Podcasts about Galilee

Have you ever wondered about God's love for you? Before time even began, Jesus chose to adopt us into His family. It is a comforting truth to rest in, knowing that before we even existed, He looked forward to delighting in us. Moreover, this profound love extends beyond our actions and abilities – there is nothing we can do to deserve His approval. The builders of Notre Dame Cathedral recognized the significance of Scripture, incorporating its symbolism into their architectural marvel. Discover how access to Scripture reveals God's identity, His actions, and our own identity and purpose. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to become a servant and died on a cross. By recognizing God as the center of the universe, we find rest and shift the focus away from ourselves. Christ's ascension to heaven opened the door for all of us in Him to be filled with the living water of the Spirit. This abundant and infinite supply of water is available to each and every one of us who has placed our faith and trust in Him alone. Once we receive the Holy Spirit, rest is modeled after Christ with childlike faith and a lifetime of faithfulness. Imagine the stunning sculptures adorning the hidden side of the stones that held up the ceilings of Notre Dame. Carved as an offering of worship to God, those sculptures remained unseen by human eyes but were known to God alone. Let us consider how we can present our lives as works of art in worship to God. Adoption plays a significant role in understanding our identity in Christ. With three witnesses – the angelic realm, the world of humans, and our own hearts – we are marvelously adopted into God's family. In this new kingdom where Jesus reigns, we gain a new authority and embrace a new inheritance as sons and daughters of God. Drawing from Paul's teachings in Romans, we explore the profound concept of adoption in contrast to Roman cultural practices. We invite you to ponder the transformative power of God's rest and satisfaction, as exemplified in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Stephanie gently but firmly challenges us not to overlook the deep spiritual truths we may have heard many times before. Let us guard against spiritual restlessness and find true rest in the richness of God's Word. We hope you find this episode inspiring and thought-provoking. As always, if you're hungry for more spiritual nourishment, consider inviting Stephanie and the Gospel Spice team to speak at your church or women's ministry event. They bring a feast of practical, biblical truth, and genuine love and concern. Our prayer is that this episode serve as a reminder of God's unwavering love for you, and invite you to explore the depths of rest that can only be found in Him. Amen! GOOD TO KNOW! This is the fourth of 6 episodes on rest. Stephanie initially taught keynotes at several distinct events and, surprisingly, the event organizers asked her to speak on the topic of rest. They didn't know they were all asking for the same theme. Stephanie crafted unique talks for each event, and wondered how this serendipitous convergence on the theme of rest might apply to you, our beloved Podcast audience. So, here are the keynotes she gave on the topic of dwelling in the presence of God, and delighting in His glory, as the essence, goal and means of rest.  We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details. DATES | October 5 to November 16, 2023  LOCATION | Online!  Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus' very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does? It's said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus. Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it's life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus' favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more. Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb. So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details. This month we are celebrating the anniversary of Gospel Spice! We launched our first episode in 2019, we we faithfully and haltingly followed God's pretty clear directions! Would you please take a moment to celebrate with us? There is a very simple way to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. Would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now!, to leave a COMMENT on a very instrumental ranking website for podcasts? It would truly be so helpful, and such a lovely birthday gift for us! 3 simple steps to do it: 1- go to listennotes.com and create a user profile, using the top right corner LOGIN. There are 4 easy ways to do that: you can use either your facebook, twitter or google account, or otherwise provide a valid email. It will then send you a verification email so it needs to be a valid email. That is the most time consuming part! You are almost there already. 2- Once you have created your profile, then please find Gospel Spice (using the search bar at the top - or click here directly); 3- Please LEAVE A COMMENT in the COMMENTS section. It will truly be instrumental in making Gospel Spice more discoverable among the more than 2.5 million podcasts out there.  If this seems too complicated... please try clicking HERE (which should take you straight to the COMMENTS section for the Gospel Spice Podcast) and create your user profile from there. Once you are done, feel free to UNSUBSCRIBE from the website Listennotes, and you will never hear from them again, while having given us a free birthday present! MERCI!   Summer is coming to an end, and busyness returns as the fall season settles upon us. We live in a fast-paced world where rest is elusive, and even frowned upon—especially once summer is over. What if, instead, intentional rest in Christ was the secret to launch a lifetime of delight in God, regardless of seasons? As summer makes way for the busyness of the fall season, Gospel Spice invites you to embrace a lifestyle of rest by experiencing the presence of God amidst your busy life. YOU ARE INVITED to follow in the footsteps of Jesus this fall! Stephanie invites you to join her for this virtual tour of first-century Israel to experience Jesus' teachings like never before. This original online Bible Study by Gospel Spice will be taught exclusively from October 5 to November 16, 2023. Go to gospelspice.com/footsteps to register, and all the details! YOU ARE INVITED to follow in the footsteps of Jesus this fall! Stephanie invites you to join her for this virtual tour of first-century Israel to experience Jesus' teachings like never before. This original online Bible Study by Gospel Spice will be taught exclusively from October 5 to November 16, 2023. Go to gospelspice.com/footsteps to register, and all the details! Support us on PayPal!

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Pope Francis extolled Wednesday the “apostolic zeal” of Saint Daniele Comboni, an Italian missionary priest and bishop who fought to end slavery in Africa. Comboni witnessed “the horror of slavery” as a missionary in the mid-19th century in what is now Sudan. Pope Francis shared the “energetic and prophetic” life story of the founder of the Comboni missionary orders during his general audience on September 20. “Saint Daniele testifies to the love of the Good Shepherd who goes in search of the one who is lost and gives his life for the flock. His zeal was energetic and prophetic in being opposed to indifference and exclusion,” Pope Francis said. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255422/pope-francis-lauds-catholic-saint-who-fought-to-end-slavery-in-africa Ethnic Armenians in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, have agreed to lay down their arms and dissolve their military forces following a short but intense Azerbaijan offensive on September 19. Pope Francis made a public appeal on Wednesday for both sides to “silence the weapons.” “I make my heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved and to the international community to silence the weapons and make every effort to find peaceful solutions for the good of the people and respect for human dignity,” Pope Francis said at the end of his Wednesday general audience. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255426/ethnic-armenians-surrender-and-disarm-following-azerbaijan-offensive At least 11 people were killed September 15 after members of the Islamic State attacked a village in Mozambique and opened fire on Christians after hand-picking them from Muslims, the Catholic pontifical and charity foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International reported. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255427/11-killed-as-islamist-jihadists-reportedly-target-christians-in-mozambican-village The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has condemned the September 16-17 kidnapping of more than 30 people across Nigeria's Enugu State, including a Catholic priest, and called on police officials in the Nigerian state to either act on the lack of security in the region or leave office. Father Marcellinus Obioma Okide was abducted September 17 on his way back to Saint Mary Amofia-Agu Affa Parish in the Enugu Diocese, where he serves as parish priest. A prayer appeal has been sent out for the priest's safe release. Okide is among dozens of people who were taken by armed Fulani bandits in separate locations within Enugu State. Intersociety challenges those in charge of security in Enugu to “retire voluntarily from the army and the police” if they cannot live up to what is expected of them. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255429/human-rights-group-to-nigeria-security-agents-after-priest-s-kidnapping-act-or-resign Today, the Church celebrates Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, an apostle of Jesus and, according to tradition, the author of one of the four Gospels. Surprisingly little is known for certain about Matthew's life, even though his Gospel is so crucial for the Church. The manner of Matthew's calling by Jesus is well-known — Matthew was a Jew, but worked as a tax collector for the Romans in Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee, making him a pariah among his own people. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew gave up his presumably materialistic life as a tax collector to follow the Lord. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-matthew-apostle-601

Isaiah is a challenging book to study and even more challenging to understand. Many people avoid it because of its length, its prophetic language or its difficulty to understand without historical knowledge. These are certainly challenges, but Isaiah is too important a book NOT to read. Yes, it can be challenging, long and difficult to grasp in context, but this study will take you through that and help guide you on your way to becoming familiar with some of the most important prophecies in the Bible. This study will cover the first half of Isaiah. Because there is no cohesive narrative within Isaiah; it is a collection of prophetic words to various nations at different times; we are breaking it up in half to make it easier to digest. In this study, we will look at Isaiah chapters 1-33. From this study, you will gain the necessary historical background, insights into what has been fulfilled and what has not and all that you need to keep reading and know God's Word through the Prophet Isaiah. -----------LINKS----------Support 10WB on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/10weekbibleThe 10 Week Bible - http://www.10WeekBible.comTwitter: @DarrenHibbs - https://twitter.com/DarrenHibbsSign up for my newsletter - http://www.darrenhibbs.comGet a copy of the 10 Week Bible Study today - https://www.amazon.com/Darren-Hibbs/e/B00B4I47CE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl2&tag=darrenhcom0a-20&linkId=401f3d79974c70929517936977e32df9My other YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChUU0XHSHuhSyN8qk-7efYgSupport the show

Proper 19 First Psalm: Psalm 72 Psalm 72 (Listen) Give the King Your Justice Of Solomon. 72   Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to the royal son!2   May he judge your people with righteousness,    and your poor with justice!3   Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,    and the hills, in righteousness!4   May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,    give deliverance to the children of the needy,    and crush the oppressor! 5   May they fear you1 while the sun endures,    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!6   May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,    like showers that water the earth!7   In his days may the righteous flourish,    and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8   May he have dominion from sea to sea,    and from the River2 to the ends of the earth!9   May desert tribes bow down before him,    and his enemies lick the dust!10   May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands    render him tribute;  may the kings of Sheba and Seba    bring gifts!11   May all kings fall down before him,    all nations serve him! 12   For he delivers the needy when he calls,    the poor and him who has no helper.13   He has pity on the weak and the needy,    and saves the lives of the needy.14   From oppression and violence he redeems their life,    and precious is their blood in his sight. 15   Long may he live;    may gold of Sheba be given to him!  May prayer be made for him continually,    and blessings invoked for him all the day!16   May there be abundance of grain in the land;    on the tops of the mountains may it wave;    may its fruit be like Lebanon;  and may people blossom in the cities    like the grass of the field!17   May his name endure forever,    his fame continue as long as the sun!  May people be blessed in him,    all nations call him blessed! 18   Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,    who alone does wondrous things.19   Blessed be his glorious name forever;    may the whole earth be filled with his glory!      Amen and Amen! 20   The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. Footnotes [1] 72:5 Septuagint He shall endure [2] 72:8 That is, the Euphrates (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 119:73–96 Psalm 119:73–96 (Listen) Yodh 73   Your hands have made and fashioned me;    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.74   Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,    because I have hoped in your word.75   I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.76   Let your steadfast love comfort me    according to your promise to your servant.77   Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;    for your law is my delight.78   Let the insolent be put to shame,    because they have wronged me with falsehood;    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.79   Let those who fear you turn to me,    that they may know your testimonies.80   May my heart be blameless in your statutes,    that I may not be put to shame! Kaph 81   My soul longs for your salvation;    I hope in your word.82   My eyes long for your promise;    I ask, “When will you comfort me?”83   For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,    yet I have not forgotten your statutes.84   How long must your servant endure?1    When will you judge those who persecute me?85   The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;    they do not live according to your law.86   All your commandments are sure;    they persecute me with falsehood; help me!87   They have almost made an end of me on earth,    but I have not forsaken your precepts.88   In your steadfast love give me life,    that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. Lamedh 89   Forever, O LORD, your word    is firmly fixed in the heavens.90   Your faithfulness endures to all generations;    you have established the earth, and it stands fast.91   By your appointment they stand this day,    for all things are your servants.92   If your law had not been my delight,    I would have perished in my affliction.93   I will never forget your precepts,    for by them you have given me life.94   I am yours; save me,    for I have sought your precepts.95   The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,    but I consider your testimonies.96   I have seen a limit to all perfection,    but your commandment is exceedingly broad. Footnotes [1] 119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant? (ESV) Old Testament: 1 Kings 22:1–28 1 Kings 22:1–28 (Listen) Ahab and the False Prophets 22 For three years Syria and Israel continued without war. 2 But in the third year Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” 4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” 5 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the LORD.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?” 8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” 9 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.” 10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them. 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the LORD, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.'” 12 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab 13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 14 But Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak.” 15 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go up and triumph; the LORD will give it into the hand of the king.” 16 But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?” 17 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.'” 18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” 19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; 20 and the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?' And one said one thing, and another said another. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, saying, ‘I will entice him.' 22 And the LORD said to him, ‘By what means?' And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.' 23 Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the LORD has declared disaster for you.” 24 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the LORD go from me to speak to you?” 25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.” 26 And the king of Israel said, “Seize Micaiah, and take him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king's son, 27 and say, ‘Thus says the king, “Put this fellow in prison and feed him meager rations of bread and water, until I come in peace.”'” 28 And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!” (ESV) New Testament: 1 Corinthians 2:1–13 1 Corinthians 2:1–13 (Listen) Proclaiming Christ Crucified 2 And I, when I came to you, brothers,1 did not come proclaiming to you the testimony2 of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men3 but in the power of God. Wisdom from the Spirit 6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written,   “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,    nor the heart of man imagined,  what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.4 Footnotes [1] 2:1 Or brothers and sisters [2] 2:1 Some manuscripts mystery (or secret) [3] 2:5 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women [4] 2:13 Or interpreting spiritual truths in spiritual language, or comparing spiritual things with spiritual (ESV) Gospel: Matthew 4:18–25 Matthew 4:18–25 (Listen) Jesus Calls the First Disciples 18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”1 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds 23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. Footnotes [1] 4:19 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women (ESV)

Message for 09/17/2023 "Jesus is the Word" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Matthew 16:13-15 - When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Jesus is the One Jesus is the Word Jesus is the Way Jesus is the Truth Jesus is the Life John 6:1-2 - After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. John 1:1-5 - In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. Genesis 1:1-4a - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. John 1:14a - So the Word became human and made his home among us Genesis 27:34-35 - When Esau heard his father's words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!” he begged. 35 But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.” Isaiah 55:11 - It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Deuteronomy 9:3 - But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them Deuteronomy 9:3 (TARGUM) - Know, therefore, today that the Lord your God, whose glorious Shekinah goeth before you, whose Word is a consuming fire, will destroy them and drive them out before you Exodus 31:13 - “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. Exodus 31:13 (TARGUM) - Also, speak thou with the sons of Israel, saying, Ye shall keep the day of My Sabbaths indeed; for it is a sign between My Word and you, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctify you. Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross.

John 2:1-12 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin dig into Mary's statement: "Do whatever He tells you." Simple. Yet, powerful. It directs not only the servants at the wedding feast, but also the readers of this gospel, including us.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=13830The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023 – REV. JON STORCKJOHN 6:1-15, 351 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

John 2:1-12 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin consider the significance of Jesus turning water to wine and why John highlighted with such prominence.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=13815The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Proper 19 First Psalm: Psalms 61–62 Psalms 61–62 (Listen) Lead Me to the Rock To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David. 61   Hear my cry, O God,    listen to my prayer;2   from the end of the earth I call to you    when my heart is faint.  Lead me to the rock    that is higher than I,3   for you have been my refuge,    a strong tower against the enemy. 4   Let me dwell in your tent forever!    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah5   For you, O God, have heard my vows;    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 6   Prolong the life of the king;    may his years endure to all generations!7   May he be enthroned forever before God;    appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! 8   So will I ever sing praises to your name,    as I perform my vows day after day. My Soul Waits for God Alone To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. 62   For God alone my soul waits in silence;    from him comes my salvation.2   He alone is my rock and my salvation,    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 3   How long will all of you attack a man    to batter him,    like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?4   They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.    They take pleasure in falsehood.  They bless with their mouths,    but inwardly they curse. Selah 5   For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,    for my hope is from him.6   He only is my rock and my salvation,    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.7   On God rests my salvation and my glory;    my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8   Trust in him at all times, O people;    pour out your heart before him;    God is a refuge for us. Selah 9   Those of low estate are but a breath;    those of high estate are a delusion;  in the balances they go up;    they are together lighter than a breath.10   Put no trust in extortion;    set no vain hopes on robbery;    if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11   Once God has spoken;    twice have I heard this:  that power belongs to God,12     and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.  For you will render to a man    according to his work. (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalm 68 Psalm 68 (Listen) God Shall Scatter His Enemies To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song. 68   God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered;    and those who hate him shall flee before him!2   As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away;    as wax melts before fire,    so the wicked shall perish before God!3   But the righteous shall be glad;    they shall exult before God;    they shall be jubilant with joy! 4   Sing to God, sing praises to his name;    lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;  his name is the LORD;    exult before him!5   Father of the fatherless and protector of widows    is God in his holy habitation.6   God settles the solitary in a home;    he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,    but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. 7   O God, when you went out before your people,    when you marched through the wilderness, Selah8   the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain,    before God, the One of Sinai,    before God,1 the God of Israel.9   Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;    you restored your inheritance as it languished;10   your flock2 found a dwelling in it;    in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy. 11   The Lord gives the word;    the women who announce the news are a great host:12     “The kings of the armies—they flee, they flee!”  The women at home divide the spoil—13     though you men lie among the sheepfolds—  the wings of a dove covered with silver,    its pinions with shimmering gold.14   When the Almighty scatters kings there,    let snow fall on Zalmon. 15   O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan;    O many-peaked3 mountain, mountain of Bashan!16   Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain,    at the mount that God desired for his abode,    yes, where the LORD will dwell forever?17   The chariots of God are twice ten thousand,    thousands upon thousands;    the Lord is among them; Sinai is now in the sanctuary.18   You ascended on high,    leading a host of captives in your train    and receiving gifts among men,  even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. 19   Blessed be the Lord,    who daily bears us up;    God is our salvation. Selah20   Our God is a God of salvation,    and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.21   But God will strike the heads of his enemies,    the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways.22   The Lord said,    “I will bring them back from Bashan,  I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,23   that you may strike your feet in their blood,    that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe.” 24   Your procession is4 seen, O God,    the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary—25   the singers in front, the musicians last,    between them virgins playing tambourines:26   “Bless God in the great congregation,    the LORD, O you5 who are of Israel's fountain!”27   There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead,    the princes of Judah in their throng,    the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali. 28   Summon your power, O God,6    the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.29   Because of your temple at Jerusalem    kings shall bear gifts to you.30   Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds,    the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples.  Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute;    scatter the peoples who delight in war.731   Nobles shall come from Egypt;    Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God. 32   O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;    sing praises to the Lord, Selah33   to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;    behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.34   Ascribe power to God,    whose majesty is over Israel,    and whose power is in the skies.35   Awesome is God from his8 sanctuary;    the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.  Blessed be God! Footnotes [1] 68:8 Or before God, even Sinai before God [2] 68:10 Or your congregation [3] 68:15 Or hunch-backed; also verse 16 [4] 68:24 Or has been [5] 68:26 The Hebrew for you is plural here [6] 68:28 By revocalization (compare Septuagint); Hebrew Your God has summoned your power [7] 68:30 The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain [8] 68:35 Septuagint; Hebrew your (ESV) Old Testament: 1 Kings 21:17–29 1 Kings 21:17–29 (Listen) The Lord Condemns Ahab 17 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. 19 And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”' And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”'” 20 Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the LORD. 21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. 23 And of Jezebel the LORD also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.' 24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.” Ahab's Repentance 25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. 26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the LORD cast out before the people of Israel.) 27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. 28 And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” (ESV) New Testament: 1 Corinthians 1:20–31 1 Corinthians 1:20–31 (Listen) 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach1 to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,2 not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being3 might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him4 you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Footnotes [1] 1:21 Or the folly of preaching [2] 1:26 Greek according to the flesh [3] 1:29 Greek no flesh [4] 1:30 Greek And from him (ESV) Gospel: Matthew 4:12–17 Matthew 4:12–17 (Listen) Jesus Begins His Ministry 12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15   “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,    the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—16   the people dwelling in darkness    have seen a great light,  and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,    on them a light has dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”1 Footnotes [1] 4:17 Or the kingdom of heaven has come near (ESV)

Acts 13:13-43 English Standard VersionPaul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' 23 Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'26 “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. 27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,“‘You are my Son,    today I have begotten you.'34 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.'35 Therefore he says also in another psalm,“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.'36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:41 “‘Look, you scoffers,    be astounded and perish;for I am doing a work in your days,    a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.'”42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

ACTS: The Triumph of the Gospel“DELAYED DELIVERANCE: Trusting God in the Storms of Life"Acts 27“Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.”  (Acts 2:46-47). “And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly . . .”  (Acts 6:&). “So the church throughout Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.”  (Acts 9:31). “So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.”  (Acts 16:5). “So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.”  (Acts 19:20). WOW!!   Just about on every page of the book of Acts we see the amazing story of THE TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL even in the darkest of times.   So what did the early church as described in Acts have that the modern church today doesn't have?  Answer:  ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!  God has given to us today the very same thing that He gave the early church.  As we begin our journey into this faithful and carefully written history of the early church by Doctor Luke, let's pray that God will instill a new excitement and joy for what He has done and can continue to do by His Holy Spirit through the Church of Jesus Christ today, so that the TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL  can be experienced even now in the dark days in which we live.

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Romans 1:18-20The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Moralistic Therapeutic Deism1. A God exists who created and orders the world and watches over human life on earth.2. God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.3. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.4. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.5. Good people go to heaven when they die. Smith, Christian - Soul Searching (pp. 162-163). Oxford University Press. John 5:37-40And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. How PERSONAL is your personal relationship with Jesus? John 10:4-6When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Mark 1:14-15After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Galatians 5:25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:15-17Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Reflection Questions:1. What was one thing from the sermon that caught your attention or stood out to you?2. READ: John 5:37-40 What is the difference between knowing/following the person of Jesus and following Biblical principles? How can they be the same?3. How would you define Deism? How can it lead to us looking for Biblical principles over looking to know and follow Jesus?4. How “personal” is your personal relationship with Jesus? How would describe your experience of him in a personal way?5. How do you recognize the voice of Jesus in your life? Share some recent examples of your experiences. What are some different ways that Jesus speaks to us? Explain.6. What is a “Kairos” moment? How can we learn to recognize Kairos moments in our life? What has been helpful to you? What have your learned? Which aspect is the easiest for you?7. READ Mark 1:14-15Repent -- Align your thinking to God’s thinking…God, what are you saying to me?Believe -- Take a step of obedience(faith)God, what do you want me to do? How can these questions help us follow the voice of Jesus and lead to life transformation? 8). Apply these two questions now …What is your NEXT STEP? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardW

Mark 1:9–13 (Listen)The Baptism of Jesus9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;1 with you I am well pleased.”The Temptation of Jesus12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.Footnotes[1] 1:11 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved(ESV)

Luke 5:1 -10 New Living Translation 1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of […]

Mark 1:9–13 (Listen)The Baptism of Jesus9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;1 with you I am well pleased.”The Temptation of Jesus12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.Footnotes[1] 1:11 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved(ESV)

Creationtide II - Rivers 1st Lesson: A Reading from the Book of Genesis (Genesis 8:20-22; 9:12) Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing odor, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of humans, for the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth; nor will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” 2nd Lesson: A Reading from the Book of Revelation (Revelation 22:1-5 ) Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. The Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:1-10 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Hello, welcome to the Will Preach for Food podcast. I'm Doug, a pastor here at Faith Lutheran Church, based out of Shelton, Washington, a congregation of the ELCA. I took the summer off from recording this podcast, but it feels good to be back. Thank you so much for tuning in. You can learn more about Faith at our website, www.faithshelton.org. I am recording this for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, September 17, 2023.Today we're going to talk about marriage and divorce, reading from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, beginning with the first verse. Here Jesus tells us a little bit about how to relate well as humans, but also points us to the love of God who created us just as we are. God who is both Husband and Helper, Lover and Beloved. Let's get started by reading Matthew 19:1-12. After a few notes about what the text is saying, we will dig into the Living Word, and what it means for us today. And I'll leave you with a few takeaways for the week ahead. Ready? Let's listen.Matthew 19:1-12When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”4 “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,' 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”Support the show

Proper 18 First Psalm: Psalm 55 Psalm 55 (Listen) Cast Your Burden on the Lord To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Maskil1 of David. 55   Give ear to my prayer, O God,    and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!2   Attend to me, and answer me;    I am restless in my complaint and I moan,3   because of the noise of the enemy,    because of the oppression of the wicked.  For they drop trouble upon me,    and in anger they bear a grudge against me. 4   My heart is in anguish within me;    the terrors of death have fallen upon me.5   Fear and trembling come upon me,    and horror overwhelms me.6   And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!    I would fly away and be at rest;7   yes, I would wander far away;    I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah8   I would hurry to find a shelter    from the raging wind and tempest.” 9   Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues;    for I see violence and strife in the city.10   Day and night they go around it    on its walls,  and iniquity and trouble are within it;11     ruin is in its midst;  oppression and fraud    do not depart from its marketplace. 12   For it is not an enemy who taunts me—    then I could bear it;  it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—    then I could hide from him.13   But it is you, a man, my equal,    my companion, my familiar friend.14   We used to take sweet counsel together;    within God's house we walked in the throng.15   Let death steal over them;    let them go down to Sheol alive;    for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. 16   But I call to God,    and the LORD will save me.17   Evening and morning and at noon    I utter my complaint and moan,    and he hears my voice.18   He redeems my soul in safety    from the battle that I wage,    for many are arrayed against me.19   God will give ear and humble them,    he who is enthroned from of old, Selah  because they do not change    and do not fear God. 20   My companion2 stretched out his hand against his friends;    he violated his covenant.21   His speech was smooth as butter,    yet war was in his heart;  his words were softer than oil,    yet they were drawn swords. 22   Cast your burden on the LORD,    and he will sustain you;  he will never permit    the righteous to be moved. 23   But you, O God, will cast them down    into the pit of destruction;  men of blood and treachery    shall not live out half their days.  But I will trust in you. Footnotes [1] 55:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 55:20 Hebrew He (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalms 138–139:23 Psalms 138–139:23 (Listen) Give Thanks to the Lord Of David. 138   I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;    before the gods I sing your praise;2   I bow down toward your holy temple    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,    for you have exalted above all things    your name and your word.13   On the day I called, you answered me;    my strength of soul you increased.2 4   All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,    for they have heard the words of your mouth,5   and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,    for great is the glory of the LORD.6   For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,    but the haughty he knows from afar. 7   Though I walk in the midst of trouble,    you preserve my life;  you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,    and your right hand delivers me.8   The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;    your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.    Do not forsake the work of your hands. Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 139   O LORD, you have searched me and known me!2   You know when I sit down and when I rise up;    you discern my thoughts from afar.3   You search out my path and my lying down    and are acquainted with all my ways.4   Even before a word is on my tongue,    behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.5   You hem me in, behind and before,    and lay your hand upon me.6   Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;    it is high; I cannot attain it. 7   Where shall I go from your Spirit?    Or where shall I flee from your presence?8   If I ascend to heaven, you are there!    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!9   If I take the wings of the morning    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,10   even there your hand shall lead me,    and your right hand shall hold me.11   If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,    and the light about me be night,”12   even the darkness is not dark to you;    the night is bright as the day,    for darkness is as light with you. 13   For you formed my inward parts;    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.14   I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.3  Wonderful are your works;    my soul knows it very well.15   My frame was not hidden from you,  when I was being made in secret,    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.16   Your eyes saw my unformed substance;  in your book were written, every one of them,    the days that were formed for me,    when as yet there was none of them. 17   How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!    How vast is the sum of them!18   If I would count them, they are more than the sand.    I awake, and I am still with you. 19   Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!    O men of blood, depart from me!20   They speak against you with malicious intent;    your enemies take your name in vain.421   Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?    And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?22   I hate them with complete hatred;    I count them my enemies. 23   Search me, O God, and know my heart!    Try me and know my thoughts!5 Footnotes [1] 138:2 Or you have exalted your word above all your name [2] 138:3 Hebrew you made me bold in my soul with strength [3] 139:14 Or for I am fearfully set apart [4] 139:20 Hebrew lacks your name [5] 139:23 Or cares (ESV) Old Testament: 1 Kings 18:41–19:8 1 Kings 18:41–19:8 (Listen) The Lord Sends Rain 41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.'” 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. Elijah Flees Jezebel 19 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. (ESV) New Testament: Philippians 3:17–4:7 Philippians 3:17–4:7 (Listen) 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 4 Therefore, my brothers,1 whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,2 help these women, who have labored3 side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness4 be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Footnotes [1] 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21 [2] 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow [3] 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27) [4] 4:5 Or gentleness (ESV) Gospel: Matthew 3:13–17 Matthew 3:13–17 (Listen) The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,1 and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son,2 with whom I am well pleased.” Footnotes [1] 3:16 Some manuscripts omit to him [2] 3:17 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 19–20 Proverbs 19–20 (Listen) 19   Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity    than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.2   Desire1 without knowledge is not good,    and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.3   When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,    his heart rages against the LORD.4   Wealth brings many new friends,    but a poor man is deserted by his friend.5   A false witness will not go unpunished,    and he who breathes out lies will not escape.6   Many seek the favor of a generous man,2    and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.7   All a poor man's brothers hate him;    how much more do his friends go far from him!  He pursues them with words, but does not have them.38   Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;    he who keeps understanding will discover good.9   A false witness will not go unpunished,    and he who breathes out lies will perish.10   It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,    much less for a slave to rule over princes.11   Good sense makes one slow to anger,    and it is his glory to overlook an offense.12   A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,    but his favor is like dew on the grass.13   A foolish son is ruin to his father,    and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.14   House and wealth are inherited from fathers,    but a prudent wife is from the LORD.15   Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,    and an idle person will suffer hunger.16   Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;    he who despises his ways will die.17   Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,    and he will repay him for his deed.18   Discipline your son, for there is hope;    do not set your heart on putting him to death.19   A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,    for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.20   Listen to advice and accept instruction,    that you may gain wisdom in the future.21   Many are the plans in the mind of a man,    but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.22   What is desired in a man is steadfast love,    and a poor man is better than a liar.23   The fear of the LORD leads to life,    and whoever has it rests satisfied;    he will not be visited by harm.24   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.25   Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;    reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.26   He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother    is a son who brings shame and reproach.27   Cease to hear instruction, my son,    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.28   A worthless witness mocks at justice,    and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.29   Condemnation is ready for scoffers,    and beating for the backs of fools.20   Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.42   The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.3   It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,    but every fool will be quarreling.4   The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.5   The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,    but a man of understanding will draw it out.6   Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,    but a faithful man who can find?7   The righteous who walks in his integrity—    blessed are his children after him!8   A king who sits on the throne of judgment    winnows all evil with his eyes.9   Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;    I am clean from my sin”?10   Unequal5 weights and unequal measures    are both alike an abomination to the LORD.11   Even a child makes himself known by his acts,    by whether his conduct is pure and upright.612   The hearing ear and the seeing eye,    the LORD has made them both.13   Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.14   “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,    but when he goes away, then he boasts.15   There is gold and abundance of costly stones,    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.16   Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.717   Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.18   Plans are established by counsel;    by wise guidance wage war.19   Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.820   If one curses his father or his mother,    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.21   An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning    will not be blessed in the end.22   Do not say, “I will repay evil”;    wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.23   Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,    and false scales are not good.24   A man's steps are from the LORD;    how then can man understand his way?25   It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”    and to reflect only after making vows.26   A wise king winnows the wicked    and drives the wheel over them.27   The spirit9 of man is the lamp of the LORD,    searching all his innermost parts.28   Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,    and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.29   The glory of young men is their strength,    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.30   Blows that wound cleanse away evil;    strokes make clean the innermost parts. Footnotes [1] 19:2 Or A soul [2] 19:6 Or of a noble [3] 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain [4] 20:1 Or will not become wise [5] 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23 [6] 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright [7] 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13) [8] 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips [9] 20:27 Hebrew breath (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 70 Psalm 70 (Listen) O Lord, Do Not Delay To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering. 70   Make haste, O God, to deliver me!    O LORD, make haste to help me!2   Let them be put to shame and confusion    who seek my life!  Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor    who delight in my hurt!3   Let them turn back because of their shame    who say, “Aha, Aha!” 4   May all who seek you    rejoice and be glad in you!  May those who love your salvation    say evermore, “God is great!”5   But I am poor and needy;    hasten to me, O God!  You are my help and my deliverer;    O LORD, do not delay! (ESV) New Testament: John 12 John 12 (Listen) Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany 12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound1 of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii2 and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it3 for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” The Plot to Kill Lazarus 9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus4 was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The Triumphal Entry 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15   “Fear not, daughter of Zion;  behold, your king is coming,    sitting on a donkey's colt!” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.” Some Greeks Seek Jesus 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” The Unbelief of the People When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:   “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40   “He has blinded their eyes    and hardened their heart,  lest they see with their eyes,    and understand with their heart, and turn,    and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. Jesus Came to Save the World 44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” Footnotes [1] 12:3 Greek litra; a litra (or Roman pound) was equal to about 11 1/2 ounces or 327 grams [2] 12:5 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer [3] 12:7 Or Leave her alone; she intended to keep it [4] 12:9 Greek he (ESV)

Stephanie is on a mission to guide us closer to God through a unique blend of biblical flavors and French culture. In this season of Gospel Spice, she explores the theme of rest, inviting us to discover the profound joy and peace that comes from abiding in Christ. Stephanie encourages us to experience rest not merely as a physical break, but as a deep, life-altering encounter with the Living God. In this particular episode, Stephanie shares her insights and personal discoveries on the crucial topic of experiential heart knowledge of Christ. She draws inspiration from the Apostle Paul, who wholeheartedly embraced the path of surrender and sacrifice for the sake of knowing and having fellowship with Christ. Stephanie reminds us that true righteousness stems from faith in Christ, unleashing the boundless wellspring of rest that He offers. Stephanie references the pivotal passage in Romans 8:1-8. This Scripture serves as a guiding light in exploring the transformative power of rest in our lives. In the upcoming weeks, you don't want to miss the next four episodes that revolve around a weekend retreat where Stephanie was a keynote speaker. During this powerful event, she delved into the essence of rest, sharing her knowledge and experiences with eager participants. Stephanie extends a heartfelt invitation to all listeners to join her in practicing rest, as she leads us on an inspirational journey to encounter the restorative presence of our mighty God. Stephanie discusses the incredible concept of dwelling in God's presence and finding delight in His glory. She challenges us to examine why we often feel the need to fill ourselves up, reminding us that we have unlimited access to the infinite supply within us through Christ. Stephanie compassionately explores the struggle of believing that God provides only a limited supply when He promises us an abundance that knows no bounds. Stephanie encourages us to bridge the gap between what we say we believe and what we truly believe. She shares her unique perspective as a bilingual individual, highlighting the richness of the French language that possesses two distinct words for "know." This linguistic nuance inspires us to pursue a deeper, more intimate knowledge of Christ, one that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. Rest is not a one-time event; rather, it is a continuous process of surrendering to God's will. Stephanie gently reminds us that when we find ourselves aligned with the perfect will of God, true happiness and peace fill our hearts. However, she acknowledges the challenges inherent in surrendering to God's will, even when we know it is ultimately what is best for us. Drawing from Romans 8:26-28, Stephanie emphasizes the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in helping us pray when we are at a loss for words. She invites us to tap into the wellspring of the Holy Spirit within us. This endless source of refreshment and guidance sustains and nourishes us on our journey of rest. Let us embrace the life-giving rest found in Christ and strive to reduce the gap between what we claim to believe and what our lives genuinely reflect. Before we conclude, we want to give a special shoutout to the Gospel Spice community. Your support and engagement have been a tremendous source of encouragement for Stephanie and the entire team. If you wish to dig deeper into the themes explored in Gospel Spice or are interested in booking Stephanie as a speaker for your next event, visit our website for more information or reach out to us directly. Thank you for being a part of the Gospel Spice family. May this season of rest bring about a transformative encounter with God's presence, allowing you to experience true rest in your everyday life. GOOD TO KNOW! This is the third of 6 episodes on rest. Stephanie initially taught keynotes at several distinct events and, surprisingly, the event organizers asked her to speak on the topic of rest. They didn't know they were all asking for the same theme. Stephanie crafted unique talks for each event, and wondered how this serendipitous convergence on the theme of rest might apply to you, our beloved Podcast audience. So, here are the keynotes she gave on the topic of dwelling in the presence of God, and delighting in His glory, as the essence, goal and means of rest.  Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details. DATES | October 5 to November 16, 2023  LOCATION | Online!  Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus' very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does? It's said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus. Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it's life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus' favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more. Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb. So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details. This month we are celebrating the anniversary of Gospel Spice! We launched our first episode in 2019, we we faithfully and haltingly followed God's pretty clear directions! Would you please take a moment to celebrate with us? There is a very simple way to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. Would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now!, to leave a COMMENT on a very instrumental ranking website for podcasts? It would truly be so helpful, and such a lovely birthday gift for us! 3 simple steps to do it: 1- go to listennotes.com and create a user profile, using the top right corner LOGIN. There are 4 easy ways to do that: you can use either your facebook, twitter or google account, or otherwise provide a valid email. It will then send you a verification email so it needs to be a valid email. That is the most time consuming part! You are almost there already. 2- Once you have created your profile, then please find Gospel Spice (using the search bar at the top - or click here directly); 3- Please LEAVE A COMMENT in the COMMENTS section. It will truly be instrumental in making Gospel Spice more discoverable among the more than 2.5 million podcasts out there.  If this seems too complicated... please try clicking HERE (which should take you straight to the COMMENTS section for the Gospel Spice Podcast) and create your user profile from there. Once you are done, feel free to UNSUBSCRIBE from the website Listennotes, and you will never hear from them again, while having given us a free birthday present! MERCI!   Summer is coming to an end, and busyness returns as the fall season settles upon us. We live in a fast-paced world where rest is elusive, and even frowned upon—especially once summer is over. What if, instead, intentional rest in Christ was the secret to launch a lifetime of delight in God, regardless of seasons? As summer makes way for the busyness of the fall season, Gospel Spice invites you to embrace a lifestyle of rest by experiencing the presence of God amidst your busy life. We are in our Gospel Spice REST series! We invite you to enhance your experience through the REST workbook, which contains listening guides to take notes during each episode, as well as optional bonus questions to reflect on your own or with a friend/group in order to truly enjoy the fullness of REST in Christ. Go to gospelspice.com/rest for all the details.   Support us on PayPal!

Welcome to Episode XXV: Christ's Teaching on Marriage and Divorce (Mark 10:1-13)Welcome, friends, to another episode of our podcast series delving into the Gospel of Mark. Today's episode is centered around a topic that may touch the lives of many of us– Christ's Teaching on Marriage and Divorce.As we journey through the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a passage that addresses a subject that's not always easy to talk about – divorce. Just as in any learning journey, we sometimes encounter lessons that challenge us, even if they're not the ones we'd prefer to learn. This episode reminds us that as followers of Christ, we're called to pay heed to his teachings, even when they touch on uncomfortable topics.For those of you who may think that this topic doesn't pertain to your life, please, don't click away. Divorce is a topic that, directly or indirectly, might resonate with many of us. Perhaps some have personally experienced its effects, be it through their own marriages, their parents' experiences, or the lives of their friends and family.1. Introduction to the PassageThe scene is set as Jesus moves from Judea to Galilee, teaching the crowds who gather to hear him. The Pharisees pose a contentious question, testing Jesus: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" This question serves as a backdrop for Jesus' profound teachings on marriage and divorce.2. Understanding the ContextThe Pharisees' question emerges from the prevalent lax view on divorce during Jesus' time. Divorce was relatively easy, and men could divorce their wives for trivial reasons, in stark contrast to God's original design for marriage.3. God's Design for MarriageJesus takes the Pharisees back to the foundation of marriage, quoting Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, where God established marriage as a union between one man and one woman, intended to be perfect and permanent. Thus, Jesus reinforces that human separation should not undo what God has joined.4. Divorce and RemarriageThe conversation with the disciples continues indoors. Jesus' teachings seemingly present an absolute prohibition on divorce. However, this is not the whole story. Matthew's account, for instance, offers a broader perspective by allowing for divorce in cases of sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul adds further dimensions, addressing marriages involving non-believers.5. Elevating Women's StatusJesus' teachings regarding divorce elevate the status of women, allowing them equal rights and protection within marriage. Both partners are given the same considerations in cases of sexual immorality or an unbelieving partner's departure.6. Forgiveness and Moving ForwardThe passage also emphasizes forgiveness. Divorced individuals are not shackled by past relationships, and forgiveness is key in moving forward. The New Covenant fosters a perspective where healing and fSupport the showFurther Discipleship Training Courses Free at;linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mccandless-68353b16Podcast Archive also athttps://www.youtube.com/c/JeremyRMcCandlessThe LIFE Podcast - The Bible Project | FacebookMy Amazon Author Pageamazon.com/author/jeremymccandlessJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

MADONNA SECRET: Sophie Strand Mary Magdalene's confessions reveal a sensual world of love and betrayal, magic and mystery, hidden within the Gospels ----Beginning with Miriam's childhood as a member of a wealthy Jewish family living outside of Bethany, we see her struggles as a young woman with spiritual curiosity and intellectual aspirations that drive her to combat the violence of Empire and the sexism of her own culture. Propelled by mystic visions, Miriam is finally drawn into the wilds of Galilee, where her destiny collides with a mischievous rabbi who will change her and the world forever. Trapped in a mythic story unfolding in events around them, the lovers strive not to repeat a tragedy older than the pyramids. --- In The Madonna Secret, Sophie Strand resurrects a richly textured world where complex characters reveal the lived reality of scripture and open familiar sayings to radical new meanings and possibilities. Sophie Strand is a poet and writer with a focus on the intersection of spirituality, storytelling, and ecology. Her poems and essays have appeared in numerous projects and publications, including Spirituality & Health, Atmos, Braided Way, and Art PAPERS. The author of The Flowering Wand, she lives in the Hudson Valley of New York. www.sophiestrand.com Learn more about Simran here: www.iamsimran.com www.1111mag.com/

Proper 18 First Psalm: Psalm 50 Psalm 50 (Listen) God Himself Is Judge A Psalm of Asaph. 50   The Mighty One, God the LORD,    speaks and summons the earth    from the rising of the sun to its setting.2   Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,    God shines forth. 3   Our God comes; he does not keep silence;1    before him is a devouring fire,    around him a mighty tempest.4   He calls to the heavens above    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:5   “Gather to me my faithful ones,    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”6   The heavens declare his righteousness,    for God himself is judge! Selah 7   “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;    O Israel, I will testify against you.    I am God, your God.8   Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;    your burnt offerings are continually before me.9   I will not accept a bull from your house    or goats from your folds.10   For every beast of the forest is mine,    the cattle on a thousand hills.11   I know all the birds of the hills,    and all that moves in the field is mine. 12   “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,    for the world and its fullness are mine.13   Do I eat the flesh of bulls    or drink the blood of goats?14   Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,2    and perform your vows to the Most High,15   and call upon me in the day of trouble;    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” 16   But to the wicked God says:    “What right have you to recite my statutes    or take my covenant on your lips?17   For you hate discipline,    and you cast my words behind you.18   If you see a thief, you are pleased with him,    and you keep company with adulterers. 19   “You give your mouth free rein for evil,    and your tongue frames deceit.20   You sit and speak against your brother;    you slander your own mother's son.21   These things you have done, and I have been silent;    you thought that I3 was one like yourself.  But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. 22   “Mark this, then, you who forget God,    lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!23   The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;    to one who orders his way rightly    I will show the salvation of God!” Footnotes [1] 50:3 Or May our God come, and not keep silence [2] 50:14 Or Make thanksgiving your sacrifice to God [3] 50:21 Or that the I am (ESV) Second Psalm: Psalms 59–60; Psalm 93; Psalm 96 Psalms 59–60 (Listen) Deliver Me from My Enemies To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam1 of David, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. 59   Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;    protect me from those who rise up against me;2   deliver me from those who work evil,    and save me from bloodthirsty men. 3   For behold, they lie in wait for my life;    fierce men stir up strife against me.  For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD,4     for no fault of mine, they run and make ready.  Awake, come to meet me, and see!5     You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel.  Rouse yourself to punish all the nations;    spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah 6   Each evening they come back,    howling like dogs    and prowling about the city.7   There they are, bellowing with their mouths    with swords in their lips—    for “Who,” they think,2 “will hear us?” 8   But you, O LORD, laugh at them;    you hold all the nations in derision.9   O my Strength, I will watch for you,    for you, O God, are my fortress.10   My God in his steadfast love3 will meet me;    God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. 11   Kill them not, lest my people forget;    make them totter4 by your power and bring them down,    O Lord, our shield!12   For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips,    let them be trapped in their pride.  For the cursing and lies that they utter,13     consume them in wrath;    consume them till they are no more,  that they may know that God rules over Jacob    to the ends of the earth. Selah 14   Each evening they come back,    howling like dogs    and prowling about the city.15   They wander about for food    and growl if they do not get their fill. 16   But I will sing of your strength;    I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.  For you have been to me a fortress    and a refuge in the day of my distress.17   O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,    for you, O God, are my fortress,    the God who shows me steadfast love. He Will Tread Down Our Foes To the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth. A Miktam5 of David; for instruction; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. 60   O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses;    you have been angry; oh, restore us.2   You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open;    repair its breaches, for it totters.3   You have made your people see hard things;    you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. 4   You have set up a banner for those who fear you,    that they may flee to it from the bow.6 Selah5   That your beloved ones may be delivered,    give salvation by your right hand and answer us! 6   God has spoken in his holiness:7    “With exultation I will divide up Shechem    and portion out the Vale of Succoth.7   Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine;    Ephraim is my helmet;    Judah is my scepter.8   Moab is my washbasin;    upon Edom I cast my shoe;    over Philistia I shout in triumph.”8 9   Who will bring me to the fortified city?    Who will lead me to Edom?10   Have you not rejected us, O God?    You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.11   Oh, grant us help against the foe,    for vain is the salvation of man!12   With God we shall do valiantly;    it is he who will tread down our foes. Footnotes [1] 59:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 59:7 Hebrew lacks they think [3] 59:10 Or The God who shows me steadfast love [4] 59:11 Or wander [5] 60:1 Probably musical or liturgical terms [6] 60:4 Or that it may be displayed because of truth [7] 60:6 Or sanctuary [8] 60:8 Revocalization (compare Psalm 108:10); Masoretic Text over me, O Philistia, shout in triumph (ESV) Psalm 93 (Listen) The Lord Reigns 93   The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;    the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.  Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.2   Your throne is established from of old;    you are from everlasting. 3   The floods have lifted up, O LORD,    the floods have lifted up their voice;    the floods lift up their roaring.4   Mightier than the thunders of many waters,    mightier than the waves of the sea,    the LORD on high is mighty! 5   Your decrees are very trustworthy;    holiness befits your house,    O LORD, forevermore. (ESV) Psalm 96 (Listen) Worship in the Splendor of Holiness 96   Oh sing to the LORD a new song;    sing to the LORD, all the earth!2   Sing to the LORD, bless his name;    tell of his salvation from day to day.3   Declare his glory among the nations,    his marvelous works among all the peoples!4   For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;    he is to be feared above all gods.5   For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,    but the LORD made the heavens.6   Splendor and majesty are before him;    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7   Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,    ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!8   Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;    bring an offering, and come into his courts!9   Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;1    tremble before him, all the earth! 10   Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;    he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11   Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;12     let the field exult, and everything in it!  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy13     before the LORD, for he comes,    for he comes to judge the earth.  He will judge the world in righteousness,    and the peoples in his faithfulness. Footnotes [1] 96:9 Or in holy attire (ESV) Old Testament: 1 Kings 18:1–19 1 Kings 18:1–19 (Listen) Elijah Confronts Ahab 18 After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria. 3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly, 4 and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 5 And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals.” 6 So they divided the land between them to pass through it. Ahab went in one direction by himself, and Obadiah went in another direction by himself. 7 And as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him. And Obadiah recognized him and fell on his face and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” 8 And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell your lord, ‘Behold, Elijah is here.'” 9 And he said, “How have I sinned, that you would give your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 As the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. And when they would say, ‘He is not here,' he would take an oath of the kingdom or nation, that they had not found you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here.”' 12 And as soon as I have gone from you, the Spirit of the LORD will carry you I know not where. And so, when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth. 13 Has it not been told my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, how I hid a hundred men of the LORD's prophets by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here”'; and he will kill me.” 15 And Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.” 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah. 17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.” (ESV) New Testament: Philippians 2:12–30 Philippians 2:12–30 (Listen) Lights in the World 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Timothy and Epaphroditus 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's1 proven worth, how as a son2 with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. 25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died3 for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. Footnotes [1] 2:22 Greek his [2] 2:22 Greek child [3] 2:30 Or he drew near to the point of death; compare verse 8 (ESV) Gospel: Matthew 2:13–23 Matthew 2:13–23 (

Matthew 28:16-20 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Thank you for listening as Pastor Jeremy begins a new series on Wednesday in Glendive. John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. ● Jesus isn't talking to apostles here. ● Jesus isn't talking to prophets here...etc. ● Jesus is talking to believers. ● We are to duplicate the ministry of Jesus ● Can't duplicate something you know nothing about ● Is hard to duplicate something unless you have a pattern to follow. ● Assembling bookcases & furniture. ● New cars off the assembly line followed a pattern called a “prototype”. ● Jesus is our “prototype” ● Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ● Matt 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. ● Matt 9:35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. ● His pattern seems to be teaching, preaching, & healing ● Matt 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. ● We are to duplicate the ministry of Jesus

How well can you articulate your Christian belief system? How can you spot false theology? Who are trusted resources to interpret Scripture? The Nicene Creed is a fundamental element to understand and experience our faith and live out a high Christology. So, today Stephanie welcomes university professor and author Phillip Cary to discuss the significance of the Nicene Creed in Christian tradition. Phillip recently released a new book, The Nicene Creed: An introduction, which is one of Stephanie's favorite reads this year- and this is saying a lot! In the second half of the conversation today, Phillip and Stephanie touch on the Nicene Creed's widespread usage among different denominations, how it serves as a boundary and center for the faith, how it was written to combat heresy about who Jesus is, and how it has served as a unifying factor for different Christian traditions. this episode is part 2 of the conversation. Make sure you listened to part one, episode 235:  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/243538/link/ They dive into what a creed is, with the Nicene Creed being the most widely used and recited by about a billion Christians every Sunday during liturgies. They explore the Creed's significance, how it establishes boundaries and centers our faith, and how it powerfully anchors our belief in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The conversation also delves into the infinite depth of the Christian faith, as well as more topics such as the significance of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus, the role of Pontius Pilate, who are both mentioned in the Creed, and the topic of who teaches the truth about Jesus Christ and how the Creed is the litmus test of sound Christian doctrine. This episode will anchor your faith in a proper high Christology in simple terms and offers important insights into the significance of the Nicene Creed for Christians of all traditions. If you're interested in the history and importance of Christian creeds, this episode is definitely worth a listen! MORE ABOUT THE BOOK, THE NICENE CREED: AN INTRODUCTION Understand and celebrate what we believe! For centuries, the Nicene Creed has been central to the church's confession. The Nicene Creed: An Introduction by Phillip Cary explores the Creed's riches with simplicity and clarity. Cary explains the history of the Creed and walks through its meaning line by line. Far from being abstract or irrelevant, the words of the Creed carefully express what God has done in Christ and through the Spirit. The Nicene Creed gives us the gospel. It gives biblical Christians the words for what we already believe. And when we profess the Creed, we join the global church throughout history in declaring the name and work of the one God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Gain a fresh appreciation for the ancient confession with Phillip Cary's help. Buy the book (Stephanie could not recommend it strongly enough!) here: https://lexhampress.com/product/224267/the-nicene-creed-an-introduction  MEET PHILLIP CARY Phillip Cary is a prolific writer of courses and books, professor of philosophy at Eastern University near Philadelphia. He is also the editor of Pro Ecclesia, a theology journal for Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches. Phillip has a doctorate in philosophy from Yale University, where he studied St. Augustine, one of the great church fathers. His favorite theologian is Martin Luther, and he writes about Luther's ideas. Phillip loves The Nicene Creed because it summarizes what Luther means by gospel - the story of who Jesus Christ is and what God has done in Christ for us and our salvation. He has been working on a book about this topic for a long time, so we gladly celebrate The Nicene Creed: An Introduction today. NEW | GO DEEPER WITH THESE QUESTIONS, ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND! 1. How important is the Nicene Creed to your faith and why? 2. What is your experience with different types of Christian churches and how has it influenced your faith? 3. How do you think the Nicene Creed serves as a unifying factor among different Christian traditions? 4. Do you believe the Church is currently experiencing confusion and division, and if so, why? 5. How do you think studying the Nicene Creed can broaden one's understanding of the faith? 6. What is your interpretation of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus and the significance of her words "Be it unto me according to Your Word"? 8. What does the concept of translation mean to you in the context of Christianity? 9. How do you understand the meaning of the term "Catholic" in the Nicene Creed? 10. Why do you think the Nicene Creed was necessary for maintaining the faith in Christ and avoiding theological error? IN A NUTSHELL | WHAT IS THIS EPISODE COVERING? 1. What is the Nicene Creed? - The Nicene Creed is a confession of faith that comes from the Latin word credo, meaning "I believe." It is a widely used creed in the Christian tradition and is recited by about a billion Christians every Sunday during liturgies. 2. How has attending different types of churches influenced Stephanie's approach to Scripture? - Attending different types of churches has broadened Stephanie's understanding of Scripture, as she has been exposed to different interpretations and perspectives. 3. What is the significance of the Nicene Creed for different Christian denominations? - The Nicene Creed serves as a common source of unity for different Christian denominations, as it represents the DNA of those churches. 4. How does the Nicene Creed serve as a boundary and center for the faith? - The Nicene Creed sets beliefs such as the full deity of Jesus and serves as a boundary and center for the faith by ensuring that those who recite it have a shared understanding of core beliefs. 5. What is the book discussed in this episode and what is its content? - The book discussed in this episode is about the Christian faith and its creed. It explores the Nicene Creed and its significance in the Christian tradition. 6. What are the key beliefs outlined in the Nicene Creed? - The Nicene Creed outlines the belief in one God, the Father, and in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God who was crucified for our salvation and rose again on the third day. It also includes the belief in the Holy Spirit, one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of the dead. 7. What does "Catholic" mean in the context of the Nicene Creed? - In the context of the Nicene Creed, "Catholic" means universal, not just Roman Catholic. 8. What is the essence of High Christology? - The essence of High Christology is the focus on who Jesus is. 9. What is the history behind the Nicene Creed and why was it written? - The Nicene Creed was written to combat heresy about who Jesus is, specifically the belief held by Arius that the Son was created by God the Father and therefore not equal to him. 10. How does the Nicene Creed celebrate God's giving of Himself to us through Christ? - The double focus on the double nature of Jesus in the Nicene Creed allows us to understand how God gives Himself to us in the flesh of Christ for our salvation, making the confession of the Creed a celebration of this understanding. Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details. DATES | October 5 to November 16, 2023  LOCATION | Online!  Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus' very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does? It's said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus. Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it's life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus' favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more. Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb. So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details. YOU ARE INVITED to follow in the footsteps of Jesus this fall! Stephanie invites you to join her for this virtual tour of first-century Israel to experience Jesus' teachings like never before. This original online Bible Study by Gospel Spice will be taught exclusively from October 5 to November 16, 2023. Go to gospelspice.com/footsteps to register, and all the details! YOU ARE INVITED to follow in the footsteps of Jesus this fall! Stephanie invites you to join her for this virtual tour of first-century Israel to experience Jesus' teachings like never before. This original online Bible Study by Gospel Spice will be taught exclusively from October 5 to November 16, 2023. Go to gospelspice.com/footsteps to register, and all the details! Support us on PayPal!