Podcasts about for he himself

Tuesday, 10 June 2025   “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. Matthew 10:34   “Not you should deem that I came to cast peace upon the earth. Not I came to cast peace, but a sword” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus finished the thought about confessing Him or denying Him. Now, the results of such a decision are noted by Him, beginning with, “Not you should deem that I came to cast peace upon the earth.”   Here, Jesus introduces the word eiréné, peace, to the New Testament. It is believed to be from the primary verb eiro, to join. As such, it would signify peace through enjoinment, such as when God and man are reconciled. It leads to a state of wholeness where parts are joined together.   The idea of using the word “cast” is that people might suppose that the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) would come and simply toss out peace upon the earth like casting a net over it. Jesus says this is not why He came.   Rather, by the very nature of claiming to be the Messiah, people would take a side for Him or against Him. A decision has to be made. In such a decision, peace between those who decide contrary to one another is not possible.   The peace that Jesus provides is a result of the decision of the individual, bringing a state of peace between himself and God, a state which currently is one of enmity –   “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:14-18   Rather than casting peace upon the earth, Jesus says, “Not I came to cast peace, but a sword.” The decision for peace between oneself and God will, by the very nature of the decision for Jesus, result in a sword, figuratively or actually, for those who reject His offer.   For example, if someone says, “I believe Jesus is the Messiah,” after hearing His words to the disciples about Him being the only way to reconciliation with God, someone else might say, “That is not true! All paths lead to God.”   Or they may say, “Jesus is a false Messiah! His disciples say that Gentiles are accepted through Him. No way, Jose!” In fact, this is just the reaction that the Jews of Jerusalem exhibited when Paul said that he was sent to the Gentiles.   In such instances, enmity between adherents and those who reject will arise. Throughout the ages, since the time of Jesus' ministry until this day, this has been the case. Many swords have been drawn and much blood has been spilled because of the proclamation that Jesus is the Christ.   Life application: If you want trouble in this world, believe in and proclaim Jesus. Trouble of some measure is likely to follow. If you want more trouble, learn and apply proper doctrine concerning Jesus to your walk. Even believers will stand at enmity with you when they disagree with your position, even if it is the correct one.   The peace Jesus brings is, is as described in Luke 2 –   “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14   God is glorified through Christ, and His peace will rest upon those who accept what He has done. A state of eternal harmony between the Creator and His creatures is realized. This is the peace that Christ offers. Until those who oppose this message are removed, the world will remain in a state of strife, and the sword will remain.   “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27   Lord God, how good You are to us to have sent Jesus Christ our Lord to reconcile us to You. We are the enemies of Your goodness. We have failed You. And yet, You, out of love for Your creatures, have sent Jesus. He is our Peace, and He is our Lord. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.

What Ephesians 2:1 (NIV)  //  As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins Ephesians 2:2-3  //  in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. Flesh - Greek word for flesh (sarx) - carnal, carnally minded, fleshly Living according to the flesh leads to DEATH Romans 7:15-20  //  I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. How "Your tolerance for tensions determines your potential for growth." - Steven Furtick Stop praying for a tension-free life and start praying for purpose in that tension. Ephesians 2:12-13  //  remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Who Ephesians 2:14a  //  “For He Himself is our peace…” Ephesians 2:19  //  Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household How to live NEW Die to the old Stop trying to be better We're not called to be better, we're called to be NEW Live NEW Born again

What if transformation wasn't about trying harder, but trusting deeper?Today, we'll unpack the beautiful rhythm of being and doing with God—where presence comes before performance, and trust fuels every next step. What changes when you realize you're already in His presence?Key Scriptures:+ 2 Corinthians 3:18. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.+ 2 Corinthians 4:16. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.+ Acts 17:28. For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.'+ Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.+ Hebrews 13:5. For He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you."Want to explore more?

It Was Won on the Cross: Complete and Total Victory • Sunday Service   If you'd like to support the ministry, please visit: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Learn more at: www.PastorTodd.org   Today, I want to speak a message that is both timeless and urgent—“It Was Won on the Cross: Complete and Total Victory.” In a world full of chaos, compromise, and confusion, many believers are living below their spiritual inheritance. Why? Because they don't truly understand what was purchased at Calvary. The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is not just a historical event—it is a living reality that gives us power, identity, and authority right now. This message is a call to return to the power of the cross and to own what was done, so we can walk in complete victory in these end-times. 1. Colossians 2:14-15 (NKJV) “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” 2. John 19:30 (NKJV) “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” 3. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 4. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” 5. Romans 6:6-7 (NKJV) “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” 6. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 7. Hebrews 10:14 (NKJV) “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” 8. Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” 9. Ephesians 2:13-14 (NKJV) “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” 10. Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” It was won on the cross. Total victory. Not partial. Not future. NOW. In a world that's shaking, you don't have to. In a world that's deceived, you can walk in truth. In a world that's fearful, you can be bold. Because you are anchored in what was finished at the cross. Own it. Walk in it. Preach it. Live like it's true—because it is. CCLI: 21943673

How is the salvation of my family and my finances interrelated? How can financial choices jeopardize or facilitate the family's journey to heaven?The series of messages, ⁠"Anchored in Christ: a Family that Stands," ⁠was presented to members of the West Asia Field, headquartered in Istambul, Turkey, on March 4, 2026. Related themes: Children, Parents, Children's Education, Religious Education, and Finances.More resources are available on my channels:Spotify (Primum Deus): ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4d8wvbfIYXNOHW1JEfoBU1⁠YouTube (English and Spanish): https://⁠www.youtube.com/c/MarcosFaiockBomfim⁠Most of the books mentioned in this presentation, ⁠"Child Guidance,"⁠ ⁠"The Adventist Home," ⁠⁠"Education,"⁠ ⁠"Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,"⁠ ⁠"Fundamentals on Christian Education"⁠, "Counsels on Stewardship," and others may be ⁠found here⁠: https://whiteestate.org/books/egw-books/books/.My notes:Abraham and LotTwo stories: two destiniesHow is the salvation of my family and my finances interrelated?Gen 12 - God's call to Abraham. He departs with all his possessions (v. 5)Gen 13 - Abraham was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold (v. 2).v. 4 - He built altars wherever he went (an indication of his priorities).A STRIFE startsAbraham's proposal - very unselfish.Lot's choice - the plain of Jordan, well-wateredv. 13 - Abraham pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.v. 13 - Sodom people were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.v. 14 - God's promise to Abraham: Lift your eyes…Gen 14 - 4 kings agains 5Lot goes captiveAbraham comes to rescue himMoving fast forward:Gen 17 - God repeats the covenant. God promises to multiply descendants and possessions.Gen 19 - God decides to destroy Sodom They should not look backSodom's destruction, and Lot loses everything.Some general financial principles:Matt. 6:33 - God firstSequence is essential:  (1)work, (2)receive, (3)give, (4)save, (5)invest, (6)spend.WORKPsalm 128 - RECEIVEGIVE - why? To develop trust in the Lord, not love for money.SAVE - Prov 21:20 - 20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.Proverbs 6:6-11 - Develop contentment. Debt is frequently the result of discontentment with having only what is possible. They get into debt to have what they cannot afford. (Josanan). Phill 4:11-12.Hebrews 13:5 – “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”1 Timothy 6:6-8 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”Live on what belongs to you - do not borrowProverbs 22:7 – “The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.”Pay what you owe - Rom 13:8 - 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.Psalm 37:21 – “The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives.”Only use money that is already in your bank account. Do not count on resources you have not yet received. Adopt a simple lifestyle - no ostentation. Phil 4:12 - 12 I know how to [a]be abased, and I know how o [b]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Gather the crumbles. See John 6:12

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our relationship with our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer is also one with our dad, our father. As we saw last time there is a natural respect we have for our earthly fathers, which translates to our Father in heaven. We add to that the fact He is King. Iconic photos exist of President Kennedy at the resolute desk in the white house with his small children playing in and around the president at work. Iconic photos of the president surrounded by his general staff during the Cuban Missile Crisis also exist.The contrast illustrates our conversations with our Savior, who is:"Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust."Psalm 103:13-14And also:'Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. 10 'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.Matthew 6:9-10With 1 Chronicles 16:29 and Psalm 27:8 in mind, ourDevotional Meditation is:We are not forcing a formality in our conversation with God. Yet, He is the king of kings and the Lord of Lords. And he's our merciful Father, so it's only natural to engage our Father, the king. And remember, whatever the circumstance, we are not talking to him like we talk to our peers.Brethren, let's pray for one another."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard.www.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 InstagramSeason 007Episode 027

Introduction: Congratulations to the Peacemakers! (Matthew 5:9) Who are the Peacemakers? Those who Love unity and actively seek to Promote and Defend it in all circumstances. Why are We Congratulating the Peacemakers? For they shall be called Sons of God. Galatians 2:11-14 - But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. How Can I Become a Peacemaker? By Resting in the peace that Christ purchased for me. Ephesians 2:13-14 - But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. Colossians 1:20-22 - And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. By valuing the good of others above my Feelings and Preferences . By having a healthy view of Conflict . I shouldn't Desire tt. I shouldn't Avoid tt. Romans 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Audio Transcript Maybe you have a hard time being happy for anyone else besides yourself.Maybe you're envious of the person you're supposed to be congratulating.You know, at times we all struggle with truly congratulating other people.But do you know whose congratulations are always 100% genuine, heartfelt, and passionate?Jesus Christ.Over the past two months, we have been digging into the beatitudes.These are Jesus' blessed statements from the Sermon on the Mount, where he congratulatesthose who we would never think to congratulate on our own.We've already seen him congratulate the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, thosewho hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, and the pure in heart.Jesus doesn't congratulate these people to make them feel good about themselves.He truly congratulates these individuals because he means it.He gives his most sincere congratulations to his followers who choose to go against thegrain and be different than the rest of this world because he knows that they will experienceeternal rewards that defy expectation and imagination.So this morning, we will zero in on Jesus' next round of heartfelt congratulations tothe peacemakers.So let's join our Lord and Savior in congratulating the peacemakers, okay?Great job, everybody.I'm very proud of you.In all seriousness, this is such a chaotic world, isn't it?Hatred, slander, betrayal, shattered relationships, broken families, murder, and war all aroundus and in our faces 24/7.Do you ever get tired of it?I know that I do.There is so much trouble in so little peace.There are so many trouble makers and so few peacemakers.I hope and pray the Lord will use His word this morning to recruit more peacemakers inthis room and watching online for the work of His kingdom.So let's go to the Lord in prayer.Please pray for me to faithfully communicate God's word and I will pray that you faithfullyreceive and submit to it.Father, we thank you for this most important appointment of the week.We come together as your people to worship you together and come under the preachingof your word.But maybe take this seriously.Maybe take what your word has to say to heart and live it out, not just today, not justthe rest of this week, but the rest of our lives.We thank you in advance for what you will do.We ask all this in Jesus' name.Amen.So as Pastor Jeff and Pastor Rich have said over the course of this series, the Beatitudesare not random and isolated statements to be read and understood on their own.The Beatitudes are like steps on a staircase and rungs on a ladder that work together tolead us towards a specific destination.This means that we cannot become peacemakers until we walk the previous steps and climbthe rungs that Jesus has already laid out before us since the beginning of February.With that in mind, let's read the entire Beatitudes and really keep track of what Jesus is tellingus here.Matthew chapter five verses one through 10."Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciplescame to him, and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.Blessed are those who are persecutor for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdomof heaven."So let's follow the logical flow of what Jesus is preaching here.You cannot be a peacemaker if you do not recognize your spiritual bankruptcy beforea holy God.You cannot be a peacemaker if you do not mourn over your sin and seek after repentance.You cannot be a peacemaker if you are not meek and do not put aside your self-interestfor the ultimate interest of God's glory.You cannot be a peacemaker if you have no appetite for the things of God.You cannot be a peacemaker if you demand mercy for yourself but you refuse to show mercyto other people in your life.And finally, you cannot be a peacemaker if your heart is set on perversion rather thanpurity.At this point, you may be thinking, "Okay, Taylor, I get it.I need to exhibit all the rest of the Beatitudes to be a peacemaker."But what is a peacemaker?Who are the peacemakers?Well you must have read my mind or pay attention to the whole entire series and how it reallyrolled out before you.But that is the first question on our outline this morning.Who are the peacemakers?In the original Greek, the term "peacemakers" only used once in the entire New Testamentand it's found right here in the Beatitudes.Is a compound word of peace and to make or to do?Let's unpack each individual word so we can better understand the whole term.In Scripture, peace is such a beautiful concept that goes so far beyond our limited Americandefinition.To most people in this country, here is what peace looks like.Gas prices are down and there's no major wars right now.We can breathe easy for a minute.Or yay, no one's fighting in my family today.We have peace.The biblical definition of peace is so much greater than that.That is a worldly view of peace that is based on circumstances and what happens to you.It can easily be changed and stolen away.Biblical peace is way more than the absence of conflict in your life.Biblical peace is the presence of God in your life.The missing puzzle piece in your soul has been found and filled.You experience a sense of fullness and completeness that no one else can take away from you.It is an eternal reality that works its way outward into your life and other people aroundyou.And there is no true peace apart from the one true God.There is no true peace apart from submission to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.And the word make and peacemaker brings an important reality into focus.Peace isn't just something for you to experience on your own.It is meant to be shared with others.For this to happen, you must be active and not passive.Peace is what you need to be taken to bring this God-given peace to others.So here is the definition of peacemakers that I want you to write down and meditate uponfor the rest of this week.Who are the peacemakers?Those who love unity and actively seek to promote and defend it in all circumstances.When you put the words peace and make together, you don't get a picture of someone just sittingback in their lazy boy recliner saying, "Man, I love peace.I love them.People get along.That's my jam.Can't really do much about it."That's a peacemaker, not a peacemaker.Peacefakers talk of big games.But do nothing to back up their empty words.While peacemakers do something about their desire for harmony with the people who Godhas placed in their lives.Peacefakers pretend like nothing is wrong.But they seed with anger on the inside.While peacemakers refuse to sweep issue after issue onto the rug, they just rip the rugup to deal with all those issues.Peacefakers put the ball other people's courts when it comes to resolving disagreements.While peacemakers grab the ball and run with it.Peacefakers do nothing to contribute to the solution.While peacemakers find God's answer, the problem.Now, some people take a sinful step beyond peacemakers.Some people take a sinful step beyond peacemaking and become peacetakers.Where they realize that or not, peacetakers prefer dysfunction.And they actively seek the dismantle unity everywhere they go.Peacefakers, actually peacetakers stir the pot on purpose.They toss grenades in the people's laps.And then they act like they did nothing wrong.They act like they're totally innocent in the situation.While peacemakers seek to diffuse tough situations with the Word of God in a calm attitude.Peace takers look at conflict as a contest to win.While peacemakers look at conflict as an opportunity for relationships to be restored.Peace takers badmouth those they have conflicts with to make themselves look like the goodguys in the situation.While peacemakers refuse to speak poorly of anyone out of respect for people's publicreputations.I want to challenge you this morning to figure out which label best describes you.Are you a peacemaker who puts on a performance?Are you a peacetaker who makes matters worse?Or are you a peacemaker who brings people together?It's so easy to spot peace faking and peace taking tendencies in others.But it's so difficult to see it within yourself.You can ask your loved ones for their perspective in counsel.Talk to your spouse, your kids, a close friend, a pastor, an elder at harvest after service.Others can point out the blind spots that you cannot see on your own.But I beg you, please do not assume that you're doing just fine in this area of life.Evaluate yourself and allow others to evaluate you as well.So we figured out who the peacemakers are and who they are not.Now we need to answer the second question of the morning.Why are we congratulating the peacemakers?Why are they worthy of these big balloons that Pastor Jeff pointed out earlier?Why are they worthy of this big party?Well Jesus clearly tells us why in Matthew chapter 5 verse 9.He says, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God."So why are we congratulating the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God?I don't want to bore you with my seminary homework, but in the original Greek, "shallbe called" is a verb in the continual future, passive tense.And some of you who didn't do very well in English like, "What in the world does thatmean?"Let me make it really simple for you.Jesus is describing something that will be repeatedly declared about peacemakers in eternity.On this earth, peacemakers are often misunderstood.In this life, Christians are hit with the wildest of lies and accusations.Has that ever happened to you personally?A family member cuts ties and walks away even though you did nothing wrong.Someone at work causes others to think poorly of you because of a slight that has no basisin reality.A friend turns his or her back on you for seemingly no reason.In our culture, biblical peacemakers are called a lot of rude and untrue things.But if you are a genuine peacemaker, take heart in this astounding truth.One day, all of heaven will openly and eagerly acknowledge what is already true of you rightnow.You are a child of God.More specifically, you are a son of God.Ladies, you may be scratching your heads and thinking, "I'm a son, but I'm a woman.I don't want to be called a son of God."Trust me, you really do.2,000 years ago, sons were the ones who received the inheritance.They were heirs of so many blessings and privileges.In God's family, His daughters are treated like sons and heirs of His infinite riches.Both men and women enjoy the reward of sonship.We aren't equal footing with one another.Whether you're a man or a woman, you do not earn your sonship by being a peacemaker.You simply demonstrate your sonship by being a peacemaker.Let me encourage you.Those who label you with hateful names right now are showing themselves to be children ofthe enemy.Children of Satan who follow in His footsteps of slander and accusation.While you prove yourself to belong to your heavenly Father when you follow in His peacefulfootsteps and refuse to sink to the level of this world.Sometimes my kids don't act the way that I would like them to in public.They can really embarrass me at the store by yelling, "No!" or questioning me.To be honest, in those moments, I wish I could take a massive step away from them and justsay, "Whose child is this?There's a lost kid here.Excuse me, I need help.Can any other parents relate to me?"Okay, you know exactly what I'm talking about.Thank you, Jillian.One person was honest enough.Several years ago, my son, Sam, had a Christmas concert at school, and he was the only kidin the entire school who cried the whole time and didn't sing any of the songs.Kate and I just wanted to slide down in our seats and just fall through a trap door inthe floor.Unfortunately, there was no trap door underneath of us.But the next year, Sam had a complete turnaround.He did awesome.He sang every song.He did all the motions, and he even gave the crowd a big thumbs up after he was done.I'll never forget how I felt in that moment with tears in my eyes.I wanted to yell out, "That's my son.That's my boy."God feels the same exact way about you if you're a peacemaker who actively seeks to promoteand defend peace everywhere that you go.He wants everyone to know that you are one of his precious children.An eternity, the courts of heaven will ring out with God saying, "That's my child.He belongs to me.She is mine."Angels and other believers will wholeheartedly accept and agree with that truth.No one will ever misunderstand you ever again.You will be fully known by God and other believers forever.Does that sound worthy of congratulations?At this point, you may be thinking, "Okay, I get it.I know who the peacemakers are.I get what the reward is.I'm sold.How can I become a peacemaker?"Paul provides the answer to that question in Galatians chapter 2 verses 11 through 14,where he provides a personal example of peacemaking from his own life.Please turn there with me.Galatians chapter 2 verses 11 through 14.Galatians chapter 2 verses 11 through 14, "But when Cephas," that's the apostle Peter,"came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.For certain men came from James.For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles.But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him.So even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I saidto Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like aJew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"This passage may seem random to you.It may seem off-topic, maybe thinking the word peace isn't even mentioned in theseverses.It seems like Paul is picking a fight and causing trouble.But that's not true at all.I chose this passage because it demonstrates three important lessons about becoming a peacemaker.So how can I become a peacemaker?Number one, you're outlined by resting in the peace that Christ purchased for me.By resting in the peace that Christ purchased for me.You throughout biblical history, there was a tension between Jews and Gentiles.Jews held to restrict diet and schedule of worship while Gentiles did not.Gentiles did things that seemed very unacceptable to the Jews.And the Jews did things that seemed very strange to the Gentiles.These two groups didn't hang out and spend time together.They stayed as segregated as humanly possible.Their relationship was one of hostility, not peace.But that all changes with Jesus Christ.Christ came to bridge the massive gap between a holy God and sinful humanity in the processhe did the same for Jews in Gentiles.Listen to what Paul has to say about this in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 13 through 14.But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the bloodof Christ.For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His fleshthe dividing wall of hostility.There are many differences.Cannot compare to their greatest similarity, salvation in Jesus Christ.Before the cross, there was a wall that divided Jews and Gentiles from one another, but ithas been torn down by the death and resurrection of Christ.Both Jewish and Gentile believers belong to the same God, have been adopted into the samefamily and have experienced the same peace.But this doesn't mean that Jewish and Gentile believers always sing kumbaya around the campfire and enjoy perfect peace during the days of the early church.Peace must be actively promoted and defended or both parties are going to fall back intobad habits.And that's what happens in this passage.The apostle Peter becomes a part of the problem.He used to eat with the Gentiles and now he decides not to.Unity is broken.Peace is disturbed.Paul and Barnabas and the rest of the people they led astray are acting like peace takersand not peacemakers.They are trying to rebuild the wall that Christ has already demolished.They are making the gospel look very bad.And Paul is very concerned that they are making Christ look bad.And they are ruining the reputation of the church.So Paul knows he can't stand by and do nothing.Paul can recognize this issue because his spiritual antenna is always up to catch anythingthat threatens the unity of the church.Paul can seek after the right solution because he cares about the gospel more than anythingelse.Paul can be a peacemaker because he has personally rested in the peace that Christ purchasedfor him on the cross.As I said earlier, only Christians can enjoy the peace that God offers.You cannot share the peace of Christ if you have not personally experienced the peaceof Christ for yourself.So I have to ask the most important question of the entire message.If you're just totally tuned out, please tune back in.Are you at peace with God?Are you at peace with God?And I know that question may seem so dumb to some of you.And you may say, "Well, of course I'm at peace with God.I'm sitting here, aren't I?I'm a good person.I do the right thing.If I weren't on good terms with God, I wouldn't be sitting here."All of those answers are wrong and unbiblical.Your peace with God has nothing to do with you and your list of accomplishments.Your peace with God has everything to do with Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished.Apart from faith in Jesus Christ, you hate God.No matter how much you say that you love Him, you are an enemy of God.You were at war with Him, not at peace with Him.But the great news this morning is that doesn't have to be true of you any longer.Colossians chapter 1 verses 20 through 22 tells us this, "That Christ came to reconcileto himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of Hiscross.And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind doing evil deeds, He is now reconciledin His body of flesh by His death in order to present you holy and blameless and abovereproach before Him."Christ purchased never-ending peace on the cross with His precious blood.But that peace can only be given to you if you ask for it and you accept it.You can be at peace with God right now if you turn from your sin and turn towards JesusChrist for forgiveness and eternal life.If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raisedfrom the dead, you will be saved.You will transform from an enemy of God into one of His beloved friends.So the first step to become a peacemaker, you must first bow the knee to the Prince of Peacewho freely offers what the world can never give.How can I become a peacemaker?Second step, by valuing the good of others above my feelings and preferences.By valuing the good of others above my feelings and preferences.Since Paul is so concerned with the integrity of the gospel and the unity of the church,he deeply cares about the ultimate good of his Christian brothers and sisters, Jewishand Gentile alike.But before we can talk about what Paul says and does, let's talk about what he doesn'tsay and do.First of all, he doesn't take Peter's side and ignore the Gentiles.But also notice from this text that Paul doesn't sidebar the Gentiles and say, "Man, I can'tbelieve what Peter and Barnabas are doing to you guys.They are such jerks.You should be so angry with them and ignore them right back."That wouldn't be good for the Jews or the Gentiles.That would be childish behavior that belongs in the school playground and not in the church.Kids are obsessed with their feelings and preferences.I don't want milk in the blue sippy cup.I want it in the orange sippy cup.Kids not naturally care about the good of others.Susie's so weird.I'm not going to sit with her at lunch.Billy was mean to me, so I'm never going to talk to him ever again.I'm not going to say sorry and you can't make me.You may smile at those examples, but you may not be much better.So many professing Christians are little kids wearing adult clothes.They look like grown-ups.They certainly do not act like grown-ups.I have to ask you this morning, is that you?Are you a little kid in the church wearing adult clothes?Do you keep a mental file with personal offenses?Do you give the silent treatment to those who offend you or offend a loved one?Do you ignore people who frustrate you?Do you completely write people off?Face those ungodly attitudes and behaviors with godly disciplines.If someone offends you in a small way, you don't have to dwell on it and hold on to it.You can let it go.Proverbs 1911 says, "It is your glory to overlook and offense."That should become the new life first for many of us in this room.If someone maybe in the aisle next to you constantly annoys you and frustrates you instead of writingthem off, write them notes of encouragement.And I promise you, your attitude towards this person will begin to change.If someone sins against you and refuses to apologize, pray for that person every singleday.I can tell you from personal experience, it is so hard to hold on to anger and bitternesstowards someone that you constantly lift up before the throne of grace.Harvest, it's time to put childish ways behind us.It's time to grow up and become peacemakers.It's time to put yourself last so others can come first.It's time to care more about the good of others than your petty preferences and flaky feelings.It's time to stop caring about what you want and to start caring about what other peopleneed.How do I become a peacemaker finally by having a healthy view of conflict?By having a healthy view of conflict?So we've covered what Paul does not say and do.Now let's talk about what he does say and do to promote and defend peace at Antioch.Galatians 2.11 says that Paul opposes Peter to his face.And according to verse 14, Paul did this in front of everyone.Peter sinned publicly so he must be rebuked publicly.In verse 14 also lays out exactly what Paul says.If you though a Jew live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentilesto live like Jews?In other words, you are acting so too faced right now.You used to eat with the Gentiles, but now you act like they're inferior and they haveto keep the Old Testament laws to be at the table with you.Cut it out right now.Paul isn't rude, but he is firm.Paul proves that peacemaking sometimes involves direct and uncomfortable conversations.A bone must be reset before it can be repaired.A wound has to be cleansed and disinfected before it can be healed.For a plant to thrive, the parts that are dying need to be cut off and primed.Biblical peace cannot be enjoyed in Antioch apart from this conflict between Peter andPaul.We often think that conflict gets in the way of peace, but sometimes it is the way towardspeace.Paul has a healthy view of conflict which makes him a productive peacemaker.Every single one of you in this room, and myself included, we need to imitate his exampleand view conflict the way that he did.So what is a healthy view of conflict?Well really quickly, letter A in your outline, I shouldn't desire it.I shouldn't desire it.Paul isn't a fake tough guy looking to get into fist fights and arguments.He isn't making big deal out of nothing.He isn't just blow up at people who rub him the wrong way.Paul doesn't desire conflict and neither should you.But maybe you do desire conflict.Maybe you like drama when it pops up and you add fuel to the fire with gossiping and complaining.But please, don't be hungry for the next controversy, debate, and dispute.Instead, work hard to be the calmest and most collected person in every single room.Endeavor to be the person that other people invite into conflict because you are knownfor your helpfulness, your humility, and your wisdom.For this to happen, you must be quick to listen.Slow to speak and slow to anger.Or what is a healthy view of conflict?Letter B, I shouldn't fear it.I shouldn't desire it, but I shouldn't fear it.Paul isn't afraid of conflict.He isn't pacing on Antioch wondering what's going to happen if he opposes Peter.Oh no, what's going to happen?Were people going to think about me?No, he is confident.He's confident not in himself, but in the word of God and the spirit of God who liveswithin him.If you want to become a peacemaker, you have to get over your obsession with being likedand appreciated by everyone.When you are convinced that God approves of you, the disapproval of mere human beingsloses its hold.And sometimes you need to hurt someone's feelings to tell them the truth.You can't make a peace on without breaking a few eggs.You can't rise above a painful situation without stepping on a few toes.You will fear conflict if you care more about the opinion of man than the commands of God.This may be hard for you to believe because I'm a pastor and I talk in front of peopleall the time, but I was painfully shy growing up.And I used to dread ordering food at a restaurant.And so I made my family do it for me.And my family who's not here right now, but they'll be happy to tell you more about thatlater on.So I used to tell them, "Okay, I'll give them my order."They would tell the waiter or they'd go to the cashier and tell them what I wanted.But there was just one particular Sunday after church growing up, my family was done.They were done with my avoidance tactics and they forced me to go up and order my own chocolatefrosty at Wendy's.I got to tell you, I was terrified.I'll never forget that moment, just shuffling up to the counter with my crumpled up $1 bill,getting to the cashier, putting my head down, putting my hand up and saying, "Smell frosty."Guess what?Everything worked out just fine.The cashier was nice and I was able to enjoy the blessing of eating a chocolate frostythey ordered myself.I'm so glad that my family forced the issue and I stopped avoiding this important task.Maybe you need to force the issue.Maybe you need to stop avoiding the important task of dealing with a specific conflict inyour life.If you need to confront someone or have a painfully honest conversation, do not procrastinate.Do not push it off any longer, rip off the bandit and do it today, not tomorrow, not nextweek and not some magical may have time when things slow down because guess what?Things are never ever going to slow down.You may be wondering, "Didn't Pastor Jeff already tell me this two weeks ago during his sermonon mercy?Jeff, didn't you say this already?"Yeah, he did say that.But did you listen?Did you follow through?Or did you decide not to listen and not to follow through?Now is your chance.Stop avoiding conflict because by doing so, you are delaying the blessing of true peace.And I know what some of you are thinking right now.Taylor, that's all well and good, but you don't know my spouse.He or she is so stubborn.You don't know my family.They are never going to change.Or you don't know that situation in my friend group that history is so long, it's so messy.My attempts to make peace will fall on deaf ears and not accomplish anything.Well, it seems like you have a very low view of what God is capable of.It seems like you've already decided that God cannot and will not change that personin situation.Is that mindset honoring to God?It's insulting to him.It's destructive to those you care about.It's harmful for your own soul.You have to take your eyes off of the results that you do or do not expect and choose tofocus on your God-given responsibilities.What is your God-given responsibilities?Well, Paul tells us in Romans 12, 18, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceablywith all."You are responsible for the action of your peacemaking, not the response to your peacemaking.You cannot control other people's actions and reactions, but guess what?You can control your actions and your reactions.Do your small part of peacemaking and trust God with His big part that He will take careof the results.As the worship team comes forward, I have some final questions for you.Are you sick and tired of giving into the temptation to be a peacemaker or a peacetaker?Are you ready to make some big changes?Have you truly rested in the peace that Christ purchased on the cross?Are you willing to place your feelings and preferences aside so you can focus on thegood of others in the unity of this church?Are you willing to deal with conflict in the biblical and healthy way?If your answer to those questions is yes, then I want to offer you my heartfelt congratulations.Congratulations to the peacemakers.Congratulations to the peacemakers for you shall be called sons of God.Let's pray.Father, we come to you and we admit our faults.We admit our sins.Lord, there's not one person in this room who shouldn't be feeling the conviction ofyour word.All of us can be peacepakers or peacetakers in different ways and around different people.Lord, I pray that by your spirit we would stop.Lord, we would put off anger.We would put off bitterness.We would put off giving people the silent treatment.And we would put on unity and harmony and love.Lord, we thank you that you didn't turn your backs on us.We want nothing to do with you.But you pursued after us through your Son and you gave us your perfect peace.Lord, help us to pursue after others to share that peace that you have given to us.We ask all this in Jesus' name.Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 5:9 & Galatians 2:11-14What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is biblical peace and how do we share it with others?How do you see yourself being a peace-faker or a peace-taker right now? How is the Lord calling you to address these issues and move forward?Which do you struggle with more: desiring conflict or avoiding conflict? Why are both harmful? BreakoutPray for one another.

Immeasurably More // The Book of Ephesians: God's Dwelling Ephesians 2:11-22 (NLT) “Don't forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.” 1.     Jesus is Our Unifying Center PointEphesians 2:14 (AMP) “For He Himself is our peace and our bond of unity. He who made both groups — [Jews and Gentiles]— into one body and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall of spiritual antagonism between us.” 2.     You've Been Reconciled to be a Reconciler2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (ESV)From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  3.     When We're Unified, God's Character and Nature is Declared to the Whole World 1 Peter 2:4-5,9-10 (ESV)As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.   Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV)Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. We are called to declare the Goodness of God's character to the whole world through our unity and love for one another.  Question: In what ways can you actively live out your calling as a reconciler and ambassador for Christ in our daily lives, so that our unity declares God's goodness to the world?

"Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).

Hebrews 13:5 says this... “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” How content are you today? Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

One New Man: God's Plan for Unity, Authority, and Evangelism • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give 1. Ephesians 2:14-16 “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” 2. Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 3. Colossians 3:11 “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” 4. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 5. John 17:21 “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” 6. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 7. Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 8. Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 9. Ephesians 4:3-4 “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling.” 10. Acts 2:44-47 “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”  

The Land Down Under, Australia, is our featured nation today; thank you, Aussies. I love your sense of humor and would love to use the words, mate, in a way that sounded natural. I woke up this morning with one thing on my mind, "As Christians, we ought to be stunningly thankful. Here are some of the verses that believers in God should be ridiculously thankful for. We experience the mercies of God, every minute. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30 "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9 He will not always strive with us; Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." Psalm 103:8-14 Our so what? Because of mercy, we know Death is conquered. We have a new inner person. We have peace with God. We have hope. Our relationships have eternal meaning. Our conduct has eternal meaning. We have eternal life with the God who loves us. Brethren, let's pray for one another. "What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more"" Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64 Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab. Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard. www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com freerangeprayer@gmail.com Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries Instagram: freerangeministries All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition. For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.com Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 Instagram Season 007 Episode 008

A sermon from Psalm 29 The praise of the Lord The power of the Lord The peace of the Lord GOSPEL CONNECTION “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.” (Ephesians 2:13-17) APPLICATION What will you do this week to cultivate peace in your life? MEMORY VERSE “The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

A Key to Joy | Psalm 103   Bless the Lord, my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your guilt, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with favor and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. 6 The Lord performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the sons of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always contend with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our guilty deeds. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our form; He is mindful that we are nothing but dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; Like a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place no longer knows about it. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear Him, And His justice to the children's children, 18 To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts, so as to do them. 19 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! 21 Bless the Lord, all you His angels, You who serve Him, doing His will. 22 Bless the Lord, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the Lord, my soul!   Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener's Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Sunday, 24 November 2024   Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19   “Whoever if therefore, he shall loosen one of these commandments – the least – and he shall teach the men thus, least he will be called in the kingdom of the heavens. And whoever, if he shall keep and he shall teach, this great he will be called in the kingdom of the heavens” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told His disciples that till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or stroke will not pass from the law until all should be fulfilled. With that remembered, He continues, saying, “Whoever if therefore, he shall loosen one of these commandments – the least.”   The word luó, to loosen, is introduced here. When one loosens something, a bond is broken. One can loosen a donkey, and the donkey is no longer bound to the post it was tied to. To loosen the temple would be to destroy it because its structure – foundation, pillars, etc., is no longer firm.   To loosen the Sabbath is to violate or break it because it is a precept commanded by the law. The same is true here. Jesus is saying of the Law and Prophets (verse 17), “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments.” From there, He continues with, “and he shall teach the men thus.”   Not only is the person breaking (loosening) the least of the commandments but he is then teaching that it is ok to do so. Of such a person, “least he will be called in the kingdom of the heavens.”   Such a person, who is so presumptuous as to willfully violate a law set forth by the Lord, and who also then teaches others that it is ok to do so, will not find favor in the eyes of God who gave the law in the first place. It is unconscionable to even consider that a man could override the word of God given to the people of Israel for the guidance of their lives in His presence.   Of this precept, Charles Ellicott says, “The words seem at first to imply that even the ceremonial law was to be binding in its full extent upon Christ's disciples. The usage of the time, however, confined the word to the moral laws of God.”   What is right or wrong with the words of Ellicott? Consider that as the words of Jesus continue. Next, He says, “And whoever, if he shall keep and he shall teach.”   Jesus is precisely saying to His disciples that there is another category of person, completely distinct and separate from the one He just mentioned. There is the meticulous keeper of every precept of the Law and Prophets. He understands it is God's word for the people of Israel, it is binding in its every precept, and he faithfully attempts to live out the commandments as they are set forth – without adding to or detracting from what is prescribed.   Paul was such a person. In Philippians 3, he gave his points of boasting from a worldly perspective. To sum up his long list of achievements, accomplishments, and accolades, he says in verse 3:6, “concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”   In other words, Paul was just the person Jesus is describing here. He was a meticulous law keeper whose righteousness before the law could not be questioned. Of such a person, from the perspective of the dispensation of the law, Jesus says, “this great he will be called in the kingdom of the heavens.”   Paul, at any time under the Law of Moses, would have been the epitome of one who would be exalted in the kingdom of the heavens set forth by God. At the base of Mount Sinai, he would have stood against those who fashioned the golden calf.   During the time of the Judges, he would have come against the idolatry of Micah and the tribe of Dan, standing against them and calling them out for their willful violation of the law. At the time of David, he would have counseled the king concerning his adulterous affair, telling him that what he had done was abominable in the sight of God.   This was the type of person Paul was. He faithfully and meticulously upheld t he standards of the Law and Prophets set forth by God for the conduct of Israel. And yet, after listing this most valuable asset of his under the time of the law, he next said –   “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11   Had Paul gone off his rocker? Was he suddenly in violation of what Jesus said in Matthew 5? Was he set to be the least in the kingdom of God? No! What is wrong with Ellicott's words? What now makes what Paul says acceptable? The answer is JESUS.   Who was Jesus speaking to? Israel. What was the state of Israel at the time He spoke those words? Bound to the Law of Moses under the Mosaic (Old) Covenant. What is the difference in Paul's words of Philippians 3? Jesus had fulfilled the Law of Moses, died in fulfillment of it, and established a New Covenant in His blood. Is the law still binding on Israel, then? Yes and No. Yes, if one has not come to Jesus. He is still bound to the Mosaic Covenant and must fulfill it perfectly. As it is impossible for someone to do so, he stands condemned before God. However, the answer is No for one who has come to Jesus. He has been imputed Christ's righteousness, meaning Jesus has fulfilled the law on his behalf. He has kept every precept according to God's standard, not on his own, but through Jesus' fulfilling each on his behalf. He has entered into the New Covenant of grace. The law is done away with for him. Are Gentiles bound to the law of Moses? No. The law was only given to Israel. No other nation or people group was given the law. Jesus was speaking to Israel about matters pertaining to Israel alone.   Life application: The problem with Ellicott's words is that there is NO DISTINCTION between the moral law and the ceremonial law. It is a false teaching. Jesus' words bear no such tone. The least part of the Mosaic Law was to be fulfilled, even in ceremonial matters. As James says –   “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10   The Law of Moses is a codified whole. No person had the right to dismiss even the least portion of it. The entirety was binding upon the people. And in Jesus' fulfillment of it, the entirety of it is taken away for the one who trusts in His finished work –   “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments [the Law of Moses] contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:14-16   “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements [the Law of Moses] that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:13-15   “For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment [the Law of Moses] because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:18, 19   “In that He says, ‘A new covenant,' He has made the first [the Law of Moses] obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13    “He takes away the first [the Law of Moses] that He may establish the second [the New Covenant].” Hebrews 10:9   The law is done. No person will find righteousness through the law. Only through faith in Christ's fulfillment of it can man be saved. This is the message of the Bible. Jesus! It is all about what God has done in and through JESUS.   Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday, 22 November 2024   “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17   “You, deem not that I came to disintegrate the law or the prophets. Not, I came to disintegrate but to fulfill” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples to radiate their good works in order to glorify their Father in heaven. Now, He brings up words that are so misquoted and misapplied within the church that entire cults have used them to justify the unjustifiable. He begins with, “You, deem not that I came to disintegrate the law or the prophets.”   First, Jesus' words are to the people of Israel, to whom the law was given. No other people on the planet were given the Law of Moses. The law was not binding on any other people in the past, and it is not binding on any other people today. The context is Jesus, speaking under the law and to the people of Israel. Nobody else.   To remove this context is to form a pretext. It is unsound. Jesus is telling Israel that they should not perceive that His mission was to destroy the law or the prophets. That was not His mission, and nobody was to accuse Him of conducting His ministry otherwise. He was born under the law, and He had no design or intent to set aside Moses in His ministry.   But some may accuse Him of such, saying He was disobedient to Moses. No! He exclaims. That was not His mission at all. Because of these words, Judaizers, such as in Paul's time, and a myriad of cults in our time, such as the Hebrew Roots movement, seize on His words and avow that everybody must adhere to the Law of Moses. He lived under it, and so we are obligated to it too.   From there, they will take the words of the coming verse and build upon their terrible theology with those words as well. For now, it is absolutely certain that Jesus did not come to disintegrate the Law and the Prophets. He has clearly avowed that. However, He doesn't stop there. He next says, “Not, I came to disintegrate but to fulfill.”   You can't stop with half a verse and expect your theology to be complete and proper. Jesus did not come to disintegrate the law. The law is binding on Israel as much today as it was when Moses gave it to them at the foot of Mount Sinai.   However, Jesus' mission was to fulfill it for those who trust in Him, thus setting it aside and offering them His grace in place of it. And fulfill it, He did –   “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:30   Jesus fulfilled the law, finishing the task set before Him. Paul speaks of this as well –   “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4   Paul is writing to both Jews and Gentiles, telling them that the law's requirements are fulfilled in Christ and they are set aside in Christ. This is explained, explicitly, many times in the New Testament epistles –   “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:14-16   Paul says the law is abolished through the cross for both Jews and Gentiles. He repeats this again in Colossians 2, using Christ's physical body as a metaphor for the law –   “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13, 14   The author of Hebrews says that the law is annulled –   “For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:18, 19   The “former commandment” refers to the Law of Moses. The “better hope” is the fulfillment of the law by Jesus. He also says the law is abolished –   “In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:13   The words “ready to vanish away” refer to the time when Israel calls to the Lord, receiving the grace of Jesus Christ. At that time, they will no longer observe the law. He also says –   “Previously saying, ‘Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them' (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.' He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:8-10   The sacrifices of the Old Covenant were ineffectual to bring man near to God. Jesus, not coming to disintegrate the law but fulfill it, did this in accord with the will of God. In His accomplishment of that, the law is “taken away,” and the New Covenant is introduced for all who will come to Him through faith, being sanctified once and forever by the precious blood (meaning the life) of Jesus Christ.   Life application: Context matters. Know your Bible through and through. Properly divide what is being said. Attempting to earn God's favor through law observance is to set aside the grace of the cross – “Thanks God, I know you tried, but I will get this.”   It is a proverbial slap in God's face, and you will find yourself condemned when you stand before Him at the Great White Throne. All that effort... for nothing. Come to Jesus and be saved, once and forever. All His effort... for all things!   Heavenly Father, help us not to think more of ourselves and our deeds than we should. Christ did it all. Now, may our lives being lived for Him be a pleasing and acceptable offering back to You for what You have done through Him. May we never set aside the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

In this weeks episode Pastor Dom continues teaching on the meaning found in the of the many names of God.Psalm 148:1313 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven.Galatians 4:66 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”John 8:4444 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.Hebrews 13:55 …For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Romans 8:38-3938 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Psalm 118:66 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear…1 John 3:13 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!…Judges 6:23-2423 Then the Lord (Yahweh) said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” 24 So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace…1 John 5:1919 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.Colossians 2:1010 and you are complete in Him,Psalm 23:11 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.Psalm 23:11 The Lord is my shepherd;     I have all that I need.Isaiah 9:66 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 57:2121 “There is no peace,” Says my God, “for the wicked.”Isaiah 48:1818 Oh, that you had listened to my commands!     Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river     and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.John 16:3333 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”John 14:2727 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Isaiah 26:33 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.Ephesians 2:1414 For He Himself is our peace,…

In this episode, Pastor Dom teaches about the significance found in the names of God. Genesis 1:11 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.Genesis 1:2626 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [a]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”Genesis 14:1818 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God (EL) Most High.Isaiah 7:1414 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (EL) Matthew 1:2323 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”Job 33:44 The Spirit of God (EL) has made me,  And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.John 8:5858 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”Exodus 34:66 And the Lord ( passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth,Exodus 20:77 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.Psalm 23:1-61The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me  All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.Hebrews 13:55 …For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”John 10:1010 …I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Philippians 4:1919 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.2 Corinthians 9:88 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Friday, 27 September 2024   From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17   “From then, Jesus, He began to proclaim and to say, ‘Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens'” (CG).   The previous verse completed the citation from Isaiah concerning the coming Messiah who would appear in the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. With that citation complete, it next says, “From then, Jesus, He began to proclaim and to say.”   The baptism of Jesus has been noted, His temptation in the desert area was explained, and then the imprisonment of John was noted, which was immediately followed by the note that Jesus departed to the Galilee, thus fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. Matthew's account of the ministry in the area of Galilee now officially begins with this verse.   The narrative clearly and unambiguously shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah's messianic prophecy, just as was the prophecy concerning John from Isaiah that he would be the forerunner of the Messiah.   The logical step-by-step nature of how Matthew is presenting the unfolding of Israel's history in relation to the coming of the Messiah is carefully laid out for us to see. With Jesus as the Messiah on full display, His message is next given in the words, “Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens.”   It is a letter-for-letter repeat of John's message in Matthew 3:2 –   3:1, 2 – And in those days, comes John the Baptist, proclaiming in the desolate of Judea, 2 and saying, “Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens.”   4:17 – From then, Jesus, He began to proclaim and to say, “Reconsider! For it has neared – the kingdom of the heavens.”   Jesus is, at this time, noted as being like a herald. He is proclaiming a message of reconsideration to the people of Israel. As they were the Lord's people, this must mean reconsidering their relationship with Him. This is unlike the later reconsideration when the gospel is preached to the Gentiles.   The Gentiles did not have a relationship with the Lord as noted, for example, in Ephesians 2:12 where Paul notes that they stand “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”   As such, the reconsideration of the Gentiles which Paul mentions in (for example) Acts 17:30, concerns their idea about who God is, not so much their relationship with Him. Once they are presented with the gospel, they reconsider who God is and what He is like, turning to Him through faith in the Messiah.   Jesus, at this time, is proclaiming reconsideration to Israel who is still under the law. He is telling them that the kingdom of the heavens is at hand. John's proclamation was to prepare Israel for the coming of the Messiah who would establish this kingdom. Jesus' proclamation is that He is the One who would establish it.   Life application: There is a false teaching concerning the establishment of Christ's coming that says Jesus came to renew the Mosaic Covenant. Thus, rather than translating verses like Jeremiah 31:31 and Hebrews 8:8, 13 as “new,” these false teachers say “renewed.” This is what is taught, for example, in the Hebrew Roots movement.   The word, in both Hebrew and Greek, means “new.” The word “renewed” is not a possible translation, nor can it even be inferred. There is a complete divide between the Law of Moses and the Covenant of Grace which comes through Jesus' finished work.   This is because Jesus' finished work... well, it finished something. What did it finish? It finished the task He was assigned, which was to be born under the law, live out the law without sinning, and then end the law because the law stands against us. It is not our friend but our enemy in the sense that it only condemns us. Without Jesus, the law can never bring about salvation. That is why Paul wrote this –   “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:14-16   Jesus “abolished” the “law of commandments and ordinances.” It is speaking of the Law of Moses. It stood opposed to those who were under it. For those who believe in the completed work of the Messiah, salvation is realized. For those who claim that Jesus came to “renew” the Law of Moses, they have believed a false gospel and there will be no salvation.   Man simply cannot give up on himself. It is the sin of pride that says, “I am my own Savior.” Jesus may be a part of the process, but this type of thinking ultimately comes back to self. Give up on self! If you are a part of this heretical sect, come to Jesus today. Be saved through His full, final, finished, and forever work. Come to the cross and lay yourself and your burdens down.   Glorious God, forgive us for always trying to make everything about ourselves. Even in salvation, we greedily claim a portion of the process, as if we have somehow merited grace. But grace cannot be earned. Help us to get this right. May we forever hail Jesus who alone has done it all. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.  

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Learn more about SouthPoint at Growth Track www.southpoint4u.com/growthtrack Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Everyone wants to have PEACE in their lives Yet, most of us can't find the peace we're seeking The world has gone mad! So, yes, the world is getting angrier. According to Gallup's Global Emotions report, negative emotions remained at their highest level in 2023 (tied with 2022). Anger is a piece of this data, and it remains near an all-time high worldwide. - Verified by Psychology Today 5/2024 Why so disturbed? - We're overwhelmed - We're afraid - We're financially strapped - We're late - We're in pain A life without peace is filled with self-sabotage Misunderstanding what PEACE is and how it works actually keeps us from finding the peace we seek. Peace is multi-dimensional: Physical – Relational – Spiritual – Financial PEACE definition: - Freedom from disturbance - State of tranquility If everyone is flawed and the world is broken then conflict and chaos are unavoidable PEACE needs to be… - more than a feeling - more than a circumstance Shalom means: “May you be fulfilled” Wholeness/Completeness For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. - Isaiah 9:6-7 “I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.” - John 14:27 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace… - Ephesians 2:13-14 Observations: - Peace is complete wellness and wholeness - Peace requires a power we don't possess - Peace is a Person (a relationship) The peace we so desperately need isn't a feeling or circumstance, it's a person named Jesus!

4 Nuggets about Relationships 1. Relationship is a defence 2. Relationship is like a bank account 3. Relationship is insurance 4. Relationship is security Isaiah 1:18 New King James Version 18 “Come now, and let us reason together,”Says the Lord,“Though your sins are like scarlet,They shall be as white as snow;Though they are red like crimson,They shall be as wool. Ephesians 2:13-15 New King James Version 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,  15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, Romans 8:16 New King James Version 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Mark 16:17 New King James Version 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; Mark 15:40-41 New King James Version 40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome,  41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. Luke 16:1-8 New King James Version 1 He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.  2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' 3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg.  4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' 5 “So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?'  6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.'  7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?' So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.'  8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.

How contented are you and I today? Hebrews 13:5 says this... “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Let's talk about it on today's Morning Manna.

In this day and time, it is very easy to let fear and unbelief overtake us. How many of us can confess that we need help? We all need help in every area of our lives. The Lord is our helper! He helps us to overcome all our fears when we trust in His promises as children of God. "‭For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NKJV‬). We must have faith in the Lord and the help He provides, especially during temptation. "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid [help] those who are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18, NKJV‬). In all temptations, fleshly, worldly and spiritual, the Lord has the remedy. The apostle Paul encouraged his Jewish brethren and us today, writing: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV). In time of need, in time of fear and in time of temptation, we can count on the grace [ability and power] of God to take us through it. No matter what you're going through you can rest assured that God provides you with help. How? By faith in His Word, that you have victory through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hebrews, chapter 4 begins with: "Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it" (Hebrews 4:1-2, NKJV‬). We have a promise declared in His Word, and we must believe in that promise to enter into His rest -- His place of help. As I stated in the beginning of this introduction, we are all in need of help! Listen to this message designed to encourage us in our faith in the help God made available to us through His Son, Jesus. Selah! Let me hear from you - Charles www.aboundinglove.org Subscribe and share with someone you love.

John 8:12: "Jesus said: “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” *(1) Jesus is the Light of the World. "He (Jesus) is the true Light which, coming into the world, gives light to every man" (John 1:9). "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it" (John 1:4-5). *(2) Whoever follows Him will not walk in Darkness. "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1John 5:19). "For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people" (Isaiah 60:2). “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going” (John 12:35). "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake" (Psalm 23:3). "The path of the just is like the shining sun[light], that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble" (Proverbs 4:18-19). *(3) Followers of Jesus Christ shall have the Light of Life. The Person is Life and the Life is Light. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all' (1John 1:5). "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2Corinthians 4:6). "Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light. And the days of your mourning shall be ended" (Isaiah 60:20). "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall If ear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1). "For He Himself has said: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

John 8:12: "Jesus said: “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” *(1) Jesus is the Light of the World. "He (Jesus) is the true Light which, coming into the world, gives light to every man" (John 1:9). "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it" (John 1:4-5). *(2) Whoever follows Him will not walk in Darkness. "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1John 5:19). "For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people" (Isaiah 60:2). “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going” (John 12:35). "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake" (Psalm 23:3). "The path of the just is like the shining sun[light], that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble" (Proverbs 4:18-19). *(3) Followers of Jesus Christ shall have the Light of Life. The Person is Life and the Life is Light. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all' (1John 1:5). "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2Corinthians 4:6). "Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light. And the days of your mourning shall be ended" (Isaiah 60:20). "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall If ear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1). "For He Himself has said: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Joshua 1:5-9 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."   Joshua was called by God to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River, to lead them to victory over their enemies in the Promise Land, and then divide to each of the twelve tribes their inheritance in the land. When we know what our calling in life from God is, rather than trying to accomplish our own personal desires, we will have confidence and courage to face any challenge. For sure God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, and when we are driven by them, who knows what we might accomplish for His glory and for eternity.   Along with our calling, the LORD also gives us promises to assist us and to encourage us to fulfill His plan and purposes. The LORD God first promised Joshua that he would successfully lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River into the Promise Land (vv. 3-4). As we will see, this was miraculously fulfilled in Joshua chapters 3-4.   Secondly, the LORD also gave Joshua the assignment of defeating their enemies in the land. Remember there were giants there and forty years earlier the ten spies had said that they had appeared as grasshoppers in their sight. With this assignment, God also promised Joshua that as He was with Moses, He would be with him. God promised that He “would not leave him or forsake him”, and He “would be with him wherever he went” (vv. 5 and 9). We will see how that God kept this promise in Joshua chapters 6-12.   My friend, God has given us these same promises as His people. I will never forget when I was called and ordained to the “Gospel Ministry” fifty years ago in Lynchburg Virginia. I was very fearful of getting in front of people. I knew nothing about leadership, except from a few books I had been reading, and from the leaders that were around me as I attended Bible college. Despite my fears, I made the choice to claim God's promises that I found in His Word during those early days of my Christian life.   I claimed Philippians 1:6 as my life verse: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. I also memorized and often reminded myself of 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”   All of us have been greatly encouraged by Psalm 23:1-4 over the years and when our friends and loved ones faced the “valley of the shadow of death. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”   Today we can also claim Hebrews 13:5-6: “… Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"  This is a quote from Joshua 1:5! The Gospel of Matthew opens with "Emmanuel... God with us" (1:23), and closes with Jesus saying, "Lo, I am with you always" (28:20).   I trust that you will be blessed and encouraged today as you remember these great promises and claim them for yourself!   God bless!

Recorded live from BxBlues Radio (24/7 online Christian radio: (Go to divinenature.net ) It's clear from the New Testament that the dividing wall of partition as been taken away. We who were once far off can now come near as fellow heirs of the promise of salvation! Praise God! ".... For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups one and broke down the dividing wall of the partition. by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might create the two into one new man..." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divinenaturepodcast/message

At the end of World War II, at the Potsdam Conference on July 17, 1945, it was decided how Germany would be divided by the American, British, French, and Soviet Allied leaders. Germany was divided into four zones of occupation to be controlled by the United States, Britain, France, and Communist Russia (the Soviet Union). The city of Berlin was split up by the four powers even though it was located within the zone controlled by Russia. Because West Berlin was formed by the American, British, and French sectors, East Berlin would be marked by its stark ideological differences shaped by communism because of its control under the Soviet Union. In 1949, Germany split into two independent nations known as the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) as a democracy in stark contrast to the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) that was marked by the communism of the Soviet Union. In 1952, the East German government closed its border with West Germany; to keep people from escaping East Germany to the West, a wire barrier was constructed around West Berlin on August 12-13, 1961, with the plan to build a permanent wall designed to divide neighborhoods, separate families, and keep any influence of a freedom loving West from a restrictive and oppressive East. The Berlin Wall would eventually grow into two walls measuring 96 miles long and 13 feet tall. Anyone who attempted to gain freedom from East Berlin by entering West Berlin was shot. By 1989, more than 100 people died trying to cross the Berlin Wall and hundreds more who tried to escape from East to West. There were 302 watchtowers along the 96-mile-long wall that separated the free from the burdened. On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Regan delivered a speech in West Berlin, a speech I remember well when I heard as it aired on television when I was only 13 years old. President Regans speech has been nicknamed the Tear Down This Wall speech from a line in his magnificent speech; I want you to hear just a sampling of this marvelous and important speech for a reason that will become clear in this sermon: Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. From the Baltic, south, those barriers cut across Germany in a gash of barbed wire, concrete, dog runs, and guard towers. Farther south, there may be no visible, no obvious wall. But there remain armed guards and checkpoints all the same still a restriction on the right to travel, still an instrument to impose upon ordinary men and women the will of a totalitarian state. Yet it is here in Berlin where the wall emerges most clearly; here, cutting across your city, where the news photo and the television screen have imprinted this brutal division of a continent upon the mind of the world. Standing before the Brandenburg Gate, every man is a German, separated from his fellow men. Every man is a Berliner, forced to look upon a scar. As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate.Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate!Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! On November 9, 1989, Germans from the East and West gathered and began tearing the Berlin Wall down. On October 3, 1990, East Germany and West Germany were no more; Germany was reunited as one free nation. The Christian Has Been Brought Near to God (vv. 11-13) There are four things that were true of the Christians in Ephesus; these four things are true of you if you are now a Christian; these same four things are still true of you if you are not a Christian. Because most of you in this room are Christians, I will refer to these four truths as something that once was true of you. You at one time were Christless (vv. 11-12a). There were two types of people in Ephesus and in the world: the Uncircumcision and the Circumcision. The Uncircumcision were the Gentiles in the world while the Circumcision were the Jews who prided themselves on being the physical descendants of Abraham. The Uncircumcised Gentiles were convinced that they were very different than the Circumcised Jews, and the Jews felt the same way about the Gentiles. However, there were two things that these two groups did share in common: Both groups believed that so long as they were religious enough, they would be prepared for what comes after death, and both groups were dead in their sins because both were Christless. You were homeless (v. 12b). What I mean by homeless is that the Jews had known about and looked forward to the promises of God made to the descendants of Abraham. For example, when God called Abraham out of the city of Ur, He made the following promise to both him and his wife, Sarah: Go from your country, And from your relatives And from your fathers house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you into a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3). The Jews had grown to assume that the promise was not for Gentiles and failed to realize that it would be through the Jewish people that the Gentile nations would experience the blessing made to Abraham. It was not that the promises were not for the nations also, but that the Gentiles were not aware of such promises. You were hopeless (v. 12c). What were the promises given to the Jews really for? They were promises concerning Gods plan to redeem Adams fallen race. Think about the promises made to the Jews for a moment! How would all the families of the earth be blessed? The Child promised in Isaiah 9:6-7 would be Jewish and would come through Israel, and this promise is for the nations: For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this. So how were the Gentiles in Ephesus without hope? They were without hope because unlike the Jews, they were unaware that unlike emperor Nero of Rome who was reigning at the time Ephesians was written, there was coming a true and better King who would do what Rome could never do: There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. For the Gentiles, Rome was as good as it would get is the same way that many today believe that life before death is as good as it will ever get, which is pretty hopeless! You were godless (v. 12d). Finally, the gentiles were godless in the sense that they were left to their idols because they did not know God. This does not mean that the Jews were not godless either, for if they were without Christ, then they were also Godless. To be Godless is to be without God. Do you know what happens when you are Godless? You will find a way to place an idol in the place only God was meant to reside in your life. You will find something that promises the sort of things that only a real God can give and provide; such as joy, satisfaction, contentment, meaning, and purpose to your life and you will be robed of the very things that idols promise to give. The God whose image you bear is the only being who can provide lasting joy, satisfaction, contentment, meaning, and purpose to your life. If you are a Christian, you are no longer Christless. Because you are no longer Christless, you belong to the people of God and are no longer homeless when it comes to the promises of God. Because you are now the recipient of the promises of God through Jesus, you are no longer hopeless. Because your hope rests in Jesus for your salvation, Paul declares: Now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ (v. 13). The Christian Has the Peace of God (vv. 14-18) Gods plan for the salvation of sinners always included Gentiles. Before instructions for the construction of a temple that would serve as the center of worship for Israel where the presence of God would be experienced by His people, God instructed Israel: Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel (Exod. 19:5-6). In other words, Israel was commissioned to be Gods priests before the nations to lead the nations to God. Through the prophet Malachi, as He did throughout Israels history, God reminded His people that the redemption of the nations was always the plan: For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of armies ( Mal. 1:11). So, what is this dividing wall the apostle Paul refers to in verse 14? The temple that King Herod built for the Jews included a place known as, The Court of the Gentiles. The Court of the Gentiles was the place within the Temple Walls that allowed Gentiles to gather and worship the God of the Hebrews, but they were forbidden to go any further than the outer court because they were considered too dirty to come any closer to the inner courts, only the true Jew was permitted to into the holier place that was closest to the Holy of Holies where the presence of God was. There was a wall that stood about 4.5 feet high that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts and signs that were posted that stated in Greek: No foreigner may enter within the balustrade around the sanctuary and the enclosure. Whoever is caught, on himself shall he put blame for the death which will ensue.[1] The Court of the Gentiles is also the place where Jesus taught while in the Temple (Matt. 21:23; 26:55; Luke 19:47; John 7:14). The Court of the Gentiles is also the place where money was changed because the required coinage for people to use for the Temple tax had to be Tyrian shekels (aka the shekel of the sanctuary) because of the uneven value of other coinages and the idolatrous images on other coins. During Passover, it is estimated that over 200,000 lambs were sacrificed for the sins of the people; the Court of the Gentiles was the place where people could purchase their sacrifice. The Court of the Gentiles was where the money was made and exchanged, and for many, became more important than worship itself. The Court of the Gentiles was not in the original plans God gave His people for the Temple (see Numbers 15:14-15), nor were they ever a part of Gods plans for the place where His people would worship Him. Here is what Isaiah said of the place of Gods worship: Also the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to attend to His service and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one who keeps the Sabbath so as not to profane it, And holds firmly to My covenant; Even those I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples. It was the Court of the Gentiles that Jesus entered into during Passover week before He would die on the Cross as the perfect and true Lamb of God, and was enraged over the way Israel had perverted the Temple: And He entered the temple area and began to drive out those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple grounds. And He began to teach and say to them, Is it not written: my house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers. (Mark 11:15-17). They crucified Jesus because the Jews who were convinced that their religion was enough, but what Israel failed to see was that their problem was the same as the problem of the Gentiles. There exists before all of humanity a far greater wall than the one that separated the Gentiles from the Jews in the Temple! It is a wall that only One Lamb can remedy and of all the peoples of the nations that should have known that such a wall exists, it should have been those who had before them from the commandments, writings, and the prophets, the covenants of the promise (v. 12). The wall is greater than any other wall, for it is the great wall of mankinds sin and guilt before a Holy God and there is nothing that the Jews or the Gentiles could do to tear it down, nor is there anything that you and I can do to remove the wall. For the Jew, the Law simply pointed to the wall of our own sin and that there is only One who is able to tear down the wall (see Gal. 3:23-29). Jesus tore down the wall by going to the Cross, He redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us (Ga. 3:13). It is only through the blood He shed for sins we are guilty of that, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings (Eph. 1:7). The wall was our sin, the hostility was ours before a Holy God, and our only hope for a peace with Him was and is the Prince of Peace! This is why Paul wrote, For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace (vv. 14-15). How did He do it? Through His cross: and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility (v. 16). Conclusion Through Christ, the wall that alienated and separated us from any hope of knowing God or being known by God was blown to ashes through the Cross! The Christian, regardless of culture, skin color, or language, is now reconciled to the One whose image we all bearHe is our peace! Christian, because the wall of your sin was torn down by the Lamb of God, you share the same thing that the Chinese Christian, the Korean Christian, the Indian Christian, the Burmese Christian, the Iranian Christian, the Sudanese Christian, the Canadian Christian, and the Mexican Christian all have that you now have through Jesus Christ: Access in one Spirit to the Father through the Son! What better news could there possibly be than what we read in these verses: For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Regardless of your ethnicity, the thing that you share with every other Christian rescued, ransomed, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus is that we now belong to His Tribe and our colors are the same because we are covered by the blood of the perfect Lamb of God! To be a Christian is to be the Church, and to be the Church is to be the People of God! Your identity is no longer in the nation you live, the color of your skin, the language you speak, or the culture that has shaped and formed you. No! Your identity is now in Christ! If you are not a Christian, the great wall of your sin still stands, and your greatest need remains! There is only One who is able to remove the wall of your sin, so why wait any longer to be reconciled to God through the blood of the Lamb of God? [1] One such sign is on display at the Israel Museum and a second in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

At the end of World War II, at the Potsdam Conference on July 17, 1945, it was decided how Germany would be divided by the American, British, French, and Soviet Allied leaders. Germany was divided into four zones of occupation to be controlled by the United States, Britain, France, and Communist Russia (the Soviet Union). The city of Berlin was split up by the four powers even though it was located within the zone controlled by Russia. Because West Berlin was formed by the American, British, and French sectors, East Berlin would be marked by its stark ideological differences shaped by communism because of its control under the Soviet Union. In 1949, Germany split into two independent nations known as the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) as a democracy in stark contrast to the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) that was marked by the communism of the Soviet Union. In 1952, the East German government closed its border with West Germany; to keep people from escaping East Germany to the West, a wire barrier was constructed around West Berlin on August 12-13, 1961, with the plan to build a permanent wall designed to divide neighborhoods, separate families, and keep any influence of a freedom loving West from a restrictive and oppressive East. The Berlin Wall would eventually grow into two walls measuring 96 miles long and 13 feet tall. Anyone who attempted to gain freedom from East Berlin by entering West Berlin was shot. By 1989, more than 100 people died trying to cross the Berlin Wall and hundreds more who tried to escape from East to West. There were 302 watchtowers along the 96-mile-long wall that separated the free from the burdened. On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Regan delivered a speech in West Berlin, a speech I remember well when I heard as it aired on television when I was only 13 years old. President Regans speech has been nicknamed the Tear Down This Wall speech from a line in his magnificent speech; I want you to hear just a sampling of this marvelous and important speech for a reason that will become clear in this sermon: Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. From the Baltic, south, those barriers cut across Germany in a gash of barbed wire, concrete, dog runs, and guard towers. Farther south, there may be no visible, no obvious wall. But there remain armed guards and checkpoints all the same still a restriction on the right to travel, still an instrument to impose upon ordinary men and women the will of a totalitarian state. Yet it is here in Berlin where the wall emerges most clearly; here, cutting across your city, where the news photo and the television screen have imprinted this brutal division of a continent upon the mind of the world. Standing before the Brandenburg Gate, every man is a German, separated from his fellow men. Every man is a Berliner, forced to look upon a scar. As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate.Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate!Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! On November 9, 1989, Germans from the East and West gathered and began tearing the Berlin Wall down. On October 3, 1990, East Germany and West Germany were no more; Germany was reunited as one free nation. The Christian Has Been Brought Near to God (vv. 11-13) There are four things that were true of the Christians in Ephesus; these four things are true of you if you are now a Christian; these same four things are still true of you if you are not a Christian. Because most of you in this room are Christians, I will refer to these four truths as something that once was true of you. You at one time were Christless (vv. 11-12a). There were two types of people in Ephesus and in the world: the Uncircumcision and the Circumcision. The Uncircumcision were the Gentiles in the world while the Circumcision were the Jews who prided themselves on being the physical descendants of Abraham. The Uncircumcised Gentiles were convinced that they were very different than the Circumcised Jews, and the Jews felt the same way about the Gentiles. However, there were two things that these two groups did share in common: Both groups believed that so long as they were religious enough, they would be prepared for what comes after death, and both groups were dead in their sins because both were Christless. You were homeless (v. 12b). What I mean by homeless is that the Jews had known about and looked forward to the promises of God made to the descendants of Abraham. For example, when God called Abraham out of the city of Ur, He made the following promise to both him and his wife, Sarah: Go from your country, And from your relatives And from your fathers house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you into a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3). The Jews had grown to assume that the promise was not for Gentiles and failed to realize that it would be through the Jewish people that the Gentile nations would experience the blessing made to Abraham. It was not that the promises were not for the nations also, but that the Gentiles were not aware of such promises. You were hopeless (v. 12c). What were the promises given to the Jews really for? They were promises concerning Gods plan to redeem Adams fallen race. Think about the promises made to the Jews for a moment! How would all the families of the earth be blessed? The Child promised in Isaiah 9:6-7 would be Jewish and would come through Israel, and this promise is for the nations: For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this. So how were the Gentiles in Ephesus without hope? They were without hope because unlike the Jews, they were unaware that unlike emperor Nero of Rome who was reigning at the time Ephesians was written, there was coming a true and better King who would do what Rome could never do: There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. For the Gentiles, Rome was as good as it would get is the same way that many today believe that life before death is as good as it will ever get, which is pretty hopeless! You were godless (v. 12d). Finally, the gentiles were godless in the sense that they were left to their idols because they did not know God. This does not mean that the Jews were not godless either, for if they were without Christ, then they were also Godless. To be Godless is to be without God. Do you know what happens when you are Godless? You will find a way to place an idol in the place only God was meant to reside in your life. You will find something that promises the sort of things that only a real God can give and provide; such as joy, satisfaction, contentment, meaning, and purpose to your life and you will be robed of the very things that idols promise to give. The God whose image you bear is the only being who can provide lasting joy, satisfaction, contentment, meaning, and purpose to your life. If you are a Christian, you are no longer Christless. Because you are no longer Christless, you belong to the people of God and are no longer homeless when it comes to the promises of God. Because you are now the recipient of the promises of God through Jesus, you are no longer hopeless. Because your hope rests in Jesus for your salvation, Paul declares: Now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ (v. 13). The Christian Has the Peace of God (vv. 14-18) Gods plan for the salvation of sinners always included Gentiles. Before instructions for the construction of a temple that would serve as the center of worship for Israel where the presence of God would be experienced by His people, God instructed Israel: Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel (Exod. 19:5-6). In other words, Israel was commissioned to be Gods priests before the nations to lead the nations to God. Through the prophet Malachi, as He did throughout Israels history, God reminded His people that the redemption of the nations was always the plan: For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of armies ( Mal. 1:11). So, what is this dividing wall the apostle Paul refers to in verse 14? The temple that King Herod built for the Jews included a place known as, The Court of the Gentiles. The Court of the Gentiles was the place within the Temple Walls that allowed Gentiles to gather and worship the God of the Hebrews, but they were forbidden to go any further than the outer court because they were considered too dirty to come any closer to the inner courts, only the true Jew was permitted to into the holier place that was closest to the Holy of Holies where the presence of God was. There was a wall that stood about 4.5 feet high that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts and signs that were posted that stated in Greek: No foreigner may enter within the balustrade around the sanctuary and the enclosure. Whoever is caught, on himself shall he put blame for the death which will ensue.[1] The Court of the Gentiles is also the place where Jesus taught while in the Temple (Matt. 21:23; 26:55; Luke 19:47; John 7:14). The Court of the Gentiles is also the place where money was changed because the required coinage for people to use for the Temple tax had to be Tyrian shekels (aka the shekel of the sanctuary) because of the uneven value of other coinages and the idolatrous images on other coins. During Passover, it is estimated that over 200,000 lambs were sacrificed for the sins of the people; the Court of the Gentiles was the place where people could purchase their sacrifice. The Court of the Gentiles was where the money was made and exchanged, and for many, became more important than worship itself. The Court of the Gentiles was not in the original plans God gave His people for the Temple (see Numbers 15:14-15), nor were they ever a part of Gods plans for the place where His people would worship Him. Here is what Isaiah said of the place of Gods worship: Also the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to attend to His service and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one who keeps the Sabbath so as not to profane it, And holds firmly to My covenant; Even those I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples. It was the Court of the Gentiles that Jesus entered into during Passover week before He would die on the Cross as the perfect and true Lamb of God, and was enraged over the way Israel had perverted the Temple: And He entered the temple area and began to drive out those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple grounds. And He began to teach and say to them, Is it not written: my house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers. (Mark 11:15-17). They crucified Jesus because the Jews who were convinced that their religion was enough, but what Israel failed to see was that their problem was the same as the problem of the Gentiles. There exists before all of humanity a far greater wall than the one that separated the Gentiles from the Jews in the Temple! It is a wall that only One Lamb can remedy and of all the peoples of the nations that should have known that such a wall exists, it should have been those who had before them from the commandments, writings, and the prophets, the covenants of the promise (v. 12). The wall is greater than any other wall, for it is the great wall of mankinds sin and guilt before a Holy God and there is nothing that the Jews or the Gentiles could do to tear it down, nor is there anything that you and I can do to remove the wall. For the Jew, the Law simply pointed to the wall of our own sin and that there is only One who is able to tear down the wall (see Gal. 3:23-29). Jesus tore down the wall by going to the Cross, He redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us (Ga. 3:13). It is only through the blood He shed for sins we are guilty of that, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings (Eph. 1:7). The wall was our sin, the hostility was ours before a Holy God, and our only hope for a peace with Him was and is the Prince of Peace! This is why Paul wrote, For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace (vv. 14-15). How did He do it? Through His cross: and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility (v. 16). Conclusion Through Christ, the wall that alienated and separated us from any hope of knowing God or being known by God was blown to ashes through the Cross! The Christian, regardless of culture, skin color, or language, is now reconciled to the One whose image we all bearHe is our peace! Christian, because the wall of your sin was torn down by the Lamb of God, you share the same thing that the Chinese Christian, the Korean Christian, the Indian Christian, the Burmese Christian, the Iranian Christian, the Sudanese Christian, the Canadian Christian, and the Mexican Christian all have that you now have through Jesus Christ: Access in one Spirit to the Father through the Son! What better news could there possibly be than what we read in these verses: For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Regardless of your ethnicity, the thing that you share with every other Christian rescued, ransomed, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus is that we now belong to His Tribe and our colors are the same because we are covered by the blood of the perfect Lamb of God! To be a Christian is to be the Church, and to be the Church is to be the People of God! Your identity is no longer in the nation you live, the color of your skin, the language you speak, or the culture that has shaped and formed you. No! Your identity is now in Christ! If you are not a Christian, the great wall of your sin still stands, and your greatest need remains! There is only One who is able to remove the wall of your sin, so why wait any longer to be reconciled to God through the blood of the Lamb of God? [1] One such sign is on display at the Israel Museum and a second in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.

1 Corinthians 1:18  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.Luke 14:27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.Ephesians  2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

1 Corinthians 1:18  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.Luke 14:27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.Ephesians  2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, December 13, 2023Service Time: 2:00 p.m.Service Time: 7:00 p.m. Both services are the same, however the 7:00 p.m. service will feature an organist and hymns.All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relativeFrom today's Advent bulletinPEACE TO ALL, NEAR AND FAR As we pause to contemplate His Word during this second week of Advent, Jesus comes to us where we are and says, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). This peace does not come through our attempts to remove ourselves from reality or rearrange the broken pieces of our past. No, it is only by the grace of God that we now receive His peace, His forgiveness, and His restoration through faith in His promises. Gathering us from far and near, no matter who we are or where we have been, our Advent King gives us His peace by means of His death and resurrection. When we trust in Him, we will not simply feel better with a short-term stillness; we will stand fully forgiven by Jesus and at permanent peace with our God. First Reading – Ephesians 2:12–18 Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Second Reading – John 14:25–31 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on Me, but I do as the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

How Important Is Trust To God?

The Names of GodEl Rachum - The Compassionate GodGod is intimately aware of the pain we experience; His heart is saddened by it. Even though His ways do not make sense to us at times, His compassionate love never wavers as He works all things out for our good.Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;- Exodus 34:6 various versionsJust as a father has compassion on his children,
 so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. - Psalm 103:13-14 NASB 1995We also read from Matthew 9:35-38, and Lamentations 3:22-23.Where have you seen the compassion of God in your life? Where is He inviting you to receive His compassion today?Become a PatronCultivate Connection has reached listeners in 157 countries, averaging 1,100 downloads a week. Help us reach even more by sharing Cultivate Connection with others.If you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, become a monthly patron. As a patron, your generosity helps us create, host, and promote experiences that help others grow their relationship with God. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.com

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Today we consider what we live for. You go to work, you pursue all those things you are told will make you happy, so why aren't you happy? Welcome to Run With Horses. My name is Norman and my goal is to help you Thrive as a disciple of Jesus. There are a lot of things you could choose to do with your life but I don't believe that there is anything more worthwhile than joining Jesus on His great mission of reconciliation. Life is an incredible process of spiritual growth. Thanks letting me be part of your journey. I found a book by LeRoy Eims in the church library this week. I have appreciated another book by him titled The Lost Art of Disciple Making and I highly recommend it. It was one of the books that started me on the path to becoming a disciple maker almost twenty years ago. The book I found this week is called, What Every Christian Should Know About Growing. One chapter really caught my attention. The first section opens with a discussion of life and meaning. He particularly focused on the fact that many people find life incredibly dull. "Is there life after birth?" some ask. A campus newspaper at the time ran a contest to find a slogan for life. Three honorable mentions were, "Life is a bad joke that's not funny." / "Life is a disease for which there is no cure." / and "Life is a jail sentence you get for being born." The world tells you over and over again that pursuing temporal, here and now pleasures, will satisfy you. Commercials on every platform tell you how much better your life will be with this product or that one. Each one offers to finally complete you and make you the man or women you were meant to be. Only they don't. And they can't. Increase in death rates age 25-64 - drug overdose suicide, alcohol  related, Deaths of despair. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/ Pg. 90 Financial success paragraph. But people keep climbing the ladder! Definition of insanity! To keep trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results. It is not complicated. God has given us the answer if only we will listen. Man is a spiritual being. Eims points out that we have four key areas of personal development if we are to be healthy, balanced people. Intellectual, Physical, Spiritual and Social. Leave one out and you cannot be a healthy person! In several key areas, our Faith in the Creator God makes life not only bearable but joyful. First, Many people live in constant fear of death. 1 John 5:13 - These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. Second, Many people live in fear of financial problems. Phil. 4:19 - And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Third, many people are in constant fear about the future. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Many people are afraid of being alone and unheard. Hebrews 13: 5-6 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” What is it that makes this life bearable? What gives us joy where the world finds only despair? Ephesians 3:14-21 - Christ dwells in your heart through faith, you know His love! Romans 8:14-17 -  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,  To know God and to be known by Him is the greatest joy you can have. This relationship overrides every trial that life brings your way because the trial is temporary and the relationship with God is eternal. Live with eternal values. Live out eternal relationships. There is nothing in this life that can compare or bring you even a fraction of the joy that God offers. Thanks for joining me today. Write me anytime at norman@runwithhorses.net, I look forward to hearing how God is working in your life. Today's trials won't last forever. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep running!

Hebrews 135 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  6 So we may boldly say:“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”Did you know that contentment and happiness are altogether two different things?Join in with us as we listen to Pastor Bobby teach on this very insightful message on the topic of  Contentment and how it will help us in our day to day livingSupport the showThanks for joining us!

“For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace” (NASU).

Finding Spiritual Guidance in Financial Troubles: Insights from the Bible and Recommended BooksIntroduction:Financial troubles can bring immense stress and anxiety into our lives. In such challenging times, seeking spiritual guidance can provide solace and wisdom to navigate through the difficulties. The Bible offers invaluable insights on how to approach financial struggles, providing hope, guidance, and principles to overcome them. In this article, we will explore what God says about financial troubles, citing relevant Bible verses. Additionally, we will recommend a few insightful books available on Amazon that can help individuals overcome financial difficulties from a spiritual perspective.Trusting in God's Provision:When facing financial challenges, it is crucial to trust in God's provision. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus says, "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." This verse reminds us that God knows our needs and will provide for us when we prioritize His kingdom and righteousness in our lives. Trusting in God's provision helps us develop a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.Book Recommendation: "God's Will Is Prosperity" by Gloria CopelandSeeking Godly Wisdom:Financial troubles often require sound judgment and wisdom. In James 1:5, it is written, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." When facing financial decisions, seeking Godly wisdom through prayer and reflection is essential. God promises to provide wisdom generously to those who ask. By aligning our choices with God's guidance, we can make informed decisions that lead to financial well-being.Book Recommendation: "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave RamseyPracticing Good Stewardship:The Bible encourages us to be responsible stewards of our finances. In Luke 16:10, Jesus states, "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." Being faithful with the little we have demonstrates our readiness to handle greater financial blessings. Practicing good stewardship involves budgeting, saving, avoiding unnecessary debt, and being generous with what we have.Book Recommendation: "The Blessed Life: Unlocking the Rewards of Generous Living" by Robert MorrisGiving and Generosity:Even in times of financial difficulty, God encourages us to have a generous spirit. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, it says, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." When we give generously, we align ourselves with God's heart and open the door for His blessings. Giving doesn't always have to be monetary; it can also include acts of kindness, time, or resources.Book Recommendation: "The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving" by Randy AlcornSeeking Contentment:In our pursuit of financial stability, it is important to cultivate contentment. In Hebrews 13:5, God assures us, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Contentment frees us from the constant desire for more and helps us appreciate what we already have. It enables us to find joy and peace regardless of our financial circumstances.Book Recommendation: "Contentment: The Secret to a Lasting Calm" by Richard SwensonConclusion:When facing financial troubles, seeking spiritual guidance can bring a sense of peace, wisdom, and hope. The Bible provides us with timeless principles and promises that can help us overcome financial difficulties. By trusting in God's provision, seeking His wisdom, practicing good stewardship, embracing generosity, and cultivating contentment, we can navigate through challenging financial situations with faith and resilience.

Introduction What would it be like to preach and teach through the filter of the beatitudes? What would the impact be on us as speakers and our congregations as listeners? Today, we will look at the seventh beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Peacemaking can only be done by the pure in heart, because impartiality is necessary to that endeavour. So this beatitude follows on from the former.  1. The Meaning in the context of the Gospel     - Peacemakers are children of God because “What they do is to repeat what God has done.”        - Jesus was prophesied to be the “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6)     - Christ is our peace          - Eph. 2:14 ‘For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…'          - Col. 1:20 ‘…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.'     - All Christians are called to be peacemakers by nature. Speakers have an opportunity to demonstrate this in what they say and how they say it. 2. The Meaning for a preacher/teacher     - A preacher or teacher fully invested in being a peacemaker will look for opportunities to reveal the God of peace, explain how we can be at peace with him, and show how this peace inspires our discipleship.     - In preparation         - Is there a lack of peace between you and anyone in your congregation? What can you do to improve the situation?             - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18         - Process any irritations you are experiencing before you get up to speak. A peacemaker is one who removes irritations, rather than causing them. If you are irritated at something, or someone (including yourself) you will not be speaking from from a position of peace and will therefore find it hard to preach as a peacemaker. Sort that out in prayer and conversations with a safe person before you speak. If it happens during the service, pray and ask God for help.         - What is there in your lesson that will promote peace between human beings and God and between people?     - In presentation         - There is a place for teaching that disturbs — Jer. 6:14 ‘They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace.' However, when this is warranted make sure it is the word doing the disturbing, rather than you.         - Develop discernment as to when God is saying, ‘Hold back'! On occasion I feel ready to say something especially challenging. When it is right I know it. When it is not, I also know, but only if I am paying attention. This is hard to explain, but I know it is not the right time when I feel a burning sensation in my head.         - If you are delivering a challenging message watch your tone. A loving tone is possible even when making a challenging point. Conclusion Benefits for us and our hearers: 1. In promoting peace we inspire people to live that peace and call others into that peace 2. We reveal the heart of Christ to our hearers 3. We inspire and motivate our hearers to Christ-likeness Next week we will get into the eighth Beatitude, but for today I'd like to know what you think. How can we preach and teach in a way that is informed by the seventh beatitude?  What kinds of questions does this bring to your mind regarding preaching and teaching? Why not pray over the beatitudes, asking God to reveal how they can flavour your speaking? If God reveals anything to you, please drop me a line. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.  "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

Introduction      For thirty three chapters, Moses has been speaking to his people, Israel, and informing them about their special God who is unique (Deut 4:35, 39; Isa 45:5-6), His love for them (Deut 7:7-9; 10:15-19), their liberation from slavery (Deut 5:6; 15:15), God's calling them into a special relationship with Him (Lev 11:45), and His directives that would set them above the nations of the world and bring His blessing if they obey (Deut 11:26-28; 30:15-20). Those who love Him will follow His directives (Deut 6:4-9). In this chapter, the voice of Moses falls silent, as God calls His servant home. According to Daniel Block: "By this point in the drama, Moses has done all he could do to set his house in order. He has commissioned a successor (Deut 31:1-8, 23), provided a written transcript of his farewell pastoral sermons and arranged for the regular reading of this Torah in the future (Deut 31:9-13, 24-29), taught the people a national anthem (Deut 31:14-22, 30; 32:47), and pronounced his benediction on the tribes (Deut 33:1-29). All that remains is the report of his death and the people's response to his passing."[1] Text      In this closing section, we observe Moses ascending Mount Nebo, where he will see the land of Canaan from a distance. We read, “Now Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 and the Negev and the plain in the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar” (Deut 34:1-3).      Having walked the earth for 120 years, Moses was about to take his final journey, a walk from which he would not return, for he would soon die. And, as Moses ascended the mountain, he would have been able to look over his shoulder and see the Israelites' camp below. Moses' destination was “the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho” (Deut 34:1b). And once on top of the mountain, “the LORD showed him all the land” of Canaan (Deut 34:1c). The words showed him translates the Hebrew verb רָאָה raah, which, in the hiphil form, means “to let someone see something, to show someone.”[2] Here we observe God's permissive will, as He allowed Moses to see the land of Canaan, which He had promised to His people, Israel. Moses visually surveyed the land in a counter clockwise manner from north to south.      Having observed all the land, “Then the LORD said to him, ‘This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants'; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there'” (Deut 34:4). The land Moses saw was the very land God promised to Abraham (Gen 13:15; 17:8), Isaac (Gen 26:3), Jacob (Gen 28:13), and to their descendants as an everlasting possession (Gen 15:18; 24:7; Deut 1:8). Here we observe God's active will, in which He, by His sovereign choice and omnipotent power, gives to His people. Though Israel would get to enter the land, God reminded Moses that he was not going to let him enter it, saying, “you shall not go over there” (Deut 34:4b; cf., Deut 3:27; 32:52). Though Moses would not set foot on the land, he would leave the world stage knowing he'd been employed by the Lord to get His people there. Moses' Epitaph      What follows in the closing verses of the book of Deuteronomy was written by someone other than Moses, perhaps Joshua, to inform us about the details of Moses' death. We are told, “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD” (Deut 34:5). Moses was faithful to the end of his life. Even though Moses was under divine discipline and would not enter the land, he is still described as the “servant of the LORD” ( עֶֽבֶד־יְהוָ֛ה- ebed Yahweh), an honorable title held by others who submitted themselves to God and walked with Him (Josh 24:29; 2 Sam 3:18; Job 1:8; Isa 20:3). This title was formalized in the name Obadiah, which means servant of Yahweh. God had been with Moses throughout his ministry, and others saw the Lord was with him. Though Moses would die alone, away from others, he was not alone, for God was with Him to the end, to accompany His servant as he left this earth and entered heaven.      After Moses died, the Lord took his limp, lifeless body, “And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day” (Deut 34:6). That God personally attended to the burial of Moses speaks of an intimacy and tenderness the Lord had for His prophet. God took Moses' body from the mountain top and brought it down into “the valley in the land of Moab.” There are some things God does not want us to know (Deut 29:29), that He keeps hidden from us for His own reasons, and the burial place of Moses is one of them. This is one of the mysteries of the Bible. But why hide Moses' body? The text does not say. It's possible that God knew the idolatrous hearts of the Israelites and that they would venerate Moses' grave as a holy place in itself. According to Charles Swindoll, “Moses is the only person in the Bible whom God personally buried. Did you know that? And then the Lord hid the tomb. Why did He do that? Because that grave would have become a second Mecca. They would still be beating a path up Nebo to this day, building shrines, selling popcorn and peanuts, offering all sorts of rides, maybe running a tram up there, with big banners announcing, ‘Moses' burial place!'”[3]      To add to the mystery around Moses' death, Jude wrote about “Michael the archangel” who “disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses” (Jude 1:9a). Apparently Michael, the archangel, was somehow involved in Moses' burial, and had a dispute with Satan over the body. Why Satan would want the body of Moses is not known, as Jude does not elaborate on the details. It's possible Satan wanted to use Moses' body for idolatrous purposes. Whatever the reason, God would not permit Satan to have his way. Here we observe God's overruling will.      We know that Moses' spirit, at his death, went into the presence of the Lord, and later appeared with Elijah at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:1-3). Matthew wrote about the event, saying, “Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves” (Matt 17:1). And while they were on the mountain, Jesus “was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light” (Matt 17:2). And during the time of Jesus' glorification, Matthew tells us, “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him” (Matt 17:3). Though Moses' body was still in a grave, his spirit was alive and well, and here, along with the spirit of Elijah, was interacting with Jesus. Warren Wiersbe informs us, “Moses did arrive in the Holy Land centuries later when he and Elijah joined Jesus in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:1–3; Luke 9:28–31).”[4]      The writer informs us that Moses did not die because of old age or infirmity, as he states, “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated” (Deut 34:7). Moses died because God put him to death. Within God's divine plan, it was simply Moses' time to die, so the Lord ended his life and brought his servant home. This occurred, in part, because it was God's time to bring Israel into the land of Canaan, which the Lord had told Moses he would not see because of his disobedience in the wilderness (Num 20:1-12).      Though Moses had died, God and His Word remained, and the people had all they needed for a life of success if they would follow Yahweh. Sadly, the book of Judges shows they did not stay true to the Lord, and even Moses' grandson, “Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses” (Judg 18:30; cf., Ex 2:21-22), would later turn away from the Lord and lead the people into idolatry (Judg 18:30-31). In this way, Jonathan was acting more like Aaron, his great uncle, than his grandfather, Moses, for Aaron had led the people into idolatry and the worship of the golden calf (Ex 32:1-6).      And after Moses' death and burial, we're told, “So the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end” (Deut 34:8). The people of Israel—at least the second generation since the exodus—loved Moses and mourned his passing. They also mourned Aaron for thirty days as well (Num 20:29), which was longer than the customary seven days (cf., Gen 50:10).      Switching focus to Joshua, the writer states, “Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses” (Deut 34:9). To have “the spirit of wisdom” meant Joshua had been divinely enabled to take up the leadership role and move forward, as God intended. Fortunately, the Israelites listened to Joshua and followed his directives. In this way, they “did as the LORD had commanded Moses” (Deut 34:9b).      In closing out this book, we're told, “Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 for all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel” (Deut 34:10-12). As a prophet, Moses was in a class by himself because: 1) the Lord knew Moses face to face, 2) Moses had performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, 3) the mighty power God worked through Moses in the sight of all Israel. According to Peter Craigie, “Moses was a prophet, but in his epitaph it is not his knowledge of God that is stressed, but rather the Lord's knowledge of him. God had sought him out and appointed him to a particular task; over the years, the relationship had become intimate, so that to those Israelites who knew Moses, it was evident that his highest communion was with God.”[5]Warren Wiersbe adds, “Moses was faithful to walk with God, and he spoke to God as a man speaks to his friend (Ex 33:11; Num 12:7–8). The secret of his life wasn't his own abilities—he claimed he had none—or even his education in Egypt (Acts 7:22), but his humble walk with the Lord. He spent time with God, he listened to God's Word, and he followed God's orders.”[6] And Daniel Block notes: "The account of the death and burial of Moses on the mountain forces the reader to ask, “Now what?” The answer lies in the recognition that in the end, Israel's fate is not in the hands of Moses. He is not the one who actually brought them out of Egypt and sustained them through the desert wanderings, and he will not complete the mission by delivering the Promised Land into their hands. The rest of the Scriptures are commentary not only on how Israel responded, but also on the fidelity of Yahweh, who will complete the present mission without Moses and who will patiently work with his people. Moses has merely been his mouthpiece, the interpreter of his great and gracious revelatory acts, whose aim was always to point his people to Yahweh their Redeemer."[7] Summary      In this closing section, we observe a brief account of Moses' death and burial. Unlike other rulers throughout history, who have erected great memorials to themselves that others might remember them, Moses' death is simple and without a monument. Moses was not concerned that people remember him, but that they remember the Lord, learn His Word, and follow His directives. Moses is remembered as God's servant who was faithful to carry out his mission (Heb 3:5). Present Application      From Genesis to Revelation, God governs the lives of people and nations. People exist because God gives them life. David wrote, “Know that the LORD Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (Ps. 100:3). And God determines the duration of each person's life, having final control over the day and cause of their death. The Lord states, “It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand” (Deut 32:39). And Job said, “Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain” (Job 14:2). And Hannah, in her stately prayer says, “The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Sam 2:6).  People live and die as God decides, “for in Him we live and move and exist” (Acts 17:28).      Furthermore, God controls the exact days of our life. David wrote, “in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them” (Ps. 139:16). The writer of Hebrews states, “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Heb 9:27). The word appointed translates the Greek verb ἀπόκειμαι apokeimai, which means “it is certain, is destined.”[8] Apart from Enoch (Gen 5:24), Elijah (2 Ki 2:11), and the rapture generation (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Th 4:13-18), all humanity will face death. God brings His children to heaven by numerous means, and sometimes uses sickness, as He'd done with Elisha, who “became sick with the sickness of which he was to die” (2 Ki 13:14a). And we know that “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones” (Psa 116:15). For believers who die, we are instantly transported into the presence of the Lord, for “to be absent from the body” means we are instantly “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8; cf., Phil 1:21-23). Our last breath here is followed by our first breath in heaven. And though the departing of a loved one leaves us with the sorrow of loss, we realize this is temporary, as we will see them again. David, who lost his son, said “I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sa 12:23). This is our hope as well, for we, as Christians, know our loved ones are in heaven, and that at a future time we will be reunited with them forever (1 Th 4:13-17). At the time of the rapture of the church, “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Th 4:16-17). For this reason, Paul said, “Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Th 4:18).      There is wisdom in thinking about death and the afterlife. David wrote, “For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer” (Psa 103:14-16). And in another place he said, “LORD, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am” (Psa 39:4). And Moses said to the Lord, “Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psa 90:12). Wisdom is found in the one who contemplates the Lord, the brevity of life, and the eternal resting place of heaven. Solomon wrote, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart” (Eccl 7:2). But in all this, we must not forget to live, nor to realize that what we do in time touches things eternal, for one life will soon be past, and only what's done for Christ will last. So live, and live well, and above all, live for the Lord. There's no better life than the one lived in daily fellowship with God, learning and living His Word, and this we will do until the end of our days. Charles Swindoll notes: "When you're planning on retirement, don't plan on checking out with people or with God's Word. If you do, you'll be moving away from that which is eternal, and that's the wrong direction, my friend. So stay in touch. Give until you don't have anything else to give, and then tap into God's reservoirs and give some more. This is what lengthens the meaning and purpose—and sometimes the years—of life."[9]     [1] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, ed. Terry Muck (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 806. [2] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 1161. [3] Charles R. Swindoll, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication (Nashville, Tenn., Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009), 346. [4] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1999), 197. [5] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), 406. [6] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series, 198. [7] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, 815. [8] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 113. [9] Charles R. Swindoll, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication, 348.

Those dreams are happening here, now. But Nothing is happening, truly. Where you see that body,where you see that space,you know, 'only God is (t)Here',or you know that, 'that is God appearing as body, as space, as time',that what you're seeing is more like the past,and so there's no reason to react,to get angry,to get scared,to grab your sword,or square up.You're seeing the past, but you're feeling the future.You're seeing what you don't want, but you're feeling what you do want. You're feeling GoOD while you're looking at the problem, while you're looking at the evil, knowing that there is no evil, only an absence of the awareness of God,just as there is no darkness,in Him,as You, there is only Light.  There is only Love. So don't go looking for signs. Keep feeling for Love and the signs will appear to follow. "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." - John 1:5I Love you, Niknikki@curlynikki.com  Don't see from a point of view; be present simultaneously in the entire field of seeing."-Rupert Spira "Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark."-Unknown "When a bad or gloomy thought, fear or temptation threatens to afflict you, don't fight it to try and get rid of it. Open your arms to Christ's love and he will embrace you, then it will vanish by itself."- Saint Porpbyrios"Keep company with GODQuiet down before GOD, be prayerfúl before God.Wait passionately for GOD don't leave the path."-7 Psalm 37:47,34 (MSG) via @MonkinDocs"God has called us to sainthood, to perfection, and to a share in His life. God is not cruel. He would not call us to something we could not achieve. And God cannot lie. He Himself is the ground of all truth. Our God is all-powerful ... With such a God, even impossible dreams become attainable hopes. For He Himself has attained them for us."-Scotthahn via IG "When you choose peace it comes with a lot of goodbyes."-@isinisterr via IG "The more you feel the grace and feel thankful, the more grace becomes available to you."-OshoSupport the show

Introduction      In these final four chapters (31-34), we transition from Moses to Joshua as the leader of Israel, as God will work through Joshua to bring His people into the land of Canaan. In these closing chapters, Moses gives great attention to the Torah as God's Word which provides a framework for the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Torah is the basis for success, if the people are positive to God and and walk in obedience to His Word (Deut 11:26-28). According to Eugene Merrill, “Israel was not to be a nation of anarchists or even of strong human leaders. It was a theocratic community with the Lord as King and with his covenant revelation as fundamental constitution and law. The theme of this section is the enshrinement of that law, the proper role of Mosaic succession, and the ultimate authority of covenant mandate over human institutions.”[1]Lastly, these final chapters will focus largely on Moses' pending death and his encouraging Joshua to take his place as the nation's leader. Peter Craigie states: "The approaching decease of Moses, which has already been anticipated (see Deut 1:37–38 and 3:23–29), now becomes the central focus for the remaining chapters of the book. Moses is aware of his approaching death, and in the light of that fact he once again encourages the people in their faith and takes care of some final practical matters relating to the covenant community. First he encourages the people as a whole (vv. 1–6), and then, in the presence of the people, he encourages Joshua in particular, who would soon be assuming the role of leadership (vv. 7–8)."[2] Text      This pericope opens with Moses speaking to the nation of Israel as a whole. The text reads, “So Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 And he said to them, ‘I am a hundred and twenty years old today; I am no longer able to come and go, and the LORD has said to me, “You shall not cross this Jordan'” (Deut 31:1-2). Here, we see Moses reminding his people, for the third time, that God has not granted him permission to enter the land of Canaan because of his prior disobedience (Deut 1:37; 3:23-29; 31:2). Earl Kalland states, “Moses did not die because his natural strength was gone (Deut 34:7) but because the time for Israel's entrance into Canaan had come, and Moses was not to enter the land. That was precluded by his arrogance before the people at the waters of Meribah when he struck the rock twice to bring out water though the Lord had told him only to speak to the rock.”[3]And Eugene Merrill notes: "With his admission that he was a hundred and twenty years old, Moses was tacitly preparing the people for his death. He was forty when he fled Egypt to find refuge in Midian (Acts 7:23), eighty at the time of the exodus (i.e., forty years earlier than the present time; cf. Deut 2:7; 29:5), and now three times forty. There was no mistaking the meaning of this periodizing of Moses' life. The first two eras culminated in escapes from mortal danger into the deserts. This time, however, there was no escape, for his sin in the desert had effectively closed that door (cf. Num 20:12; 27:12–14). The urgent need for orderly succession was most apparent."[4]      Moses continues his address, saying, “It is the LORD your God who will cross ahead of you; He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua is the one who will cross ahead of you, just as the LORD has spoken. 4 The LORD will do to them just as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when He destroyed them. 5 The LORD will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you” (Deut 31:3-5). Though Joshua was going to lead God's people into the land, everyone was to know it was ultimately the Lord who was leading them to victory and blessing (Deut 31:3; cf., Deut 1:30; 9:3; 20:1-4).      Moses provides divine viewpoint to the nation so they would be strengthened in their inner person to face the challenges ahead. Moses told them, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deut 31:6). Here was a promise of God's presence and protection as they followed His directives and went into the land of Canaan. According to Earl Radmacher, “The Lord was the Divine Warrior, the commander-in-chief of Israel's forces. He will not leave you nor forsake you: Moses reminded the people that God had promised to remain with them, to protect them, bless them, and fight for them (Josh 1:5; 1 Ki 8:57).”[5] The confidence of the Israelites was not drawn from their own abilities, but from the Lord's ability to lead them and to give them victory. This required them to maintain mental focus on God throughout the journey, even when they were facing their enemies in combat. The Israelites were to focus on God while slaying their enemies. This requires discipline of mind and will.      Next, Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. 8 The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut 31:7-8). Here again is divine viewpoint given to Joshua to strengthen and encourage him to the task ahead. This helps us see Moses' greatness, for rather than be bitter that he could not enter the land, he graciously hands the mantle of leadership over to his successor, Joshua. And Joshua had been known by the people for many decades. Warren Wiersbe states: "Joshua wasn't a stranger to the people of Israel, for he'd been serving them well ever since they left Egypt. He was Moses' servant long before he became Moses' successor (Ex 33:11; see Matt 25:21). It was Joshua who led the Jewish army in defeating the Amalekites when they attacked the nation after the Exodus (Ex 17:8–16), and he had been with Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 24:13; 32:17). Joshua was one of the twelve spies who scouted out Canaan, and he and Caleb stood with Moses and Aaron in encouraging the people to trust God and claim the land (Num 13–14). In answer to Moses' prayer for a leader to succeed him, God appointed Joshua and Moses commissioned him before the whole congregation (Num 27:12–23)."[6]      The text informs us, “So Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel” (Deut 31:9). Here we have one of the clearest statements in Scripture about Mosaic authorship, as the text tells us, “Moses wrote this law” and handed it over to the priests for safekeeping (cf., Deut 31:24-25). The written law is mentioned elsewhere in the book (Deut 28:58; 29:20-21, 27). God created language which He intended to serve as a means of theological expression between Himself and mankind. Sin has corrupted the human nature, and fallen mankind often uses language contrary to God's original purposes, either excluding Him from their thoughts and words, or creating a god of their own imaginations and worshipping the creature rather than the Creator.      The law was for the nation as a whole, to educate and guide them into the Lord's will, as they learned and lived it day by day. Next, we learn, “Then Moses commanded them, saying, ‘At the end of every seven years, at the time of the year of remission of debts, at the Feast of Booths, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place which He will choose, you shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing'” (Deut 31:10-11). Under the Mosaic Law, all financial debts were forgiven every seven years (cf. Deut 15:1-2). God had established a seven-year cycle the nation was to follow, and this ended when the Feast of Booths was celebrated. At the end of every seven years, those Israelites who had made loans to others within the covenant community were to release them from any remaining debt. The Hebrew word for remission is שְׁמִטָּה shemittah, which means a letting drop. According to Eugene Merrill, “The lender must simply forgive the debt as a necessary consequence of God's declaration of a “time for canceling debts” (Deut 15:2). This was, as already noted, at the end of seven years, a period not necessarily commencing with the making of the loan but, as v. 9 makes clear, a universally recognized year of release (cf. Ex 23:10–11; Lev 25:2–4).”[7]      The Feast of Booths (סֻכָּה sukkah – hut, shelter) was also known as the Feast of Tabernacles and was an autumn festival that took place in the month of Tishri, which corresponded to September-October. The tabernacles were basically huts constructed of tree branches and foliage, and the Israelites were to live in these temporary structures for seven days (Lev 23:39-43). At the end of every seven years, during the time of the Feast of Booths, Israelites were to cancel any debts owed by their fellow Israelites (Deut 15:1-3; 31:10). According to Earl Radmacher, “These sacred feasts were celebrated by all people and were joyous expressions of gratitude to God (2 Chr. 30:21). They included processions, dancing, and the enjoyment of food and drink (Lev 23:40, 41; Judg 21:19–21).”[8]      It was during this time of remission of debts that the priests in Israel were to read the Torah publicly so that God's people would know how they were to live before the Lord and experience His blessings (cf., Ezra 7:10; Neh 8:1-6; Mal 2:4-7). God gave His Word to His people, but they were to be responsible with how they handled it. The priests were to communicate it to the nation as a whole (Deut 31:10-11), and parents were to teach it to their children (Deut 6:6-7). These public readings of God's Word would serve to educate future generations about the Lord and their covenant relationship with Him. Of course, the clear communication of God's Word to others must be met with positive volition by succeeding generations for God's blessings to follow. Daniel Block notes that “future readings of the Torah will provide succeeding generations with regular opportunities for renewal and actualization of their covenant relationship with Him.”[9]      Moses concludes this pericope, saying, “Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law. 13 Their children, who have not known, will hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live on the land which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess” (Deut 31:12-13). All the residents of the nation were to assemble every seven years for the public reading of the book of Deuteronomy. Earl Kalland correctly notes: "Attendance at the feast was to be a joyous occasion for all the people: men, women, sons, daughters, menservants, maidservants, Levites, aliens, fatherless, and widows (Deut 16:14). The law was to be read before all these people (Deut 31:12). The children were singled out for special mention because they did not know the law (Deut 31:13). This reading of the law once every seven years would not be sufficient to inculcate its teachings in the minds of either the children or the adults. This septennial reading does not obviate the teaching ministry of the home (Deut 6:1-9) or that of the priests (Deut 17:11; 24:8; Lev 10:11). It is meant, rather, to strengthen these other teaching procedures, to focus the attention of the people as a nation on the revelation of God on a dramatic and joyful occasion. It would also dramatize the learning of the law for those children and others who had not been reached by the other teaching procedures in home and tabernacle."[10]      The nation's future blessings were dependent on their knowledge of God's Word and regular application of it to everyday life. For those who were older and knew the Lord's Word, it would serve to remind them and reinvigorate them in their relationship with God. For those who were younger, it would introduce them to God and His Word and provide the basis for a blessed life (Deut 11:26-28). Based on God's directives to His people, it is assumed three groups of people possessed copies of the Law. First were the priests, who were required to teach it to others (Deut 31:9; cf., Ezra 7:10; Neh 8:1-6; Mal 2:4-7), and help adjudicate legal matters (see Deut 21:5). Second was the king, who was required to write out his own copy of the law and carry it with him all his life and to study and live by it (Deut 17:18-20). Third were the parents in the home who were instructed to teach it to their children day by day (Deut 6:6-7). According to Jack Deere, “It was rare for an individual to possess a copy of the Scriptures. A person gained a knowledge of the Scriptures through being taught by his parents and the priests and through its public reading at times like this. So the public reading of the Law was of great significance.”[11] Learning God's Word was to lead to a healthy fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is a repeated theme throughout Deuteronomy (Deut 6:1-2, 24; 10:12, 20; 14:23; 17:18-19). Present Application      As God's people, we are reminded over and over that God is with us (Heb 13:5), and for us (Rom 8:31). God, who helped His people in the past, still helps His people today, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,' so that we confidently say, ‘the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?'” (Heb 13:5-6). When the writer to Hebrews says, “so that we confidently say”, he's referring to the self-talk that goes on in our heads when we face a challenging situation. We do well to remember that adverse situations are inevitable, but stress in the soul is optional, as we can take up “the shield of faith” (Eph 6:16) and protect ourselves from the enemy's attacks. Living every moment in the light of that truth helps to strengthen us to face each day with confidence. This requires a disciplined mind and a walk of faith as we intentionally bring God and His Word into every event. Christian courage is the result of a mind saturated with God's Word and operates by faith in the face of adversity. When faced with a crisis, focus of mind and faith in God operate together like a hand in a glove. And whatever the crisis we're facing, whether the charge of the elephant or the charge of the mosquito, we can stand confidently on God's Word and be courageous in the moment.      And, as God's people, we are to “encourage one another and build up one another” on a regular basis (1 Th 5:11; cf. Heb 3:13). To encourage (in-courage) someone is to impart courage to them so they can be sustained in a difficult situation. It is to cheer them on, to build them up, to boost their morale, to strengthen them internally so they will move forward to achieve a goal. Athletes understand the power a coach or fans have when cheering them on. Words are often the most common means of encouraging others. Solomon tells us, “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad” (Prov 12:25), and “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word” (Isa 50:4a). Christian courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it's the overcoming of fear to do that which God says is right. Let us always be good students of God's Word so that we can operate on divine viewpoint and obey His directives. In this way, we will learn to live righteously in a fallen world and to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to walk in truth and love, and to be a light for others by sharing the Gospel and communicating His Word to those who will listen.     [1] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 395. [2] Peter C. Craigie, The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1976), 369. [3] Earl S. Kalland, “Deuteronomy,” in The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 191. [4] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 397. [5] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 265. [6] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Equipped, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1999), 178. [7] Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, vol. 4, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 243. [8] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 265. [9] Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy, ed. Terry Muck (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 725–726. [10] Earl S. Kalland, “Deuteronomy,” in The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 193–194. [11] Jack S. Deere, “Deuteronomy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 317.

Today we are going to pick up from where we left off in Psalms before we went to the Holy Land. We were looking at Psalm 38, which is one of the Penitential Psalms. David is sorry for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the scheme and murder he committed to try and cover it up. In verses 1-8, he focuses on himself and describes the painful consequences of sin that he is experiencing. His suffering is spiritual (vv. 1-2), physical (vv. 3-7), and emotional (v. 8). In verses 9-14, he begins to focus on others around him and describes sin's loneliness. Both his family and his friends forsake him (v. 11). Now in verses 9-14, David does the best thing he can do and that is, he focuses on the LORD and experiences sin's forgiveness. For the third time, David addressed the Lord, but this time he got down to business and dealt with his sins. He hoped in (waited for) the Lord, knowing that God would hear his prayers. He wasn't praying only for his own deliverance just so he could be comfortable; he wanted God to work so the enemy couldn't use him as an excuse for sinning (vv. 16, 19-20; Ps. 25:2; 35:19). When they slandered David's name, they also slandered the Lord (see 2 Sam. 12:14), and David wanted to honor the Lord. He felt like he was about to die (v. 17), and he confessed his sins to the Lord in true repentance and faith. As David closes his prayer, he is confident that the Lord has forgiven him and he makes three requests. First he ask that that the LORD would be with him. “Do not forsake me, O LORD” (v. 21). We find the answer to this request in Deuteronomy 4:30-31: “When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice (for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.” And also in Hebrews 13:5-6: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" He then prayed; LORD be near me. “O my God, be not far from me!” (v. 21) This request finds its answer in Psalm 16:8: “I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” And in Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” And in the NT, James 4:8: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” And finally, David requested that the LORD be for me and help me. “Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (v. 22). This request in answered in: Psalm 28:7: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” And in Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'” Yes, my friend, we are a profoundly fallen people in a profoundly fallen world but we have a great God and Savior who will forgive us if we repent and confess our sins with a broken heart. We should also always remember these words of Paul in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God bless!

Matt. 5:9, Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called sons of God. In Greek, the word for peace is eirēnē (εἰρήνη), and in Hebrew it is shalom. In Hebrew peace is not simply the absence of trouble. In the Bible peace means not only freedom from all trouble, it means enjoyment of all good.  Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the peace lovers.” He said “Blessed are the peace makers.” It is not enough to desire peace, but take no action to help bring it about. The spirit of peacemaking is being willing to act to bring about a better state for people. William Barclay wrote, “The peace which the Bible calls blessed does not come from the evasion of issues; it comes from facing them, dealing with them, and conquering them. What this beatitude demands is not the passive acceptance of things because we are afraid of the trouble of doing anything about them, but the active facing of things, and the making of peace, even when the way to peace is through struggle.” (Barclay's Commentary on the New Testament:) As I write, we are celebrating Black History Month in the United States. The work of leaders such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an excellent example of being a peace maker. Dr. King was not just a peace lover, he did actual work to bring peace to others. Ironically, the efforts of brave Americans and Christ followers in that era revealed the hatred of white supremacists as well as the indifference of people who were content to “love peace,” but do nothing. “We must find new ways to speak for peace… for justice throughout the developing world, a world that borders on our doors. If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.”  (M.L. King, Conscience and the Vietnam War, The Trumpet of Conscience, 1968)  The ultimate work of peacemaking, is helping people become reconciled to God, casting off their hostility to truth, rejection of light, and violence against the Holy Spirit through rebellion.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:14-16, For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation…so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace Jesus very life became the testament of breaking down the barriers that separated people from God. Jesus estimate peacemaker. Reflection Question: How is being a peace-maker more than being a peace-lover?

     The Bible describes David as a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14; cf. Acts 13:22). This is a huge compliment, but what does it mean? God certainly knew David's heart and what kind of king he would be, for He informed His prophet, Samuel, saying, “God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). The statement of David being a man after God's own heart occurs within the context of Saul's disobedience to the Lord. Samuel told Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you” (1 Sam 13:13), and again, “you have not kept what the LORD commanded you” (1 Sam 13:14). Saul had disobeyed God's command through His prophet, so the Lord promised to take the kingdom from him and give it to one who would be more obedient. David was that man. He was an obedient king, for the most part, and subsequent kings were measured by him (1 Ki 3:14; 9:4; 11:4; 14:7-8; 15:1-3; 11; 2 Ki 16:2; 18:1-3; 22:1-2). David set the bar for what it meant to be a good king, and this allowed others to have a standard to guide them. However, we should not conclude that David was perfectly obedient and kept the Lord's will in all matters in his life. He did not. No believer ever does, for there are none who are sinless (1 Ki 8:46; Prov 20:9; Eccl 7:20; 1 John 1:8, 10), except the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 John 3:5).      Biblically, we should understand some acts of obedience are more important than others, and some acts of sin are more egregious than others. For example, Samuel, told Saul, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam 15:22). Solomon wrote, “To do righteousness and justice is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice” (Prov 21:3). Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees, “You tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matt 23:23). Likewise, some sins are worse than others and bring greater judgment. Jesus told His disciples not to be like the Scribes, “who devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers”, saying, “These will receive greater condemnation” (Luke 20:47). Concerning the citizens of Chorazin and Bethsaida, Jesus said, “it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you” (Matt 11:22). The apostle John, writing to believers, states, “All unrighteousness is sin” (1 John 5:17a). However, he drew a distinction, saying, “there is a sin that results in death” (1 John 5:16b), and “there is a sin that does not result in death” (1 John 5:17b). These are obvious statements that show some acts of obedience are better than others, and some acts of sin are worse than others. Furthermore, of the 613 commands given in the Mosaic Law, only 15 demanded the death penalty, namely: intentional murder (Ex 21:12-14; cf. Gen 9:6), attacking or cursing a parent (Ex 21:15), kidnapping (Ex 21:16), habitual rebellion against God (Deut 17:12), sacrificing to pagan gods (Ex 22:20), cursing God (Lev 24:15-16), working on the Sabbath (Ex 35:2), being a false prophet and leading Israelites into idolatry (Deut 13:1-5), religious human sacrifice (Lev 20:2), the practice of divination, sorcery or witchcraft (Ex 22:18; Deut 18:9-14), adultery and premarital sex (Lev 20:10-14; 21:9; Deut 22:20-22), sex with an animal (Ex 22:19; Lev 20:15-16), incest (Lev 20:11-12, 14), homosexuality (Lev 18:22; 20:13), and the rape of a married woman (Deut 22:25-27).      In fact, David personally acknowledged his sins, saying “my iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me” (Psa 38:4). He also wrote, “For evils beyond number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; they are more numerous than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed me” (Psa 40:12). Among David's recorded sins, the most offensive was his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Sam 11:1-17). Scripture tells us that David had slept with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, killed; and “the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Sam 11:27). What is commendable about David is that he handled his sin in a biblical manner by confessing it and seeking the Lord's forgiveness. Under the Mosaic Law, it was always God's will that His people walk according to His directives. However, if God's people sinned (and they did), it was His will that they be restored to fellowship by means of confession and sacrificial offering (Lev 17:11; Heb 9:22). Concerning Uriah and Bathsheba, David said, “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Sam 12:13; read Psalm 51 for the longer version of David's confession). And upon his confession, the prophet Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die” (2 Sam 12:13). Here we see God's grace and government at work; for though David was forgiven and restored to fellowship with God, there were still consequences for his actions and the Lord dispensed judgment upon David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:14-18).      On another occasion, David followed Satan's temptation and “sinned greatly” by taking a census in Israel (1 Ch 21:1, 8), presumably because he was trusting in his military strength rather than the Lord. When God judged David for this, David confessed his sin and declared, “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing” (1 Ch 21:8a). It is a hallmark of a mature believer to own his sin and humble himself before the Lord through confession. Not only did he confess his sin, but he also sought the Lord's forgiveness, saying, “Please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly” (1 Ch 21:8b), and “I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great” (1 Ch 21:13).      Furthermore, David practiced the sin of polygamy contrary to the Law of Moses, which specifically forbade the king of Israel from the practice, saying, “he shall not multiply wives for himself” (Deut 17:17).[1] From Scripture we know the names of eight of David's wives: Michal (1 Sam 18:27), Abigail (1 Sam 25:39-42), Ahinoam (1 Sam 25:43), Bathsheba (2 Sam 12:24), Maacah, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah (2 Sam 3:2-5). And he had other wives and concubines that are not named, as Scripture reveals, “David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron” (2 Sam 5:13a). Scripture records an incident in which two of David's wives were captured by Amalekites who made a raid on the Negev and Ziklag (1 Sam 30:1-5). David sought the Lord in prayer (1 Sam 30:6-8a), and God said, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all” (1 Sam 30:8b). In this account, God gave David victory (1 Sam 30:9-17), and “David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives” (1 Sam 30:18). Interestingly, the Bible says nothing about David's practice of polygamy, and though it is a sin according to Scripture, it was apparently tolerated in David's life, perhaps because it never resulted in his wives leading him into idolatry as it had with his son, Solomon (see 1 Kings 11:1-11).      But doesn't this seem unfair? That David could commit such heinous sins as murder, adultery, and polygamy and still be called a man after God's own heart, as well as being the standard of a good king to all subsequent kings in Israel? I think there's an answer to this, and it is found in two words; grace and humility. Grace on God's part and humility on David's part. There is a pattern in David's life: when God charged David with acting contrary to His will (as His righteousness demands), David accepted it and humbled himself before the Lord, accepting whatever came to him; preferring forgiveness alone, but accepting punishment also, if that's what the Lord decided. David knew that grace is a chief characteristic of God. The Bible reveals God is gracious, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex 34:6), and, “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psa 86:15). God the Father is described as “the God of all grace” (1 Pet 5:10), who sits upon a “throne of grace” (Heb 4:16), who “gives grace to the afflicted” (Prov 3:34), and provides salvation “by grace” through faith in Jesus (Eph 2:8-9; cf. Acts 15:11; Rom 3:24). Jesus is said to be “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), and the Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of grace” (Heb 10:29). Grace is undeserved favor. It is the love, mercy, or kindness that one person freely confers upon another who deserves the opposite (Matt 5:44-45; Rom 11:6; Eph 1:6; 2:1-9; 2 Tim 1:9; Tit 3:5-7). The kindness shown is rooted in the goodness, bounty, and open-handedness of the giver.      The other word is humility. Humility is a lowliness of mind, an inward quietness before the Lord that reflects a poverty of spirit. The humble know they need God and seek Him for wisdom, guidance and strength. Humility is not a natural quality, nor does it come easily, but it is what the Lord requires of His people (Mic 6:8; Eph 4:1-2; Phil 2:3-4). The humble live with a constant sense of their weaknesses and inabilities to cope with life apart from God, and are keenly aware of their sinful nature and propensity to turn away from the Lord and befriend the world. Humility is not a sense of worthlessness, but unworthiness of the Lord's love and blessings. The humble realize they deserve nothing good in this life, and any blessing they receive is from God's grace. Though David had his failings, he realized God is gracious and forgiving to the humble believer, as Scripture states, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5). For this reason, David could say: "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust." (Psa 103:8-14).      David was not perfect, and neither are we. But I want to close with the point that we too can be described as a person “after God's own heart” if we walk daily with Him and prioritize His commands in our lives, and humbly accept His correction when He gives it. To be a person after God's own heart meant David was primarily disposed to seek God's will rather than his own (as was the case with Saul). David desired to know God's will and walk in it, and to lead others to do the same. To be a person after God's own heart is to love what He loves, to walk with Him in the same direction He is going, to be sensitive to what pleases Him and to obey His commands. David had this kind of heart, saying, “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart” (Psa 40:8).     [1] Monogamy was and is God's ideal (Gen 2:24-25; Matt 19:4-6); however, under the Mosaic Law, polygamy was permitted, though not promoted. Biblically, we know Abraham took Hagar to be his wife, even though he was married to Sarah (Gen 16:3). Jacob had four wives: Leah (Gen 29:23-25), Rachel (Gen 29:28), Zilpah (Leah's maid; Gen 30:9) and Bilhah (Rachel's maid; Gen 30:1-4). But Abraham's and Jacob's acts of polygamy were consistent with the cultural norms of their day, which were practiced before the giving of the Mosaic Law.

Wednesday, 2 November 2022   “Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' Acts 11:16   Peter just noted that even as he began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon the believers at Cornelius' house. He then said, “as upon us at the beginning.” With that, he next says, “Then I remembered the word of the Lord.”   Peter had seen the salvation of these uncircumcised Gentiles. They heard the word, they obviously believed, and then the Holy Spirit fell upon them. This was the same as when the Jews had received the Spirit. As such, it is a confirmation that the fulfillment of the Feast of Pentecost is not merely a particular day in the calendar year, but a particular event that occurs in a believer's life.   The fact that it first occurred on a particular day was to show the believers at that time that the feast had found its fulfillment in the giving of the Spirit. But this was not a one-time thing. It was the beginning of an ongoing event. Peter suddenly realized this, and so he continues with, “how He said.”   Peter is now remembering something that Jesus said and he then processed the Lord's words in a fuller and more complete way, which is, “John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”   This comes from Jesus' words just prior to the ascension –   “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,' He said, ‘you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'” Acts 1:4, 5   Jesus was speaking to those gathered with Him at the Mount of Olives. This was to Jews who had followed Him and believed. They had seen His crucifixion and His resurrection. It was they who had received the Holy Spirit. Now, a group of people who were not Jews had likewise heard, believed, and been given the Holy Spirit in an outward display. Pentecost did not just apply to Jews then. Rather, its significance continued on with the acceptance of Gentiles as well.   But more, this was even without the baptism of repentance that came to Israel at the call of John. These Gentiles had not repented because there was nothing to repent of. They were never under the law, and they had never needed to turn back to Moses or turn back to the Messiah they had rejected. They simply heard the word concerning Jesus and they believed unto salvation. Peter will next explain the logical conclusion of this to those gathered before him.   Life application: The feasts detailed in Leviticus 23 are not “Jewish” feasts. They are also not “the feasts of Israel.” They are “the feasts of the Lord.” They are then laid out in order by the Lord –   The Sabbath. The Passover. *Unleavened Bread. Firstfruits. *Weeks (beginning with Pentecost). Acclamation. Atonement. *Tabernacles.   (* indicates a pilgrim feast)   These deal with the work of the Lord and/or the state of the believer in Christ. The Sabbath is the rest offered to God's people upon belief in Christ's work (Hebrews 4:3). The Passover deals with the believer's redemption from sin by the work of Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:7). Unleavened Bread anticipates the state of the believer in Christ because of Christ's redemptive work (1 Corinthians 5:8). Firstfruits deals with the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20). Weeks anticipates the acceptance of believers despite their sinful nature (Acts 2:1, Romans 16:5, and 1 Corinthians 16:15). Acclamation anticipates the incarnation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:48, 49). Atonement is fulfilled in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24, 25). And Tabernacles anticipates Christ dwelling in a “tent” of flesh and the believers' walk in this life “tenting” with Him (2 Corinthians 5:7).   The only thing these feasts had to do with Israel were anticipatory annual celebrations of the Lord's coming. Like all things under the law, they were shadows given so that when He came, the world could see Him and His work as the fulfillment of them (see Colossians 2:15, 16). In Christ is the substance, and in Christ is found the realization and fulfillment of what these annual celebrations only anticipated.   In other words, Peter is just now more fully realizing what people all over the world still fail to realize today. The work of Jesus Christ is a unified work that extends to all – Jews and Gentiles. There is one salvation and one gospel –   “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:14-18   If someone comes to you with any other doctrine, tell him, “Beat it heretic, I'm following Jesus, not the law and not just ‘one' of His gospels, but His one and only gospel.”   Lord God, it is so wonderful that all are saved in the same manner – by simple faith in the full, final, and forever work of Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You that we do not have to observe the law, be circumcised, or do any other such thing. All we have to do is to believe in what Jesus has done. From there, help us to demonstrate our gratitude by being observant of His will. May it be so for all our days. Amen. 

Day 170 Today's Reading: Ephesians 2 I love the bumper sticker that says, “No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.” Ephesians 2 reminds us what real peace is and the source of it. “Peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God in the midst of our problems.” Paul tells us that in verses 13-17: "Now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near." Three times Paul mentions “peace” in those verses: 1. “He Himself is our peace.” That's the Source. He is. 2. “He came . . . establishing peace.” That was His mission. Peace between humans and God. 3. “He came and preached peace.” We are the recipients. When Jesus came and preached peace, these are the recipients: “To you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” This is really important that Paul uses these two phrases: those who were far and those who were near. They are good reminders that whether you were far or near, you still needed Jesus to bring you to God. Some people are born far from God. They were not raised in a Christian home. Some were from a country very antagonistic to the gospel. They needed Jesus to die for their sins to bring reconciliation between them and God. We see that clearly. They were far from God. The part we sometimes forget is that you could have been born in the church pew or in the choir loft, like I almost was, and hear about Jesus in your childhood and throughout your life, but make no mistake, no matter how close you think you were to Jesus, you still need Jesus' death on the cross to get you to God. The close are not close enough regardless of how close you think you are. The far and the near can be best explained by a contest that's prize is one million dollars to anyone who can swim from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Let's say several great swimmers—the best swimmers in the world—enter to win the money. Obviously we all know that all those swimmers will ultimately fail. But each one will try really hard. Some will get farther than others. Regardless of how far you get, though, you will not make it to Hawaii, because you can't make it to Hawaii on your own swim stroke. Some are far away from Honolulu, and some closer to it. Remember, it doesn't matter how far you swim, you can't make that swim. That distance needs outside help—a boat, a plane. The distance from here to heaven is even farther than Honolulu and LA. No matter how hard you try, you do not have the capability to make it to heaven on your own; you need outside help. Enter Jesus. The far and the near all fail but He came to get both groups to God. As Brennan Manning said, “The gospel declares that no matter how dutiful or prayerful we are, we can't save ourselves. What Jesus did was sufficient.” In the article, “Perfection Required for Acceptance at Stanford University,” Brian Kohout wrote: Stanford University ranks as one of the toughest schools to give an acceptance letter. The university recently updated their admission standards and stated that only five percent of applying students are accepted. In 2017, 42,497 students applied, and 2,140 were accepted. On their website, they give students realistic answers for the question “What is the academic standard to be accepted?” An ACT score of 33 or h

  Wake the Faith up Slayer… This is Garth Heckman with the David Alliance and you can reach me at TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com    Brought to you by wellbuiltbody.com Gym Apparel for men and women that rocks and shocks and ain't for everybody - but just might be for you. wellbuiltbody.com    www.protectorspeak.com  Law enforcement and military      Iran and the US is still seeking a deal for oil… Iran is upping its nuclear capabilities. War and now rumors of war with Russia and Poland and or germany. And if you haven't been paying attention Putin has been marching through Africa killing and taking control much through aligning with other dictators, Kings rulers etc… Inflation is sky high, The US is torn between Republican and Democrat, pro life and pro abortion, Pipeline vs. no pipeline, etc… not to mention There is talk of WWIII on the lips of many. There are rumors of other wars swirling. There is talk of a new COVID variant, fuel prices are soaring, supplies are dwindling – the negatives go on and on. But we, as Christians, need not fear. The One who knows the end from the beginning has made us a promise:   2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  Jimmy Evans writes… This is so comforting because we do not find the word “unless” in or following this great truth. That means that when the world is filled with uncertainty and fear, we have soundness of mind and no fear. That means that when troubles come that weaken the human spirit, we have power through the Holy Spirit. So what do we do during this time? Give more - Expect more - Trust more! Give more what? Money, time, give a stronger witness in sharing Christ.  Why? I want people to see Gods goodness, his protection and his redeeming power in the life of believers.  My wife and I had a conversation last week about tithing… and you know what it would be easy to not tithe in todays world… but we do. And this week it has been tight… but I walked into my office and someone had slid under the door an envelope with Cash stuffed in it, I had received another check for $300 and I got a check from my publisher for royalty on my books, then someone dropped of a gas card for $100 and another $125 came in - this all in 2 days…. and I want to brag to a world that is worried that God is my supplier, my redeemer - he snaps the jaw of the devourer and aligns rows and rows of good things for me to reap. Gain is my future as I continue to give to God in all areas of my life. Again, not so I get stuff back, NOPE the only motive I have is to make God look good in these times of panic, want and fear for the rest of the world. Remember what Hebrews 13 says Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”   Let your conduct be without covetousness… what is Paul saying? He is saying quit looking at what everyone else has and wether or not you have enough, or will have enough or how will things work out… Be content and rest in God… he got you bro!    The Lord is my helper GK God will run to you to supply your needs. LOL so we can run after things in a panic or we can just let God run to us to meet our needs. I hate running so I will let God run!    Look Scripture is crystal clear in times of trial: We don't panic, we don't worry, we don't doubt, we don't strive, we don't fear - we simply trust God and allow his faithfulness to meet our need and to show off his goodness in our life as a witness to the rest of the world!    Give more - Expect more - Trust more!