Podcasts about Godhead

It's a question of alignment because, by nature, we're liberated. It's not that we ever actually mix with the material nature. In the Vedic language, Prabhupāda says, "asango hy ayaṁ puruṣaḥ"—that the jīva actually never has any saṅga with the material world. As elaborated upon by Kapiladeva in the Third Canto of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, he ascribes the experience of the soul to be dreamlike. He gives this analogy: in a dream, you might see something horrific, like you're being killed by having your head cut off. Then he says, first of all, this is a dream. Second of all, the idea itself is a little misplaced because if your head is cut off, it would be hard to watch yourself—not just "hard" as in abhorrent to watch, but in the sense that your optical nerve is cut! It is a misunderstanding and a misalignment with who we actually are. 'Bhayaṁ dvitīyābhiniveśataḥ syād īśād apetasya viparyayo 'smṛtiḥ.' (SB 11.2.37) This is the definition of the original problem of the soul is apetasya—turning one's face away from Īśa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, bhakti means you turn your face back to Īśa, and the phenomena of bhayaṁ syāt (fear arising) is no longer there. So, there's one fell swoop. 'Kṛṣṇa sūrya-sama; māyā haya andhakāra.' As soon as you bring in Kṛṣṇa, the light comes on. That dream-like situatio, that fearfulness and the implication in karma is no longer present at that point. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://vaisesikadasayatra.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

Before Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura departed for the spiritual world, he stayed in this place where he was engaged in bhajana. Nearby here is the area where Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu chased after the sand dune, considering it to be Govardhana Hill—a very sacred place here in Jagannātha Purī. Two weeks before he left, his disciple, A.C. Bhaktivedanta, had written him a letter as a householder and asked, "What can I do for your mission?" Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura asked him to preach in English. He had also told him previously, and reconfirmed: "You should print books." In fact, he said at Rādhā-kuṇḍa, "If you ever get money, print books." Our Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON, Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, followed those instructions with his heart, mind, and soul. To that end, he published hundreds of books that were distributed in the millions; and even today, we are increasing that number all over the world. For Bhādra Pūrṇimā 2026—the great festival that is now taken up by devotees on every continent of the world—we, in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, have the solemn goal to distribute at least 108,000 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatams in the next several months leading up to the day of Bhādra. The full moon day, during which the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam itself says that the giving away of a Bhāgavatam on that lunar celebration qualifies one to go back home, back to Godhead. We pray to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, who instructed his dear disciple to spread this all over the world, that we may help by following the footsteps of Śrīla Prabhupāda. May we smash this goal together all over the world, uniting around the principle of spreading Krishna consciousness to all the poor people of the world who have no idea that the goal of life is to go back home, back to Godhead. Please, let us help them. Let us distribute the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam: 108,000 sets. Please go out and do as many as you can! ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://vaisesikadasayatra.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #pilgrimageoftheheart #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

Episode 2.84In this episode, Michael and Zach examine a foundational question: Is Mormonism a denomination of Christianity, or a distinct religion? The discussion moves beyond sincerity or moral character and focuses on theological definitions and historical continuity.They begin by clarifying key terms—what constitutes historic, creedal Christianity, and what defines a denomination. From there, the conversation analyzes LDS primary sources, particularly on the doctrine of God, the nature of the Godhead, and the concept of monotheism. While Mormonism uses Christian vocabulary, it explicitly rejects Nicene Trinitarianism and affirms three distinct divine beings united in purpose rather than essence.The episode also explores Joseph Smith's restoration narrative, the claim of a Great Apostasy, and the logical implications of declaring historic Christian creeds “an abomination.” Further distinctions are examined in LDS teachings on pre-mortal existence, eternal marriage, exaltation, and the nature of salvation.Key questions addressed include:• What makes a group a “denomination” rather than a separate religion?• Is shared terminology the same as shared theology?• Can monotheism be redefined without altering Christianity's foundation?• How does the LDS restoration claim reshape the entire Christian narrative?The conclusion is not rooted in polemics, but in doctrinal clarity: by its own authoritative teachings, Mormonism departs from historic Christianity at foundational points concerning God, Christ, and salvation. The disagreement is not secondary—it concerns the core of the faith itself.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/nLPVsd6obkAMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

If you give a design problem to ten different engineers to solve, chances are you will not get ten different solutions. In fact, you are likely to end up with ten solutions that look very much alike.Now suppose 1,000 years from now someone found your ten sheets of problems, each with the design solutions offered by the ten engineers. Since they are practically the same, this person might conclude that each of the solutions was offered by the same person. He would account for their differences by saying that as each solution was tried, better ideas were developed. He would conclude that the solution most familiar to his own day was the final and most advanced solution.When evolutionists compare creatures like humans with apes, noting the similarities, they are falling into the same trap as our theoretical researcher from the future. Certainly there are some similarities between humans and apes. However, the structure of the human eye is most similar to the eye of the octopus! The general pattern of the functional structure of hemoglobin in human blood differs by only one atom from the chlorophyll found in plants. And the protein in human milk is most like the juice of the soybean plant.None of these comparisons offers any evidence for evolution. What they illustrate is that any good designer will solve similar problems with similar designs—they offer evidence that the creation is the work of a wise and powerful Designer!Romans 1:20"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"Prayer: I thank You, dear Father, for Your continued love for man despite our stubborn perversity. I thank You that You sought me when I did not seek You and that You first loved me so that now I might love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

The Rev. Matt Wilkins- Transfiguration Sunday- Matt 17:1-9

Our Election in Christ (7)  (audio) David Eells – 2/15/26 I'm going to continue speaking today about election and talk about the children and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that giveth life; … (Joh.6:63). In the Book of Romans, we found out that before Jacob and Esau were even born, Jacob was called God's elect. (Rom.9:10) And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac— (11) for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Well, just as I'm sure you have questions, I had some questions, too, when I got this far in my revelation about election and predestination. What about the children? What about the babies? What about the doctrine of an “age of reason” that the Church has had for so many years? They say every child goes to be with the Lord, if they die before they reach the “age of reason,” and after that age, then they become accountable. Then it becomes their responsibility to accept the Lord and walk with the Lord. And so on. To me, that doctrine seemed contrary to election, according to everything I understood. I really wanted to know for myself, so I began to do some research. I decided to seek out how all of this fits together about children and election, but I want to remind you that both Jacob and Esau went past the stage of childhood; Jacob went on to manifest as a vessel of honor, and Esau as a vessel of dishonor. Neither one of them died as a child or as a baby. Let me share with you what I discovered. We know that, according to election, there are sons of God and sons of the devil, based on what God makes out of the clay and what a person becomes in their life (Romans 9:21). But, according to nature, I'd like to show you another teaching: (Heb.12:9) Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of [our] spirits, and live? Some translations add in the word “our” to “Father of spirits” in this verse, but the word “our” is not in the ancient manuscripts of the Nestle's or Received Text, and there's no numeric pattern for that word to be there. He's the “Father of spirits,” as He's called elsewhere in the Bible. You may be questioning, “So is God the Father of our spirits or is He the Father of every spirit?” The answer can be found here: (Num.16:22) And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? And another place says in (Num.27:16) Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation. That gives us two witnesses that He's “God of the spirits of all flesh.” When God breathed into Adam the breath, or the spirit, of life, the spirit that He gave Adam was a fresh, clean human spirit (Genesis 2:7), and I believe God gives everyone a fresh, clean human spirit. Now I want you to look at something that you may find surprising. Once you understand election and God's predestination of the elect, you can see how there are sons of God and there are sons of the devil. We've seen that the “wheat” are the sons of God and the “tares” are the sons of the devil. The wheat and the tares were sown in the earth, and in the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24,36-43), the earth was the hearts of men. Universally, the hearts of men are that “earth” in which God sows His seed and in which the devil sows his seed. But what about that heart before it manifested the seed of God or the seed of the devil? When Paul preached to the pagans at the Areopagus, he told them, (Act.17:24) The God that made the world and all [things] (The word “things” is not in the original; it was added by the translators.) therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; (25) neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all [things]. Again, the word “things” is not in the original. “He giveth to all life, and breath.” The word there for “breath” is the Greek word pneuma, and it's the same word translated as “spirit” in other places in the New Testament. The words “breath” and “spirit” both come from the same word pneuma, which is where we get our word for “air.” As we read on down, we're going to see if this word “all” really means “all” because this word “all” has to be judged by its context in the rest of the Scripture. We read again this text without “things.” (Act.17:25) Neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all; (26) and he made of one every nation of men (God made all men) to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined [their] appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation (Everybody came from Adam according to (Act 17:26) and he made of one every nation of men… And, Eve is called the “mother of all living” in Genesis 3:20, so we know that everybody came from Adam and Eve, contrary to some doctrines of men.); (27) that they should seek God, if happily they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us (That shows each person on this earth is individually responsible for seeking God, but not everybody will do that and they are going to be held responsible.): (28) for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Paul is agreeing with what those pagans were saying about us receiving our being in God. He's saying that it's true. (Act.17:28) For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. “We are also His offspring.” You know, Christians like to correct this theology and say, “For we are all children of God.” That's not true because we are not all children of God, but we are all His offspring in a way. Then Paul goes on to say, (29) Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. (30) The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: (31) inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Well, how are we all the “offspring of God”? (Joh.1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All [things] were made through him (He's talking about people, not things, which is not in the numeric pattern. The Greek word there is the adjective pas, and it simply means “all, the whole, every kind of.”); and without him was not anything made that hath been made. So the Word made everything; He made Adam. We can read a confirmation of this here: (Col.1:16) For in him were all [things] created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him. Everything was created through Jesus and for Jesus. He is the first-born of the creation of God. This is talking about from the very beginning of all creation. It all came to be because it was created through Christ. (Joh.1:4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And over in Proverbs it says, (Pro.20:27) The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all his innermost parts. The Father created all things through Christ, and Christ was the medium through which the Father used to create all things and all men as in these texts. It was Jesus, the Son of God Who created all things and breathed into Adam. (Gen.2:7) And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Or the “spirit.” The Hebrew word there is neshamah and is translated as both “breath” and “spirit” in the Old Testament.); and man became a living soul. The Bible says that the first man, Adam, was a natural being. (1Co.15:44) It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual [body]. (45) So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (46) Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual. (47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. His natural man came from the earth, but his spirit came from God. God breathed into Adam, and the breath, the Spirit, came out of God and went into man. Some theologians like to argue that the “breath of life” is the “breath of lives.” I'm not sure about that, but we know that in the loins of Adam, in the seed of Adam, was all mankind (1 Corinthians 15:21-22). And God breathed into Adam a fresh, clean, pure Spirit to be the spirit of man, but it wasn't long after this that instead of following after his spirit, man followed his flesh and corrupted himself on the earth. (Gen.6:12) And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. (17) And I, behold, I do bring the flood of waters upon this earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is in the earth shall die. Adam started out innocent before God, but in following his flesh, he got further and further away from God, and Adam's children got further and further away from God, until God had to destroy them. Truly, nothing has changed; we're in the same position today. God gives the natural child a fresh, clean spirit, which is the breath of life that He breathes into them. With this spirit, they have an opportunity to follow their spirit, and your conscience is a part of your spirit, so when you're following your conscience, you are following your spirit. We have to choose. You can follow your conscience, or you can follow your flesh, and as we know, everybody follows after their flesh. (Joh.1:5) And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. This sounds very much like what Peter said: (2Pe.1:19) And we have the word of prophecy [made] more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp (We've learned that the “lamp” is the “spirit of man,” according to Proverbs 20:27.) shining in a dark place (The “dark place” is your soul, which is your mind, will and emotions.), until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts. In the beginning, God gave Adam a “lamp” and it shined forth into his human nature, but Adam's offspring, who all started out the same way, began to follow after their flesh more and more, which corrupted their soul and eventually corrupted their spirit. If we follow after the flesh, the soul is going to be corrupted, and then when we follow our corrupted soul, our spirit will eventually be corrupted. Everybody starts out with a fresh, clean spirit, but they also start out with the corrupt nature that was passed down to them through their parents. “The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” The last Adam, or Jesus, is the one who gives us a new spirit when we are born again and become a new creation. (2Co.5:17) Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. Jesus is the second Adam; He is the Father of a new, born-again creation because the first creation corrupted itself. Except for one thing, babies start out in the place of Adam because they are given a fresh, clean spirit from God, one that's not corrupted. However, their soul is corrupted because their parents passed on their blood. (Lev.17:11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason of the life. That gives the child a lot to overcome. The Bible says of God, (Exo.34:6) And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth, (7) keeping lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; and that will by no means clear [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation. So we see that the sins of the parents are also passed down to the children from one generation to another generation and on and on. So, live holy. (Joh.1:6) There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. (7) The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. (8) He was not the light, but [came] that he might bear witness of the light. (9) There was the true light, [even the light] which lighteth every man, coming into the world. This should be turned around because the numeric pattern proves that the sequence is wrong. What it actually says is, “The true light was, which coming into the world, lighteth every man.” Jesus is the true light that “lighteth every man.” (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God. As far as the new creation, Jesus' spirit is that new spirit that comes into every man as their lamp to show them the way. It shines in the dark place of their soul in order to dispel the darkness. You can see the same pattern repeated with babies. Like Adam at the beginning of creation, Jesus breathes into them the spirit of life, and they start out innocent when they are born, but they don't stay that way long. And the Bible doesn't teach that it has anything to do with some so-called “age of reason”; theologians have come up with that doctrine. What the Bible does say is, (Isa.53:6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.... Well, in order to go astray, you had to have been with God in the first place. (Rom.3:9) What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin (Of course, the Greeks weren't under the Old Covenant. Paul is talking about the New Covenant.); (10) as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; (11) There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God (He's talking about the Jews and the Gentiles.); (12) They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one. They all turned aside. Jews and Gentiles all turned aside. That means, in some way, they started out with God. In some way, babies start out with God. (Psa.58:3) The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. This says they start going astray from the time they are born, but at birth, they are with God. They go astray because they follow their fallen nature, instead of following after their fresh, clean spirit, which was given from God. They go astray following after their flesh and become more and more corrupt. If you have a clean spirit, but you follow after the flesh, your soul will die. (Job.36:8) And if they be bound in fetters, And be taken in the cords of afflictions; (9) Then he showeth them their work, And their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly. (10) He openeth also their ear to instruction, And commandeth that they return from iniquity. (11) If they hearken and serve [him], They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures. (12) But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge. (13) But they that are godless in heart lay up anger: They cry not for help when he bindeth them. (14) They die in youth.... “Their soul dieth” is what it literally says in the original Hebrew and your Bible should have a footnote explaining this. Strong's concordance is based on the Received Text and uses noar, which is a different Hebrew word altogether. (14) They die in soul, And their life [perisheth] among the unclean. (15) He delivereth the afflicted by their affliction, And openeth their ear in oppression. (16) Yea, he would have allured thee out of distress Into a broad place, where there is no straitness; And that which is set on thy table would be full of fatness. (17) But thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: Judgment and justice take hold [on thee.] (18) For let not wrath stir thee up against chastisements; Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn thee aside. Therefore, if a person were to listen to the Lord and follow after the Lord, their soul wouldn't die, but the natural process of degeneration sets in as soon as a person is born. They begin to go astray by following after their flesh, but the point is that they don't start out that way; they start out with the Lord. I don't think responsibility has anything to do with reaching an “age of reason.” I think that responsibility has more to do with the degeneration of the spirit than it does with reason. Children who are raised up with Godly parents, parents who discipline them and teach them the truth, don't become as corrupt as quickly as other children. Their conscience doesn't become as defiled as that of other children because discipline is a motivation to do what is right. It's a motivation to obey your conscience and obey your spirit, and not obey your flesh. If a child is raised with discipline, they don't become corrupted as quickly as a child who is not raised with discipline. Little children go bad and become evil very quickly without any discipline, and that's why I don't think that there is any particular age called the “age of reason,” where God imputes responsibility. It's not an age that makes you accountable; it's truth that makes you accountable. The more truth you go against, the more your conscience is defiled. The Bible is very plain: (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. That doesn't mention any particular age. “To him it is sin,” but where there was no law or, in other words, when they didn't know that what they were doing was sin, then sin was not imputed to them. (Rom.5:13) For until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Being held responsible has to do with knowledge; knowledge determines whether God imputes iniquity to you or whether He doesn't impute iniquity to you. Yet, knowledge must be incorporated to bear fruit. I believe that whether a child is raised with discipline or whether they're not raised with discipline, they end up in the same place. Eventually, what happens is that their soul and spirit become corrupt. At that time, they need to be born again. I can't say if there's any particular age for that because the Bible doesn't teach it. But somewhere during that time, I believe that a person whose spirit becomes corrupt must be born again; their spirit must be born again. Adam was pure before God when he was in his innocence, even though he was not born again. That was the natural birth that he had. It was when Adam got away from his innocence that he fell. God gave Adam a clean spirit and He gave Adam only one law, but still Adam failed. He followed the flesh and he fell away. Now there is a place of innocence from childhood on up because of ignorance. Let me show you that in the story of Abijah, the son of Jeroboam. Jeroboam was a wicked king over the northern 10 tribes, and he led Israel into apostasy. God had prophesied to him that he was going to be King over Israel (1 Kings 11:29-37; 12:20), but he led Israel in the wrong way (1 Kings 12:26-33; 13:33,34). When Jeroboam's son was sick, he asked his wife to disguise herself and go to the prophet Ahijah to see what was going to happen to their son. God spoke to Ahijah the prophet, who was blind, and told him that Jeroboam's wife was coming, and God gave Ahijah a word of prophecy for her. (1Ki.14:7) Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel: Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, (8) and rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee; and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes, (9) but hast done evil above all that were before thee, and hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: (10) therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every man-child, him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweepeth away dung, till it be all gone. (11) Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the birds of the heavens eat: for the Lord hath spoken it. (12) Arise thou therefore, get thee to thy house: [and] when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die. (13) And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him; for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. Here, this child's parents were some of the most wicked in all of Israel, yet there was something good in this child toward the Lord. I believe the Lord was saying that the child's spirit was still good. Do you remember what happened when the disciples wanted to know who was the greatest? (Mat.18:1) In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (2) And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them, (3) and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. (4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. What was Jesus talking about? Jesus was showing the disciples how a little child is submissive. In every case in the Gospels, it says “little child” (Mark 10:15; Luke 9:47) because, as you know, some older children are not submissive and trusting of their father; they're not clean on the inside. Another place of innocence is a child who is killed by abortion or dies from miscarriage. (Ecc.6:3) If a man beget a hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul be not filled with good, and moreover he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth (In other words, speaking of a miscarriage.) is better than he. So a man can live a full life, but not live in the goodness of the Lord, and not be a vessel of honor. This is saying it's better to have been born dead. (4) For it cometh in vanity, and departeth in darkness, and the name thereof is covered with darkness; (5) moreover it hath not seen the sun nor known it; this hath rest rather than the other: (6) yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet enjoy no good, do not all go to one place? He's talking about death here, not about going to the same place in Sheol, because this man went to Hades and the child went to Abraham's Bosom, but they both went to Sheol (Luke 16:22-26). This shows us that God at least considers innocency among children or babies. Abijah was a small child and God did not impute iniquity to this small child. That leads me to believe the further we get away from birth, the more dangerous it becomes because we become more responsible as we acquire knowledge. Innocency is not based on some “age of accountability” or “age of reason,” as theologians have told us, because you can't find that in the Bible. Saints, God imputes iniquity with knowledge. (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. God showed His election through Jacob, who manifested a vessel of honor, and Esau, who manifested a vessel of dishonor. This is what they were elected to do. Although every child is born with a fresh, clean spirit, they also receive the nature of their parents, and so they have a choice to make. They can choose to follow after their spirit, or they can choose to follow after the nature of their parents. As we've seen, everyone chooses to go the way of the flesh, and then their soul becomes corrupt, and eventually their spirit becomes corrupt. When the spirit becomes corrupt, that child has to be born again to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. I haven't found that there is any particular age at which the spirit becomes corrupt for all mature differently. Some children are raised with discipline and are more conscientious, while others are raised with no discipline, and they become very corrupt, very quickly, but I do believe that when the spirit dies, that person is responsible before God, and they must be born again. Yes, we are given a fresh, clean spirit from God when we are born, but that spirit dies from following after the flesh, and it becomes corrupt. This is what I'm calling “death” here. It's not a physical lack of existence but the spirit becoming corrupt. When that happens, then we are held responsible. Jesus was the one who breathed into Adam the breath of life, and as the Scriptures tell us, (Joh.1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. (4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (Col.1:16) For in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him; (17) and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. God the Father created everything through Christ. There is nothing created that wasn't created through Christ. Jesus breathed into Adam the breath of life, but the whole race of Adam fell and became corrupt. Then Jesus, the second Adam (1Corinthians 15:47), breathed again; He breathed His spirit of life into His new creation. And, did you know that you still don't have to follow your spirit after being born again? You can, once again, choose to follow your flesh. A born-again person has the opportunity to follow their spirit and go with God, or they can follow their fallen nature and go the way of the rest of creation. We were given a fresh, clean human spirit from God, like Christ's human spirit, but we have a fallen soul because “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” That means after we are born again, we must overcome the disadvantage of the fallen nature that was passed on to us through our parents. The apostle Paul explains to us about his battle against the fallen nature that was passed on to him. He says, (Rom.7:23) I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. (24) Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? He wanted power over the body of death. Paul was a Christian, and he wanted to serve God. Do you know what God did to give Christians power over the body of death? He gave them the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a person doesn't have that power. I'll prove this to you: (Rom.8:7) Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: (8) and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God (that's the Holy Spirit) dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ (that's your born-again spirit), he is none of his. Christ was man in that He had a human spirit, soul, and body. He was God in that the Holy Spirit dwelt in His spirit. (1:3) Concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (4) who was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness. This in turn affected His DNA. When we are born again, our human spirit is born again. The Holy Spirit comes to do three things. Jesus said, (Joh.16:14) He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare [it] unto you. First, the Holy Spirit comes to give us the Spirit of Christ, which is our born-again spirit, our fresh, clean spirit. Second, as we follow the Holy Spirit, our soul becomes born again. If we bear fruit in the realm of the soul, we will receive a born-again body. This is the manifestation of Christ in you, spirit, soul and body. Even if you have the Spirit of Christ, if you don't have the Holy Spirit, you don't have power over the body. (Rom.8:9) But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. If you don't have the Spirit of Christ in you, or, in other words, if you don't have a born-again human spirit, you don't belong to Him because Jesus had a born-again human spirit. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin (That's the situation Paul was in.); but the spirit is life because of righteousness. Before the disciples received the Holy Spirit, even though they had received their born-again spirit, they didn't have the greater power over the flesh. As Jesus said to them, (Mat.26:41) … The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Did they have a born-again human spirit? Yes. Jesus told His disciples, (Joh.15:3) Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. You can't be clean without a born-again spirit, and they had a reborn spirit through the Word that was spoken into them. Paul says, “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness.” So here you have a born-again person who is born-again in their spirit, but they don't have the greater power over their body, “the body of death.” Paul was crying out, “Who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Christians didn't have the greater power over their “body of death” until they received the Holy Spirit. (Rom.8:11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you (that's the Holy Spirit), he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you. People think this is talking about the resurrection of the dead, but Paul said, “shall give life also to your mortal bodies.” That's talking about this physical body. Where you had death in your mortal body and had no greater power over it, God gave you life through His Spirit that dwells in you. Paul is talking about two different spirits here. Most religions I've experienced teach that when you are born again, that's when you receive the Holy Spirit. Even the Pentecostal denominations say, “When you are born again, you receive the Holy Spirit, but when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, you receive more of it.” Again, that's not what the Bible teaches. You can't find a place in the New Testament where the Christians didn't go on to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit as soon as they found out about it. It was never supposed to be optional, the way it is today. I'm not saying that a person is lost if they don't have the Holy Spirit because Paul said a person belonged to God if they had the spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9); they just didn't have the greater power without having the Holy Spirit of God. As a matter of fact, back in the Old Testament, we can find the same New Covenant promise of receiving the Holy Spirit, and one of the clearest places to see it is in Ezekiel. (Eze.36:24) For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. (25) And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean.... This is what Jesus did with His disciples. He told them, (Joh.15:3) Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. God gave them a born-again spirit through the Word. He said in (6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. He spoke life into them. (Eze.36:25) And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. (26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you (Theologians put a lowercase “s” here and I believe they're right. The word “spirit” here should be a lowercase “s” because it's talking about your human spirit.); and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my Spirit (They capitalized “Spirit” here, and they're right again. This is talking about the Holy Spirit.) within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.... The Holy Spirit is power from God. (Act.1:8) But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the power to be a witness by walking as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). (2Co.3:2) Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; (3) being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh. You see, it's how you live your life, not just what you say, that makes you a witness. (Eze.36:27) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them. (28) And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. As soon as the Church started, the baptism of the Holy Spirit came right along with baptism in water. How did the Church go so far astray as to think that people can live the Christian life without everything that God provided? It was never meant to be that way. We are commanded to be full of the spirit of God. (Eph.5:15) Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; (16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (17) Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (18) And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; (19) speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. If you obey the corrupt nature that's been passed on to you genetically through your parents, you will begin to fall into corruption: first flesh, then soul, then spirit. The “death” is continually taking place because the more corrupt you become, the more dead you become. It's a spiritual death, not a physical death, but it ends in physical death because our spirit is our connection with the Holy Spirit. When our spirit is given to us at birth, it's clean and pure. In Hebrews (10:22,26,27; 11:15-17), the Bible talks about “defiling” your conscience. Your conscience is a part of your spirit, and it tells you right from wrong, but the more you disobey and ignore your conscience, it will become more and more quiet. Eventually, if we don't listen to our spirit, we come to the place where we don't hear it anymore, and that means we come to the place where we aren't led by it anymore. As a child grows up, they become more and more corrupt because they follow their flesh. I believe that the corruption process may be slower if you raise up a child in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6; 23:13,14), but still they are going to fall into corruption. They will need to be born again because they don't have the Holy Spirit to empower them to follow their human spirit. The devil wants to take possession of our soul, which is our mind, will, and emotions, and he does this through our flesh. God wants to take possession of our souls, but the way He takes possession is through our spirit. So here we are with our soul, or in other words, our natural life, our nature, in the middle. We've been given a spirit, and we've been given flesh. As a born-again Christian, we have a decision to make: Are we going to follow the flesh and die, or are we going to follow the Spirit and live? If we follow the Spirit, we're following God. If we follow the flesh, we're following the devil. When a child is born, they don't have the spirit of God, so they don't have the ability to make a choice. They always follow the flesh, and they always die in their soul but less so with good parenting. When I say “die,” I'm talking about spiritual death while you are alive because you are held accountable when you know to do good. (Jas.4:17) To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Sin is imputed when you know what's right and what's wrong. (Rom.5:13) For until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. The older a child gets, the quieter their conscience becomes because they get more and more used to disobeying and rebelling against it. And so they come to the place where they must be born again. Jesus is not saying that a little child must be born again. A little child doesn't have to be born again to enter the Kingdom because their spirit is not dead yet, but the older they become, the more corrupt their soul becomes, and then the more corrupt their spirit becomes until they must be born again in order to see the Kingdom of Heaven. A little child is very open to God. Their spirit is still alive. You can talk to them about God, and they understand, and they easily receive what you teach them, but if you don't teach them anything, they don't have that strength. We have to train our spirit to take the sword of the Spirit. (Eph.6:13) Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (15) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The Word of God is our sword, Saints. Without the Word of God, your spirit is defenseless. You need to educate your spirit by putting the Word of God in there. When I was a little child in the Catholic Church, they told me certain things were wrong that weren't wrong, and so if I did them, my conscience smote me. Even when I was a little child, my conscience told me when I was doing wrong. The Bible tells us that this is true, and we are never supposed to go against our conscience but rather educate it. (Rom.13:5) Wherefore [ye] must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. And here's another example: (1Co.10:25) Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience' sake, (26) for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. (27) If one of them that believe not biddeth you [to a feast,] and ye are disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience' sake. (28) But if any man say unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience' sake: (29) conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience? (30) If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? (31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: (33) even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of the many, that they may be saved. When I became born again, I had to re-educate my conscience according to the Word of God in order to have the sword of the Spirit. The sword belongs to the Spirit; it doesn't belong to the flesh. The Word of God empowers your spirit to win the battle against your flesh and the devil. (Eph.6:12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood (This is referring to fighting with physical weapons against physical enemies.), but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. Did you know that it's possible to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit but still not obey the Holy Spirit? Just because you have the Holy Spirit doesn't profit you. What matters is that you are walking in faith and obeying the Holy Spirit because, if you are not walking in faith, you're not going to get anywhere. People who are filled with the Holy Spirit walk closer to God. They have more faith, and they have power over the flesh. Jesus said, (Act.1:8) But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. But you can offend the Holy Spirit and become reprobate, or rejected, by the Holy Spirit. (Eph.4:30) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. How do you “grieve” the Holy Spirit? (Heb.6:4) For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, (6) and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (7) For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected (This is the Greek word adokimos and it means “failing to pass the test; unapproved; counterfeit”; or, in other words, “reprobated.”) and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. You grieve the Holy Spirit by not doing His works and therefore you don't bear any fruit. The ultimate end of this is reprobation. (Tit.1:15) To the pure all things are pure: but to them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. (16) They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Did you know that just because you are filled with the Holy Spirit doesn't mean you are going to stay filled with the Holy Spirit? I know this is contrary to what many Pentecostal denominations teach, but if you look in the Book of Acts, you'll see that the same people who were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost were later filled again with the Holy Spirit. (Act.2:4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. So they were filled with the Holy Spirit and then after Peter and John were released from prison, they prayed, (4:31) And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, (30) while thy stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus. (31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness. The same people were refilled with the Holy Spirit. You ask, “David, why would somebody need to be filled with the Spirit more than once?” Jesus gives us the answer. He said, (Joh.7:38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. (39) But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive. The power of the Holy Spirit flows out and is used up as we minister according to the command of Jesus. Notice, it's a river, not a pond. (Mat.10:7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give. I'm not saying that the Holy Spirit ever leaves you completely; I'm saying that it takes staying in fellowship with God to stay filled with the Holy Spirit. It's not just a one-time thing, like some Pentecostals believe. We just read, (Act.4:31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. How can you be filled twice, unless you've been emptied once? If Jesus taught that out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of the Spirit,” then this power is imparted to the need around you. It has to come out, and then it has to be replenished. The point is that we have to maintain our relationship with God because, if we don't, we won't stay filled with the Holy Spirit. Even so, the gifts of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). He won't take the gifts back. For instance, He won't necessarily take speaking in tongues back, but you may speak in tongues and yet not be filled with the Holy Spirit. A person has to stay filled with the Holy Spirit, as the Bible clearly teaches in Acts. The people who were preaching in Acts 2 were the same people who were filled with the Holy Spirit again in Acts 4. Personally, I believe you have the capacity to receive more of the Spirit when you are full of the Word of God. Jesus said, (Joh.6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. Therefore, if you receive more of His Word, you will receive more of His Spirit. That's why Jesus breathed on the disciples and in (20:22) … saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit, even though it wasn't manifested until Pentecost, when the rushing mighty wind came.” Most Pentecostal denominations believe that having the Holy Spirit makes you a shoo-in for the Kingdom of Heaven, but having the Holy Spirit doesn't make you immune to sin. Having the Holy Spirit is not what saves you. Some have the Spirit but don't serve Him.  Obeying the Holy Spirit is what saves you from sin. (Rom.8:11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Life came out of Jesus. Life came out of His Words when He spoke. Life came out of Him when He laid hands on people. Life came out of His garment and healed the woman who touched Him. Life was in Him and that life was imparted to others, but that's not the case with a person who's not filled with the Holy Spirit. It's more difficult to walk with God, without being filled with the Holy Spirit. From the Book of Acts, you can see that the very foundation of Christianity is to repent, receive a born-again spirit, and then be filled with the Holy Spirit. The typology of the Temple in the Old Covenant makes this very clear. We are supposed to be temples “not made with hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1; Acts 7:47-49) or, in other words, without the works of man. (1Co.6:19) Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; (20) for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body. When Solomon built the Temple, it represented the house “made without hands,” so there couldn't be the sound of tools, symbolizing man's works, while they were building it (1 Kings 6:7). After the Temple was built and they had sanctified it (1 Kings 8:1-9; 2 Chronicles 5:1-10), it still didn't have the Spirit of God in it. But when they had the dedication of the Temple, the Spirit of God came in the form of the Glory Cloud and dwelt in the Temple (1 Kings 8:10,11; 2 Chronicles 5:13,14). You see, the Temple was designed for the Holy Spirit to dwell in. What good was the Temple without the Spirit? I think in this regard, a lot of people are going to fall away because they will not obey the Scriptures and receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power to do what you have to do. There were times when I just didn't think the Holy Spirit was there, but right when it was necessary, the power showed up and completely awed me. And no matter what situation we find ourselves in, the Holy Spirit can manifest Himself in us and enable us to walk as Jesus walked. The Lord also pointed out to me that it was Judah who dwelt in Zion. The name Judah means “praise,” and so Judah identifies the Spirit-filled people, the full-Gospel people. The name Judah separates us from the rest of Christianity, who haven't received the Holy Spirit. The northern 10 tribes of Israel went further astray and “missed the boat” many more times than the tribe of Judah. The northern 10 tribes worshipped the false “Christ,” the two golden calves which they set up. I believe that the Lord showed me this is a type for our day. The northern 10 tribes represent the non-Spirit-filled groups, and Judah represents the Spirit-filled groups, the ones who inhabit Zion. Zion was the city that escaped when Babylon conquered the people of God. A modern-day example of this is the Armenian genocide. The word “genocide” was first coined by historian Raphael Lemkin in 1943 to describe the systematic murder of the Armenians by the Ottomans. Only the Spirit-filled Christians escaped. They fled when they were warned because they believed in prophecy and they believed the prophets God sent to them, but many, many non-Spirit-filled Christians were killed. Some estimates are that as many as 1.5 million lost their lives in that holocaust. The Happiest People on Earth by Demos Shakarian, and John and Elizabeth Sherrill, published by Guideposts Magazine in 1975, tells the story of Demos Shakarian. His grandfather left Armenia for America when the Russian prophet Klubniken foretold that an “unspeakable tragedy” was coming to Armenia. Well, people, now the same thing is getting ready to happen in America, where most of the people who call themselves “Christian” have not yet been filled with the Spirit of God, and they're not giving any heed to all the prophetic warnings that another holocaust is coming. The Spirit of God makes you respect prophets and prophecies. The Spirit of God opens your eyes to dreams, visions, revelations, and the deeper things of the Spirit. We've seen that when the disciples needed more power from God to stand up to and endure the persecution they were receiving, they came together and prayed, and God filled them again with the Holy Spirit. Not only does every Christian need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, but we also need to be continually baptized in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Morning Worship sermon with Rev. Bud Hance Scripture reference Romans 1:18-23 God's Wrath On Unrighteousness 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

In the Age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Kṛṣṇa. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Kṛṣṇa Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions. (SB 11.5.32) ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

I was thinking also in terms of the Avanti brāhmaṇa, as he had also become disgusted with material life, just as Aṅga, Vena's father, had walked away. The Avanti brāhmaṇa had walked away because he had been a wealthy landowner, and then he got stingy. He didn't offer sufficient respect to the demigods or to his family members, and he gradually lost everything. But in the course of his daily activities, a brāhmaṇa had come to him and offered him an opportunity to print some books—I'm not making this up, it's in the commentary—especially the Bhagavad-gītā and some other books, and also to help build a temple for a beautiful Deity, which he did. Even though he lost everything and he had been impious in many ways, that seed, that kernel, stayed in his heart: that he had done something for Kṛṣṇa. That's what prompted him to just embrace whatever fate he had in the material world. etāṁ sa āsthāya parātma-niṣṭhām adhyāsitāṁ pūrvatamair maharṣibhiḥ ahaṁ tariṣyāmi duranta-pāraṁ tamo mukundāṅghri-niṣevayaiva (SB 11.23.57) He uttered: 'I shall cross over the material world by being firmly fixed in the service of Lord Kṛṣṇa.' This was approved by the previous ācāryas, who are fixed in firm devotional service to Lord, Paramātmā, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And he had that staunch faith, and it came from just a little devotional service—printing books, by the way. So we see those also—the way people come to a conclusion of walking away from the material world and that's a catharsis for us, too. It's like, 'They did it; I can do it also.' Sthāne sthitāḥ śruti-gatāṁ tanu-vāṅ-manobhir (SB 10.14.3). The Bhāgavatam doesn't recommend such abrupt processes, necessarily, but it still gives us an understanding deep in our heart. It's an emotional transformation, as Radhika Raman Prabhu mentioned. Not all memory is intellectual; it's emotional. That was a very fine point, because many people say, 'What's the good of karma and the lesson of karma if I can't remember what I did?' But there's emotional memory. We take it in our hearts very deeply that I've been involved in many things in this material world. And when the Bhāgavatam brings it out and shows it to us, we feel in our heart, "Yes, I've been involved in such things. No más—that's it. I don't want this anymore. I want only the life of purity following Kṛṣṇa." ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #

What does righteousness by faith have to do with the Godhead? Everything, actually. Find out how and why the Trinity doctrine destroys righteousness by faith.

Prabhupāda was looking not just to save souls, but also to recruit those who could save souls. When he came across Śrīla Gour Govinda Mahārāja, he immediately promoted him to the ideal position from which he would have full authority to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness—to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness everywhere—by giving him three initiations at once. In that, he served as a bridge to Kṛṣṇa consciousness for many devotees and set an example. In the words of Yudhiṣṭhira: bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās tīrtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā Such a person who is empowered carries Kṛṣṇa within his heart and therefore becomes a crossing-over point for others. The word tīrtha refers to the narrowing of a river; we call it the "straits." There are places in rivers that are generally impassable, where they narrow—also called the "narrows"—where one can step across. So, the word tīrtha means a crossing point. When we have the opportunity to be connected to such a person—one who has all the spiritual qualifications, has been empowered by a spiritual master, and is fully able to deliver transcendental knowledge—we have come to a place where we can step across from the material world to the spiritual world. Such an exalted devotee is Śrīla Gour Govinda Mahārāja. Therefore, he is worthy to be praised—not just while he was present, but as he has departed. He made his tirobhāva (disappearance) so that we can take his example and avail ourselves of the process that he showed us. By following Śrīla Prabhupāda he showed by example to his disciples and all of us how to follow faithfully, taking full advantage of what Prabhupāda has given us, to gloriously leave the world in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness and go back home, back to Godhead. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

Rick B (host of Gospel Tangents and LDS Faith Journeys) interviews Josh Gehly, an Evangelist for The Church of Jesus Christ (historically known as the Bickertonites), during Josh’s visit to Salt Lake City. Josh reveals that The Church of Jesus Christ has a small but growing domestic presence, including a mission in Salt Lake City. They are meeting Feb 7 near the airport at Holiday Inn East. Sunday morning at 10 am they will meets in the “Ninja Gym” in Sandy. The church reports significant international growth, particularly in Africa, while noting that the domestic church maintains a close-knit, “lowarchy” structure where leaders are servants rather than prophets. The conversation highlights significant theological divergences between the “Bickertonite” church and the mainstream LDS Church. Josh clarifies that his church is strictly anti-polygamy, viewing the practice as a sin, though they welcome members with varying historical views on whether Joseph Smith actually practiced it. They also reject the LDS concepts of eternal marriage, becoming gods (exaltation), and a Heavenly Mother, adhering instead to a more traditional view of the Godhead and the Bible/Book of Mormon. However, they are a “charismatic” faith, believing in and practicing spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, visions, and miracles. Throughout the Q&A with the live audience, the speakers address sensitive topics including LGBTQ+ issues—which Josh's church views as sinful—and the challenges of maintaining faith in a secular world. Despite these differences, the dialogue emphasizes mutual respect, the centrality of Jesus Christ, and the value of interfaith friendship. https://youtu.be/RtZgc8erx7w

WAIT CONFERENCE | 2026-Day 15| WORSHIP AS A CONTINUOUS RESPONSE TO THE FATHER| CHIMDI OHAHUNA In this compelling session of WAIT CONFERENCE'26, we explore worship not as a momentary act or emotional posture, but as a lifelong transition into confidence, communion, and sonship. Anchored in Romans 8:15–17, we are reminded that just as Jesus called God “Father,” we too, as heirs and joint heirs with Christ, are invited into that same intimacy and authority. But this inheritance comes with responsibility. To walk as joint heirs, we must embrace the same understanding of the Father that Jesus carried while on earth. Referencing Psalm 16:10, we see Jesus surrender His spirit with full confidence that His soul would not be abandoned. This confidence in the Father is the heartbeat of worship. Key revelations from this session include:  - Worship is a transition, not just a disposition (2 Corinthians 3:18). It's a journey of growing in confidence in the Father God.  - Jesus had a standpoint, not just a status. As joint heirs, we must adopt His posture of trust, obedience, and spiritual clarity.  - The Holy Spirit is essential. Just as He enabled Christ to serve the Father perfectly (Galatians 4:6), He empowers us to live as true heirs, fully aligned with the Godhead.  - Worship is impossible without the Holy Spirit. He is the communicator of divine truth, the indwelling fullness of God, and the one who enables us to cry “Abba Father.”  - Grieving the Holy Spirit happens when we ignore His voice or act independently. Worship begins with listening, responding, and walking in step with Him.  - Our entire life is a response to the Father. Worship is not confined to a song or a service, it is the soul's continuous cry, enabled by the Spirit, rooted in sonship (Ephesians 1:4–5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). This episode is a call to live worship, not just express it. To grow in confidence, commune with the Holy Spirit, and maintain the standpoint of Christ. Worship is the soul's eternal response to the Father, and only through the Spirit can we live it fully. Tune in now and be stirred to embrace worship as your lifestyle, your identity, and your eternal rhythm. Jesus is Lord.

Shai Linne celebrates the union and joy found in the Trinity and the believer's participation in it. Drawing from Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-26, Linne explores Christ's desire that believers experience the same oneness with God and one another that exists within the Godhead, and that they behold His glory and experience the Father's eternal love for the Son.  Jesus prays that believers may see His glory and experience the Father's love that has existed since before the foundation of the world, creating the possibility of participating in the eternal joy of the Trinity itself. The love, unity, and delight of the Godhead becomes the model and promise for all believers. Cultivate your awareness of the eternal joy and love within the Trinity that you are invited to share and delight in. Scripture: John 17:20-26 Topics: Trinity, Unity, God's glory, Eternal love, Joy in God

Did Joseph Smith's understanding of God come through divine revelation — or did it evolve alongside his education? In this episode of Mormonism Live, we examine one of the most important and least discussed developments in early Mormon history: the dramatic shift in Joseph Smith's theology of the Godhead. Using early Mormon scriptures, historical documents,… Read More »Mormonism’s God Revolution

Did Joseph Smith's understanding of God come through divine revelation — or did it evolve alongside his education? In this episode of Mormonism Live, we examine one of the most important and least discussed developments in early Mormon history: the dramatic shift in Joseph Smith's theology of the Godhead. Using early Mormon scriptures, historical documents,… Read More »Mormonism’s God Revolution The post Mormonism’s God Revolution appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Did Joseph Smith's understanding of God come through divine revelation — or did it evolve alongside his education? In this episode of Mormonism Live, we examine one of the most important and least discussed developments in early Mormon history: the dramatic shift in Joseph Smith's theology of the Godhead. Using early Mormon scriptures, historical documents, and Joseph's own study journals, we walk through how the earliest teachings portrayed God as a single divine being, closely resembling early Christian modalism. We then trace a clear timeline showing how those teachings changed over time — especially following Joseph Smith's intensive study of Hebrew in Kirtland, Ohio. As Joseph learned Hebrew grammar, biblical structure, and concepts such as Elohim as a plural noun, Mormon theology began to change with it. The singular God of the Book of Mormon and Book of Moses gradually gave way to a plurality of Gods, divine councils, embodied deities, and ultimately the revolutionary teachings found in the King Follett Discourse.This episode explores: Why early Book of Mormon passages describe Jesus as both Father and Son How later scripture reverses earlier creation accounts The connection between Hebrew study and the emergence of the “Council of the Gods” Why Joseph's First Vision accounts evolve alongside his theology And what this means for claims of unchanging revelation and restored truth Rather than attacking belief, this conversation asks a deeper question: If revelation reveals eternal truth, why does the nature of God change so dramatically over time? Whether you are believing, doubting, or long past Mormonism, this episode offers a thoughtful, historically grounded look at how doctrine develops — and why that development still matters today.

Pastor Dwight

This episode examines a recurring pattern in the Book of Mormon where spiritual vitality declines gradually, then collapses decisively. It focuses on the period leading up to the reign of King Benjamin, a critical transition point where prophetic warnings intensify, record-keeping shifts from the large plates of Nephi to Mormon's abridged record, and covenant faithfulness is tested at scale. By tracing repeated phrases, structural markers, and historical signals, the episode shows how Nephite society moves from internal decay to near-total collapse, and why these moments are deliberately highlighted by the record keepers. The discussion emphasizes that these patterns are preserved not just as history, but as warnings meant for later readers to recognize decline before it becomes irreversible.Original order of content on the gold plateshttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Agr1Dbnj_VZGhl2ib7OC_q0Gj_eAEBbo-kcL6e_GKU8/edit?usp=sharingThe Small Plates of Nephihttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10tb56tAahR0HqTXPqjteujp6IqkAcC4dHp4uLbBK-CE/edit?usp=sharingTitles of the Holy Ghost and Godhead in the Book of Mormonhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UCd9A1nrdt8comzMza-QvF-z8p2NL94zWHdJVouG0kc/edit?usp=sharing

Part 3 The doctrine of God as it relates to the nature of His being is no small matter.  The first three centuries of Church history were consumed with this central issue.  In the second and third centuries, men like Praxeas and Sabellius argued that God was singular not only in being but also in person.  Sabellius taught that, like an actor wearing different masks on stage, God likewise assumed different modes at different times to manifest Himself to man.  In the Old Testament, God assumed the role of a Father; in the incarnation, the role of a Son, and in regeneration, the role of the Holy Spirit.  Modalistic Monarchianism was soundly defeated in the early centuries of the Church; yet, over the last one hundred years, this ancient heresy has resurfaced amongst those identifying themselves as Oneness Pentecostals.   In this third teaching part, we begin to examine the Biblical evidence for the doctrine of the Trinity while at the same time looking at early Church history and those heresies which confounded the persons of the Godhead. Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/3_The_Doctrine_of_the_Trinity_Pt_1.pdf

“And of his fulness have all we received.” — John 1:16 These words tell us that there is a fulness in Christ. There is a fulness of essential Deity, for “in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead.” There is a fulness of perfect manhood, for in Him, bodily, that Godhead was revealed. There […]

Just this morning, we had a three-hour meeting. When's the last time you had a three-hour Zoom call? We had one this morning from 7:00 AM to 10:00, right on the dot— we started right at seven, we ended at ten. We had maybe about ten people, and it was our beginning-of-the-year brainstorming session. Vision, mission, brainstorming for 2026 and beyond: What are our next goals for distributing knowledge that's what keeps us up at night and wakes us up early in the morning: how to do good for others. This is what Advaita Ācārya did—he couldn't sleep thinking about the plight of those in the material world who didn't have the opportunity to come in contact with true knowledge. The rich people were burning their money up doing all these crazy rituals, and poor people were wasting money on intoxication and frivolous activities. And he thought, 'Please, let me be a force in the world to reform them.' So he prayed for Lord Caitanya to come, and he helped to organize the distribution of knowledge. In fact, did you know that Advaita Ācārya went door to door? How'd you like it if Mahā-Viṣṇu came to your front door? 'Who's at the door, honey?' 'I think it's God. He's come knocking at our door.' That's how eager The Supreme Personality of Godhead is. He likes to do it, and He knows the formula. If you just go out and make yourself available—when it's cold or rainy or too hot or you don't feel like it—you're going to feel bad anyway; the material world's just like that. But if you pray, you chant, and you go out and try to give the knowledge to other people, you'll feel joyful 24 hours a day, and your thoughts will be transcendental. Because what you're going to do—if you toss and turn at night right now, you'll still toss and turn—but you're going to be thinking about: "How can I distribute Bhagavad-gītā, not just in English, but in Arabic and in Farsi, in French and Japanese, all over the world?" And if that's your preoccupation in life, you're a liberated soul. It's not hard; it's a simple process. These are heartfelt principles brought to us by Advaita Ācārya, who offered them to everybody. If you live in some far-flung place, you can restart the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement right from your place. All you have to do is have a Bhagavad-gītā and start reading it. Invite people to come over, chant a little bit, and when they get inspired, have them go out and chant for other people. The miracle happens again and again and again. Everyone's waiting for a miracle in this world, but one has already come: it's Advaita Ācārya. He showed us how to do it. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------

Here are a few comments that come from Śrīdhara Svāmī—the great Bhāgavata commentator from antiquity—on the verse 'bhayaṁ dvitīyābhiniveśataḥ syat.' He gives a comment about why knowledge alone cannot remove fear. He says, "If fear comes from ignorance (this is the question someone might pose), shouldn't knowledge alone remove it?" He points out that the Bhāgavata's answer is that māyā is not merely ignorance; it is a personal, active potency (duratyayā). Therefore, intellectual correction is insufficient. He explains why "ahaṁ brahmāsmi" can reduce suffering temporarily, but without positive shelter, fear returns. Fear ends not when identity is negated, but when identity is anchored in Kṛṣṇa. So, besides understanding one's constitutional position—which is essential, mamaivāṁśo jīva-loke jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ manaḥ-ṣaṣṭhānīndriyāṇi prakṛti-sthāni karṣati that verse (BG 15.7) came to mind as you mentioned how we struggle with the mind. We are parts and parcels of Kṛṣṇa; we are always connected to Him. But then, we struggle with the six senses and the mind. When one gets knowledge of ahaṁ brahmāsmi and the information of one's relationship with Kṛṣṇa, and a process through which one can repair that relationship. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes this in the purport from the Bhagavad-gītā: ādau śraddhā tataḥ sādhu-saṅgo 'tha bhajana-kriyā tato 'nartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt tato niṣṭhā rucis tataḥ In the beginning, there must be an awakening of faith (ādau). That generally comes by association with devotees who plant the seed of faith in the heart, because there is a natural way in which we pick up the qualities of those with whom we associate. Pure devotees—those fully dedicated to Kṛṣṇa—carry a certain potency within their heart, as described by Yudhiṣṭhira to Vidura (SB 1.13.10): bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās tīrtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā He told Vidura, "You are a walking tīrtha because you carry the Supreme Personality of Godhead within your heart." The meaning of that—since everyone carries the Supreme Personality of Godhead within their heart—is that the devotee has love for Kṛṣṇa within his heart. Therefore, coming in contact with such a person, one is able to perceive the goal of life. Even if not intellectually, one feels it: "This person is trustworthy. I can surrender here because the person has no material motive." That is an observation many people had upon meeting Prabhupāda. People have said many times, remembering their connection with him, "He saw right through me. I felt at that time that he saw my soul," or, "He wasn't judging me; he was only giving me mercy and compassion." That can only come from somebody who has love for Kṛṣṇa within their heart. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality

The Holy Spirit is the person of the Godhead that lives inside of us. Why do we ignore Him? He has to come us to be our Helper. He is the One who will guide us into all truth. We have been given the opportunity to cultivate a relationship with Him. We are invited into the communion of the Holy Spirit. 2 Cor 13:14.

Read OnlineThen he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. Mark 3:4–5How would you answer this question? “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Objectively speaking, the answer is easy: “Yes!” But subjectively speaking, when we consider the person performing the good deed, it's easy to let our thoughts, feelings, and past experiences of that person affect our judgment. If we have a grievance toward someone—resulting in anger, jealousy, or envy—our answer might differ from the ideal, as it did with the Pharisees toward Jesus.Anger is a strong emotional reaction to perceived injustice or injury that, when disordered, can lead to resentment, bitterness, or a desire for vengeance. Jealousy is a fear of losing what we have to another and is rooted in insecurity or pride, leading to a protective but distorted attachment to our own status, relationships, or achievements. Envy is a sadness or sorrow over the blessings or successes of another, often accompanied by a refusal to celebrate their good fortune and a desire that they be deprived of it. These are ugly sins. Sins that filled Jesus' Sacred Heart with righteous anger and holy grief.In this Gospel passage, the Pharisees appear to suffer from all three sins. Their anger is evident in their hostile reaction to Jesus' words and actions, as they see Him as a threat to their authority and influence. Their jealousy manifests in their fear of losing their power and status among the people to Jesus, whose teachings and miracles overshadow their own ministry. Their envy becomes apparent in their inability to rejoice in the man's healing, resenting instead Jesus' authority and the attention he attracts. These sins harden their hearts, blinding them to God's mercy and love that Jesus embodies, and lead them down a path of malice and conspiracy.When we consider the Pharisees' negative and sinful reactions, it's easy to condemn them, thinking we would never react that way. Yet, before we jump to that conclusion, it's important to examine all the relationships and encounters we have with others.Jesus embodies every virtue and spiritual gift—mercy and justice, compassion and strength, diligence and docility, humility and majesty, patience and zeal, wisdom and prudence, faith and fortitude, hope and charity. For which of these did the Pharisees manifest their anger, jealousy, and envy? It's impossible to answer that question because these sins are always rooted in irrationality. The same is true in our lives.Considering the people we encounter on a regular basis, it's important to examine whether we struggle with anger, jealousy, or envy. This is often difficult to do because these sins blind us to the truth. When we are angry, we irrationally blame others as the cause of our anger. When jealous, our insecurity leads us to justify our reaction and condemn the one whom we feel is a threat. When envious, our self-concern distorts our ability to see the good in another, preventing us from rejoicing in their success or goodness.Jesus came to set us free from these heavy burdens. The Pharisees were not happy because these sins dominated their lives. Similarly, we will never find the peace, joy, and happiness we desire until we turn anger into love and forgiveness, jealousy into gratitude, and envy into admiration and rejoicing in the blessings of others. Reflect today on those people you encounter on a regular basis. Where these sins enter into those relationships, accept responsibility for them, confess them, and pray for virtue to replace them. Our Lord wants us to rejoice with Him, participate in His glorious virtues and spiritual gifts, and receive the overflowing rewards that they bestow. Most virtuous and gifted Lord, You embody all that is good, all that is holy, and all that flows from Your divine Godhead. When I act more like the Pharisees than like You, open my eyes to the sins of anger, jealousy, and envy. Free me from these heavy burdens by revealing to me the humble truth and filling me with the virtues and gifts You long to bestow. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Ilyas Basim Khuri Bazzi Rahib, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Prahlāda Mahārāja says, 'duḥkhauṣadhaṁ tad api duḥkham atad-dhiyāhaṁ' (SB 7.9.17)—I think that the kind of remedies people make to stave off suffering in the material world are worse than the suffering itself. The anxiety of trying to fight an uphill battle that one eventually loses is quite disheartening and causes great consternation. But if we have the right process—and that is to take direct shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead—as recommended in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam: 'samāśritā ye pada-pallava-plavaṁ mahat-padaṁ puṇya-yaśo murāreḥ'(SB 10.14.58)— He is the shelter of the whole universe, and therefore one should feel free to take complete shelter of Him. There is no other remedy, and there is no other process. Direct devotional service especially means chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa with heartfelt eagerness to offer oneself to Kṛṣṇa and take shelter of Kṛṣṇa. So, one of the helpful guidances that Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura gives is that if you stay attentive to the chanting, then you will overcome many of the offenses; or, as he puts it, being inattentive is the root cause of other offenses. So it's simple. It may not be easy, but it's very simple is to chant with heart. Remember that there is no other solution to the puzzle of the material world—and the puzzling situations that we have to face—other than taking shelter of Kṛṣṇa. The direct way to do that is to chant Kṛṣṇa's names. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #makejapagreatagain #mantrameditation #chantharekrishnaandbehappy #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

“Our dear Lord, we are offering our loving service unto You because we are all eternal servitors of Your Lordship. You can order us and ask us to do whatever You please. Every living being can be relieved from all kinds of despair if he agrees to abide by Your orders.” (Nagapatnis offering prayers to Krishna, Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 16)

December 3, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   In this episode we finish our quarter by working through Colossians chapter 1 and beginning chapter 2, part of the New Testament prison epistles. The speaker situates Colossae geographically and historically, explains the city's relationship to nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis, and explores the background of false teachings infiltrating the church there — including Judaizing legalism, Greek philosophical influences, and early elements of Gnostic thought. Chapter 1 is examined in depth as a doctrinally rich celebration of Christ's supremacy: his deity, role in creation, relationship to the church, victory over death, and the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in him (verses 15–20). The episode highlights key themes such as the preeminence, authority, and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ (with verse 18 as the chapter's bellwether), and explains reconciliation through Christ's blood (verses 20–23), stressing the conditional nature of remaining reconciled — continuing steadfastly in the faith. The teacher draws parallels to Ephesians and Matthew 24, emphasizing how the gospel had spread to “every creature under heaven” by Paul's day, and explains Paul's role as a steward of the revealed “mystery” that Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ. Practical preaching principles from Colossians (warning and teaching) are outlined, and the episode concludes with an overview of chapter 2 warnings against deceptive philosophy, legalistic observance of festivals and Sabbaths, and angelic worship. Listeners can expect a mix of historical context, careful exposition of key verses, doctrinal clarification, and pastoral application aimed at helping Christians recognize and resist false teaching while remaining rooted, built up, and steadfast in Christ. The episode encourages listeners to read the short book of Colossians (four chapters) and Philemon to complete the study of the prison epistles.   Duration 35:51

“Following, then, the holy Fathers, we all unanimously teach that our Lord Jesus Christ is to us One and the same Son, the Self-same Perfect in Godhead, the Self-same Perfect in Manhood; truly God and truly Man… One and the Same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten; acknowledged in Two Natures unconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the difference of the Natures being in no way removed because of the Union, but rather the properties of each Nature being preserved, and both concurring into One Person… not as though He were parted or divided into Two Persons, but One and the Self-same Son and Only-begotten God, Word, Lord, Jesus Christ…”— The Chalcedonian Definition, 451 AD Luke 7:11-17

”It is customary, after being initiated in the Gayatri mantra, for one to live away from home for some time under the care of the acharya in order to be trained in spiritual life. During this period one has to work under the spiritual master as an ordinary menial servant. There are many rules and regulations for a brahmachari living under the care of an acharya, and both Lord Krishna and Balarama strictly followed those regulative principles while living under the instruction of their spiritual master, Sandipani Muni, in his place in northern India. According to scriptural injunctions, a spiritual master should be respected and be regarded on an equal level with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 44)

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Becca, email (1:41) - Should we stay away from the book of Enoch? Jake, email (3:36) - Where do we get our American Christmas traditions? Sherry, MA (5:06) - Can you explain Luke 17:34? Is that something that will happen in the future? Is it related to the Rapture? Willie, AL (8:07) - What does it mean to have a mantle over my life? When Jesus says He forgives my past sins, is that a continual thing? Sammy, TN (13:05) - What version of the Bible in modern English is true to the Bible? What are your thoughts on the TBN quick scan Bible? John, NJ (16:40) - What does "Jehovah" mean? Is Satan the second highest power, under the Godhead? Enoch, NY (21:48) - Is cremation against the Bible? Does a believer that commits suicide go to hell? Mike, email (26:51) - Can salvation be abandoned? Do you need works to maintain your salvation? Helen, YouTube (37:25) - If members are visiting, why is the church not growing? Archer, email (38:52) - Why did the New Testament change "eye for an eye" to "turn the other cheek?" Johnny, TX (43:20) - Can you elaborate on doing communion without the elements? Emmanuel, email (45:35) - Should I adhere strictly to the Old Testament when tithing? Ed, NJ (48:11) - What does "don't cast your pearls before swine" mean? whassupwu, YouTube (51:18) - What can I say to fellow church members who admit to and recommend various futurists, like card and hand readers? Michael, email (53:02) - How do I break out of the mental loop of dwelling on past sins that I know Jesus has forgiven? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

Send us a textIn this episode, Pastor Ed continues our series on fasting, by giving us 7 things to focus on. Romans 12:1-21 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Matthew 6:3333 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.Proverbs 3:5-65 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.John 17:1717 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truthJohn 14:66 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.John 8:3232 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”John 15:44 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.2 Corinthians 1:3-43 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.Psalms 119:105105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.Hebrews 4:1616 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.Proverbs 3:25-2625 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.Colossians 2:8-108 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all [c]principality and power.Romans 8:38-3938 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

*Pastor David Greene*"The Substitutionary Sacrifice of Christ"

Salvation is Triune / How our Salvation is shown in the Godhead.

John 1:1-3 - Christ: The Logos of God Our sermon text this morning is John 1:1-3. If you read our weekly email, you may have seen that originally, I was planning to cover verses 1-5. I backed off a little because there is so much packed into the first 3 verses. That probably scares some of you because you're thinking, “is this going to happen every week? And if so, are we going to be in the Gospel of John for years?” Well, I can't say that this will be the last time that I narrow our focus to just a couple of verses. However, I will note that Jim Boice, the late pastor of Tenth Presbyterian church, preached 270 sermons in the book of John. Doing the math, that's over 5 years. I've planned about 70. Ok, turning our attention to these verses, you'll hear the word “word” three times. That is referring to Jesus Christ. We know that from verse 14 where John writes that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” So, as I read, be sure to make the mental connection between the Word and Christ. Reading of John 1:1-3 Prayer “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal…” Those legendary words bring us back to the very founding of our nation. Or how about this on: “I have a dream” Those words take us back to Martin Luther King and the struggle of segregation in the 1950s and 60s. Or perhaps you recognize this: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Those are the opening words of Charles Dickens's book The Tale of Two Cities. It takes us back to the French Revolution and the stark contrast between London and Paris. Each of those opening phrases is packed with meaning and significance. They each capture our minds and our hearts. In some ways, they transport us through time and space and turn our attention to lofty ideas or significant events. Well, the opening words of John's Gospel do something very similar. For one, they are renowned. But also, their poetic language and expressive words raise the significance and consequence for the reader… and really for the whole world. Perhaps these words don't bring us back to a specific place, but they transport us to the very creation of the world. “In the beginning.” In the very beginning of all time and space “was the Word.” Does that not raise our senses and our curiosity and even our wonder at what is being communicated? As far as familiar opening words in the Bible, John 1 is only second to Genesis 1. And those are iconic words. Genesis 1 certainly ranks up there among the most famous in the world. Genesis 1:1 says “In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth.” Those 10 words reveal several things about God. ·      First, that he is one God. It doesn't say, “in the beginning, the gods (plural)...” No, rather it's a definitive statement. “In the beginning, God…” There is one God. ·      Second, Genesis 1:1 posits God as existing before the beginning of time itself – he is eternal. ·      And third those 10 opening words of Genesis speak about God's nature and work. He is the creator God of all things - things in heaven and things on earth. And I think you have probably already made the connection in your minds. The opening words of the Gospel of John are very similar to Genesis 1. They start with the same three words. Of course, one was penned in Hebrew – that would be Genesis – and the other was penned in Greek. But the connection is unmistakable. Really, the connection between the opening of Genesis and the opening of John's Gospel even further expand our understanding of God's nature and the ministry and work of Christ - God the Son. In Genesis 1, we're told of God's creative work and in John 1, God reveals who accomplished that work and how. So, let's jump into these opening three verses of John. As far as an outline, I want to highlight 3 things about Christ: 1. Christ's Identity as the Eternal Logos 2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God 3. Christ's Work as the Agent of Creation Let me say those again if you are taking notes. We didn't have room in the bulletin this week for an outline. 1. Christ's Identity as the Eternal Logos – I'll explain the word Logos in a minute. 2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God – Deity meaning his nature as God. And 3. His Work as the Agent of Creation. It is through the agency of Christ that God created all things. So, let's work through those. 1. Christ's Identity as the Eternal Logos And the first thing to understand is the word “word.” In the original Greek, it's the word Logos. Maybe you've heard that word before. Logos is one of two words that are often translated “word.” The other is the more common word, rhema in Greek, merely referring to words on a page or spoken words. But the word logos, on the other hand, is packed with meaning. Yes, it's basic meaning is a statement or speech – you know, a “word” spoken. But the word logos also includes the idea of a charge like I'm charging you with something… and the idea of cause like speech that causes something to happen. It's a word spoken that is effective. It accomplished something. Now, the Greek culture of the time used the word Logos as well. But their use was more of an abstract idea. Their logos was the rational order of the cosmos. It was used in an impersonal way. There was no being behind a Greek use of the word logos. Nonetheless it was still a powerful word. By the way, the Greek word logos is directly related to our English word “logic”… you know, a reasoned explanation. And sometimes you'll hear pastors try to apply that philosophical and rational meaning to the Logos of John 1. But remember from last week that John is writing to a Jewish context. He was Jewish himself. And the word logos in the Jewish community had been used for centuries. The Greek translation of the Old Testament uses the word logos hundreds of times. Our call to worship this morning was from Psalm 33. It says in verse 6 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.” Logos to the Jewish community was understood to be personal and declarative and often associated with God himself. That is very different from the Greco-Roman understanding. What I am arguing is that John is not borrowing the word Logos from the Greek culture. Rather, he is contrasting that impersonal understanding with the divine and personal understanding of Logos. He's revealing that the Logos of God is far superior to the Greek's rational concept of logos. We see that right there in verse 1. It says, “In the beginning was the Word.” From eternity past, the Logos existed – Christ existed. The verb is very important here. It's the English word “was” …you know, a form of “to be..” In the beginning “was” the word. And it's verb tense is the imperfect active. It means not only did Christ already exist in the beginning, but also that his existence continues. English does not have a good equivalent. The word “was” in English is past tense. But the Greek has a much broader meaning. “already was and continues to be” What we learn in these verses is that the Logos of God is eternal. He existed before the beginning of time and space and he continues to exist. Furthermore, he is not some impersonal rational concept about the ordering of the universe, but rather his eternal existence is personal. He has being, as the verb reveals. He is none other the person of Christ, again as verse 14 tells us. The eternal Logos of God. Now, in a few minutes we are going to further see how the word logos relates to Christ's work. That will be point 3, But let's move on to point 2 - the rest of verse 1 and verse 2. 2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God So, #2. Christ's Deity as One with the True God. – I'm saying it that way for a reason. He is God and he is One with God. The Logos mentioned here is not some force that God is harnessing. No, this Logos, Christ, is God himself. Look at the end of verse 1. It says, “the word was God.” It's the same imperfect active tense. The Logos already was and continues to be God. Now, that seems super clear, doesn't it? “The Logos was God.” Some of you know this, but about twice a week, you will see two of Jehovah Witnesses just outside of our church office. They are just standing there on the corner of Main Street. And if you ask them about John 1:1, they will say that it should be translated differently. They translate it as “the word was a god.” They say that Christ was like a god but not God himself. They argue that because there is no definite article before the word “God” (Theos), therefore Jesus is not being described here as God himself. However, they are wrong for two reasons. ·      Number 1, Greek scholarship is fairly unified on the translation. For those of you who are grammarians (you like grammar), the phrase is a predicate nominative. Greek predicate nominatives establish a shared essence between the subject and the predicate – especially when the predicate is placed before the verb as is here. In fact, predicate nominatives in the Greek usually do not use a definite article for the predicate. So, Christ is not being described here as a god, he is being identified as the God - fully and completely God. ·      And number 2. This identification of Jesus Christ being God himself is all throughout the Gospel of John. We considered that last week. Several times Jesus identified himself as one with God the Father. He said as much: “I and the Father are One.” We also considered all the I AM statements where Jesus identified himself as Yahweh. Furthermore, look at the phrase in the middle of verse 1 and in verse 2. They are very similar. It says, “And the Logos was with God… He was in the beginning with God.” This is one of the beautiful truths about the God of the Bible. God is personal and relational. Within the Godhead, as we say, there is a relationship between the three persons of God. The Father, the Son (who is the Logos), and the Spirit. This is something that the Gospel of John makes clear throughout. I also mentioned that last week. By the way, one of the things I plan to do as we work through this book, is to connect each section and paragraph to the broader themes. And this is one of them. Jesus teaches not only about his equality with God the Father but also his role as God the Son and the role of God the Spirit whom he and the Father will send. As I put it last week, this book is full of theology – the doctrine of God – Theos. And it begins with these profound words. You see, these opening words, especially verse 2 are not teaching that there are multiple gods. No. These verses are quite clear about that. Rather when they say that the Logos was with God from the beginning, they are revealing that God himself has relationships within himself. It's an amazing thing to consider. As humans created in God's image, we have been given the capacity and desire for relationships. That relational characteristic that every human being shares… comes from the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Spirit. One with each other. All eternal and all God. So, the Logos, who is Christ, is one with and in relationship with the eternal God. He is God. 3. Christ's Work as the Agent of Creation That being us to point 3: Christ's work as the agent of creation. This third point is very much related to the word Logos. Christ is creator. He is the one through whom the universe has come into existence. God's act of speaking his Word (his Logos) comes through the work of Christ. Going back to Genesis 1, the phrase that is used over and over is “God said.” “God said ‘let there be light' and there was light.” Every act of creation happens through God's word. God spoke, and it was so. Back to John 1. In verse 3 it says, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” All things in the entire universe were made through Christ. Every galaxy, every star, every planet; every cell and molecule and atom and proton and neutron and quark. All things came into being through him. That may be something new to you. We don't often think of or speak of Christ's role as God's agent of creation. That's because we most often think and speak of his role as redeemer. And there is plenty of that in the Gospel of John. But just like in verse 3, several Scriptures passages speak of Christ's role as creator. Besides John 1, we read from both Colossians 1 and Hebrews 1 this morning. In Colossians, “…by [Christ] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” In Hebrews 1. “In these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Or consider 1 Corinthians 8:6, which says, “there is… one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” God spoke through his Word, through his Logos, who is Christ, to bring everything into existence. I remember when I learned this for the first time. I was amazed at the glory of God in his work of creation through Christ. Our Savior is not only our Lord, but he is our creator. One thing is very very clear in these verses. Christ was not created. No, he existed before creation and he is the one through whom God created all things. Conclusion He is (1) the eternal Word of God, (2) As God, he is one with the true God, and (3) the creator of all things… visible and invisible. That is what we learn in these verses. Now, I want you to imagine something. Imagine that you grew up in a Jewish community in the western part of Asia Minor (maybe Ephesus or Smyrna).  Imagine it's the later half of the first century. You studied the Torah in school and your knew the history of Israel. Your family was a devout Jewish family. Besides your Jewish education, you had always been intrigued by influences from the neighboring culture to the west - Greece. People from Athens often travelled through your city. They not only brought their wares, but they also brought their philosophy and gods. They loved to talk about the latest philosophical theories and ideas. They used the word logos often. When they did, they spoke of the ordering principle of the universe, you know, the force that structures all of nature, as they described it. So, you have that in the back of your mind, but you also know what you have been taught from the Hebrew Scriptures. God speaks into existence all of creation, like it says in Genesis and Isaiah and the Psalms. Now, imagine that you are reading John's Gospel account for the first time. One of your neighbors had a parchment and he let you borrow it to read. And so you read these opening words for the first time. “In the beginning was the Logos and the Logos was with God… and the Logos was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” And you are enraptured. These ideas are coming alive. You had been intrigued by the travelling philosophers of Athens, but this concept of a personal Logos who has eternally existed from all time and who is God is gripping your mind. And then you get down to verse 14… and you read “and the Logos became flesh and dwelt among us.” As you had been reading the first couple of paragraphs, you had been asking, “who is this Logos?” And then you find out from these words that the Logos has dwelt among us. He has lived among us. You had heard of a man named Jesus. But up until this point you had never understood why he was so significant or controversial. But now you knew. And your heart was leaping because not only are you reading here that he is and has always been the eternal Logos… but all of a sudden your mind is being flooded with all the things you had learned in your Jewish education. You begin recalling all of the promises and prophecies of Christ - the Messiah of God. Light bulbs are going off all over the place in your mind and heart. This personal, eternal Logos being written about is the Christ, the eternal promised one, and he has come to us in the person of Jesus. It's a life-transforming realization. You can't put the parchment down because every word and sentence and paragraph is speaking to your mind and heart. The Word of God, Christ, is becoming real to you in a way that you had never experienced before. He is changing your heart. I know that is just a thought experiment, but as we work our way through John, I want us to enter in to the lives of the first readers and hearers and those whom Jesus encountered. I want us to enter in to their situation. Through that lens, I believe these words will become living words for us. Maybe this is all new for you. And as you hear it, maybe your mind and heart are being drawn in with intrigue and wonder as you come to the understanding of who Christ is…. in his eternal nature as God and as the one through whom all things have been created. If that is you, as we go through this book, may you hear and grasp not only who Christ is, but what he has done for you. But maybe you've been a Christian for years… and these words are very familiar to you as they are to me. If that's you, may your heart and mind be re-ignited by the depth and clarity and wonder of God in the person and work of Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us. As we go through this Gospel, may we all see him, our creator and Savior and Lord, the eternal Logos of God.

“As the director of different kinds of clouds, Indra called for the samvartaka. This cloud is invited when there is a need to devastate the whole cosmic manifestation. The samvartaka was ordered by Indra to go over Vrindavana and inundate the whole area with an extensive flood. Demonically, Indra thought himself to be the all-powerful supreme personality.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 25)

“Prepare very nice foodstuffs of all descriptions from the grains and ghee collected for the yajna. Prepare rice, dahl, then halavah, pakora, puri and all kinds of milk preparations like sweet rice, sweetballs, sandesha, rasagulla and laddu and invite the learned brahmanas who can chant the Vedic hymns and offer oblations to the fire. The brahmanas should be given all kinds of grains in charity. Then decorate all the cows and feed them well.” (Krishna giving direction on the first Govardhana Puja, Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 24)

2026-01-04 The Godhead - What Is It?by Steve HudsonScripture Reference(s):Acts 17:29 “Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill.Acts 2:32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”Isaiah 6:8 hen I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”John 14:16-17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.John 14:23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.John 2:18-19 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”1 John 3:20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.Psalm 139:7-8 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.Psalm 34:15-16 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.Romans 1:4  and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!All are welcome. 217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448Office Phone: (985) 626-3114Sunday Service: 9:30AMAdult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AMNursery and Children's church available.

Greg Henry ministering at Gospel Revolution Church on the scriptures, how theyre trinitarian in nature, revealing the Godhead, so we can be caught up in the fellowship of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit The post In the Beginning God appeared first on Gospel Revolution Church.

*Pastor David Greene*

1 Peter 1:1-2 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin discuss the three persons of God found in the salutation of Peter's first letter and the work of each as described there.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23919The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

So, not only do we get to walk around and see the various forms of the Lord and relish the places where Caitanya Mahāprabhu walked, but also we can participate in the same activity that he emphasized when he went to South India—which is teaching people how to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. Back then, Caitanya Mahāprabhu had found a couple of books in South India. Does anybody remember which books he found? He found Brahma-saṁhitā, fifth chapter. What was the other one? Kṛṣṇa-karṇāmṛta. And he had them copied. He got the original manuscripts, and he had them copied. It was a little more difficult to get stuff copied back then because scribes had to do them by hand; but we have this best of modern technology, such that we mass-produce these books and we're able to distribute them here, there, and everywhere—wherever we go. So, we'll be doing that, and we can expect Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's special blessings from doing that. After all, that's what he did. Going back to Prabhupāda's article in the back of the Back to Godhead magazine, we're following in the footsteps of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Our battle cry for this Yātrā is—what does it say back there? 'Nobody is better than Lord Caitanya.' You can't find anybody better than Lord Caitanya. He's the best of the best. He's Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa combined. He's the deity of the Paramahaṁsas. Caitanya Mahāprabhu distributes love for himself—love for Kṛṣṇa, Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. So, there's nobody better than Lord Caitanya. Ask Prabodhānanda Sarasvatī; he'll tell you the same thing. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 https://thefourquestionsbook.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=launch2025 ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

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Śrī Īśopaniṣad The knowledge that brings one nearer to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa Introduction Invocation oṁ pūrṇam adaḥ pūrṇam idaṁ pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate Mantra One īśāvāsyam idaḿ sarvaṁ yat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagat tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasya svid dhanam Mantra Two kurvann eveha karmāṇi jijīviṣec chataḿ samāḥ evaṁ tvayi nānyatheto 'sti na karma lipyate nare Mantra Three asuryā nāma te lokā andhena tamasāvṛtāḥ tāḿs te pretyābhigacchanti ye ke cātma-hano janāḥ Mantra Four anejad ekaṁ manaso javīyo nainad devā āpnuvan pūrvam arṣat tad dhāvato 'nyān atyeti tiṣṭhat tasminn apo mātariśvā dadhāti Mantra Five tad ejati tan naijati tad dūre tad v antike tad antar asya sarvasya tad u sarvasyāsya bāhyataḥ Mantra Six yas tu sarvāṇi bhūtāny ātmany evānupaśyati sarva-bhūteṣu cātmānaṁ tato na vijugupsate Mantra Seven yasmin sarvāṇi bhūtāny ātmaivābhūd vijānataḥ tatra ko mohaḥ kaḥ śoka ekatvam anupaśyataḥ Mantra Eight sa paryagāc chukram akāyam avraṇam asnāviraḿ śuddham apāpa-viddham kavir manīṣī paribhūḥ svayambhūr yāthātathyato 'rthān vyadadhāc chāśvatībhyaḥ samābhyaḥ Mantra Nine andhaṁ tamaḥ praviśanti ye 'vidyām upāsate tato bhūya iva te tamo ya u vidyāyāḿ ratāḥ Mantra Ten anyad evāhur vidyayā- nyad āhur avidyayā iti śuśruma dhīrāṇāṁ ye nas tad vicacakṣire Mantra Eleven vidyāṁ cāvidyāṁ ca yas tad vedobhayaḿ saha avidyayā mṛtyuṁ tīrtvā vidyayāmṛtam aśnute Mantra Twelve andhaṁ tamaḥ praviśanti ye 'sambhūtim upāsate tato bhūya iva te tamo ya u sambhūtyāḿ ratāḥ Mantra Thirteen anyad evāhuḥ sambhavād anyad āhur asambhavāt iti śuśruma dhīrāṇāṁ ye nas tad vicacakṣire Mantra Fourteen sambhūtiṁ ca vināśaṁ ca yas tad vedobhayaḿ saha vināśena mṛtyuṁ tīrtvā sambhūtyāmṛtam aśnute Mantra Fifteen hiraṇmayena pātreṇa satyasyāpihitaṁ mukham tat tvaṁ pūṣann apāvṛṇu satya-dharmāya dṛṣṭaye Mantra Sixteen pūṣann ekarṣe yama sūrya prājāpatya vyūha raśmīn samūha tejo yat te rūpaṁ kalyāṇa-tamaṁ tat te paśyāmi yo 'sāv asau puruṣaḥ so 'ham asmi Mantra Seventeen vāyur anilam amṛtam athedaṁ bhasmāntaṁ śarīram oṁ krato smara kṛtaṁ smara krato smara kṛtaṁ smara Mantra Eighteen agne naya supathā rāye asmān viśvāni deva vayunāni vidvān yuyodhy asmaj juhurāṇam eno bhūyiṣṭhāṁ te nama-uktiṁ vidhema To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark

Psalm 147:12–20, Nehemiah 3:1–4:23, Revelation 17:1–18. |||Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;|||hail the incarnate Deity,|||pleased as man with man to dwell,|||Jesus, our Emmanuel |||Hark! The herald angels sing,|||‘Glory to the new born King!'In each of today's passages we see the blessings of following this ‘new born King'

Psalm 147:12–14, Nehemiah 4:6, Revelation 17:3-14. |||Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;|||hail the incarnate Deity,|||pleased as man with man to dwell,|||Jesus, our Emmanuel |||Hark! The herald angels sing,|||‘Glory to the new born King!'In each of today's passages we see the blessings of following this ‘new born King'

Did you grow up learning about Bible stories through Sunday school felt boards while holding your storybook picture Bible? Does your grandmother have a picture of blonde-haired, blue-eyed Jesus hanging in her home? Have you watched Mel Gibson's The Passion or Dallas Jenkins' The Chosen and felt as if it helped you to better connect with Jesus' humanity?In this episode, we dive deep into the scope of the Second Commandment - "You shall not make for yourself an idol" - exploring both what Scripture has to say and how it was viewed historically. From Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 4, we unpack God's prohibition against fashioning representations of Himself, including the two-fold command against making and worshiping them. We trace the regulative principle of worship through church history: from early Christian symbols to the Roman Catholic veneration of images, the Reformers' ban under Calvin and the Puritans, and its modern relaxation.Drawing on the golden calf in Exodus 32, we see how "good" intentions don't excuse transgression, as God declares His jealousy and promises blessings for obedience (Exodus 20:5-6). God's holiness (Leviticus 19:2) and invisibility (Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:15) demand faith in the unseen (Hebrews 11:1), not visual aids.We address common concerns: intentions of the heart, classical art, teaching children about Jesus, and more, all while affirming the Westminster Larger Catechism's clear stance against any depiction of the Godhead. Whether you're Reformed or curious, join us for a Scripture-saturated discussion on worshiping God as He commands, especially in the season celebrating the Incarnation.Keep Up with Reformed Faith and Family in the Following Ways:Never miss an episode, article, or a new FREEBIE by joining our weekly newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/subscribe/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Build your library with our recommended resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/recommended-resources/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the latest articles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/blog/⁠⁠⁠⁠Download your FREEBIES in our store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/educational-resources-store/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out the Gift Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/gift-shop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good Dog Bible Rebinds: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reformedfaithandfamily.com/good-dog-designs-and-rebinds/⁠⁠⁠⁠WE HAVE A FAVOR TO ASK! If you are excited about our mission at Reformed Faith and Family to guide men and women as they seek to learn more about Reformed theology and equip families as they disciple their children, then please leave our podcast a 5-star review and share it with a friend. We appreciate each one of our faithful listeners, but we also depend on you to help us get the word out. Thank you for your continued support!

People who are bought and sold in politics, for instance, they may go along with treachery or despotism because they don't want to lose their job. Happens all the time. People just hang on because they think, "Well, anyway. Maybe it will blow over. Nobody will notice," but they just don't want to lose their job. And I mentioned, maybe the other night, that when the demigods were observing the fight between Hiraṇyakaśipu and Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, Narasiṁhadeva had captured Hiraṇyakaśipu, had him in his clutches. Now the devas, whose homes, whose realms, whose jobs, services, everything had been usurped by Hiraṇyakaśipu, were watching the fight. It says from behind the clouds, because they wanted everything back. They wanted all their stuff back. They wanted status quo back. So they were watching. What did Lord Narasiṁhadeva do during the fight? He caught Hiraṇyakaśipu. What happened after that? It appeared as if Hiraṇyakaśipu slipped away. What did the demigods think then? "Now we're really finished, because we were rooting for the enemy." Think of that: the Supreme Personality of Godhead appears and you have some doubt of whether he's going to win or not, and you're also thinking, "I just rooted for the people. The guy who's fighting against him, Hiraṇyakaśipu, is really going to come get me now." Imagine the kind of stricture that he's going to give to us now that we rooted for the enemy. These are very high-minded personalities. They are servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but they are attached. As it turns out, Lord Narasiṁhadeva is half cat, right? What do cats do when they catch a mouse? Have you ever seen it? When we were going door to door, there was a cat in Colorado on somebody's lawn. The cat was just sitting there and a little mouse was hopping around. As soon as the mouse would get a few inches outside a radius, the cat would catch it and pull it back and then wait for it. If anybody knows cats, they like to play with their prey before they crunch them up. In the same way, Lord Narasiṁhadeva let go, Prabhupāda said, because he has that feeling like, "Let him go, pull him back again." Then, of course, he ripped him into shreds. But in that case, we see that Prahlāda didn't mind at all. In fact, he wasn't afraid at all of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva. In the whole mess he wasn't afraid because he was completely detached. All he wanted was service to his spiritual master. .------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

How does a church navigate change, controversy, and continuing revelation while staying true to its foundation? The Articles of Faith lay the groundwork, but the two Official Declarations provide proof of a living church, led by a living prophet. We'll analyze the deep counsel given in these landmark sections. Official Declaration 1: The End of Plural Marriage President Wilford Woodruff faced a devastating dilemma: adhere to the law of plural marriage and lose the temples, ordinances, and leadership to imprisonment, or cease the practice. Honoring Authority: President Woodruff declared his "intention to submit" to the laws of Congress that the Supreme Court had pronounced constitutional. He even went so far as to order the Endowment House "taken down without delay" following one reported (but unproven) case of a marriage performed there. The Critical Question: He was commanded by God to "ask the Latter-day Saints a question" —which was the wisest course: to sacrifice the temples and ordinances, or to cease the practice, "leave the Temples in the hands of the Saints," and let the work for the dead continue. Prophetic Integrity: He declared he would have let all the temples go and gone to prison himself "had not the God of heaven commanded me" to do what he did, and when that command came, "it was all clear to me". This shows a willingness to fully embrace the opposing viewpoint before receiving the final divine guidance. Official Declaration 2: Revelation on the Priesthood Received by President Spencer W. Kimball after "extended meditation and prayer in the sacred rooms of the holy temple" , this declaration fulfilled the promises of earlier prophets. Divine Guidance: The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles "pleaded long and earnestly" and supplicated the Lord for "divine guidance". The Result: God "heard our prayers," and by revelation, confirmed that "the long-promised day has come". This revelation extended the priesthood and temple blessings to "every faithful, worthy man" so he could "enjoy with his loved ones every blessing" that flows therefrom. The Articles of Faith These 13 points, part of the Wentworth Letter, establish our fundamental beliefs: Core Doctrine (A of F 1-4): Belief in the Godhead , accountability for "our own sins, and not for Adam's transgression" , salvation through the Atonement "by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel" , and the first principles of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. A Living Church (A of F 5-9): We believe in priesthood authority , the "same organization that existed in the Primitive Church" , spiritual gifts , and accepting the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God. Most importantly, we believe God "will yet reveal many great and important things". The Path of Discipleship (A of F 10-13): We believe in the literal gathering of Israel , "claim the privilege" of worshiping according to conscience , are subject to the law , and seek after anything "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy". Call-to-Action: What "great and important thing" (A of F 9) do you need to seek personal revelation on this week? Share your thoughts below! If this message reinforced your faith in continuing revelation, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 5:47 Avoiding the Appearance of Evil 17:42 Precedent or President 30:13 Following Fallibility 51:40 Race and the Priesthood 1:04:22 Returning to God 1:14:30 The Church of Jesus Christ 1:22:23 Gathering Israel by Being Good 1:30:50 One-Liners

Does Deuteronomy 6:4 teach the absolute oneness of God, or does the Hebrew text support a Trinitarian understanding of God's nature? On this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a popular argument circulated by Trinitarian apologists which claims the Hebrew word echad in Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to “unity” rather than “singularity,” thereby implying plurality within the Godhead.Dr. Bernard evaluates the linguistic, biblical, and theological merit of this claim and explains how Oneness Pentecostals should understand and respond to this interpretation. His clear explanation of the Hebrew text and its broader scriptural context offers valuable guidance for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the doctrine of the Oneness of God.For further study, see Dr. Bernard's book The Oneness of God. Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works is available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.