Podcasts about gentile romans

Topics: Universalism, Inclusionism, Choosing to Believe, The Role of Evangelism, Warnings About Hell, Misuse of 1 John 2:2, Reconciliation and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Revelation 3:20 and Free Will, Salvation by Grace Through Faith – Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16 and Belief, The Ministry of Reconciliation, Romans 1 and God's Revelation Through Creation, The Danger of Out-of-Context Verses, Hebrews 3:15 and Hardened Hearts, Acts 26:17-18 and Evangelistic Calling, The Need for Personal Faith, John 14:9 and Jesus as God, God Is Love – 1 John 4:8, The Fate of Those Who Haven't Heard, God's Witness in Creation – Romans 1:20, Ecclesiastes 3:11 and Eternity in the Heart, The Law Versus Faith – Romans 10:4, Abraham's Credited Righteousness – Romans 4:3, Rahab's Faith – Hebrews 11:31, God's Forbearance – Romans 3:25, Jesus' Retroactive Blood, No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile – Romans 3:22, Destruction Versus Eternal Hell – Matthew 25:41, Seated in Heaven – Ephesians 2:6, Children and the Kingdom – Matthew 19:14, David and His Baby – 2 Samuel 12:23, The Identity of Christ – John 1:1 and Revelation 22:13, Believing by Witness of Creation, The Urgency of Sharing the GospelSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

January 10, 2025Today's Reading: Romans 2:28-29Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32; Ezekiel 19:1-24:27; Romans 2:17-29“For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” (Romans 2:28-29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law and thereby redeem all peoples, Jew and Gentile alike. This was plain enough to the early church from the Holy Scriptures, the teachings of the Apostles, and the very words of Jesus Himself. But the Christ came “first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). So did Gentile converts first need to become Jews in order to become Christians? Did they need to learn all 613 Mitzvot? Adopt Second Temple-style worship, dress, and cultural norms? Did Baptism truly impart new life and freedom from sin, or merely bring one into a new legal covenant? The Law was the teacher of God's chosen people for centuries; it demanded outward righteousness. What part did it play now? Some in the church abused the Law, lording worldly power over Gentile converts. The true Lord, however, charged us not to lord power over the other members of His body (Matthew 20:25-28). The church of Christ is not some cultural country club; it is truly catholic (universal). The Christian is called by the Holy Spirit, enlightened, sanctified, and kept in the true faith through the gospel. In other words, we are Christians not because of our own outward works or cultural heritage but because of the inner workings of Christ in our hearts.St. Paul makes this abundantly clear in his letter to the Romans. While many of God's people considered themselves generally upright and to have made proper atonement for their sins, the fact remained: all failed to uphold His Law in their hearts. All except one: Jesus Christ. He has fulfilled the Law, accomplishing what no sinful human being ever could through circumcision nor any other outward work. For this, He received no praise from men. Instead, He was crucified–given as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of all people. Praise be to God for the salvation accomplished by Him! Salvation is now for all who trust in Him. It is yours, not through works, but by faith! “No temple now, no gift of price, No priestly round of sacrifice, Retain their ancient pow'rs. As shadows fade before the sun The day of sacrifice is done, The day of grace is ours.” (LSB 530:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect L11, adapted)-Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

The English noun gospel comes from the Anglo-Saxon term godspell, meaning "glad tidings." It is translated from the Greek evangelion, which means "good message." Originally, the word was related to news of military triumph. –https://www.gotquestions.org/gospel-good-news.htmlWhile mainstream Christianity has a relatively narrow definition or view of the Good News, e.g., limited to the New Testament and only relating to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a broader, more scriptural perspective exists that is less taught, if taught at all.Didn't the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others preach good news? What was their good news about?If the Good News is only about the death, burial, and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua, why did He teach and preach about it? What did He say is the Good News?Is the Good News about the Messiah, or is it of the Messiah?As is his usual practice, Rabbi Steve Berkson brings a more profound understanding to this topic by allowing scripture to define itself just as he has done in his other teachings.• Opener• Review• Romans 2:16 – Key verse• Romans 2:1-5 – The animosity between the Jew and Gentile• Romans 2:6-7 – According to your works?• Romans 2:8 – Obey the truth?• Obedience to the Torah is required for this… (John 14:14)• Can you handle the Truth?• Romans 2:8-12 – The Jew and Gentile are treated the same • Romans 2:13 – Not the hearers, but the doers• Romans 2:14-16 – When the Gentiles do Torah?• Romans 10:15-16 – The Good News of peace and good• Romans 10:1-4 – Messiah is the goal?• Romans 10:5-8 – If you do, you shall live (Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 30:11-20)• Romans 10:9-13 – Believe, confess, and trust unto righteousness• Romans 10:14-16 – Who can believe unless they hear and obey? (Isaiah 52:1-7; Isaiah 53:1-11; Isaiah 52:9-15)• Romans 10:19 – Israel is provoked to jealousy?• Romans 11:1-4 – Israel rejected?• Romans 11:28 – Who is the enemy and what is the choice?• Deuteronomy 9:4-5 – It's not by your righteousness• Romans 11:7-11 – The Chosen?• Romans 11:11-24 – Grafted to the olive tree?• Romans 11:28 – Israel hardened for sake of the Gentiles?• Romans 11:29-36 – The gifts are without repentance?Listen to the Afterburn tomorrowSubscribe to take advantage of new content every week.To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwidehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:37 ESVThe biblical approach to having plenty, is to intentionally share what you have.Recognize the CallNot called did you say? Not heard the call, I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible and hear him bid you go… William BoothAll the Kings kids are called to introduce people to Jesus and the life we've found in Him. Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:15-23 ESVReady to Share. Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.1 Peter 3:15 NLTYou can't know Jesus in the way you're meant to know Him and not make Him known!Reflect the GospelThere was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. John 1:6-8 ESVDon't shine a light on others, but for others.Use your wordsIf I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, indeed I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9 ESViPray - iSee - iConnect - iSayWhen I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 ESV Nothing is more meaningful than sharing how your relation with Jesus has impacted your life. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes, to the Jew and also the Gentile Romans 1:16 NLT5) Together Any church that isn't seriously involved in helping fulfill the great commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist. - Oswald J. SmithYou are the light of the world, like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Mathew 5:14 NLTWe shine more brightly when we shine together. The great commission is virtually impossible without partnership.For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 NLT---------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:37 ESVThe biblical approach to having plenty, is to intentionally share what you have.Recognize the CallNot called did you say? Not heard the call, I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible and hear him bid you go… William BoothAll the Kings kids are called to introduce people to Jesus and the life we've found in Him. Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:15-23 ESVReady to Share. Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.1 Peter 3:15 NLTYou can't know Jesus in the way you're meant to know Him and not make Him known!Reflect the GospelThere was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. John 1:6-8 ESVDon't shine a light on others, but for others.Use your wordsIf I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, indeed I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9 ESViPray - iSee - iConnect - iSayWhen I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 ESV Nothing is more meaningful than sharing how your relation with Jesus has impacted your life. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes, to the Jew and also the Gentile Romans 1:16 NLT5) Together Any church that isn't seriously involved in helping fulfill the great commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist. - Oswald J. SmithYou are the light of the world, like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Mathew 5:14 NLTWe shine more brightly when we shine together. The great commission is virtually impossible without partnership.For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 NLT---------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

EPISODE 2 PART 2 It is highly recommended that if you have not watched the previous videos that you do so before watching this 4th lesson.  Each builds on what was taught in previous lessons.  To easily access the entire series go to the website and once there click on the words OTHER RESOURCES on top of the page on the right side.  A small menu will open and then click on TRUTH NUGGETS: THE RAPTURE RESTORED.  This will open up the series page - just slide down with your "mouse."  There you'll find links to all the lessons and many other links for your continued study.  Below is the link to the website ... www.LightofMenorah.org   Many know the famous verse ... For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.  (1Th 4:16-17) This seems to be the primary verse end times experts use to justify the "rapture."  It is in the letter that Paul wrote in Corinth in and around 50 A.D. to the Messianic congregation in Thessalonica.  When Paul wrote this letter there were NO other books of the New Testament available; none of them had been written yet.  There are other very critical facts about this book that few Christians even consider.  In this vidcast (video podcast) we will now study this letter in its historical and its ancient cultural context.  Once we do the facts suggest that the so called rapture, as we understand it today, may not be what we think.  Matter of fact it suggests that the rapture should be renamed to the INGATHERING of Yahvay's elect, His chosen, at the last blast of the Great Shofar.  The rabbis teach that the righteous will then be gathered and then (in Hebrew  יקחך YEET-KA-CHE-KA H3947 ) brought or captured or seized by the Lord back to the Promised Land in the clouds.  They get this from ... “Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows? For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God and for the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 60:8-9 This is from Deut. 30:1-4 where God predicts this amazing event that seems similar to the event as written by Paul in 1 Thess. 4:16-17.  Interesting.  Paul is a Torah expert.  It seems he is only trying to teaching the Gentile Romans and Greeks who worshiped Yahvay in the Jewish synagogue about what Jews knew as part of their culture; they knew of the good news that the Lord will gather them again, all Israel, and they will live in peace and safety forever.   Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name. They will forget their disgrace and all their treachery which they perpetrated against Me, when they live securely on their own land with no one to make them afraid. When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the lands of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified through them in the sight of the many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them again to their own land; and I will leave none of them there any longer. I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel," declares the Lord GOD.  (Eze 39:25-29) So come and join us in this interesting study.  Come and join us to consider a realistic and viable alternative as we restore the Rapture to its Jewish foundation, its Torah foundation, to the Ingathering of the Elect (Chosen) of the Lord.   Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0

The Unchanging Word ministry is studying in Romans 11:7-15. What is God's purpose for Israel? That is the question this chapter in Romans will answer. The Apostle Paul still wants his people to come to know the savior. So here he is writing to the Gentile Romans to inform them of God's plan for the nation of Israel.  We learn that Gentiles have come to know Jesus Christ as savior because, for the most part, the whole nation has rejected their Messiah.  However there is now still a remanent in the nation of Israel who are such by the grace of God, born again Jews who are reaching their brethren with the gospel of Christ. So God is not through with His people Israel. As you and I study these chapters, we too can learn and know what God has yet planned for His people, the nation of Israel. So, open you Bible and turn to Romans 11:7 with Dr. Mitchell. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unchanging-word/message

Put away whatever you may think about the concept of sin. All Judeo-Christian groups teach about sin. They all agree and teach you that you ought not to sin. But do they understand what it is they are teaching?In this teaching series, Rabbi Steve Berkson once again redefines our lexicon and sheds new light on this greatly misunderstood but critical topic from the Word of Elohim.• Review• Romans 5:1 – The only way into the Kingdom• No longer enemies of Elohim through Messiah Yeshua• Romans 5:2 – Access to His favor by which we stand• Romans 5:3-4 – Be glad for the pressures that lead to approval• Romans 5:5-6 – It takes strength to be godly• Messiah died because of our breach of relationship• Romans 5:9 – Declared innocent by the blood of Messiah• Romans 5:10 – Saved/protected by the life of Messiah• Romans 2:1-4 – The kindness of Elohim leads us to repentance• Romans 2:5-8 – Elohim will render to each one according to their works• Salvation, faith, and works, are not adversaries to each other• Romans 2:8 – The Torah is the only thing that defines righteousness• Romans 2:8-11 – It doesn't matter what you were born - Jew or Gentile• Romans 2:12-13 – The doers of the Torah are declared innocent• Romans 2:25-26 – It's about your choice to covenant, or not• Romans 2:13-17 – The comma's in the wrong place• Romans 2:18-24 – You are a part of Israel• Romans 2:27-29 – The sign of Covenant - circumcision of heart and flesh• Romans 5:11-17 – The favorable gift• Romans 5:19 – One righteous act• Romans 5:20-21 – Should we sin more for favor to increase?Take advantage of new teachings every week. Please click the "LIKE" button if this podcast has been a blessing.To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwideFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwideYou can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.

"And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 10:7 The riches of the gospel are often hidden in plain sight. This simple truth, however, has been all but forgotten by many modern-day Christians. But buried within the pages of scripture lies a wealth of insights into living a life filled with joy and purpose. The riches of the gospel have remained largely untapped, but they are waiting to be uncovered. According to Matthew 10:7, we are encouraged to proclaim the gospel openly. The riches of the gospel can be found in several key areas that offer limitless potential for those who take advantage of them. Take for example, Jesus' words in Mark 16:15 and this familiar line from the gospel song written by John W. Work, "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere." These words have been repeated time and time again throughout history as an exhortation to share our faith with others. Yet when we take a closer look at these encouraging words, we find that they can also be taken as an invitation to unearth the treasures found in God's word - treasures that will bring true freedom, peace, and hope to our lives if we choose to seek them out and recognize that salvation is available to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Matthew 10:27 says, "What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops." Remember, the gospel is a message of good news that must be shared. It is a message of hope and redemption. There is a blessing embedded in the gospel. And that blessing is found in sharing the gospel because this gift of grace brings joy and peace that can only be obtained through faith and obedience in Him. Not only that, as we share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, we also gain a deeper understanding of God's Word by studying and meditating on it daily. As we contemplate God's word, the Holy Spirit will show us how its principles apply to our lives and can bring us closer to God in ways we never thought possible. Brethren, the Bible is filled with insights into living a life filled with joy and purpose. That's why Apostle Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). The gospel is the power of God. It is the power to change lives. It is the power to bring salvation to everyone who believes. Not only that, but it is the power to change the world. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. However, it is by reading, meditating, and sharing the gospel that we can live to understand the purpose. John 10:10 says, "The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." Let us pray, Lord, grant me the strength to read, meditate, and share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pastor-divineo/support

Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give, please go to www.ToddCoconato.com/give The phrase “fishers of men” was spoken by Jesus when He was calling two of His disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew, to follow Him. “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,' Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:16–18; see also Matthew 4:19). The idea behind fishing is to know the fish you are looking for and attract it so you can make the catch. To catch a fish we must know what equipment to use, the habitat and depth of the water we are fishing in, as well as the kind of bait the fish will go after. After we understand everything we need for real fishing, then how do we relate that to being fishers of men? God asks us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18–20). Just as we need equipment to be fishermen, we need equipment to be fishers of men. Putting on the armor of God is one way to be ready at all times with everything we need (Ephesians 6:10–18). Especially important are the shield of faith with which we ward off the opposition from demonic forces who don't want to see men saved by the gospel of Christ (v. 16) and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (v. 17). Without these two pieces of spiritual equipment, we will find fishing for men's souls impossible. Not only must we have the armor of God as our equipment, but we must also know the fish we are trying to catch. Knowing the lost condition of the people around us will help us to understand that, no matter how good we are at fishing, we will never “catch” the fish on our own. No reasoned argument will convert the soul of a darkened mind, because “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). But God can and frequently does penetrate the darkness with the glorious gospel, and He uses us to do it. He knows which “fish” are His; therefore, we are to seek His wisdom and His guidance on all our fishing expeditions. Prayer is essential. Lastly we must offer the only effective net—the gospel of Jesus Christ. To those who are perishing, the message of the cross is foolishness, but to us, it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). The gospel message has the power to change lives, shine light into darkness, and deliver evil men from hell. There is power in no other message and no other “net” can catch the fish of God. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). This was Jesus' message to Peter and Andrew—follow Me, learn of Me, know and understand My mission and My message. Only then will you be able to be fishers of men. Listen to the Remnant Channel on Roku TV or at www.TheRemnantChannel.com

Paul is now rejected by his own people, but protected and embraced by Gentile Romans.

# Introduction Here we are on the last Lord's Day of the year, during the sermon part of Consecration, the part of our liturgy which focuses on setting us apart to the Lord. Consecration belongs with our sanctification; we are being conformed into greater Christlike holiness and transformed into greater Christlike glory. There has maybe been no greater test of my sanctification this past year than following the Snohomish Health District on Twitter. Hold that in mind for a moment, because it connects to it being the day after Christmas, the day after our feasting over the Incarnation of God's Son. Perhaps today is a tough day because you spent most of your energy getting ready for, and hopefully then enjoying, your day yesterday. Often, when a big event is done, it's tempting to want to be *all* done. What you may need is comfort, consolation. Because the Lord is the one in charge, He decides when we are done, and when He has more for us to do. The SnoHD knows that the last couple *years* have been tough for people (not self-aware enough to consider how they have played a part in that). But to help us out, they've been sharing every week under the hashtag #WallpaperWednesday images of snowflakes or sunsets or cozy couches with some sentimental comment like a cat poster. Last Wednesday's wallpaper was [a cup with a peppermint stick in a festive setting with the words “comfort and joy.](https://twitter.com/SnoHD/status/1473700295381299222?s=20)” No source or reason for either, just an exhortation to share comfort and joy with others rather than your (usual) jerk self. You can see what a *test* that could be. True consolation, not as in a second place prize, but as comfort, the easing of grief and burden and pain, only comes in the Savior, Jesus Christ. He must be named, He must be believed. There is no other hope. Jesus is called “the consolation of Israel” in Luke 2. He was identified by a man named Simeon, by the Holy Spirit, in the passage following the angelic army choir celebrating Christ's birth. In this advent season we've looked at the Annunciation, the Magnificat, the Birth in Bethlehem, and the shepherds receiving the good news of great joy. The next paragraphs happen a little more than a week and a month later. We're *post* Christmas. God is *still* in flesh, and yet there is a ways to go. As in the previous messages we'll look at the story, a doctrine, and a use. # The Nunc Dimittis - Luke 2:21-38 All the law is being fulfilled by Joseph and Mary. They name their son Jesus, they have him circumcized at the right time (eight days later), and they present their first-born at the Temple (according to Exodus 13:2), while making Mary's purification offering forty days after the birth (according to Leviticus 12:6). The turtle-doves were a poor man's option, confirming that Joseph was not wealthy in worldly terms. At the Temple they were met by a man named Simeon. Luke identifies Simeon as “righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (verse 25). It is somewhat unique that the Spirit was upon him, and the phrase “consolation of Israel” is definitely unique. Consolation is a cognate of the well-known Greek word *parkletos*. The comfort of Israel is not a phrase found in any other passage; Anna, in the next paragraph, calls Jesus the “redemption of Israel.” In Jesus Isaiah's words ring true: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). The part that really stands out is verse 26: > It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” Though not identified as a prophet or a priest, nor necessarily as an old man, the impression is that Simeon had been given special, supernatural revelation by God, and had been *waiting* for a long time. The same Spirit took Simeon to the Temple on the right day, the day when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus. Simeon knew right away. > he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, > > “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, > according to Your word; > for my eyes have seen your salvation > that you have prepared in the > presence of all peoples, > a light for revelation to the Gentiles > and for glory to your people Israel. “Now…you are letting…depart” in Latin is *nunc dimittis*. It's the third of the hymn-like sayings in Luke, after Mary's Magnificat and Zechariah's Benedictus. Simeon needs nothing else, he's ready to go. Salvation is for the world. Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), and this “light” is for two things: 1) "revelation to the Gentiles," bringing them understanding, and 2) "glory to your people Israel." The Messiah is from the line of David; He's a Jew. He will reign over the house of Jacob (Luke 1:32-33). He will be a help to His servant - Israel (1:54), from the God of Israel (1:68). Jesus is the Cornerstone for all who believe, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile (Romans 1:16). And, not all of Jesus' people received Him at His first coming (John 1:11). Simeon will tell Mary in a moment that Jesus is a watershed and yet that doesn't change the promises. The light will spread in the church until the fullness of Gentiles comes in and then a future generation of Israel will repent and receive Jesus as Lord (Romans 11:25). Joseph and Mary marveled (2:33), and Simeon prophesied directly to Mary about the future end of her baby's life. Simeon has no word for Joseph. > “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (34-35) These are effects of the cornerstone metaphor, though Simeon doesn't specifically refer to Jesus as the stone as other passages do (think 1 Peter 2:4-8). But those who are built on the rock rise and those who stumble over it will fall. This exposure continues today, among Jews and non-Jews. Men, no matter how much they imagine, are not the judges of Jesus. When they put themselves in the judge's seat they show which side they're on. Their hearts are constantly being revealed. The next paragraph concerns a prophetess named Anna, of the (lost) tribe of Asher. She had dedicated her life to service after becoming a widow, perhaps 60 or more years. She also was brought at the right time by the Spirit to see Jesus and when she recognized Him, she “began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Israel” (2:38). There's not much reason for Luke to mention Anna other than to corroborate that some did recognize and rejoice. God did not leave Himself without witness, and two witnesses was the minimum (Deuteronomy 19:15). # Doctrine - Providence We believe that God is sovereign, and the doctrine of providence means that He has decided every element of every event, the timing and the agents and the outcome. It's called *providence*, His protective care. From Chapter 5 on Providence in the Westminster Confession of Faith. > God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, (Hbr 1:3); direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, (Dan 4:34-35; Psa 135:6; Act 17:25-28; Job 38-41); from the greatest even to the least, (Mat 10:29-31); by His most wise and holy providence, (Pro 15:3; Psa 104:24; Psa 145:17); according to His infallible fore-knowledge, (Act 15:8; Psa 94:8-11); and the free and immutable counsel of His own will, (Eph 1:11; Psa 33:10-11); to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy, (Isa 63:14; Eph 3:10; Rom 9:17; Gen 45:7; Psa 145:7). In this passage in Luke 2, it is not mere coincidence that Simeon comes to the temple on the same day, or that Anna had been there serving. Jesus was born in “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). He will later be delivered over and crucified by the predestined plan of God (Acts 4:28). This redemption was at “the proper time” (1 Timothy 2:6). # Use - A Christmas Call to Consolation The previous uses have been what you should practice: faith, praise, expressible joy. This is a call to what you should receive. Come and get it. Just as joy is related to salvation, so consolation is related to providence. There are hard providences. Simeon was both excited, and exhausted, waiting to see the Messiah. Anna may not have been a witness without having been a widow. Mary was the most blessed, and also the difficulties of traveling and delivering a baby were the *least* of her burdens. They would soon be told to escape to Egypt. They would receive reports of baby boys two and under being slaughtered by Herod. She watched many reject her Son, and then watched Him be crucified. She was favored by God, and yet a sword pierced her heart. Remember Romans 8:28. Remember that Jesus Himself is redemption and consolation. In Him we have forgiveness for our sins, in Him we have eternal life, in Him we have hope, in Him we have glory. He has also sent His Spirit to dwell in us, to seal us for an eternal inheritance. That Spirit is the Paraclete, the Comforter. Do you have to wait? Have you lost something, someone, that hurts so much? Simeon was ready to die, it seemed to him that it was time to be done. You might, in God's providence, not be done yet. Christmas is a call to persevere, to keep going, under God's providential care. But this promise and *peace* only come from Christ. They do not come from a new app, a better relationship, a profitable business, a more healthy body. Those can be part of good things given by God, but He alone can comfort your soul. When you get sick. how long you're sick. When the world is crazy, and when it has much common grace. # Conclusion We are staring down the final days of this calendar year. We are waiting for the second advent of the Son, the reign of the King forever. We live by faith, we see glimpses of the connections by providence, and we seek to walk in the strength of His Spirit. He continues to reveal our hearts. May we be blessed by Him. ---------- ## Charge The light of Christ has come. You have His Spirit in You, You have His Word in front of you. Walk in the Spirit. Meditate on the Scripture. Give yourself to Him. Go to Him for grace and comfort. He is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. He's sent His Son, do all in His name. ## Benediction: > And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32, ESV)

Can You Boldly Say You Are "Not Ashamed of the Gospel ?Romans 1:16The gospel or the good news is the reality that Christ came to this earth to pay the price for our sins. By putting your faith in him you not only have your sins forgiven but you are rewarded with eternal life. What a wonderful message that is – filled with hope, especially when you see the sinful condition the world is in. It's great to know this is not our eternal home. Is there any wonder Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would write such an incredible statement such as this? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

Pastor Ken Biggs | Worship AM, Sep 19th, 2021 | Salvation for the Jew and Gentile (Romans 9 and 10) Click here to watch this service online.

In this message we see the depravity of man and the consequences of our foolishness when we exchange the truth of God for a lie. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

POINT #1 “...all Israel will be saved...” (Romans 11:26-27) POINT #2 Non-Jewish followers of Jesus (Gentiles) are engrafted into a divine plan that was revealed to ISRAEL and promised to ISRAEL -- a plan that is unfolding through the Messiah of ISRAEL (who is the King of ISRAEL and the world) -- who will one day rule from the city of Jerusalem in ISRAEL - at which time the entire world will be impacted from ISRAEL all the way into eternity (Vs. 16-18) POINT #3 Blindness in part has happened to the nation of Israel, but there will be a future extraordinary restoration of the nation of Israel (“life from the dead”) to live out it’s full potential! (Vs. 12-15; 28-36) POINT #4 The church is not to forget their “roots” but is to live in a way that provokes the Jewish people to jealously in the worship of the Lord God of Israel- the Messiah of Israel! (Vs. 11) (1.) Demonstrate unconditional love and share the Gospel with both Jew and Gentile (Romans 1:16-17) (2.) Remember the message is not calling Jews to convert but to be complete in the Messiah, Jesus (Jeshua!) Mt 5:17-18; Jeremiah 31:31; Romans 10:1-4 (3.) Believe the whole Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17) (4.) Support Zionism- the belief that Jews have a right to a national life in the land of Israel!(1 Chron. 16:17-18; Ez. 26:24; Romans 9:1-5; Joel 3) (5.) Fight anti-semitism: A Christian stands against the ignorance and madness of racism and anti-Semitism. (Zechariah 2:8; Duet. 7:7-9a) (6.) Celebrate “Communion” in its context (a Passover Seder) which will not only bless believers but equip the church to better communicate to Jewish friends that the Gospel is the unfolding plan of God (Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:24) (7) Support THE REMNANT -Jewish believers- in Jerusalem! (Romans 15:22-29) POINT #5 There has always been a small number (remnant) of descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who have worshipped the Lord God of Israel- just as there are still a small remnant of Israel who are the Jewish followers of Jesus today! (Romans 11:1-5)

Sunday - The Book of Romans - 005 - Jew and Gentile - Romans 2:1-16

Investigating Jesus Part 13 Jesus’ Identity   27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Mark 8:27-29. This section of the Bible contains the verse, which divulges Jesus’ identity, when Peter calls Him the Christ or Messiah or Saviour (Mark 8:29). In the preceding few verses Jesus and the disciples were in Bethsaida and there is the incident where Jesus healed the blind man. Why did Jesus touch the blind man twice to heal Him? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that Jesus kept on until the man could see clearly. There are two things to remember. Firstly, that Jesus was unable to do miracles because of people’s lack of faith. Secondly, we also need to remember that God does things in his own time and for his own purposes always acting in order to tell and show us of his great love for us – ultimately demonstrated by Jesus, as we will discover in this little book. Another question now arises. Why does Jesus tell the man not to tell anybody? The most likely answer is that Jesus didn’t want to be seen as merely a healer and miracle worker.Confession of who Jesus is Now we reach a climactic part of the Gospel accounts of Jesus Christ and we see who people were saying that he was with certainty. When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ (Matthew 16:13-19). The first person that people said Jesus Christ was, is the man John the Baptist. Several notable things should be noted about this theory: Jesus and John had been seen together in public and they were different in personality and ministry. Indeed, as we saw earlier, as Jesus commenced His public ministry, John the Baptist had baptised Jesus. John came ‘in the spirit and power of Elijah’ (Luke 1:17), in a ministry of judgement, whereas Jesus came in a spirit of meekness and service. John performed no miracles (John 10:41), but Jesus was a miracle worker. John even dressed like the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8; Mark 1:6). Or perhaps Jesus was one of the great figures of the Old Testament come back to life. Perhaps he was even Jeremiah. Who was this person, Jeremiah? Jeremiah was the ‘weeping prophet’, and Jesus was the ‘man of sorrows’. Jeremiah called the people to true repentance from the heart, and so did Jesus. Both men condemned the false religious leaders and the hypocritical worship in the temple. Those in authority persecuted both men Patently, Jesus was neither John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah nor any other person. Jesus was entirely and uniquely, Himself. In both his works and words, Jesus gave evidence to the people that he was the Son of God, the Messiah, and yet they still did not get the message. The disciples still had much to learn about Him and what it meant to follow Him. Why did Jesus tell the disciples to keep quiet about Him? The Jews were expecting a victorious all conquering Messiah (Isaiah 11:1-5). The idea of this Messiah would kick out the pagan Gentile Romans from the land of Israel. But they had misunderstood the role of this Messiah. Additionally, they had forgotten that the Messiah must also suffer and die (Isaiah 53:1-12; Luke 24:26). The Jewish people thought that the Messiah would set up an earthly political kingdom, but we know now, that Jesus came to set up a spiritual kingdom that would last forever (Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 1:33; Revelation 11:15).   Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file ~ You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

In HaShem’s order, acceptance is based on identity: Who are you? Are you a genuine and lasting covenant member? This question is of great significance to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentile (Romans 1:16b). If you are Jewish must you leave Judaism and embrace Christianity and the Church to be accepted by HaShem? If you are non-Jewish, must you convert to Judaism before God will extend covenant membership to you? A study of the Torah will reveal the identity of both Jew and non-Jew. To be sure, misunderstanding who you are according to the Torah can have detrimental results. I want to start by briefly examining the meaning of the word “Torah”, and it’s definitions. Definition: Torah hrwt = Law, direction, instruction ; from the root Hebrew word “yarah” hry meaning “to shoot an arrow” or “to hit the mark” . Properly used, the word “torah” means, “[the] teaching”. I have stated this concept elsewhere in my commentaries but it is helpful to repeat it here: It is crucial for us to understand theologically, that the primary purpose in HaShem's giving of the Torah, as a way of making someone righteous, only achieves its goal when the person, by faith, accepts that Yeshua is the promised Messiah spoken about therein. Until the individual reaches this conclusion, his familiarity of the Torah is only so much intellectual nutrition. Only by believing in Yeshua will the person be able to properly understand HaShem, and consequently, his Word. In a broad sense, Torah is the revelation of HaShem to His people. Within this framework, and depending on the context, the term “Torah” can mean: (1) The five books of Moshe; (2) that, plus the Prophets and the Writings; (3) that, plus the Oral Torah, which includes the Talmud and later legal writings; (4) that, plus all religious teaching from the rabbis, including ethical and “aggadic” materials; or (5) all of the above as understood and interpreted in light of what Yeshua the Messiah and the rest of the New Covenant Scriptures have said about it. * For the most part we will be using definitions 1, 2, and 5 According to God’s Torah, there are at least two very important covenants that both Jews and Gentiles need to understand. • Avrahamic: (Genesis 12:2, 3; 13:14-18; chapter 15; 17:9-14; Matthew 1:1-16; Romans chapter 4; Galatians 3:6-18) • Moshaic: (Exodus 34:27; Deuteronomy 29:1; Psalm chapter 119; Matthew 5:17-20; 23:1-3; Acts 21:19-26)