act of faith in Jesus that results in our salvation (John 3:16; 6:40; 20:31; Acts 4:12; 16:31; Eph 2:8-9). This refers to our justification before God and is a one-time event that is never repeated. Justification is declared because God has imputed His righteousness to us at the moment we trusted in Jesus as our Savior (Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9). This results in our eternal salvation and is conditioned only on faith in Jesus (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16), for “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Act 4:12). Second, after being born again, God calls us to a walk of faith where we continually trust Him at His Word and obey His directives (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38; 11:6). The walk of faith focuses largely on what we think (Rom 12:1-2), say (Eph 4:15; Col 4:6), and do (Jam 1:22). God's Word sanctifies us as we walk by faith in Him (John 17:17), and this glorifies Him and advances us to spiritual maturity. Justification sets the ground for sanctification, but does not guarantee it, as the Christian must possess positive volition and make ongoing good choices that are rooted in divine viewpoint. Some believers, like the prodigal son, may turn to a sinful lifestyle. Faith that Justifies us Before God Our righteous standing before God starts the moment we believe in Jesus as our Savior. This is the Jesus of Scripture and history, and not a fake Jesus like those taught by Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, or one we create in our imagination. Jesus is the second Person of the Trinity; He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; 20:28; Col 2:9). Prior to His incarnation, God the Son was involved in planning our salvation with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father sent God the Son into the world to fulfill a divine mission. God's Word tells us, “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14; cf., John 4:34; 7:29; 8:29; 20:21). The Father's great mission was to make salvation available to everyone. This act of God was done in love, as it is written, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10; cf., Rom 5:8). The Son agreed with the Father, saying, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38), and “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). When God the Son came into the world and took upon Himself humanity, He executed His mission flawlessly. The divine mission began in time and space nearly two thousand years ago when God the Son took upon Himself humanity. The writer to the Hebrews cites the words of God the Son as He was about to enter the world, saying, “Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says [to God the Father], ‘Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, but a body You have prepared for Me'” (Heb 10:5). The third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, facilitated the mission by bringing about the hypostatic union within the womb of the virgin Mary (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:30-35; Gal 4:4). The angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). At the moment of conception in the womb of the virgin Mary, undiminished deity was combined forever with perfect humanity. Eventually, Jesus was born, and God “became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The apostle Paul tells us, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Col 2:9). God's Word also informs us that Jesus was a Jew, born a son of Abraham, in the line of David (Matt 1:1), the promised Messiah (Matt 1:1, 16-17; John 1:41). Jesus grew in human wisdom (Luke 2:40, 52) and lived a perfectly righteous life before God and man. The record of Scripture is that Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21), was “without sin” (Heb 4:15), “committed no sin” (1 Pet 2:22), and “in Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). In His humanity, Jesus walked in perfect conformity to God the Father's holy character and divine revelation. This is important, for Jesus' sinless life qualified Him to go to the cross and pay the ransom price for our sins. Jesus said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When the divinely appointed time came for Jesus to go to the cross (John 12:23; 13:1), He went willingly (Isa 53:10; John 10:18). Just hours before the crucifixion, Jesus said to His Father, “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Then He went to the cross and “offered Himself without blemish to God” (Heb 9:14), and “gave Himself for our sins” (Gal 1:4). Jesus paid our sin debt by means of His “precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Pet 1:19). While on the cross, “Christ died for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3), and He died in our place, “the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18). Jesus' death on the cross was a one-time event, as He “offered one sacrifice for sins for all time” (Heb 10:12). After Jesus paid for all our sins, “He said, ‘It is finished!' And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). Jesus' death on the cross satisfied every righteous demand of God the Father concerning the payment for our sins (Rom 3:25), for “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Jesus paid the price for all our sins. There's nothing more to pay. After Jesus died, He was placed in a grave and was resurrected to life on the third day (Acts 2:23-24; 4:10; 10:40; 1 Cor 15:3-4), never to die again (Rom 6:9). Because Christ died for everyone (John 3:16; Heb 2:9; 1 John 2:2), everyone is savable. The Bible tells us that God has brought “salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11), that He “desires all men to be saved” (1 Tim 2:4), and is “not wishing for any to perish” (2 Pet 3:9). Once we understand who Christ is, as God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14), and what He has accomplished for us on the cross—having died for our sins, was buried, and raised again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4)—we can then exercise our faith by trusting in Him as our Savior. To receive salvation, the unbeliever is told to “believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31a). Jesus is the object of our faith. To believe in Christ as our Savior means we trust Him to accomplish for us what we cannot accomplish ourselves: eternal salvation from the lake of fire. Faith in Christ is the only condition for salvation. Faith does not save; Christ saves. Faith is merely the instrument by which we receive the free gift of God, which is eternal life. Though the gift was very expensive for the Lord, it is offered totally free to us, for “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). And it is “by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Only the empty hand of faith accepts the gift. It offers nothing but is open to receive that which is offered by another. God's gift is available to everyone, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “he who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). No payment is required from us to receive it. It's a free gift. The only sin that keeps a person out of heaven is the sin of unbelief, the individual choice NOT to trust in Jesus as one's Savior. The one who rejects Jesus as Savior is judged by God on the sole ground that “he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). These are the ones who “are always resisting the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51; cf. John 16:8), who “do not believe” in Jesus as their Savior (John 16:9), and “are unwilling to come” to Him so that they “may have life” (John 5:40). Those who willingly reject Christ as Savior will, after death, experience eternal separation and punishment away from God for all eternity, for “if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15). This need not happen. Hell is avoidable for the one who trusts in Christ as Savior, for “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16), and “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not believe in the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). Salvation is a free gift from God (Rom 3:24; 6:23), offered by grace alone (Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (Gal 2:16; 3:26; 2 Tim 3:15), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), totally apart from human works (Rom 4:4-5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). For lost sinners, the matter is simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Once we have trusted in Christ for salvation, God then bestows on us forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43; Eph 1:7), the gift of righteousness (Rom 5:17; Phil 3:9), eternal life (John 10:28), and many other blessings (Eph 1:3). And having entered into a relationship with God through Christ (John 1:12; Gal 3:26), we are then called to a life of holiness and righteousness (1 Pet 1:15-16), as we learn His Word (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18), walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7; Heb 10:38), and advance to spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1). This new walk with God will honor Him and edify others (Eph 4:1-2; 5:1-2). Dr. Steven R. Cook
The early church in Acts 2 wasn't just committed to faith in Jesus—they were devoted to one another. They met together, prayed together, sacrificed for each other, and grew together. In this message, Andrew Mayne explores why community is an optional extra in the Christian life—they're a core part of following Jesus. Because when we're truly devoted to community, we grow stronger, stay encouraged, and live out the mission God has given us.If you need prayer, we're here for you. Reach out at www.gatewaybaptist.com.au/prayerSubscribe for more content to help you grow as a fully devoted follower of Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/c/GatewayBaptistChurchAus?sub_confirmation=1Key Scriptures:Acts 2:42-47Genesis 2:18Hebrews 10:24-25Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Ephesians 4:2-6________________________Gateway Baptist Church meets across six locations in South-East Queensland and also online.For over 90 years, we've been committed to guiding people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.Learn more about us at https://gatewaybaptist.com.au or join us on Sundays at gtwy.au/live#Revival #visionsunday #fullydevoted #Gospel #faithingod #Salvation #Jesus #Faith #Christian #Church #Churchonline #GatewayOnline #JasonElsmore #AndrewMayne
Read Online After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. Luke 5:4–6 Jesus had just cured Simon Peter's mother-in-law as one of His first miracles. As a result of this and other miracles, Peter's entire hometown of Capernaum, as well as many of the surrounding towns, were quickly coming to faith in Jesus. Today's Gospel takes place during this initial excitement over our Lord. In it, Jesus personally invites Peter to become an Apostle, promising to make him a fisher of men.There is much symbolism in this passage worth pondering. First, notice that Jesus uses something very familiar to Peter to invite Him to become one of the Twelve Apostles. He used his trade of fishing. This is similar to the way God used a star to draw the Magi, who were astrologers, to Bethlehem.Another symbolic action Jesus uses is that of putting out “into deep water.” It was not enough to simply go a short distance from shore. Instead, the deep water was to symbolize the fact that the Gospel was to go forth to the ends of the earth, just as the fishermen were to fish in the depths of the sea. Finally, the fact that they “caught a great number of fish” symbolizes the superabundance that would come forth through Peter's apostolic ministry. And the fact that the “nets were tearing” points to the fullness that everyone will experience when they embark upon the mission of Christ.Though the symbolic aspects of this Gospel passage are worth much prayerful pondering, there is another line within the Gospel that might speak to you just as powerfully. Peter had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. The fact that he relates this to Jesus suggests that he was tired and perhaps even discouraged. Any fisherman could relate to this. But the important lesson Peter teaches us is that he does not give in to that discouragement. And the reason he doesn't give in to discouragement is because it was Jesus Who commanded him to lower the nets.In our own lives, we can all get discouraged at times. But the real test of our fidelity to God is whether or not we continue to listen to His commands of love and respond generously, dispelling any temptations to discouragement when things do not seem to be going our way. If we can do this, it is especially in these moments that God often uses us in powerful ways. Reflect, today, upon the voice of God in your life. What is it that you sense Him calling you to do? What is that “deep water” to which He is calling you? As you ponder this, reflect especially upon the words of Peter, “Master…at your command I will lower the nets.” Say “Yes” to the command of our Lord. Do so even if it is difficult, and especially if you do not feel like doing what He asks of you. If you do, you will find that in this act of fidelity, God will bring forth an abundance of good fruit. My miraculous Lord, You gave a command of love to Saint Peter, and he obeyed You with generosity. As a result, You brought forth an abundant catch. Please give me the strength of will to obey all that You speak to me, so that You will bring forth an abundance of good fruit in my life also. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Image via Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Saturday, 8 February 2025 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Matthew 7:13 “You enter through the narrow gate. Because wide the gate and spacious the way, the ‘leading to the destruction,' and many, they are, those entering through it” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus gave a summary statement of the Law and Prophets, noting that what you want men to do to you, do also for them. Now, He continues with words that concern the issue of salvation, beginning with, “You enter through the narrow gate.” The pulé, gate, is introduced here. It signifies the leaf or wing of a folding entrance. Jesus will refer to the kingdom of heaven in verse 7:21, and so His words now are setting up how to enter that kingdom. The word is also used metaphorically for the gates of Hades as well – “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 Please note that Hades is not the ultimate end of man, meaning the Lake of Fire. Rather, it is the depository for the dead of all ages. It is the equivalent of Sheol in the Old Testament. As for Jesus' words now, this word pulé is the same word used in the Greek Old Testament in Genesis 28 – “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.' 17 And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate [Greek: pulé] of heaven!'” Genesis 28:16, 17 Jesus used that account in Genesis and applied it to Himself in John 1 – “And He said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.'” John 1:51 As Jesus is applying the idea of this gate to heaven being narrow, it is telling His disciples that it is not just an easy walk-through for throngs and throngs all at once. Rather, it is passage for a small amount at any one time. Of this gate, Jesus introduces the word stenos, narrow. It is used only three times in the New Testament, and each is used in the same general context. Its use in Luke 13:24 is in connection with a thura, door, instead of a gate. Being used in the same context as here in Matthew, Jesus is using the words in a synonymous manner. This is important to remember, because the thura is the same word used by Jesus when referring to Himself as well – “Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door [thura] of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door [thura]. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.'” John 10:7-10 Putting together these pieces of the larger picture of what the Bible is conveying to us, the words of Jesus continue with, “Because wide the gate and spacious the way, the ‘leading to the destruction.'” Jesus gives a contrasting thought to the gate into the kingdom of the heavens. Instead of being narrow, the gate and way to destruction will fit many all at once. It is an easy and open access point, like the southern border of the United States during the Biden administration. The word Jesus uses, translated as wide, is found only here, platus. It gives the sense of being spread out flat. Thus, it is something broad or wide. It is where our modern word “plate” is derived from. The word translated as spacious, euruchóros, is also found only here. It is derived from two words indicating broad or wide as a space or territory, like a region. It is like there is an entire district that is opened up to swallow the unbelieving of humanity. In these words are still two more new words to consider, apagó, to lead, lead away, lead astray, put to death, etc. It is an external action that affects the one being led. The other word is apóleia, destruction. It signifies something being completely severed or cut off from what should have been. Jesus' words concerning these things imply that such an end is a much more likely way for people to take. As He next says, “and many, they are, those entering through it.” Jesus is giving hints of the path to salvation that must later be pieced together from other parts of Scripture. Ultimately, what He is saying points to Him being the narrow point of access to reconciliation with God. Any other supposed path is part of a much wider access point that leads to separation from God. Gates are used to allow access, but they are also used to restrict both access and egress. Jesus' words ask His readers to consider where they are going, how they intend to get there, and the ramifications of taking the wrong way. “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?' 6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:5, 6 Life application: The symbolism used here is consistent with that used in the Old Testament. There is a narrow way that one can return to fellowship with God, and there is a world of ways that fail to allow that fellowship. When one pursues the right path, there is an infinite expanse on the other side where eternal fellowship is realized. On the contrary, there is a cramped, dark, and terrifying enclosure on the other side for those who choose the wrong path. The path to restoration is one that calls for faith in what God has done through Jesus. The path to destruction is one that rejects faith in Jesus. This includes other religious preferences that don't include Jesus. However, it also includes those who claim to be Christians but who are relying on their own works rather than faith in what Christ has done. And more, it includes those who follow a false Jesus. As you can see, God has given us one avenue. That is through faith in the finished work of Jesus. Only His shed blood can cover your sins and provide a reconciliation between God and you. Choose wisely. Choose Jesus. Heavenly Father, help us to responsibly consider our state before You, acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves, and then may we do what is right by throwing ourselves at the foot of the cross, faithfully accepting what Jesus has done. He alone can restore us to You. Help us to get this message out! Thank You, O God, for Jesus our Lord. Amen.
“Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and . . . has crossed over from death to life.” — John 5:24 I was with a group going house to house in the Philippines to share the way of salvation. We used simple tracts that featured the Bridge Illustration—showing Jesus as the bridge from death to life. In the doorway of a palm-thatched house I spoke with a middle-aged woman and her teenage daughter, who was nursing an infant. The illustration pictured a chasm with a cliff on each side. One cliff represented death, with a figure of a man on it; and the other cliff represented life, with a symbol for God on it. The chasm represented sin, which separates us from God. The illustration then showed a cross—representing Jesus—bridging the chasm. Focusing on our text-verse for today, I explained to the mother and daughter that by putting our faith in Jesus, we cross that bridge from death to life. “Where are you in relation to life, death, and the bridge?” I asked them. They pointed to the center of the bridge—halfway across the chasm. I went on to explain that Jesus spoke in the past tense, saying, “has crossed over”—and this means that we already have eternal life right now through faith in Jesus. They weren't so sure about that, but they were interested to learn more. Where are you in relation to death, life, and the bridge (Jesus)? Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith to trust in you alone to bring us from death to life, and please give us the assurance of eternal life today. In your name, Amen.
We all have to get over that picture we have of God up in heaven marking down our good deeds and bad deeds, don't we? When we mess up we think we have to be on our best behavior and do some acts of kindness to make up for it, but that's not how it works. Nothing we do could ever measure up to God's standard. In his message today, Pastor Terry will remind you that God isn't keeping score. Jesus met God's standard, and if you put your faith in Jesus, God won't condemn you. All He has is love for you.
This week, Sports Spectrum's Matt Forte, Jason Romano and Annabelle Hasselbeck spent the week in New Orleans interviewing and speaking to Philadelphia Eagles players and coaches about their faith in Jesus. 1. Jalen Hurts (1:48) 2. Saquon Barkley (2:40) 3. Reed Blankenship (3:28) 4. Jalyx Hunt (4:16) 5. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (7:33) 6. Oren Burks (9:50) 7. Kelee Ringo (11:09) 8. Jemal Singleton (12:32) 9. Cooper DeJean (18:20) 10. Grant Calcaterra (19:37) 11. Will Shipley (21:25) Sports Spectrum is presented this week by UNITUS. Learn more by checking out their website - WeAreUnitus.com. Use the code SS10 to save 10% off through February 9, 2025. If you would like to advertise with Sports Spectrum or have a guest idea for someone to talk to on the show, please email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him. https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/ Have you heard our other Sports Spectrum podcasts? Sports Spectrum's What's Up Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7CvX5oXnEuKIYI5GCVT7Hi?si=9c61982675f1413d Sports Spectrum's Get in the Game Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7CFPZVet3TcsSJMZqRHndI?si=d6599c85917146a7
VIA is the Young Adults Ministry at Silverdale Baptist Church. We want to lead people to take their next step in following Jesus. — One of Via's values is “We Don't Keep It To Ourselves”. We believe an integral part of growing our faith in Jesus is sharing what He has done. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend! — Via meets weekly on Thursdays at 8p at our Bonny Oaks campus. https://www.silverdalebc.com/via/ — Follow VIA: https://www.instagram.com/theviasbc/ ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc
Send us a textWhat happens when a self-professed skeptic encounters undeniable evidence of faith? This episode of the Foxhole Symphony Podcast takes you on a thought-provoking journey inspired by personal transformation and belief. Drawing from a moving devotional by Justin Camp and a riveting interview with Lee Strobel on the Sean Ryan Show, we explore how declaring one's faith openly can be a catalyst for profound change. We'll share stories of evolution in our own spiritual lives and highlight the pivotal role that a community of like-minded men can play in strengthening one's commitment to faith.Faith is as much a choice as it is a journey, and we dive into the heart of what it means to believe actively in Jesus Christ. It's not just about declaring faith but also about living it out loud, even when doubts arise. The episode discusses how aligning actions with beliefs can be risky yet rewarding, urging listeners to seek a community to support this courageous path. By exploring the stories of skeptics like Lee Strobel, we underscore the importance of being part of a supportive network and the transformative power of surrendering to a life driven by faith.Throughout the episode, we reflect on the ongoing nature of the spiritual journey, embracing both the triumphs and tribulations that come with it. Authenticity and hope become central themes as we discuss the importance of maintaining a heartfelt and candid relationship with God and each other. We express our gratitude for the influential figures who've shaped our spiritual journeys and invite you to partake in a prayer for hope and healing. Join us as we navigate the unique paths of faith and the unparalleled strength found in a community that fosters growth and abundant life.Support the showWe have BIG plans at Foxhole Symphony and sure could use your financial support. Would you prayerfully consider a small monthly contribution to support us in our mission to catalyze transformation in the hearts of men? Support Our MissionFind us at:https://www.facebook.com/foxholesymphonyhttps://www.instagram.com/foxholesymphony/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuvcXdDpE79S_D_hInblcDw
In Luke 2 when Jesus's parents find him after he was "lost", they ask him where He was and Jesus responds that He must be in His Father's house. As believers, we too must remember our responsibility to be about our Father's business and we should advertise that to our kids, our neighbors, and anyone else in our influence. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are now one in Christ and we now serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tune in to the new episode of Ministry Minute, titled "Faith: The Game Changer." This episode delves into the essential role of faith in Jesus and its profound ability to reshape our lives for the better. Let us embark on this journey of faith together!
This week, Sports Spectrum's Matt Forte, Jason Romano and Annabelle Hasselbeck spent the week in New Orleans interviewing and speaking to Kansas City Chiefs players and coaches about their faith in Jesus.1. Patrick Mahomes (1:58)2. James Winchester (2:33)3. Todd Pinkston (6:27)4. Carson Wentz (8:22)5. Kareem Hunt (10:03)6. Drue Tranquill (10:29)7. Charles Omenhihu (13:37)8. Jaylin Watson (14:23)9. Rod Wilson (16:10)10. Samaje Perine (18:20)11. Trent McDuffie (22:03)12. Harrison Butker (22:47)Sports Spectrum is presented this week by UNITUS. Learn more by checking out their website -WeAreUnitus.com. Use the code SS10 to save 10% off through February 9, 2025.If you would like to advertise with Sports Spectrum or have a guest idea for someone to talk to on the show, please email us -jason@sportsspectrum.comWATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazineSign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/Have you heard our other Sports Spectrum podcasts?Sports Spectrum'sWhat's Up Podcast -https://open.spotify.com/show/7CvX5oXnEuKIYI5GCVT7Hi?si=9c61982675f1413dSports Spectrum'sGet in the Game Podcast -https://open.spotify.com/show/7CFPZVet3TcsSJMZqRHndI?si=d6599c85917146a7
In the final justification sermon, Brother Luke looks at the most compelling type of justification. To be justified by works is when others declare us righteous, and justification by faith is when we experience it within based on our faith in Jesus’ work, it is only through grace that the Lord God Almighty declares us …
Number one reason for our faith in Jesus, in the story of writing:”Nothing Can Separate Us'
Witness a sleepy Pastor Josh become energized as Matt Shiles brings the discussion about this past week's sermon, "Sustaining Believe". You must endure the sabotages for Believe to succeed. This is a discussion about keeping your faith in Jesus as the Cosmic King alone and rejecting the saboteurs who might confuse that clarity. Pastor Josh then talks about the fear of change or loss in one's life that this clarity of faith might bring.
Daily Dose of Hope February 5, 2025 Day 4 of Week 45 Scripture: Ezekiel 40-42; John 14 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading. It's Recharge day so I hope we see you tonight at 6:30pm in the Garage. Our Old Testament reading is Ezekiel 40-42. Here, we begin to see how God's presence is about to return to his temple. We find Ezekiel being given a tour (in a vision of course) of a new temple. It's a majestic temple as well, bigger than the one built by King Solomon. Is this the way the temple will look in the new Jerusalem when Jesus returns? Some people say yes. In fact, some people would say these chapters offer blueprints of sorts. But most people believe that we have a tremendous amount of symbolism here, as we do in the book of Ezekiel as a whole. Yes, God's presence will be with his people. It will be amazing and majestic. But we don't really have the words to articulate what that will be like. Our New Testament reading is John 14. Let's focus on the first portion on the chapter. This is such a great interaction between Jesus and Thomas. The disciples are experiencing a lot of anxiety. Jesus has just told them he's going away but he is trying to reassure them. Jesus is like, I'm on my way to get your room ready. I'll be coming back to get you, trust me. But anyway, you already know the way. And Thomas is like, “Umm…actually, I don't know the way, is there a map or something?” And that's when Jesus says, “You do know the way because I am the way. The only way to get to my Father is through me.” And he reiterated what he has been teaching them, to know Jesus is to know the Father. If you have seen Jesus, then you have seen the Father. When Jesus says, “I am the way,” he doesn't say “I am a way.” How the Greek sentence is constructed makes it absolutely clear and irrefutable that Jesus is making an exclusive claim here. He is basically saying, don't go looking to anyone else to point you in those directions, because I am the only one who can!” Well, that feels pretty exclusive, doesn't it? Yes, it is. And exclusivity makes a lot of us feel uncomfortable. So, let's dig deeper. What other Scriptures point to the exclusivity of Jesus? 1. John 3:16-18 (Jesus speaking to Nicodemus), For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 2. John 3:36 (later in the conversation)- Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. 3. Acts 4:12 (Peter, speaking before the Jewish ruling council) – Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 4. Rom. 10:9 – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 5. I John 5:12 - Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. And there are many others but I'm going to stop there for now. I do believe in looking at the full narrative of Scripture – if we look at all of the Bible – it points to Jesus as the way to heaven. I've searched to see if the Bible allows for other options, possible openings, that might allow for another way and I haven't found any. There are some things in the Bible in which there is tension – it says this but it also says this – and we have to really dig and pray and interpret. But there isn't tension here at all --- Scripture clearly points to Jesus as the Son of God, the fulfillment of God's promise from Gen to Rev, and the only way to the Father, the only way to receive salvation, the only way to heaven. And that makes logical sense to me. Why would Jesus have voluntarily died on a Roman cross for us if he was just one option among many to provide a way to be saved? If there were other ways to receive salvation and get to God, then why would Jesus even need to do all that? Why would Christians throughout the ages have needed to stand their ground and lose their lives? Why would Christians around the world today be risking their lives to follow Christ? Some may say they are disillusioned but I personally don't believe so. If we believe that Jesus rose from the dead, proving his divinity, proving he is Lord of all – then that means we have to also believe everything he said. We can't pick and choose. I'm not a scholar, you guys, but in my mind and heart, all of this points to the truth that Jesus is the only way. So, that being the case – then other questions come to mind. And here is where it often gets hard for us – more difficult questions. What about all of the people who don't believe in Jesus? If those who believe in Jesus have everlasting life, then what about those who don't believe in Jesus? Are they doomed to hell? How could a loving God allow this? What about those who may have heard of Jesus, but did not really understand who He was? What about those who have never even heard the name of Jesus? We have read Scripture already that speaks to those who reject Jesus face the wrath of God; those who don't have Jesus, don't have life. Those who don't profess faith in Jesus will not experience salvation. They won't spend eternity with God. Both the OT and the NT speak about a place called hell. The word most often translated as hell in the New Testament is the Greek word “gehenna.” Jesus uses this word 11 times. The literal translation of the word is the Valley of Hinnom (“ge”+“hinnom”). The Valley of Hinnom was Jerusalem's landfill where people burned their trash. So when Jesus speaks about burning in hell, he's using this image. Jesus' hell is a place devoid of hope and love, a place where God's will is absent, separate from the community. And Jesus, throughout the Gospels, does speak of people making choices that land them in hell. To deny the existence of hell is to deny the words of Jesus. Period. I've witnessed arguments about whether hell is a real place, whether hell is hot, whether it's cold, you name it. I think we could probably argue those things until we are blue in the face and it isn't productive. What we know: Hell is a Godless place. It is a place where God is not. What I know is that God dearly loves us, he dearly loves all people and he desires for all people to know him and have a relationship with him. But this is the thing, even though we were created to be near God, God does not force us or make us love him back or even force us to be near him. So hell exists because just as some choose to be with God, some will choose to be without God. I've had to kind of reconcile this for myself. God is not mean. God is incredibly loving. He does not send people to hell. He allows people to make the choice – a lifetime and eternity with God OR without God. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Do you believe this. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Bible Reading: Matthew 8:5-13Ezra and Louie took their remote control truck out to the driveway while Mom sat on the porch. Their little sister, Ophelia, was hopping around on a pogo stick. "Mom," Ophelia said, "I wish I had a remote control pogo stick. I could ride it, and you could make it to go up and down, up and down, all by itself. That would be fun!""Yeah, that would be cool!" Ezra said as he watched his sister.Mom laughed. "I've never heard of such a thing. Maybe you can invent one when you grow up.""But I want one now!" said Ophelia."I have an idea," said Mom. "When I give a command, do whatever I say. If I say to go left, you go left. If I say to go right, you go right. It's kind of like I'm moving you by remote control! How about that?" Ophelia grinned and nodded. "Ready?" asked Mom. "Okay, go straight ahead…turn left…turn left again…now go right…back up…go forward…stop!" Ophelia bounced around, laughing as she followed her mother's instructions. The boys joined in too, and soon they were taking turns giving and receiving commands.That night, Mom read a Bible story about a Roman leader who asked Jesus to heal his servant. "The centurion answered and said, 'Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.'""Jesus was pleased with that man's faith," Mom explained after she finished reading. "The servant was healed the moment Jesus said, 'So let it be done for you.'""Just like a remote control!" said Louie. "That's an interesting way to look at it," Mom said. "God made this world, and He controls everything in it--but not always like a remote control. He wants us to trust Him and follow His commands--just like Ophelia let me direct where her pogo stick went by following my directions. The man in the story believed Jesus was God and submitted to His authority by asking Jesus to do what he could not, knowing Jesus could do anything. That's the kind of faith we need to have too." –Tait E. PowellHow About You?Have you put your faith in Jesus? Are you listening to Him and following His commands? Or are you living the way you want? We can fool ourselves into thinking we're in control of our lives, but God is in control of everything. You can't save yourself or live a good life on your own--you need Jesus. Trust and follow Him. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)Today's Key Verse:You, whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. (NKJV) (Psalm 83:18)Today's Key Thought:Trust and obey Jesus
What if you could unwrap the promises of God like an unused bank account, radically transforming your life? This finale of our series on living in God's presence dives deep into the essence of Psalm 15, revealing what it truly means to dwell with the divine. We uncover the attributes that define those who live in His presence—blameless actions, righteous deeds, and truthful speech. Our discussion invites you to explore the concept of spiritual inheritance and how accessing these divine promises can revolutionize your daily existence. We draw on the powerful example of Abraham to explore covenant relationships and faithfulness, examining the unwavering commitment required to uphold one's word, even when it costs. Through this lens, we emphasize how true belief in God's unseen promises can reshape our lives and influence generations to come. As we reflect on the profound gift of forgiveness, we urge listeners to align their lives with divine integrity and purpose, showcasing the transformative power of faith that doesn't just acknowledge sin but embraces redemption. The significance of proximity and its impact on our relationships takes center stage as we discuss the influence we wield through faith. By maintaining a positive environment and surrounding ourselves with uplifting influences, we can impact others profoundly in all facets of life. We highlight the importance of community, ethical resource management, and unwavering honesty, challenging listeners to fulfill their commitments with integrity. Finally, we close by encouraging accountability and spiritual goal setting, reminding you that everything necessary for a life fulfilled in godliness is already within your grasp. Join us as we equip you with the insights and encouragement needed to live with honor, integrity, and faith. Where to dive in: (0:00:00) - Living in God's Presence Understanding God's ways through the Bible, living blamelessly, and accessing spiritual inheritance for a profound relationship with Him. (0:11:29) - Covenant Relationship and Faithfulness Integrity, honor, and faith in God's promises shape our lives and influence future generations. (0:16:57) - Impacting Others Through Covenant Faithfulness Proximity, faith in Jesus, positive influences, community, love and respect, fulfilling commitments, trusting in God's promises. (0:27:59) - Living With Honor and Integrity Integrity, selflessness, and ethical use of money are discussed, emphasizing the importance of a pure heart and not exploiting others. (0:41:29) - Accountability and Goal Setting Embody the principles of being the body of Christ, minister to one another, establish accountability, and review goal list regularly. About your host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/ Connect: - Website: https://jaimeluce.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.luces.page - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime_luce/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-luce-00395691/
This week, Dudley brings us his monthly message, “What In The Church Is Going On?” In this powerful message, Dudley explores the profound shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as seen in the New Testament Church. He points to when Paul addresses the importance of unity between Gentiles and Jews in Christ, highlighting that believers, regardless of their background, are united through faith in Jesus. Dudley discusses the role of grace, the sacrificial system, and how the New Covenant offers a new way of relationship with God, free from the laws and rituals of the Old Covenant. This teaching helps us understand the transformative message of the gospel, emphasizing that in Christ, all are equal and share in the same inheritance. Watch as we break down the theological significance of these covenants and what it means for Christians today, offering a fresh perspective on the unity of the church in Christ. Get Dudley's Weekly Word delivered right to your inbox every Friday! Click here to get access ➡️ https://dudleysweeklyword.com/opt-inFor more information and resources, visit https://kerygmaventures.com/podcast/ Follow and subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41N9SAP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LEIxeo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerygmaventures Watch our "Conversations At The Ranch" series: https://bit.ly/conversations-at-the-ranch Watch our “Dudley's Monthly Message” series: https://bit.ly/dudleys-monthly-message
This week, we will be studying Luke 5:17-26 under the theme “Forgiving a Paralyzed Man.” Luke's Gospel repeatedly shows the theme of Jesus' healing for a hurting world. Jesus lets us know He is Lord and he has the power to forgive sins. Through our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven. He encourages us to bring people to him through our faith.The goal of Dr. Luke's Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus' gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayersFill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcardIf you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Welcome to another episode of the On My Mind podcast! Today, we explore the significance of maintaining a positive mindset centered on Jesus and the transformative power of faith. Join us as we discuss personal struggles with identity and confidence, and how understanding God's love can change our perception of ourselves. We highlight the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive believers who can encourage and build you up in your faith journey. Learn why fellowship with others who love Jesus can lead to a stronger and more positive lifestyle, and how your community can impact your journey either positively or negatively. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on faith, fellowship, and personal growth! 00:00 Welcome to the On My Mind Podcast 00:21 Understanding Your Identity in Christ 02:03 The Importance of Fellowship 03:02 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Believers 03:40 The Impact of Words and Relationships 05:18 Choosing the Right Friends 07:42 Being a Positive Influence 08:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Feb 2, 2025 GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHNeil McClendon, Lead PastorElements of An Effective TestimonyActs 26:1-321. A past, v. 1-11The glory of your present life should always eclipse the shame of your past. If not, you will always fear your past.2. A conversion experience, v. 12-18Three things that are universal for every conversion experience…a) God appears to you, v. 16b) God delivers you, v. 17c) God sends you, v. 17-18 Four things happen when people's eyes are opened…1) they turn from darkness to light2) turn from the power of Satan to the power of God3) they receive forgiveness of sin4) they get a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus (the Church) 3. A consistent life, v. 19-23A converted life is consistent to three things…a) God's vision for their life, v. 19-21b) God's help, v. 22 c) Biblical doctrine, v. 22b-23 1) atonement- Jesus died in your place/for your sins 2) resurrection- the receipt that confirms God's acceptance 3) salvation- you can change because of the first two4. A shared focus, v. 24-29Mental worship… 1 What are some of the “goads” in your life and to what are they pointing you? 2 Is your life more of a reflection of God's vision or your desires? 3 Have you ever experienced the help that comes from God? 4 What kind of world would it be if everyone was like you are spiritually? 5 Are you a prisoner to anything these days?
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Placing your faith in Jesus changes your eternity in an instant. But the other changes—the way we grow in love, faith, and purpose—take time. How can you tell if it's happening? Find out in this message.GET TO KNOW YOU—NEW!You get to hear our voices—now we want to hear yours! Check out this special survey for podcast listeners. It'll allow us to get to know you better and hear how we can support you. Find the survey at: https://www.life.church/podcastconnectNEXT STEPSHave you made the decision to follow Jesus? You might be wondering what's next for you. We want to help! Check out these resources to discover what saying yes to Jesus means: https://www.life.church/yesABOUT THIS MESSAGEWe all have an idea of what it means to be “Christian.” But what does following Jesus really mean? How do we move past the label and truly live like followers of Christ? Let's talk about it in our new series, Christian-ish.ABOUT LIFE.CHURCHWherever you are in life, you have a purpose. Life.Church wants to help you find your next step. Our hope is that your journey will include joining us at a Life.Church location throughout the United States or globally online at https://www.live.life.churchFind locations, videos, and more info about us at https://www.life.church or download the Life.Church app at https://www.life.church/appFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/life.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/life.churchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifechurchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@life.churchCONNECT WITH PASTOR CRAIGYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/craiggroeschelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/craiggroeschelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/craiggroeschelTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@craiggroeschel#lifechurch #craiggroeschel #christianish
Placing your faith in Jesus changes your eternity in an instant. But the other changes—the way we grow in love, faith, and purpose—take time. How can you tell if it's happening? Find out in this message.