Podcasts about forsake

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is 1 Samuel 12. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Daily Evening Prayer (2/26/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalm 119:145-176; Deuteronomy 8; Ephesians 3; Metrical Psalm 38:16-22, and a brief reading from the Books of Homilies16 "Hear me" said I "lest my proud foes a spiteful joy display, insulting if they see my foot but once to go astray." 17 And, with continual grief oppressed, to sink I now begin 18 To thee, O Lord, I will confess, to thee bewail my sin. 19 But whilst I languish, my proud foes their strength and vigor boast; And they that hate me without cause are grown a dreadful host. 20 E'en they, whom I obliged, return my kindness with despite; And are my enemies, because I choose the path that's right. 21 Forsake me not, O Lord my God, nor far from me depart; 22 Make haste to my relief, O thou, who my salvation art.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (2/26/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalm 119:145-176; Deuteronomy 8; Ephesians 3; Metrical Psalm 38:16-22, and a brief reading from the Books of Homilies16 "Hear me" said I "lest my proud foes a spiteful joy display, insulting if they see my foot but once to go astray." 17 And, with continual grief oppressed, to sink I now begin 18 To thee, O Lord, I will confess, to thee bewail my sin. 19 But whilst I languish, my proud foes their strength and vigor boast; And they that hate me without cause are grown a dreadful host. 20 E'en they, whom I obliged, return my kindness with despite; And are my enemies, because I choose the path that's right. 21 Forsake me not, O Lord my God, nor far from me depart; 22 Make haste to my relief, O thou, who my salvation art.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Title: Grieve In Hope Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 FCF: We often struggle despairing over death. Prop: Because God will raise His children to life and bring all His elect to Him when He returns, we must not grieve without hope. Scripture Intro: CSB [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. In a moment we will read from the Christian Standard Bible starting in verse 13. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Paul has turned to teaching. He is seeking to build what is lacking in the faith of the Thessalonians. He spent the first three chapters defending their visit and the experience that these Thessalonian believers had in receiving the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. But now, he turns to application for them. The rest of the book is designed to fulfill his benediction prayer. That they would become blameless in holiness. He revealed at the beginning of chapter 4 that God's will for His people is that they become more and more holy, different, set apart. He has already addressed two areas in their life that they can be holy. First, their sexual ethic and second their love for other believers. Today, Paul will broach the topic… of death. How can we be different than the world when it comes to the concept of death? Please stand with me to focus on and give honor to the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Most gracious and loving Lord. We thank You that You are sovereign over life and death. That not even a bird falls without your knowledge and will. Although death is not an original part of your creation, and although it has always been a punishment for sin, it does not have power over You and Your will. Though Satan is said to wield its power, he does this by Your will and by Your permission, so that all things are according to Your immutable and sovereign decree. We thank You for these truths because they help us to establish a proper understanding of death so that we can be a people who are holy because we are filled with hope. Transform us Lord by Your promises and power, we pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “Our friends bring us to the grave and leave us there, but God will not.” Anonymous “At the close of every obituary of His believing children God adds the word… henceforth!” A.W. Tozer “We are more sure to arise out of our graves than out of our beds.” Thomas Watson “The resurrection and the judgment will demonstrate before all worlds who won and who lost. We can wait.” A.W. Tozer Ponder these wonderful words as we consult the text of scripture today. I.) The dead in Christ will be raised first, so we must not grieve without hope. (13-16) a. [Slide 3] 13 - We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. i. The CSB is unlike many modern translations of this verse in that it does not include some sort of conjunction to begin this verse. ii. Either “but” or “now” are appropriate. But deciding on which is difficult. The CSB leaves it untranslated to accommodate both options. iii. Either way, Paul is clearly moving to a new topic, but we should not think for one moment that Paul's words here have nothing to do with what he's been saying since the didactic shift in the letter which began in chapter 4. iv. Paul is certainly still teaching about God's desire for His children to become more and more holy. To be more and more different. v. Up to this point in the letter, in almost everything he has written Paul has continued to say, “as you know”, or “as you remember”, or “as you witnessed”, or “as we commanded you…” 1. Most of what Paul has said in this letter has been things that the evangelists clearly taught the Thessalonians while they were in Thessalonica. 2. But Paul opens this section expressing his desire that they not be uninformed. 3. This is the first time in the letter where Paul is about to instruct them on something that either he and his companions did not give to them, or something that the Thessalonians had somewhat misunderstood as proven by the report from Timothy. 4. Paul doesn't want them to be ignorant of this teaching or misinformed. vi. The expression, “those who are asleep” is a euphemism for people being dead. 1. This is a fairly common expression at this time to refer to someone who has died. It is similar to our expression “passing away.” It is a euphemism to soften the blow of the reality. 2. Whatever they got wrong or do not know concerns those who have died. vii. Paul hopes that by sharing this teaching with them that they will not grieve death the same way that those outside the church grieve death. viii. And then he specifically calls out how unbelievers grieve death. They grieve without hope. 1. The common view in the first century was that once you were dead, you stayed that way. There really was no returning from death. 2. Theocritus, a Greek writer and poet once said, “Hopes are for the living; the dead are without hope.” 3. And although there were few who believed that the soul did endure beyond death – there was certainly no returning or resurrection. 4. And even those who did believe in the soul's enduring past death, would not have hope in any way according to Paul's perspective. ix. So, Paul wants them to be different. To be set apart. To be holy in the way they grieve those who have died. x. That is his application. xi. But so far, it lacks a reason. It lacks the doctrinal foundation to expect this conclusion. xii. Why should the Thessalonians grieve differently than unbelievers who grieve without hope. b. [Slide 4] 14 - For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. i. Paul states this with a conditional “if” clause, not to question whether or not the Thessalonians believed this, but as a rhetorical device. 1. If I said, “if we aren't fools, we will trust the Lord.” I'm not actually suggesting that we are fools. It is a rhetorical expression designed to move the audience to adopt a belief. 2. In a similar way, Paul says “if we believe that Jesus died and rose again” which should generate a hearty amen from his audience. Why? a. The core of Christian doctrine must include two key concepts of Jesus' life on earth. b. That He died and that He rose again. c. Obviously, there is much more to it than that – but these two truths form the crux for every redemptive discussion and argument that has ever been had in the church and against those outside it. d. Jesus died. Jesus, The Second person of the Godhead, died. He was truly human because gods don't die. But Jesus did. e. Jesus rose again, the man Jesus of Nazareth came back to life at the will of God, by His own authority, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. He was truly God because no human comes back from the dead. f. The promises made to Jesus in the covenant of redemption, are then applied to His bride in the covenant of grace. g. What does this mean? h. That what Jesus has been rewarded with by fulfilling His covenant obligations to the Father – has been applied to us by grace. 3. So, since this is such a rudimentary teaching of the gospel which they should heartily accept, then they must see the next thing Paul teaches as an obvious and true teaching. 4. So, what is that teaching? ii. Paul says that in the exact same way that Jesus died and rose again, so also, through Jesus' redemption, the dead will be raised to life and will be brought with Jesus when He returns. iii. Paul already mentioned in chapter three that Christ will bring all His saints with Him when He returns. iv. So how do the dead eventually join the living and how do we come WITH Jesus when He returns if the dead are dead and we are alive. Death and life form a chasm that cannot be easily crossed, right? c. [Slide 5] 15 - For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord's coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. i. Paul is clearly teaching something new here as he begins this with the assurances that what he is about to say is directly from Jesus' mouth. 1. Scholars debate ad-nauseum as to what exact reference Paul is making. 2. There doesn't seem to be an exact one to one teaching in the gospels from Christ's lips. 3. Some say that this is a collected tradition of Christ's teachings. a. But that is unlikely because that is true of everything Paul taught. b. Why would he call it out here specifically as a word from the Lord? 4. Some say that this may have been something that Christ taught Paul directly when he was “caught up into the third heaven” during his time in the Arabian desert after he was converted in the city of Damascus. a. The obvious difficulty here is that if this is true, there is no way to verify it. b. Paul alone was caught up, no one was with him. 5. So, although there is no one to one, perhaps we should look for something that looks close to what Paul says here. 6. [Slide 6] The closest thing we have is in Matthew 24:30-31. Let's look at that together. a. We see a correlation here to what Jesus said and now what Paul says in this verse and the next. b. Still in this text Christ Himself does not overtly teach that the dead in Christ be raised up. c. So how would Paul arrive at this interpretation assuming he is referencing this teaching of Christ? i. Paul, as we might recall, was a Pharisee. ii. A Pharisee believes in miracles, the resurrection, and a strict interpretational philosophy concerning the Word of God. iii. And as we learned in our study of Acts, most of the practices and teachings associated with the Pharisees Party are actually compatible with the Christian church. iv. A Pharisee's interpretation of Christ's words about gathering His elect from the four winds, would include both the living and the dead. Because it must. All the dead have a future resurrection. To life or to second death. 7. And perhaps this is what is going on in Thessalonica. a. Perhaps Paul taught these words of Jesus to the Thessalonians and either he was not able to fully explain it, or they misunderstood and thought either that the dead in Christ would miss Christ's return to rule on earth and be raised up later for the final judgment, or perhaps even more dire, they assumed that the dead in Christ would miss everything. Meaning they would not be in the New Kingdom at all. b. This would be a blend of the pagan view of the finality and hopelessness of death with the concepts of Christianity. c. The second option in particular would be a good explanation for why the Thessalonians were grieving without hope. d. If you die before Christ returns – you miss out on the Eternal Kingdom entirely? e. Oof. It makes Paul's later words “to live is Christ and to die is gain” a sad joke. 8. So, Paul wishes to correct this by further explaining the words of Jesus. ii. [Slide 7] He explains that not only will God bring the dead believers with Him in the same way Christ was resurrected, but also that the living will not go before them. The dead don't have to catch up to the living. iii. This is already cause for rejoicing. iv. But there is, no doubt, the lingering question of how. v. How will it be possible for Christ to come with all His saints and yet the living not precede the dead in joining Him in the air? What is the sequence of events? vi. Now Paul quotes Jesus' words and adds a bit of teaching. d. [Slide 8] 16 - For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. i. Paul explains that Jesus Himself will descend from heaven, keeping the prediction the angels made when Christ ascended, that he would return in the same way he left. ii. But this time a shout of command, the archangel's voice and the trumpet of God will accompany His return. iii. This seems to be a very public return. Not a quiet and secret one. iv. This seems to be a return in victory. v. In that moment as the Lord descends, the dead in Christ will rise from the dead. vi. Now Paul doesn't elaborate on the resurrected bodies being new bodies. He doesn't give us the mechanics of resurrection. This isn't the problem he is addressing. vii. It is merely the fact of the resurrection of dead Christians that Paul is pointing out. And the timing of that event is concurrent with the Lord's return. viii. The shout, the archangel's voice, and God's trumpet will literally raise dead Christians to life. e. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: So, Paul desires to convey two concepts of truth regarding those who have died in Christ and their fate in reference to the second coming of Christ. The first point he makes is that the dead in Christ will not be left out. In fact, they will be resurrected. The shout of victory, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God will announce the coming of Christ the Victor, and as He taught, He will gather His elect from the four corners of the world. And the dead in Christ… will rise. Because sleeping believers will not be left out, and will be resurrected at Jesus' return, we should not grieve their passing without hope. Transition: [Slide 10 (blank)] So, the dead in Christ will be raised at Jesus' return. But what is the second point that Paul makes to encourage believers to not grieve their deaths without hope? II.) The whole Bride of Christ will be snatched up to meet and always be with Him, so we must not grieve without hope. (17-18) a. [Slide 11] 17 - Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. i. Paul now turns his attention off of those who have died in Christ and focuses on those who are still among the living. ii. Those who are alive when the Lord returns, who are left will then be caught up together with those who were formerly dead. iii. The word caught up means to be snatched. The idea is not one of action by the one being snatched. It simply happens to them. The Lord comes and snatches up His own from the four winds. iv. All of us are going to meet the Lord in the air… together. v. And it is at this very moment that all of the bride of Christ will assemble together with their Groom and no matter what eschatological system you adhere to, all of them teach the same thing that Paul says here. vi. From that moment on, the bride will never be separated from the groom. vii. We will be with Christ locally and in glorified bodies, forever. viii. So not only will the dead rise at Christ's return, the living will be snatched up with them to meet Christ in the air and be with Him from that moment onward. b. [Slide 12] 18 - Therefore, encourage one another with these words. i. The word “therefore” encompasses the entire teaching that Paul has just relayed. ii. What is that in quick summary? 1. The dead in Christ will not be left out. 2. In fact, they will rise first and then with the living, we will all be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and come with Him when He returns to judge and set up His eternal Kingdom. 3. And from the moment we all meet Him in the clouds – we will never be apart from Him again. iii. Therefore, we do not have to grieve with no hope for those who die. iv. Because we will meet them again, and they will not miss out on the blessings of the eternal kingdom, nor do we have to fear death as though we will miss the kingdom ourselves. v. This is truly a comfort and a peace to us. vi. Death then, has truly lost its sting. vii. Death has died in the death of Christ. viii. Let us rejoice that He has freed us from the tyranny of sin and the finality of death. ix. We are the ones who live. Because Christ lives in us. c. [Slide 13] Summary of the Point: And so, Paul brings a second point. Not only will the dead in Christ rise first, but then we all, as one bride, will be snatched up together with Christ in the air and never be separated from Him again. Therefore, we must be holy and not grieve like unbelievers do without hope. There is always hope in Christ. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today that informs and corrects our beliefs and guides and shapes our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 14] Paul seeks to correct a misunderstanding in this passage. He does so with new teaching designed to bring comfort and encouragement to the Thessalonian church. Paul teaches that when Jesus returns, at that event the dead in Christ will be resurrected. Not only will they rise, but together with the living, all the elect from the four corners of the world will be snatched up into the air to meet Jesus as He descends. And from that moment, in the air, all the saints of God will never be separated from Christ. With this new information, there is no reason to grieve the death of a believer without hope. Indeed, death is gain for the believer. So, what does all this mean for us as 21st century Christians? 1.) [Slide 15] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the dead in Christ will be raised at Christ's return. a. Paul is the champion of this teaching, as he writes about it in several of his letters. b. But this teaching is not merely Pauline. c. John, Peter, the writer of Hebrews, and Jesus Himself talk about a resurrection for all people including believers. d. John specifically talks about, what he calls, the first resurrection in Revelation 19. This is when those who have suffered for the name of Christ will be raised to life at Jesus' return. e. All of this tells us that those who are genuine believers, who have received Christ and been united to Him by faith, when they die, it is not the end. When they die, they won't miss anything the Lord has planned. f. Instead, they will be resurrected when the Lord returns and join all the living believers who will be snatched up to be with Christ. g. John says, blessed is the one who participates in the first resurrection, because the second death has no power over them. h. Blessed indeed! i. Hallelujah! What a Savior! 2.) [Slide 16] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that all of Christ's Bride will be snatched away together to be with Christ forever. a. Not only will dead believers be raised for the glorious coming of Christ – but living believers will no longer be parted from their company or the company of Christ, from that moment on. b. Humanity has known one constant since we were forced from the garden of Eden. c. The constant of death. d. Everything, everyone… dies. e. And no one… NO ONE comes back from death. f. In the scriptures we are told of a few people who were resurrected from death and a couple people who did not die at all. g. But these are the exceptions that prove the rule. h. Everyone dies. And no one comes back from death. i. But Christ's death and resurrection changes all of that. j. Christ is called the firstborn of the resurrection. He kept the covenant of redemption and was rewarded with the blessings of keeping that covenant, which included His resurrection and ascension to be Lord of all. k. And those who are united to Him by the covenant of grace, are also inheritors of His rewards. l. We too, will be resurrected. m. And because of that, all those who have died in Christ will join us in the air when Christ returns. n. They won't miss a thing. o. When Christ comes as a groom for His bride, the dead and the living will go to Him. Even death will not prevent His bride from going to Him. For He will snatch us up. p. In what is probably the biggest mic drop moment in human history… A shout of command will sound. The voice of one of the seven archangels will cry out. And God's royal trumpet of victory will resound. And everyone who belongs to Christ… will go to Him. q. And here is the kicker. r. From that moment on… We will never know separation from each other or from Christ… EVER AGAIN! s. Hallelujah! What a Savior! 3.) [Slide 17] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must be holy in how we view death. a. This is the overarching principle that we must observe in this text. b. Paul is not establishing an Eschatological system. He is trying to comfort believers who, ultimately, have an inaccurate understanding of death. c. Indeed, they see death as final. They see no hope in death. d. And so, this one application of being holy in how we view death has two specific applications that comprise it. e. One practice we must stop and one practice we must start. f. [Slide 18] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop fearing death if we are genuine Christians. i. We don't desire death. Survival is a natural instinct that God has programmed into all creatures. ii. We don't wish to die, and the threat of death is powerful. iii. Death hanging over us changes the way we live. iv. We don't take unnecessary risks. There is a reason that peace protesters do their protesting on safe soil and not at the front lines of war. v. A healthy survival instinct is good and natural. vi. But, our culture has come to worship death. vii. What I mean by that is that death is a vengeful god that we all try to placate. viii. We offer up our unborn children to it in exchange for comfort and financial peace. ix. We give our money to it to preserve our looks and our bodies. x. We give our time and energy to it to exercise and hold it at bay. xi. The general view of death by westerners is that we should do everything we can to make sure it doesn't come looking for us. xii. This should NOT be how Christians view death. xiii. We should form our view of death based on what the scriptures teach us about it. xiv. And what do they teach? 1. Death has lost its sting because of what Christ has purchased for us. 2. When we are absent from the body in death, we are present with the Lord in life. 3. For us to live is Christ but to die is gain. 4. Death is not the end for any man, all will be resurrected. 5. And ultimately it is not the first death that any man should fear. It is the second death that must be avoided at all costs. Any who join the first resurrection, will not be harmed by the second death. 6. All of Christ's bride will be alive and meet Him in the air when He returns. Meaning the dead in Christ… will be raised. xv. Christians do not seek death. We still take steps to preserve our life. xvi. But not at all costs. And not if it forces us to abandon or disobey our King. xvii. Therefore, Christians view death as the last great trial that God has for all of us. The last great suffering that we must endure, before we will suffer… no… more. xviii. Death then… is merely a hurdle in the race that our King has set out before us. And when He jumped over it… He knocked it down. He has made it a guarantee for all His elect, that they will not stay dead. xix. We don't fear death. But we look with faith and hope at what awaits us behind death's door. xx. And the second part of having a holy view of death is… g. [Slide 19] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must grieve the death of believers, with hope. i. This passage in no way teaches us that we must not grieve the death of believers. ii. There is a big movement in evangelical circles to replace funerals of believers with memorials celebrating the life and promotion of someone to glory. iii. I believe that this is, unfortunately, a slight overcorrection on our part. iv. It is entirely appropriate to grieve the death of a believer. v. How do I know that? vi. Jesus wept over Lazarus… even though He knew that in a short time He Himself would raise Lazarus from the dead, and would eventually raise Lazarus again when He returned. vii. Even though we know that death is merely a door we must go through in eternal life, it is entirely appropriate for Christians to mourn their loss of another Christian. viii. We can, and should grieve the death of Christians. ix. Why? x. Because death is not natural. Death is a symptom of sin. Both in the world and even in the one who died. Physical death is a constant reminder that mankind… is fallen. xi. We grieve death as a billboard showing us that this is NOT the eternal state. THIS ISN'T HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO END. xii. But we do so with hope. xiii. Hope of what? xiv. The resurrection and future eternal Kingdom of God. xv. In this way we can celebrate that one day we will see these dead believers again and then, when we see them again, we'll also be with Jesus and we will never be absent from either ever again. xvi. So we grieve the loss of believers… but with hope that this is merely goodbye for now. 4.) [Slide 20] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny the doctrine of soul sleep. a. Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's witnesses take this passage and neglect to do any historical analysis at the idea of sleep. Instead, they read into this a doctrine that is nowhere taught in the scriptures. b. The doctrine of soul sleep. c. Well what is soul sleep? I'm glad you asked. d. Soul sleep is exactly what it says. The idea is that the soul of dead believers enters into a spiritual sleep where their souls unconsciously wait until the Lord returns. e. Then they will be awoken and rejoined with their bodies. f. Unfortunately, this is not taught in scripture and actually there are some teachings in the scripture which refute this teaching. g. The scriptures teach that although the body dies, the soul endures consciously in a specific location. h. No matter what the Disney movies say - You can't keep the dead alive in your heart. They aren't looking down on you and watching over you. And they aren't a spirit visiting you either. i. The scriptures teach us that the only spirits that are active in this world are angels, devils, and God. All spirits of men are ushered to a place called, Sheol, hades, hell, or the realm of the dead. j. And as the New Testament Scriptures teach – those held there have no way out. k. And as the Old Testament Scriptures reveal, when a witch, who normally contacts an evil spirit who is a medium between the living and the dead, was successful in conjuring a real spirit from such a place– SHE WAS SHOCKED! She wasn't expecting the spirit of a once living human. She was expecting something else entirely. l. In one sense, the old pagan notion is true. No one escapes from death. m. But Jesus did. And he took all His people with Him. n. The Apostles' Creed tells us that Jesus descended into hell. o. 2 Peter tells us that He did this to preach to the captives. Meaning that Christ went to the realm of the dead to proclaim His victory over death. He then led all the Old Testament saints out of the place called paradise and took them to heaven with Him. p. This is why Paul says that we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. q. Those who are in Christ inherit the blessing of skipping the realm of the dead to be with God until they are resurrected and reunited with their bodies. r. Which means… that the idea of soul sleep is inconsistent with the scriptures. s. The scriptures clearly teach us that when we die, what sleeps is our bodies. Not our souls. Our souls, consciously join God in heaven, or consciously endure torment in Sheol. t. And all the dead consciously await the day when body and soul will be reunited. The first resurrection to be perfected and to reign with Christ and the second resurrection to be judged and cast into the lake of fire which is the second death. 5.) [Slide 21] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Jesus will not lose a single sheep that the Father has given to Him. a. If God is absolutely sovereign over life, death, and the redemption of souls… do we expect Him to allow us to slip into death and through the grasp of Christ? b. Can God be surprised by the death of one of His children? c. If Death did not keep His Son from Him – what makes us think that death is some unfortunate accident He did not expect or even plan for us. d. Every person is appointed to death once. Then to face judgment. e. And Jesus said, that of all the sheep that God gave to Him, He will not lose even 1. f. Death cannot separate us from the love of God. Indeed, death is gain for those who believe. g. Hallelujah! What a Savior! 6.) [Slide 22] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Without Christ, you have no hope in death. There is only despair since death is a door to eternal death. a. Let me make this abundantly clear. b. For believers, death is a necessary door on the path of eternal life. c. We are resurrected with Christ's return and the power of the second death will not touch us. d. But for you who are not a follower of Jesus – friend, this life is the best you have. There is nothing else for you. e. When you exit this life, your existence becomes one of temporary conscious torment for your soul. f. And this temporary torment will only be interrupted by the sudden reuniting of your body and soul. But your eyes will open and behold the Lion of Judah upon His throne in all His glory. g. The same King that you rejected in this life, that you mocked, that you ignored, that you said you believed in but never served – that same Jesus will preside over your hearing. h. He will call for the books which record all the works of your life whether they are good or evil. i. They will all be laid out before you. j. And though you were a kind, generous, loving person… none of these good deeds will be enough to make up for what seems like an endless list of counts of treason against a holy God. k. The scriptures tell us that everyone who is judged by their works will be found guilty. l. Your brief reprieve from torment, to face judgment, will then be over. And you will be cast into what the scriptures describe as the second death. The lake which burns with fire. And so you shall remain in conscious and eternal torment for all eternity. m. Why? n. Because the body that you were reunited to, was made to endure such agony without ever being consumed. o. My friends… without Christ – you have NO HOPE in death. There is only more death. p. I beg you. I plead with you. I appeal to you friend. Turn from your sin. Forsake it. And cry out to God for mercy. That He might apply the benefits of Christ's obedience to you. That you might be His child. q. If this is your desire today – I'd advise you to stop someone, anyone here today and seek their counsel on how to be God's child. [Slide 23 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Richard Baxter. Send forth your convoy of angels for my departing soul, and let them bring it among the perfect spirits of the just. Let me follow my dear friends that have died in Christ before. And when my friends are crying over my grave, let my spirit be with you in rest. You who numbers the hairs of my head, number all the days that my body lies in the dust. Hasten, O my Savior, the time of your return. Send forth your angels, and let that dreadful, joyful trumpet sound. Do not delay, or the living could give up their hope. Do not delay, or this earth could grow to be like hell, and your church by divisions be crumbled to dust. Do not delay, or your enemies could take advantage of your flock. Or pride, hypocrisy, sensuality, and unbelief could prevail against your remnant, and when you came you might not find faith on the earth. Do not delay, lest the grave should boast of victory. O hasten that great resurrection day, when your command will go forth, and none will disobey. That day when the sea and earth yield up their hostages, and all that sleep in the grave awake, and the dead in Christ arise. That day when the corruptible seed that you sowed comes forth incorruptible. I entrust myself not to a grave, but to you. My flesh will rest in hope, until you raise it to the everlasting rest. Return, O Lord! How long? Let your kingdom come! Your desolate bride says come, for your Spirit within her says come-the one who teaches her to pray with groanings which cannot be expressed. The whole creation says come, waiting to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. And you yourself have said, surely I come. Amen, even, so come, Lord Jesus. We pray this in His name… Amen. Benediction: May your eyes see the king in his beauty That you might view a land that stretches afar; Like Abraham, who looked to a city, Whose architect and builder is God. Until we meet again, possibly in the clouds, go in peace.

Maybe today you feel alone. Perhaps due to your mistakes and failures you have isolated yourself from others. Maybe you are struggling and you wonder where God is. Possibly, you feel as if you are on the far side of the wilderness. Stand on this truth from God's Word: He will never leave you or forsake you.Main Points:1. This morning as I was reading my Bible, I found myself in Exodus chapter three. It's the story where Moses meets God at the burning bush. Six words leaped off the page as I read the familiar story. It says Moses was on “the far side of the wilderness.” Moses wasn't just in the wilderness, he was on the far side of the wilderness. What is the wilderness? The dictionary defines it as “an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.” In other words, Moses was as isolated as a person could get.2. Yet, on the far side of the wilderness, with not another person in sight, Moses was not alone. It's here Moses has a life-changing encounter with God. He is reminded he is not alone, he is not forgotten, and God's purpose for his life has not changed.3. Moses never forgot about the day he encountered God at the burning bush. It was a revelation of God's continued purpose and plan for his life, but the greater lesson for Moses was the necessity of God's presence. Today's Scripture Verses:Exodus 3:1 - "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness..."Psalm 139:7-10 - “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”Exodus 33:15-16 - “Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

You have no need that God will not faithfully satisfy.   Thank you for listening to Encourage-Mint. If you've been refreshed, don't forget to subscribe, Leave a review on iTunes, and share a little Encourage-Mint with someone you love. Encourage-Mint is a podcast from Family Radio. These moments are just a taste of what you can hear every day. Listen at FamilyRadio.org or find more encouragement on the Family Radio app.  Get daily Scripture and encouragement by following Family Radio on your favorite social media platforms:FacebookInstagram Twitter

Happy Valentine's Day, Money Monsters! Forsake your sweetie and cuddle up with your real lovers: TV's Kevin, Jessi Kat, Mike, & Jenny as they talk about the 2001 Billy Crystal passion project, America's Sweethearts! I mean, what a well-calibrated film that expertly balances subject matter and tone! www.patreon.com/tvskevin

As the Jews reject the message of the gospel and the gentiles begin to accept it, some seem to see this as God forsaking Israel. Did God forsake Israel? Let's find out together as we read Acts 13:42-52 and Isaiah 49:1-23.

The main question the Holy Spirit is dealing with in these verses is: How does one enter the kingdom of God Jesus came to usher in? How is one saved? The question rises again and again. Here’s the answer: Forsake all else, come to Jesus, and anticipate Heaven.

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! 

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 38: www.ESV.org/Psalm38 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

Today, we uncover 9 common ways husbands functionally forsake their wives—often without even realizing it. From spiritual laziness and poor communication to the subtle ways we let intimacy die, this is an important reminder for every Christian husband.RESOURCES:Master marital communication: https://speak.fiercemarriage.comTake the 31-Day Pursuit Challenge: https://31daypursuit.comPray for your spouse with intention: https://40prayers.comTo learn more about becoming a Christian, visit: https://thenewsisgood.comThis ministry is entirely listener-supported. To partner with us, visit https://fiercemarriage.com/partner Good news! You can now find FULL video episodes on our YouTube channel, The Fierce Family. Visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkyO4yVeRdODrpsyXLhEr7w to subscribe and watch. We hope to see you there!

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 37: www.ESV.org/Psalm37 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

The sermon centers on Psalm 119:59, emphasizing the necessity of self-examination, the rejection of self-reliant human ways, and the deliberate turning toward God's eternal testimonies. It warns against the peril of trusting one's own wisdom, citing biblical examples from Judges, Proverbs, and the lives of kings who perished by following their own desires, and contrasts this with the life of Christ, who calls believers to forsake all for His sake. The message underscores that human ways, though often appealing or satisfying, lead to spiritual death, while God's Word—living, authoritative, and eternal—offers true life, correction, and righteousness. The preacher calls listeners to actively turn from their fleshly inclinations, embrace Scripture as the ultimate guide, and live in faithful obedience, urging both believers and non-believers to abandon self-directed paths and submit to Christ's way through diligent engagement with the Bible.

"My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19   "Even to your old age, I will be the same… I will carry you." — Isaiah 46:4   "Forsake me not when my strength faileth." — Psalm 71

The Faith of Christians, Churches, and Nations Can Be Tested and Doubts Arise in Today's World; However, God Is Faithful and Will Not Forsake You MESSAGE SUMMARY: God will never leave you or forsake you. Even when difficulties arise and you are tempted to walk away from your faith, God will not leave you. When you are tempted to doubt God, remember that God is faithful. When the Apostles questioned Jesus about faith and prayer, Jesus told the Apostles, in Mathew 21:21-22, that your faith is powerful and that God will respond to your faith: “And Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.'”. Hold, unswervingly, to the hope and faith you profess because God, who promised us, is faithful. While you are endeavoring to hold onto your faith in God and Jesus' Gospel, you need to always remember the faithfulness of God, even in those times in which you may be doubting or questioning your faith. Do not give up your faith!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the simple trust that even out of the most awful evil around me, you are able to bring great good — for me, for others, and for your great glory. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 91). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will entrust to Him my future. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.  From 2 Timothy 1:12 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Psalms 91:1-10; Mathew 28:16-20; Mathew 6:25-34; Psalms 18b:11-20. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" How can the Father forsake the Son if they're the same person in the Trinity? Was the Trinity severed? Kaitlyn has thoughts on this important theological debate—and reveals how this debate is part of why she became a theologian!   0:00 - Intro   0:37 - Theme Song   1:20 - Show Starts   2:40 - Kaitlyn's Origin Story   12:50 - Penal Substitutionary Atonement   18:42 - Sponsor - Dwell - Listen to scripture throughout your day. Go to https://www.dwellbible.com/CK for 25% off!   19:42 - Sponsor - Word Relief - World Relief has a $415,000 challenge gift that ends December 31. Your gift can go three times as far! Give now at https://www.worldrelief.org/kaitlyn   21:18 - Relational, Trinitarian God   32:10 - The Father Grieving the Son   39:37 - Outro Song   Resources: Forsaken: The Trinity on the Cross, and Why it Matters by Thomas H. McCall: https://a.co/d/1PvcWvZ Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves: https://a.co/d/ikSTCLB The Crucified God by Jürgen Moltmann: https://a.co/d/9LVdAw3

John Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God who radiates light and life. Forsake your darkness and receive the life-giving light of Jesus

Today, we discuss a prophecy brough to King Asa: Asa is told that if he forsakes God, God will forsake him How can God forsake us if it says "I will not leave you nor forsake you"? Asa is encouraged to finish the religious reform he started God gives Judah 20 years of peace under King Asa There are so many other things P40 does! Check it out: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869 Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more: www.lifeaudio.com Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The post The Yoke We Forsake | December 14, 2025 appeared first on Lakemount Worship Centre.

In this powerful message, Servant Marcia Carty warns that the world is spiraling back toward the conditions of the days of Noah—a period defined by extreme wickedness, widespread violence, and a physical/genetic corruption caused by the mixture of fallen angels with mankind. She highlights the prophetic warnings in Micah 7 and the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2, showing how worldly kingdoms will always fail and how humanity will mingle itself, but never truly cleave together. The ultimate call is to choose life and escape the coming judgment by pursuing God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are the five ways to escape God's judgment: -- Believe in Jesus for your salvation, acknowledging that He is the firm and only way to be saved from the wrath to come. -- Repent and confess your sins, demonstrating godly sorrow by continuously turning away from your sinful ways and back toward the Lord. -- Forsake your sins by not returning to them, as this shows that your repentance is genuine. -- "Go and sin no more," which means pursuing the Lord and remaining faithful and persevering until the end, to receive the crown. -- Walk in faith and covenant with God, like Noah, to be deemed righteous and live a blessed, multiplying life even amidst the chaos. Scriptures for Further Study -- Micah 7:1–7 -- Micah 7:18 -- Daniel 2:18–45 -- Psalms 82 -- Psalms 79 -- Genesis 6:9 -- Psalms 23 -- Philippians [chapter not specified, general reference] -- 2 Corinthians [chapter not specified, general reference] -- Isaiah 32:17 -- Proverbs 21:21 -- Romans 3: [chapter not specified, general reference] -- Romans 5: [chapter not specified, general reference] -- Proverbs 11:5 -- Proverbs 28:13 -- John 8:11 -- Revelation [chapter not specified, general reference] +++++++ We have begun building a new website which you can see here: https://www.noahdays.org/

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THE SHABBAT RESTORATION TRILOGY: RESTORE US, HEAR ME, ESTABLISH ZIONPsalms 85–87“National Return, Personal Cry, Zion's Identity”Teachers: Kerry & Karen BattleAhava ~ Love AssemblyToday's class walks through Psalms 85, 86, and 87, revealing the threefold restoration pattern Yahuah uses to return Israel back to covenant alignment:• Psalm 85 — National repentance and restoration• Psalm 86 — The servant's personal cry and dependence• Psalm 87 — Zion's prophetic identity and destinyThis is not poetry.This is not emotion.This is Yahuah's covenant order moving from repentance, to devotion, to prophetic identity.Psalms 85–87 expose the restoration journey that all Israel must walk:1. Return to Yahuah (Psalm 85:1–7)2. Hear His Voice and forsake folly (85:8–9)3. Align heaven and earth through righteousness (85:10–13)4. Bow the soul in humility (Psalm 86:1–4)5. Unite the heart in truth and fear (86:11–13)6. Cry out for deliverance (86:14–17)7. Take your place in Zion — the city Yahuah loves (Psalm 87:1–3)8. Know your identity — “This one was born there” (87:4–6)9. Drink from the springs in Zion (87:7)Each Psalm connects directly to the covenant foundation of Torah, the prophetic corrections, and the identity of Israel in the end time.Psalms 85–87 reveal the living architecture of Yahuah's justice system:Repentance is requiredRestoration is orderedDevotion is personalIdentity is propheticZion is centralHoliness is mandatoryThe heart must bowThe nation must turnThe people must hearThe servant must cryAnd heaven must answerThis is the restoration process from Torah to Zion.---I. Foundation — The Shabbat Restoration PatternII. Psalm 85 — National ReturnIII. Psalm 86 — The Servant's CryIV. Psalm 87 — Zion's IdentityV. Covenant Continuum — Torah, Prophets, and Renewed WritingsVI. Call to Return — Forsake FollyVII. Final Heart Check — Walk in Righteousness, Dwell in ZionDeut 10:12Ps 24:3–6Ps 27:1–14Isa 2:1–3Isa 45:8Isa 60–62Jer 32:39Hos 6:1–3Joel 3:18Mic 7:18–20Zech 14Heb 12:22

I will not leave you nor forsake you. [NKJV]

Around the Word in 180 Days (AW180) is a podcast/blog where we read the Bible with our brothers and sisters in the public schools. My name is Karen and I am your host for the program and for the 2025-2026 school year our theme, Prayers-Praises-Promises. We will read the promises of God, pray the promises and praise God using His Word. The Promises of God are read categorically one each school day and then we will pray that promise. We will praise God using a different Scripture each time and read the Daily Devotionals from Christian Educators. Please join us using Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Prime or Podomatic. This podcast and its accompanying blog is one of many tools for your role as Christ's ambassador this school year. Each daily show is designed to be 15 minutes or less with the busy educator in mind. You are encouraged to share with your colleagues.

Around the Word in 180 Days (AW180) is a podcast/blog where we read the Bible with our brothers and sisters in the public schools. My name is Karen and I am your host for the program and for the 2025-2026 school year our theme, Prayers-Praises-Promises. We will read the promises of God, pray the promises and praise God using His Word. The Promises of God are read categorically one each school day and then we will pray that promise. We will praise God using a different Scripture each time and read the Daily Devotionals from Christian Educators. Please join us using Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Prime or Podomatic. This podcast and its accompanying blog is one of many tools for your role as Christ's ambassador this school year. Each daily show is designed to be 15 minutes or less with the busy educator in mind. You are encouraged to share with your colleagues.

9th November 2025 - Derry City. Ministered by Pastor Ryan Penn.

2nd November 2025 - Derry City. Ministered by Pastor Ryan Penn.

Pastor Jason Fest preaches on how the Christian must not fret about things he has no control over, but must instead trust in God and His provision. Listen above or download the audio file here. Photo by Alin Andersen on Unsplash The post He Will Not Forsake His Saints — Psalm 37:1-11  first appeared on Trinity Reformed Church.

Written at the age of 33 in 1827 - Highly praised by C H Spurgeon.

Welcome to "Norm! A Cheers Podcast." We continue our discussion of Cheers Season 11 with "Do Not Forsake Me, O' My Postman.."Please follow us on Twitter (@cheers_norm), like our page on Facebook (@normcheerspodcast), and email us at normcheerspodcast@gmail.com.Thanks for listening!

A — About: Jeremiah confronts the Jews in Egypt for repeating the sins that brought ruin to Jerusalem—idolatry and rebellion. Despite God's mercy and warnings, they stubbornly cling to false gods, proving hardened hearts that refuse repentance. B — Best Verse: "Therefore hear the word of the Lord, all Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: 'Behold, I have sworn by My great name,' says the Lord, 'that My name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt.'" — Jeremiah 44:26 (NKJV) C — Call to Action: Turn your heart away from the idols of this world. Forsake rebellion and pride. Humbly return to God in repentance, seeking refuge in Christ alone.

Contending for the Crown with Kristin Rowell A Bible podcast for ladies Ep215 - Don't Forsake the Assembly

Regan and Chesko start today's episode dissecting a cringe-worthy Backstreet Boys parody where a husband sings about hating marriage and his wife, then examining a controversial podcast clip about husbands giving wives "allowances", and finally breaking down the viral "lunch packing" incident where a husband filled his teacher wife's lunch bag with dog food, stale snacks, and old Chipotle...followed by her predictable defense video when criticized online. Support us on Patreon (and hear bonus content!): https://www.patreon.com/mrpickmeandthemanhater Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/mr-pick-me--the-manhater/ Follow Us on Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@mrpickmeandthemanhater https://www.instagram.com/mrpickmeandthemanhater Follow The Manhater: Regan (F the Nice Guy) - TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@ftheniceguy Podcast: https://ftheniceguypodcast.podbean.com/ Follow Mr. Pick Me: Chesko (The Speech Prof) - Substack: http://www.thespeechprof.com TikTok: http://www.TikTok.com/@speechprof Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/thespeechprof Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/thespeechprof YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealSpeechProf Theme song by Odanis the Rapper - https://www.instagram.com/odanistherapper

A new MP3 sermon from Pineville Sovereign Grace Fellowship is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: When Those You Love Forsake You! Subtitle: Devotional Speaker: Larry Phillips Broadcaster: Pineville Sovereign Grace Fellowship Event: Devotional Date: 9/12/2025 Bible: Psalm 27:10 Length: 11 min.

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 94: www.ESV.org/Psalm94 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

Revelation Dates: August – December, 1833 Revelation Places: Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York Section 98 – Aug 6, 1833 - Historical Background: Persecution was increasing in Missouri and Joseph was concerned for the saints, seeking help from the Lord. Joseph was 800 miles away in Kirtland and had not yet heard of the extreme violence and destruction of property, including the printing press. But the Lord knew what was happening, and revealed to the Prophet this revelation containing principles of peace, comfort and forgiveness.   Recap: The Lord has heard the prayers of his people and they will be granted. Have patience. Trust in the Lord. Obey the laws of the land. Their rights are inalienable, yet when the wicked rule, the people mourn. Forsake evil and cleave to good. Renounce war and proclaim peace. The saints in Kirtland must repent. The principles of persecution and retaliation are outlined. Section 99 - Historical Background: This revelation is out of sequence and was actually given in August 1832, not 1833. The revelation was on behalf of John Murdock, one of Joseph's most faithful servants. John's wife died giving birth to twins, who were adopted by Joseph and Emma. Recap: John Murdock is called on a mission to the eastern states. He is promised power. Those who accept John accept the Lord, and those who reject John also reject the Lord. John is encouraged to continue preaching the gospel for his entire life. Section 100 – Oct 12, 1833 - Historical Background: After organizing the Kirtland Stake and getting the Kirtland temple construction organized, Joseph and Sidney went on a mission to Upper Canada. They were accompanied by a new convert named Freeman Nickerson from Perrysburg, New York, who was returning home and invited Joseph and Sidney to ride with him as they journeyed north. After arriving in Perrysburg, Joseph became deeply anxious about his family back in Kirtland and inquired of the Lord.   Recap: Joseph and Sidney's families are well and are in the care of the Savior while they are on their mission. As to this mission, they are promised great success. They are told to fear not, for God will fill their mouths and they cannot be confounded. Be meek and the Holy Ghost will bear record of the truth. Sidney is called to be a spokesman for Joseph, who is to be the revelator. Meanwhile, back in Missouri, the Lord says Zion will be chastened for a season. In due time, God will raise up a people pure in heart to redeem Zion. Section 101 – Dec 16, 1833 - Historical Background: In Section 97, the Lord declares that if Zion obeyed God's commandments (including building a temple) they would prosper, otherwise they will face affliction, sword, vengeance and fire. The saints transgressed and failed by their lackluster efforts to build a temple. In July, 1833, a large Missouri mob demanded the saints cease from all religious labors in Jackson County. Three days later they destroyed the church printing press, burned the building and tarred and feathered 2 church leaders. In October and November, the mob raided branches of the church demolishing homes, and in one branch “amid the shrieks and screams of women and children, whipped and beat in a savage and brutal manner, several of the men.” A church member and two mob members were killed. The 2,500 saints in Zion were fleeing for their lives. In December, Joseph received the awful news and reached out to the Lord asking why He would allow this persecution and when He would redeem Zion.      Recap: The saints were driven out of Zion because of their transgressions, and must now endure their chastening. But God will be merciful. “Be still, and know that I am God.” The righteous and pure in heart will return to redeem Zion and build the New Jerusalem. A time frame was not given. Meanwhile, gather together in stakes and live the gospel principles. Christ will appear to all and the wicked will be consumed. The millennial period will begin and Zion will be built, Satan will be bound, and all history will be revealed. Those saints driven from Zion are transgressors and need to be chastened. The Lord gives a parable of a vineyard, whose servants refused to build a tower (temple), and therefore the enemy came undetected and destroyed the vineyard. The House of Israel must continue to be gathered and the Saints must gather in stakes to be strengthened. Lands must be purchased in Zion. Those who were scattered must seek redress by the law to uphold their inalienable rights. This was the purpose of establishing the Constitution, by the hands of wise men raised up by God. If government leaders do not give heed to these laws, God will be displeased and in His fierce anger, will vex them along with the nation. The day will come that the Lord's people will hold claim to Zion and will return, build and prosper there.

Any time you study about light and truth in the scriptures, it's going to be a great day!

When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, he found that the people had slipped from God's ways to their own ways, forsaking the house of God.  Standing on scripture and history, Nehemiah's reformations restored the sanctity of God's house, service in the temple, submission to the Sabbath and the standards of God. Today's church needs the same reformation to return back to God's ways and stand on His word. VF-2019 Nehemiah 13:4-31 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 71: www.ESV.org/Psalm71 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

Sermon Notes Date: 08/03/2025 Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor Series: Zechariah Key Text: Zechariah 11:1-17 Description: Throw away. Cast off. Forsake. Reject. Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues our study in the book of Zechariah, where we're confronted with rejection— and a sobering question: What happens when people reject the Shepherd God […]

The Faith of Christians, Churches, and Nations Can Be Tested and Doubts Arise in Today's World; However, God Is Faithful and Will Not Forsake You MESSAGE SUMMARY: God will never leave you or forsake you. Even when difficulties arise and you are tempted to walk away from your faith, God will not leave you. When you are tempted to doubt God, remember that God is faithful. When the Apostles questioned Jesus about faith and prayer, Jesus told the Apostles, in Mathew 21:21-22, that your faith is powerful and that God will respond to your faith: “And Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.'”. Hold, unswervingly, to the hope and faith you profess because God, who promised us, is faithful. While you are endeavoring to hold onto your faith in God and Jesus' Gospel, you need to always remember the faithfulness of God, even in those times in which you may be doubting or questioning your faith. Do not give up your faith!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, fill me with the simple trust that even out of the most awful evil around me, you are able to bring great good — for me, for others, and for your great glory. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 91). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will entrust to Him my future. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.  From 2 Timothy 1:12 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Psalms 91:1-10; Mathew 28:16-20; Mathew 6:25-34; Psalms 18b:11-20. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Sermon on the Amount – Part 1 “Where Your Treasure Is”” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

From the Chapel: If we're living in a way that opposes God and His will, we cannot have genuine fellowship with Him. This means that we all must be willing for God to point out grievous ways inside of us. Once He does, we must return to Him, asking for forgiveness and mercy.

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 38: www.ESV.org/Psalm38 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/

❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 37: www.ESV.org/Psalm37 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/