Podcasts about father hebrews

The Mar.16, 2025 Sunday morning sermon at Broadway Church of Christ oin Lubbock, TX. In this sermon, Karl Ihfe delves into the Book of Hebrews, addressing the central question: "Is it worth it to keep following Jesus?" He begins by highlighting how God has spoken throughout history, ultimately speaking through His Son, Jesus Christ. Ihfe warns against two common pitfalls in dealing with our past: amnesia (forgetting) and atavism (glorifying). Instead, he encourages believers to see how our history points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan. Ihfe emphasizes Jesus' divinity and humanity, quoting Hebrews 1:3, which describes Jesus as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being." He reminds the church that Jesus is the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of all things. The sermon concludes with a warning against drifting away from faith and an encouragement to hold on to Jesus, who intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). Ihfe urges believers to live into God's grand story rather than settling for a lesser dream. https://bwaychurch.org  

Disagree, agree, or have a question: Contact us through the contact page on our website; http://www.biblebulldog.com Chapter 4 & 5 – Sin Offerings (sin as a nature) (4:1-5:13). Question: How can the sin offering rituals in Leviticus 4 be seen as foreshadowing Christ's work as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)? Answer: The High Priest acting as mediator between God and man during sacrifices prefigures Christ's role as our eternal High Priest, interceding for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Question: The concept of the sin offering being outside the camp (Leviticus 4:11-12) can be seen as symbolic. How does this foreshadow the significance of Christ's crucifixion outside the city walls (Hebrews 13:11-12)? Answer: The sin offering being placed outside the camp signifies the removal of sin. Christ's crucifixion outside Jerusalem foreshadows his role in bearing the sin of the world (John 1:29). Leviticus 4 and 5 deal with sin offerings for various situations. Here are some discussion prompts from a Reformed perspective on how these foreshadow Christ's work: Shared Themes: Both chapters highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. The concept of transferring sins symbolically onto the animal points towards a future substitutionary sacrifice. Leviticus 4: Priest, Levite, Ruler, and Ordinary People: Limited vs Universal Atonement: The specific offerings for different classes (priest, ruler, ordinary people) can be seen as foreshadowing the Reformed doctrine of Limited Atonement. Discuss how these distinctions point towards Christ's sacrifice being particularly for the elect, rather than universally applicable. Explore potential arguments against this view and how they might be addressed from a Reformed perspective. Mediatorial Role of Christ: The role of the priest mediating the sin offering foreshadows Christ's role as the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Discuss how Christ's sacrifice offers the only path to forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Leviticus 5: Unintentional Sins and Guilt Offerings: Imperfect Atonement and Christ's Perfection: The sin offerings address unintentional sins, highlighting the ongoing struggle with sin even for believers. How does this foreshadow the necessity of Christ's perfect sacrifice, once for all, to cover the entirety of sin's debt for the elect? Discuss the concept of Christ's sacrifice being sufficient and final. Confession, Restitution, and Forgiveness: The sin offering process involves confession, sometimes restitution, and then the sacrifice. How does this foreshadow the importance of confession and repentance in the life of a believer, alongside the assurance of forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice? Explore scripture like 1 John 1:9, Proverbs 28:13, and Romans 8:1 to support this concept. Additional Considerations: Discuss the limitations of typology and how it should be used alongside clear scriptural teaching. Explore how these foreshadowings connect to the concept of imputation of sin to Christ and his righteousness to believers. Consider how these Reformed interpretations can bring comfort and assurance of salvation to believers who trust in Christ's work.

Date: June 16, 2024 Speaker: Joshua Earl

This article reposts one written four years ago today, April 7th, 2020. Ironically, tomorrow, April 8th, 2024, many residents of Canada and the United States will witness a solar eclipse. When the moon moves entirely between the Earth and the sun, it blocks all light except an outer circle of intense light. This ring is known as a corona. God the Father exists in a light no man can approach. (1 Timothy 6:16) Jesus is the expressed image of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). He reflects the Father's glory but in light that we can see.

We praise our generous God. -1. We commend God's works to the next generation. -v.1-7--2. We give thanks to God for His love- -v.8-13--3. We make God known to others. -v.14-21--What should we do in response to God's generosity---Who is singing the praises of the Father-- Hebrews 2-12-Why should we praise God, too-- Ephesians 1-3-Why have we been called out of darkness into light-- 1 Peter 2-9

Deconstruction of my faith part 2 There's nothing you can do. Let's first make clear that god at any point in history is the same. Not according to me, but according to him. Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not But Jesus is different than God? John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever You don't have any day in any of it. You are here at his whim. Romans 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Greater Than Angels & Demons, 1 of 2 from October 22nd, 2023 “We must purposely build our lives as directed by God's Son.” Hebrews 1:1-2:4 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) QUESTIONS

September 21, 2023 Daily Devotion: "God's Faithful Presence" Zephaniah 3:16-17 New International Version 16 On that day, they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” In verse 16 of chapter 3, however, Zephaniah uses the same phrase—“on that day”—to promise a time of renewal. God encourages them to rejoice, even while they wait and endure a time of suffering. As the other prophets do, Zephaniah connects the call to joy with God's faithful presence among His people. Whatever they face, He will be with them. They have enemies and feel abandoned, but God is “a victorious warrior” who “will rejoice over [them] with shouts of joy” (v. 17). And what about us? We also wait for a world restored, where our fellowship with God will never end. The writer of Hebrews sees Jesus as our example for joyful work while we “run with endurance” toward that goal (Hebrews 12:1). Consider Jesus, he writes, who endured the cross “for the joy set before him”—that of sitting in fellowship with the Father (Hebrews 12:2). Because we look forward to that same blessing, we can set fear aside and rejoice! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gerzon-etino/message

Psalm 110 is the most cited Scripture by the authors of the New Testament. As such it forms the core passage for how the Lord Jesus and his apostles interpreted Scripture.--In Luke 20-41, the Lord Jesus pointed out that David's Son is also David's Lord, citing Psalm 110-1.--He is also a priest whose priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, as Psalm 110-4 teaches. Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek -Genesis 14-18-20-. And Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through his ancestor Abraham, and so therefore the priesthood of Melchizedek absorbs the Levitical priesthood in itself as a superior priesthood -Genesis 14-20- Hebrews 7-4-10-. --Peter quotes Psalm 110-1 in Acts 2-29-35, proclaiming that Jesus is now sitting on David's throne at the right hand of the Father in heaven, because the true Zion is at the right hand of the Father -Hebrews 1-3, 13- 8-1- 10-12- 12-2-. --Paul says the same thing in Galatians 4-26, and one day the heavenly Jerusalem will come down on earth -Hebrews 12-22-24- Revelation 21-2, 10-11-.--1 Corinthians 15-24-26 quotes from Psalm 110 and teaches that Christ's reign climaxes in the death of death.

Psalm 110 is the most cited Scripture by the authors of the New Testament. As such it forms the core passage for how the Lord Jesus and his apostles interpreted Scripture.--In Luke 20-41, the Lord Jesus pointed out that David's Son is also David's Lord, citing Psalm 110-1.--He is also a priest whose priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, as Psalm 110-4 teaches. Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek -Genesis 14-18-20-. And Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through his ancestor Abraham, and so therefore the priesthood of Melchizedek absorbs the Levitical priesthood in itself as a superior priesthood -Genesis 14-20- Hebrews 7-4-10-. --Peter quotes Psalm 110-1 in Acts 2-29-35, proclaiming that Jesus is now sitting on David's throne at the right hand of the Father in heaven, because the true Zion is at the right hand of the Father -Hebrews 1-3, 13- 8-1- 10-12- 12-2-. --Paul says the same thing in Galatians 4-26, and one day the heavenly Jerusalem will come down on earth -Hebrews 12-22-24- Revelation 21-2, 10-11-.--1 Corinthians 15-24-26 quotes from Psalm 110 and teaches that Christ's reign climaxes in the death of death.

Psalm 110 is the most cited Scripture by the authors of the New Testament. As such it forms the core passage for how the Lord Jesus and his apostles interpreted Scripture.In Luke 20:41, the Lord Jesus pointed out that David's Son is also David's Lord, citing Psalm 110:1.He is also a priest whose priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, as Psalm 110:4 teaches. Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). And Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through his ancestor Abraham, and so therefore the priesthood of Melchizedek absorbs the Levitical priesthood in itself as a superior priesthood (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:4-10). Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 in Acts 2:29-35, proclaiming that Jesus is now sitting on David's throne at the right hand of the Father in heaven, because the true Zion is at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2). Paul says the same thing in Galatians 4:26, and one day the heavenly Jerusalem will come down on earth (Hebrews 12:22-24; Revelation 21:2, 10-11).1 Corinthians 15:24-26 quotes from Psalm 110 and teaches that Christ's reign climaxes in the death of death.

Pastor Randy Reed joins us for a sermon on God's parenting of his children and the relationship there to be embraced.

The Father disciplines those whom He loves. He disciplines His sons. His Discipline is for our GOOD. Do you embrace it or resent it?

Jesus is in YOUR boat! YOU need to know this... Website: www.PastorTodd.org To help support us: www.ToddCoconato.com/give   The story of Jesus calming the storm is told in the three Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Jesus had been teaching near the Sea of Galilee. Afterwards, He wanted a respite from the crowds so decided to take a boat with the apostles to the opposite shore where there were no large towns (Mark 4:35–36). The Bible reports not long after they sailed, Jesus fell asleep and a storm arose (Luke 8:23). Here are two important points that reveal the true humanity of Christ: He needed rest and time away from crowds, and He was so exhausted that even the battering of the boat did not awaken Him (Matthew 8:24). These truths should help us realize that Jesus was genuinely human with the same basic needs we all have. Christ's humanity is part of what qualifies Him to be our merciful intercessor between us and God the Father (Hebrews 2:17). Although the text doesn't say which apostles were with Christ on the boat, it's probable that seasoned fishermen (at least four of the twelve) were aboard. These men were quite familiar with the ways of the sea; certainly, this was not their first squall on the Sea of Galilee, which was known for its sudden raging storms. Even these professional fishermen were frightened by this storm, to the point of fearing they would die (Luke 8:24). “The waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion” (Mark 4:37–38). It's significant that Jesus' sleep was deep and sound, even through the storm, which was “already filling” the boat. The Bible says the sleep of a believer will be sweet and peaceful because he knows the Lord is with him (Proverbs 3:24; Psalm 4:8). This is why Jesus, when He was awakened, rebuked the disciples with the question “Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The apostles' lack of faith reminds us that even those who lived and walked with Jesus, saw His miracles, and heard His message still found it difficult to be 100 percent faith-filled all the time. In that way, the disciples were a lot like us. However, their lack of faith was rebuked—and, by extension, so is ours. If Jesus was able to rescue the apostles from the storm, He is also able to rescue us from the storms of everyday life: sickness, job loss, marriage problems, and even the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55). When Jesus “gave orders to go over to the other side” (Matthew 8:18), He knew the storm was coming. He is omniscient (John 2:25); even with a storm brewing, He decided to launch out to sea. The Lord never promised we will never see a storm in life (as a matter of fact, He has told us to expect trouble, John 16:33). Rather, He has promised that He will be with us in the storm. He will never leave His children alone in the midst of trouble; with perseverance they will overcome (Deuteronomy 31:8; James 1:12). This passage not only reveals Jesus' true humanity, but also Jesus' deity because only God can make the “winds and water obey” (Luke 8:25). With one quick word from Christ, the storm abated and the sea became calm (Mark 4:39). The apostles marveled at this powerful display of Jesus' supernatural ability over the elements (Luke 8:25). This can be immensely comforting to the Christian in a storm. Faith in Christ is never misplaced. If He can calm the storms of the sea with one word, He can calm the storms of life as well.

Pastor John Brown | Hebrews 12:1-13 | Denia Community Church - Denton, TX | deniachurch.com

The Feasts of Yahweh - THE FESTIVAL OF FIRST FRUITS IS YAHSHUA MESSIAH OUR FIRSTFRUITSSundown April 17, 2022, which would be the 16th of AbibApril 18, before the sun sets, Yahshua Messiah is the time this year for His resurrection. Whereas on the Nisan 18th (Bondage) April 19, Tuesday, is when He ascended in the Heaven to be Judge as that righteous Lamb before YahwehIn this 2nd Podcast of Yahweh's Feasts; I will be discussing the Festival of the Firstfruits, the day in which the Messiah Resurrected, NOT the Church tradition of EasterThe fifteenth of Nisan begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is a high Sabbath.  It is a seven day feast to the Lord.  The day following the Sabbath during Passover is called the Feast of First Fruits (Leviticus 23:10-14).It is commonly supposed in Churches today that Yahshua Messiah was crucified on Friday and that the resurrection occurred about sunrise on Easter Sunday morning.  Few professing Christians have ever thought to question or to prove this “Good-Friday-Easter” tradition. Yet the Bible tells us to prove (test) all things. We need to make this important distinction: First Fruits, the day of the Wave Sheaf, is NOT “Easter.” The day most Christians celebrate the resurrection of Yahshua Messiah is only loosely associated with the Biblical Appointed Times because of the Spring season. Easter Sunday is the first Sunday following the first full moon following the spring equinox. It may or may not be near Passover, and it may or may not coincide with the day of the Wave Sheaf.  Easter, as most of us know, is chock full of pagan customs and symbolism. And while many Christians are sincere in their celebration of the Resurrection of the Messiah, they often get caught up in these trappings. The doubting Pharisees were asking Yahshua for a sign – supernatural evidence – in proof of His Messiahship. Yahshua answered, “But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:39-40.YAHSHUA MESSIAH IS THE FIRST FRUITS OF THE BARLEY HARVEST1. Yahshua is the firstborn of Mary (Matthew 1:23-25)2. Yahshua is the first-begotten of Elohim the Father (Hebrews 1:6)3. Yahshua is the firstborn of every creature (Colossians 1:15)4. Yahshua is the first-begotten from the dead (Revelation 1:5)5. Yahshua is the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29)6. Yahshua is the first fruits of the resurrected ones (1 Corinthians   15:20, 23)7. Yahshua is the beginning of the creation of Elohim (Revelation 3:14)8. Yahshua is the preeminent One (Colossians 1:18)Clue #1 - Let us start with the stipulation in - Lev 19:23 ·         In this passage we see Israel was told they must not eat of the fruit of the trees for the first three years ·         Now is there anything to this other then an environmental concern? ·         Yahshua's ministry on earth if we look at the gospel accounts took how long? Three years! Why that specific length of time? Could it be Elohim is trying to get our attention - in pointing out the symbolic nature of the Feast of First Fruits - that possibly First Fruits is not simply about giving thanks to Elohim for the grain harvest?  Join with me as we “Unravel the Words of Yahweh” on keeping the True day of Yahshua Messiah's Resurrection!Have any questions? Feel free to email me at utwoy@netzero.net

Today's Reading: Small Catechism: Table of Duties, To YouthDaily Lectionary: Ezekiel 34:1-24; Romans 3:19-31Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-6) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Under the discipline of "those who are older," God's hand can seem quite mighty at times. Add to that the burden and pressure of all the other things life throws at you, and that hand seems even mightier.Through it all, trust that hand. It bears you no harm at all. God's hand poured out all its harm on Jesus when Jesus humbled Himself and carried your sin to the Cross for you (Philippians 2:4-11). All that is left in God's hand, now, is forgiveness and love for you. Through it all, then, trust that hand. God is training you as a Father (Hebrews 12:7-11) to live each day according to His promises, not according to your surroundings. He's teaching you to find meaning and life not in what could be, but in what actually is. God is disciplining you, as His child, so that you learn to find courage and strength not in your circumstances, but in His Word alone. What has He spoken to you in His Word? What has He promised you? Jesus. That's What. That's Who. Jesus on the Cross for you. Jesus in Baptism for you. Jesus in Absolution and sermons for you. Jesus in the Supper for you. Jesus on the Last Day for you. Jesus, to forgive and to save you all the way through. It's okay not to be the one in charge, because the One in charge is God Himself. He's the maestro. We are the orchestra, His masterpiece. I know. Sometimes, you don't like the sound of the music. I get that. He gets that, too. But, don't ever forget this: By sending Jesus to the Cross for us, God has reconciled the entire band to Himself. And that includes you. God knows where you are. He put you there. He knows what you are going through. He's there with you. Give it time. For the time will come when God raises you up to see that His goodness and mercy were always there. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What God ordains is always good: He is my friend and Father; He suffers naught to do me harm Though many storms may gather. Now I may know both joy and woe; Someday I shall see clearly That He has loved me dearly. ("What God Ordains Is Always Good" LSB 760, st.4)-Rev. Bradley Drew is pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Metairie, LA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

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12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

-Sung Psalm- 36---Do you ever wish that you could see Jesus- Wouldn't it be nice if you could just look up into the sky and see Jesus there, sitting on the throne at the right hand of God the Father---Hebrews 2-8-9 says At present, w-e do not yet see everything in subjection to Jesus. But we see . . . Jesus . . .---Do you see Jesus--Hebrews says that we see Jesus--How--With your eyes--No.-By faith.--Faith is the eye of the soul.-Faith enables us to see the invisible.--Because -We see . . . Jesus.---That's what Hebrews 11 is all about...

Revelation 20:1-6 Series: Just Conquer #56 # Introduction Many years ago at a Shepherds' Conference I heard John MacArthur describe the work of John Calvin in a way that planted a mental seed which still bears fruit every week as I study the Bible. John Calvin wrote his _Institutes of the Christian Religion_ fairly early in his life (27 years old). He continued to revise it, editing and adding, for the next two decades until his death. His work explained the theology that the Reformers believed, and were willing to die for. By the time Calvin's earthly ministry was finished, he had also published verse-by-verse commentaries for almost every book of the Bible. MacArthur commented something to the effect that Calvin dragged his theology through text after text of Scripture which sharpened his theology and kept it driven by the Word. At a different level, we all have some sort of "theology" when we come to read whatever book we pick up, including the Bible. With the Bible, though, we want to constantly, intentionally, submit ourselves to it. We don't need to claim that we come without any assumptions, but we must be willing to have our assumptions challenged, if not rebuked and corrected, depending on what we read. It is a process, and that's *good*. God's revelation was progressive, so is our understanding of it. One reason I wanted to preach through the Apocalypse is because I wanted to drag my own notions of eschatology through every seal, trumpet, and bowl. It's true, I also wanted to drag you all (and your theological assumptions) along together. Being honest with our assumptions is tough, and it is even tougher to willingly barrage those assumptions with questions to see what still stands. Preaching through Revelation has been the most difficult series for me, not necessarily because of the apostle John's visions, but because of trying to consider some of the interpretations of those visions by those with a different approach. This can be done charitably, not building figurative bunkers about eschatology. Some of my closest friends are *wrong*. It's also been difficult because eschatology seems to be one of the most dualistic doctrines by default. What I mean is, the way I've heard Revelation talked about is more for bunker-builders than bold conquerors. If the world is going to hell in a handbasket, as is often talked about, then we should hunker down until the rapture. But I wanted to drag my Kuyperianism through these chapters to see what would come out. As we like to say, we are Reformed and still reading Revelation (ha!). No, we're “Reformed and still reforming,” which includes reading the verses in Revelation for themselves, which promise blessing (Revelation 1:3), rather than assuming what they *can't* mean because of our "theology." Also, for what it's worth, John Calvin never wrote a commentary on Revelation. Who knows what might have happened if it had been otherwise. We've looked at the first two paragraphs in Revelation 20, paragraphs that repeatedly refer to the “thousand years.” Satan is bound for a thousand years (verses 1-3), some group of people are resurrected and are said to reign for a thousand years (verses 4-6). After the thousand years, Satan is released for a little while and then is finally defeated (verses 7-10). I have mentioned some of the categories, but have tried to drag us through the verses first. If the eschatology of Revelation were a vision chart, and Jesus is the big “E” on the top line, we have some among us who've never looked closely at any of the lines below, and others who are arguing over the fine print of copyright information. And great. Today I want to get a higher perspective with some of the theological categories, show how they are understood to fit in Revelation (and a “thousand” millennial misunderstandings, which shows that I realize a “thousand” can be figurative), and then finish with some of my pastoral burden for why it matters. # The Millers Perhaps you've heard this before, I don't know who first said it, that the Millennial Kingdom is 1,000 years of peace that Christians like to fight about. The millennium refers to a thousand. I don't have exact figures, but whole denominations defend that a thousand means a thousand and other denominations say that thinking that a thousand means a thousand is indefensible. At the beginning of our study in Revelation I gave four approaches to the book: Preterist, Historicist, Idealist, and Futurist. These do not directly map onto the three main explanations of the millennium, but they are often related close. *Usually* the Historicist and the Idealist think 1,000 is symbolic, and the Preterist *must* think it's symbolic since we're *in* the millennium now. I don't know if there is any benefit to being a Futurist who isn't Premillennial, but, for example, Abraham Kuyper is a Futurist A-millennialist. What's different about each of these *millers*? Is it okay to be *any* one of them? A **Postmillennialist** *typically* believes that the thousand years is symbolic of a long time, perhaps thousands of years. For example, Doug Wilson, who is probably the most well-known Postmillennialst in our group, teaches that the "thousand years" is the time between Christ's first coming and His second coming. When considering Revelation 20, the dragon is bound *now*, and Christ's second coming is *post*/after the thousand years. The “first resurrection” is spiritual life, and the reigning with Christ includes political and cultural gospel-progress and success. Some Postmillennials think that a "golden age" of the kingdom, where the gospel has more widespread acceptance, is still to come, and they call that time the millennium. But it's still not a 999+1 years, and it still happens before Christ returns. There are good things for the Post-Millers, especially in their emphasis on the power of the gospel and the Lordship of Christ over all things, along with obeying Christ as Lord with a generational mindset. An **Amillennialist** *typically* believes that the thousand years is symbolic of a long time, and is currently in effect as well, both with great blessings and great trials. (Kuyper is odd, believing that the "thousand" is still future, but that it may only be a few days.) The emphasis for an Amillennial is that Christ is *currently* reigning (with all authority, Matthew 28:18), seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 8:1; 12:2), and that both gospel fruit and wicked rebellion will increase until some point in the future when God ushers in the eternal kingdom. There will be no “thousand years” before the new heavens and the new earth. All those who have died in Christ are reigning with Christ, we who are still alive on earth and those who have died with Him in the heavenly places. There are good things from the A-Millers, especially in their emphasis on the authority of Christ and the need for faithfulness to Christ amidst suffering. A **Premillennialist** *typically* thinks that the thousand years is *not a figure* for a long time, but that "thousand" is the shorter way to say ten centuries or one-hundred decades. A Pre-Miller understands the Rider on the white horse to come and defeat the kings of earth and then establish His reign on earth. They take chapters 19 and 20 consecutively, battle on earth then kingdom on earth then a final battle on earth then the new heavens and new earth. At the beginning of this thousand years, believers will be resurrected with their glorified bodies and will participate in the reign *on earth*. There are (at least) two subsets of Premillennialism: Historic and Dispensational. **Historic Premillennialism** holds that the thousand years is future, not symbolic, and that the focus of Christ's reign will be the *church*. Most likely the church will go through the Tribulation, and then the church will be the primary vehicle or institution through which Christ reigns during the millennium. Many of the early church fathers were Premillennialists of this type, including Augustine, until he turned toward Amillennialism and the church followed him in that for a thousand (and more) years. **Dispensational Premillennialism** holds that the thousand years is future, not symbolic, and that the focus of Christ's reign with be the *nation of Israel*. Most Dispensationalists think that the church will be raptured before the Tribulation (note that there is no talk about "church" after Revelation 3, though there are Mid-Trib and Post-Tribers, too), and then "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25) and Jesus will reign from the throne of David in the city of David, Jerusalem. # Every Miller Can't Be Right Both Post-Millers and A-Millers share a symbolic take on the "thousand years,” which is because both Post-Millers and A-Millers share a (mostly) symbolic take on the book of Revelation. Both Post-Millers and A-Millers think that Revelation repeats, or "recapitulates," such that, for example, the battle in 19:17-21 and the battle in 20:7-10 are the *same*, that the battle is *spiritual*, and that the millennium is in between (20:1-6) only as a *vision*, not as an actual kingdom. Pre-Millers get defensive about overly-sprititualized interpretations (arguing that a "thousand years" is plain), about non-sequential reading of the book (i.e., battle, binding, resurrections and reigning, battle). As a Dispy Pre-Miller, I believe that it takes less gymnastics to accept it in the order it's presented and with the more "surface" or “natural” reading, even while acknowledging a high amount of figurative language in John's visions. And while we all believe that God is faithful to His promises, a Dispy Pre-Miller is distinguished from all of the other categories in terms of God's love and plan for the nation of Israel. # A Thousand Ironies I also believe in a double-irony (not a literal thousand). The first irony is that a Dispy takes "covenant" more consistently than most capital-C Covenantalists. The second irony is that most Dispies live inconsistently with their own theological consistency. As for a more consistent hold on the covenant, Dispies maintain that when God said "all Israel will be saved" that God meant Israel, the nation, not a redefined group (see especially Jeremiah 31:31-40). I keep reading about "replacement" theology, where the church replaces Israel. Some want to call it "fulfillment" theology rather than replacement, so they say that the church is the fulfillment of the promises. Others reject the label "replacement" because they say that Old Testament Israel *was* the church in an earlier stage of God's redemptive plan, so it's the same thing, so the New Testament church can't “replace” it. But a Dispy says that the gospel is the power of God to salvation for the *Jew first*, that God's promises to the nation of Israel that were unconditional and that are unfulfilled must be fulfilled otherwise God's faithfulness is in question (which is the reason for Romans 9-11). He promised Israel new hearts, land, a rebuilt city, He promised them blessing. He promised them the Messiah in flesh, and the throne will be in Jerusalem. A number of the visions in Revelation fit with the fulfillment of promises to the *nation*. The 144k are from the tribes of Israel (7:1-8), distinguished from the “great number from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (7:9). The two witnesses are in Jerusalem (11:1-13). There are some of the "woman," who is identified as Israel, who are spared from the pursuit of Satan (12:1-6, 13-17). The final battle (20:7-8) is outside of Jerusalem. The fulfillment of God's “new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 31:31) is upheld and exalted by Dispies. Dispies have failed badly, however, and ironically, to be Kuyperian. To the degree that Augustine turned to Amillennialism in the 5th century he also promoted dualism. He blamed his move on bad-apple Pre-Millers. Eusebius and Augustine were repulsed by visions of gratuitous, gluttonous behavior in the thousand years kingdom as apparently taught by some. But why would glorified, let alone sanctified believers, abuse the good gifts? The Israelites were not too spiritual for Deuteronomic blessings. The kingdom conquerors in Hebrews 11:33 didn't wish they had been the ones sawn in two, as Hebrews 11:37. Dispy Pre-Millers have built too many eschatological bunkers, and read our rapture novels. We have been dualists, watching for the figurative rapture helicopter out of the figurative Vietnam of tribulation. We have the principle that God will show His faithfulness through spiritual and material blessings on earth in history, but we often do not live in practice consistently with our principle. Ironically, the Pre-Millers, who are supposed to not love symbols and spiritualization, have defined themselves out of any material and physical blessings, while still expecting it, reserving it, for Israel. The Post-Millers have taken physical and left out Israel. The A-Millers leave out Israel and physical. # Conclusion Just as Arminians must reckon with words such as “elect” in the Word, so Christ's reign is called a “thousand years” no matter how we try to define it. The millennial categories provide alternatives for how to understand the “thousand.” As for consistent Dispy Pre-Millers, we share the optimism of the power of the gospel with the Post-Millers, we share the concern over the increase of evil on earth with the A-Millers. And a future kingdom of saints reigning with Jesus does not eliminate current responsibilities of the saints for Jesus. A Kuyperian Dispensationalist *magnifies* his ministry in order to make the Jews jealous (like Paul described in Romans 11:11, 13-14) with the result that they would turn to Christ. Here is the place and now is the time for us to glorify the Lamb as He blesses us in our succeeding and in our suffering, and we trust that God has ordained to use us in part to turn Israel to her Messiah for when He returns to reign on earth. ---------- ## Charge By His grace you have turned to the sun and the Son, you have considered your jealous-making ministry in the story of human history on earth, you have been made fat in faith. What grace He has given, and now He promises His powerful grace as you go. ## Benediction: > May [you] have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. > Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:18-21, ESV)

How many strange phenomena happened when Jesus died on the cross-- -The veil of the Temple was ripped in two from top to bottom. There was a great earthquake and the tombs broke open, with the result that many of God's saints were raised from the dead -Matthew 27-51-52-, though they did not walk out and appear to people until after Jesus' resurrection -Matthew 27-53-.- -Jesus rose on the day after the Sabbath, the eighth day, the first day, not simply of the week, but the first day of the new creation -2 Corinthians 5-17-, a day that marks the end of one world order and the beginning of a new -Hebrews 9-8-18- Colossians 2-9-12- Genesis 17-12-.- -Jesus had obtained full forgiveness for all our sins when he cried out, -It is finished- -John 19-30- Hebrews 9-11-14-. But he did not complete his rescue of his people until he ascended to the Father -Hebrews 10-12-14-, and brought Old Testament saints into their heavenly possession -Hebrews 11-39-40-.--That's why he tells Mary Magdalene, -Don't cling to me- -John 20-17-. --It wasn't that he could not be touched- he wasn't a ghost. Though he could do things in his glorified human body that he could never do before, such as disappearing at will -Luke 24-31-, he ate and drank with his disciples and invited them to touch him -Luke 24-38-43- John 20-27-.--As with Elisha's command to Gehazi -2 Kings 4-29- and our Lord's instructions to the seventy -Luke 10-4-, the urgency of Jesus' mission does not allow him to delay with Mary Magdalene.

THE FESTIVAL OF FIRST FRUITS IS YAHSHUA MESSIAH OUR FIRSTFRUITSSundown March 30 - 31 2021 Hebrew Day Nisan 18th (Bondage)In this 2nd Podcast of Yahweh's Feasts; I will be discussing the Festival of the Firstfruits, the day in which the Messiah Resurrected, NOT on the Church tradition of EasterThe Holy Days have meanings that build upon each other.  Together they progressively reveal how Yahweh works with humanity. The fifteenth of Nisan begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is a high Sabbath.  It is a seven day feast to the Lord.  The day following the Sabbath during Passover is called the Feast of First Fruits (Leviticus 23:10-14).It is commonly supposed in Churches today that Yahshua Messiah was crucified on Friday and that the resurrection occurred about sunrise on Easter Sunday morning. Few professing Christians have ever thought to question or to prove this “Good-Friday-Easter” tradition. Yet the Bible tells us to prove (test) all things.The doubting Pharisees were asking Yahshua for a sign – supernatural evidence – in proof of His Messiahship. Yahshua answered, “But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:39-40.YAHSHUA MESSIAH IS THE FIRST FRUITS OF THE BARLEY HARVEST1. Yahshua is the firstborn of Mary (Matthew 1:23-25)2. Yahshua is the first-begotten of Elohim the Father (Hebrews 1:6)3. Yahshua is the firstborn of every creature (Colossians 1:15)4. Yahshua is the first-begotten from the dead (Revelation 1:5)5. Yahshua is the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29)6. Yahshua is the first fruits of the resurrected ones (1 Corinthians  15:20, 23)7. Yahshua is the beginning of the creation of Elohim (Revelation 3:14)The timing of the Feast This is our last clue in the Messianic significance of the feast This is the only feast in Scripture which gives the time of celebration as such; "on the day after the Sabbath..." Some have interpreted the "day after the Sabbath" as being the day after the Sabbath of Nisan 15, which is the day of Unleavened Bread that could occur on any day of the week. However, the Scriptures reveal that the Feast of First Fruits must also align 50 days forward to the Feast of Seven Weeks (50th day), the day of Pentecost according to Lev. 23:15-16. The Feast of Seven Weeks must also happen on the "day after the Sabbath". In the seventh week, there is no possibility of a Sabbath to occur on a weekday. The only possible Sabbath day during the seventh week is the seventh day Sabbath.Now, how is this a clue? This feast always follows the pattern: Passover/ Sabbath/ First Fruits. But what does that tell us? Yahshua is called in (I Cor 5:7-8) our Passover lamb, as such He died for our redemption - He died on Passover. After this He rested - that is the meaning of the word - Sabbath - in the tomb. Then on the day after the 17th - "on the day after the Sabbath", He was resurrected, and as such He is The First Fruits - the fulfillment of the Feast, and the promise that all who believe in Him would be raised again on the last day. Is it any wonder that this feast with its singular importance should be the only one specifically laid out in terms of when it is celebrated? Join with me as we “Unravel the Words of Yahweh” on keeping the True day of Yahshua Messiah's Resurrection!Have any questions? Feel free to email me at utwoy@netzero.net

The Son of God entered humanity to do the Father's will. Jesus declared that he always did the things that pleased the Father (John 8:29). In this sharing, we review the red letter words regarding Christ's mission. He came to minister, to save, to give his life a ransom for many. In offering himself, he fulfilled the will of God to sanctify us once for all.

Day 313 of the One Year Audio Bible Experience Podcast. The Eagle and Vine. Sins of the Father. Hebrews 9: Christ is the final sacrifice Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymaster Find us at https://www.oneyearholybible.com/ Join our Facebook group for further discussion: https://www.facebook.com/the1yearbiblechallenge Ezekiel 17 Ezekiel 18 Hebrews 9:16-28 Psalm 121:1-8 Chapter summaries are from Shmoop.com You're listening to the "Holy Bible One Year CHALLENGE" with Master Storyteller, Michael Wood. Featuring the Holy Bible Easy-to-Read version and used by permission from Bible League International --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/1yearbible/message

Jesus gave this two worded invitation to those who heard Him teach, “Follow Me.” (Matthew 4:19) Do not just be content hearing what I say; follow Me and do what you see me doing. We know that The Lord Jesus is the express image of The Father (Hebrews 1:3). He is The Eternal Word of God made flesh, Who dwelt amongst us (John 1:1,14). Thus, it would be proper to say that The Lord Jesus is not only the perfect theology of God on earth, but that The Lord Jesus is the Perfect Master and Teacher as well. Contrary to the popular “cross-less gospel” that is prevalent in today's church, The Lord Jesus is not looking for fans; He is looking for followers. While the “Jesus Fan Club” may have multitudes, the followers of Jesus are few. We are living at a time when the heretical gospel of the healthy and wealthy is producing a number of coddled, comfortable, and covetous pseudo-saints. Did you know that there are two places in Scripture where The Lord Jesus is specifically called our example? In 1 Peter 2:21 He is referred to as an example of suffering. In John 13:15, which we will be looking at this morning, The Lord Jesus is referred to as an example of being a servant. Suffering? Servant? The practical example of The Lord Jesus Christ is offensive to today's soft living, self-centered church. Beloved, there is not comfortable or convenient way to suffer or be a servant. It is no surprise when The Lord Jesus invited people to come unto Him that so few responded. Why? Because human nature, be it 2,000 years ago or today, is addicted to living for the inferior trinity of me, myself, and mine. The slightest message of discomfort in following Jesus or an appeal made to serve by putting others first causes many to flee for cover. We have One Master-Teacher and His Name is Jesus Christ. The pathway to happiness and purpose in life is not found is serving self, but by denying self, be it for the sake of suffering or serving Jesus for the glory of God. Selah

Our Faithful Father Hebrews 6:13-20

The Revelation Series – The Son of Man in the Seven Golden Candlesticks                                The High Priest Garments   For months now, I have been caught up in John’s seeing of Christ in the Seven Golden Candlesticks (Revelation 1:9-20).  Of His fullness and completion, we have received of His Grace.  Here, the picture of Him in the Candlesticks speaks of His fullness.  Walking, being revealed, and dwelling in the Church is the Son of Man in Glory.  I do not know how we can approach the Book of Revelation and miss this reality that John turned to see, “JESUS CHRIST IN HIS CHURCH.”   In His description of Christ, John writes that he was clothed with a garment down to His feet.  What I hear and see in this statement is the High Priest of our souls.  I see the garment of praise and salvation.  As our High Priest He has taken us with Himself into that within the veil, into the Presence of God to be presented whole, complete, righteous, and without lack.  Oh, that we may know Him as our Great High Priest, and no longer look to the Priesthood of Aaron, which spoke of Christ.     There is no perfection there, only a continual remembrance of sins with every sacrifice and every offering made by that priesthood.  Yes, Aaron’s priesthood was of God.  It came to speak for the time that was present of what God would do in Christ.  It was sanctioned and ordained of the Most High Himself, but could never take away the sin and guilt of the conscience in man.  It was imperfect but ordained to speak of the PERFECT ONE.    Hebrews 8:1 “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;”   This is the summation of the thought we have such a High Priest who has sat down in authority, the right hand of God.  What does it mean He has sat down?  Why not just say who is in Heaven?  Who is with the Father?  Because He has sat down in rest and has all power and authority.  What His Priesthood speaks is what is true of the believer that has come to God by Him.  The believer is not destined to live in a sin conscience life, but in a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.  This High Priest cleared our conscience of sins (Hebrews 9:14), to present you holy and complete, perfect, before God our Father (Hebrews 10:10, 14).   This is what we can live in NOW, completion in Christ.  No longer having to succumb to the fear of death.  No longer having to succumb to whether God accepts me or not.  We are made accepted in the beloved.  We live through Christ in His Life.  The work He did at Calvary is enough.  It is this work that we must know and understand in our hearts.  It is this Priesthood that frees us from the conscience of sin that we must turn to SEE.  Going back to the old priesthood, to be told over and over you are not good enough, you do not measure up, will never complete your soul.   Unfortunately, this is where many in the Body of Christ are held, in the conscience of sin.  Much of the teaching that we sit under is like we are still under the priesthood of Aaron, the Old Covenant, where man was incomplete.  However, when our heart turns to the LORD, we see a New and living way, a NEW PRIEST, who has perfected forever them that come to God by Him.  Who clothes those that He loves in His own robe of righteousness?  Who fills those that are His in His own glorious life.  This is the Sum.  This is the Priesthood of Christ Jesus our Lord.  Here is where we have come.  Glory to God.  “We have such a High Priest.”  Who accomplished, fulfilled, completed all things in the body of His flesh and has made us complete in the Body of His Resurrection.     

Ephesians 3:14-21 A prayer for the Ephesians   14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.   In considering this passage we will look at: The reasons for Paul’s prayer The content of Paul’s prayer The audacity of Paul’s prayer   The reasons for Paul’s prayer   v1 For this reason Compare v1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles – In v 1 this reason refers back to what he has been saying in Ch. 2 where he talks about: The wonderful change that has been made in our lives by the grace of God The fact that God has a plan for our lives and has prepared in advance good things for us to do The fact that in Christ Gentile believers are now united with Jewish believers and that, through the new humanity he has made out of the two, God is building a holy temple in which he lives by his Spirit In vv 2-13 he develops this theme (as we saw last time). Looking back at this passage we can see 5 reasons why Paul was praying for the Ephesians and from today’s passage we can see another 2. Seven reasons why Paul praying for them:   The Gentiles are now fellow-heirs with the Jews 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.   He has a special responsibility for Gentile believers 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ   God has a wonderful purpose for the church 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.   He knows he (and they) can approach God with freedom and confidence 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.   He knows they are in danger of being discouraged 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.   To these we can add a further two reasons from today’s passage:   The fatherhood of God 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father   The power of God that is at work in us 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...   The content of Paul’s prayer   14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, (pater) 15 from whom every family (patria) in heaven and on earth derives its name.   God is our Father He has a family – in heaven & on earth   God is the source of all fatherhood Fatherhood in heaven existed before fatherhood on earth   16 I pray that out of his glorious riches (the glorious riches of his Fatherhood) he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…   God wants to reproduce his Son in us He’s a rich Father! But Paul does not pray that we might be materially rich Rather that we might be strengthened with power… and that Christ may dwell in our hearts… ‘Dwell’ here (κατοικειν) implies not just visit but abide Christ is God’s Son. He’s exactly like his Father (Hebrews 1:3) If Christ lives in us, we will be like the Father   How? By faith and by love   17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…   Through faith Christ already lives in our hearts because of our initial faith in Christ as Saviour But the Christian life is a life of faith from start to finish Paul is praying that the nature of Christ will increase and grow in us as we go on trusting him   Through love We have been rooted and established in love I pray that you, being rooted and established in love… Our faith in Christ is rooted in God’s love We didn’t love him, but he loved us We now love him because he first loved us     God wants us to grasp the greatness of his love I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,   God wants us to know this love I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.   The audacity of Paul’s prayer   God wants us to be filled with all the fulness of God 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God   This is not the same as being ‘filled with the Spirit’ (Acts 2:4, Eph. 5:18) which relates primarily to gifts.  This relates to fruit, esp. love. Is this possible?! Yes, because of his power that is at work within us   20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us   21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.   God is glorified when we love like Jesus.  

The POWER of the PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is essential to fulfill the PURPOSE of your life found in God’s PLAN! POINT #1 You Are Not ALONE (Vs. 1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses …”) APPLICATION #1 Allow the Heroes of the Faith to SPEAK into your life (Vs. 1) POINT #2 Drop the excess WEIGHT (Vs. 1 “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us …”) APPLICATION #2 Ask yourself - “Is there any form of compromise in my life that I am attempting to MANAGE rather than to TURN from?” POINT #3 Never Give Up (Vs. 1 “…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”) APPLICATION #3 Don’t waste your PAIN -it doesn’t DEFINE you - but the Father uses it to REFINE you! POINT #4 Keep Your Eyes On Jesus Who Kept His eyes On The Father! APPLICATION # 4 Bring Your PAIN & stress to the Heavenly Father in prayer! Hebrews 4:16

Day 313 of the One Year Audio Bible Experience Podcast. The Eagle and Vine. Sins of the Father. Hebrews 9: Christ is the final sacrifice Ezekiel 17 Ezekiel 18 Hebrews 9:16-28 Psalm 121:1-8 CLICK HERE to support this podcast. Your donation will keep this podcast FREE for everyone around the world. Your support helps us add new episodes, add more music, and more voice actors! Come back to earlier episodes for a new Bible Experience! Taken from the HOLY BIBLE: EASY-TO-READ VERSION © 2014 by Bible League International and used by permission. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/1yearbible/message

Selected Quotes: "We have a Good, Good Father whose ultimate goal is our good." "It’s not your sin that shapes you, it's not your past or your problems that define you, it’s your identity as a follower of the One who Begins & Ends All Things." "As we look to Jesus, we find the strength to move forward."

#322 Why Series# 6, Why I Laugh! By: Pastor D. Karl Thomas Psalm 16:11 “…in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”                       Psalm 2:4  (NLT) “But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Jesus reveals the Father: Hebrews 1:9 “Thou hast loved […]

Spiritual Instruction From a Loving FatherHebrews 12:4-12Hebrews - Living With Endurance A study of the Book of Hebrews.2015-2016; Ken Mitchell.May 22, 2016 | Westside Chapel

JOSEPH - MARY - JESUS DECEMBER 14, 2014  What attracted the Father to Joseph? (Matthew 1:18-25)  Matthew 1:19  An upright, just man of character and integrity.  He put the well-being of Mary above his own desires  Matthew 1:20  He faced his fears, armed with the promise of God!  Matthew 1:24, 25  He obeyed!  Matthew 2:13-23  He ran, returned, and remained under the Lord’s direction.  What attracted the Father to Mary?  Luke 1:26-45  Her fears were brought under submission by her faith.  Luke 1:34-38  She asked questions, but yielded to the next right step!  Luke 1:39-45  She sought the covering, counsel, and encouragement of her spiritual mother. What was the Father’s Main Objective in the Advent?  Isaiah 9:6  Everlasting Father  John 14:9  Seen Me, seen the Father  Hebrews 1:3 The express image of His person 

Religious folks got their sensibilities stepped upon by #VictoriaOsteen's remarks this week. Truth is, GOD WANTS YOU HAPPY! So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:22-24) There are some folks - some well meaning; some not - who suppose the Christian life is one of sadness and sorrow. That it is all suffering and persecution until that glorious day when we see Jesus face-to-face. We try to be good parents. We want our kids to have all their needs met and their desires fulfilled. It is God’s desire to meet our needs and fulfill our desires, as well. Another thing, in most cases, happy parents produce happy kids. Why? Because happiness is contagious. And God is a happy God. God is a good parent who wants happy kids. Not a stern taskmaster who wants His people to be religious robots. Good parents are happy when their kids are happy! God is no different. But you need to know that - from the very beginning - God had happiness on His mind. In the Garden of Eden, God created things for man’s benefit and called them good. Then He created man and called everything VERY good. The very good was because God had made an earthly copy of Himself. Adam was God’s first “selfie;” Jesus was His best! We are all God's "selfies" re-created in the image of Jesus! God made us HOLY... Unfortunately, many people misunderstand what that means. It means you are… SANCTIFIED and CLEAN But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:15-23) WHOLE and COMPLETE For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. (Colossians 2:9-10) Because God wants us HAPPY Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) Everyone Jesus made WHOLE went away HAPPY One cleansed leper went away whole and happy… (Luke 17:15-19) Jairus (Luke 8:56) and an unnamed widow (Luke 7:13-16) were happy their children were raised from the dead Two blind men were happy they received their sight (Mark 10:50-52, John 9:25) WHOLE and HAPPY was God's intent for His children in both creation and redemption. In the Garden, He gave us everything needed pertaining to life and happiness; in redemption, He gave us His own Spirit and everything pertaining to life and godliness Saints are made WHOLE (holy) through right standing (RIGHTEOUSNESS) in Christ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus is the express image (or carbon-copy) of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus said if you see Him,

Stan's Lesson Outline: Hebrews Lesson 24