Podcasts about god above

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We may feel tempted to underestimate the horrors of the Cross, because to recognize them is to admit that our monstrous evil demanded a price so horrific. To make light of our sin is to make light of Christ's cross.”~Randy Alcorn, author “We may take comfort about our souls, if we know anything of an inward fight and conflict. It is the invariable companion of genuine Christian holiness... Do we find in our heart of hearts a spiritual struggle? Do we feel anything of the flesh warring against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, so that we cannot do the things we would? Are we conscious of two principles within us, contending for the master? Do we feel anything of war in our inward man? Well, let us thank God for it! It is a good sign. It is strongly probable evidence of the great work of sanctification.”~J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), English pastor, writer, and Anglican bishop of Liverpool “We need to continue to hear the gospel every day of our Christian lives. Only a continuous reminder of the gospel of God's grace through Christ will keep us from falling into good-day—bad-day thinking.”~Jerry Bridges, author, speaker, and college minister “When Satan tempts me to despairAnd tells me of the guilt withinUpward I look and see Him thereWho made an end to all my sin.”~“Before the Throne of God Above” by Charitie Lees Bancroft & Vikki CookSERMON PASSAGEHebrews 10:26-39 (ESV) 26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,     “Yet a little while,  and the coming one will come and will not delay;     38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,  and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

What does the reference to Melchizedek mean in Psalm 110? Today on the podcast, Seth Master walks through Psalm 108-114 and shows how this points to our ultimate perfect King and Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Additional Scripture Referenced: Hebrews 7 – the order of MelchizedekRespond in worship with Before the Throne of God Above by The Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BozHkGMTlYI

SCRIPTURE: Daniel 6 SHOW NOTES: We invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you will discover additional resources to support your spiritual journey. Daniel was an amazing man who believed in the power of fervent prayer. The more we study his life, the more we are challenged by his commitment to the Lord and his faithful prayer life. He was taken captive to Babylon as a young teenager and served there for over 60 years. In this historical episode, he learns that the king has signed a decree stating that no one should pray to any god or man for thirty days, except to King Darius. "Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy." Daniel 6:3-4The text does not explain why the other officials wanted to remove Daniel. Perhaps his integrity made it difficult for them to engage in bribery, fraud, and political corruption. They knew Daniel was a God-fearing man who did not worship pagan idols, so they devised a plan to trap him."When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house, where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously." Daniel 6:10 Daniel's choice: obey his God or the government. It was very clear to Daniel that he would obey God. The new decree did not deter him! He would continue to pray three times each day for the city's welfare and give thanks before his God! Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” Daniel 6:16SONG: "Before the Throne of God Above" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MUNywhsZPU

Included Music: The Birthday of a King, Indescribable, The First Noel, O Lord You're Beautiful, Before the Throne of God Above, I Speak Jesus, and 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus Message Title: Immanuel  Text: Luke 2:1-7  Take Home Point: God isn't waiting for you to clean up your life but for you to invite him in. 

SCRIPTURE-John 13:34"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Loveeach other. Just as I have loved you, you should loveeach other."REFLECTION-JavierMUSIC-"So Will I" Instrumental-"Before the Throne of God Above" InstrumentalNOTES-

Display Text: 1 Corinthians 15:55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”Pre-service Song: Psalm 84:1, 3, 4 * Votum and Salutation * Psalm 30 * Profession of Faith: Hymn 1 Prayer Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2 Hymn 68:1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Sermon Text: Lord's Day 16, Heidelberg Catechism Christ Destroyed Him Who Holds The Power of Death 1. He Knows The Bitterness of Death 2. He Removes The Sting of Death * Before The Throne of God AboveThanksgiving Prayer Thanksgiving Offering * Hymn 68:6, 7, 8 * BenedictionTime:AfternoonMinister:Rev. J. VanSpronsenTexts:Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 16Hebrews 2

Included Music: Raise a Hallelujah, Have Faith in God, What a Mighty God We Serve, Jesus Paid It All, Before the Throne of God Above, Whom Shall I Fear? (God of Angel Armies), and Trust and Obey Message Title: No Accident  Text: Esther 4:10-17  Take Home Point: God has equipped you and placed you in a unique position to play a part in fulfilling his plan.

Inheritance is mentioned in most of the Bible.The Bible talks of TWO types of Inheritances He gives His people:Eternal salvation in heaven & rewards once we reach heaven.Physical provision and abundance while still on earth.We are talking about the PROCESS of accessing that inheritance.What is an offering? It's what we give to God ABOVE our tithe. But the tithe MUST come first. You can't have the benefits of the offering, if you first haven't fulfilled the tithe.

Inheritance is mentioned in most of the Bible.The Bible talks of TWO types of Inheritances He gives His people:Eternal salvation in heaven & rewards once we reach heaven.Physical provision and abundance while still on earth.We are talking about the PROCESS of accessing that inheritance.What is an offering? It's what we give to God ABOVE our tithe. But the tithe MUST come first. You can't have the benefits of the offering, if you first haven't fulfilled the tithe.

Hymnology- Before The Throne of God Above, Joshua Ritchie

Hymnology- Before The Throne of God Above, Joshua Ritchie

Hymnology: Before The Throne of God Above, Joshua Ritchie

Before the Throne of God Above.

Included Music: Before the Throne of God Above, There Is a Fountain, Yes Lord Yes, The Lily of the Valley, Sing to the King, Build Your Kingdom Here (FBC Worship Choir), and Near to the Heart of God  Message Title: Our Sacrifice  Text: Hebrews 13:15-16  Take Home Point: Our sacrifice pleases God when it includes both words and actions. 

"Trust the Lord!" "Give him your cares!" "Cast your anxieties on him!" If you've been around God's people for any amount of time you'll almost certainly have heard statements like these. On one hand, they are all very true and desirable. Many passages of Scripture call, command, and invite Christians to throw themselves on he who is able to help even in their darkest times. Who wouldn't want that!? Of course we want to know that "even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death" he is with us, our Great Shepherd. But practice is another matter. It's one thing to know that we can and should trust God, it's another to actually do it in times of pain, suffering, hardship, and confusion. However, as Revelation 4 and 5 make clear, he is worthy of that trust. The God of the universe—the King on the throne and the Lamb that was slain—is worthy of our trust because of who he is and because of what he has done. Today we discuss how to practically think through and apply this wonderful truth. This conversation is based on the September 17, 2023 sermon, "Before the Throne of God Above."

Esta semana, en Islas de Robinson, vamos cogiendo tono otoñal. A base de maravillas, por supuesto. Suenan: EMMA TRICCA - "DEVOTION" ("ASPIRIN SUN", 2023) / LUKA KUPLOWSKY - "SUDDEN REACH FROM THE INNER WORLD" (2023) / JFDR - "UNDERNEATH THE SUN" ("MUSEUM", 2023) / TINY RUINS - "DIVING & SOARING" ("CEREMONY", 2023) / BRIGID MAE POWER - "I DON'T KNOW YOUR STORY" ("FROM THE DEEP WELL", 2023) / CLARA MANN - "CONFESSIONS" ("STAY OPEN", 2022) / ANNA MIEKE - "FOR A TIME" ("THEATRE", 2022) / THIS IS THE KIT - "CAREFUL OF YOUR KEEPERS" ("CAREFUL OF YOUR KEEPERS", 2023) / BONNIE "PRINCE" BILLY - "CRAZY BLUE BELLS" ("KEEPING SECRETS WILL DESTROY YOU", 2023) / CABANE - "TODAY" ("2023) / BILLIE MARTEN - "GOD ABOVE" ("DROP CHERRIES", 2023) / NAIMA BOCK - "WORKING" ("GIANT PALM", 2022) / KARA JACKSON - "CURTAINS" ("WHY DOES THE EARTH GIVE US PEOPLE TO LOVE?", 2023) Escuchar audio

Included Music: When the Morning Comes, How Can I Keep from Singing/Praise Him, We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise, A Child of the King, Before the Throne of God Above, Daystar (Jim Duncan and Matthew Jones), and The Way of the Cross Leads Home Message Title: We Need One Another  Text: Hebrews 10:23-25  Take Home Point: We need one another because faith doesn't grow well in isolation.

Get RealSCRIPTUREPsalm 145: 18MUSICBefore the Throne of God Above

Included Music: Sing to the King, Living for Jesus, Footsteps of Jesus, He Is Here, Before the Throne of God Above, Healing Rain, and Alas and Did My Savior Bleed  Message Title: A Discerning Heart  Text: Matthew 7:1-6  Take Home Point: Jesus does not forbid the evaluation of behavior. He forbids the condemnation of people.

Included Music: Hosanna Loud Hosanna, Our God, Crown Him with Many Crowns, He Is Here, Before the Throne of God Above, Jesus Only Jesus, and Jesus I Come Message Title: A Deeper Integrity  Text: Matthew 5:33-37  Take Home Point: When we are people of integrity, the strength of our character proves the truth of our words.

"Deliverance out of the Fire by the God Above all Gods" Daniel 3

This worship service includes Special Music at the beginning ("Sweet Hour of Prayer" and near the middle of the podcast ("Before the Throne of God Above").For the SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY, the Worship Service focuses on the scriptures recorded in Deuteronomy 30:15-2; Psalm 119:1-9; I Corinthians 3:1-9 and the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 5 verses; 21-37.THE LIST OF ITEMS IN THE INDEX TO THE PODCAST HAVE CHANGED (e.g. 00:02:10=00 hour: 02 minutes: 10 seconds):             Introduction........................................................00:00:00            Opening Hymn....................................................00:00:37            Scriptures (Deuteronomy, Psalms &             1 Corinthians......................................................00:03:28            Combination of Gospel & Sermon                1st Part of Sermon........................................00:07:05                The Holy Gospel.............................................00:14:09                 2nd Part of Sermon......................................00:17:37           Prayers....................................................................00:33:06           Benediction ...................,,,,,,,,,,,,,,...........,.............00:37:58If you would like to watch a video of the complete Worship Service, click on the link below:https://youtube.com/live/RyhxRDr3hKs

Sunday Worship for January 22, 2023, from Queen Anne Lutheran Church in Seattle, our 10:30 service with Guest Pastor Terry Kyllo and Cantor Kyle Haugen. Prelude—Free improvisation on ROSAS (ELW 555) • Introit—Psalm 22:22, 27• Gathering Hymn—Oh, Sing to God Above, ELW 555 • First Reading—Isaiah 9:1-4 • Psalm 27:1-4, 9• Second Reading—1 Corinthians 1:10-18 • Gospel—Matthew 4:12-23 • Sermon—Guest Pastor Terry Kyllo • Hymn of the Day—Will You Come and Follow Me, ELW 798 • Distribution Hymn—Come and Fill Our Hearts, ELW 528 • Sending Hymn—Abide, O Dearest Jesus, ELW 539 • Postlude—Toccata on festal song (ELW 314), Gilbert M. Martin (b. 1941) View the bulletin and read the sermon transcript.

IN THIS EPISODE: "Before the Throne of God Above" by Charitie Lees Smith (1841-1923)It appears that Charitie Lees Smith's hymn “Before the Throne of God” was especially meaningful to Spurgeon. He had an extraordinary ability to memorize hymns, and “Before the Throne of God” was one that he knew by heart.Show Notes:  "Before the Throne of God Above" performed by Sophia Bush "Before the Throne of God Above" performed by Grace Community Church "Light of Day" by Tobias Voigt Facebook: www.facebook.com/storiesofhymnsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hymn.stories/Hymn Stories is a part of the Media Gratiae Podcast Network.

2022 LECTURESHIPAs a part of this year's Bear Valley Lectures, Clinging to Hope and Trust in Difficult Times, John Moore brought a lesson entitled "The God Above the Storm". The 2022 Bear Valley Lectures - Clinging to Hope and Trust in Difficult Times was held Sept 15-18, 2022 at the Bear Valley church of Christ in Denver, Colorado. Today there is much happening that makes our souls “troubled.” We sing “troublesome times are here” and indeed they are. But our God is great and He is in control. This series of lectureship lessons is full of insightful, informative, and encouraging talks and studies to help us maintain our faith in the almighty God. They will help you cling to hope and trust in difficult times.The Bear Valley Lectures is a work of the Bear Valley Bible Institute International, under the oversight of the elders of the Bear Valley church of Christ in Denver, Colorado. The Bible Institute has been training preachers for work in the Lord's church since 1965 with our graduates working all over the world. For more information about our programs of study visit our website at WeTrainPreachers.com.

Today's class is dedicated in memory of my maternal grandmother, Frida Riva bat Hannah. She obviously had a great impact on my life. I don't even have to mention her name to bring us a zechut to her neshama . One story about her sticks in my mind, a story of Emuna and Bitachon. But before I share the story, I want to share an important lesson: The son of Rav Yerucham Levovitz, Rav Simcha Zissel Levovitz, lived in Monsey, and my family knew him. Someone once asked him what his father, the great Mashgiach of the Mir, said about a certain topic on God's Hashgacha/ supervision over the world . His answer was a lesson in itself. He said, “ Let's put aside what my father said; my mother told me, God runs the world.” There are certain things that you get from your mother or your grandmother, without delving into the deep esoterica of God's supervision. My mother taught me that God runs the world . That's an important lesson- it may not the main topic of today's lesson, but it's an important lesson on its own, because we talk about Emuna and we talk about the Jewish people, and we get a lot of our Emuna from our families, from our ancestors. The first time Shema Yisrael was said, Yisrael was Yaakov Avinu. He was the one that we were speaking to. In all languages, in all countries, our grandmothers expressed their connection to God, that God Above helps, whether in Arabic, Yiddish, or any other language. It's something that is part of our DNA; it's not in our brains, it's in our hearts and our emotions. And now for the story: When my grandmother was older and ill with a dreaded disease she once fell down in front of the shul. But when someone reached down to pick her up, her response was, “ Someach Hashem l'kol Noflim/God picks up those that fall. I'll get up myself” That is inborn Emunah and Bitachon, and that's the way the Jewish people are raised. And now we will discuss our topic of the day- Shema Yisrael Shema Yisrael are the opening words of Keriat Shema. We don't start with Hashem Elokenu Hashem Echad/Hashem is our God. We start with the words Shema Yisrael. We are discussing Shema Yisrael because it's necessary for our high holiday preparation, and we'll be saying that pasuk in our Rosh Hashana prayers. How do we know that the words Shema Yisrael are truly important? There are two sources. The first is from the Gemara in Hulin 91 B, where it says, “ Fortunate are the Jewish people that mention God's name after two words- Shema Yisrael, whereas the angels only mentioned God's name after three words, kadosh, kadosh, kadosh.” Rav Wolbe is bothered by this. Is there something significant about how words you use? He answers that it's not about the words, it's about what we need to get there. The angels have to go through contemplating God's holiness in the heavens, on the earth, forever and ever. But the Jewish people just have to contemplate what it means to be part of the Jewish people. All of our Emuna is hiding inside of us, as it says, Elohei Avi/the God of my father.. This is not something that I came to on my own, this is something that's part of us. There used to be a bumper sticker that said, “I found it ,” about some religion. And the response from the Jewish people was, “ We never lost it. We always have it. We've had a constant line back to Avraham Avinu.” That is Shema Yisrael, a part of which is also our responsibility to the Jewish people; to make sure that they also realize that Hashem Elokenu Hashem Echad . There are many ways to do this, to let people know about Hashem. You can share a Torah link or email with someone, and have them sign up. There are wonderful emails out there. There are also great books to give people. Rabbi Ashear has a great series, Living Emuna , that has sold close to 200,000 books for volumes one through six, in many languages, and topics. There is also a very nice book, The Bet Halevi on Bitachon, from Artscroll. Recently, I've been working on reprinting a few thousand copies of this book, in a smaller size with a soft cover, to give out to schools, shuls and camps because not everyone sees them or gets them. I'm going to print them in China, which will take a few months, but we'll get a discounted price. I needed $25,000 for this initiative, and Baruch Hashem, I'm halfway there. So now I'm turning to my friends in Bitachon cyberspace, whom I don't really know, hoping that someone will say, “ Yes, I'd like to do that. ” We're thinking big now, so if somebody wants to give $5,000, you can text me directly @ 9176742358, and I'll explain what it's all about. You'll get a large amount of books if you'd like, to give out yourself. But we need to reach $25,000 in order to get this large printing done. In case you are the type that doesn't like to donate money for books (As someone recently said, “ I'm not a book guy, I don't like giving money towards books. ”), as the fellow that approached this man on my behalf answered, “ This is not a book project. This is a Hessed project, because there's no bigger Hessed than giving somebody Emuna.” So if you're ‘ not into books,' but you are into Hessed, giving out a book can change somebody's life. We are looking for a large number, if you're able to, but of course, everything counts and we'll take small donations as well. You can QuickPay me at 9176742358, Or send a check to: Yad Yosef 1036 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11230 (Write Bet Halevi Project on it), Thank you, and Tizke Lemitzvot

Learning to Wait Not my strong suit. Same as being still, not always easy, as I said in the last episode! But there is beauty in stillness; it builds trust, trust in God. And God will always come through for you. Trust in the Slow Work of God Above all, trust in the slow work […] The post Trust in the Slow Work of God appeared first on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network.

Included Music: Have Faith in God, Blessed Be Your Name, What a Mighty God We Serve, Onward Christian Soldiers, Before the Throne of God Above, God of This City, and All the Way My Savior Leads Me   Message Title: This Moment   Text: Esther 4:10-17   Take Home Point: Fulfilling your purpose in life will always involve risk.

We begin a new summer sermon series this Sunday entitled "Missio Nexus: Where Life & Mission Connects." As a church, we want to be connected to God's mission where it is happening. And so over the next couple of months, we're going to look at the people and places where God would have us connect our lives with his mission. We'll look at connecting with his mission on the athletic field as well as in the neighborhood, the home, the classroom, the arts, the public square and the marketplace…all the places where we spend our time and energy. For this Sunday, I'll introduce this series, by introducing a new motto that we have adopted. Actually, you may have already heard us reference it before. It's on the teal shirts that many of us wore to the Easter Egg hunt. That motto is “In Rivermont…For Rivermont.” What we mean by that is this. We are in the Rivermont neighborhood and we are for the Rivermont neighborhood. But what does that exactly mean? Using Jeremiah 29:1-11, we'll see that it means a ministry of presence, a ministry of peace and a ministry of prayer in and for the neighborhood. I'm grateful to have one of our elders, Eric Vess, assisting me this Sunday as he will be leading us through the service as we sing the hymns, "Tell Out My Soul, The Greatness of the Lord", "Behold The Throne of God Above", "Jesus Shall Reign". Text: Jeremiah 29:1-11 Title: In Rivermont, For Rivermont Outline: 1. A Ministry of Presence in the Neighborhood 2. A Ministry of Peace in the Neighborhood 3. A Ministry of Prayer in the Neighborhood

We begin a new summer sermon series this Sunday entitled "Missio Nexus: Where Life & Mission Connects." As a church, we want to be connected to God's mission where it is happening. And so over the next couple of months, we're going to look at the people and places where God would have us connect our lives with his mission. We'll look at connecting with his mission on the athletic field as well as in the neighborhood, the home, the classroom, the arts, the public square and the marketplace…all the places where we spend our time and energy. For this Sunday, I'll introduce this series, by introducing a new motto that we have adopted. Actually, you may have already heard us reference it before. It's on the teal shirts that many of us wore to the Easter Egg hunt. That motto is “In Rivermont…For Rivermont.” What we mean by that is this. We are in the Rivermont neighborhood and we are for the Rivermont neighborhood. But what does that exactly mean? Using Jeremiah 29:1-11, we'll see that it means a ministry of presence, a ministry of peace and a ministry of prayer in and for the neighborhood. I'm grateful to have one of our elders, Eric Vess, assisting me this Sunday as he will be leading us through the service as we sing the hymns, "Tell Out My Soul, The Greatness of the Lord", "Behold The Throne of God Above", "Jesus Shall Reign". Text: Jeremiah 29:1-11 Title: In Rivermont, For Rivermont Outline: 1. A Ministry of Presence in the Neighborhood 2. A Ministry of Peace in the Neighborhood 3. A Ministry of Prayer in the Neighborhood

Several weeks ago, as we were preparing for this sermon series, I got an email from Pastor Jonathan. He said that the goal for this sermon series was to preach the heart of the gospel, but to do so from passages of Scriptures that we hadn't really covered yet as a church.I instantly knew which passage I wanted to cover, it took me about 0.7 seconds to determine which passage I wanted to preach. However, I didn't know, or couldn't remember, if we had ever done the passage I wanted to do, so I ran to my laptop, pulled up the Cities website and looked it up. And to my joy, I discovered that we had not ever preached this text on a Sunday morning, which meant that I would get to preach from this text this morning. Legitimately, I was very excited.The reason why I'm so excited is because this verse summarizes a doctrine that I hold very dear. And that is the doctrine of the imputation of righteousness. If you're not familiar, the word “imputation” simply means “transfer.”So, when we're talking about imputation, we're talking about something being transferred. And when we talk about the imputation of righteousness, we're talking about righteousness being transferred from one person to the next—mainly from Jesus to us.The reason why I get so excited to preach this doctrine is because I am convinced that this doctrine will set your heart ablaze for Jesus.I am convinced that if you understand this doctrine, if you could wrap your minds around this truth, that it will cause your heart to erupt with joy and gratitude. I'm convinced of that.It was the re-discovery of this doctrine in the 16th century that sparked the Reformation. When Martin Luther and others got their minds around this doctrine, it transformed them, it set their hearts ablaze, and it sparked the Protestant Reformation, which transformed Europe and changed the world.And I am convinced that if you understand this doctrine, it will cause Reformation in your own heart as well. I'm not the only one convinced of this, here's a quote from John Piper… he says, “I have watched this doctrine [i]gnite both storms of controversy and great awakenings. So with a passion for reformation and revival, I long to see this precious truth… [the] imputed righteousness of Christ… defended, known, and embraced.” I agree with Piper. I long to see Reformation and revival in the hearts of God people… which is why I passionately embrace and defend the doctrine of the imputation of Christ's righteousness. Let's pray and then we'll dive in.Father in heaven, you are so kind. You are merciful, and gracious, and slow to anger. You are rich in love. I praise you. Now I ask, God, that you would use the truths from your Word, this morning, to transform your people; Please mold us to be more like Jesus, I ask. And may this truth, this doctrine of imputation, may it set hearts ablaze this morning; would you be pleased to do that this morning I ask. Amen.I would like to start this morning by recounting somethings I said in a previous sermon, and I intend to even use a sermon illustration that I previously used. Listen, there's no laws against that, right? Haha! Here's the thing, the illustration just fits so well, I feel like I had to bring it back, but I'll give a condensed version. Okay, back in February, I was preaching from Galatians 3. Many of you were probably there. And in Galatians 3 Paul says that Abraham believed God and was counted as righteous. And he's quoting from Genesis 15. Paul is leveraging a moment in Genesis 15 to make his point.If you don't remember, in Genesis 15 God promises Abraham that he would have children. This seemed highly unlikely because of his wife's age. But Abraham took God at his word. Abraham believed God, Abraham chose to believe that God would do what he said he would do.And God responds by declaring Abraham righteous. God's like, “Abraham, since you trusted me, I spoke and you believed me, so I will now count you as righteous.” That's Genesis 15, and the apostle Paul is quoting from Genesis 15 in Galatians 3. There is this theme of righteousness. So, I covered that in a sermon back in February. Well, in that sermon I used an illustration where I talked about report cards.All of us have a spiritual report card. In the ledgers of heaven, we all have a report card. We have grades, there are records for how we live in this life. The bad news is that all of us, if we were to hold up our spiritual report cards, they would all be straight Fs.All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All of us fail to meet God's righteous expectations. If you were to have a report card to reflect your spiritual record, it would be straight Fs.Now, let's imagine Jesus has a report card too. He came to planet earth. He lived a perfect life. His report card would be straight A's right. But then Jesus makes an offer. He says, “If you believe in me, if you would put your trust in me, here's what I'll do, I'll swap with you.” Jesus says: “I'll take your report card and I'll put my name over top and I'll take my report card and I'll put your name over top and I'll swap them.”So, here you get a report card with straight A's and Jesus gets the report card with straight F's. And now you stand before God with a report card of straight A's and you inherit all the benefits of having straight A's, and Jesus is before the father, he has a report card of straight Fs and he is punished. In the 1500s Martin Luther called this the “wonderful exchange.”It is through this action of imputed righteousness that we are justified. When we talk about “Justification” or being “justified” that refers to the forgiveness of sins, or being declared not guilty, and having our record wiped clean. The way God justifies is by transferring his righteousness to us. In our natural state we are sinful, by nature and by choice. We have a record of sin. But God mercifully allows us to enter in the exchange, our record of unrighteousness is transferred to Jesus, and his record of righteousness is transferred to us. So now we have a record that is clean, pure, innocent.By undergoing the wonderful exchange, by being imputed with the righteousness of Christ, I am justified. My spiritual report card is straight As. Now that's a cool illustration, but I don't want to give you a cool illustration, I want you to see this doctrine in Scripture. We're going to look at some Old Testament passages and then we'll make our way back to 2 Corinthians.Rewind with me all the way back to Exodus 12. Leading up to this chapter, we've seen the first nine plagues in Egypt. Moses has made an appeal to Pharaoh to let God's people go. Pharaoh refuses. God has sent nine plagues. And they're about to experience the 10th plague. The 10th plague, as most of you know, this where the death angel is going to sweep through the land overnight and kill the first-born son of each family.But in Exodus 12, God tells each Jewish family to kill a lamb, a spotless lamb, a lamb without defect. They are to slaughter the lamb and then to take the blood of the lamb and put it on the doorframe overtop and on the doorposts. And when the death angel swept through the land, he would not enter any home covered by the blood, and that family would be spared—death would Passover them—this is the Passover. But any home that was not covered by the blood of a spotless lamb would suffer the consequence. Here we see blood being shed to cover God's people so that judgment would pass over them, so that they would not face the wrath of God.This, of course, foreshadows what's to come, many centuries down the road, when Jesus shows up on the scene and John the Baptist sees Jesus, and John the Baptist says to Jesus, “Behold, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”Jesus is the lamb of God. He is the lamb that God has provided. He is the lamb without defect, without spot or blemish, and his blood was shed to cover us and protect us from the wrath of God.Okay, fast forward with me now to Leviticus 16. By this point, the Jews have been rescued from Egypt, a few years have passed, they're in the desert. The tabernacle has been built. The sacrificial system is being established. And in this chapter, in Leviticus 16, this chapter gives us details about an event that will take place once a year, an event known as Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). This is the day where the High Priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.This involved two goats. The sins of Israel is dealt with in two ways, which foreshadows how God intends to deal with us.The first goat would be killed, and its blood sprinkled on the altar in the Holy of Holies. Symbolically the guilt of the people of Israel was placed on that altar and the blood is being poured over the altar to cover their guilt.Then there's a second goat. And this is the first time we see a real hint, strong hint toward the idea of imputation. Leviticus 16 tells us that Aaron, the high priest, was to place his hands, on the goat's head. And then he would confess the sins of the people, he would confess the sins of the nation of Israel. And as he's confessing those sins, they would be transferred to the goat.All of the sins of the nation of Israel are placed onto this goat. And then this goat would be exiled into the wilderness, out into the darkness, banished far away, never to be brought back again. We see the idea of imputation here. Okay, fast forward 700 years, to the book of Isaiah 53. Isaiah echoes the language from Leviticus. In Isaiah 53, the prophet Isaiah, he's talking about Jesus, he calls him the Suffering Servant, he says that the Suffering Servant has “born our griefs and carried our sorrows.” And he says this, “he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities, upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace.”There was a chastisement that was on Jesus that led to our peace, specifically our peace with God. We were at odds with God, we did not have peace with God, we were hostile toward God. But Jesus made it possible for us to be at peace with God. To be on his ‘good side.' To be invited into his royal family.Later in Isaiah 53:11, it says this, “out of anguish of his soul. He shall see and be satisfied. But by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous.” Jesus, the righteous one, through his anguish he will make it possible for many to be accounted righteous. Then, in Isaiah 53:12, in the second half of verse 12, it says that this Suffering Servant, Jesus, will be “numbered with the transgressors.” He's going to be treated as if he's one of them, one of the sinners.Jesus, the righteous one, being treated as if he is unrighteous, so that we, who are unrighteous, might be treated as if we are righteous. He was counted as a transgressor, so that we could be counted righteous.All right, fast forward 200 years to the prophet Zachariah, turn to chapter 3. The prophet Zachariah has a vision of Joshua, the high priest, standing in the presence of God. He is standing in the presence of God wearing filthy rags. The language to describe these garments is the same language often used to describe excrement. So, the high priest is wearing excrement-stained garments, polar opposite of what he's supposed to be wearing. He was supposed to be wearing a very specific outfit, comprised of clean linens and particular garments, but here's wearing this filthy outfit.God could have condemned him right there, but God doesn't. God shows mercy. And in the vision God directs the angels to remove the soiled garments and then to give him “pure vestments.” By examining this vision, you see that these pure robes where in God's presence, they belonged to God, but God swaps with Joshua in this vision. There's an exchange that takes place. Joshua gets rid of this filthy robes and exchanges them for pure garments.The prophet Isaiah actually prophesized of this exchange, in Isaiah 61, he says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness.”Garments of salvation. Robes of righteousness.Okay, fast forward now to the New Testament. We go to Romans 3:21, in essence, Paul says that there is a “righteousness” that is now made available “through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” Then, in Romans chapter 4, he outlines how someone might receive this righteousness, and he does this in a familiar way. In Romans 4, Paul is making the same case that he made in Galatians 3. Remember, in Galatians 3 Paul was quoting from Genesis 15, well, he's doing the same thing in Romans 4.Here in the first few verses of Romans 4, Paul is explaining how someone is counted righteous, which is the same point he makes in Galatians 3. Paul makes it clear that Abraham was counted righteous by his belief, Abraham trusted God, and that was enough, God declared Abraham righteous. Abraham was COUNTED righteous.And then Paul takes it step further, he says that's not just for Abraham, but for us too. In Romans 4:23-24, the apostle Paul says, “the words ‘it was counted to him' were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him.”Paul making it clear, this is for us too. If we believe in God, the same way Abraham believed, then we will be counted righteous, just as Abraham was counted righteous.Okay, jump to Philippians 3. The apostle Paul says, “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”Paul makes it clear, he has not acquired a “righteousness of his own.” He's not righteous by obeying the law or fulfilling the law, no, he says that his righteousness comes through faith in Christ. He alludes to this “righteousness” which is “from God.” This righteousness is not native to him. It's from outside of him. We call this an alien righteousness. It's from outside of Paul, from God, dependent upon his faith. God brings this righteousness to Paul. Paul receives it by faith. Paul is fully justified, the report card is clean.And that brings us, finally, to our primary text this morning: 2 Corinthians 5.I'll give you a little background of this letter. In the chapters and verses leading up to this chapter, the apostle Paul is, in essence, defending his apostleship. As we examine this letter, 2 Corinthians, we discover that some of the Corinthians had questioned Paul and dismissed him as a leader. Some, apparently, had even asked Paul for letters of recommendations from other Christian leaders.Absurd, right?This is ridiculous to me because their church wouldn't even exist if Paul hadn't started it. Most of them wouldn't be Christians if not for Paul's ministry. The fact that their church exists proves his apostleship.In the opening chapters of this letter, he's helping them to see that they are easily impressed by wealth and eloquence, and that this is actually a betrayal of Jesus. They've totally distorted their values, what they seemingly think is important actually is not important. Paul then makes clear to them that there are more important things to be concerns about than the things they've been concerned about, mainly the mission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.Look at 2 Cor. 5:19, he says that “in Christ God [is] reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them…”Paul's like, you guys are squabbling about ridiculous things, questioning me, and being easily impressive by wealth and good public speakers. Paul's like, come on friends, don't ya know, there's people headed for hell, there are people far from God, they need to be reconciled, let's focus on the task at hand.Paul makes it clear that God is in the business of reconciling people, and Paul explains how God does this, by “not counting trespasses against them.” God made a way for your trespasses not to count against your record. God made a way for your trespasses not to show up on your report card. Paul then continues his appeal; look at verse 20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us…”God is making his appeal to the world through us, believers, we are the ones he has entrusted.There are people in this world whose trespasses, currently are counting against them… it's our job to go preach the good news; to spread the new that there's a way for our trespasses not to count against us.In Romans 10:3, the apostle Paul tells us that there's people ignorant of the “the righteousness of God” so it's our responsibility to tell them.God is making his appeal to people in your family through you. God is making his appeal to these Twin Cities through us. God is making his appeal to sinners through us, those who have been counted righteous.And then Paul reminds them of the heart of the gospel, look at verse 21:“For our sake he [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin [Jesus] so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”Jesus became sin.God hates sin. Jesus became the very thing that God hates. Now, Jesus' nature didn't change, he was still truly God and truly man, but in some sense, Jesus became sin. He was counted as if he was sin. Jesus was treated as if he was sin itself.Jesus became sin for us, Jesus, the man who knew no sin, the man who had never been acquainted with sin, he became sin. He was counted among the transgressors, so that we might become the “righteousness of God.”The “becoming” language is interesting, it's a similar sentiment that the apostle Paul expressed in Galatians 3 when he said Jesus “become a curse for us.”And there's also some parallel language here… in the same way that Jesus “became” something, we also “became” something. Jesus became sin! We became the righteousness of God.The apostle Peter says it this way, 1 Pt. 3:18: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” Christ died to bring us to God!“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”Two final notes and then one pastoral exhortation for you.First, it's important to mention that the imputation of righteousness, it's not progressive. You don't become more righteous over time. Once you believe, the moment you trust in Christ, you are declared righteous! The 19th century theologians AW Pink put it this way:“The justification of the Christian is complete the moment he truly believes in Christ, and hence there are no degrees… The Apostle Paul was as truly a justified man, [declared righteous] at the hour of his conversion as he was at the close of his life. The feeblest babe in Christ is just as completely justified as is the most mature saint.”The moment you believed in Jesus, you were fully justified, you were declared righteous, your sin was imputed to Christ, his righteousness was imputed to you!Second, this doctrine is essential and you cannot hear it enough times. It's not too often to even hear it daily. Charles Spurgeon, the great 19th century Baptist preacher, was challenged on this. Apparently people were saying he talked about this doctrine too often, so he brought it up in a sermon and said this:“I think, dear friends, some of you will be saying, ‘There is that same old doctrine again that we are so continually hearing.' I make no excuse. The doctrine of justification by faith through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ is very much to my ministry as what bread and salt are to the table. As often as I come to the table these things are needed. I regard this doctrine the same, one that must be preached continually, to mixed up with all our sermons. Indeed, it is impossible to bring it forward too often. My soul has been counted righteous. This soul-saving doctrine is the foundation of foundations—the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”Final thought. I don't know how many of you deal with this, but I often get down on myself. I feel guilty. When I sin or disappoint someone. Even if I make a mistake that isn't sinful, I still feel this, I get down on myself. I have a tendency to really beat myself up, to feel unworthy or dirty before the Lord.In that moment, that's the moment to remind ourselves of this truth. In just a moment, during communion, we're going to sing “Before the Throne of God Above.” Here's a few of the lyrics.When Satan tempts me to despair,And tells me of the guilt within,upward I look, and see Him there,Who made an end to all my sin.Because the sinless Savior died,My sinful soul is counted free,For God the just is satisfied,To look on Him and pardon me,To look on Him and pardon me.God was satisfied to look on Jesus, to view him as if he was sin, and to allow his sacrifice to be enough.Cities Church, the sinless savior died, now your sinful soul is counted free. You are free from the punishment of your sin that you so richly deserved. He took on your sin, and now you are counted free.Jesus knew no sin, but became sin, so that we might become righteous.And Jesus settled this at the cross. There ain't nothin' you can do about it, you cannot undo it. It's done. For you. By Jesus.You have been justified. Jesus became sin for you, so that you might become the righteousness of God. Church, that is a reason to celebrate! And that's why we come to the table each and every week, to celebrate what Christ has done.

This week in Reflections we are thinking about Rahab and God's amazing grace. Our reading is from Joshua 2:1 - 24 and the hymn is "Before The Throne of God Above". --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/stephen-ogston/message

0:00 - Logical Fallacy: Incoherence; Drink of the Day: Godfather (3 parts scotch, johnny walker 200yr celebratory blend, and 2 parts Amaretto) 1:57 - Meat Segment: Health care is a crock in this country, and it's all about the money, and healthcare professionals can't use basic critical thinking skills and that scares me. Then, some ramblings about Predestination and the will of God, followed by a brief discussion about my impending marriage and what still scares me about it.  31:50 - 3 Favorite News Stories (More or Less) First, the two supreme court decisions made recently concerning vaccine mandates. Second, a woman has a baby... and evidently that's a news story. The reason? The woman in question believes she is a man and is pumping her own body with testosterone, but has not yet mutilated herself. More interesting, though, is what the language surrounding the transgender worldview reveals about the transgender agenda. Third, on the topic of controlling language, The University of Washington is very concerned with the tech nerds using "inclusive" language... but the words they're banning... hmmmm.... 47:38 - Let's Count All the Logical Fallacies: A truly incoherent man tries to prove that whiteness precludes objectivity... or something. 59:59 - Covid Minute:  Rochelle Wolensky accidentally let the cat out of the bag when you compare her words to a chart the CDC produced on January 17th showing that natural immunity is better than vax immunity.  1:08:04 - Hymn Hype: We look at the hymn "Before the Throne of God Above" by Charitee Lees Smith   

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read - Leviticus 17:1-6; Hebrews 9:11-15 Pray - That we would thank God that Jesus has become the eternal sacrifice for our sins. Sing - Before the Throne of God Above

Simple Rhythms is designed to give you a simple and steady diet of God's Word. We want you to be consistent in your Bible in-take and application. Read - Leviticus 16:1-15; Hebrews 4:14-16 Pray - That we would be thankful that we have an eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, who forever intercedes for us Sing - Before the Throne of God Above

Relationships Come First!  Pray for opportunities; the more you pray, the more opportunities you'll discover!- Present Jesus as the One who was anticipated by the prophets and the One to whom all other prophets point- Use the book of Hebrews to show why Jesus' death and resurrection fits the expectation of the Old Testament- They are desperate for approval from God- Above all, remember, winning an argument is not the same as winning someone to Christ. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myeveningdevotional.substack.com

At the beginning of creation the angels sang unto the Lord, at the new creation the angels and saints will sing unto the Lord in heaven, and saved souls are exhorted to sing unto the Lord from new birth to the grave. (Job 38:7; Revelation 5, 14; Psalm 149:1) So, sing! Pour out your heart before the Lord in melody and meter. The Olney Hymns: https://archive.org/details/olneyhymn1805newt Our Own Hymn-Book: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Our_Own_Hymn_book/V98TAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 Gadsby's Hymns: https://www.grace-ebooks.com/library/William%20Gadsby/WG_Gadsbys%20Hymn%20Book.pdf Hymns of Grace: https://hymnsofgrace.com/ Hymns & Readings: https://thefamilybush.squarespace.com/helps#/hymns-and-readings/ If you would like a hard copy of Hymns & Reading, please email gospelincontext@gmail.com"Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy" by Sovereign Grace Music (https://sovereigngracemusic.org/)"Before the Throne of God Above" by Grace Community Church "I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow" by Sovereign Grace Music (https://sovereigngracemusic.org/)Hymn Stories is a part of the Media Gratiae Podcast Network. 

Opening Song:  Before the Throne of God Above by Charitie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook (sung by Shane Barnard and Shane Everett) Lyrics: Before the throne of God above I have a strong and a perfect plea A great high priest, whose name is love Who ever lives and pleads for me   My name is graven on his hands My name is written on his heart I know that while in heaven he stands No tongue can bid me thence depart No tongue can bid me thence depart   When Satan tempts me to despair And tells me of the guilt within Upward I look and see him there Who made an end of all my sin   Because a sinless savior died My sinful soul is counted free For God, the Just, is satisfied To look on him and pardon me To look on him and pardon me   Hallelujah, Hallelujah, praise the one Risen son of God Behold him there, the risen lamb My perfect spotless righteousness   The great unchangeable I am The king of glory and of grace One in himself, I cannot die My soul is purchased by his blood   My life is hid with Christ on high With Christ, my savior and my God With Christ, my savior and my God Hallelujah, Hallelujah Praise the one, risen son of God Hallelujah, Hallelujah Praise the one, risen son of God Passage:  12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  (Hebrews 4:12–16) Musical Reflection:  “Amazing Grace,” Appalachian folk tune Reflection Notes:  This beloved tune, formally known as NEW BRITAIN, originates from the folk music of Appalachia. The melody is simple and outlines triads, making it memorable; the ascending line creates a triumphant climax.  Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. [St. Francis of Assisi (ca. 1181–1226)]

Today Nefu and Chris join me to discuss a topic that got under my skin a little bit, to say the least. We discuss the Moral Influence atonement theory. I tried something new with the intro and outro music. The intro and outro song is, Before the Throne of God Above, performed by Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Grace Music.

With humble and steadfast faith, praise God that we have abiding anchors in Christ, His word, prayer, and His love. His love spills over into our lives and into our love for one another, our community, and the world around us. As we continue to face the strains of the Delta Variant of Covid-19, the sadness of the collapse of Afghanistan, the impact of wildfires out west, and the consequences of another earthquake in Haiti, we know to love and to pray. We do so amidst the joys and strains of living together to the glory of God. This Sunday, we'll continue our summer series on Discipleship as we turn to John 15:7-11 and explore “Abiding Anchors for Discipleship (and our Souls).” These verses are filled with hope and foundation for life! As we focus on abiding in Christ Who gives us life and breath and all things, we'll look forward to singing “We Come, O Christ, To You,” “Before the Throne of God Above,” and “Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting.” In preparation for worship, please pray through John 15 and Colossians 1:15-20. Please take four minutes to watch a call to prayer from members of our national EPC leadership by clicking here. Yes, you may need to skip one ad. Beyond worship on Sunday morning, please join the Rivermont family for an hour of prayer on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm in the Rivermont Chapel. As we do each week, we'll continue to pray for our covenant family, our community, and our world. May we share in the appropriate weight of laboring in prayer for friends, our nation, and the world beyond.

With humble and steadfast faith, praise God that we have abiding anchors in Christ, His word, prayer, and His love. His love spills over into our lives and into our love for one another, our community, and the world around us. As we continue to face the strains of the Delta Variant of Covid-19, the sadness of the collapse of Afghanistan, the impact of wildfires out west, and the consequences of another earthquake in Haiti, we know to love and to pray. We do so amidst the joys and strains of living together to the glory of God. This Sunday, we'll continue our summer series on Discipleship as we turn to John 15:7-11 and explore “Abiding Anchors for Discipleship (and our Souls).” These verses are filled with hope and foundation for life! As we focus on abiding in Christ Who gives us life and breath and all things, we'll look forward to singing “We Come, O Christ, To You,” “Before the Throne of God Above,” and “Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting.” In preparation for worship, please pray through John 15 and Colossians 1:15-20. Please take four minutes to watch a call to prayer from members of our national EPC leadership by clicking here. Yes, you may need to skip one ad. Beyond worship on Sunday morning, please join the Rivermont family for an hour of prayer on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm in the Rivermont Chapel. As we do each week, we'll continue to pray for our covenant family, our community, and our world. May we share in the appropriate weight of laboring in prayer for friends, our nation, and the world beyond.

"Before the Throne of God Above" - Dave Hunt ℗ 2005 Dave Hunt

For tonight's Virtual Vespers, we explore the great hymn "Before the Throne of God Above"!   Recorded on June 15, 2021.

Included Music: Have Faith in God, Blessed Be Your Name, How Majestic Is Your Name, I Will Sing the Wondrous Story, Before the Throne of God Above, Crown Him (Majesty), and There Is a Fountain   Message Title: Pass the Faith (Cory Bennett) Text: Psalm 145:4-7

We are recording our in-person worship service (10:45 AM on Sunday) each week for folks who can't join us in person. This is the Audio-only version recorded for Sunday, May 2, 2021. It is also available in Video format through our YouTube channel. Click on the "Notes Icon" (the little image of a notepad) to get the sermon study notes for this week. ORDER OF SERVICE: Sing our opening songs, "Doxology” and “A Mighty Fortress is Our God" (on-screen lyrics in the video recording). Listen to the message "The Final Seven Judgments” preached by Pastor Dave Marksbury from Revelation 16:12-21. This message is part of the multi-week sermon series "Revelation: God's Final Call." (Prior messages in the series are available in both video and audio-only recordings). Sing: "Before the Throne of God Above" and "Jesus Never Fails.” Join us in prayer, listen to the church announcements and a "One Year Bible Reading" update. Our closing song is "In Times Like These."

IN THIS EPISODE: "Before the Throne of God Above" by Charitie Lees Smith (1841-1923)It appears that Charitie Lees Smith's hymn “Before the Throne of God” was especially meaningful to Spurgeon. He had an extraordinary ability to memorize hymns, and “Before the Throne of God” was one that he knew by heart.Homepage: www.hymnstories.usFacebook: www.facebook.com/storiesofhymnsHymn Stories is a part of the Media Gratiae Podcast Network.

3-9-2021 Universal Prayer & Reflection: Love of Neighbor Good morning, this is Liz Wessel and thank you for joining in prayer and communion as we journey together. We begin by centering ourselves and settling into a comfortable position. I invite you to close your eyes and focus your awareness of your breathing. Together we take 3 deep breaths, one to come as you are, two to welcome whatever emotions you may feel. Perhaps feelings of peace, happiness or sadness, anxiety and stress. Offer even these unwanted guests’ hospitality and say yes, that these too belong. You may wish to place your hand over your heart and offer loving kindness for yourself and to all who are gathered here today. Ring the bell To the God of our understanding, the spirit with whom we gather this morning – we ask that our minds be open, our hearts welcoming, and our arms embracing to our dear neighbor. (adapted Chrystal Hogan) Take a moment to reflect in the spirit of prayer for loved ones, our neighbors near and far who need our thoughts and prayers. We name them silently in our hearts.... Pause 3-5 seconds A few words of encouragement from Morgan Harper Nichols: May this be a season of believing beyond what you see. Trusting that even though you have not felt brave, you have still managed to be. You still trust that you can carry on, despite uncertainty. And amidst all of that uncertainty, there is still so much take delight in. Slow down take it in let gratitude remind you that you are coming forth like gold from within. Trust in the Slow Work of God Above all, trust in the slow work of God We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability- and that it may take a very long time. And so I think it is with you. your ideas mature gradually – let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don’t try to force them on, as though you could be today what time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow. Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete. - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. (1881-1955) Prayer Teach me to listen, O God, to those nearest me, my family, my friends, my co-workers. Help me to be aware that no matter what words I hear, the message is, “Accept the person I am. Listen to me.” Teach me to listen, my caring God, to those far from me– the whisper of the hopeless, the plea of the forgotten, the cry of the anguished. Teach me to listen, O God my Mother, to myself. Help me to be less afraid to trust the voice inside — in the deepest part of me. Teach me to listen, Holy Spirit, for your voice — in busyness and in boredom, in certainty and doubt, in noise and in silence. Teach me, Lord, to listen. Amen. —Adapted by John Veltri, SJ, as published in Hearts on Fire: Praying with the Jesuits Our closing prayer is by Sr. Christine Hilliard CSJ: May we recognize each neighbor as gift from our creator who only gives us what we need. May we be grateful for each neighbor however we met them. May we not be afraid to be a neighbor, dependent on the kindness of others. (Sr. Christine Hilliard CSJ.) As you go about your day may you be blessed abundantly as you bless others in the sacredness of your work. Amen

What is the hope of despairing Christians? What does it mean that our names are written on Christ's hands and heart? This week, we dig through the many scriptural references in "Before the Throne of God Above" by Sovereign Grace. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/worship-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/worship-review/support

Included Music: Nothing but the Blood, Jesus Messiah, I Saw the Cross of Jesus, Seek Ye First, Before the Throne of God Above, The Perfect Wisdom of Our God, and The Solid Rock   Message Title: Biblical Knowledge   Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17   Take Home Point: Our actions and attitudes should be shaped by Scripture rather than by the world.  

With the elections this Tuesday, the ongoing navigation of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the persistent labor for racial and ethnic peace, there is much that could create anxiety and fear in the hearts of God's people. Yet, praise God for the intimacy and strength we enjoy with a Savior that calls us to freedom from anxiety and worry. This Sunday in worship, we'll consider Matthew 6:25-34 and ponder “Freedom from Anxiety.” While the experience of anxiousness is common to most of us, Jesus reveals matters of the heart that reveal our tendencies to fret and His gracious call to live in freedom from worry. To come prepared for the sermon, take time to read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), meditate on Matthew 6:25-34, and consider Philippians 4:4-7. On this All Saints' Day, we will remember with thanksgiving the life and witness of faithful men and women who have gone before us, following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We will also celebrate the sacrament of the Lord's Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine, we look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord's body and blood, spiritually we feed upon Him and all His benefits. Our hymns for this week include “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” “Before the Throne of God Above,” and “For All the Saints.” Sermon Information: Text: Matthew 6:25-34 Title: Freedom from Anxiety Outline: Embrace Compelling Reasons to Abandon Worry Embrace Convictions to Strengthen Faith Embrace the Kingdom and His Righteousness

With the elections this Tuesday, the ongoing navigation of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the persistent labor for racial and ethnic peace, there is much that could create anxiety and fear in the hearts of God’s people. Yet, praise God for the intimacy and strength we enjoy with a Savior that calls us to freedom from anxiety and worry. This Sunday in worship, we’ll consider Matthew 6:25-34 and ponder “Freedom from Anxiety.” While the experience of anxiousness is common to most of us, Jesus reveals matters of the heart that reveal our tendencies to fret and His gracious call to live in freedom from worry. To come prepared for the sermon, take time to read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), meditate on Matthew 6:25-34, and consider Philippians 4:4-7. On this All Saints' Day, we will remember with thanksgiving the life and witness of faithful men and women who have gone before us, following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We will also celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine, we look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon Him and all His benefits. Our hymns for this week include “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” “Before the Throne of God Above,” and “For All the Saints.” Sermon Information: Text: Matthew 6:25-34 Title: Freedom from Anxiety Outline: Embrace Compelling Reasons to Abandon Worry Embrace Convictions to Strengthen Faith Embrace the Kingdom and His Righteousness

My daughter read "Animal Farm" in middle school. Luckily she had a teacher who could unpack the symbolism and interpret the text in such a way that she understood and enjoyed the Orwell classic. Sometimes it takes a little extra study to understand the things we read in Scripture, too. Shane & Shane's rendition of "Before the Throne of God Above" sends us from Hebrews to the Old Testament and back to learn more about Jesus as our Great High Priest.     Pack your bags with a few nuggets of information mined on this week's podcast before you journey into the book of Hebrews for yourself. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Listen to an audio version of the text Consult outside resources Start with God/Jesus Make a list Compare and contrast The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Sneaking in a hymn because of the great truths repeated in every line The author and the original title of the hymn - Hymnary.org Getting distracted studying about Jesus as our advocate in 1 John 2:1-2 Reading the entire text of Hebrews to place your detailed study in context How "high priest" is mentioned 17 times in the book of Hebrews, making the priesthood of Jesus Christ a central theme Consulting outside resources to learn more about the role of the high priest - GotQuestions.org and Warren Wiersbe's Commentary on Hebrews Learning about the role of the high priest in the Old Testament (specifically duties on the Day of Atonement) - Leviticus 16 Starting with Jesus as we approach the text (instead of ourselves) Making an ongoing list of characteristics we discover about our Great High Priest Comparing and contrasting the high priests of the Old Testament and our new covenant High Priest   Additional Resources Lyrics and Chords - WorshipChords.com What was the Biblical role of the high priest? - GotQuestions.org The High Priest's Purpose - Ligonier.org Jesus the Priest - Ligonier.org The Day of Atonement - BibleProject.com This Week's Challenge Read Hebrews for yourself. Try listening to an audio version of the entire text while keeping your attention on each mention of "high priest." Read Leviticus 16 to get clear on what was required of the high priest on the Day of Atonement. Make a list of characteristics you learn about your Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who can provide complete salvation because of His perfect offering.

This week we're looking at the hymn "Before the Throne of God Above" by Charitie Lees Bancroft. Join us in the conversation as we seek after God's Own Heart by looking at Jesus' pardon of us and the eternal weight of His pardon before the Great Judge.To listen to the song as performed by Shane and Shane, click here!

Today, we have a special show for you. My Mom joins me on the podcast! We chat a bit about my story, and we both answer some fun questions. My Mom is so wise, and it was a delight to chat with her. :) Links To Things We Talked About: - The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29527162-the-undoing-of-saint-silvanus - Rook card game https://www.amazon.ca/Hasbro-Gaming-B0966-Rook-Card/dp/B00NQQTZ5G - Light from Heaven by Jan Karon https://www.amazon.ca/Light-Heaven-Mitford-Book-9-ebook/dp/B003QP4NUO/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&hvadid=74766862789022&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvqmt=p&keywords=jan+karon+--+mitford+series&qid=1594141161&sr=8-17 - George MacDonald books https://www.amazon.ca/George-MacDonald-Ministers-Restoration-Inheritance/dp/0764221485/ref=sr_1_27?dchild=1&keywords=George+MacDonald&qid=1594141341&sr=8-27 - Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell https://www.amazon.ca/Wives-Daughters-Elizabeth-Cleghorn-Gaskell/dp/1731701675/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1594142393&sr=8-1 - The Book of Signs by Dr. David Jeremiah https://www.amazon.ca/Book-Signs-Undeniable-Prophecies-Apocalypse/dp/078522954X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1594142448&sr=8-1 - The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-God-Updated-Annotated-Questions/dp/1797088556/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1594142504&sr=8-1 - "Before the Throne of God Above" by Selah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MUNywhsZPU - "My Girl" by the Temptations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM138qRMoyU - Father of the Bride movie https://www.amazon.ca/Father-Bride-II/dp/B00386EZKE/ref=pd_lpo_74_img_0/145-5058349-7050234?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00386EZKE&pd_rd_r=d0120f67-0b56-42db-80e3-44d1f5645dcd&pd_rd_w=hqZCL&pd_rd_wg=4dkln&pf_rd_p=256a14b6-93bc-4bcd-9f68-aea60d2878b9&pf_rd_r=GJEP7Q5QY1YNDDSCF205&psc=1&refRID=GJEP7Q5QY1YNDDSCF205 - "Good Good Father" by Chris Tomlin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ak0OoFBw3c - Magnum Ice Cream https://www.magnumicecream.com/ca/en/home.html

Leland Ryken called them Worldly Saints. It is a name that might not fit your perception of the Puritans. Yet central to the Puritan movement was a quest for all of life to be conformed to the word of God. Puritanism was a movement to do what God commanded and to live for God's glory not just in the Church but in the world. The Puritans were saints because they sought holiness. Yet they were worldly because their holiness was not relegated to the space between the Church walls but broke out into all areas of life. As we continue our study of Christian meditation in Psalm 119 we will find that if we are obedient to the practice of meditation that it will lead us to be worldly saints. That is, it will lead us to follow the example of our Puritan forefathers who sought to do all that the Lord commanded. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Psalm 119, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1, Colossians 3:1-5, James 1:22 and WSC #'s 39-44. As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord's day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “We Come, O Christ, to You”, the Acclamation of Praise “Before the Throne of God Above” and the Hymn of Response “How Firm a Foundation.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God's Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! Sermon Information: Text: Psalm 119 Title: Worldly Saints Outline: Every Christian Must Meditate on God's Word to Act Rightly Meditate on Theological Truth Meditate on Historical Truth Meditate on Godly Examples Meditate on God's Law Sunday's Bulletin

Leland Ryken called them Worldly Saints. It is a name that might not fit your perception of the Puritans. Yet central to the Puritan movement was a quest for all of life to be conformed to the word of God. Puritanism was a movement to do what God commanded and to live for God’s glory not just in the Church but in the world. The Puritans were saints because they sought holiness. Yet they were worldly because their holiness was not relegated to the space between the Church walls but broke out into all areas of life. As we continue our study of Christian meditation in Psalm 119 we will find that if we are obedient to the practice of meditation that it will lead us to be worldly saints. That is, it will lead us to follow the example of our Puritan forefathers who sought to do all that the Lord commanded. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Psalm 119, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1, Colossians 3:1-5, James 1:22 and WSC #’s 39-44. As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “We Come, O Christ, to You”, the Acclamation of Praise “Before the Throne of God Above” and the Hymn of Response “How Firm a Foundation.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him! Sermon Information: Text: Psalm 119 Title: Worldly Saints Outline: Every Christian Must Meditate on God’s Word to Act Rightly Meditate on Theological Truth Meditate on Historical Truth Meditate on Godly Examples Meditate on God’s Law Sunday's Bulletin

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11: The God Above the Sun by Christ Church Carbondale

SONGS In Christ AloneTurn Your Eyes Upon JesusCome and Lift Your EyesGreat is Thy FaithfulnessIs He WorthyBefore the Throne of God Above

Call to worship: Psalm 22:23-31 Hymn: How Great Thou Art Devotional: Hebrews 10:19-25 Response Song: Before the Throne of God Above

As the quarantine continues, we wanted to share this collection of hymns. We hope you enjoy them and/or share them with someone that might receive God's comfort and strength. 00:01 - All for Jesus 00:47 - Blessed Assurance 03:34 - Jerusalem 04:35 - Abide with Me 07:14 - Before the Throne of God Above 09:48 - Gloria 14:30 - What a Friend We Have in Jesus 16:32 - The Gift  17:25 - Come Thou Font 19:48 - Amazing Grace   FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BIBLE-DIG-128834874574910/ INSTAGRAM: @bibledigpod TWITTER: @dig_pod EMAIL: bibledigcast@gmail.com   *Please consider helping BIBLE DIG monthly (for as little as $5) so we can grow our team, our quality and our content. Discover more at https://patreon.com/bibledig  

On today’s episode of Table Talk Radio we run 3 songs through the Praise Song Cruncher. First we look at Before the Throne of God Above, by Selah and pastor Wolfmueller seems kind of impressed. Then we move on to The Lord is My Salvation, by Getty Music and His Mercy is More, by Matt Papa. Will any or all pass the Cruncher?

10 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. 10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, 14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” 15 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 16 And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.” 18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince. 11 “And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him. Daniel 10:1-11:1, ESV This is the word of our Lord. If you are anything like me, I think when we encounter periods of crisis, whether it be the current coronavirus crisis that we are experiencing and all the uncertainties that may entail, or any other type of crisis we faced in our past or will face in our futures. I think there is something about our experience with crisis that tends to skew reality. I have found in my own life that periods of crisis tend to slow down time. Expected resolutions rarely come as quickly as we would like them to come. Moreover, when I've walked through crisis, a sort of tunnel vision sets in too. That may be true for you as well. Even if we tend to be planners, in times of crisis all of our focus and resources are reallocated and narrowly targeted to get through whatever it is we need to get through in that moment. It's often a challenge for us to approach those seasons with long term clarity or optimism. To a certain degree, some of that is understandable, we can't ignore crises before us. Crises are going to interrupt our plans in one way or another. The question to ask ourselves during times of crisis is whether our tunnel vision has also made us susceptible to ignoring the spiritual realities behind the scenes. When we open up to Daniel chapter ten, which is the beginning of this fourth vision in the apocalyptic section of Daniel seven through twelve, we learn through one more visionary experience in Daniel's life a bit about how God calls his people, Daniel, and by extension you and me, to navigate through periods of crisis. In a few moments we will talk about the crisis that God's people were facing during this season in their lives. Leaving that aside for the time being, the lesson that Daniel learns in this text, and the lesson for you and me to take ahold of, is that in whatever crises we face we mustn't be unaware of spiritual realities that lurk behind the scenes. The tunnel vision that we are so often accustomed to may make us approach seasons of crisis without much sobriety. Daniel ten reminds us that until we grasp the spiritual realties at work in our past, present, and future, we will never truly appraise the things in our lives the way that we should. This is the message of Daniel chapter ten. We learn in this chapter that behind whatever crises or conflicts we face in this world, lies a more potent spiritual conflict. A conflict that requires spiritual weapons and in particular prayer. It's also a conflict that we will not face alone. Daniel receives assurance in this text that at the same time there is this terrifying conflict behind the scenes, at the same time that he is abandoned by the people who were with him, he is reminded, and so are we, that we have a God who is more than capable of handling the crises of the past, present and future. Our big idea is this in great conflict we have greater support. As we work through this text, we are going to see three things about this conflict as the veil is pulled back for us. 1. The Weapons for the Conflict 2. The God Above the Conflict 3. The Nature of the Conflict The Weapons for the Conflict We are looking at verse one through three here. To begin, let me set the scene for us for just a moment. We learn that when this text opens that it is now the third year of Cyrus King of Persia. In terms of the literary progression of Daniel seven through twelve, we have now moved forward about two years from the previous vision in Daniel nine, which was the first year of Darius who is the same person as Cyrus. At this point in their history, the third year of King Cyrus, the first wave of exiles has already returned back to the land of Judea. If you remember from our study a few weeks ago in Daniel chapter nine, it was during the first year of King Cyrus, shortly after the events of Daniel nine, that Cyrus issued this decree that allowed the Jews in Babylonia to return back to Judea to begin rebuilding the temple, reinstituting proper worship, and getting their lives back together as they had been called by God. Now we are in the third year of King Cyrus. Some good things have happened for God's people back in the land. By this time, they had set up the altar to resume sacrifices and they've even rededicated the temple. Yet it wasn't very long until the ran into some problems. Shortly after their return they began to face some sinister opposition, such that they were forced to cease rebuilding the temple for about fifteen years. We learn in the book of Ezra that when adversaries of Judah and Benjamin were back in the land and sought to rebuild the temple. 4 Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build 5 and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. Ezra 4:4-5, ESV So, as exhilarating as it was to return to the land, they were given this fresh of start of sorts. Very quickly we learn from other Biblical texts that life in the land quickly ran over some speed bumps. In the words of Daniel nine, it's already revealing itself to be for them a troubled time. This explains Daniel's despair when Daniel chapter ten opens. Some commentators suggest that Daniel, as a high official in the courts of Cyrus, may have heard reports that were flowing back to Babylonia that the returning exiles were now facing some mounting pressures. That's why we find Daniel mourning, and fasting, and praying when the text opens. If could be as simple as knowing from Daniel nine from hypothetical reports that life in the land for these metaphorical sixty-two weeks are going to be a difficult time, a time of crisis, and that's why he's mourning. Simply the realization of what is going to happen is striking him time and time again. Or more likely, it might be a combination of the two. Hearing reports and considering what he had already heard before. Whatever the catalyst, we see Daniel in this text doing something we see time and time again; that is when trouble mounts, Daniel prays. Looking at this text, we see Daniel was engaged in fasting, mourning, and prayer. It's not a total fast from all foods, but it is a fast in solidarity with the people back in the land. Moreover, we learn in verse four that he fasts in a season that was typically reserved for feasting. All this happens within the first twenty-four days of the first month, which in the Jewish ceremonial calendar was the feast of Passover. Yet during this feast where God's people were called upon to celebrate God's great deliverance in the Exodus, we find Daniel fasting and mourning. We also learn from verse twelve, which makes this clear that this was also a long season of prayer for Daniel. We are not told exactly what Daniel was praying for, perhaps he prayed to understand the reason that God's people were experiencing back in the land. Maybe he prayed to understand how long, O Lord their suffering would last. We are not told explicitly what he prayed for. Yet whatever it was, Daniel's actions reveal that he knows that times of conflict, times of crisis and despair, require not just pragmatic tools to get through them. They also require spiritual tools. In this early stage in this text Daniel still hasn't seen the behind the scenes vision of heavenly warfare that are going to come about later. He intuitively knows the truth of what the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians, “the weapons of our warfare are not of flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” Daniel knows that the real power to affect visible realities in this world is the invisible sovereign and covenant God. So, what Daniel does is what we have seen him do time and time again, Daniel prays. More than that, he prays, and he fasts, and he mourns, not just for himself, but for God's people and for God's kingdom. It's clear at this point that Daniel didn't return to the land with many of his fellow Jews and exiles, he's still in Babylonia. He's working as a high official in the Persian courts, we learned that from Daniel chapter six. We don't know why he didn't return, but whatever the reason was it clearly wasn't because he no longer cared about God's purposes and God's kingdom. We see here someone who is deeply invested in the kingdom of God, even from a distance. Daniel is nearing the end of his life at this point. He wouldn't witness the demise of Persia or witness the rise of Antiochus of Epiphanies. Daniel, though we don't know for sure, probably didn't even live out to see the completion of the temple some fifteen years down the road. Yet we find Daniel as someone who prays, and fasts, and mourns for the purposes of the kingdom of God. His cares and concerns orbit around the cares and concerns of the Lord. This attitude of Daniel is one that's also echoed down through the ages in the experience of very ordinary Christians who have also prayed fervently and deliberately for the kingdom of God to come and for God's will to be done. It's an attitude anywhere where Christians pray and invest in global missions for unreached people groups around the world. It's an attitude that you and I are called to emulate as well. I think there is something about times of crisis, times like what we are in right now, that threatens to make us into functional atheists in the sense that we forget so often the spiritual horizon of our current conflict. I will come back to that later in the text. Therefore, because we forget about this horizon of this spiritual conflict, we forget to make use of the spiritual weapons available to us like Daniel. There is also something about crisis that can narrow all of our prayers and attention to our needs alone. Of course, that's not to say that we shouldn't be in prayer for our needs, we should continually pray for our daily bread. We also know the needs of our brothers and sisters in our church are equally important. Do we pray for those needs as well? Do we know the experience of the church around the world and do we regularly engage in praying for them as well? Even in the midst of our personal crises, whatever they are, even in the midst of this coronavirus crisis, when you face crisis how do you respond? Do you engage the weapons of our spiritual warfare or do you not? This is the first lesson that we learn in this text. As Daniel fasts, and mourns, and prays, it's not terribly long before he's given some reassurance that even in this crisis, and in every crisis, that God's people have a God who stands above these things with sovereignty and power. The God Above the Conflict Here we are looking at verse four through nine. We learn in verse four, for whatever reason, Daniel is standing on the banks of the great river Tigris, about fifty miles from Babylon. We gather also from verse seven that apparently there were other people with him, we don't know who they are. As Daniel stands by the banks, he looks us and sees, “a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. Daniel 10:5-6, ESV Once again, we meet in Daniel another mysterious figure who leaves quite the first impression. On the other hand, it leaves us also somewhat puzzled. Who is this individual? What does he represent? What are we supposed to make of him? One answer given in the history of interpretation of this text is to see in this linen clad man as the preincarnate Christ, or a Christophany, that is a manifestation of Christ some 500 plus years before the incarnation. If you remember back in Daniel three and the mysterious fourth figure that was in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, just as some have assumed that too was the preincarnate Christ, we said at that time it wasn't;, so too here people make the same arguments. While that may be possible here because Jesus is described in similar ways in Revelation, I think there are reasons in the text of Daniel to question that interpretation. For one thing, when this linen clad man opens up his mouth and speaks in verse thirteen, he indicates that he was engaged in a great battle and he was unable to come to Daniel's aid until he received help from the angel Michael. Some have pointed out from that, and I think correctly, that it doesn't seem fitting that this need for angelic help or qualities at this point could be ascribed to Christ. So, for that reason among others, I'm inclined with most commentators to see in this figure not the pre-incarnate Christ, but an angelic being, perhaps even the angel Gabriel who we've met before. Now we also find some of the descriptions that are applied to this figure are present elsewhere in Scripture to describe angels and cherubim. Ezekiel one is one text that comes to mind. So, to answer this question who is this figure, well I think there are good reasons that suggest this mysterious figure is an angelic ambassador sent by God. Just as any good ambassador represents the one who sends him, this angel is a heavenly ambassador who represents the Lord. Not only does he declare the Word of God, but he also images in some sense the Lord himself. In the words of Dale Roth Davis, “this angelic ambassador packs the splendor power and dread of the God he serves and therefore to look upon this angel is to see not just an autonomous heavenly being doing his own thing and going about his own business. It is also to see something about the God who sends him.” As a brief aside we also encounter something similar, a similar movement, in the book of Revelation where angels who serve the Lord are sometimes described in similar ways that Christ is described. They too reflect the one that they represent. So, when Daniel looks upon this celestial being, he's also confronted with something about the God who sends him, the God who hears Daniel's prayers, who answers Daniel's prayers, and who is sovereign the crisis that vexes him. So, with that in mind notice a couple things about this angel from the text of Daniel. First, we read that he's clothed in a linen garment. In the Old Testament is the same attire that was worn by priests, and in particularly the high priests, whenever the priest would enter into the holy places in the tabernacle and later in the temple to offer sacrifices to the Lord. This is thus imagery that signals the God who hears Daniel's prayers. The God who this angel represents, and serves is the holy God who is Daniel 9 told us we'll make atonement for the sins of his people. Second this angelic emissary is described in imagery that elsewhere in Scripture symbolizes the glorious appearing of the Lord. That's what this reference to lightning signals. As one commentator in my studies pointed out this week, I think rightly so, the references here to lightning and fire and flames in his eyes are especially noteworthy echoes of the Lord's appearance at Sinai at the giving of the law in the book of Exodus. Now even though this angel is not the Lord, the recognition that he nonetheless represents the Lord in these ways and others explain why those who were accompanying Daniel, whoever they were, fled. Because to be in the presence of someone who is arrayed in such resplendent glory and holiness as a people who are unholy, powerless, and impure is a terrifying thing indeed. Now some have suggested that the only reason that Daniel doesn't run and turn and flee in this movement is because he's too old at this point and he can't run, and there might be something to that. More importantly the appearance of this terrifyingly glorious figure is the initial unexpected but essential answer to Daniel's prayers. You see, Daniel has been lamenting and petitioning the Lord for answers and action. Even though an explanation hasn't yet come, we'll have to wait till Daniel eleven for that, Daniel was nonetheless confronted in an instant the reality that whatever the crisis, in whatever time and in place, the God this angel serves is the God of the covenant. He is the one who is more than capable of dealing with whatever menacing threats come their way. The imagery employed is striking here because it reminds Daniel that the God who has so often delivered his people from other crises throughout their history is the same God who will speak and act to deliver them now. Well the significance of some of this imagery, Sinclair Ferguson writes this, “The God of the past of the covenant at Sinai and the sacrifices at Jerusalem, that imagery we've just talked about looked back to the covenant of Sinai and the sacrifices of Jerusalem, was still all sufficient to meet the needs of his people. By reminding Daniel of the past, God was giving him encouragement to trust his adequacy for a future that looked increasingly bleak.” Friends while we may ride the waves of crisis in our lives, we have a God who stands above the waves and the vicissitudes of history. He is the all sovereign God and king over all it. He's the God who delivered his people from dire situations in their past when things look bleak. He's the God who has preserved his church all around the world, even today when powers that had been resolved on its destruction have raged. He's the God who executes all of his purposes and all of his promises for his glory and for the good of his church. What we see in this text is only a reflection, a mirror, of the glory that belongs to God alone and it's a vision that even in that form terrifies Daniel. This is the God who calls us his people and who we have the privilege of calling upon as our God. He's the God who preserves and secures as you and me as dearly beloved children, such that nothing in heaven above or on the earth beneath will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So, the first thing Daniel needs to know is his prayers and concerns about the crisis at hand isn't necessarily how this crisis is going to materialize. He'll learn some of that in chapter eleven, but the first thing he needs to know is come rain or shine the God of the covenant, the God of the past, is also the God of the present and of the future. Now that he learns this important lesson, in picturesque form, the final thing he needs to consider is that there is also this great battle that rages behind the scenes of the present crisis his people face. So, this leads to the final point. The Nature of the Conflict Here we're looking at verses ten all the way to the end of our passage. So thus far in the apocalyptic sections of Daniel, Daniel has a glimpse into the future. In Daniel seven, eight, and nine he knows that there are many long days and nights ahead for God's people in the form of empires and kingdoms that are going to rise and fall. Along the way use God's people as pawns on the chessboard to advance their own political ends. It wasn't clear in those earlier visions that those kings and kingdoms were also pawns in a much greater spiritual conflict, Daniel was reminded again that the primary conflict God's people face, in whatever epoch of history they're in, is a spiritual conflict. In the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:12, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic power is over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This is the message, the primary message, impressed upon Daniel in the final part of our passage. First after falling prostrate to the ground in verse nine, this same celestial being approaches Daniel, gently touches him, and reminds him that he is greatly loved. That is a balm to the soul for anyone who's immersed in crisis. Then he explains why it took him three weeks to come in response to Daniel's prayers. If you remember back in Daniel chapter nine, as soon as Daniel began praying his prayer of confession, a word went out and the angel Gabriel came in order to explain important matters to Daniel about that curious seventy weeks that we looked at. Now this linen clad angel explains to Daniel that in this instance, he was delayed three weeks. He didn't come in this instance immediately. We read in verse thirteen quote, 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:13, ESV So cryptically this angel explains that he was delayed because he was engaged in a battle in the spiritual realm. He was battling with quote “the prince of the kingdom of Persia”. Now this isn't a human figure like Cyrus or one of the other kings of Persia who would follow in succession, rather it refers to a demonic spirit who was somehow behind the ungodly exploits of the kingdom of Persia. Apparently, there was this great battle in the heavenly places and this angel was engaged in this battle against the demonic spirit behind the Persian Empire until this other angel Michael came to his aid to continue the battle while he goes off and communicates these important things to Daniel. Later we learned that Persia isn't unique in this respect. When we get to verse twenty another angelic figure, might be the same one as this linen clad individual but I think it's somebody different, then speaks to Daniel and tells him, “but now I will return to fight against the Prince of Persia and when I go out behold the Prince of Greece will come”. You see what we learn in this is that behind kings and kingdoms and the events of human history lies spiritual forces that rage and influence powers that be on this earth. Which was threatening the destruction of God's kingdom and God's people. In this Daniel learns that the crisis his people face isn't exclusively or even primarily one that's against flesh and blood, but it's spiritual. Now whenever this topic of angels and demons and spiritual warfare comes up there are basically two ways that we could get into some trouble. Now on the one hand some of us may have an excessive or unbiblical interest in these matters. Such that we may even imagine that all of the sin and the temptations we face in this world are really the work of demons, manipulating every thought of our minds, twisting our hearts at every turn, and leading us into all kinds of temptations we face. At one extreme way we may even fail to own our sin the way we should the way Daniel does in Daniel nine, because we reason that may be a demon made me do. It it's like blaming the dog who ate your homework, we may blame the demon who led us into sin. On the other hand, the opposite error would be for us to completely fail to recognize the presence of these things and instead only offer naturalistic explanations for everything we encounter in the world. These are two equal and opposite errors that we could fall into and these errors are precisely what C.S. Lewis warns against in the preface to his popular work the Screwtape Letters. So, the challenge for us is to recognize that only one hand not everything we encounter in this world, or in our lives, is the direct influence of demons or demonic activity. The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that we have three sworn enemies; the world, the flesh, and the devil. We need to make sure our understanding of demons and spiritual forces are influenced by the scriptures. That we don't oversell the presence and the power of such forces, even though by all accounts they are rather potent. Yet powerful as they might be, they are in no way on equal footing as the Lord. He is the one who created all of these spiritual beings and the one who stands as the only omnipotent, that is all-powerful, omniscient, that is all-knowing, and omnipresent, that is everywhere, sovereign above all of these spiritual forces. The same thing goes for angels too. You see, as glorious as angels are, and we encountered several of them in the book of Daniel, they are ministers and ambassadors of the Lord. The author of Hebrews tells us they are, “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” Despite some of the popular assumptions that you might have encountered that are out there, we don't become angels when we die. Angels and other created beings like seraphim and cherubim the scriptures tell us actually long to look into the things that we as image bearers, as humans, have available to us in Christ. As redeemed image bearers, we have a cosmic advantage over angels. So just as we need the Bible and the Word of God to shape our view of demons and spiritual warfare and of angels, we have to be careful that we don't oversell their activity. So on the other hand, again, there are real malicious spiritual forces at work in this world which are at work in powers that set themselves against the Lord and his anointed. I mentioned earlier C.S. Lewis' popular book The Screwtape Letters. If you've never read that book it is essentially this series of fictional letters that purport to be from one senior demon named Screwtape to a junior demon named Wormwood, basically instructing him how to deceive and lead astray his human patient. In one of those letters Screwtape, senior demon writes, to Wormwood, the junior demon, with these words of advice (keep in mind these are fictional demons one writing to another), “I wonder you should ask me whether it is essential to keep the patient in ignorance of your own existence. That question, at least for the present phase of our struggle, has been answered for us by the high command. Our policy for the moment is to conceal ourselves.” Then as this character Screwtape continues his advice to Wormwood he writes, “the fact that devils are predominantly comic figures in the modern imagination will help you. If any faint suspicion of your existence begins to arise in his mind suggest to him a picture of something in red tights and persuade him that since he cannot believe in that, it is an old textbook method of confusing him, he therefore cannot believe in you.” Let me stress one more time that Lewis is writing here a fictional account. But as fictional as it is, Lewis creatively captures here, I think, an important principle and that is we mustn't be unaware of the nature of our conflict. Our battle is fundamentally spiritual, and it requires that we employ spiritual weapons such as prayer just like Daniel. More than that, we also have to know that the result of this battle isn't hanging in the balance or isn't in anyway dependent upon you and me. From where we sit this battle has, in fact, already been won. This archangel Michael who appears on the scene in Daniel chapter ten is going to show up again later in Scripture. In fact, he'll show up in the book of Jude once and then he's going to show up finally in the book of Revelation, in Revelation chapter twelve. In Revelation 12:7 we are told that a great battle also arose in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against Satan, who's pictured in that text as this terrifying red dragon. But even though this dragon and his angels fight against Michael and his angels, Michael in Revelation twelve, ends up being victorious. Here in Daniel we know that there is a battle underway with Michael, but in Revelation twelve we hear the message that Michael and his angels from won. The dragon and his angels were defeated and as a result they were cast down from heaven. And as soon as the apostle John, writing Revelation, seeing this vision, sees all of this transpire he writes in Revelation 12:10, 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. Revelation 12:10, ESV You see from Daniel's perspective in Daniel chapter ten, this battle is going to continue to rage with the same degree of potency and force through the kingdom of Persia and then through the kingdom of Greece. Eventually the final blow would be dealt to the wicked forces that rage against the Lord and history. Revelation twelve tells us in visual and symbolic form that this happens with the work of Jesus Christ. The victory was always certain, but in the wisdom and providence of God the final blow was struck against the powers of death and the devil when Christ Jesus was struck at Calvary. Now that's not to say spiritual warfare no longer exists or times of crisis, animated by these forces of evil, no longer persist. They do. But when Jesus ascended on high these powerful forces of evil were also in some sense cast down to earth. Their dominion and power would be bound in some sense in that they wouldn't be able anymore to prevent the propagation and the reception of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although they do rage on this earth and they do continue to make war against the saints and against this church, their destiny is certain and it's only a matter of time. It's only a matter of when, not if, Christ Jesus will come again on the clouds and heaven and earth will be one. Friends, the nature of our conflict, like Daniel, is spiritual. When the veil is removed it might seem terrifying and dreadful. It may seem like evil demons are positioning themselves around every corner of life, but this is not a conflict without it. It's not a conflict that hasn't already been won by Christ Jesus the Lord. So, know the nature of the conflict. Don't discount the evil forces we face in this world but know too that the victory has already been sealed and in Christ you too, like Daniel, are greatly loved. Application So, how do we apply this text and what are some things that we can take away it from it? Well I have three applications, three takeaways, three things to consider as we prepare to close. 1. Arm yourself with spiritual weapons. You see in a time like this, I've said this before, most of us are understandably focused, maybe even narrowly, on what we need to get through quarantine. Food, toilet paper, maybe you're also finding yourself ridden with anxiety over the volatility of things that at one point seem so secure. Believe me I understand. But as we plan for what we can, were also called to entrust whatever fears or concerns that can weigh so heavy upon our hearts to the Lord. Friends we may not have access to the answers we want right now, but we do have access to the all sovereign God and our prayers really do have power. James tells us in James 5:16, “the prayer of the righteous person has great power as it is working.” Daniel's prayers in Daniel nine bring Gabriel. Here in Daniel ten they bring an angel temporarily off the front lines in a cosmic battle to aid Daniel in his understanding. As one commentator writes, “Daniel succeeded in mobilizing the angels as a spiritual air force against the satanic powers in the air.” So, brothers and sisters, do not underestimate the power of prayer. The Lord uses our prayers and he especially shapes us by our prayers. So that's the first application, the first takeaway for us; arm yourself with spiritual weapons. 2. Know that the power is cloaked in kings and kingdoms of this earth are no match for the God who is. Just like the beasts that raged in Daniel seven, so too the Prince of Persia, the Prince of Greece, and the dragon of Revelation twelve, and whatever other spiritual powers stand behind and animate evil forces or institutions in this world, they are still created powers who are subject to the uncreated eternal God. They came into existence at a certain period of time and even as they rage on this earth, their final destiny is decreed by God. They will not rage forever, and they will not stand forever. They are held in check thoroughly by the God who is. 2. Take heart because you are greatly loved. Just as these words, these important words, were spoken to Daniel in Daniel nine by the angel Gabriel, so too they're spoken to him twice in this passage. As we mentioned back in are studying Daniel nine, these are also words in Christ Jesus for you and me. When Daniel see is this linen clad man and everyone flees, he must have felt, like he did so often in this life, alone and weak and helpless. At this point he's an old man without the vigor of his youth, he's probably in his 80s. He may have even thought, as he laid on his face, that this is it. But with a gentle touch and a word of assurance, Daniel slowly rises to see once again that he is not alone. Friends in quarantine we may feel isolated and alone. I get to speak to a camera this morning, I don't get to see any of you and that's heartbreaking. In crisis we may ask ourselves too whether we should take in every man or a woman for himself or herself approach lest we put ourselves and our families at a disadvantage. Well friends we are not alone. Again, as the author of Hebrews puts it, we have ministering spirits sent out to serve us, those who are to inherit salvation. We have a church family that many of us have bound ourselves to by vows. But more importantly we have a God who has secured us to himself and nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This episode is about Short Term Missions, and we mention both the positives and the negatives. There are some polarizing views out there about 1-2 week ministry trips, so we wanted to highlight the good and the bad as well as bring up questions to ask when planning for a short mission trip. Above all, are we being led by God?   Song: Before the Throne of God Above (80's Style)   Scripture Exodus: 33:1-3; 15-17

This week's service featured Dr. John Clayton's sermon, "The Glory of God Revealed," from Matthew 17:1-13, part of our sermon series The Gospel of Matthew: Kingdom Come. The hymns for this week were "Crown Him with Many Crowns," "Psalm 110," and Before the Throne of God Above."

This week's service featured Dr. John Clayton's sermon, "The Glory of God Revealed," from Matthew 17:1-13, part of our sermon series The Gospel of Matthew: Kingdom Come. The hymns for this week were "Crown Him with Many Crowns," "Psalm 110," and Before the Throne of God Above."

Kayleigh Johnson shares about her struggle with obstacles that prevented her from seeing her identity in Christ. Then, Andy Minch, John Novak and Randy Liston look at some hard verses as they serve as a panel looking at the heart of God, the context of His Word, and the original languages of these difficult verses. Today's Music: Living Hope (special by Steve German), Before the Throne of God Above, The Love of the Father, Glorious Day, and King of Kings.

Included Music: You Are My All in All, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, It is Well with My Soul, and Before the Throne of God Above followed by Pam Setser and Matthew Jones singing Over in the Glory Land  Message Title: Finding Rest   Text: Matthew 11:28-30   Take Home Point: Jesus knows your burdens and your pain, and He will exchange them for the freedom and life that come from following Him.  

This week's service featured Dr. John Clayton's sermon, "Your Best Life in Glory," from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, part of our sermon series, The Gospel of Matthew: Kingdom Come. The hymns for this week were "O Worship the King," "Psalm 67," and "Before the Throne of God Above."

We have our friend CJ on to discuss what worship looks like in the mindset of Pentecost and the importance of an inward baptism. We also play our cover of his song, "An Inward Baptism of Fire" based on two Charles Wesley poems about Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Don't miss this one!   SONG: And Inward Baptism of Fire (CJ Hock) 2019 - Based on two works of Charles Wesley - To the tune of the hymn "Before the Throne of God Above"      Scripture: Acts 2: Pentecost scripture John 14: 26 - the holy spirit will guide you 1 John 4:4 Greater is he that lives in you, than who lives in the world (God dwelling in us)

Worship Setlist:Revelation SongBuild My LifeThe Way (New Horizon)Goodness of GodBefore the Throne of God Above

On Good Friday, Christians around the world reflect on the Crucifixion of Jesus, remembering how He took the punishment we deserved by dying on the cross. Even those who do not follow Jesus, are overwhelmed by the story of the Crucifixion ~ an innocent man’s sacrifice, giving his life for another. Blake Gillihan shares his story of how God used the words of a hymn “Before the Throne of God Above” written over 150 years ago to lead him to a new life in Christ. “Before the Throne of God Above” Original words by Charitie Lees Bancroft (1841-1892), music and alt. words by Vikki Cook. © 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP). All rights reserved. Used by permission.www.SovereignGraceMusic.org performed by Shane & Shane, is shared with special permission from Shane & Shane https://shaneandshane.com/ and Wellhouse Entertainment https://wellhouseentertainment.com/ To see pictures of Blake with his family, please visit our website at https://www.wonderfultotell.com/episodes/2019/4/19/blake-gillihan-new-life-through-gods-grace

Psalm 29 - God Above the Storm

Exodus 31:12-18 1. The Sabbath is a priority of God “Above all…” * Psalm 138:2 2. The Sabbath is a sign, v. 13 3. The Sabbath is holy, v. 14-15 4. The Sabbath reminds us that we are in a relationship, v. 16 Think of it like a triangle with three points… i. relate to ii. think about iii. experience 5. The Sabbath invites us into a rhythm, v. 17 “Learn to obey. Only he who obeys a rhythm superior to his own is free.” - Calvin Miller 6. The Sabbath is a command of God, v. 18 2 Timothy 3:16 2 Peter 1:16-21

In Tenderness, Before the Throne of God Above, All I Have is Christ, The Saint's Creed Bulletin

Holding Nothing Back, Exalted One, Before the Throne of God Above, Forever Reign

Heaven Fall Down, Our God, Come to the Water, Forever Reign, Before the Throne of God Above

The third of my three sermons at St. edward King and Martyr on God Above us, Beside us, and within us.

Filled With Your Glory, Our God, Greatness of our God, He Is Exalted, Before the Throne of God Above, All I Am