Podcasts about gentile christians

Paul's letter to the Romans, particularly in chapters 15:22–33, reveals his unwavering commitment to God's sovereign plan, balancing personal ambition with divine priority. He expresses his long-standing desire to visit the Roman church, not merely for personal encouragement but to strengthen them and advance the gospel to Spain, a region untouched by Christ's message. Yet he makes clear that his immediate duty is to deliver a collection from Gentile churches to the impoverished believers in Jerusalem—a mission designed to heal divisions between Jewish and Gentile Christians and demonstrate the unity of the body of Christ. In this act of sacrificial service, Paul exemplifies the gospel's power to transcend ethnic and cultural barriers. He appeals to the Roman believers to join him in earnest, even agonizing prayer, recognizing that spiritual warfare accompanies intercession and that God's will, not human plans, ultimately prevails. Though his journey to Spain remains uncertain, his life stands as a testament to faithful service, trusting that God's peace and purpose are fulfilled even in chains and suffering.

A Sermon for the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity Ephesians 4:1-6 by William Klock The world is not as it should be.  We know it in our bones.  Broken relationships, frail health, wars abroad, pandemics, and the simply daily struggle to get by—we all know the pain and the sorrow and the tears.  The Israelites knew this as well as anyone ever has.  They were slaves in Egypt.  They suffered under the bondage and tyranny of Pharaoh.  They knew pain and suffering and tears the likes of which you I can only imagine.  And, the biblical story tells us, they cried out to the living God and he heard their cries.  And because he is also the loving God, he delivered them from Egypt.  He dramatically defeated the God's of Pharaoh and then he defeated Pharoah himself and drowned the world's greatest army in the Red Sea.  And the Lord promised to set things to rights for his people.  He promised to lead them to a land of milk and honey and he promised to live in their midst.  It was—in a limited and imperfect way—a restoration of humanity's original state: of Adam and Eve in the garden, living in the presence of God.  It gave the people hope that, despite the pains and troubles of life, God has a plan to set right what our sin and rebellion has broken. But what was there to keep Israel from becoming just like the Egyptians?  If we're honest, we all know that problem too.  The world is in the mess it's in not only because others sin against us, but because we sin against them.  That's where Israel's sojourn in wilderness enters the great story.  In today's reading from his letter to the Christians at Ephesus, St. Paul quotes a bit of Psalm 68.  “When he went up on high, he led bondage itself into bondage, and he gave gifts to the people.”  It's a reference to the Lord meeting his people at Mt. Sinai in the wilderness.  He called Moses up the mountain, and then sent him back down to the people with the torah, with his law.  On that day the Lord made a covenant with his people: I will be your God and you will be my people and his law set them apart from the peoples and nations of the earth.  The Lord gave them the law to ensure that they wouldn't end up another Egypt—a land of oppression and idolatry—and in doing that he made Israel a community, a family, a covenant people so that, in them, the world would have a foretaste of the day when God restores sinful humanity to himself, sets his broken creation to rights, and wipes away our tears. This is the background, this is the story that gives shape to what St. Paul writes in today's Epistle.  What the Lord had once done for Israel when he rescued the people from slavery and made them his own, he has done again—but on even grander scale, through the death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus the Messiah.  This time he didn't just rescue a people from Pharoah's bondage.  In Jesus, he's rescued us all from our greatest enemies, from sin and death themselves.  In the church he's made a new people, a new humanity, a new temple in which he dwells—a people meant to lift the veil on God's new creation, a people who live God's future here in the present—to show the nations his glory and his grace. Brothers and Sisters, the church is the continuation of Jesus' healing and reconciling ministry.  We're a people filled with God's Spirit and entrusted with his gospel, with his good news.  We don't just pray those words of Jesus, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  We're called by God and enabled by Jesus and the Spirit to live that prayer out—to bring God's reconciling message (the gospel) and his presence (the Holy Spirit) to a broken world in desperate need of forgiveness and grace and healing. But what happens when the church stumbles, when the church falters in this calling and mission?  Most of Paul's letters to those first churches were written because they were doing just that.  They were a people rescued from sin and death to be heaven-on-earth people, but they were failing.  Paul wrote to the Ephesians because their unity was in danger.  Earlier in the letter he addressed the division that was happening between Jewish and Gentile Christians.  Jesus had given his people a new law—the law of the Spirit, but the old law of Moses, the law given at Sinai had so defined what it meant to be God's people for so long, that it threatened to create this chasm between the Jewish and Gentile believers.  And so Paul stresses, as he does so often, that it is faith in Jesus, faith in his forgiving and reconciling death and faith in his life-giving resurrection, faith in the gospel, that unites them. But that wasn't all.  Because even when the gospel bridges the divide between Jew and Gentile, even when it makes us one, there's still an endless list of things that threaten to drive wedges between us.  The same things that have made such a mess of the world, the same things that destroy our relationships—they're still with us.  Any time you bring a group of people together, there's going to be friction.  We don't all see things the same way.  Toes get stepped on—sometimes inadvertently, but sometimes on purpose.  We're prone to jealousy and selfishness and competition.  We're often set in our ways and don't like change.  We often hold too tightly to things and don't want to give them up.  We too often think of our wants and needs without thinking of the wants and needs of others.  It's the way of the world and it shouldn't be the way of the church, but the fact is that sanctification, the process of God making us holy, it's just that: a process.  The work of God's word and God's Spirit takes time—sometimes it seems, a dreadfully long time—and so none of us is perfect.  Jesus has made us new, he's given us the life of heaven, but if Israel could end up just like Egypt, so we can end up just like the broken world from which we've been delivered. The blinding light of the gospel, of Jesus crucified and risen for us, of God's great loving and gracious generosity outshines everything else, but we let our guard down and pride creeps in and, Brothers and Sisters, pride is the great cloud that blots out the sun of God's generosity.  And this is what was happening in Ephesus.  So Paul writes to them, if you're following along, in Chapter 4 of Ephesians: “So then, this is my appeal to you…”  And then Paul pauses to say, “I, a prisoner of the Lord.”  He reminds them that he's writing to them from prison.  He's been imprisoned for the sake of the good news about Jesus.  And he reminds them at this point to stress just how important all this is.  They've been called to be a gospel people, not just for their own sake, but for the sake of the world, but they're not taking it seriously.  So Paul's saying, “This is serious business—so serious that I'm in prison because of it—because Caesar and the powers of the present evil age can't stand to be challenged by the good news that it's Jesus who is the world's true Lord and because they can't stand to be challenged by the good news that a new order, that his kingdom is breaking in.”  Brothers and Sisters, think on that, because we often don't take this seriously enough either.  Our Saturday breakfast group has been reading through Rod Dreher's Live Not By Lies this year.  It tells the stories of Christians who knew what serious business the gospel is and who faced the wrath of the Soviet authorities for standing firm for the gospel—men and women who were imprisoned and many who were martyred for their faith.  Because they knew what serious business the gospel is—that the world depends on it if it's ever to be set to rights.  You and I live in a place of such ease that we too easily take the gospel for granted.  We need to be reminded what serious business it is—that Jesus gave his life for this. So Paul goes on and writes, “You've got to live up to the calling you received.”  It's imperative.  If they fail to live up to their calling, they fail to be the church.  He says, “Bear with one another in love; be humble, meek, and patient in every way with one another.  Make every effort to guard the unity the Spirit gives, with your lives bound together in peace.” Bear with one another.  Again, there are going to be points of friction.  We're human and we're not perfect…not yet, anyway.  That's especially true with a community like the church.  Most communities draw together people who are similar, but the church is for everyone.  Jesus is our centre and he calls and draws in people from every tribe and tongue, rich and poor, slave and free, Liberal and Conservative, Ford and Chevy, Canucks and…well, I don't know because I don't follow hockey…but Jesus unites us all together into one people, because we've all known the redeeming love of God in Jesus.  Because the sun of God's gospel grace outshines all the differences that would otherwise make us rivals and drive us apart. We've rebelled against our Creator.  We've sinned.  We've broken his good creation.  We've worshiped other gods and we've worshiped ourselves.  And yet God has never ceased to be patient with us.  And he still loves us so much, he still so desires to reconcile us to himself, that he—the Creator of the cosmos—humbled himself to take on our flesh in Jesus, to be born one of us, and then to die an excruciating and humiliating death he didn't deserve, in order to set us and his creation to rights.  And if we have grasped even a bit of the patient and humble and gracious lovingkindness of God made manifest in Jesus and the cross, Brothers and Sisters, we ought to be overcome by that same love, humility, and patience.  We ought to see each other—not to mention everyone still lost in the world's darkness—we ought to see them through that same loving, humble, and patient lens and desire for them to know the reconciling love of God as we have.  If God can love us, who have made such a mess of his creation and who worship idols, if he can love us so much that he will die to heal the breach between us, how can we ever let the frictions between us destroy the unity he's given?  In light of the sun of his love, every one of our differences—Jew or Gentile, man or woman, slave or free, Ford or Chevy—ought to pale in comparison.  His love doesn't just save us from our bondage to sin and death, it makes—or it ought to make—us his new creation: a people who are light in the darkness, life in the midst of death, a people of love and grace, of mercy and peace, of humility and patience in the midst of hate and strife and selfishness and division.  A people who—even if imperfectly—lifts the veil and gives the world a glimpse of God's future for the world. In verse 7 Paul goes on.  He writes, “There is one body and one Spirit.  You were, after all, called to one hope which goes with your call.  There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.” Let's walk through that.  There is one body.  Jesus didn't create a bunch of different churches.  He didn't create an Anglican church and a Baptist church and a Roman church and a Pentecostal church.  He created the church.  We've fractured and divide because of our failings and these fractures have become so common and so entrenched that we take them for granted, we think they're the norm—we even sometimes think they're good and right.  In some cases, we've grown so far apart and developed our own ecclesiastical cultures and languages that it can be hard to even recognise the gospel when others preach it.  I was listening to a sermon by an Orthodox priest in Croatia this week.  And on the one hand the gospel was so obvious and clear, but at on the other hand, I had to stop several times and re-listen to what he's said, because his way of talking about it is so dramatically different than ours.  And, at this point, there isn't really anything the average Christian can do to restore the unity.  But we can as individuals and we can as the local church do everything in our power to maintain fellowship with those who proclaim the same gospel that we do: Jesus the Messiah, crucified, risen, ascended, and Lord.  That's what Paul's getting at here.  There's one body.  There's one Holy Spirit whom God has poured out on all of us.  There is one Lord Jesus.  There is one faith.  There is one baptism.  There is ultimately one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.  And that is our one, unifying hope.  The hope of every believer is the hope proclaimed by the prophets: that one day the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea; that the reconciling love of Jesus at the cross, that the power of his life-giving resurrection will bring us back to the Father and open the world's eyes to his glory. And note: we don't create this unity.  Jesus and the Spirit have created it already.  Paul's point is that it is our duty—so far as we are able—to maintain it.  And at the most fundamental level, we do that as we bear with each other.  As we forgive the sins of others just as we have been forgiven.  As we love each other, just as we have been loved.  As he live humbly with each other and seek reconciliation with each other, just as God has humbled himself to die in order to reconcile us to himself. Being overwhelmed by the brightness of the sun of God's love—you'd think—would be enough to drive away the pettiness and the selfishness and the pride, but still we need God's help.  And so Paul goes on in verse 7—I want to go a few verses past the end of our Epistle so we can let Paul finish his thought.  He writes: “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah's gift.” God has poured out his grace—his unmerited favour—on us, and not just poured it out, but poured it out in abundance so that it overflows, so that we can't help but give, share, and pour out that grace on everyone around us.  It's that grace that builds us up and that binds us together.  Specifically, in the next paragraph, Paul's going to go on to talk about how, through the Spirit, God has given the people of his church a diversity of gifts, not just to build each other up, but to accomplish the gospel mission we've been given, but I think here we can understand God's grace more generally.  This is where Paul quotes Psalm 68:18: “When he went up on high, he led bondage itself into bondage, and he gave gifts to his people.”  Again, the Psalm is about Moses going up on Mt. Sinai and coming down shining with the glory of God and with the torah—with a new way of life that would set this people apart and make them a witness to his light and life in the midst of a dark and pagan world.  And Paul quotes this to say that Jesus has now done this, but on a larger and grander scale.  Look at verse 9: “When it says here that ‘he went up,' what this means is that he also came down into the lower places—that is, the earth.  The one who came down is the one who also ‘went up' far above the heavens, so that he might fill all things.” As Moses went up Mt. Sinai to meet the Lord, Jesus has ascended to heaven to take his throne, but he hasn't left us to fend for ourselves.  As God sent Moses down the mountain with the law, so Jesus has sent God's Spirit to indwell and to transform and to empower his people—to fill all things.  Brothers and Sisters, that's temple language.  Moses came down the mountain with a plan for the tabernacle—for a temple where God's presence would be enthroned in the midst of his people.  But in the Holy Spirit, God has come down and made his people themselves—he's made us—his temple.  Jesus has washed us clean from sin by his blood shed at the cross, he's made us holy, and God's own Spirit has come to live in us. And that takes us back—or it ought to—to the very beginning of the story: to Adam and Eve, to humanity, placed by God in his garden temple to be its stewards, to live in his presence, to be fruitful and to multiply, and in so doing to spread his temple and his presence to the ends of the earth.  Brothers and Sisters, in Jesus and the Spirit, God has begun the work of restoring us to that original vocation.  He has made us his temple, he has made us stewards of his good news, he has empowered us with his grace—he has not left us alone to be and to do this in our own strength.  He has entrusted us with his good news, he has shown us what his new creation is like, he has empowered us with his Spirit, and he has filled us with his grace.  And now he sends us out not just to proclaim the good news of Jesus and his new creation, but to actually be that new creation for the sake of the world.  To live and especially to live together in such a way that the world around us will see the bright light of Jesus in us; to make them constructively curious, wanting to know that light for themselves; so that one day the whole earth will give glory to our Father in heaven. Let's pray again our Collect: Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

We begin a new series through the New Testament book of Romans. Romans was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Christians in Rome with hopes of visiting them and partnering with them to extend the Gospel to Spain. Romans is unique among Paul's letters because he'd never been to Rome and had no part in planting the church there. In many ways, Romans was Paul's "missionary introduction letter" to the church there. He lays out Christian theology with exquisite detail, making Romans one of the most important theological documents ever written. But he also addresses some of the cultural issues happening in Rome and the Roman church—especially some tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Pastor Josh lays out the contextual backgound to Romans, then works through Paul's introduction (the first 17 verses). We've been set apart to help all people flourish through faith in Jesus Christ!

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21d-The Gentile Christian Community's Experiential Knowledge of Christ-Lesson # 270

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21d-The Gentile Christian Community's Experiential Knowledge of Christ-Lesson # 270

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21b-The Gentile Christian Community Was Taught About Christ Through Experience-Lesson # 268

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21b-The Gentile Christian Community Was Taught About Christ Through Experience-Lesson # 268

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21a-The Gentile Christian Community Conformed to an Experiential Knowledge of Christ-Lesson # 267

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21a-The Gentile Christian Community Conformed to an Experiential Knowledge of Christ-Lesson # 267

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21-Paul Reminds Gentile Christian Community How They Learned About the Christ Through Personal Experience-Lesson # 266

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:21-Paul Reminds Gentile Christian Community How They Learned About the Christ Through Personal Experience-Lesson # 266

In this sermon we look at several attitudes Gentile Christians are to have towards ethnic Jews in light of God's gracious act of grafting them into the Covenant of Grace in Christ Jesus. There is a lot of confusion today about this matter, and we want to take the view of Christ and the Apostles as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.

Episode 169 - Mixing Marriage with Movie Making In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Jaclyn welcomes Cole Dempsey and Hannah Dempsey, an award-winning husband and wife filmmaking team based in Dallas, Texas. They co-lead Rabbit Trail Productions, focusing on faith-driven films and documentaries. The episode delves into their filmmaking origins, and the partnership that has shaped their careers. The couple shares insights into their collaborative process, managing responsibilities, and their significant project, 'One New Man,' a documentary series focused on reconciling Jewish and Gentile Christians.Meet Cole and Hannah DempseyCole's Journey to FilmmakingHannah's Path via Graphic DesignThe Power of CollaborationStarting Rabbit Trail ProductionsFirst Projects and Short FilmsThe Vision for 'One New Man'Challenges and Divine ProvisionCreating the Documentary SeriesThe Heart Behind the ProjectBio:Cole Dempsey and Hannah Elliff Dempsey are an award-winning husband-and-wife filmmaking team based in Dallas, Texas. Together, they co-lead Rabbit Trail Productions a creative studio specializing in faith-driven films and cinematic storytelling, and Rabbit Trail Media, LLC a DFW Marketing and media company. Cole is a director, writer, cinematographer, and editor with a degree in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University. Hannah, a producer and assistant director with a background in film production and graphic design degree from Collin College, manages the behind-the-scenes coordination that brings their shared vision to life. Through Rabbit Trail Productions, they create purpose-filled narratives that inspire, uplift, and resonate with global audiences across platforms.Cole and Hannah's Links:https://www.rabbittrailproductions.com/https://www.amazon.com/One-New-Man-TJCII-Documentary/dp/B0DH8QJQY1https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6726028/FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter's Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VVIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our...

Church Matures G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 28 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days - from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! We saw last time that the church has experienced some crises but overcame them with guidance from the Holy Spirit, prayer and wisdom. They would need that again, in another 2 events we look at tonight! King Jesus Makes An Appearance to Saul! Reading from Acts 9 ‘But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He said, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do."' Paul's conversion is perhaps the most famous throughout the history of the Church. Known as Saul, he had led systematic persecution of Christians, including the death of Stephen we looked at last time.. The only possible cause for his conversion is the beautiful sovereign grace of God. Why did Paul hate the believers so much? Because, To his mind at the time, to him a dead Messiah was no Messiah at all and how could the Saviour of the Jews, the Messiah, die on a cross and be cursed by God. No, no. Paul considered it his duty as a man zealous for the law, to eradicate all those who were followers of this man. Carrying letters from the High Priest in Jerusalem, he set out for Damascus in a bid to stop these Christians. He would arrive in Damascus, a proud and pompous man, bent on ridding the city of its followers of Jesus. But Jesus appears suddenly to Paul and speaks to him! God arrested Paul, shone his light upon him, the mercy of God overflowed upon him and the grace of God through Jesus overwhelmed him! Leading to his conversion, Paul had his sub-conscious doubts about Jesus amidst the stories of Jesus being raised from the dead! The witness of Stephen as Paul watched him die and pray to Jesus asking the Lord to forgive his enemies - for as the church father, Augustine comments "If Stephen had not prayed, the Church would not have had Paul!" The inadequacy of the Old Covenant and Law to save! He knew that his thoughts & attitudes were not clean for example his sin of covetousness. Therefore he had no inner power or peace! But what were the consequences of this conversion? His name was changed from Saul to Paul (Acts 13)! His attitudes, character & relationships with God, fellow believers and the unbelieving world were utterly transformed with the Holy Spirit now living inside him. Instead of arriving in Damascus full of pride & bravery, as a self confident enemy of Jesus, Paul entered Damascus as a prisoner of Jesus, humbled and blinded. But his conversion was initially met with doubt! The first person to minister to him was Ananias who was hesitant to do so but was persuaded by the Lord to do so! Other believers in Damascus also doubted Paul's conversion, but they were won over by the Holy Spirit and Paul's transformation. Paul Sent Jesus appointed Paul to be 3 things: a servant of God; a witness for God to the world, and also an apostle engaged in pioneer work to the Gentiles. Jesus confirmed this to Ananias that Paul was a 'chosen instrument', and Ananias passed this onto Paul (v15). Four things Paul would do: His witness was centred on Jesus Christ.. His witness was powered by the Holy Spirit His witness was courageous in Damascus, the synagogues and in Jerusalem where the Sanhedrin met. He also debated with the Hellenists His witness was costly. His life was often threatened and throughout his life he was persecuted against. Paul's experience of rejection in Damascus repeated itself in Jerusalem. When he tried to join the Apostles and Christian believers, they were afraid and doubted he really was a believer. But this time Barnabas to the others about him and his changed life. Paul was eventually accepted by them into the community of believers. We see the maturing church has now five characteristics - peace - free from outside interference strength - confirming its position encouragement - comforted by the Holy Spirit growth - multiplying numerically godliness - living in the fear of the Lord. However soon after this, another problem - a matter concern doctrine! Doctrinal Issues Arise In Acts 15v1 we read "Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can't be saved." At its beginning, the apostolic church was one church under the unitary leadership of the apostles. However a new problem arose! This problem arose because some men from Judea came to Antioch and promoted the view that circumcision was necessary for salvation and that certain regulations of the Old Testament law be required of non-Jewish converts as prerequisites for their recognition as members of the church of Jesus Christ. They were opposed by Paul and Barnabas, and as there was no final resolution, help was sought from the church in Jerusalem, still at this point the heartland of the Christian church. On arriving at Jerusalem, the delegates from Antioch were welcomed by 'the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them', This gathering evidently consisted of the leadership (apostles and elders) and many of the membership, including those convened were putting forward the requirement that Gentiles 'must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses' (Acts 15v5-6). This was the context for discussion of the issue. There was free debate and no papering over differences. The apostles let the elders speak before they joined in and it is clear that their goal was to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in the matter (Acts 15v28). The Apostle Peter rose after much discussion, and proceeded to demolish the Judaist viewpoint with arguments drawn from his own experience of ministry to Gentiles. He first described the conversion of the Gentiles as the work of God (Acts 15v 7-9) as they were filled with the Holy Spirit just as Jewish believers in Jesus were! This was proved by the Gentile Christians' faith, which was no different from their own (Acts 15v9)! Rising to a glorious crescendo, the Apostle Peter declared emphatically the very heart of the gospel: that salvation is by grace alone, both for Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15v11). Now doubt he reflected on the words of Jesus who said 'my yoke is easy and my burden is light' (Matthew 11v30). James, the brother of Jesus delivered the coup-de-grace to the Judaism argument with a direct appeal to the Word of God. God had already spoken on the matter! Quoting Amos 9v11-12, James reminded them that the prophet had declared that 'David's fallen tent' was be restored and that this would involve the in gathering of all the Gentiles who bear the Lord's name' (Acts 15v16-18). This is fulfilled, James says, in all that Peter had described (Acts 15:14). The church of Jesus Christ was all along intended to encompass both Jew and Gentile and, one by one without discrimination, they are brought to the same faith by the same Lord. This, James showed, was 'the mind of God", in the Scripture'. A proposal There was a definitive doctrinal proposal: 'We should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God' (Acts 15v19). It told the Judaizing party in the gentlest possible way that what they were asking for was not the Lord's will for the church, and contrary to the gospel of God's free grace in Christ by faith alone. Then in Acts 15v20 there was a practical 4 point proposal to foster church unity by asking the Gentile Christians to take particular care to distance themselves from their former manner of life. Leave Alone: Gentiles were to examine critically their old habits and give no cause to anyone to accuse them of their old sins. They were also encouraged to be graciously accommodating to Jewish dietary sensitivities. For their part, Jewish believers needed to understand that Gentiles were not to be required to observe the Mosaic ceremonial law. Grace Alone: The apostles clearly taught that salvation was by the free and sovereign grace of God through faith in Christ alone. Council of Jerusalem held that line and closed the door on further discussion. Spirit Alone: They emphasised that the decision 'seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to the church' (Acts 15v28). Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would lead them into all truth (John 14v26; 16v13). Standing Alone: The council's four 'requirements', highlight the necessity and the blessing of the separated life for Christians and to "stand alone" from the world, whilst living in the world. 'You will do well to avoid these things' (Acts 15v29). The conversion of Paul and the Council of Jerusalem, led to the church maturing, going forward in unity and returning to the expansion of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Tap or click here to download as a MP3 audio file

What do people think when you say you go to church? Is it just a Sunday ritual? Or something much deeper? In this compelling message, Captain Rob Westwood-Payne explores what it truly means to be the church, based on the opening verses of 1 Peter. Discover how we are God's chosen people, called to live as distinct “red dots” in a grey world, shining as lights wherever we are scattered.Whether you've followed Jesus all your life or are just curious, this message will challenge and encourage you to live with purpose, clarity, and faithfulness in every part of your life.⏱ Chapters00:00 - What Do People Think About Church?Reflections on common assumptions about churchgoers and why they often miss the heart of Christian identity.02:00 - Why Identity Matters: A Spiritual Check-UpUsing the example of a minibus inspection, the importance of checking in on our spiritual health is explored.04:00 - Peter's Words to the Scattered ChurchIntroduction to 1 Peter 1:1–2 and the foundational truth that believers are God's chosen people.07:00 - Chosen by God Through ChristPeter's radical claim: Gentile Christians are just as chosen as Israel once was - because of Jesus.09:30 - The Power of Gathering TogetherVisualising the church as “red dots,” we are few but significant. Gathering strengthens our identity and faith.12:00 - Living as Foreigners in the WorldExploring the meaning of being “foreigners” or “temporary residents” and how that affects Christian living.14:00 - Scattered with Purpose: Our FrontlinesWhether at home, work, school, or in the community, we are scattered to shine as lights in a dark world.16:00 - Shining Bright: Philippians 2 ChallengeLive without complaining or arguing and hold to the Word of Life - our everyday mission.18:00 - Our Distinct StoryWhy Christians must live differently - not just attend church or wear uniforms - but reflect Jesus in lifestyle.20:00 - Gathered and Scattered: Our CallingThe church gathers for strength and scatters to serve. We are God's people, and we can make all the difference.This sermon is based on material from Frontline Sundays by the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC).#sermon #bible #battlereadysermon #christian #christianity #ukchristian #christiantiktok #christiantok #SalvationArmy #Maidenhead #Church #ChristianIdentity #1Peter #GospelMessage #FaithInAction #BibleTeaching #Jesus #ScatteredChurch #ChosenPeople #CaptainRobWestwoodPayne #BattlefieldPodcast #ChristianLiving #ShineYourLight #ChristianEncouragementVisit battlereadysermons.com for more sermons.Thanks for watching Battle Ready Sermons, where each week I deliver weekly Christian video sermons designed to help you stay spiritually strong and prepared for life's battles.. Hosted by Salvation Army officer Rob Westwood-Payne, each sermon offers practical biblical teaching, encouragement, and insights drawn from God's Word.If today's sermon inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need encouragement. Your support helps more people discover Battle Ready Sermons, a trusted source for clear, relatable sermons for believers of all backgrounds.For more sermons and resources, visit battlereadysermons.com. Sign up via email at sermons.battlereadysermons.com.Explore Devotionals at battledrilldevotional.com. Prefer watching? Video episodes at video.battledrilldevotional.com. Sign up to devotionals via email at devotional.battledrilldevotional.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit battlereadysermons.com

What do people think when you say you go to church? Is it just a Sunday ritual? Or something much deeper? In this compelling message, Captain Rob Westwood-Payne explores what it truly means to be the church, based on the opening verses of 1 Peter. Discover how we are God's chosen people, called to live as distinct “red dots” in a grey world, shining as lights wherever we are scattered.Whether you've followed Jesus all your life or are just curious, this message will challenge and encourage you to live with purpose, clarity, and faithfulness in every part of your life.⏱ Chapters00:00 - What Do People Think About Church?Reflections on common assumptions about churchgoers and why they often miss the heart of Christian identity.02:00 - Why Identity Matters: A Spiritual Check-UpUsing the example of a minibus inspection, the importance of checking in on our spiritual health is explored.04:00 - Peter's Words to the Scattered ChurchIntroduction to 1 Peter 1:1–2 and the foundational truth that believers are God's chosen people.07:00 - Chosen by God Through ChristPeter's radical claim: Gentile Christians are just as chosen as Israel once was - because of Jesus.09:30 - The Power of Gathering TogetherVisualising the church as “red dots,” we are few but significant. Gathering strengthens our identity and faith.12:00 - Living as Foreigners in the WorldExploring the meaning of being “foreigners” or “temporary residents” and how that affects Christian living.14:00 - Scattered with Purpose: Our FrontlinesWhether at home, work, school, or in the community, we are scattered to shine as lights in a dark world.16:00 - Shining Bright: Philippians 2 ChallengeLive without complaining or arguing and hold to the Word of Life - our everyday mission.18:00 - Our Distinct StoryWhy Christians must live differently - not just attend church or wear uniforms - but reflect Jesus in lifestyle.20:00 - Gathered and Scattered: Our CallingThe church gathers for strength and scatters to serve. We are God's people, and we can make all the difference.This sermon is based on material from Frontline Sundays by the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC).#sermon #bible #battlereadysermon #christian #christianity #ukchristian #christiantiktok #christiantok #SalvationArmy #Maidenhead #Church #ChristianIdentity #1Peter #GospelMessage #FaithInAction #BibleTeaching #Jesus #ScatteredChurch #ChosenPeople #CaptainRobWestwoodPayne #BattlefieldPodcast #ChristianLiving #ShineYourLight #ChristianEncouragementVisit battlereadysermons.com for more sermons.Thanks for watching Battle Ready Sermons, where each week I deliver weekly Christian video sermons designed to help you stay spiritually strong and prepared for life's battles.. Hosted by Salvation Army officer Rob Westwood-Payne, each sermon offers practical biblical teaching, encouragement, and insights drawn from God's Word.If today's sermon inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need encouragement. Your support helps more people discover Battle Ready Sermons, a trusted source for clear, relatable sermons for believers of all backgrounds.For more sermons and resources, visit battlereadysermons.com. Sign up via email at sermons.battlereadysermons.com.Explore Devotionals at battledrilldevotional.com. Prefer watching? Video episodes at video.battledrilldevotional.com. Sign up to devotionals via email at devotional.battledrilldevotional.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit battlereadysermons.com

Send us a textWhen does Christian leadership cross the line from imperfection to hypocrisy? Paul's confrontation with Peter over his treatment of Gentile believers cuts straight to the heart of what makes the gospel truly good news.This powerful conversation explores the pivotal moment in Galatians 2 where Paul publicly rebukes Peter for withdrawing from fellowship with Gentile Christians when Jewish believers arrived. The implications are staggering—by his actions, Peter was sending a devastating message that some believers are second-class citizens in God's kingdom, requiring more than faith in Christ to be fully accepted.We dive deep into what justification by faith truly means—not merely legal acquittal, but being brought into union with Christ himself. This understanding renders any attempt to add human effort to salvation not just unnecessary but actively harmful to the gospel message. As one participant powerfully states, "If you understand what justification is, it renders any work of the law for salvation obsolete."The discussion takes surprising turns as we examine modern parallels, like wealthy families in the Gilded Age separating themselves from "the help," and consider how our own actions might contradict the very gospel we claim to believe. If Peter, who walked with Jesus for three years, could fall into such hypocrisy, how carefully must we guard our testimony?With many defenders of justification by faith like R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur passing from the scene, this conversation challenges us all: Who will carry the torch of this essential doctrine? Will you stand firm for the truth that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone?Support the show

This week on "The Chosen People," Mitch Glaser and Robert Walter explore the power of the “jealousy principle” found in Romans 9 through 11. Discover why Paul was so passionate about reaching his Jewish people with the gospel, and how Gentile Christians play a key role in provoking Jewish people to jealousy for the Messiah.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comRomans 15 Harmony among God's people requires selflessness and patience, especially when dealing with those who may be weaker in faith. Believers are called to follow Christ's example, who bore the world's reproach for the sake of the weak. This mindset reflects God's call for Christians to extend fellowship, love, and acceptance to one another, just as Christ has welcomed them despite their flaws. God's desire is to fill His people with joy, peace, and hope together through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul begins to conclude his letter by discussing his mission to preach to the Gentiles and his plan to visit Rome after delivering contributions to the poor saints in Jerusalem. He urges believers to unite in prayer for his ministry and for success in spreading the gospel. Christianity is a unique journey. In a world where people often pursue their own desires and show little patience for differing views, God's people find opportunities for unity even among conflicting convictions. We take these moments to practice patience and make concessions when possible, assisting fellow believers in growing their faith. We are humbled by the awareness of Christ's sacrifices made for our benefit. Together, we turn to Christ and His gospel to stand firm on the absolute truths that bind us. Our boasting is in God and His love, not in our own knowledge or perfect understanding. This nurtures joy and peace in our fellowship and inspires us to be mindful of each other's physical and spiritual needs.  Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which provides us with hope, encouragement, and guidance. Help us to follow Christ's example of selflessness by bearing with others in love and putting their needs above our own. Teach us to live in harmony with fellow believers, glorifying You with one voice. Fill us with joy and peace as we trust in You, so that we may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Strengthen us to support Your work of spreading the gospel through our prayers and acts of mercy as we share the goodness of Jesus with others.   Thought Questions: -       What does it mean to “bear the weaknesses of those without strength”? How have you done that with regard to issues among fellow Christians? -       Verse 14 says that Christians can “admonish one another.” What does that mean and how do you do that while also bearing with a brother? -       Gentile Christians sent funds to help poor Jewish saints in Jerusalem. How should Christians today be active in helping needy brethren far away? 

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:20b-The Gentile Christian Community Learned About the Christ Through Personal Experience-Lesson # 265

Ephesians Series: Ephesians 4:20b-The Gentile Christian Community Learned About the Christ Through Personal Experience-Lesson # 265

There are foods in the Bible that God forbade His people from eating, and the debate over whether or not Christians should refrain from eating them or not continues to this day. We're going to begin a short series in this program to begin looking at this controversial issue to see what the Bible says about Gentile Christians observing kosher dietary laws. Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 11 Peter returns to Jerusalem, where Jewish believers take issue with him for associating with Gentiles. He recounts his vision of unclean animals and God's command not to call impure what He has made clean. Peter reveals how the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentiles, confirming that God has granted them the repentance that leads to life. Meanwhile, some scattered Jewish believers begin preaching to Greeks in Antioch, and many turn to the Lord. The church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch to encourage the new saints, and he ultimately recruits Saul, working with the church there for a year. Disciples of Jesus are first called Christians in Antioch. These disciples hear of a famine in Judea and send funds for the relief of the brethren, which Barnabas and Saul deliver.  Peter introduced something new to the saints in Jerusalem, and they were not initially receptive. However, they were willing to listen as he shared how God brought salvation to the Gentiles. Change is always challenging, especially when it means acceptance of others, but humble hearts will keep open ears and learn to embrace what honors the will of God. Fortunately, this paved the way for more Jews to share the gospel with Gentiles, allowing the church to thrive and expand. Perhaps changing attitudes toward others and a willingness to broaden outreach can benefit local churches today. Ironically, Gentile Christians in Antioch sent funds to assist needy Jewish saints. A thriving fellowship emerges when brethren step beyond their comfort zones.  Compassionate God, thank You for granting us repentance that leads to life. We are unworthy of Your grace, yet we live in the peace and joy of reconciliation with You through Jesus Christ. Please open our hearts to the way You are working to reach others and prepare us to have open arms. Help us to be like Barnabas, a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith and therefore ready to work for Your cause. And like the Christians who sent funds to help their brothers, teach us how to be more generous and involved in supporting fellow believers.  Thought Questions: -       How do you remain open to God's will, even when it challenges your expectations and traditions, like when Peter accepted Gentiles?  -       If God sent you to go and encourage new saints for a year, would you be willing to do it? How can you do such work where you live now? -       New Christians sent funds to help believers they did not even know. How should you emulate that in the way you support needy Christians?

The apostle Paul addresses particular issues between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. Seems it's so hard to get over our cultural differences. That's not the way it's suppose to be in Christ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday, 19 May 2025   And when you go into a household, greet it. Matthew 10:12   “And entering into the house, you greet it” (CG).   The previous verse noted that when a worthy house is found, the apostles were to stay there until they left. Jesus continues with, “And entering.”   Being a participle, the intent is “at the time you enter,” or “while you are entering.” He continues with “into the house.”   The KJV and NKJV say “a house.” This is incorrect. They were to go to houses until they found a worthy one. They were not required to react positively to those in an unworthy house. There is a reason for this, which will be seen in the next verses. For now, the verse finishes with the words, “you greet it.”   This would be the standard Jewish greeting of Shalom lekha, “Peace to you.” These are the Hebrew words Jesus would have used, as is recorded in John 19 –   “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.' 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.'” John 19:19-21   Concerning such visits as the church later expanded, Vincent's Word Studies says –   “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles," a tract discovered in 1873 in the library of the monastery of the Most Holy Sepulchre at Constantinople, by Bryennios, Metropolitan of Nicomedia, is assigned to the date of 120 a.d., and by some scholars is placed as early as 100 a.d. It is addressed to Gentile Christians, and is designed to give them practical instruction in the Christian life, according to the teachings of the twelve apostles and of the Lord himself. In the eleventh chapter we read as follows: "And every apostle who cometh to you, let him be received as the Lord; but he shall not remain except for one day; if, however, there be need, then the next day; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. But when the apostle departeth, let him take nothing except bread enough till he lodge again, but if he ask money, he is a false prophet." And again (ch. 8): "Likewise a true teacher, he also is worthy like the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, then, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and sheep, thou shalt take and give to the prophets, for they are your high-priests....If thou makest a baking of bread, take the first of it and give according to the commandment. In like manner, when thou openest a jar of wine or oil, take the first of it and give to the prophets; and of money and clothing, and every possession, take the first, as may seem right to thee, and give according to the commandment.”   Life application: Whether the tract noted by Vincent's Word Studies is accurate or not, it is an ancient witness to the fact that people were going around evangelizing. As noted in the previous commentary, people will occasionally come spreading a message or asking for assistance who might not have the best intent for the church. Therefore, wisdom in dealing with others is necessary.   And more, there is no longer a need for wondering if someone is a false prophet based on whether they remain for a certain amount of time or not. The Bible has been compiled and its instructions are set. To determine if someone is teaching falsities, all we need to do is refer to Scripture and find out what it says.   This shouldn't be something we need to do when someone shows up. Rather, it should be something we are doing daily. That way, we will know what the word says and where to find it. When we are presented with false teachings, all we will need to do is go to the Word to ensure we are remembering properly.   Once we have determined they are spreading a false message, we can kick them out to the street curb and tell them to beat it. There is no point trying to convince heretics, charlatans, or grifters that they should turn from their ways. They already know this. What they need is a dose of being evicted from the presence of the church.   That will be much more effective in hopefully waking them up from their ways than all the words we could utter. Sometimes, a tough example is what is needed to get people to change. Jesus overturned the tables at the temple for a reason. Let us not be timid in dealing with false teachers.   Lord God, please give us wisdom and fortitude to stand against false teachers. May we be bold in proclaiming what is true, and may we be intolerant of those who proclaim otherwise. May we not get into back-and-forth argumentation when decisive action is needed. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

In this episode of Prove All Things, hosts Jeff and Mike welcome guest Horane Smith to explore the influence of anti-Jewish sentiment on early Christian doctrine. Horane outlines how the primitive church was deeply rooted in Hebraic traditions—observing the Sabbath, Passover, and rejecting doctrines like the Trinity and Easter—but that a shift began after 135 A.D., particularly following the Bar Kokhba revolt, which led to a deliberate separation from Judaism by emerging Gentile Christian leaders. He argues that early church fathers, in an effort to define a distinct Christian identity, adopted anti-Jewish rhetoric and Greco-Roman philosophical influences, which dramatically shaped mainstream Christian beliefs.

Peter comes to Antioch and causes trouble: Peter turned to legalism because of peer pressure The Gentile Christians were being mistreated by Peter and the other Jews Paul publicly confronts Peter Paul discusses the legalism issue Why is legalism a sin?   If you want to support the Bible Explained: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

3-30-25 - Biblical-Literacy Mark Lanier began a new series on Romans. Today's focus merged how to study an Epistle and began an introduction into the book of Romans. 1. How to study Romans, an Epistle, in 8 basic steps.  Historical context  Literary context  Textual analysis  Paragraph exegesis  Theological analysis  Application  Mix-in others  Constant ongoing reflection 2. The occasion of the letter - Mark explains historical context that result in the church in Rome consisting of both Jewish and Gentile Christians with an appeal for unity. 3. The opening of Romans - Learn how Romans differs from Paul's other epistles in his introduction which includes the author, recipients and a greeting. Points for home  God works through history  Gospel is amazing news  You are loved, called, and forgiven

A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent Galatians 4:21-31 by the Rev'd Dr. Matthew Colvin Our epistle lesson this morning comes from Galatians 4. I know that Pastor Bill preached on it just recently, but I would like to look at it too, from a different angle. It is one of the most controversial chapters in the NT, both for its view of Judaism and for its hermeneutical maneuvers. Paul is concerned for Christians in Galatia. The Judaizers were taunting Gentile Christians with the manifest visible superiority of Judaism: its splendid temple; its priesthood; its Torah; all the society's esteem and honor. And against this, what did Christians have to show? They were hiding for fear of the Jews; they were subjected to persecution and arrest; they had been kicked out of the synagogue and subjected to the ban, excommunication. Above all, there was the disgrace of worshipping a criminal who had been killed by the most shameful sort of execution, crucifixion by the Romans. All this was exploited by Paul's enemies in Galatia, the Judaizers or the circumcision party. Their strategy was to exalt themselves by trying to get the Gentiles to envy them - “They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.” – The verb zeloō means both to be zealous and to be jealous. Paul's enemies are behaving like spiteful middle school girls — not like the righteous women of this church, but like the ones I knew when I was in school — trying to exclude a hated rival by social shunning, in order to magnify their own status. To stop them and shut them down, Paul needs to do more than just answer their case logically. He also needs to undermine their ethos; he needs to subvert the system of value that makes their case so plausible at first glance. They are counting on Paul's readers sharing their value system. Paul wants to make sure his readers do not share it. It is a task that he undertakes in many of his letters. In Romans he addresses the Jews as those who “rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.” He is setting forth the Jewish system of value, the grounds of their boasting. And it was a very good grounds for boasting. The longest book in the Bible, Psalm 119, is one continuing paean of praise to the Law, the Torah. It is full of statements like, “I love thy commandments above gold and precious stones” and “The law of thy mouth is dearer unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” But Paul rips this point of boasting away by asking, “Yes, the Law is wonderful — but do you actually obey it?” In Philippians 3, Paul gathers together all the things that he could have been proud of as a Jew: “If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;” That stuff that the Jews think is so valuable? Their circumcision, their membership in one of the two faithful tribes (Benjamin and Judah)? Their zeal, their lawkeeping? It's all worthless. In fact, it's so worthless that I threw it all away. I have something of real value that none of that stuff can give you. In the book of Hebrews, Paul or someone from his circles who thought an awful lot like him has the difficult task of undermining Jewish boasting about the Temple, the priesthood, and the sacrifices — a task that might seem impossible, since these things were instituted by God and everybody knew it. The temple was imposing, gleaming with gold. Paul calls it a “tent”, the sort of makeshift, flimsy structure that you go camping in, and you lie down in it, and there's nothing but a thin layer of cloth between you and the outside, and if it's too windy, the thing is in danger of collapsing; and anyway, it's that way because you're going to take it down and pack it up anyway. That's what he thinks of your fancy temple. Besides, the real temple is in heaven. Your tent is made by human hands; the only Temple worthy of the name is made by God. The priests' ministry was observable; they were dressed in robes; everyone could see their work, and that they had been instituted by God. Paul says, “They keep on dying, which is proof that their work isn't much good. And they have to offer sacrifices for their own sins, not just the people's.” The sacrifices were there for all to see: they had been commanded by God himself. The blood of the sacrifices flowed continually at the temple, on a daily basis. Paul says, “See how they have to do it over and over again? That's because it doesn't really work. They need Jesus. That's the only sacrifice that works, and that's why Jesus only needed to be sacrificed once.” Yes, Paul is a genius at overthrowing his opponents' strongest arguments. He loves to take their most powerful evidence and use it against them. He is a master of rhetorical jujitsu, throwing his opponents to the mat by using the momentum and force of their own attacks. He is like Elijah in the contest with the prophets of Baal, one man against 450, “And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, “Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.” Then he said, “Do it a second time,” and they did it a second time; and he said, “Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water.” In Galatians 4, it is a terribly difficult rhetorical task that Paul faces: his opponents appear to have the Torah, the OT, on their side. It does, after all, command circumcision; it does prohibit the eating of unclean foods; it does tell the stories of Ishmael, Moab, and Ben-Ammi, the ancestors of the rival nations surrounding Israel, all of whom are deprecated as the offspring of incest, slave marriage, or concubinage. These stories account for the origins of the Gentiles around Israel. Israel itself, however, was descended from Isaac, the legitimate son and heir of Abraham. These stories underscore the chosenness of Israel, and the fact that these other nations were not chosen. “Jacob have I loved, and Esau have I hated” was not just a statement about two sons. It was a statement about two nations: the Edomites and Israel. It says that Israel is the covenant people that God loves, and Edom is not. So it is Paul's opponents, not Paul, who have the easier case to make here: Jewish people are (most of them) descended from Jacob (Israel) and Gentiles are not. And they might have made this case most plainly from the story of Isaac, Abraham's son miraculously conceived by the power of God in Abraham's old age. This is strong rhetorical ground for the circumcision advocates in Galatia. Circumcision is commanded in the Torah for God's people. It is breathtakingly audacious for Paul to argue that a proper understanding of the Torah will lead you to the conclusion that circumcision doesn't matter. Paul calls the Torah a yoke of bondage. I'm not sure we appreciate how bold a move this is. The exodus was Israel's independence day. It's when they came out of slavery in Egypt and became a free nation. Paul says that the circumcizers advocating Torah-obedience in Galatia are like those who wanted to go back to Egypt. It would be like an American saying that the Declaration of Independence is the document in American history that made everyone slaves. But that is what Paul says about the Torah, given on Mount Sinai: that covenant has led to the present state of affairs: Jerusalem that now is, and is in bondage with her children. Now, we know from elsewhere in Paul's letters, especially Romans, that he considered the Law a good gift of God and the reason why the Law was now leading to slavery was because Israel was using it wrongly, not because the Law was bad. The slavery results from Israel's sinfulness, not something wrong with the Law. But here, he doesn't go into that, because he is focused not on the Law as it was given by God, but on the Law as it was used rhetorically by his opponents. You have heard the expression, “He is wrapping himself in the flag”? That is what the Judaizers in Galatia are doing with the Torah: using it as a uniform to distinguish true, Jewish Christians from second-rate, Gentile Christians. And Paul says: You think that you look cool with your bling; but it's really chains to keep you enslaved. Above all, Paul takes the bull by the horns and uses an audacious maneuver to deal with the Judaizers' most powerful weapon: the taunt of illegitimacy. That is the point of the Ishmael story as used by Jews: the Ishmaelites, the Arabs, are illegitimate offspring of Abraham, just as the Moabites and Ammonites were stigmatized as the offspring of Lot's daughters after the destruction of Sodom. Only Jews were the children of Isaac; they had been called into existence by the power of YHWH himself. They were not the product of an ill-conceived attempt at surrogate pregnancy, and with a slave wife. Be aware that the Judaizers have centuries and centuries of social and legal precedent for their view. That line that Paul quotes from Sarah — “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman” — that was a line that Paul's opponents loved to quote. When Sarah said it to Abraham, she wasn't just being mean. The lawcodes of Ur-Nammu and Lipit-Ishtar, from around the same time as Abraham, contained rules about exactly this sort of situation, and they are formulated with exactly the same sort of phrasing: “If a man has a wife a free woman who has born children to him, and he takes a slave wife and she also bears children to him, the children of the slave wife shall not share in the inheritance with the children of the free wife.” Sarah is saying, “Husband, you know the law from when we lived in Ur. This is what we have to do.” And the heretics in Galatia were taking up this two-thousand year tradition of legal and social stigma against children of slavery, and applying it to Gentile Christians. It's a powerful tool of shaming and social marginalization, and it is based on a very foundational text of the covenant: the story of the birth of Isaac. Both the Judaizers and their Galatian Gentile victims believed this text was the word of God. Both believed that the Jews were descendants of Isaac. Paul knows all this. He has chosen to fight them on their strongest ground; he gives them home field advantage. He pours water so that it fills up the trench. And then he incinerates their whole argument like Elijah. The stigma of illegitimacy? He turns it back on the Judaizers. They are the bastards now, the “children of the flesh”; they are “in bondage” with their slave-mother. The Gentile Galatian Christians? They are “children of the promise.” And just as it was back then, the child of the slave woman is persecuting the child of the promise. The two sons are marked not by their circumcised or uncircumcised status but by the slave/free polarity that distinguishes their mothers. Paul has to reach a little bit here. The LXX Greek translation that Paul used here doesn't actually say, “persecuting”. What the LXX says is that Sarah “saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian who had been born to Abraham playing with her son Isaac (paizonta meta Isaac tou huiou autes).” That's the most straightforward way to take it. But the word “playing” can also mean “mocking”. And that's probably how Paul took it. And then he magnifies it into the sibling rivalry from hell by glossing “mocking” as “persecuting”. Where did he get this from? It is transferred from the situation between the Judaizers and the Gentile Christians in Galatia. By casting the rivalry as a conflict between the flesh and the promise, Paul undercuts the Judaizers' use of the Torah. That is why he says, “These are two covenants” — the boldest piece of clever interpretation in the Bible. It is all part of his rhetorical strategy concerning the Torah that he has laid in the previous chapter, Galatians 3. The two covenants are NOT the Old and the New. They are the Torah covenant and the covenant with Abraham (which turns out to find its fulfillment in Christ). And the covenant with Abraham is more original, more foundational, more important, more primary. The law was added 430 years later. The Torah was a stop-gap measure to keep things under control until the fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham. And for Paul, Gentile Christians are that fulfillment: “in you, all the nations — the ethnê — shall be blessed.” This aligns the Gentile Christians with the whole purpose of the Covenant with Abraham, and means that Paul can cast them as the true children of the promise. They are citizens of the only Jerusalem that counts, the “Jerusalem above”. And by citing the line of Sarah, “cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman”, Paul makes clear what the stakes are here: the Judaizers and those who trust in the Torah to be their badge of membership in the covenant are not merely mistaken. They are Ishmaels and they will not inherit. They will be cast out. The Gentile Christians — and faithful Jewish Christians who did not pressure them to get circumcized — will be counted as true members of the covenant with Abraham, and the Judaizing circumcision-pushers will not. Who are the bastards now? Paul revels in what God has done. It is perfectly in accordance with his way of working: "He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the counsel of the cunning is brought to a quick end.” (Job 5). The Judaizers have fallen into the pit that they have dug: their taunts of illegitimacy rebound on their own heads; the glory of the title of “true children of Abraham” is wrapped around the Gentile believers whom they had stigmatized. Paul's jujitsu victory is complete and total, because it is the victory of Christ, who led captivity captive and triumphed by being crucified. In the end, Paul's fierce warfare over the Galatians has to do with vindicating the honor of Christ, with proving that He has really accomplished all that Paul says he has; with showing that the covenant with Abraham is truly fulfilled in Jesus, because he is the yes and amen. To go back to the Torah is to turn the clock back and engage in historical reenactment; to live a life of live-action-role-playing instead of reality. It is a costly and foolish attempt to gain privilege and honor by denying the completeness and finality of Jesus' work, and attempting to supplement it with another identity in terms of the Torah. The true Exodus is via Christ, not via the Torah. That is part of the meaning of our gospel lesson this morning from John 6. Here the true bread from heaven, Jesus, works a miraculous feeding like the manna of old. But he does it not in order to cause the crowd to envy his disciples; he has no desire for his followers to act like the Judaizers, zealous courting others to provoke them envy. No, his disciples are to be the means by which the bread of life is given to the multitudes — and the two small fish, symbol of Gentiles and of fishing for men, of the fulfillment of Jeremiah 16:16: “Behold, I am sending for many fishers, declares the Lord, and they shall catch them.” In the end, the nations are to be blessed through the disobedience of Israel. Our time is short, so I will not try to prove this exhaustively, but I want you to see the pattern: Joseph's brothers disobey and sell him into slavery, so that he is carried off to a Gentile land, Egypt, and becomes assimilated to Egyptian ways. But God works it all out so that Joseph's imprisonment in an Egyptian prison works out for the salvation of Joseph's brothers and all Egypt, “to save many alive.” When Jesus touches dead bodies, a woman with a 12 year flow of bleeding that made her unclean, or a leper, what happens? The usual laws of uncleanness work backward: rather than becoming unclean, Jesus makes these people clean. That is the way God has designed the exile of Israel to work: rather than the exiled members of Israel becoming lost and destroyed, they have mingled with the nations and thereby brought it about that in order to keep His promises to Israel, God will save the Gentiles as well. As a result, “In Abraham's seed, all the nations shall be blessed.” Isn't it funny how Satan's schemes always backfire? He is truly the Wile E. Coyote of the Bible. He will have his church be Israel for the sake of the world; thus we are to be true heirs of Abraham, fulfilling the purpose for which He was called. Amen.

This episode is part 7 in a series going through the story of the Book of Mormon.2 Nephi chapters 28-29 continue Nephi's prophecies. These two chapters of the Book of Mormon lash out at what it deems false churches who oppress people and that the clergy teach their own wisdom rather than what comes from the Holy Ghost. While there can be much truth to what is said there, the Book of Mormon's antidote leaves much to be desired.2 Nephi chapter 29 especially mocks later Gentile Christians who claim the Bible is the final Word of God. As God argues to us, according to the Book of Mormon, that we should expect lots more Scripture to come, we can test the Book of Mormon's claims according to the tests in the Bible.Further research:Book of Mormon in videoJoseph Smith: The Prophet of the RestorationThe Book of Mormon online: 2 Nephi [chapters 28, 29]*** Please contribute to the Hurricane relief fund for A.M. Brewster ***We value your feedback!Have questions for Truthspresso? Contact us!

This episode is part 7 in a series going through the story of the Book of Mormon.2 Nephi chapters 28-29 continue Nephi's prophecies. These two chapters of the Book of Mormon lash out at what it deems false churches who oppress people and that the clergy teach their own wisdom rather than what comes from the Holy Ghost. While there can be much truth to what is said there, the Book of Mormon's antidote leaves much to be desired.2 Nephi chapter 29 especially mocks later Gentile Christians who claim the Bible is the final Word of God. As God argues to us, according to the Book of Mormon, that we should expect lots more Scripture to come, we can test the Book of Mormon's claims according to the tests in the Bible.Further research:Book of Mormon in videoJoseph Smith: The Prophet of the RestorationThe Book of Mormon online: 2 Nephi [chapters 28, 29]*** Please contribute to the Hurricane relief fund for A.M. Brewster ***We value your feedback!Have questions for Truthspresso? Contact us!

Hebrews: Many have been taught that the writer of this epistle addressed it to the Body of Christ, which of course, consists of some Jewish believers but mostly of Gentile Christians. In this verse-by-verse study, Bob Enyart takes the controversial stand that this is actually the epistle to the Hebrews. A crucial issue for those who seek to "rightly divide the word of truth", as the Bible commands us to do, is to understand what has changed regarding the believer and Israel's law, and what has not. So importantly, Hebrews teaches us: "For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law." Pastor Bob works through the book, chapter by chapter, asking God for the wisdom needed to rightly divide and to know what it is that the Lord has for us today!  MP3-CD or MP3 download   BEL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please consider one of our monthly subscriptions that will not only help support BEL, but they also promote better understanding of the Bible and may equip you to more effectively reach those around you. NEW Monthly Downloads: Enjoy your monthly subscription is download form rather than on disc. Monthly Sermons: Enjoy all of Bob's sermons from the month on Sermon Video DVD, great also to watch with the family. Or, get these on Sermon Audio CDs which are standard audio Compact Discs that will play on any CD player including the one in your car. Or get them on a single Sermon MP3-CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Bible Studies: Enjoy the Scriptures with Bob's Monthly Bible Study DVDs, great too for a small group Bible study. Or get these teachings on a single Monthly Bible Study Audio MP3- CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Topical Videos: Coming to your mailbox, you'll get a Monthly Topical DVD to enjoy one of Bob's great videos specially selected to be entertaining and to teach about life from a biblical worldview.Monthly Best of Bob Shows: Every month our crew selects the eight best BEL shows of the month and for the folks who might have missed some of them, we mail them out on the Best of Bob MP3-CD.Monthly BEL TV Classics: Enjoy Bob Enyart's timeless, popular TV show delivered to your home on the Monthly BEL TV Classics DVDs with great audio and video clarity thanks to our state-of-the-art mastering from the studio-quality Sony beta tapes to DVD!Monthly Donation: For folks who just want to make sure that Bob Enyart Live stays on the air, please consider making a pledge in the form of a Monthly Donation.

Hebrews: Many have been taught that the writer of this epistle addressed it to the Body of Christ, which of course, consists of some Jewish believers but mostly of Gentile Christians. In this verse-by-verse study, Bob Enyart takes the controversial stand that this is actually the epistle to the Hebrews. A crucial issue for those who seek to "rightly divide the word of truth", as the Bible commands us to do, is to understand what has changed regarding the believer and Israel's law, and what has not. So importantly, Hebrews teaches us: "For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law." Pastor Bob works through the book, chapter by chapter, asking God for the wisdom needed to rightly divide and to know what it is that the Lord has for us today!  MP3-CD or MP3 download   BEL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please consider one of our monthly subscriptions that will not only help support BEL, but they also promote better understanding of the Bible and may equip you to more effectively reach those around you. NEW Monthly Downloads: Enjoy your monthly subscription is download form rather than on disc. Monthly Sermons: Enjoy all of Bob's sermons from the month on Sermon Video DVD, great also to watch with the family. Or, get these on Sermon Audio CDs which are standard audio Compact Discs that will play on any CD player including the one in your car. Or get them on a single Sermon MP3-CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Bible Studies: Enjoy the Scriptures with Bob's Monthly Bible Study DVDs, great too for a small group Bible study. Or get these teachings on a single Monthly Bible Study Audio MP3- CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Topical Videos: Coming to your mailbox, you'll get a Monthly Topical DVD to enjoy one of Bob's great videos specially selected to be entertaining and to teach about life from a biblical worldview.Monthly Best of Bob Shows: Every month our crew selects the eight best BEL shows of the month and for the folks who might have missed some of them, we mail them out on the Best of Bob MP3-CD.Monthly BEL TV Classics: Enjoy Bob Enyart's timeless, popular TV show delivered to your home on the Monthly BEL TV Classics DVDs with great audio and video clarity thanks to our state-of-the-art mastering from the studio-quality Sony beta tapes to DVD!Monthly Donation: For folks who just want to make sure that Bob Enyart Live stays on the air, please consider making a pledge in the form of a Monthly Donation.

2/3/25. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: 1 Corinthians 12:2. Resources: enduringword.com; biblehub.com; logos.com; and Life Application Study Bible. Listen daily at 10:00 am CST on https://kingdompraiseradio.com. November 2021 Podchaser list of "60 Best Podcasts to Discover!" LISTEN, LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE! #MinutesWord; @MinutesWord; #dailybiblestudy #dailydevotional #christianpodcaster #prayforpeace https://m.youtube.com/@hhwscott

In Romans 15, Paul wants the church to know that now is the time for the gospel to go forth to the nations. With that premise, there are seven things we see in this passage about local churches and their participation in global missions. 1. Local churches are expected to participate in global missions.2. Missions and ministry requires money.3. Local churches should seek to be a blessing to missionaries.4. Local churches should be eager to minister to the poor and those in need, especially believers.5. Gentile Christians should keep a proper perspective on the Jewish people.6. We should be earnestly praying for our missionaries. 7. Everything we do is for the glory of God.

  Hebrews: Many have been taught that the writer of this epistle addressed it to the Body of Christ, which of course, consists of some Jewish believers but mostly of Gentile Christians. In this verse-by-verse study, Bob Enyart takes the controversial stand that this is actually the epistle to the Hebrews. A crucial issue for those who seek to "rightly divide the word of truth", as the Bible commands us to do, is to understand what has changed regarding the believer and Israel's law, and what has not. So importantly, Hebrews teaches us: "For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law." Pastor Bob works through the book, chapter by chapter, asking God for the wisdom needed to rightly divide and to know what it is that the Lord has for us today!        MP3-CD or MP3 download   BEL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please consider one of our monthly subscriptions that will not only help support BEL, but they also promote better understanding of the Bible and may equip you to more effectively reach those around you. NEW Monthly Downloads: Enjoy your monthly subscription is download form rather than on disc. Monthly Sermons: Enjoy all of Bob's sermons from the month on Sermon Video DVD, great also to watch with the family. Or, get these on Sermon Audio CDs which are standard audio Compact Discs that will play on any CD player including the one in your car. Or get them on a single Sermon MP3-CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Bible Studies: Enjoy the Scriptures with Bob's Monthly Bible Study DVDs, great too for a small group Bible study. Or get these teachings on a single Monthly Bible Study Audio MP3- CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Topical Videos: Coming to your mailbox, you'll get a Monthly Topical DVD to enjoy one of Bob's great videos specially selected to be entertaining and to teach about life from a biblical worldview.Monthly Best of Bob Shows: Every month our crew selects the eight best BEL shows of the month and for the folks who might have missed some of them, we mail them out on the Best of Bob MP3-CD.Monthly BEL TV Classics: Enjoy Bob Enyart's timeless, popular TV show delivered to your home on the Monthly BEL TV Classics DVDs with great audio and video clarity thanks to our state-of-the-art mastering from the studio-quality Sony beta tapes to DVD!Monthly Donation: For folks who just want to make sure that Bob Enyart Live stays on the air, please consider making a pledge in the form of a Monthly Donation.

  Hebrews: Many have been taught that the writer of this epistle addressed it to the Body of Christ, which of course, consists of some Jewish believers but mostly of Gentile Christians. In this verse-by-verse study, Bob Enyart takes the controversial stand that this is actually the epistle to the Hebrews. A crucial issue for those who seek to "rightly divide the word of truth", as the Bible commands us to do, is to understand what has changed regarding the believer and Israel's law, and what has not. So importantly, Hebrews teaches us: "For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law." Pastor Bob works through the book, chapter by chapter, asking God for the wisdom needed to rightly divide and to know what it is that the Lord has for us today!        MP3-CD or MP3 download   BEL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please consider one of our monthly subscriptions that will not only help support BEL, but they also promote better understanding of the Bible and may equip you to more effectively reach those around you. NEW Monthly Downloads: Enjoy your monthly subscription is download form rather than on disc. Monthly Sermons: Enjoy all of Bob's sermons from the month on Sermon Video DVD, great also to watch with the family. Or, get these on Sermon Audio CDs which are standard audio Compact Discs that will play on any CD player including the one in your car. Or get them on a single Sermon MP3-CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Bible Studies: Enjoy the Scriptures with Bob's Monthly Bible Study DVDs, great too for a small group Bible study. Or get these teachings on a single Monthly Bible Study Audio MP3- CD which will play on an MP3 player, in a DVD player, or in your computer.Monthly Topical Videos: Coming to your mailbox, you'll get a Monthly Topical DVD to enjoy one of Bob's great videos specially selected to be entertaining and to teach about life from a biblical worldview.Monthly Best of Bob Shows: Every month our crew selects the eight best BEL shows of the month and for the folks who might have missed some of them, we mail them out on the Best of Bob MP3-CD.Monthly BEL TV Classics: Enjoy Bob Enyart's timeless, popular TV show delivered to your home on the Monthly BEL TV Classics DVDs with great audio and video clarity thanks to our state-of-the-art mastering from the studio-quality Sony beta tapes to DVD!Monthly Donation: For folks who just want to make sure that Bob Enyart Live stays on the air, please consider making a pledge in the form of a Monthly Donation.

Send us a textWhat if your understanding of salvation is turned on its head? Dive into a captivating exploration of predestination and divine election as we unpack Apostle Paul's teachings from the Book of Ephesians. Join us as we challenge the conventional view of salvation being a result of human initiative and examine the profound notion that it is God who initiates faith in individuals. Through an engaging discussion, we reveal how Paul's message to the Gentile Christians in Ephesus reshapes our understanding of God's sovereignty versus human agency. Listen closely as we navigate through scripture and confront the idea that all things, including salvation and condemnation, are orchestrated according to God's will.Throughout this episode, we traverse through biblical passages from First Peter to First Thessalonians, shedding light on the nature of God's justice and the concept of divine election. By contrasting these beliefs with other religious perspectives emphasizing adherence to the law, we invite you to reassess the effectiveness of such practices in achieving salvation. We delve into the implications of predestination on faith, unraveling the complexities of divine love and justice. Our conversation doesn't shy away from differing interpretations and objections, but rather invites you to reflect on the grand scheme of God's plan. Prepare to be challenged and enlightened as we discuss these profound theological ideas.Funny news, Real Talk & Spiritual Growth - Faith that's honest, Deep & Intentional Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Antisemitism must have no place in our outlook as Christians. Take Paul’s case in Romans 11 to heart. In the Old Testament, the Jews were the centerpiece of God’s redemptive work. Yet when Christ came, they waged war against Him and his disciples and were, on the whole, rejected; and “Through their fall . . . salvation has come to the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:11). If you’re a Gentile Christian today, don’t pridefully despise the Jews, but be thankful God grafted you into the seed of Abraham. And know their rejection is not final, for “when the fulness of the Gentiles is come,” they will be gathered to Him again (Rom. 11:26-28). Sermon: https://churchandfamilylife.com/sermons/6784ac86239f2b3a92efceba

Daily Dose of Hope December 31 AND January 1, 2024 Day 3 & 4 of Week 40   Scripture: Jeremiah 17-20, 22-23, 26; Psalm 77; James 1-2 Happy New Year, everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve.  Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope.  I realize that I am a day behind on the devotional.  Thus, I am combining the devotional/podcasts for day 3 and 4 of this week.    Our Old Testament reading is in Jeremiah once again.  In chapter 17, Jeremiah is again bringing God's message of condemnation to the people.  They are sinful, trusting in humans rather than God, and not keeping the law.    In chapter 18, God has Jeremiah go to the potter's house where the potter is manipulating the clay; in fact, the clay was marred by the potter's own hands.  God makes the point that he could and would do the same to Judah.  Of course, the people aren't thrilled with this kind of prophecy so they speak out against Jeremiah, who in turn goes to the Lord with a poem of lament.    In response, God has Jeremiah go get a clay jar from the potter.  God has the prophet be very clear with the people.  Because of their sin and disobedience, God will smash the nation of Judah.  And then Jeremiah literally smashes the jar.  He certainly makes the point well.  God then has Jeremiah continue to prophecy disaster.    Again, this does not make Jeremiah very popular.  A temple priest even has Jeremiah beaten for his prophecy.  Jeremiah goes back to God in despair.  He seems to vacillate between complaining and wanting vengeance.  As we read these chapters, I can't help but feel somewhat sorry for Jeremiah.  He is being obedient but things are not easy.    I'm not sure why the reading plan has us skipping some chapters, except that we will go back to them in the coming days.  I'm guessing this is about reading the chapters in chronological order rather than the order they were placed in the book.  The remaining chapters for today are more details of destruction.  It's coming soon.   Our New Testament reading is from the book of James.  Let's start with the first chapter.  The author of this letter is James, the brother of Jesus, who was a leader in the early church in Jerusalem. He addresses it to the twelve tribes dispersed among the nations, so this would include the Jewish community who are now dispersed in the nations around Palestine. Gentile Christians may also be included but this isn't clear.   James doesn't appear to have a specific progression to his letter; he does hop from topic to topic, covering a lot of ground, mostly concerned with matters that will affect the strength and integrity of the listeners' faith.   Now, let's look at verses 19-21, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...” The power of the tongue is a dangerous thing. Haven't we seen this over and over again? We find commands to control the tongue throughout wisdom literature. In fact, lack of control over our speech almost always leads to issues. There is a definite connection between looseness of speech and anger. Maybe unresolved anger is the root of gossip and angry speech. But let's be clear, a wagging tongue is almost never a good thing.   The verses continue, “...human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” In this case, we might think of righteousness as that which meets God's approval or even the way of doing life for which God approves. Basically, anger leads to the kinds of things which displease God. Period. But there's more. Because of all that stuff we just talked about, “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” Get rid of your old way of doing life that is so rampant in the world and put on your new life like a new set of clothes, your new life in Christ.   My mind immediately goes to 2 Cor. 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and makes a home within us and we literally become new people. We are transformed from the inside out. James seems to be saying that with these new lives, we have to be so careful and aware of the words that come out of our mouths. We don't want to displease God. I might also add, nor do we want to damage the Kingdom. How much damage has been done, how many people have been turned off, because a Christ-follower said an ugly word, gossiped about someone, or demonstrated anger in an unhealthy way? Too much damage, my dear friends, way too much damage. Let's all say “enough is enough” and commit to restraining our tongues.   Let's move on to James 2.  Faith without works is dead. We've probably all heard this more than a few times. But what does it mean? James is very concerned that those around him view faith merely as a verbal confession. He considers this faith to be useless. Rather, true faith always leads us to some kind of actions that are a reflection of that faith. Let's be clear; James is not saying that people are saved by their works. Absolutely not! We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Only our faith in Jesus Christ saves. But, if we truly are Jesus-followers, then there should be some substance to our belief. That should lead to some behavior change, that should inform how we treat people and how we live our lives. We must walk the walk as well as talk the talk.   Ultimately, God knows our hearts. How is it with your soul today? Are you walking the walk as well as talking the talk?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Shalom Aleikhem, my dear listeners, believer and nonbeliver alike! Welcome back to another blog post of #FindingHyerGround - Messianic Jewish Perspectives on Modern Day Events - a Spotify for Podcasters publication now streaming on all major platforms and bringing the Good News of Salvation through Messiah Yeshua to 28 countries including Uzbekistan

Today, we delve into the intersection of faith, tradition, and cultural identity as explored in the book of Romans as the message focuses on the unwavering nature of Jesus Christ amidst political and social turmoil, drawing parallels between the ancient Roman context and modern-day challenges. Pastor Dan explores how the Apostle Paul addressed the cultural and religious tensions among Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome, urging them to prioritize faith over tradition. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own spiritual journey, examining whether they are "culturally Christian" or truly living a life of faith. The episode emphasizes the importance of patience, compassion, and community, encouraging believers to embrace their role as ambassadors for Christ, both within the church and in the wider world. Join Pastor Dan as he challenges us to see each other through the eyes of Christ, fostering a church community that is welcoming, nurturing, and ever-growing in faith.

As we move into Galatians chapter 2 with our sermon series “Undivided,” Mandy Fowler and Lead Pastor Ken Nash discuss the significance of Peter refusing to eat with the Gentile Christians and how we can apply this to ourselves today. 

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of Saint Luke, evangelist Lectionary: 661The Saint of the day is Saint LukeSaint Luke's Story Luke wrote one of the major portions of the New Testament, a two-volume work comprising the third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. In the two books he shows the parallel between the life of Christ and that of the Church. He is the only Gentile Christian among the Gospel writers. Tradition holds him to be a native of Antioch, and Paul calls him “our beloved physician.” His Gospel was probably written between 70 and 85 A.D. Luke appears in Acts during Paul's second journey, remains at Philippi for several years until Paul returns from his third journey, accompanies Paul to Jerusalem, and remains near him when he is imprisoned in Caesarea. During these two years, Luke had time to seek information and interview persons who had known Jesus. He accompanied Paul on the dangerous journey to Rome where he was a faithful companion. Luke's unique character may best be seen by the emphases of his Gospel, which has been given a number of subtitles:1) The Gospel of Mercy2) The Gospel of Universal Salvation3) The Gospel of the Poor4) The Gospel of Absolute Renunciation5) The Gospel of Prayer and the Holy Spirit6) The Gospel of Joy Reflection Luke wrote as a Gentile for Gentile Christians. His Gospel and Acts of the Apostles reveal his expertise in classic Greek style as well as his knowledge of Jewish sources. There is a warmth to Luke's writing that sets it apart from that of the other synoptic Gospels, and yet it beautifully complements those works. The treasure of the Scriptures is a true gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. Saint Luke is the Patron Saint of: Artists/PaintersBrewersButchersNotariesPhysicians/Surgeons Click here for more on Saint Luke! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Send us a textEver wondered why following all 613 Mosaic laws is considered impossible, and what Paul meant by describing reliance on these laws as a curse? Discover the profound insights from Galatians 3:10 as we explore the complex relationship between Old Testament laws and modern Christianity. Through vivid examples we unravel the impracticality of selective adherence and the danger of legalism. We also tackle the challenge early Gentile Christians faced when pressured to adopt Jewish laws, highlighting Paul's passionate argument against such imposition and the true freedom found in embracing the "law of Christ," where love takes precedence over rigid rule-keeping. Whether you're a seasoned believer or simply curious, this episode promises to leave you with new insights and a deeper appreciation for the message of Galatians and the liberty found in Christ.Support the show

Today's discussion centered around why Paul made such a big deal about the issue of circumcision among Gentile Christians. Ultimately, Paul's concern was with interpreting Scripture/the Old Testament correctly. We concluded by talking about practical implications from Paul's argument in this day and age. 

In Acts 15, we see Paul and Barnabas in sharp dispute with the Jerusalem Pharisee Christians, who insist that all new Gentile Christians must be circumcised. Paul blows up at this, and thus, the showdown we call The Jerusalem Council. Is baptism the new circumcision?

St. Paul reminds the Gentile Christians of the terrible way of life that they walked when they lived under idolatry. Such a life was nothing but futility, darkness, ignorance, impurity, and hardness of heart. Instead, now they have received Christ and His truth. Baptized into Him, they have put off the old self, that is, the sinful nature. Through the work of the Spirit, their minds are renewed and they put on the new self, created after the image of God in His righteousness.  Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ephesians 4:17-24.  "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle to the Ephesians. St. Paul highlights the salvation that God has given to His whole Church by His grace through faith. Because God has given His people this new life in Holy Baptism, we live in thanksgiving to Him as members of one body. 

Every year, on the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av, the Jewish people mourn the loss of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, along with a host of other tragedies that occurred on that same day throughout its history. Why would getting one step closer to its rebuilding instigate a war between Hamas and Israel? What is so important about this ancient building that would prompt a Gentile Christian from Texas to devote his life's work to researching and teaching the world about the Temple? Joseph Good is a pioneer in the modern Messianic movement and one of the world's leading experts on the Holy Temple. If you have ever wondered why the Torah would devote such extensive space to describing the building of the Tabernacle and what prompted David and Solomon to build a Temple and the Babylonian exiles to rebuild it, this episode is for you. – Episode Topics – 0:00 Introducing Joseph Good, leading expert on the Temple. 1:58 A debut on Christian Television. 5:34 Passover Seder research sparked a lifetime of study. 14:43 How a 1967 paratrooper started the Temple Institute. 17:52 A Gentile's contributions to Jerusalem Temple research. 20:15 Current status of rebuilding the Temple. 24:58 Why is the location of the Temple important? 35:15 Why would a red bovine prompt Hamas to attack Israel? 38:16 What are we missing by the absence of a Temple? 42:17 Why would a Christian want to see the Temple rebuilt? 47:02 The key to understanding end-times prophecy – Episode Resources – Sacrifices from a Messianic Jewish Perspective https://ffoz.store/products/what-about-the-sacrifices Jerusalem Temple Study https://jerusalemtemplestudy.com/ Second Temple App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/second-temple/id1489392068 Hatikva Ministries https://www.facebook.com/HatikvaMinistries/ Joseph Good on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@hatikvaministries6566 Rosh HaShanah and the Messianic Kingdom to Come https://www.amazon.com/Rosh-HaShanah-Messianic-Kingdom-Come/dp/1976181461 Measure the Pattern https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Pattern-structures-surrounding-Courtyard/dp/1073761096 Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine. This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (http://JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

The salvation by grace through faith in Christ is not only for Jews; it is for Gentiles as well. St. Paul especially reminds the Gentile Christians in Ephesus that although they had once been far away from God, they have now been brought near in Christ. Where once there had been division between Jew and Gentile, now there is peace, for Christ has died to reconcile sinners to God. Through Jesus, all who trust in Him have access to God and are joined into the one holy Christian and apostolic Church. Christ is the cornerstone of His Church, and He builds us together into the dwelling place of God.  Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ephesians 2:11-22.   "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle to the Ephesians. St. Paul highlights the salvation that God has given to His whole Church by His grace through faith. Because God has given His people this new life in Holy Baptism, we live in thanksgiving to Him as members of one body.