Podcasts about god john

DEVOTIONAL DAY 4 - “Everybody Matters.” The life of Jesus was a life lived with people and for people. Almost every account of Jesus in the Gospels finds Him with people. The crowds who followed Him, the disciples with whom He lived and ministered, the curious like Nicodemus, the truth-seeking like the Rich Young Ruler, beggars, and those marginalized by society. Where there were needy people, you found Jesus. Jesus came from the Father "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14) to give us His grace (John 1:16) so that we could have a relationship with God (John 1:18). In fact, John 1:14 says that “the Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The original language literally means, "He came to pup tent among us. He came to live with us." Many priorities can rule our lives, but the priority of Jesus was always people. He wanted people to hear the Good News of forgiveness, experience the joy of His presence, and know the meaning of a life lived with Him. He invites us to join Him in His kingdom work and use the gifts He gave us for His purposes. He wants to see the marginalized lifted up, the sinner forgiven, the hopeless given hope, and all invited to a rich and meaningful life here and for all eternity. Jesus came full of two powerful qualities. The first is grace. And, because of that grace, your past does not matter. Your social position does not matter. Your questions, doubts, struggles, and addictions don't matter. In Jesus, you met one who loves unconditionally, forgives freely, and has called you from your struggles and issues to a life of freedom in Him. His grace covers everything.  Jesus also came full of truth! Satan is the father of lies. He lied to Eve in the Garden, and he lies to us. But into this morass of lies and deception came the Son of God, full of grace and truth. And His truth sets us free and gives us life and abundance of life (John 10:10). There are many priorities we can build our lives around. If we want to be like Jesus, we will build our lives around Him and the people in our lives who need Him. Our ambitions, achievements, and pursuits will one day vanish. But the lives we impact for Jesus will change everything for them in time and eternity. It all starts when we start to value people as Jesus did. And make Jesus and people our priorities.  So here is your prayer for today: Father, free me from the selfishness that causes me to be self-centered. Instead, help me to see those around me as precious and infinitely deserving of your grace. Help me to give space in my life to those around me as Jesus did. Amen.

Want to listen without the ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Meet Our Hosts: JENNIFER SLATTERY is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She's addressed women's groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She's the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com Follow Jennifer:https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/https://www.facebook.com/JenSlattehttps://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/ GRACE FOX has published hundreds of articles and authored 10 books including the award-winning devotional, Finding Hope in Crisis: Devotions for Calm in Chaos. She's a member of the “First 5” writing team for Proverbs 31 Ministries and a regular contributor to Guideposts' Mornings with Jesus. Grace lives aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, she and her husband celebrate three grown kids and eleven grandchildren. Check out Grace's newest book, Keeping Hope Alive: https://www.tyndale.com/p/keeping-hope-alive/9781649380517 Subscribe to her weekly devotional blog and monthly update on her website: www.gracefox.com Follow Grace:Facebook: www.fb.com/gracefox.authorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceloewenfox/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gracefoxauthor QUINNISE PETTWAY is a writer, facilitator, Licensed Professional Counselor, wife, and mother whose mission is to help Christians encounter and embrace God as Father and walk boldly as His beloved children. She's the author of A Glimpse of Our Father: Lessons Parenthood Reveals for All of God's Children and hosts a weekly small group called “Gathering For A Glimpse” where she journeys with participants through the book to dive deeper into the heart of our heavenly Father. Follow Quinnise:Website- https://aglimpseofourfather.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aglimpseofourfatherInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinnisepettway/ Check out her YouVersion Bible App Devotional Plan (Inspired by full book) A Glimpse of Our Father: A 5-Day Devotional Plan for All of God's Children: http://bible.us/r/82J JOSHUA LILLIE is a passionate follower of Jesus, spreadsheet enthusiast, and lover of all kinds of art and music. Joshua has almost a decade of experience in music ministry, and has served both in house church and megachurch environments in pastoral and administrative roles, eager to see every man, woman, and child increasingly surrender their lives to King Jesus. He currently serves on staff with Christ Community Church in Omaha, NE, and as an ordained minister with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, a global denomination of Jesus-followers making Him known among the nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exposition of John 1:29-30

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesusis not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world. 4 Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.The term “spirits” (v.1) is equivalent to “prophetic messages.”The same word “spirit” is rendered prophecy in 2 Thess 2:2.The idea is similar to that in 1 Thess 5:20-21.The point: don't be duped by false prophets. God's true Spirit always works in harmony with God's Word and will never teach, tolerate or lead us into error.Are there prophets today? Click here.The world—and this includes pagans and the worldly religious—accepts worldly thinking and excuses, approving of the messages of the false prophets (vv.4-6).Anyone on the side of truth will eventually join us—or we will join him.Our focus should not be “Who's right?”, but “What's right?” Begin with the truth in God's word, then apply it relentlessly and accept the conclusions.Can a Gnostic Christian be saved? Click here.7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Verses 7-10 are poetic, and based on an ancient Christian hymn.Love is revealed by action, particularly by going.11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.Love is the very nature of God (vv.7-11). It is impossible to understand real love without appreciating the cross of Christ.In regard to vv.12-15, no one has ever fully, completely seen God (John 1:18; Isa 55:8-9), though at times God has made one aspect or another of himself visible (Exod 34, for example).We see God in the person of Jesus as recorded in the Bible (Col 2:9). But today Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, and through his spirit he lives in his body, the church (Eph 1:22-23; 2:22).Although God is invisible, he is seen in Christian relationships. It's so difficult to lead someone to Christ without his or her seeing the community of faith. The abstract becomes concrete in the fellowship of the saints.God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. In regard to vv.16-18, believers in Christ possess spiritual confidence.Fear has to do with punishment. Christians know they're forgiven, and perfect (mature, complete) love drives out fear. We revere God (a good sort of fear), but we don't stand in terror of God (the bad sort), for three reasons:We're already acquainted with him (he's no stranger), and we're confident about his unchanging nature. A true Christian need not fear death. We don't fear him because we know him.God has assured us in Christ that he'll do anything to get us to heaven. The cross is a powerful disclosure of his heart. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).He sets our hearts at peace, providing us with forgiveness and the gift of a good conscience (Heb 9:14). When we're living right, our hearts are at rest. This should be the “default setting” of a disciple of Christ. At his return Christ will bring salvation to those waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28).What will the judgment day be like for Christians? Will our lives be reviewed in order to determine whether we go to heaven or hell, or merely to determine some level of reward in heaven?All believers will appear before the judgment seat (2 Cor 5:10).We are not saved by our works (Eph 2:8-9), but we are rewarded according to our works (Matt 25:21). Before death we know that we are saved (1 John 5:13) and thus be confident and unashamed before God at his coming (2:28).Jesus frequently mentions treasures in heaven (Matt 6:20).Punishment, like reward, is in direct proportion to knowledge and responsibility (Luke 12:47-48). It is just not true that all get the same reward or punishment.At the return of Christ we will:receive the gift of eternal life (1 Cor 15:50, 53),meet Jesus Christ, andbecome like him (3:2).19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.As John puts it in 4:20, if we claim to love the (invisible) Lord while we don't love our (visible) brother, we lie.It isn't logically possible to love God (who is invisible) if you don't love your brothers and sisters (who are visible).Contradictions to the claim that we love God -- all of which bring reproach on the Christian church -- include:Bitterness and resentment (Heb 12:15).Racism and prejudice, which are forms of hatred (Gal 5:20). It has been accurately observed, “11:00 on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week.”Refusal to connect relationally with other Christians. Isolation contributes to denominationalism (1 Cor 1:10-12; 3:16-17; John 17:20-23).Fragmenting or fractured marriages (Eph 5:22-33).Disrespectful treatment of others, violating the spirit of love (1 Cor 13:1-8).Lack of forgiveness -- which is damnable (Matt 6:14-15).Love is the bottom line.A true Christian must actively love God, his brothers and sisters in the faith, and the lost.These truths -- a personal walk with God, involvement in the church, and commitment to evangelism -- we hold to be (biblically) self-evident.Thought questions:Am I spiritually gullible, or am I cautiously skeptical, testing everything by the Word?Are we walking confidently before God and man? How do we feel about the judgment?Does the church you attend reflect local demographics, or is there a lack of love for those who are different from the norm?

Are you hesitant to approach GOD or are you of the school of thought that you must meet certain religious requirements, play by the rules and follow a protocol in entering the Presence of GOD? In this short Christian sermon, you will understand how you can freely and boldly go to the throne of grace because of the finished work of JESUS. You can buy my new bestselling book, UNVEIL YOUR PURPOSE (a #1 Newly Released Bestseller on Amazon) here: India: https://www.amazon.in/UNVEIL-YOUR-PURPOSE-John-Giftah/dp/B08K2CJKP2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah&qid=1611990618&sr=8-1 Global Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Unveil-Your-Purpose-Complete-Created-ebook/dp/B08L7XX9PJ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah%27&qid=1611990705&sr=8-2 You can stay in touch with me through these platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johngiftah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johngiftah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjohngiftah/ Website: https://www.johngiftah.com/ If you're blessed by this sermon, don't forget to share it with someone, and please do rate/ review the podcast so that it will help us reach more people with the message of hope. For supporting the ministry financially: PayPal: paypal.me/johngiftah Link to The Inspiration Hub Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-inspiration-hub/id1596599540 Link to Weekly Tamil Christian Messages Podcast (John Giftah) : Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/tamil-christian-messages-john-giftah/id1596445581 Check out the "Fuel for the Soul with John Giftah" podcast (Among the Top Christian Podcasts in India Ranking #1 / #2 on multiple podcast platforms and among the Top Podcasts in the world (2021)) : Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fuel-for-the-soul-with-john-giftah-inspirational/id1588234296 #JohnGiftah #JohnGiftahPodcast #Christian #Christianity #BibleStudy #Faith #Hope #InspirationalSermon #ChristianMotivation #ChristianInspiration #Motivation #Motivational #Inspirational #Bible #BibleStudy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-giftah/message

Choosing to trust in God often means giving up our own need for control. Subscribe to daily devotions e-mails: https://wcm.link/ddsub

Is Jesus Christ really God? This is a question humans have been wrestling with since the day Jesus was born. Even when he was in his mother's womb. Different religions land on opposite sides when it comes to answering this question. Some say he was God. Some say he was a prophet of God. Some say he was an excellent teacher of Jewish Law with a unique rabbinic teaching method. Some say that he was just a good moral teacher. And still, some just don't care. This week on "Inside the Chapel," Pittsburgh Steelers chaplain Kent Chevalier lets listeners in on an episode of his own podcast, "False Jesus," where he explores claims that Jesus makes about himself: He came from Heaven (John 6:35-38). He has the power to perform miracles (John 10:36-39). He was sinless (John 8:45-47). He has the authority to forgive sin (Mark 2:5-7). He would die and come back to life (Mark 8:31). He is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). He is God (John 10:30-33). You cannot believe one without believing the others. Either all these claims are true or none of them are true because these claims are tied to the person who's making them. Join us as we explore those claims this week. "Inside the Chapel" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. This episode is presented by Compassion International. To learn more about Compassion and what it means to sponsor a child, visit compassion.com/sportsspectrum. RELATED PODCASTS: — Rutgers Football Chaplain Tyler Stowell – ‘Our Father In Heaven' — Broncos chaplain Reza Zadeh on ‘Becoming the G.O.A.T' — Jaguars Chaplain Maurice Williams – ‘Audience of One'

Jesus' Claim of Equality with God John 5:15-29 Introduction: Do you believe that most people think of God and Jesus in the same way? When people think of God they tend to think of a being who is more distant, more impersonal, and even more judgmental. But when these same people think of Jesus, they … John 5:15-29 Jesus' Claim of Equality with God Read More » The post John 5:15-29 Jesus' Claim of Equality with God appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

Continuing in his series "The Metrics of Grace," Dr. John looks at Psalm 139:1-6 as we look at how deeply God knows us -- and how that should grow in us a desire to know Him as well.

In this short Christian sermon, you will be challenged to introspect how badly do you want to hear GOD's Voice and to what extent are you willing to go against the odds and the distractions to hear the voice of GOD. You can buy my new bestselling book, UNVEIL YOUR PURPOSE (a #1 Newly Released Bestseller on Amazon) here: India: https://www.amazon.in/UNVEIL-YOUR-PURPOSE-John-Giftah/dp/B08K2CJKP2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah&qid=1611990618&sr=8-1 Global Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Unveil-Your-Purpose-Complete-Created-ebook/dp/B08L7XX9PJ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah%27&qid=1611990705&sr=8-2 You can stay in touch with me through these platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johngiftah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johngiftah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjohngiftah/ Website: https://www.johngiftah.com/ If you're blessed by this sermon, don't forget to share it with someone, and please do rate/ review the podcast so that it will help us reach more people with the message of hope. For supporting the ministry financially: PayPal: paypal.me/johngiftah Link to The Inspiration Hub Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-inspiration-hub/id1596599540 Link to Weekly Tamil Christian Messages Podcast (John Giftah) : Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/tamil-christian-messages-john-giftah/id1596445581 WEEKLY RADIO SHOW DETAILS: Fuel For the Soul with John Giftah RADIO SHOW aires EVERY SUNDAY at 7 AM EST (5 AM MST / 5:30 PM IST on Military Broadcast Radio. You can watch the livestream on the JOHN GIFTAH Youtube channel or You can listen/watch on https://mbradio.us/ or by downloading the Military Broadcast Radio - MBR App on your phone. Check out the "Fuel for the Soul with John Giftah" podcast (Among the Top Christian Podcasts in India Ranking #1 / #2 on multiple podcast platforms and among the Top Podcasts in the world (2021)) : Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fuel-for-the-soul-with-john-giftah-inspirational/id1588234296 #JohnGiftah #JohnGiftahPodcast #Christian #Christianity #BibleStudy #Faith #Hope #InspirationalSermon #ChristianMotivation #ChristianInspiration #Motivation #Motivational #Inspirational #Bible #BibleStudy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-giftah/message

October 2, 2022 Steve Barbee

Rapp Report episode 245 The topic of regeneration is the cause of great debate. Are we saved by works or not? Does saying a prayer save us? How about deciding to follow Jesus? This is answered, and the confusion over this issue is explained. The issues of regeneration and sanctification are explained in detail. Andrew details the doctrine of super-intending, which solves the problem many see with arguments of who chooses a person's salvation, God or man? Regeneration is clarified in this episode. This is the section of the Striving for Eternity doctrinal statement that is addressed: Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a new nature and eternal life are given (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24) when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation. Listen to the last episode in the series: What is Salvation, What We Believe, Part 25 This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.org Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

Rapp Report episode 245 The topic of regeneration is the cause of great debate. Are we saved by works or not? Does saying a prayer save us? How about deciding to follow Jesus? This is answered, and the confusion over this issue is explained. The issues of regeneration and sanctification are explained in detail. Andrew details the doctrine of super-intending, which solves the problem many see with arguments of who chooses a person's salvation, God or man? Regeneration is clarified in this episode. This is the section of the Striving for Eternity doctrinal statement that is addressed: Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a new nature and eternal life are given (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24) when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation. Listen to the last episode in the series: What is Salvation, What We Believe, Part 25 This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.org Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

Rapp Report episode 245 The topic of regeneration is the cause of great debate. Are we saved by works or not? Does saying a prayer save us? How about deciding to follow Jesus? This is answered, and the confusion over this issue is explained. The issues of regeneration and sanctification are explained in detail. Andrew details the doctrine of super-intending, which solves the problem many see with arguments of who chooses a person's salvation, God or man? Regeneration is clarified in this episode. This is the section of the Striving for Eternity doctrinal statement that is addressed: Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a new nature and eternal life are given (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 5:24) when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation. Listen to the last episode in the series: What is Salvation, What We Believe, Part 25 This podcast is a ministry of Striving for Eternity and all our resources Listen to other podcasts on the Christian Podcast Community Support Striving for Eternity Leave us a review Fill out our survey about this show Give us your feedback, email us info@StrivingForEternity.org Get the book What Do They Believe Get the book What Do We Believe Sponsors: Logos Bible Software MyPillow or call (800) 873-0176 and use promo SFE

The fundamental economic principal of the kingdom of God is sacrifice. Pastor Ian Graham looks at our sacrificial leaving in response to Jesus' atoning sacrifice and invites us to consider four areas where we sacrifice individually and collectively to join God in his mission.Support the show

Preacher: Jeff Robinson

In this short Christian sermon, you will be reminded of how your weaknesses are not ingredients for excuse but are platforms for GOD to demonstrate His power in and through your life. You can buy my new bestselling book, UNVEIL YOUR PURPOSE (a #1 Newly Released Bestseller on Amazon) here: India: https://www.amazon.in/UNVEIL-YOUR-PURPOSE-John-Giftah/dp/B08K2CJKP2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah&qid=1611990618&sr=8-1 Global Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Unveil-Your-Purpose-Complete-Created-ebook/dp/B08L7XX9PJ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah%27&qid=1611990705&sr=8-2 You can stay in touch with me through these platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johngiftah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johngiftah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjohngiftah/ Website: https://www.johngiftah.com/ If you're blessed by this sermon, don't forget to share it with someone, and please do rate/ review the podcast so that it will help us reach more people with the message of hope. For supporting the ministry financially: PayPal: paypal.me/johngiftah Link to The Inspiration Hub Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-inspiration-hub/id1596599540 Link to Weekly Tamil Christian Messages Podcast (John Giftah) : Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/tamil-christian-messages-john-giftah/id1596445581 WEEKLY RADIO SHOW DETAILS: Fuel For the Soul with John Giftah RADIO SHOW aires EVERY SUNDAY at 7 AM EST (5 AM MST / 5:30 PM IST on Military Broadcast Radio. You can watch the livestream on the JOHN GIFTAH Youtube channel or You can listen/watch on https://mbradio.us/ or by downloading the Military Broadcast Radio - MBR App on your phone. Check out the "Fuel for the Soul with John Giftah" podcast (Among the Top Christian Podcasts in India Ranking #1 / #2 on multiple podcast platforms and among the Top Podcasts in the world (2021)) : Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fuel-for-the-soul-with-john-giftah-inspirational/id1588234296 #JohnGiftah #JohnGiftahPodcast #Christian #Christianity #BibleStudy #Faith #Hope #InspirationalSermon #ChristianMotivation #ChristianInspiration #Motivation #Motivational #Inspirational #Bible #BibleStudy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-giftah/message

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”Here Pilate's cruel streak comes out. Odd as this sounds, the scourging (v.1ff) appears to be a fresh strategy to set Jesus free (see v.12).Note: Jesus' crown (vv.2-3) may well have been made from the thorns of the date palm. These were up to 12 inches long. The radiate crown would have made Jesus look like a sun-god. This feature is common to Greco-Roman coinage.The Romans had three degrees of corporal punishment:Fustigatio (beating) -- the lightest punishment.Flagellatio (flogging) -- more severe.Verberatio (scourging) -- the most severe, often leading to death. This was the punishment Christ endured.The crown of thorns is painfully placed on his head, and a purple robe draped over him -- a mockery of his kingship (v.2).Further, he is slapped in the face.Jesus suffers grievous bodily injury. For a medical account of what Jesus was going through, click here. (Note: this account is easy to read, and eliminates embellishments like the "bloody sweat."Again Pilate pronounces Jesus innocent (v.4), uttering the famous words, "Behold the man!"This translates to Ecce homo, in the once popular Latin Vulgate translation.Moreover, "Behold the man" indicated Jesus' humanity. As Beasley-Murray and others have commented, the word has truly become flesh -- torn, bleeding, beaten -- with worse to come.Knowing that it is illegal for the Jews to crucify Christ, Pilate seems to rub it in (v.6): "Take him yourselves and crucify him!"Note: With the crown on his head and the words the governor uttered, is the situation allusive of Zechariah 6:1-12?8 Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9 He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”The words "Son of God" (v.7) seem to resonate with Pilate, and frighten him (v.8).Pilate takes Jesus back into the Praetorium (probably the Fortress Antonia). Pilate resumes his interrogation of Jesus, who does not reply.Pilate reminds Jesus who is in charge (v.10-11), and yet Jesus counters that there is a higher authority.Who is the one guilty of "greater sin"? Caiaphas, the high priest, seems the most likely candidate.From here on, Pilate even more earnestly desires to free Jesus (v.12).13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.The Jews push back.Since Jesus pretends to be the King of Israel, he is a political threat to Rome.If Pilate frees Jesus, he is not a "friend of Caesar."This is a technical term. To be a "friend of Caesar" -- an accolade Pilate may already have received -- is an honor.The emperor, Tiberius (14-37 AD) had become suspicious. One did not want to lose his trust.To lose the status of "Friend of Caesar" could be not only shameful, but dangerous. The Jews are threatening the governor.Here is supreme irony! The highest Roman official in the land is accused of lack of loyalty to Rome by a people who detest Rome, and can't wait to be free of its control (v.12).Pilate sits on his judgment seat (v.13) at Gabbatha, or Lithostrotos. For a picture, click here.Pilate's attitude is not quite the same as in verses 4-6. There is no hint of ridicule. The Jews would have been awaiting the pronouncement of the sentence against Jesus. Instead...Pilate, pronounces, "Behold, your king!" He knows this will gall the priests.And yet it seems Jesus is the one sitting in the judgment seat, while Pilate is in the hot seat!It is the sixth hour -- very early in the morning.In a few hours the slaughter of the Passover lambs will begin.The Jews will stop working.All leaven (yeast) will be taken out of the houses and burned.Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:29,36). For the Passover background, read Exodus 12.The response, "We have no king but Caesar" (v.15) is an implicit abandonment of the messianic hope.Once again, the irony is biting."[The threat] broke down Pilate's resistance. His fear of the sinister and suspicious emperor was even greater than his awe of the mysterious personality of the Accused; his own safety appeared to him more important than a passing triumph over the accusers who were unsympathetic to him" (Blinzler, Der Prozess Jesus, 338).And so Pilate finally turns Jesus over to be crucified (v.16).From verse 16 onward, many elements of the synoptic tradition are absent: the mocking; the darkness; the cry of dereliction (Mark 15:34); the tearing of the temple curtain; the opening of the graves (Matthew 27:52); and the centurion's confession.At the same time, John includes details not in Matthew, Mark, or Luke: the inscription; the quotations in 19:24,28-29,36-37; the address to his mother; and the piercing of Jesus' side.So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Jesus carries his own cross and is crucified at Golgotha, the Place of the Skull (v.17).Plutarch records, "Each criminal as part of his punishment carries his cross on his back" (The Divine Vengeance, 554 A-B).There is also a pertinent Jewish saying: "As one bears the cross on one's shoulders," Isaac carried the wood (Gen. Rab. 56.4, on Genesis 22:6). The symbolism of the sacrifice of Isaac is in the background."There they crucified him" (v.18).The 2nd century Gnostic Basilides said Simon died on cross instead of Jesus (Nag Hammadi documents).This idea (the substitute) seems to have influenced Muhammad.The inscription above states his crime, though the wording is remarkable (v.19). What brevity! No macabre or sombre obsession with the gory details of the passion. The paucity of detail is striking.He is crucified between two criminals. See Isaiah 53:12.20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,' but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.'” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” The Jewish leaders ask Pilate to change the placard so that it read "... I am Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews."Pilate refuses. "What I have written, I have written," responds Pilate (v.22).The inscription could have easily been altered (v.21) by adding a single word: eimí  (Greek), sum (Latin), or 'aní (Hebrew).This is his last act of revenge on the chief priests.The inscription in Latin would have read Iesous Nazarenos Rex Iudaeorum, which in Anglican/ Catholic churches is often abbreviated to INRI.And yet this is supreme irony: the two men most responsible for the death of Jesus publicly proclaim his Messiahship!Caiaphas unwittingly prophesied that Jesus was the means of redemption for Israel and the nation (11:49-50).Pilate proclaimed that Jesus was the King of Israel.Thought questions:Have I ever sacrificed principle for expedience? Is there a little of Pilate in me?Was there another way? Why do I think Jesus had to die -- as opposed to God simply forgiving every sincere person?The Christian God became flesh. How is this different from the capricious gods of Hinduism, the aloof Allah of the Muslims, or the serenely detached Buddha?Am I still moved by the Crucifixion?Reading over Psalm 22 and Psalm 69, can I find the verses that would have been especially meaningful to the early disciples?

John 6:16-29 - - Sept 8, 2019

Life WITH God: With God John 14:15-21  Pastor Thomas Hwang

Life WITH God: With God John 14:15-21  Pastor Thomas Hwang

Shanna & Susan talk through John 15. Podcast Details: - We tend to view scripture through the lens of an angry God - John 15 (TPT) - Father God cares for the vine, nourishing it, and tending it-WE are the vine - Ask yourself: What lens am I looking at MYSELF through? - How do we know the TRUTH? We remain in life union with THE TRUTH-JESUS - We are already ONE with the Father; we don't have to do things to please Him or have union with Him - We can put ourselves in positions where we are unaware of our ONENESS with the Father - The Father speaks LIFE over you; we need to speak LIFE over ourselves Connect with Us ❤️  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theundividedheart/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_undividedheart  YouTube Channel https://m.youtube.com/c/theundividedheart The Undivided Heart Website https://www.theundividedheart.com Podcast produced and Edited by Nathan at Straight Up Media LLC email him at nathan@straightupmediallc.com  

Did you ever wonder why so many church members fail in their Christian walk? They seem to start out so well. They are so excited that their sins are forgiven. They have found a group of people that accept and love them unconditionally. They jump in with both feet to be involved with the “church life”. They show up every time the doors are open. They serve in any way they can. They sing on the praise team and in the choir. They teach in Sunday School. They become deacons and leaders in the church. They might even feel the call to ministry and go off to Bible College and become pastors, evangelist, and missionaries. But then something happens and the next thing you know they are sitting on the sidelines. They no longer serve, go to church, and they start hanging out with their old friends that care nothing for the Christian life. They might even get to the point where they don't even claim to be a believer anymore. How sad, but how true this is! I could name dozens of people that this has happened to in my years as a pastor. So, why does this happen? I believe we find the answer right here in the first three verses of Psalm 1! When the storms and challenges of life came their way and they got knocked down, they started listening to the lies of the devil through ungodly people. Anyone who is sincerely serving the Lord is a target for Satan and his devices. And usually, it comes from someone they thought was their Christian friend, or someone that they respected as a leader, that disappointed them or hurt them deeply. But the real reason they were not able to properly deal with the offence or disappointment and get back up, is because they failed to put down deep roots like a tree into the “Living Water” of God's Word and His Holy Spirit. There are far too many believers who are a mile wide in their Christian experience but only a half an inch deep in their walk with the Lord and His Word. Remember what Jesus said in Luke 6:47-49. The Psalmist tells us here that the godly person like a tree that is alive, beautiful, fruitful, useful, and enduring. The most important part of a tree is the hidden root system that draws up water and nourishment, and the most important part of the believer's life is the "spiritual root system" that draws on the hidden resources we have in Christ (Eph. 3:17; Col. 2:7). This is known as "abiding in Christ" (John 15:1-9). In Scripture, water for drinking is a picture of the Spirit of God (John 7:37-39; 1 Cor. 10:4), while water for washing pictures the Word of God (Ps. 119:9; John 15:3; Eph. 5:26). Thirst for water is an image of thirst for God (42:1; 63:1; 143:6; Matt. 5:6; Rev. 22:17), and the river is often a picture of God's provision of spiritual blessing and help for His people (36:8; 46:4; 78:16; 105:41; Ex. 17:5-6; Num. 20:9-11; Ezek. 47; and Rev. 22:1-2). We can't nourish and support ourselves; we need to be rooted in Christ and drawing upon His spiritual power. To meditate on the Word (v. 2) is one source of spiritual energy, as are prayer and fellowship with God's people. Trees may wither and die, but the believer who abides in Christ stays fresh, green, and fruitful (see 92:12-14). "Fruit" speaks of many different blessings: winning people to Christ (Rom. 1:13), godly character (Rom. 6:22, Gal. 5:22-23), money given to the Lord's work (Rom. 15:28), service and good works (Col. 1:10), and praise to the Lord (Heb. 13:15). It's a tragedy when a believer ignores the "root system" and begins to wither. We must remember that the tree doesn't eat the fruit; others eat it. We must also remember that fruit isn't the same as "results," because fruit has in it the seed for more fruit. Fruit comes from life, the life of God flowing in and through us. We must dig deep into God's Word and build the foundation of our life on the Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ! God bless!

Host Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) welcomes in John Daigle (@notJDaigle) of 4for4.com after an eventful Week 2. They begin their conversation with takeaways from the Chargers-Chiefs game and then transition to the fireworks from the Dolphins-Ravens game. Can the Dolphins sustain the offensive fireworks all season? Kyle Pitts' slow start has his investors nervous. Is their dread warranted? And how did the TE position so quickly turn into a wasteland? John and Pat discuss the Trey Lance injury and the outlook for Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers' offense. They also worship at the altar of Amon-Ra the sun god and show less reverence for Nathaniel Hackett and the Denver offense. John discusses his move to Chicago and his appreciation for its abundant restaurant scene. John and Pat talk about the Garrett Wilson breakout and whether people should have seen it coming. They also discuss Allen Robinson and Tyler Higbee, the Dallas offense sans Dak Prescott, Chris Olave's wheelbarrow full of Week 2 air yards, the Bears' aversion to the forward pass, and more. Host: Pat Fitzmaurice (@Fitz_FF) Guest: John Daigle (@notJohnDaigle) Podcast produced by Colm Kelly (@OvertimeIreland) Music provided by International Jet Set Sponsor: Omaha Steaks. Visit OmahaSteaks.com, type the keyword PATFITZ into the search bar and get 12 ultra-juicy burgers free with your order!

To embrace the life-transforming hope of Jesus is to embrace Jesus himself (the person and promises of Christ). How can we embrace this hope together? A person initially embraces the life-transforming hope of Jesus as they believe in his name and receive the grace of God (John 1:12). They can then embrace this hope more and more as they continue to root their lives in his love, grace and truth. As they do, they will be built up in him and strengthened in the faith as they were taught (Colossians 2:6-7). Followers of Christ are exhorted to hold unswervingly to this hope they profess because he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). What does it mean to believe in his name and receive his grace? For those who have done this, how can they continue to live their lives in him so that they are strengthened in their faith? We will be considering how to embrace the life-transforming hope of Jesus together and how we can help others do the same. As we learn to trust in Christ, God will fill us with all joy and peace so that we may overflow with hope (Romans 15:13). Our church is seeking to help every person to embrace the life-transforming hope of Jesus through a fresh set of ways to connect and serve together with NPPC.

Sermon September 18. To Love God is to Obey God. John 14.15-31 by Sunnybrook Christian Church

Divine Authority of the Son of God John 5 9/11/202 by Patrick Rhodes

The post “Jesus is God” – John 5:17-47 appeared first on Grace Baptist Church | Pekin, IL.

Scripture Reading: John 8:12-59 12 Then Jesus spoke out again, “I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees objected, “You testify about yourself; your testimony is not true!” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you people do not know where I came from or where I am going. 15 You people judge by outward appearances; I do not judge anyone. 16 But if I judge, my evaluation is accurate because I am not alone when I judge, but I and the Father who sent me do so together. 17 It is written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I testify about myself and the Father who sent me testifies about me.”19 Then they began asking him, “Who is your father?” Jesus answered, “You do not know either me or my Father. If you knew me you would know my Father too.” 20 (Jesus spoke these words near the offering box while he was teaching in the temple courts. No one seized him because his time had not yet come.)21 Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will look for me but will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come.” 22 So the Jewish leaders began to say, “Perhaps he is going to kill himself because he says, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.'” 23 Jesus replied, “You people are from below; I am from above. You people are from this world; I am not from this world. 24 Thus I told you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”25 So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus replied, “What I have told you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge about you, but the Father who sent me is truthful, and the things I have heard from him I speak to the world.” 27 (They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.)28 Then Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak just what the Father taught me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone because I always do those things that please him.” 30 While he was saying these things, many people believed in him.31 Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 “We are descendants of Abraham,” they replied, “and have never been anyone's slaves! How can you say, ‘You will become free'?” 34 Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the family forever, but the son remains forever. 36 So if the son sets you free, you will be really free. 37 I know that you are Abraham's descendants. But you want to kill me because my teaching makes no progress among you. 38 I am telling you the things I have seen while with the Father; as for you, practice the things you have heard from the Father!” 39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father!” Jesus replied, “If you are Abraham's children, you would be doing the deeds of Abraham. 40 But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham did not do this! 41 You people are doing the deeds of your father.”Then they said to Jesus, “We were not born as a result of immorality! We have only one Father, God himself.” 42 Jesus replied, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come from God and am now here. I have not come on my own initiative, but he sent me. 43 Why don't you understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot accept my teaching. 44 You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I am telling you the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Who among you can prove me guilty of any sin? If I am telling you the truth, why don't you believe me? 47 The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God's words. You don't listen and respond because you don't belong to God.”48 The Judeans replied, “Aren't we correct in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father—and yet you dishonor me. 50 I am not trying to get praise for myself. There is one who demands it, and he also judges. 51 I tell you the solemn truth, if anyone obeys my teaching, he will never see death.”52 Then the Judeans responded, “Now we know you're possessed by a demon! Both Abraham and the prophets died, and yet you say, ‘If anyone obeys my teaching, he will never experience death.' 53 You aren't greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? And the prophets died too! Who do you claim to be?” 54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worthless. The one who glorifies me is my Father, about whom you people say, ‘He is our God.' 55 Yet you do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his teaching. 56 Your father Abraham was overjoyed to see my day, and he saw it and was glad.”57 Then the Judeans replied, “You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!” 59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden from them and went out from the temple area.Main ThemesThe Light of the WorldJesus is the light of the world. This is not the first time we encounter this imagery. Recall John 1:4-5, “In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.” This imagery, in fact, was prophesied in the Old Testament. Consider Isaiah 42:5-7:5 This is what the true God, the Lord, says—the one who created the sky and stretched it out,the one who fashioned the earth and everything that lives on it,the one who gives breath to the people on it,and life to those who live on it:6 “I, the Lord, officially commission you;I take hold of your hand.I protect you and make you a covenant mediator for peopleand a light to the nations,7 to open blind eyes,to release prisoners from dungeons,those who live in darkness from prisons.Also consider Isaiah 49:5-6:5 So now the Lord says,the one who formed me from birth to be his servant—he did this to restore Jacob to himself,so that Israel might be gathered to him;and I will be honored in the Lord's sight,for my God is my source of strength—6 he says, “Is it too insignificant a task for you to be my servant,to reestablish the tribes of Jacob,and restore the remnant of Israel?I will make you a light to the nations,so you can bring my deliverance to the remote regions of the earth.”We have already discussed that early Judaism applied the idea of light to multiple entities, particularly Wisdom and Torah. Jesus is a greater light though, both in nature and reach. He is the very source of truth, and his reach will extend beyond Israel to all the earth.Jesus' use of light imagery could relate to a torchlight ceremony that was part of the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated the pillar of fire in the wilderness. However, given Jesus' repeated use of light symbolism, this is probably not the main connection the audience is intended to make.The light is contrasted to walking in darkness. Walking in darkness works in both a literal and a symbolic sense. On a literal level, one who walks in darkness is more prone to trip because he cannot see where he is going. At the symbolic level, the idea of “walking in darkness” had already become a standard depiction of humanity living in sin.You Testify About YourselfIn first century Israel and the Greek world, self-praise was considered dishonorable and discrediting. Jesus' opponents point this out as well as bring in a forensic charge. As we have discussed, Jewish law required that important legal matters be settled by the testimony of two or three reliable witnesses. Here Jesus praises himself and brings no other witnesses, or so his opponents imply.Jesus has a two-fold rebuttal. Jesus can testify about himself because he has a special kind of knowledge. He knows where he is from and where he is going. In other words, he is divine. His knowledge is not like the knowledge of a human witness. It is self-sufficient. And, Jesus adds, even if I played by your rules, I have a second witness: God. Well, or at least we know that is what he meant. Jesus does not use the term God but “his father.” The religious leaders express confusion, “Who is your father?”The question “Who is your father?” may have worked as a demand to produce the witness. You cite a witness, produce him! In which case Jesus' reply amounts to, “I did. You just didn't recognize him.” Alternatively, the question could express confusion, but a confusion brought upon by disbelief.I Am Going AwayThe conversation heats up. Jesus claims he will go away where his opponents cannot follow. Jesus adds, “[you] will die in your sin.” Jesus will die soon and eventually so will them, but they will not go to the same place—that much is clear. Jesus is returning to the Father. They, therefore, are not. Jesus' language is reminiscent of texts like Sirach 16:9 (which is a deuterocanonical book), “He showed no mercy on that nation which he doomed to destruction for its sins.”Notice that the requirement to avoid dying in one's sins is simple: believe that Jesus “is he.” Actually, the way I quoted the text eliminates a powerful double entendre that we ought not miss. Jesus says to believe that “I am [he].” The he is implied. This is an allusion to texts like Isaiah 43:10,10 “You are my witnesses,” says the Lord,“my servant whom I have chosenso that you may consider and believe in me,and understand that I am he.No god was formed before me,and none will outlive me.The allusion is a bit cloaked and we could miss it. But the theophanic formula becomes clear in verse 8:58.What about the discussion about being from above or below? Jesus is not making a distinction between heaven and hell. He is distinguishing between heaven and earth. Unlike the Hellenistic world that understood the evil realm to be below the earth (i.e., Hades), the Jews of Jesus time were more prone to understand Satan's realm as being earth.When You Lift Up the Son of ManI'm sure you are tired of me pointing this out again and again, but in classic Johannine style we find another powerful double entendre when Jesus claims that the religious leaders would lift him up. The word for “lifting up” can also mean “exalting.” Conceptually this is true in English as well. You may have heard the Christian worship song that says, “Lord of all the earth / And all of heaven / I come and seek Your face / Worship You with all I have within me / Humbled by Your grace / Every heart every nation / Every tribe all creation / Will bow before Your presence and sing / You are high and lifted up.”Consider Matthew 23:11-12 as an example of “lifting up” being translated as exalting,The greatest among you will be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.So, Jesus' opponents probably heard the following: “When you exalt me, then you will know that I am who I say I am.” (Notice that we have the same “I am [he]” potential double entendre, but I think the religious leaders would have missed that too.”) They are not happy. We are not going to exalt you, they are surely thinking.The careful listener, particularly the Gospel reader, knows what Jesus meant. “When you lift me up on the cross my deity will be revealed.”Persevere in Belief and Know the TruthAs in prior chapters in John, we again find the fact that some believed in Jesus. Jesus warns them, though, that only if they continue to believe are they truly a disciple. Some who initially believe fall away. The greatest example of apostasy in John's gospel is Judas. However, Jesus explains the same idea in a parable found in the other gospels. Consider Matthew 13:3b-9,“Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground where they did not have much soil. They sprang up quickly because the soil was not deep. But when the sun came up, they were scorched, and because they did not have sufficient root, they withered. Other seeds fell among the thorns, and they grew up and choked them. But other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. The one who has ears had better listen!”Jesus then explains in Matthew 13:18-23,So listen to the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches what was sown in his heart; this is the seed sown along the path. The seed sown on rocky ground is the person who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. But he has no root in himself and does not endure; when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the person who hears the word, but worldly cares and the seductiveness of wealth choke the word, so it produces nothing. But as for the seed sown on good soil, this is the person who hears the word and understands. He bears fruit, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.”The passage in John then explains that those who continue to believe will “know the truth.” This idea functions in two levels. On the first level, it relates to what Jewish teachers would have meant at the time—knowing who the true God is and knowing his law (Torah). But, in John's gospel this idea of knowing takes on an experiential component. It is to live and worship with integrity. (John 3:21, “But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God.) In John's gospel, there is no knowing without acting upon it. Moreover, Jesus is the truth itself (this is a sneak preview of John 14:6). To know the truth is know Jesus.The Truth Will Set You FreeWhat will knowing the truth do? Set you free. The Jews take offense to this. They claim they have never been slaves. This is an interesting claim. Surely it is not a historical claim since that would be absurd. The heart of the Torah is the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, where they were slaves. The Israelites also became slaves during their times in exile. Perhaps the audience means that they, personally and not as a people, had never been slaves. There is some truth to this. Under Herod, the Romans allowed Israel more freedom than to other conquered nations. Surely this would have been a point of pride for the Jews and calling them slaves was to put them at the level of the lowlier peoples. Additionally, there is Jewish tradition that would increase the insulting nature of the term slave. Jesus alludes to this in the following verses. Slaves were not permanent members of the household. They were not inheritors. Jesus has already explained that he will make us children of God (John 1:12)—true members of the family who will inherit the Father's kingdom. Jews already saw themselves as such. Perhaps, in their minds, even when they were physically conquered and enslaved they were never truly slaves. They were always children of God who would reign in the end. Jesus tries to warn them—without him, that is not the case.What is freedom? In this context, it means rising from slave status to sonship status with all the privileges that implies. Jesus says as much. But Jesus also says that we are slaves to sin. What do we make of that? This actually goes along with the slave/son duality. Imagine sin as a different household. Jesus is saying, you cannot return to your true household and enjoy the life of a son because you are being held in a different household as a slave. Someone has to set you free before you can return. Remember the story of the prodigal son? It is the same concept.Notice the reply to Jesus' words, “Abraham is our father!” The Jews are setting the record straight. They don't need to be brought into Abraham's household; they are already part of it. Jesus denies it. If they were, they would do as Abraham does. This is another important theme in John's gospel. There is no dividing who you are from what you do. They do as Sin does, so they are of the household of Sin. To be a slave to sin is to be a slave to one's false ideologies and passions. This was a well known concept in both the Jewish and Hellenistic worlds.Finally, Jesus stabs and then twists the knife. If I paraphrase, “Abraham certainly did not try to kill me. He spoke of me! If you were truly of Abraham you would understand this. Your real father is Sin for his deeds you do.”Children of God or the Devil[I am working on this portion of the blog. There is a chance I may not be able to finish the blog post this week. If so, forgive me. There have been some extenuating circumstances.]

Some people have been taught that when we get up in the morning, we have to go through a routine of putting on invisible clothing, or else the devil might get us. This balanced teaching establishes the context of what Paul was talking about.https://churchwithoutwallsinternational.org

Pastor Ian Graham kicks off our fall teaching series on the mission of God by looking at Jesus' own understanding of his mission, our struggles with confidence, complacency, and conformity and how Jesus meets us even when we don't have it all together.Support the show

We are starting a series talking about different aspects of our social life. In our virtually connected world, many people struggle with having a social life. It is so easy to do something on a phone that many people end up being alone and not having a real social life or acting weird when they are around people. We are going to talk about all aspects of that so you can build a safe and strong social life. This helps you enjoy life more and be someone people want to hang out with. Q of the Day= What is one thing you're always waiting for an excuse to talk about? MAIN TOPIC Community The chameleon factor Community with God= John 15: He who abides in me… Community with the family of God Q&A What power would Kirby get if he sucked you in? What do you think the difference is between living and existing? What's the best cruise you've ever been on?

1. Am I focused on the REWARD... Or the RELATIONSHIP? Matthew 6:5 NIV 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:6 NIV 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 2. Am I focused on the LIST... Or the LISTENING? Matthew 6:7-8 NIV 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Biblical Examples of Logos: In the beginning was the Word [logos], and the Word [logos] was with God, and the Word [logos] was God” (John 1:1 NIV). Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word [logos] of truth. (II Timothy 2:15 NIV). Biblical Examples of Rhema: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word [rhema] about Christ. (Romans 10:17 NIV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word [rhema]..(Ephesians 5:25-26 NIV) If you remain in me and my words [rhema] remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7 NIV) Matthew 6:9-15 NIV 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'”14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 3. Am I focused on WHAT THEY DID or WHAT HE HAS DONE?Mark 11:24-26 NASB 24 Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. 25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” Questions: 1) Have you ever felt disconnected or unfocused when you pray? What are the steps you take to resolve that? 2) Do you tend to approach God in prayer out of a genuine heart for relationship, or does it seem more often out of religious obligation? Describe your experiences. 3) Describe your experiences or your thoughts on forgiveness as it pertains to your life. Have you grown in this area or is it something that you find yourself struggling with even now?

Sometimes Christians say things that are meant to be a comfort to others but aren't theologically sound. Shocking, I know. Some of my favorite videos to watch are when the guest has to guess if it's something that comes from the Bible or a quote. Today on the podcast, we prove the comforting ideas found in Matthew West's song "Me On Your Mind" come from Scripture. We'll study a wonderful prayer of Jesus to encourage us that He, indeed, had us on His mind. In this week's episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditate on Scripture Read in context Use the subheadings to gain your bearings Follow the cross-references Slow down Look up words in the dictionary Consult an outside resource Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - Amazon Paid Link How Jesus had us on His mind in his recorded prayer in John 17 Backing up to John 13 and reading forward to get the full context of what was happening Contrasting two gardens in Scripture - "Two Gardens, Two Betrayals, Two Outcomes" by Dr. Jim and Janean Reish Jesus' posture - John 17:1 Exploring when Jesus' hour "had not yet come" compared to the hour that has come at the time of Christ's prayer John 2:4 John 7:30 John 8:20 "Glory" and "glorification" and what they mean Eternal life through Christ - John 17:2-3 Christ's role in bringing attention to God's character through His obedient life What it means that Christ "manifested" the name of God - John 17:6 Highlighting themes of sanctification and unity in addition to glorification A pattern we can follow from this prayer (see the Fire Bible Amazon Paid Link) Pray that they may know Jesus Christ and his Word intimately (John 17:2-3, 17, 19) Pray that God may protect them from the evil influences of the world, keep them from turning away from him and give them discernment to recognize and reject ungodly beliefs and false spiritual teaching (John 17:6, 11, 14-17) Pray that they may constantly possess the full joy of serving Christ (John 17:13) Pray that they may live by God's standards of purity and truth in thoughts, actions, and character (John 17:17) Pray that they may be unified in love and purpose, just as Jesus and his Father are (John 17:11, 21-22) Pray that they may lead others to Christ (John 17:21, 23) pray that their faith will endure so they will one day be with Christ in heaven (John 17:24) Pray that they may constantly experience God's love and presence (John 17:26)   Am I following Christ's pattern in my own life? Do I look at my obedience to God's ways as a way to magnify His character, or as something I'm supposed to do?   More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com "Loved by the Father in the Son" - Ligonier.org Devotional John 17 Commentary - Enduring Word Commentary "What is sanctification? What is the definition of Christian sanctification?" - GotQuestions.org Article ESV Fire Bible - Amazon Paid Link "Two Gardens, Two Betrayals, Two Outcomes" - Dr. Jim and Janean Reish Article Weekly Challenge Read John 17 in context, then go back and study it line by line and word by word. Look up words

5 Movements in The Story: Creation (Eden, Fall, Flood, Tower of Babel) Israel (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Judges, Kings, Prophets) Jesus The Church Paradise/Heaven In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  John 1:1-4 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 I. Jesus came to show us truth. Listen, God is not playing any games of hide and go seek with us. He is absolutely transparent with us. We are allowed to see, full on, what God is like. He has revealed himself all along the way but now He makes a personal appearance in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. God has come in the flesh and He is on mission. He has revealed a very distinct mission. He has come to the world full of grace and truth. Truth here is more than factual reporting about a particular subject or skill. Truth here is about ultimate reality. Jesus is ultimate reality. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 II. Jesus came to show us grace. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. John 1:15-18 Grace is the very opposite of merit. Grace is not only undeserved favor but it is favor shown to the one who has deserved the very opposite. Grace is the unearned, undeserved, unmerited, favor of God. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 1:12 What do we do with the Word made Flesh? What do we do with Jesus? We receive Him!

John 4:1-26 - - July 21, 2019

ABOUT THE EPISODEThroughout the first nine chapters of John, we see a clear set of standards that Jesus lives by–the same standards He commands His followers to live by. Join Cherie and Tami as they explore these standards, comparing them to typical standards of the world. BIG IDEAJesus is the standard for all of life. Who are we elevating in our lives in place of Christ? Anything we choose (leaders, authors, podcasts, etc.) other than Him will let us down.Three core characteristics/standards by which Jesus chose to reveal Himself:A Child of God (John 1:12)Humble (John 1:14 and 3:30)Full of Grace AND Truth (John 1:14, 16-17)EPISODE LINKSThrough All Seasons Tickets WHAT IS NEUE THING?Neue Thing is a non-profit ministry, founded by Cherie Wagner, that exists to encourage, equip, and empower women with the Word of God. Cherie's life-long passion is two-fold: knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known. Author of Found On My Knees, Awake O Sleeper, Rest, Hope, and Psalms for Life, Cherie writes Bible studies for women that will encourage them to know and believe God's Word, equip them to live it, and empower them to take it and transform this generation for Jesus Christ.CONNECT WITH NEUE THINGWebsite: https://neuething.org/Email Subscription link:https://neuething.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuethinginc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neuethingRESOURCESFound On My Knees: The Journey from Brokenness to BlessingAwake O Sleeper: EphesiansRest: 30 Days of Exploring God's Invitation to RestHope: Tethered to an Unwavering GodPsalms for Life

How to discover the adventure of life in any given moment. And why it's better not to know outcomes in advance.

In this short Christian sermon, you will be challenged to commit yourself to a lifestyle of total surrender to GOD with a Word from Job 22. You can buy my new bestselling book, UNVEIL YOUR PURPOSE (a #1 Newly Released Bestseller on Amazon) here: India: https://www.amazon.in/UNVEIL-YOUR-PURPOSE-John-Giftah/dp/B08K2CJKP2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah&qid=1611990618&sr=8-1 Global Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Unveil-Your-Purpose-Complete-Created-ebook/dp/B08L7XX9PJ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=john+giftah%27&qid=1611990705&sr=8-2 You can stay in touch with me through these platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/johngiftah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johngiftah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjohngiftah/ Website: https://www.johngiftah.com/ If you're blessed by this sermon, don't forget to share it with someone, and please do rate/ review the podcast so that it will help us reach more people with the message of hope. For supporting the ministry financially: PayPal: paypal.me/johngiftah Link to The Inspiration Hub Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-inspiration-hub/id1596599540 Link to Weekly Tamil Christian Messages Podcast (John Giftah) : Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/tamil-christian-messages-john-giftah/id1596445581 WEEKLY RADIO SHOW DETAILS: Fuel For the Soul with John Giftah RADIO SHOW aires EVERY SUNDAY at 7 AM EST (5 AM MST / 5:30 PM IST on Military Broadcast Radio. You can watch the livestream on the JOHN GIFTAH Youtube channel or You can listen/watch on https://mbradio.us/ or by downloading the Military Broadcast Radio - MBR App on your phone. Check out the "Fuel for the Soul with John Giftah" podcast (Among the Top Christian Podcasts in India Ranking #1 / #2 on multiple podcast platforms and among the Top Podcasts in the world (2021)) : Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fuel-for-the-soul-with-john-giftah-inspirational/id1588234296 #JohnGiftah #JohnGiftahPodcast #Christian #Christianity #BibleStudy #Faith #Hope #InspirationalSermon #ChristianMotivation #ChristianInspiration #Motivation #Motivational #Inspirational #Bible #BibleStudy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-giftah/message

JOHN

Part 4 of the series, "The Power to Change."

JOHN

Session 6 of 8 https://www.sanctuaryconference.org/

http://bible.com/events/48944972 Church of the Nazarene Harrisonburg Your Un-Churched Neighbor Part 4: Teaching Disciples make disciples. Series Purpose: To inform, inspire, equip and challenge us as the people of God to embrace our unique calling to be a counter-narrative people, to do His will and serve others, and to speak the truth in love, to those who are far from God, as we tell of what He has done in our lives and for the whole world.‭‭ Luke‬ ‭19:10 ‬‬For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”The focus for today is: TEACHING. Week 1 we began with the focus of UNDERSTANDING. You can't reach someone with whom you don't empathize, and you won't empathize until you understand. Week 2 we focused on PRAYING. God works through our prayers, and at the same time, God works in us as we pray. Prayer is essential. Week 3 we focused on SERVING. Just as Jesus modeled serving others, we are also called to serve. Every opportunity to serve is an opportunity for God to work.‭‭ 1 Peter‬ ‭3:13-15‬‬ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Be prepared: You are thinking and praying about this often. Your testimony is on your heart and mind. Give an answer: This implies a discussion – a back and forth conversation about the Gospel, as opposed to a one-way lecture. The hope that you have: It is your hope. This is personal. It is birthed from your story. It implies a positive outlook on your faith. and implies that Hell is not likely to be a significant part of early conversations. Gentleness and respect: It implies gentleness and respect – as opposed to hammering the other person. Gentleness and respect: You treat people this way whether or not you agree with their opinions or lifestyle.‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20 ‬‬Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”-Peter declares that each and every one of us should be prepared to give an answer to everyone. And Jesus does the same.-The call of Jesus is a call to make disciples, which includes teaching them to obey what Jesus has commanded. -The disciples took Jesus' call literally, and the church was born through their obedience and the power of the Holy Spirit. Bottom Line: Disciples make disciples.-We each are called, not just to understanding, praying and serving, but ultimately, to telling others about Jesus.-What God does in and through our obedience is totally up to Him. Simply obey and let God worry about everything else. One way to shape your story as you share:1. The 'old me' - What was the most important difference in your life before you came to Christ? 2. What God did - How is it that you came to believe? What was the most important truth of the Gospel that really clicked for you? 3. The 'new me' - How are you different? How has God restored life to you? What does that look like? Verses for further study/reflection: 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 Romans 10:10-17 Matthew 9:37-38 1 Peter 3:15 Romans 1:164 Simple Steps (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)To share the Gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps:1. Tell them about God's plan—peace and life. God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.2. Share our problem—separation from God. Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don't measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). 3. Talk about God's remedy—the cross. God's love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds you have been healed'” (1 Peter 2:24).4. Our response—receive Christ. You cross the bridge into God's family when you accept Christ's free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).To receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things: -Admit you're a sinner. -Ask forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins. -Believe that Christ died for you on the cross. -Receive Christ into your heart and life. Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”Here's a prayer you can pray to receive Christ:“ Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.”

In this message, Pastor John Lindell speaks on power of staying faithful as we seek more of God in our lives. Our prayer is that this message would encourage you to remain faithful to what God has called you to, as you press into Him more.