Podcasts about gentile christians

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

Two esteemed friends (vv. 12–14) epaphras, the man with a single passion that they might be mature. It is generally accepted that Epaphras was the pastor of the church at Colosse and its founder; Paul identifies him as ‘one of you' (cf. 1:7). He also planted the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis and was now in Rome visiting Paul in prison to take advice about the situation in the church in Colosse. His heart was warm towards his friends back in Colosse and his prayers were fervent and specific on their behalf. He was praying that they might ‘stand perfect and complete in all the will of God' (v. 12). He was a man of prayer. How he prayed. The phrase ‘labouring fervently' speaks of him wrestling and striving in prayer. The same Greek is used in 1:29 of a man toiling at work until he is thoroughly weary, and in 1 Corinthians 9:25 of an athlete determined to win the race. We get the English word ‘agonizing' from it. In 1 Timothy 6:12 it describes the soldier fighting for his life on the battlefield. True intercessory prayer demands self-sacrifice, dedication and determination. What he prayed. ‘That you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God' (v. 12). There was need for them to grow up spiritually and be mature in the things of Christ, remaining firm in the truth. Paul preaches to achieve it (1:28) and Epaphras prays for it to be so. The word ‘perfect' (teleioi) means ‘to finish the process'. There is, in New Testament religion, such a thing as progressive sanctification: an increase in holiness and the possibility of growing into a deeper love for God, Christ and the brethren (see Phil. 3:12–15). The Colossians are complete positionally (2:10) but here the will of God is in view so that they will be able to resist the ‘spoilers” errors (cf. 1:9). Epaphras prays that they will persevere in the faith, in accordance with the will of God, and that their commitment to the truth in Christ Jesus their Lord will continue. luke, the man with a special talent who is the author of the third Gospel and the book of Acts. He was a companion of Paul during his missionary journeys and accompanied him to Jerusalem and during his dangerous journey to Rome (Acts 16:10–17; 20:6–16, 21, 27–28; 27:1–8—note the ‘we' references). Luke, a Gentile Christian, probably hailed from Antioch. He was a medical doctor and as such was a very valuable travelling companion to Paul and his team. Luke is called the ‘beloved physician' and when we remember what Paul said in 2 Corinthians about his health problems, which he called ‘a thorn in the flesh' (2 Cor. 12:7), there can be no doubt that Luke was of great help to him personally. Besides this, Luke has proved to be a historian of highest quality. His account of the historical Jesus is on a par with the other Gospel writers, and his history of the beginnings of Christianity in the book of Acts is unsurpassed. What he has written has proved, over two millennia, to be very reliable indeed. One endangered soul (v. 14b) demas, the man with a sad future  is something of an enigma. As part of Paul's missionary team he proved to be a valuable helper, but we remember him most because of what Paul wrote of him in 2 Timothy. He is listed there among many of the same companions found in Colossians 4, but here Timothy is told ‘Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world' (2 Tim. 4:10). This was not only a physical but also a spiritual separation. He had succumbed to worldliness. This reminds us of the Parable of the Sower and the consequences of the seed not falling on ‘good ground' (Luke 8:4–15). Sadly, in the New Testament there is no record of his restoration. This is a reminder that Christians need to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Those who received greetings (vv. 15–17) Nymphas or possibly Nympha a woman (v. 15) Having brought greetings from his companions, Paul now requests that his words be passed on: ‘Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and Nymphas.' The church in Laodicea, or part of it, met in the house of Nymphas. We have no other information about him but can assume that he willingly supported the growing church in his own town and offered it hospitality. This reminds us that the early church met in private homes (Acts 12:12; 16:40), with the church in Colosse meeting in the house of Philemon (Philem. 2). The Epistle to the Colossians is also sent to the church that meets at Laodicea, so that the message could be shared as an act of Christian friendship and evangelism (v. 16). Is this an example of consecutive preaching in the early church? At the very least we see the gathered church hearing and meditating on the Word of God (see Acts 20:7). The Laodiceans (vv. 15–16) What is ‘the epistle from Laodicea'? Is it: A letter written from Laodicea? John Calvin supported this view, which was first mooted in the fourth or fifth century A.D. A letter written by Paul from Laodicea and now lost? The letter written and sent by Paul to Philemon? If Philemon lived in Colosse, this would be unlikely. The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians? This theory has many advocates but lacks conclusive proof. A letter written by Paul to Laodicea written at the same time as this epistle but now lost? If we remember that Tychicus would need to travel through Laodicea to go to Colosse it would seem strange that there was no letter from Paul. Why leave Laodicea out? Not all of Paul's letters have been preserved (see, for example, 1 Cor. 5:9). There is an apocryphal Epistle to the Laodiceans which was made between A.D. 300 and 400 to fill in the gap in the manuscripts, but by the eighth century it was ‘rejected by all' (Jerome). There is the possibility that there was no letter at all! If there was, why the greetings in v. 15? None of the above throws any doubt on the doctrine of the inerrancy of Scripture. Archippus (v. 17) Archippus was a member of the church in Colosse. Some think he was the son of Philemon and Apphia. Paul speaks to him directly, as he must faithfully discharge the ministry he has received ‘in the Lord'. Archippus was given: a personal message: ‘take heed'. At the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, Lord Nelson is said to have told his sailors and marines that ‘England expects every man to do his duty'; this is no less true of the Lord of the churches. The Lord Jesus Christ expects all believers to do their duty by discharging the ministry given to them, whether in preaching, teaching, leading or serving in the local church. All the believers' talents are to be fully utilized in the service of Christ (Matt. 25:14–30). This was the same exhortation which Paul gave to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:16). a public message: ‘Take heed to the ministry you have received in the Lord'. This exhortation was given in support of Archippus and the ministry he was called by God to discharge. What was this ministry? Perhaps he was the elder in charge while Epaphras was gone (as some suggest), or one of the body of elders and deacons? Whatever it was, he could not run from his responsibility now that Paul had so openly spoken of it! The Lord expects us to do his will when vows have been made. a pointed message: ‘fulfil it'. Archippus obviously needed this exhortation, but why? Had he lost heart (2 Cor. 4:1, 16)? Had he lost his love for the brethren? Had he found the office to which he was called too demanding, and did he now want to relinquish it? We just do not know. But we can be sure that the Holy Spirit meant him to hear this. God wanted him to complete the work he had received from Christ his Lord. Final thoughts (v. 18) Remember Paul's chains Paul's custom was to dictate his letters (Rom. 16:22; Gal. 6:11) and then write a few words of greeting with his own hand at the end to give authentication (2 Thes. 3:17; 1 Cor. 16:21). Because the letter is written by Paul, it is authoritative for faith and practice in the churches. He reminds the Colossians of his ‘chains'. This is a very human touch that indicates his need for prayer support. Those in the service of Jesus Christ are not immune to hardship or injustice in a fallen world. Suffering is ordained by God for believers (Job 2; Gen. 39:6–21; 2 Tim. 3:12), our Saviour being the chief example of this (Isa. 53:7–8). Paul knows that prayer will help (2 Cor. 1:11). Daily grace ‘Grace be with you.' Paul began with grace (1:2) and ends with it. We start the Christian life because of God's grace freely given (Eph. 2:8) and we require it until the end of the journey. Paul speaks to all the Colossian believers (the pronoun ‘you' is plural). They need grace to keep them from falling under the control of the ‘spoilers', and to keep them strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Grace is necessary to do God's will, fulfil his work and live holy lives. Christ promises grace right to the end (Matt. 28:20; 2 Cor. 12:9). ‘Amen' is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word meaning ‘surely', from the root meaning ‘to be firm'. It is used to express agreement (Deut. 27:15; 1 Kings 1:36) and is the expression of agreement used by the churches (1 Cor. 14:16; Rev. 5:14). It means ‘So let it be'. It is also translated as ‘verily' in the AV, ‘most assuredly' in the NKJV and ‘I tell you the truth' in the NIV (cf. John 3:16).[1]        Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?              John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.               “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32             Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.              hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F             The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

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.

Visiting speaker Graham Webb of Jubilee Church Liverpool on how the church should be a diverse body: young and old, black and white, rich and poor, cautious and risk-taking. Why? Because God brings together people who think and live differently, and that is a strength, not a weakness. Graham looks at Romans 14, which recounts how the early church in Rome faced conflicts over dietary laws and Sabbath observance between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Rather than argue, Paul urged believers to accept one another, recognising that each person stands before God, not one another. What should we learn from this? Don't judge. Whether someone eats meat or not, or worships on Saturday or Sunday, we are not to condemn but to encourage.The post Graham Webb: Unity in diversity first appeared on Jubilee Church Wirral.

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

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. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 - 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-Up Using 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 Church Introduction to 1 Peter 1:1–2 and the foundational truth that believers are God's chosen people. 07:00 - Chosen by God Through Christ Peter's radical claim: Gentile Christians are just as chosen as Israel once was - because of Jesus. 09:30 - The Power of Gathering Together Visualising the church as “red dots,” we are few but significant. Gathering strengthens our identity and faith. 12:00 - Living as Foreigners in the World Exploring the meaning of being “foreigners” or “temporary residents” and how that affects Christian living. 14:00 - Scattered with Purpose: Our Frontlines Whether 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 Challenge Live without complaining or arguing and hold to the Word of Life - our everyday mission. 18:00 - Our Distinct Story Why Christians must live differently - not just attend church or wear uniforms - but reflect Jesus in lifestyle. 20:00 - Gathered and Scattered: Our Calling The 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 #ChristianEncouragement

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. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 - 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-Up Using 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 Church Introduction to 1 Peter 1:1–2 and the foundational truth that believers are God's chosen people. 07:00 - Chosen by God Through Christ Peter's radical claim: Gentile Christians are just as chosen as Israel once was - because of Jesus. 09:30 - The Power of Gathering Together Visualising the church as “red dots,” we are few but significant. Gathering strengthens our identity and faith. 12:00 - Living as Foreigners in the World Exploring the meaning of being “foreigners” or “temporary residents” and how that affects Christian living. 14:00 - Scattered with Purpose: Our Frontlines Whether 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 Challenge Live without complaining or arguing and hold to the Word of Life - our everyday mission. 18:00 - Our Distinct Story Why Christians must live differently - not just attend church or wear uniforms - but reflect Jesus in lifestyle. 20:00 - Gathered and Scattered: Our Calling The 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 #ChristianEncouragement

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. 

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. 

God's grace, though freely given, is intolerant of self-righteous religiosity, hypocrisy, ethnocentrism, and self-sufficiency, as exemplified by Paul's confrontation of Peter for discouraging fellowship between Jewish and Gentile Christians in Antioch.For the study resources and manuscript go to VBVF.ORG

WEEK FOUR: GOSPEL TRUTH Week 4: Galatians 2:11–21 Even the esteemed Peter, a pillar of the early church, wasn't immune to missteps. As Paul continues his letter to the Galatian churches, he recounts an incident where Peter distanced himself from Gentile Christians for reasons of ceremonial purity. Paul uses this incident to highlight that our salvation comes not through our own actions or external religiosity, but only through faith in the sacrifice of Christ.

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?

Daily Dose of Hope September 2, 2024 Day 2 of Week 23   Scripture:  Proverbs 6-7; Psalm 7; Romans 11   Happy Monday and Happy Labor Day!  Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  I do hope you get a break from labor today.  Regardless, spend some time reflecting on how God is at work in your life and our church.    We are starting today with Proverbs 6 and 7.  Solomon is again sharing wisdom to his “son” which may also refer to his students.  In chapter 6, the first part of the chapter deals with laziness, specifically being lazy in financial dealings and also being lazy in general.  Don't be careless with money.  Also, don't expect things to come to you without hard work.  A lot of this seems like common sense but it's really, really important stuff.  Both being foolish with money or being lazy and not taking advantage of the opportunities God presents can lead to poverty.  We will definitely see this theme of self-responsibility in these chapters.    Later in chapter 6 and in chapter 7, there are warnings against adultery or more specifically, the adulterous women.  I used to scoff at these verses, because women are singled out.  This didn't make a lot of sense to me, as women had so little control over their lives at the time.  The chance of them seeking out an adulterous relationship was pretty slim.  But I think we need to look at these examples in a broader context.  Yes, adultery is bad for both women and men.  But adultery is often used in Scripture to describe sin in general.  When they speak of adultery, think of all sinful temptations, anything that could lead to ruin.  This could include adultery, but also addiction, abuse, pornography, financial deception, gambling, violence, gossip, the list goes on and on.  All sin has consequences but there are certain sinful behaviors that can lead to total destruction of our lives.   Next, we move on to Psalm 7.   This is another psalm of lament written by King David.  In it, David is asking God to save him from the vicious attacks of his enemies.  He claims that he is innocent and doesn't deserve this treatment.  Because of his innocence, he asks God to provide justice.  This isn't just David being really mad and wanting God to punish those he doesn't like; David is rather affirming something about God's character – that he a just and good judge.  It ends with David praising and thanking God for his righteousness.  It's basically saying that anyone who sees these attributes of God (his justice, his kindness, his goodness, his perfection, and his righteousness), will inevitably worship him.  How can one not worship a God who is such a just judge and righteous lawmaker?   Our New Testament passage is Romans 11.  Paul is stating that because Israel rejected the Gospel, the Gentiles had the opportunity to receive it.  Interestingly, Paul says that the salvation of the Gentiles was meant to instill a desire in the Jews for the same amazing gift.  But that didn't necessarily happen.  At the same time, the Gentiles really didn't do anything to make the Jews jealous of this gift.  Think about it, Gentile Christians throughout the centuries have had the opportunity to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with Jews, to demonstrate the abundant life that comes by walking closely with Jesus.  While that may have happened occasionally, more often we see Jews treated with persecution, oppression, and violence.    Do you have any Jews in your sphere of influence or circle of friends?  What are their thoughts of Jesus?  Spend some time right now praying for their salvation and how God might be calling you to share the story of Jesus with them.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Sunday, August 25, 2024 - Daniel Ausbun preaching from Acts 10:1-33

Vladimir challenges us as Gentile Christians to share our faith with Jewish unbelievers, making them jealous of what we have in Yeshua. Why? We were offered salvation after His own refused His generous offer. Still He loves them dearly.

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.

As we complete reading Paul's letter to the Romans we note his point that “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” [15 v.4]  “The Scriptures” are, of course, the Old Testament.  Paul wanted the Gentile Christian converts in Rome to realize these Jewish scrolls are now for them as well.  Those who claim to follow Christ today need to realize this too – many think they only need the New Testament, or at most, only the Psalms and Proverbs. One particular reason that Paul gives is the examples of “endurance” in the service of God will give them encouragement and hope.  He writes, ”may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another …”  [v.5]  When the world around us is godless and falling apart because there is no unifying spirit of faith and vision, it is more important than ever for true believers to be in harmony and to be a source of strength to each other. How desperate the situation of Jeremiah is becoming! His faith is now undergoing greater tests.  We read today how “the priests and the (false) prophets said … ‘This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against this city …” [26 v,11] Jeremiah is an outstanding example of endurance for us. In our 2 Samuel 23 reading we have “the last words of David … the sweet psalmist of Israel” [v.1].  He says, “The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue. [v.2]  What words we have in his and other Psalms to give us “encouragement” in order to endure. Although not tested at present as Jeremiah was; we know a few that are which we must remember in prayer, but we must not turn to prayer as a last resort as the final king in Jerusalem did,  sending to Jeremiah an urgent message “Please pray for us to the LORD ..” [37 v.3], but it was too late. Returning to our chapter in Romans we notice how Paul selects 4 different quotations from the Old Testament (v.9 to 12) which all relate to what was written under God's inspiration about the involvement of the Gentiles.  The time had now arrived for them to “glorify God for his mercy.” [v.9] Paul had been previously blind to the significance of these Scriptures.  Let us not be blind “to whatever was written in former days” – for as this world becomes even more unstable we will need all the encouragement and spiritual strength the Scriptures provide – remember Jesus said, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” [Matt. 24 v.13]

Tonite June 11 begins the Feast of Shavuot through June 13. This is the 6th of Sivan on the Hebrew calender -a time where God calls the Jewish people to covenant relationship with Him through the Torah in Exodus 19 and 20. It is also a time where He calls Messianic Believers and Gentile Christians to receive power from the Holy Spirit through baptism by fire in Acts 2. When God calls His people to Mt Sinai , He is saying you will be “My People” and they agree to hear and follow the Holy Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:22-23 reads, “And the LORD said unto Moses, “Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.”A covenant begins which means a type of marriage or union occurs between God and the Israelites- they become one and now the Israelites have a relationship with one who covers them in His mantle ! This same thing happens in the New Testament when Jesus tells His disciples to go to Upper room and wait for the Holy Spirit to come and fire comes forth that they receive His Holy Spirit as a seal of redemption and Yeshua becomes one with the people and again they are mantled by God in His covering!This week He is calling us to come and Be One with Him and receive our identity as His people wearing His splendor and majesty! We are called to consecrate ourselves before receiving such a blessing that will empower us to go forth and carry His word and Spirit in the earth! It is time for a fresh fire touch and a renewed commitment to Be One With Him as He Mantles Us in His covenant glory ! This is a heavy mantle as it means we must leave behind the world and its idols and vow not to have other gods before Him!Assess yourself today and let these false attachments go and receive a new identity in Him as you move forward in the Kingdom of God in the earth. Repent today and ask His forgiveness and receive a fresh touch for a new start as His Holy Son or Daughter Mantled in His glory - carrying His blessing in the earth!Feast of Shavuot or Pentecost is HERE and it's time for your Pentecost offering in accordance with Deuteronomy 16:16-18. Consider giving today to this ministry as God leads. https://candicesmithyman.com/partnership/Do you want to be trained as good disciples or biblical life coach ? Do you need to experience transformation in your souls so you can be the best God is calling you to be. Go to www.dreammentors.orgYou have a week to sign up for our next Ascension class -Maximize Your Prophetic Potential monthly class. Next class is Tuesday June 18 at 10 am or 6 pm EST. You can choose which one. Click here https://dream-mentors-transformational-life-coaching.teachable.com/p/maximize-your-prophetic-potential-course1/?preview=logged_outPut in discount code SA1 for $30 each month and join Candice Live Zoom!Get a copy of Dr Candice new book “365 Prophetic Revelations from Hebrew Calender”-https://amzn.to/4aQYoR0

Send us a Text Message.The idea of “one law for both Israel and the foreigner” appears four times in the Torah. Does this mean Gentiles were under the entire law? We look at each passage to discover the answer. My hope is that this will help us respond more biblically the next time a Torah-keeper cites these verses to argue this issue. I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone quote the verse “There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns with you” (Exodus 12:49) and use this to somehow support the idea that Gentile Christians today are under the Old Covenant law. The idea is that even under the Old Covenant, Gentiles were fully under the law, so the same must be true about  the New Covenant. That there is one law, and we are all under it. There are a number of problems with this line of logic, starting with the fact that that verse does not mean what they think it means. Defending the Biblical Roots of ChristianityOur websiteOur YouTube ChannelProf. Solberg's BlogSupport our Ministry (Thank you!)Chapters00:00 Intro03:57 Exodus 12:4908:44 Leviticus 24:2214:42 Numbers 15:1618:45 NUmbers 15:2926:52 Wrap it up, Solberg

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”. What is this ‘peace' that Jesus is encouraging us to ‘make'? And in particular, what does it look like to cultivate this kind of peace within a Christian community? Join us in Ephesians to hear how Paul encouraged the Jew and Gentile Christians in Ephesus to unify and foster this harmonious peace, despite their cultural differences.

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the momentous events of Acts 10, the story of the 1st Gentile to be baptized, and how much more is in Scripture than we might first realize. Acts 10: 34a, 37-43 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+10%3A+34-+43&version=NCB) ====== Have a comment about this podcast? Contact us! Click To Learn More About ACTS XXIX (https://www.actsxxix.org/)

First Fruits of Zion teaches that the whole Bible, including the Law of Moses, that is, the Torah given to the Jewish people, has relevance and practical application for Gentile Christians. Some Messianic Jews disagree; they argue that the Torah is for Jews only. Today's guests, FFOZ Senior Educator Aaron Eby and Director of Torah Club Damian Eisner are here to challenge the idea that the Torah has nothing to say to Gentiles. – Episode Highlights – Terms are confusing if they are not well-defined. Many people stumble on the Jewish Jesus online but many times the source of the information they stumble on is what we would call Hebrew Roots. First Fruits of Zion is part of Messianic Judaism, and there are some important distinctions. The community of faith is composed of both Jews and Gentiles. But despite us being “one in Messiah,” First Fruits of Zion believes that it is important to maintain our unique identities. Why do we think so, and how do we advise Jews and Gentiles to avoid blurring the lines of distinction? Acts 15 documents an important time in the life of the apostles when they decided on the course of faith for Gentiles who were coming to faith in the Jewish Messiah. What does this passage teach about Jewish and Gentile obligations to the Law? The Sabbath and the Jewish festivals are full of richness in meaning and blessing. What does the remembrance and observance of the Sabbath and the other biblical holidays look like for Jewish people, and what would they look like for a Gentile disciple? – Chapters – 00:00 Welcome to Messiah Podcast. 02:05 First Fruits of Zion is a Messianic Jewish organization, not Hebrew Roots. 13:08 What is distinction theology? 20:00 The apostles' expectation of Gentile disciples. 25:22 Interpreting Acts 15 and Acts 21 and the four prohibitions for Gentile disciples. 29:38 The synagogue has always been a place for Gentiles to learn about the God of Israel. 40:43 What does the distinction between Jewish and Gentile observance of the Sabbath look like? 55:51 How can Gentiles interface with and observe Jewish holidays like Passover and Tabernacles? 01:04:51 Is 1 Corinthians 5:8 an invitation to Gentiles to celebrate Passover? 01:11:34 A biblical model for do's and don'ts for Gentiles. 01:15:23 Gentiles are adopted to be part of the family of God. 01:20:32 First Fruits of Zion does not subscribe to what is commonly known as “one law theology.” – Episode Resources – Restoration: Returning the Torah of Moses to the Disciples of Jesus https://ffoz.store/products/restoration-book From Sabbath to Sabbath: Returning the Holy Sabbath to the Disciples of Jesus. https://ffoz.store/products/from-sabbath-to-sabbath-book The Holy Days: Returning the Biblical Festivals to the Disciples of Jesus. https://ffoz.store/products/the-holy-days-book 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.