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Jonathan Drake picks up right where the outrage over Justice Joseph Story left off, then zooms out to a bigger question: is justice actually real, or just a comforting story we tell ourselves? Using Spooner's chapter two "if then" logic (plus a detour through gravity, unicorns, C.S. Lewis, and the Godhead), Jon makes the case that justice is as natural as light or tides, not something invented by judges, legislatures, or 0.00000008% of the population picking nine people for life. Along the way expect a takedown of "rule of law" as a euphemism, some pointed thoughts on majority rule versus consent, a Shield of America statement getting the fine tooth comb treatment, and a firewood geometry callback that never seems to go away. It is dense, it is theological, and it is very much Drake being Drake.
Mind's Eye, The Godhead, Holy Spirit, Begotten
“Deity of Christ” believers have claimed that Isaiah saw Jesus, the “second person of the Godhead”, in Isaiah's vision of God recorded in Isaiah 6. The deity-of-Christ claim is that when John wrote, “Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke of him” (John 12:41) that when Isaiah saw God sitting on his throne in a vision, Isaiah saw Jesus.Did the prophet Isaiah, who claimed the God of Israel was the Father, claim to have seen God the Son and his glory?Or, was John claiming that "his glory" which Isaiah prophetically saw was the glory of the Servant of YHVH God?Resources: Written text of this podcast: https://landandbible.blogspot.com/2026/07/john-1237-45-john-does-not-claim-that.htmlBill Schlegel One God Report: https://www.youtube.com/@billschlegel1The Trinity is NOT Biblical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1VuvKEyB0gDeity of Christ Interpretations of Scripture Dishonor Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2VOKEvGqAwWhat About John 1? What John 1:1-4 Means: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Johyi-O-HxABill Schlegel blog: Land and Bible: https://landandbible.blogspot.com/
Have you ever witnessed such a thing—a baby speaking its first words? Well, it's a dramatic thing. The parents are waiting to see what the baby is going to say. If the baby says māmā, dādā, pitā, or ammā, the parents go crazy! They say, “He said my name! She said my name!” They will record it on video and play it over and over and over again. This is the real meaning behind the idea of "service with the tongue." What Kṛṣṇa wants is our love. Just as parents want the love of their baby—where at first, it seems like the baby is just crying and wanting attention, and the parents give all their attention because they are so attached. When the baby finally gives something back, the simplest thing they can offer is just recognizing them and saying, “Māmā,"then, the parents' hearts melt. To them, that is the best service the baby could ever give—better than anything else they could do in their entire life. It is simply the baby recognizing, "Here is the one taking care of me." This is exactly what service is when we chant to Kṛṣṇa. When we recognize, “Kṛṣṇa, You are my mother, You are my father, You are everything to me,” that is the real connection. Remember: this is a deeply heartfelt, personal process. It is not mechanical. It is not about merging into some impersonal light. It is entirely personal. We are persons, and Kṛṣṇa is a person. He loves us and wants us to come back to Him. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in his purport to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.17) on the verse śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ: "Kṛṣṇa wants us to come back to Him even more than we can desire to go back to Him." So, think of yourself as a baby calling out to your mother. That is the deepest connection and service you can perform. It is just acknowledging that He is there, and saying, “Kṛṣṇa, I only want You.” Just imagine how His heart melts for you personally. It is not just a general thing where, "Oh, He likes everybody," He specifically likes you. I gave a class on this in London recently. In a section of the Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta, when Gopa-kumāra finally goes back to Godhead, he mentions that when he met Kṛṣṇa, he initially thought, "Well, yes, Kṛṣṇa loves all living entities—you can say that." But then he realized, "Oh, He specifically cares for me." That is when his heart truly melted. That lack of personal connection is what vexes everybody in the material world. Everyone thinks, "God is against me. Nobody likes me." People are not even sure if their own parents like them! It is a deep psychological anomaly we are all stuck in. But when you experience that genuine reconnection with Kṛṣṇa, then your japa becomes absolutely essential. You cannot do without it. It stops being a mechanical process. It becomes real—the genuine, urgent yearning of the soul for what we have lost: our awareness of Kṛṣṇa's intense love for us. (14:55) ------------------------------------------------------------ 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/
This teaching is taken from Colossians 2:9-10 and teaches you about Jesus' Power in us to do great things for the Kingdom of Heaven. If you have any questions, or you would like to share how our teachings have affected your life, please email us or visit us at rejoicingheart.net Our email is listed under the about tab on this page. God bless you! Rob and Donna Rejoice In You From the Integrity Music Release One, featuring Planetshakers Ministries Int'l ©2009 Planetshakers Publishing (APRA) (admin. By Music Services, www.musicservices.org) All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. Colossians 2:9-10 (KJV) 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:10 (AMP) 10 And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. Ephesians 2:6 (KJV) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 1 John 4:17 (KJV) 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Romans 8:17 (KJV) 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. John 1:12 (KJV) 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV) 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV) 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV) 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Philippians 3:20 (AMP) 20 But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior, Romans 8:37 (KJV) 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV) 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Ephesians 1:3 (KJV) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:19-21 (KJV) 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 1 John 4:4 (KJV) 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
The Gospel of John opens not in Bethlehem, not in Nazareth, not with Mary or Joseph, but in eternity past: “In the beginning was the Word.” John does not begin with the cradle, he begins with the Godhead. Matthew presents Jesus as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as the Son of man, but John presents Him as God manifest in the flesh. That is the battleground. Every cult, every false religion, every counterfeit Bible, and every antichrist spirit eventually attacks the deity of Jesus Christ. John answers them before they even speak: the Word was with God, and the Word was God.“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, John's Gospel is built around belief. The word “believe” appears again and again because John is pressing the reader toward a verdict. You are not allowed to casually admire Jesus in this book. You must decide who He is. Is He merely a teacher, prophet, healer, revolutionary, or religious example? John says no. He is the eternal Word, the Creator, the Light, the Lamb of God, the Bread of life, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John strips away religious fog and brings the sinner face to face with the only Saviour God has provided. A verse-by-verse study through John should constantly point out how the book divides between light and darkness, belief and unbelief, life and death, truth and religious blindness. The Pharisees had Scripture, temple worship, priesthood, sacrifice, feast days, and religious authority — yet they rejected the very Messiah standing in front of them. That is one of John's sharpest warnings. Religion without the new birth is still darkness. Nicodemus was a master of Israel, but Jesus told him plainly, “Ye must be born again.” The woman at the well had a ruined past, but she received living water. The religious ruler needed regeneration just as much as the fallen Samaritan woman did. This is Part #3 in our verse-by-verse series of the Gospel of John.
My wife, for 40 years, has exceptional qualities. One of them is that she's naturally averse to things that aren't related to Kṛṣṇa, and that's been a great benefit for me. Living with you, for all these years, the subject that you're interested in is Kṛṣṇa. I also notice that you have a kind of determination—I would even say stubbornness. Definitely stubborn; the most stubborn person I ever met! But you engage it in service to Prabhupāda, because you're so stubborn that you won't give up the principles that he gave us, nor will you give up your allegiance to Prabhupāda. I have noticed that some people equivocate and say maybe he's this or that, but Nirākulā doesn't want to hear it. She is attached to Prabhupāda. I also noticed that she's a very organized person. She ran her own business for many, many years and was always on time. People knew her; in fact, even the clients that she had, who are numerous, still call her, write her, and send her stuff, even though she is fully retired now. They always think of her as somebody who is a very positive influence in their life, and I think of you as being a positive influence in my life—the most positive I can say. Because, you know, when you're married—just FYI for anybody who doesn't know—you have to be with a person all the time, and you get to know them quite well. I can say that it has been a boon for me, because having someone who's unwavering in her practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness also keeps me steady. We're affected by our association. I'm grateful because today is your birthday. In case anybody wondered if I was just suddenly, after 40 years, deciding it was important to mention my gratitude to you for the unlimited ways in which you support me. Well, we decided early on, even when we met and the question came up about whether this was a match and we were going to get married, that we would talk about our path in devotional service. We decided we were going to go for it together, we were going to work hard and try to do service for Prabhupāda, and in the end, whatever needs to be done, we're going to do it to go back home, back to Godhead, to help each other. (Excerpt from the message by HG Vaisesika Dasa) How could you not love a man like this? It's my good fortune—beyond whatever I deserved—to have Prabhu as my husband. He has given me so much: materially, spiritually, and all of you, this community that he has put his heart and soul into for decades, and I'm most appreciative about that. We are very, very blessed, very fortunate, and I pray that you keep me in your prayers, keep me in your association, and please don't ever hesitate to let me know how I can be of service. It gives me the greatest joy if I can be of service to all and any of you. Thank you for all you do for propelling Śrīla Prabhupāda's mission, for taking it as your life and soul. I am so inspired by all of you that have a taste for what Prabhupāda gave us, and to want to give that to others. It means so much to us, especially as you know, we get older. I'm 71 now, and you know, you think of these things more at this age. Prabhupāda was 69 when he came, and all he did in that decade! And Prabhu and I want to do that for Prabhupāda. We want to do whatever we can. We want to, as Prabhu says, "leave it on the field"—sports analogy. So that's our plan: to just keep giving our all, and you help us so much with that by what you do and by how exquisitely and lovingly you take care of us. (Excerpt from the address by HG Nirakula Dasi) ------------------------------------------------------------ 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/?
Title: A Loyal Husband Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 FCF: We often struggle trusting the promises given to us through Christ. Prop: Because Jesus is faithful to His bride, we must pray in His will and look to Him to help us live for Him. Scripture Intro: ESV [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. In a moment we'll read from the English Standard Version starting in verse 1 and going through verse 5. Last time in 2 Thessalonians we saw Paul close out his teaching section with a benediction. A good word expressed toward God on behalf of the Thessalonian church. In this letter, Paul is addressing concerns of the Thessalonians primarily surrounding them being persecuted for their faith in Christ and the believing a false teaching that the Day of the Lord has already come. Paul has taken great pains to assure them that from his perspective they are truly genuine believers. He has also reminded them of things he taught them concerning the Day of the Lord and how the falling away of many professed believers and the coming of the lawless man must precede Christ's return. But again Paul expresses his confidence that they are elect of God from the beginning and chosen to obtain the glory of Christ. Therefore, they must keep holding to the Christian tradition and believe and live as they were taught. And in his closing benediction in chapter 2 he prays for that end. Today Paul will turn toward the last things he wants to say before the letter comes to a close. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: God of love, we come to you today as the dear bride of Your beloved Son in whom You are well pleased. Because we are betrothed to Him, You are also pleased to love us as you love Him. You gave Him to save us and He has sent The Spirit to guide and keep us. You are still seeking all those for whom Christ died and You will reach them and none of them will be lost. For this, and for so much more we are ever thankful for Your love for us. May we see this in Your Word today. We pray this in our Glorious Groom's name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at His unspeakable love.” John Owen “Christ's love for His people is not a lip-love, from the teeth outwardly, but a real love, from the heart inwardly.” William Dyer [Slide 3] “Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love has neither brim nor bottom.” Samuel Rutherford “The distinguishing mark of a Christian is his confidence in the love of Christ and the yielding of his affections to Christ in return.” C.H. Spurgeon Let these words prepare our minds for the exposition of the text of scripture this morning. I.) Jesus is faithful to His bride, so we must pray for the advancement of the gospel against all opposition. (1-3a) a. [Slide 4] 1 - Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, i. Paul begins chapter three with the word, Finally. ii. If we were to translate this literally, it would be “the rest” or “what remains.” iii. Paul used this same word in the fourth chapter of 1st Thessalonians. When we looked at that together we saw how Paul uses this word to shift to more applicational matters. iv. Up to this point, Paul's main objective has been comfort and dealing with issues the Thessalonian church is concerned about. Like how they are being persecuted and how they have come to believe that they had missed the second coming of Christ. v. Now Paul will turn to matters for which he wants to see some movement on their end. vi. Paul calling them brothers is significant because of the context. 1. Paul has straddled that line of both expressing his confidence that they have been called by God, counted worthy of His calling, elected from the beginning, and will obtain the glory of Christ – while at the same time encouraging them to stand firm and hold to their confession and the Christian tradition that was taught to them. 2. This again points to the paradoxical viewpoint of the New Testament that while a believer's SECURITY is eternally determined by God's unassailable will, a believer's ASSURANCE of that divine call and election is gained by ongoing repentance, faith, and obedience by those who are genuinely elect of God. vii. So, what is Paul's first application for the Thessalonian church? viii. Pray for us. ix. Paul desires that they be in prayer for the evangelists ministering in Corinth. Himself, Silas and Timothy. x. What specifically for their ministry there? xi. That the Word of the Lord may speed ahead or progress rapidly and be honored or glorified. xii. What does this mean? xiii. Paul is praying that more would come to Christ and that those who have come to Christ might grow in their love and obedience to Him. xiv. And Paul adds a compliment in here too. xv. That the word would spread and be honored like it was in Thessalonica. xvi. Paul really does see their church as a shining example of what should happen when the Holy Spirit comes in power to save God's elect. xvii. So much so, that he desires that it would be duplicated in Corinth. xviii. But this is not all Paul desires pray for. As the other side of the coin to this prayer request, Paul asks … b. [Slide 5] 2 - and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. i. When we studied in Acts 18 we saw two specific times when Paul was opposed by evil and wicked men in Corinth. ii. First, early on in the ministry there, Paul was opposed and reviled by the Jews whom he was attempting to convince that Jesus was the Messiah. iii. After this, God came to Paul in a vision and told him to continue to preach the gospel for there were many in the city that were His people and that He would protect Paul from any attack. iv. But much later Paul faced another bout of Jewish opposition when they brought him before Gallio and the tribunal of the city. v. And so, in both cases, it was the Jews who opposed and reviled Paul and his message. vi. Timing wise then, since the event with Gallio happens much later and springs up quickly, it makes most sense that Paul writes this after the initial opposition and reviling of the Jews. vii. Therefore, God promising to protect Paul for a time, is an answer to the Thessalonian's prayer that the word would go forth and that the evangelists would be delivered from wicked and evil men. viii. But Paul makes one final point about these men that I find fascinating. c. [Slide 6] For not all have faith. i. Paul draws a solid black line connecting evil and wicked men to those who do not have faith. ii. In some sense, men and women of the world are capable of doing kind and good things. Your unbelieving neighbor can mow your lawn for you as an act of kindness. iii. Your unbelieving co-worker can go get you a coffee from the break room because they thought you needed it. iv. Your right wing, republican, conservative, ultra moral Mormon friend can agree with you on literally every single issue. v. [Slide 7] But Hebrews 11:6 states that “without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who draws near to Him must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him.” vi. What is meant by this verse? vii. The only way to please God is to draw near to Him by faith. What does it mean to draw near to Him by faith? 1. First, one must believe that God is. a. But many people believe that God exists. b. Does the writer of Hebrews aim so low as to simply be a Theist. c. As long as I am not an Atheist or Agnostic then I am on the right path? d. No. i. The writer of Hebrews is talking to Jewish Christians who are tempted to go back to Judaism because they are being persecuted by Jews. ii. If they convert back to Judaism then they will stop being persecuted. iii. Both Jews and Christians believe in God. And in some sense, they believe in the same God. iv. But the writer of Hebrews insists that this shared belief in God's existence is not enough. e. Instead, we should see the statement before it as a guide. For those who wish to draw near to God. f. In Judaism, this is something that they could not really do. There was distance maintained because of sin. g. But drawing near to God is possible if you do so by faith. Faith in what? h. First that God… as revealed by Jesus Christ… exists. It is a confidence, in the character and nature of the One true God as you come to experiential knowledge through faith in Jesus Christ. i. To believe God exists and to draw near to Him is to have a devotion and love for His presence and participation with Him in every area of life through faith in Jesus Christ. j. Jesus Himself said that He and the Father are one. If we have seen Him we have seen the Father. Indeed, the only way to the Father is through Him. So to draw near to God, must be through faith in Jesus Christ. k. The God that we must believe exists, is the God whom Christ revealed. Nothing less will lead to us drawing near to God or to pleasing Him. 2. Second, faith means to believe that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him. a. To trust God is to trust Him as good, loving, generous, merciful, gracious and kind. b. God is pleased by actions done in faith because believers draw near to Him in confidence that He is good and will not cast them aside. Even if their lives crumble, they trust in God's character and goodness to them. viii. [Slide 8] So, after this little lesson about how it is impossible to please God without faith – why is what Paul says here significant? ix. Because the majority of the people whom he is calling evil and wicked… are Jews who have rejected Jesus as their Messiah. x. Friends… mankind has a sickness and it is sin. xi. And yeah, your neighbor might plow your driveway or give you coffee… xii. They may be very religious and morally upright… xiii. But if they don't have faith in Jesus Christ alone … They are wicked and they are evil. xiv. If they don't believe in the God whom Christ has revealed and believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him… then they are wicked and evil. xv. Ghandi did a lot of wonderful great things in this world… but he was still wicked and evil and he will still be judged for not pleasing God. xvi. And to this Thessalonian church which might be tempted to abandon its faith because of persecution – Paul's words no doubt have a quiet exhortation here. xvii. The only thing keeping them from being wicked and evil… is Christ… on whom they are believing. xviii. Paul's final thought here serves as a connecting thought for both this point and the next. d. [Slide 9] 3 - But the Lord is faithful. i. Paul is asking the Thessalonians to pray for him and the other evangelists as they minister in Corinth. ii. That the gospel would go forth and be honored as it was there in their city. iii. But also, that evil and wicked men would be held at bay as they minister there. iv. In this, Paul may paint a bleak picture to what is going on in the city of Corinth. v. But he doesn't want them to think that he is without hope. vi. In fact, in contrast to the faithless men who are evil and wicked and trying to impede the gospel – Jesus is faith… full. He is full of faith. vii. Meaning He is trustworthy. He is willing that the gospel would go forward. He is able to make it so. viii. And as we've already pointed out – God will or has already revealed to Paul that he will not be harmed in Corinth because God has many of His children there who have yet to receive the gospel. ix. Jesus is faithful indeed. e. [Slide 10] Summary of the Point: The truth upon which Paul hangs the first two applications for the Thessalonians, is that Jesus… is faithful. Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus… is loyal. But loyal to whom? Jesus is loyal to His bride. Those whom God has elected from the beginning. Those whom He has called with an eternal calling. Those whom He has appointed to obtain the glory of Christ. Jesus is faithful to Paul and His companions who are preaching the gospel in Corinth. Jesus is faithful as a shepherd to those lost sheep who are His who have not yet been found Corinth. And Jesus is faithful to us. Because Jesus is faithful to His people… we must pray for the advancement of the gospel and the restraining of those who would oppose it. That God would actively prevent faithless people from undermining the work while at the same time, causing the word to run freely and be honored. We must be praying for the Kingdom to continue to spread. Transition: [Slide 11 (blank)] But what other applications can be drawn from this theological bulwark, that Jesus is faithful? II.) Jesus is faithful to His bride, so we must look to Him for help to continue to be what He wants us to be. (3-5) a. [Slide 12] 3 - But the Lord is faithful. i. I begin here again to emphasize the transitional nature of this statement. ii. Jesus is not only faithful to meet the needs of the evangelists in Corinth… but as Paul will express to them now, He is also faithful to meet the needs of their church in Thessalonica. b. [Slide 13] He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. i. Paul says with confidence that the Lord Jesus will not abandon His people. ii. He is here with us in His Spirit. He is with us to the end of the age. iii. While physically He is present in Heaven as our advocate, He is spiritually present with His church through the Holy Spirit. iv. Therefore, Paul is confident that He will establish or make firm or strengthen them. v. We must see this as spiritual strength and not physical. vi. While God is good and clothes and feeds us – many Christians have been poor, hungry, lacking shelter or clothing. The food and clothing that God promises, like the strength He promises, is primarily and mostly spiritual. vii. This life is a vapor and a shadow. If God permits us to be hungry and weak in this life – we can still trust that we will be fed and strong spiritually in this life. And we can also trust that we will be spiritually full and spiritually strong in His Kingdom. viii. But spiritual strength is not enough to face every obstacle in this life. ix. That is why Paul is also confident that Jesus will guard us against the Evil One. x. While the Greek does not have the word “one” it does have the article “the evil” xi. Often times this is used this way to indicate not an abstract idea of evil but an embodiment of evil. xii. Satan or the Devil is in view here. The evil one is our enemy. And Paul is confident that Jesus will protect us from him. xiii. Jesus told His disciples that Satan wished to sift them like wheat but that He prayed for them. xiv. Jesus is now glorified and given a position of authority in the Kingdom of God. The One who once prayed for His disciples now sits on heaven's throne. xv. He will continue to protect His people. xvi. But that isn't all Paul is confident about. c. [Slide 14] 4 - And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. i. What is the reason that we excommunicate people from the church when they stop obeying God's clear commands in the scriptures? ii. Why are we supposed to treat them like a tax collector and gentile – meaning we treat them like they do not have faith and do not know God? iii. The underpinnings of church discipline are founded in the confidence Paul has in what truly saved people WILL BE. iv. That confidence is not rooted in their abilities or specialness – it is rooted in Christ's love and faithfulness to HIS BRIDE. v. Paul is confident that the Thessalonians are believers. That they are elect of God from the beginning. That they were elect because he witnessed the Spirit's power in bringing the gospel to them. He has said all of this in these last two letters. vi. Therefore, He is confident in the Lord Jesus that they are and will continue to live out the Christian traditions which Paul and his companions taught them. And that they will obey what else Paul will command in the rest of the letter. vii. Just because Paul commanded them to stand firm and hold fast doesn't mean he fears that they won't. He is, in fact, confident, because of Jesus' power in them… that they WILL. viii. The reason we treat professed believers like unbelievers when they stop obeying God – is because we have confidence that by Jesus' power in us – we can, by faith, please God. We can, by faith, continue to obey Him. ix. So, when a professed believer stops obeying… Jesus didn't fail. It can only be the person that has failed. In other words – we have no confidence that they have Jesus. Because with Jesus – we have confidence in obedience. d. [Slide 15] 5 - May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. i. Paul uses a benediction like construction here to close out this first note of application. ii. It is interesting that even though he has sought for the Thessalonians to pray for him and his companions, Paul can't help being an encouragement to and praying for them before he closes out his request for prayer for himself. iii. We see the pastoral and humble nature of Paul to put them… even above himself. iv. He asks Jesus to reveal The Love of God and the Steadfastness of Christ. v. It is difficult to know whether Paul means God's love for them or their love for God. Both are possible interpretations of the Greek. The same is true for the steadfastness of Christ. But there is a third option which has Paul playing off the ambiguity in Greek to mean both. vi. Paul asks that Jesus turn their hearts to behold God's love for them so that they can go and love like Him. vii. Paul asks that Jesus turn their hearts to behold His own faithfulness and steadfastness for them so that they can go and be steadfast and faithful to and for Him. e. [Slide 16] Summary of the Point: And so Paul's truth point endures. Jesus is faithful. Jesus is loyal to His bride. He loves them. He endured great humiliation and agony for them. He will establish us. He will guard us against our enemies. When we get a real glimpse at the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ, we can understand that Jesus is, indeed, faithful, loyal to His people. So, what must we do? We must love Him and others like He loves us. And we must endure in steadfastness for Him. We must continue to live for Him. Looking to His faithfulness and His provision enables us to continue to be what He wants us to be. Conclusion: So what have we learned today CBC, that refines our beliefs and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 17] Jesus is faithful. Jesus is trustworthy. Jesus is loyal to His people. That… is… huge. When compared to other faiths, many gods and messiahs would have their followers die for them. But our Savior is different. Our Savior is faithful and loyal to His people. God has chosen us in Christ before the world began and He will keep us and uphold us until the world ends. That is our God. Jesus' faithfulness pushes us to do two things. First, we must pray for the advancement of the gospel which also includes the restraint of the forces that oppose it. Second, we must look to His loyal love, and steadfastness toward us so that we can continue to be what He wants us to be. He will help us, so we must keep going. But what does this mean for us in our daily walk? How do these thoughts impact us? 1.) [Slide 18] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” Jesus is faithful to His bride. a. Not only is this truth we must confess, but it is also a glorious and abundantly comforting promise. b. Like a good husband, King Jesus is faithful and loyal to His bride. c. From heaven He sought her. He bought her with His blood. He rose again to bring her life. He sits in heaven to advocate for her. And one day He will return to get her and take her to a place He has prepared for her. d. Jesus is faithful to His bride. He is a loyal and loving husband. e. And that, my friends, is a great comfort indeed. f. Because our Savior is faithful… we must also affirm… 2.) [Slide 19] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that Jesus will establish us and guard us from the Evil One. a. Faithful Jesus has sent His Spirit to bring comfort, give guidance, and prepare us for that future Kingdom. b. As a bride purchased from the slums of death, enslaved to sin, and children of wrath – we must be taught to reign with Him in a new Kingdom. c. So, we must be refined. But He is faithful to us. He will make sure that His bride is ready for the wedding feast. d. If we are in Christ, we are a new creation. Old has gone and new has come. e. He will continue to establish us and guard us from the forces of darkness. f. This world is full of devils. Wicked men and ancient evils that oppose Him and His coming kingdom. But He has already dealt them a death blow. His Kingdom is coming and now is. And He has firmly placed us in this world once dominated by sin and death and now we bear His light to the nations. g. As His bride He did not leave us to fend for ourselves. He will protect and He will make sure we are firmly rooted in the truth. 3.) [Slide 20] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that Jesus will enable us to continue to obey the commands of God. a. He will give us grace to help us live each day for His glory. b. Just as He will not leave us unstable and unprotected, so also He will not leave us in our weakness. c. Indeed, in our weakness He is strong. d. We live on the constant supply from His gracious hands. e. He is the vine and we are the branches – our very life is drawn from Him. f. He is the bread and we must eat Him to live. g. He is the Shepherd and we the sheep depend on Him for everything. h. He is the way and we are the pilgrims who follow His path. i. He is the truth and we are the seekers who trust His words. j. He is the life and we are the living – drawing breath from Him. k. Without Him we are nothing. And without Him we cannot hope to be what He commands us to be. l. But remember… my friends… Jesus is faithful. He is loyal. m. He will enable us to keep obeying. To keep repenting. To keep following. To keep trusting. 4.) [Slide 21] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must look to God's love and Christ's steadfastness so we may love like God and be steadfast like Christ. a. Paul's prayer ends by asking faithful Jesus to turn our hearts toward God's love and His own steadfastness. b. Not so that we may experience comfort alone. But so we might also imitate our Lord and God. c. That we might love like He loves us. i. To love God and to love others is the heart of all the law and the prophets. ii. To love other members of the body of Christ as He loved us is to obey the law of Christ, a new command which He demonstrated. iii. But the scriptures teach us that we love because He first loved us. iv. Not only is this a chronological truth – but it is also a didactic truth. We cannot love first, not only because we are unwilling but also because we are unable. We are ignorant of the love God desires we have. v. It is only when we observe Christ's love for us that we can love one another the way the Lord Jesus desires us to love each other. vi. We can only love God in the way in which He has demonstrated and prescribed to us. d. That we might also be steadfast like Christ. i. We don't have a high priest who was ignorant to our sufferings. ii. He endured temptations and trials in every way that we have. iii. He has experienced everything we have and yet He did not sin. iv. He was a pure sacrifice, a priest who did not need to offer sacrifices for Himself. v. He can sympathize with our weaknesses. vi. He endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of God. vii. He walked the pilgrim path already. viii. He has made straight the path for us. ix. He has taken the weight of the yoke so that we might enter it with Him – and bear it up without fear of failing. x. My friends… Jesus is faithful! He is steadfast! xi. And that demonstrates for us how we must also be steadfast. We must endure. We must stand firm in what we have been taught as the gospel of Jesus and we must hold to the Christian tradition of faith and practice. xii. We seek no new revelation, no new interpretation, no new system, no new philosophy. xiii. Instead, we strive to go back… to go back to what the apostles taught. What did they receive from Christ. What is revealed in His word by explicit statement or by good and necessary inference? To this we hold tightly as we endure to the end. xiv. And Christ, our King, is our example. 5.) [Slide 22] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must pray for the advancement of the gospel and the hindering of all who would oppose it. a. Because Jesus is faithful… b. He will not let even one of the sheep which the Father has given to Him to be lost. c. He will seek and save them all. d. He won't let the enemies of the gospel keep any of His elect from coming home. e. So to pray for this… is to pray in the will of God. God will do this – so we should pray for it. f. As we've seen several times in the study of these two letters – knowing God desires to or will do something, doesn't mean that to pray for it we are doubting Him. He tells us to pray in His will. So of all things we should pray for… it is the things that He has revealed will be. g. His word will not return to Him without accomplishing the purpose for which it was sent. h. The Kingdom of this world will not prevail against the Kingdom of Christ. i. We know this. j. So we must pray for it. k. We pray in faith – not in doubt. We pray knowing and trusting that it will be. l. We can pray that locally for Columbus Township. m. More broadly for our state or for our country. n. And even for the whole world. o. We trust that Christ will save His sheep which are lost. Because He has said that He won't lose even one of them. p. And then we go out and we share the gospel with those who are lost and perishing. Why? Because God might use us… to give the gospel as He wakes them up to receive it. 6.) [Slide 23] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” God will send His Word and restrain its opponents. a. The Kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdom of Christ. Not in a political sense. Not in a Christian nationalism sense. Not in a one world government sense. b. But in a spiritual sense. c. The gospel is global. It is a Kingdom without borders, without language, without ethnic commonality, without a country affiliation. d. It is a Kingdom that awaits the King to return and consummate its reign. e. That Kingdom is here… and that King is coming. f. Where will you be when He returns? g. What will you do with Jesus Christ? h. You have seen today how He is a faithful husband to His bride. i. Are you still living in the slums of death? j. Are you still enslaved to your sins? Do you even see the prison bars? Or do you still love your sin? k. Have you grown tired of your murderous father Satan, who leads you to the same wrath he has earned? l. Will you not turn from your sin and trust Jesus as your Savior and as your King? m. Will you not follow in His steps? n. If you wish to follow Him… love Him… serve Him… talk to someone you know is a Christian after the service. They will tell you the next steps. [Slide 24 (end)] Let me close in a prayer by the early church father Venantius, an Italian bishop and hymn writer who lived from AD 530 to AD 609. Christ Jesus, you are the Savior of the world, our merciful creator and redeemer, the only offspring from the Godhead of the Father. Self-existing Word, you are flowing from the heart of God, and powerful from the mouth of your Father, equal to him, of one mind with him, his fellow, of the same age with the Father, from whom at first the world came to be. You suspend the skies and heap together the soil. You pour forth the seas, which frame all the lands as they flourish. When you saw our trouble, you became one of us, to rescue us. You were willing not only to be born with a body, but you became flesh, enduring to be born and to die. You endure funeral rites—you, the author of life and framer of the world! You enter the path of death, in giving the aid of salvation. The gloomy chains of the hellish law yielded, and chaos feared to be pressed by the presence of the light. Darkness perishes, put to flight by your brightness. The thick blanket of eternal night falls away. Restore the promised pledge, O power of good! The third day has returned; arise, Buried One. It is not proper that your body should lie in the lowly grave. Worthless stone should not hold in the ransom of the world, or cover him in whose fist all things are enclosed. Take away the linen clothes, leave them in the tomb. You are enough for us, and without you there is nothing. Escape the chains of the evil prison and return to the upper regions. Let us see your face again, that the world may see the light. Give back the day, which flees from us at your death. You return, holy conqueror! The ruler of the lower regions, who insatiably opens his hollow jaws, becomes your prey. The Lamb pulls his sheep from the jaws of the wolf. You rescue uncounted people from the prison of death, and they follow their leader to freedom. As a warrior you earn back trophies for heaven. You have restored us from chaos and punishment, given new life to those whom death might seek. You fill your barns with an abundant harvest. Look at your shining triumph, sacred King! We step forth from the bright waves, cleansed and wearing white. May this people, free from stain, be strengthened in your arms, for it is in Jesus' name we pray this, Amen! Benediction: May the Lord show kindness to you; May the Lord grant each of you rest; May those who dwell in your house be blessed; May they ever be praising the Lord. Until we meet again, Grace and Peace to you.
Concluding Chapter 5 of The Messenger of the Cross by Watchman Nee, Nancy brings the Tent Talk Summer Reading Series to a powerful turning point by emphasizing that true discernment cannot be achieved through self-analysis but only through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on Hebrews 4:12, she reminds listeners that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, wielded by the ever-present Holy Spirit who lives within every believer. As He separates soul and spirit, confusion gives way to clarity, and self-effort gives way to deep dependence upon the Father. This episode is an invitation to stop striving for spiritual understanding through human effort and to embrace the ongoing work of the Godhead in forming mature sons who live in abiding oneness with Him. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Episode-1097-Summer-Reading-Series.pdf LINKS The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/
If you will take the time to look in the mirror you will soon find out that God exists because if God did not exist you would not exist nor would I. I was an atheist for 31 years and then I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit who is the third person of the Godhead and that encounter is found in John 16:8-9 the conviction of sin, and during that encounter he revealed to me many things about my life as an atheist but one of the things that really stood out to me that caused me to repent and begin to believe in God was that there was a hell and that there was a heaven and I knew for fact that if I died in my state as a sinner or an atheist I would not be going into heaven but into an eternal hell, I hope that helps a little bit
"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." Matthew 11:27 (NKJV) This is a legal declaration of the Father to the Son. Jesus is not acting on His own; He is operating under the full, delegated authority of the Godhead. You cannot operate in Kingdom Authority (Luke 10:19) if you do not understand Who gave you the authority. Jesus won the right to give us power because He walked in total submission to the Father. When you operate in His name, you are backed by the full weight of the Father's sovereign power. Every chain you break, you break with the Father's permission and the Son's power. "No one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son..." This speaks to the absolute, exclusive intimacy between the Father and the Son. Ministry is not a job; it is a relationship with the Father. You cannot "know" God through theology books or academic study alone. You only know the Father through the Son. If you want to move in the miraculous, you must move from knowing about God to knowing Him in the secret place of intimacy. The measure of your authority in the world is directly tied to the measure of your intimacy with Him in the closet. "...and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." This implies that the Father is not "hidden" from the world, but He is revealed by the Son to those who are hungry for Him. God is looking for those who are willing to be "revealed to." The reason so many remain in stagnation is that they are too full of their own self-knowledge to receive the Father's revelation. To walk in this level of authority, you must maintain a "student's heart"—always ready to be taught, always ready to be corrected, and always ready for a fresh download of the Father's heart. #ApostleCathyCoppola #Matthew1127 #DivineRevelation #IntimacyWithGod #KingdomAuthority #HouseOfGlory #MightyWindTV #ApostolicLeadership #SovereigntyOfGod #KnowTheFather #PropheticTeaching
"All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." Matthew 11:27 (NKJV) This is a legal declaration of the Father to the Son. Jesus is not acting on His own; He is operating under the full, delegated authority of the Godhead. You cannot operate in Kingdom Authority (Luke 10:19) if you do not understand Who gave you the authority. Jesus won the right to give us power because He walked in total submission to the Father. When you operate in His name, you are backed by the full weight of the Father's sovereign power. Every chain you break, you break with the Father's permission and the Son's power. "No one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son..." This speaks to the absolute, exclusive intimacy between the Father and the Son. Ministry is not a job; it is a relationship with the Father. You cannot "know" God through theology books or academic study alone. You only know the Father through the Son. If you want to move in the miraculous, you must move from knowing about God to knowing Him in the secret place of intimacy. The measure of your authority in the world is directly tied to the measure of your intimacy with Him in the closet. "...and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." This implies that the Father is not "hidden" from the world, but He is revealed by the Son to those who are hungry for Him. God is looking for those who are willing to be "revealed to." The reason so many remain in stagnation is that they are too full of their own self-knowledge to receive the Father's revelation. To walk in this level of authority, you must maintain a "student's heart"—always ready to be taught, always ready to be corrected, and always ready for a fresh download of the Father's heart. #ApostleCathyCoppola #Matthew1127 #DivineRevelation #IntimacyWithGod #KingdomAuthority #HouseOfGlory #MightyWindTV #ApostolicLeadership #SovereigntyOfGod #KnowTheFather #PropheticTeaching
BIBLE STUDY| MIRACLES OF JESUS SERIES.|THE FIFTH MIRACLE OF JESUS pt.37| THE POWER OF RETREAT|JESUS WALKING ON WATER|CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY / FAITH & DISCIPLESHIP| CHIMDI OHAHUNA Generators of Prayer (Session 3) What is God's original purpose for prayer? Is prayer merely a means of asking for help, or was it designed for something far greater? In this thought-provoking episode of the Miracles of Jesus Bible Study Series on the GRACELIFECOMI Podcast, hosted by Chimdi Ohahuna, we conclude our study on the foundations of prayer by exploring one of its most profound questions: Who defines prayer? Building on previous sessions about generating prayer, this teaching reveals that while humanity often approaches prayer for help and healing, God originally designed prayer for fellowship. Through Scripture, we discover the beautiful harmony within the Godhead: the Father originated prayer as a means of communion with mankind, the Son defined how prayer should function, and the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out that reality. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6, this episode examines how Christ redefined prayer by correcting common misconceptions. Jesus teaches that prayer is not about vain repetition, endless words, or religious performance. God is not moved by the quantity of our speech but by hearts that approach Him in faith and according to His will. True prayer is rooted in relationship rather than ritual. This study also challenges believers to move beyond an Old Testament mindset that focuses exclusively on receiving help and healing. While God delights in meeting our needs, His greater desire is to cultivate intimate fellowship with His children. Prayer is not simply a platform for presenting requests—it is an invitation into loving communion with our Heavenly Father. Listeners will also gain practical insight into praying with confidence instead of anxiety, understanding the place of faith in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape their conversations with God. Rather than striving to persuade God through repeated words or emotional intensity, believers are encouraged to rest in His promises and trust His faithful character. In this episode, you'll discover: * Who truly defines biblical prayer. * God's original purpose for prayer before humanity's fall. * The difference between praying for help and enjoying fellowship with God. * Why Jesus warned against vain repetitions and excessive words in prayer. * How faith, not performance, gives confidence in prayer. * Why prayer is meant to deepen intimacy with God, not merely solve problems. * How to grow from a needs-driven prayer life into a relationship-centered one. This episode offers a balanced and refreshing perspective that will transform the way you approach prayer. Whether you are seeking answers, healing, or a deeper walk with God, you will be encouraged to embrace prayer as God's invitation into daily fellowship with Him. Join us as we conclude this powerful study on prayer and discover that God's greatest desire is not only to answer your prayers but also to enjoy a living relationship with you. WHO DEFINES PRAYER? | From Help and Healing to Fellowship with God. ”Prayer reaches its highest purpose when our desire for God's presence becomes greater than our desire for His gifts.” Subscribe to the GRACELIFECOMI Podcast, share this episode with family and friends, and continue growing through the Miracles of Jesus Bible Study Series as we explore the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ through the Scriptures. Grace to you! Jesus is Lord.
The Door of Faith Ministries Podcast is based on the teachings of the Gospel of Grace for Salvation. We teach Christ's death, burial and resurrection! • Podcasts are added weekly from our Sunday services.For a breakdown of our services, visit:The Reflections PodcastLiving Waters PodcastThursday Bible Study
The Gospel of John opens not in Bethlehem, not in Nazareth, not with Mary or Joseph, but in eternity past: “In the beginning was the Word.” John does not begin with the cradle, he begins with the Godhead. Matthew presents Jesus as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as the Son of man, but John presents Him as God manifest in the flesh. That is the battleground. Every cult, every false religion, every counterfeit Bible, and every antichrist spirit eventually attacks the deity of Jesus Christ. John answers them before they even speak: the Word was with God, and the Word was God.“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, John's Gospel is built around belief. The word “believe” appears again and again because John is pressing the reader toward a verdict. You are not allowed to casually admire Jesus in this book. You must decide who He is. Is He merely a teacher, prophet, healer, revolutionary, or religious example? John says no. He is the eternal Word, the Creator, the Light, the Lamb of God, the Bread of life, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John strips away religious fog and brings the sinner face to face with the only Saviour God has provided. A verse-by-verse study through John should constantly point out how the book divides between light and darkness, belief and unbelief, life and death, truth and religious blindness. The Pharisees had Scripture, temple worship, priesthood, sacrifice, feast days, and religious authority — yet they rejected the very Messiah standing in front of them. That is one of John's sharpest warnings. Religion without the new birth is still darkness. Nicodemus was a master of Israel, but Jesus told him plainly, “Ye must be born again.” The woman at the well had a ruined past, but she received living water. The religious ruler needed regeneration just as much as the fallen Samaritan woman did. This is Part #2 in our verse-by-verse series of the Gospel of John.
“The Personality of Godhead heard the appealing voices of His friends, and casting a pleasing glance over them, He began to answer. By speaking through His eyes, He impressed His friends that there was no cause for fear. Then Krishna, the supreme mystic, the powerful Personality of Godhead, immediately swallowed up all the flames of the fire. The cows and boys were thus saved from imminent danger.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 19)
Man was created to worship God, but his sin has placed him under Satan as his Master. Man, by nature, wants to worship something, you can see that in all of the religions that are created. There has been only one God given religion, and that was Judaism, which is no longer valid. All other religions are created by man. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yet, these man-made religions are created by Satan to deceive man from the worship of the one true living God. While man may not be searching specifically for the living and true God, he is searching for a god, and he is willing to put up an idol and worship it. Man is also not searching for salvation, for it is not until the Holy Spirit convicts the heart of the lost person that he begins to realize his sin, his responsibility for that sin, and the punishment that he will ultimately face for that sin. Paul says, “and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.” Paul was telling the Athenians that the God of Creation, the God revealed in nature, providence, and circumstance, was not far away. He had revealed Himself in those things. Indeed, nature is God's oldest testament. His eternal power and Godhead are revealed in His creation and in His providential dealings with man. The next question is how has God shown Himself? Paul states that it is by the “the invisible things,” (love, goodness, power, judgment). “From creation” (the very beginning) are “clearly seen,” and “understood,” by creation. Has God revealed Himself to man? Have all men had a revelation of God, from God? YES! The Scriptures make it very clear that through many means God has revealed Himself to all men through creation, law, conscience, spirit, prophet, seasons, and on and on. He has done this “so they are without excuse.” Click on the link below to hear a lesson on how God has revealed Himself to all of mankind. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.
“The Personality of Godhead heard the appealing voices of His friends, and casting a pleasing glance over them, He began to answer. By speaking through His eyes, He impressed His friends that there was no cause for fear. Then Krishna, the supreme mystic, the powerful Personality of Godhead, immediately swallowed up all the flames of the fire. The cows and boys were thus saved from imminent danger.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 19)
We want unlimited happiness. In this world we get advertisements for "some" happiness, and it causes us more distress. Then, we try to take some medicine; it comes with a long list of warnings that this could really mess you up. What we want is the real thing, and it's our birthright. We were born from nectar, we belong in nectar, and it's available. We can take it at any time. So, this Ratha-yātrā festival—it means we're all marching back to the spiritual world, and we're not going to take it anymore, right? We're just not going to take it anymore. This material world, we're done; finished. We're on our way back to the spiritual world. That's the Festival of the Chariots. It's a very feeling festival. We're grabbing those ropes, saying, "Kṛṣṇa, we're with You. We want You to be with us always." We're pulling them into our hearts, saying, "We won't settle for any substitutes." The whole material world is one big substitute, but we want to go back home, back to Godhead, and we want to bring everybody in New York with us. How many people are here in New York? Can you name them all? Who they are? Everybody needs individualized attention in this world; otherwise, they die of loneliness in their heart—failure to thrive. They can't make it in this world without some love. So, we have to give it to them, because we have it. We've approached the ocean of love, and we can take it out in buckets, or even one drop will do, but we have to sprinkle it everywhere. We have to go into the boroughs and then we have to go to the Bronx. We have got to go to the Bronx and sprinkle everybody with this name of Kṛṣṇa, which is the kind of nectar from the spiritual world that awakens people to this pure love. Unfortunately, we ran out of time. If you want to continue, then just join the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement—there's nobody who can stop us. We're free souls, every one of us. It's not time; it's taste. And if we get a taste, then we'll spend more and more time entering into this realm that Lord Caitanya invited us to come into—of chanting, hearing, and deepening our connection to Kṛṣṇa in the spiritual world. That's the purpose of life; there's no other. Everything else is—well, I don't want to sound fanatical, but it's kind of a waste of time. We do have to maintain ourselves and be balanced and healthy, eat good food, drink water, try to find some air somewhere on the planet to breathe, and keep the transcendental vibration going. (35:40) ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ #rathyatra #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna
I love talking about preparation, because there's a way in which being in preparation mode is exhilarating. In the verse we read, 'prayāṇa-kāle manasācalena bhakti-yuktō yoga-balena caiva'—Kṛṣṇa says you have to have some kind of yoga-balena, some spiritual strength, and that, He says, comes from practicing some kind of yoga. Saṭ-cakra-yoga is indicated here, but He recommends bhakti-yoga, one should be prepared. And as far as cultivating Kṛṣṇa consciousness, preparation for going back to Godhead and goals are not mutually exclusive. Saṅkhyā-pūrvaka-nāma-gāna-naṭibhiḥ kālāvasānī-kṛtau. Śrīnivāsa Ācārya writes in his song about the six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana: they very deliberately counted everything. Saṅkhyā-pūrvaka means "numerical strength," goes with Yoga-balena (spiritual strength). Spiritual strength comes with numerical strength. Therefore, one may consider that by keeping strict sādhanā—keeping the numbers steady or increasing them, one can measure how one is doing. One's steadiness in keeping the numbers is indicative of how one is preparing oneself, so the two things go together. Be in preparation mode always. It's like sometimes people talk about preparing for giving a class or speaking extemporaneously, but the way I see it, we should be constantly preparing so that it's quite natural—we're already in conversation about the subject matters that we might be discussing in a larger group or in a class. That's kind of preparation mode. And that goes for all the different kinds of practices that we have. When we worship Tulasī-devī, you can consider the way in which we approach her with a sense of joy and also appreciation and reverence for who she is; it is aligning us with the mood of the spiritual world. That's a preparation also, we should always be in that mode. (0:39:05) ------------------------------------------------------------ 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
I've noticed a phenomenon in the reading of the Śrī Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta, of which I've marked a couple of verses that I want to read to you to make my point. I found that in the first reading that I ever heard of Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta, which was with a group of godbrothers and godsisters, there's a section in which Gopa-kumāra goes back home, back to Godhead. We are interested that when he reaches Goloka Vṛndāvana, it looks the same as Gokula Vraja. We are interested to hear of the characteristics of the people there—that they are in ecstasy. It's in the afternoon, or late afternoon. Kṛṣṇa had gone to the forest to tend cows, and he comes back, and upon his return, there's a clamor in Vṛndāvana. People had been practically comatose during his absence, but then there are signs—there is a cloud coming from the dust of the hooves of the calves, and Kṛṣṇa, returning from the forest and all the residents of Vṛndāvana have come alive, and they're waiting, awaiting Kṛṣṇa coming back into the village. When he comes into the clearing and he sees Gopa-kumāra there, Kṛṣṇa runs forward and he embraces Gopa-kumāra, and Kṛṣṇa faints out of ecstasy for seeing his devotee. This is the revelation from this section of the Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta. I will read a couple of verses before the one I want to point out to you. This is Gopa-kumāra noticing Kṛṣṇa's beauty. But even that isn't the point. We know Kṛṣṇa is beautiful; we know Goloka Vṛndāvana is made of cintāmaṇi stone, but that's not what evokes the ecstasy, he says: "His lotus eyes beamed with a merciful glance, and the varied assets of beauty decorated him in a singular way. The fingers of his lotus hand busily pushed back the locks of his hair, which flew about, adorned with the dust raised by the cows"—see, he's just come into the vision of Gopa-kumāra for the first time, seeing him in Goloka—"His tender, divine lotus feet touched the surface of the earth just to grant her the gift of supreme splendor. Playfully dancing as they moved, they attracted everyone's heart with their great eagerness to walk quickly with large steps. The effulgence of his cloud-colored body, shining with the full sweetness of youth, lit up all corners of the sky. His beauty, which captured the hearts of the ever-dear devotees of Vraja, was an ocean abounding with countless excellences. He leaped forward and came close to me, compelled by the affection of his helpless devotee. I fainted in love at seeing him. He caught hold of me by the neck, and suddenly he too fell to the ground." And here's Sanātana Gosvāmī's commentary on that verse. It's short: "Gopa-kumāra was already aware, at least theoretically, that Kṛṣṇa is very affectionate to his helpless devotees, but now he learned that Kṛṣṇa had affection specifically for him. Merely seeing Kṛṣṇa was enough to utterly enchant Gopa-kumāra, but this new discovery pushed him toward the limit of ecstasy." So my point here is: what every soul is looking for is recognition. We find even in modern psychology there are those who point out in raising a child, the child doesn't cry because he wants to survive; the child cries because he wants his mother to come and recognize him. And this is a theme we could take from Bhagavad-gītā. (0:14:07) https://vedabase.io/en/library/cc/madhya/17/104/ ------------------------------------------------------------ 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/
A @Christadelphians Video: [Inspiring] Pleased to present in collaboration with the Bible Unlocked team, this thought-provoking presentation from the sixth season of Bible Unlocked Live, A foundational series, “Why You Should Believe the Bible,” revealing how faith is built on a rock-solid foundation of evidence and reason. They hold a webinar each week....Find out more @ https://www.bibleunlocked.com/Should science stop us from trusting the Bible? In this thought-provoking and insightful presentation, we explore one of the most common questions of our age: has modern science truly ruled out the possibility of God? Join us as we revisit this compelling topic and discover how recent discoveries in physics, astronomy, and biology are revealing a universe of staggering complexity and precision. From the fine-tuning of physical constants to the mind-boggling information storage of DNA, we see that far from silencing the declaration of the heavens, science is amplifying it. This is an outstanding and revealing discussion that shows how the complexity we observe points towards intentional design, encouraging us to look at the world around us with fresh eyes and consider the purpose behind it all.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Has Science Ruled Out God?01:00 - The Cultural Shift: From Design to "God is Dead"02:55 - The Beginning: Hubble, Expansion, and a Cause04:15 - A Scientist's View: Aligning with Genesis05:20 - The Complexity of the Cell: From Simple Blob to Advanced City06:40 - "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made": David's Ancient Insight07:50 - The Principle of Design: From Smartphones to the Universe09:10 - The Fine-Tuning of the Universe: Gravity and the Constants11:30 - Physicists Acknowledge Design: "Just Right for Life"12:40 - The Bible's Answer: Created with Purpose13:30 - Two Choices: Design or Accident?14:40 - Digging Deeper: The Wonders of DNA Storage18:30 - Why Do People Miss the Evidence? A Discussion from Romans22:00 - Conclusion: Finding the "Why" in ScriptureBible Verses:
On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (07/01/26), Hank answers the following questions:What do the new heaven and new earth and the resurrection of the body refer to? Jason - Raleigh, NC (0:48)Is a lifetime jail sentence grounds for divorce? Daniel - Brooklyn, NY (5:21)Is abortion acceptable when the Mother's life is at risk? Andy - Lincoln, NE (9:47)Could you clarify the Godhead – God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit being one and the same? Amy - Panama City, FL (15:14)Can you clarify the difference between “Kairos” and “Chronos”? Robert - Omaha, NE (21:28)
In this "identity" episode, Dr. Patty shows how God can be one in being and three in persons. What is the difference between His being or "isness" and the three persons or the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? What do the three persons of the Trinity share as a single being, and what is their uniqueness as separate persons? What roles to each play? Dr. Patty shares two biblical examples of the three persons operating in their roles so you can see them yourself in other bible incidences. How are you made in God's image as a triune being too? Jesus simplifies the trinity with a simple metaphor and He answers your questions about the Trinity and how you can better cooperate with each person of the Godhead in your Experience Jesus encountering time. Links referenced in this episode: New to the Podcast? Check out the Trailer Episode for the Biblical Foundation for Experiencing Jesus! https://PattyEJ.Podbean.com/e/trailer-episode-experience-jesus-with-dr-patty-sadallah The Special Place Encounter Exercise https://bit.ly/3cEkYBC For more on the OMNI Characteristics of God https://pattyej.podbean.com/e/encounter-god-by-his-names/ Check out Dr. Patty's Spirit Life Daily publication on Substack. https://pattysadallah.substack.com Check out the NEW Spirit Life Journey App. Click on the QR Code to play around with it or search Spirit Life Journey in your Google Play or Apple App stores! Get Two Free Chapters of the Experience Jesus Book Series https://pattysadallah.com/free-gift/ Check out all of Dr. Patty's books, journals, and downloadable resources at her bookstore, and don't forget to use the code EJPOD to receive 10% off everything, even the things on sale. https://PattySadallah.com/shop/ Check out Dr. Patty's latest book- Encountering the DIRECTION of God: Experience Jesus Book 3 https://pattysadallah.com/product/encountering-the-direction-of-god-experience-jesus-book-3/
The Gospel of John opens not in Bethlehem, not in Nazareth, not with Mary or Joseph, but in eternity past: “In the beginning was the Word.” John does not begin with the cradle, he begins with the Godhead. Matthew presents Jesus as King, Mark as Servant, Luke as the Son of man, but John presents Him as God manifest in the flesh. That is the battleground. Every cult, every false religion, every counterfeit Bible, and every antichrist spirit eventually attacks the deity of Jesus Christ. John answers them before they even speak: the Word was with God, and the Word was God.“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (KJB)On this episode of Rightly Dividing, John's Gospel is built around belief. The word “believe” appears again and again because John is pressing the reader toward a verdict. You are not allowed to casually admire Jesus in this book. You must decide who He is. Is He merely a teacher, prophet, healer, revolutionary, or religious example? John says no. He is the eternal Word, the Creator, the Light, the Lamb of God, the Bread of life, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John strips away religious fog and brings the sinner face to face with the only Saviour God has provided. A verse-by-verse study through John should constantly point out how the book divides between light and darkness, belief and unbelief, life and death, truth and religious blindness. The Pharisees had Scripture, temple worship, priesthood, sacrifice, feast days, and religious authority — yet they rejected the very Messiah standing in front of them. That is one of John's sharpest warnings. Religion without the new birth is still darkness. Nicodemus was a master of Israel, but Jesus told him plainly, “Ye must be born again.” The woman at the well had a ruined past, but she received living water. The religious ruler needed regeneration just as much as the fallen Samaritan woman did. This is Part #1 in our brand-new series of the Gospel of John.
The familiar little insect known as the water boatman is a marvel of engineering design. About an inch long, it swims on its back on the surface of the pond using two of its legs that are extra long and have little paddles on the end, just like the oars of a boat. Anyone who has tried swimming on his back knows how difficult it is to see where he is going, but not the water boatman. His eyes are especially placed for perfect sight while swimming on his back.As I mentioned, the boatman is an insect so of course does not have gills like a fish, yet he spends a lot of time underwater. How does he do this? Well, his Creator gave him the ability to breathe through his tail that he sticks out of the water, just like a snorkel tube. There are tiny hairs that keep the water out of this tube while he draws fresh air in to refill his air tanks for another dive. Those tiny hairs also tell the boatman whether a nearby movement in the water is something that would threaten him or something that might be good for lunch.Surely, the specialized features of this little insect could not have gradually developed by trial and error but are evidences of superb design and a master Designer.Romans 1:20"For from the creation of the world the invisible things of Him are clearly seen, being understood through the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse."Prayer: Dear Lord, even though the creation has been scarred and damaged by sin, its beauty and wonder is still marvelous to behold. For this, I thank You as I look forward to seeing the New Creation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.Ref: Bob Devine, Uncle Bob's Animal Stories, (Moody Press, Chicago, IL). Image: Notonecta glauca (water-boatman) Germany, Regani, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111
“The Personality of Godhead heard the appealing voices of His friends, and casting a pleasing glance over them, He began to answer. By speaking through His eyes, He impressed His friends that there was no cause for fear. Then Krishna, the supreme mystic, the powerful Personality of Godhead, immediately swallowed up all the flames of the fire. The cows and boys were thus saved from imminent danger.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 19)
“The Personality of Godhead heard the appealing voices of His friends, and casting a pleasing glance over them, He began to answer. By speaking through His eyes, He impressed His friends that there was no cause for fear. Then Krishna, the supreme mystic, the powerful Personality of Godhead, immediately swallowed up all the flames of the fire. The cows and boys were thus saved from imminent danger.” (Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Volume 1, Chapter 19)
Stop Softening the Restoration Cardio Miracle, Learn More! - https://cardiomiracle.com/?ref=t4Hpzrm3 Alive and Intelligent Substack - https://aliveandintelligent.substack.com Warriors of Teancum Men's Retreat - https://www.cwicmedia.com/warriors-of... President Oaks, true doctrine, and why Latter-day Saints should stop apologizing for the Restoration Why the Godhead, revelation, and restored truth make us different without making us non-Christian Eternal marriage, family, gender, and the danger of lowering the ideal President Christofferson on why repentance is not shame—it is becoming Elder Bednar on True, Eternal Doctrine Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com
Title: Is He Spiderman or is He Spiderman?Scripture Reading: Judges 6:11-24Series: Bizarre BibleToday we welcome Taylor Englund for podcast-style message. Taylor and Pastor Bill delve into Gideon's perplexing encounter with the Angel of the LORD, revealing how the Angel of the LORD is often a pre-incarnate manifestation of God the Son. It demonstrates that the concept of the Trinity, or Godhead, is deeply rooted in Old Testament scripture. Embrace the thoroughly biblical truth of the Trinity, understanding that God, in His complex and powerful nature, uses the weak to display His glory and deserves our exclusive worship.
“All different varieties of atmaramas [those who take pleasure in atma, or spirit self], especially those established on the path of self-realization, though freed from all kinds of material bondage, desire to render unalloyed devotional service unto the Personality of Godhead. This means that the Lord possesses transcendental qualities and therefore can attract everyone, including liberated souls.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam, 1.7.10)
This morning, just after the program at the Rādhā Govinda Mandir, I took a walk down Nevin Street and turned the corner to the CVS. As I was waiting for Nirākulā Devī Dāsī, my wife—who had some items to purchase—I was chanting outside. I saw a father and son come out; his little boy was probably six, and his face was puckered, and he was crying. His father said to him, "Tell me in words, why you're crying. What's the matter?" But he could only cry. I walked into the store to see, was there something that he wanted or needed in there? I couldn't see anything. What's more, most things were locked up—even the toothpaste, razor blades, anything of significant value was locked behind glass—and I started thinking, "No wonder he's crying." And then I thought, "This is us here in this world; everything we want, that we desire, is locked up." You have to work hard to get anything in this world. The one thing that is free, we don't ask for: it is God's grace. It falleth from the heavens like rain, sun-strained. It comes to everyone, but we're looking for many things that are not worthy of looking for. They're beneath our dignity as souls—the things we seek in this world. So, we have an opportunity to take what's been given to us for free, which gives the highest reward, and it only requires a sincere heart to sing the names of Kṛṣṇa and call out. The mantra is written in a form which allows us to simply call out. We don't need to know any Sanskrit; we just need to have a heart which is yearning to reconnect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And here's a tune that we do sing when we're in Vṛndāvana and Govardhana Hill, where the devotees naturally love Kṛṣṇa—and at Govardhana Hill every day, they walk around and think of Kṛṣṇa and all those pastimes there in Vṛndāvana. ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------ #kirtan #spiritualmusic #mantramusic #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
In John's Gospel we see the glory of Christ in events and references that point to and lead to the Cross ... the focus and greatest manifestation of glory in His ministry. Whilst the crosses we put on and in our church buildings are symbols of cruel punishment and suffering, they paradoxically remind us of the time that God's greatest glory to Mankind is revealed and effected. How can that be so? We may fathom in-part the glories of incarnation, transfiguration, resurrection, ascension and subsequent Christ's rule and high priestly role. In this session we hope to catch glimpses of the unfathomably great glory of the Godhead that glows brightly from the Cross.
Daniel 7 records one of the most dramatic visions in Scripture. In it, the prophet Daniel sees the Ancient of Days seated on a heavenly throne while “one like the Son of Man” approaches Him and receives an everlasting kingdom.This passage raises an important theological question: Does this vision reveal two distinct divine persons, or is it portraying something else?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines Daniel 7:9-28 and addresses a common challenge raised against Oneness theology. He explores the identities of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man and discusses whether Daniel's vision teaches the preexistence of the Son as a separate divine person. Along the way, Dr. Bernard considers what Daniel's prophecy reveals about the Messiah, the Incarnation, and the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Father.Whether you are studying the Godhead, exploring the differences between Trinitarian and Oneness theology, or seeking a deeper understanding of one of Scripture's most fascinating prophetic visions, this episode offers a thoughtful examination of a frequently debated passage.Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard features answers to questions about biblical theology, Christian living, and contemporary issues.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.
QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “Prayer is the way we work our way out of the comfortable but cramped world of self, and into the spacious world of God.”~Eugene Peterson (1932-2018), American pastor, scholar, author “Our aim in studying the Godhead must be to know God himself better. Our concern must be to enlarge our acquaintance, not simply with the doctrine of God's attributes, but with the living God whose attributes they are.” “Knowing God is more than knowing about him; it is a matter of dealing with him as he opens up to you, and being dealt with by him as he takes knowledge of you.”~J.I. Packer (1929-2020), a British-born Canadian writer, professor “God doesn't want me to play with religion. He doesn't want me to dabble in church. He wants me—body and soul.”~R.C. Sproul (1939-2017), American pastor, theologian and writer “It is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God's face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself.”~John Calvin (1509-1564), French theologian, pastor, writer “The prayer preceding all prayers is ‘May it be the real I who speaks. May it be the real Thou that I speak to.'” “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become – because He made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be… It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own.”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), British scholar and writer “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”~John 17:3 (NIV)SERMON PASSAGE Psalm 139 (NIV)1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 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.9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. 19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Jesus reveals Himself with the metaphor of Bread. He is not the giver of bread He Is the Bread of Life! The Bread of Life Todd Jaussen Download Sermons Archive RSS Exodus 16:1-21 And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt. 2 Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. 5 And it shall be on the sixth day that they shall prepare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.”6 Then Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, “At evening you shall know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt. 7 And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord; for He hears your complaints against the Lord. But what are we, that you complain against us?” 8 Also Moses said, “This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.”9 Then Moses spoke to Aaron, “Say to all the congregation of the children of Israel, ‘Come near before the Lord, for He has heard your complaints.' ” 10 Now it came to pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.11 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.' ”13 So it was that quail came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp. 14 And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15 So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat. 16 This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: ‘Let every man gather it according to each one's need, one omer for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent.' ”17 Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. 18 So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one's need. 19 And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning.” 20 Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. 21 So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted.Romans 1:20 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,John 1:3-4 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”John 6:27 Work not for food perishing, but food remaining to eternal life, which the Son of man will give you: for Him God the Father sealed. (Smith's Literal Translation)2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Sermon Discussion Questions:How did the Preparation part of the sermon help you understand the text: Life, Everlasting Life, Bread, Metaphor?What does the metaphor of Bread teach us about experiencing Jesus? Do we "See" and "Believe" as Jesus commands us to? What is a Metaphor?At its heart, a metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” Instead of saying something is like something else, a metaphor states that something is something else. This isn't meant to be literally true, of course, but rather to create a richer, more evocative understanding. Simple Metaphor ExamplesLet's start with some straightforward examples. These will help solidify the basic concept.“The world is a stage.”“Time is money.”“He is a lion in battle.”“Her voice is music to my ears.”“Life is a journey.”Notice how each of these statements equates one thing to another, not in a literal sense, but in a way that highlights shared qualities or characteristics. The world isn't actually a stage, but the metaphor suggests that life is filled with performance, roles, and drama.
For those who know the true identity and deity of the Christ, it may seem a little unfair to describe Him as the preeminent man. As Charles Wesley wrote, to look at Christ was view the Godhead veiled in flesh: "Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin's womb: veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th'incarnate Deity, pleased with us in flesh to dwell" But as we shall see, when Christ became incarnate, he really was a one-hundred-percent human man, who was tempted in every way a man could be tempted. In 451, the Ecumenical Church Council in Chalcedon considered Christ's incarnation. They affirmed the biblical revelation of Christ being incarnation (made of flesh) as 100% God and 100% human. The incarnation of Christ resulted in Him have a soul that was both eternally divine and forever human. Find out more here: https://www.findingtruthmatters.org/articles/gentlemen-please-part-3-old-testament-examples-of-a-good-man/ For more Biblical teaching via podcast subscribe to Messages That Matters with Dr. Andrew Corbett on iTunes, Soundcloud or Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/messages-that-matter-by-dr-andrew-corbett/id1059252114 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3GuYKpgiAyKiF56LCekRSS Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/DrAndrewC Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/u/0/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zb3VuZGNsb3VkLmNvbS91c2Vycy9zb3VuZGNsb3VkOnVzZXJzOjY5NjkzNjY5L3NvdW5kcy5yc3M For Biblical Thinking Resources - https://www.andrewcorbett.net/ Read “The Most Embarrassing Book in the Bible -understanding the Book of Revelation” on Kindle https://www.amazon.com/MOST-EMBARRASSING-BOOK-BIBLE-ebook/dp/B0081RZ91O/ Read “Authentic Apostolic Leadership - Structure For the Church” https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Apostolic-Leadership-Structure-Church-ebook/dp/B003GIRESO/
We all know Jesus walked on water...but have we meditated on this so that our response is astonishment and faith as the first disciples experienced? Walking on Water?!? Todd Jaussen Download Sermons Archive RSS John 20:30-31 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.Colossians 2:9-10 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.John 1:3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.Colossians 1:16-17 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.Hebrews 1:3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,Mark 6:51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.Matthew 14:32-33 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”Job 9:8 He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea;John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.Hebrews 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are,yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. “So although Jesus' assurance, “It is I (ego eimi)”, could be simply a call for the disciples to recognize that it is Jesus who is standing there in front of them, the reader of John's gospel, knowing Jesus uses it as the divine name (for example, 8:58), hears an echo of that more weighty use in all this Gospel's references to Jesus.” — Rodney Whitacre, John Commentary Sermon Discussion Questions:Why did John write his book? What is so amazing about this miracle when you meditate on it? Do you believe this happened? Why is it so important to have a believing, trusting, following as a disciple relationship with Jesus? What "Days" make this especially important?
Our Awesome God -- Part 3: Trinity; Jesus, the Christ MESSAGE SUMMARY: We pray and sing to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – the Trinity: one God and yet three persons in the one God. All analogies fall shot in explaining an incomprehensible God and the Trinity. The Trinity is a mystery, and the word Trinity is not found in the Bible – the Bible has inferences to the Word Trinity and each of its component persons without naming the overarching word “Trinity”. However, the authority of speaking about the Trinity comes from the Bible. During the first few centuries of the Church, Christians wrestled with how to describe and communicate God in writings and teachings. These early Christians, in their study of the Scriptures, saw that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all Devine; however, they knew that God was one. Therefore, these early Christians concluded that the Scriptures taught that there was only one God; but that the Father is God, the Son is God, and that the Holy Spirit is God – what we now call the Trinity. Today, we will look at the second person of the Trinity – Jesus. Jesus is the rock upon which Christianity is built. Typically, we refer to “Jesus Christ”; however, “Christ “is not Jesus last name. “Christ” is a title that means Messiah. Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, is viewed from three perspectives: 1) the pre-incarnate Christ; the incarnate Christ (God man); and the post-incarnate Christ. In John 1:1-5, the Apostle John tells us that the pre-incarnate Christ was the Word (Logos) and in the beginning. Also, the pre-incarnate Christ was a person, but He was: with God, a deity (God), and a participant in the Creation. Also, the pre-incarnate Christ, in the Old Testament, is referred to as “The Angel of the Lord” (Exodus 3:1-18). Whenever The Angel of the Lord appears in the Old Testament, God ends up being referenced as the person speaking. In John 8:58, Jesus removes all doubt that He was God, The Angel of the Lord, speaking to Abraham in Exodus 3: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'". In John 1:14, the Apostle John identifies the God-man Jesus, the incarnate Christ, as God: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.". Jesus was the person of God's Son and He was Devine. In the year 325, leaders from all over the Church met in Nicaea to debate and understand who Jesus was. These Church leaders came out of this meeting saying that Jesus was co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father. In the Incarnation, Jesus remained God; but, also, Jesus became fully a sinless human – Son of Man and Son of God. The incarnate Christ was crucified, and He was resurrected; and He is living today as the post-incarnate Christ. As the post-incarnate Christ, Jesus is the reigning and redeeming Christ. Also, we are told that the post-incarnate Christ will return. Therefore, Jesus is the visible expression of the invisible God. It is because of Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, that we are able to have access to the first person of the Trinity – God the Father. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are inseparable because they are one God together in the Trinity. We are God's children; but God, our Father, has no grandchildren. Jesus tells us in John 14:6-7: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'". The understanding of the Godhead and the Trinity are a gift to us through our Salvation brought to us by Jesus. TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 1:1-5; Exodus 3:1-18; John 8:58; Exodus 17:1-6; 1 Corinthians 10:4; John 1:14; Luke 1:35; John 14:6-12; 1 Corinthians 15:3-11; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 1:19-24; Revelation 19:1-21; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15; Ephesians 2:18. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Our Relationship with God Is Based Solely on Our Relationship with God, and He Desires to Have a Relationship with Each of Us”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
What does it mean to worship the Triune God?On this Trinity Sunday, we explore three passages that reveal the glory of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Genesis 1, we see the Triune God bringing order out of chaos and creating the world with wisdom, purpose, and beauty. In 2 Corinthians 13, we discover the perfect unity, love, grace, and fellowship that flow from the Godhead and are to be reflected in Christ's Church. Finally, in Matthew 28, we hear Christ's Great Commission, sending His people into the world to disciple the nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.The God who created all things in perfect order now calls His people to live in unity and advance His kingdom throughout the earth. Because the Triune God is with us, we can labor with confidence, rejoice in His grace, rest in His peace, and boldly carry His gospel to the ends of the world.The Triune God created us, unites us, and commissions us for His glory.
Get your copy of our 2026 Annual Read: Tozer on the Son of God by A.W. Tozer.First Time?Start Here: https://bit.ly/MarinersconnectcardCan we pray for you? https://bit.ly/MarinersPrayerOnlineYou can find information for all our Mariners congregations, watch more videos, and learn more about us and our ministries on our website https://bit.ly/MarinersChurchSite.FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerschurch• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinerschurch• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerschurch• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerschurchSupport the ministry and help us reach people worldwide: https://bit.ly/MarinersGive
Are you tired of feeling powerless? In this eye-opening teaching, Dr. Edith Davis breaks down the essential revelation that the full Godhead dwells within every born-again believer. True authority is not something we chase; it is something we establish through the righteousness of Christ Jesus and the knowledge of His Word. When we align our thoughts, emotions, and actions with God, we unlock the miracle-working power required to overcome sickness, poverty, and depression. -- We must acknowledge that the full Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—resides within every believer, granting us access to complete authority and power. -- Believers often live in defeat, sickness, and lack because of a lack of knowledge, as stated in Hosea 4:6. -- Establishing yourself in the righteousness of Christ is the prerequisite for walking in true power and authority; righteousness is a gift to be received, not earned. -- The fruits of the Spirit, particularly love, joy, and peace, are not merely personality traits but are, in fact, powerful weapons of supernatural warfare that the enemy cannot withstand. -- God is calling His people to "get tough" and be spiritually prepared, much like the men and women of God in the Bible, as spiritual climates heat up in the nation. Scriptures for Further Study -- Hosea 4:6 -- Romans 10:9 This is episode 404. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html
Not only does the Supreme Personality of Godhead enjoy the company of His devotees, but because He is unlimited, He wants to increase His devotees unlimitedly. Thus, He descends to the material world to induce the non-devotees and rebellious living entities to return home, back to Godhead. He requests them to surrender unto Him, because, unlimited as He is, He wants to increase His devotees unlimitedly." The Kṛṣṇa Consciousness movement is an attempt to increase the number of pure devotees of the Supreme Lord more and more. It is certain that a devotee who helps in this endeavor to satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes indirectly a controller of the Supreme Lord. Although the Supreme Lord is full in six opulences, He does not feel transcendental bliss without His devotees. An example that may be cited in this regard is that if a very rich man does not have sons in a family, he does not feel happiness. Indeed, sometimes a rich man adopts a son to complete his happiness. The science of transcendental bliss is known to the pure devotee. Therefore, the pure devotee is always engaged in increasing the transcendental happiness of the Lord. (SB 9.4.64) In crafting the purposes of ISKCON, Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in the seventh purpose: "By publishing books, magazines, booklets, and distributing them, we will fulfill the aforementioned seven purposes of ISKCON." There is a way in which saṅkīrtana gives life to an entire community, where we have growing numbers of devotees coming to sincerely hear, chant, and serve the Lord. When they are given the opportunity to participate—even in the smallest ways—in distributing books, reaching out to others, and presenting them, they become closer to Kṛṣṇa. It is an intimate service, and it brings life to the entire community. Without that experience, and without us inculcating in them the spirit of saṅkīrtana—and the spirit I have just expressed that Prabhupāda mentions in his purports—people remain in the basic condition of devotional service, kaniṣṭha-adhikārī, but they need to come to the madhyama-adhikārī platform by engaging in outreach and saṅkīrtana, and especially book distribution, it is the most practical. So for Bhādra, it is a perfect time to express that this is not a divisions of labor. There are some people who distribute books, there are some people who don't. It is a call to everyone to get involved. Everyone in the community can get involved—even if people have pets. The pets should be involved! They should sit down and preach to their poochie: "Dear poochie, you are going to come out with us for book distribution." Make them a backpack. Kids can go out, old people can go out, people in wheelchairs can go out. If you are blind, you can go out. If you are happy, unhappy—everyone should devise a means through which to expand the distribution of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. It is an outrageously fun activity. It brings life to the temple. It fulfills all the aforementioned principles, the six that Prabhupāda put forward. We are the lucky ones, because somehow or other this service has landed on our heads, and somehow or other, we have got this number of 100,008. I don't know how it happened. It just happened by chance, just like the universe all came together by chance. So, here we are, and this is it. And now it is go time, because we only have a few months left, and if we lean into this, it is going to happen. ------------------------------------------------------------ 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/?
Anugraha, which we translate oftentimes as mercy, literally means someone who grabs you and takes you in the right direction—brings you along, doesn't leave you behind. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu taught that Kṛṣṇa not only can become known, or that He reveals Himself through the process of bhakti, but He also takes us by the hand and brings us to our eternal position in the spiritual world. So, chanting is a communion with Kṛṣṇa, because He is non-different from His name. Therefore, when we're chanting Kṛṣṇa's names, we're worshiping Him by our tongue—āsyenedam upāsya (Śrī Nāmāṣṭaka verse 6), which means āsya means the mouth or the opening of the mouth, and āsyenedam is in the instrumental case, which means that we're using our mouth to upāsya, which means to worship Kṛṣṇa. By that process, Kṛṣṇa extends Himself to us, reveals Himself to us, and brings us along—anugraha. So, chanting is a very natural process, because if anyone has had any experience here in the material world and has at any time felt helpless, confused, or—I'm thinking of a third, anyone want to offer? Disturbed?—then there's a natural sense of calling out: "Please help me." So, we can take it that this is a very personal connection with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, by repeating His names and the mantra: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare / Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare refers to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of God, and also His eternal consort, His female counterpart. The two go together, Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa; they're the perfect whole in two, and so everything's complete within the mantra. All perfection can be achieved by chanting the mantra, and here we are, in the middle of Silicon Valley, practicing the age-old process of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa so feel free to call out to Kṛṣṇa when you chant. "Please engage me in your service, and please save me from this ocean of material existence."
Lord Caitanya has said that in this age no one needs to change his position, but one should give up the endeavor to understand the Absolute Truth by speculative reasoning. One should learn to become the servant of those who are in knowledge of the Supreme Lord. If one is fortunate enough to take shelter of a pure devotee, hear from him about self-realization and follow in his footsteps, one will be gradually elevated to the position of a pure devotee. In this verse particularly, the process of hearing is strongly recommended, and this is very appropriate. Although the common man is often not as capable as so-called philosophers, faithful hearing from an authoritative person will help one transcend this material existence and go back to Godhead, back to home. (BG 13.26,purport) And, of course, in the purport, Prabhupāda is referring to Lord Brahmā, who in the Tenth Canto, 14th Chapter, says: jñāne prayāsam udapāsya namanta eva jīvanti san-mukharitāṁ bhavadīya-vārtām sthāne sthitāḥ śruti-gatāṁ tanu-vāṅ-manobhir ye prāyaśo 'jita jito 'py asi tais tri-lokyām This verse was spoken by Lord Brahmā, who is an intellectual. In fact he studied the Vedas three times. How many here have studied all the Vedas three times, or the Bhagavad-gītā, for that matter? So, he had studied them three times. He is smart enough to take on the duties of recreating the material world when it comes into being. Of course, he is a devotee. He met Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana. We know the pastime of how Kṛṣṇa had bewildered him—the Brahmā-vimohana-līlā. He was bewildered by the mystic power of Kṛṣṇa. When Brahmā had stolen away the calves and cowherd friends, Kṛṣṇa re-manifested them exactly as they were before. So, there were two sets: one that Brahmā had stolen, and the ones that were now marching around town. After seeing that all of them were emanations from Kṛṣṇa, and realizing that this little cowherd boy, who was eating with His left hand, was not to be trifled with—that He was the Supreme Personality of Godhead—he offered these prayers. Near the beginning of his prayers, jñāne prayāsam udapāsya namanta eva, says: "Give up trying to understand God by your own power." And sthāne sthitāḥ śruti-gatāṁ tanu-vāṅ-manobhir says: "Submissively hear in the association of devotees about Kṛṣṇa." From that, one will come to this superior form of devotional service, which means that Kṛṣṇa is conquered by your love and submission. Ajita jito —the Ajita (the unconquerable) becomes jita (conquered); it means He is conquered by love. So, how can one come to that position? Not by erudite scholarship, but by humbly and submissively hearing from those who have knowledge, as Prabhupāda points out here, and being submissive in one's service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So, there is such a thing as submissive hearing. There is also an argumentative state of mind. Of course it doesn't mean that we can't discuss the siddhānta thoroughly, threadbare. ------------------------------------------------------------ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------
Send us Fan MailA Trinity Sunday exposition of John 14 from Good Shepherd Church. The sermon centers on the profound revelation of God as Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—unveiled through Jesus' words in John 14, where He declares Himself the way, truth, and life, and affirms that to see Him is to see the Father. It emphasizes that God's eternal nature, expressed in the divine name 'I am who I am,' is not solitary but a self-sufficient, mutual indwelling of three distinct persons in perfect unity, revealed not through abstract theology but through God's historical self-revelation in Christ. The passage confronts human attempts to compartmentalize or reduce the Trinity to mere metaphors or mathematical equations, affirming instead that the Father, Son, and Spirit are inseparable in essence and action, with the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers as the guarantee of God's presence and unity. Jesus' promise to return and to make His home with those who love Him underscores the intimate, eternal fellowship within the Godhead, which is now accessible to believers through faith in Christ and the Spirit's indwelling, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of redemption: that humanity may know the one true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
When it comes to wasps, you can just forget everything you learned about sexual reproduction in biology 101. There are male and female wasps. But that has very little to do with wasp reproduction.For starters, male wasps can only reproduce female offspring. After mating, the female wasp stores the male's seed in a sac in her reproductive tract. It will only be used when the female lays her eggs on the pupa of a fly, and then only if she wants daughters. The female can control how many of her offspring will be female and how many will be male. She can squeeze the sac to fertilize an egg when it is laid. That egg will produce a female. If she decides not to fertilize the egg, it will develop into a male.As scientists have studied this unusual system of reproduction, they have found that the story becomes even stranger. Some females produce only male offspring. Further research shows that this is due to factors inherited through the male line. The mystery is that there is no male line. Males can only produce females. Even worse, for those who believe that wasps evolved instead of being created by God, this system offers so many disadvantages to the wasp that it should never have evolved.While the wasp is at a disadvantage in this arrangement, God has arranged things so that the wasp can survive. That survival appears to serve another of God's purposes. It challenges those who think that there is no Creator and God of the universe.Acts 17:29"Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.”Prayer: I thank You, Lord, that You care for the universe and its creatures. I also thank You that You desire a relationship with us so much that You use what You have made as a witness to Yourself. And I thank You that You cared so much for me that You gave Your life on the cross so that my sins could be forgiven. Amen.REF.: L. Davis. "Waspish Son-Killers and Sex-Switchers." Science News, Vol. 129. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111
“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.” (Romans 1:20)... More...
Chapter Twelve Devotional Service TEXT 1: Arjuna inquired: Which are considered to be more perfect, those who are always properly engaged in Your devotional service or those who worship the impersonal Brahman, the unmanifested? TEXT 2: The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Those who fix their minds on My personal form and are always engaged in worshiping Me with great and transcendental faith are considered by Me to be most perfect. TEXTS 3-4: But those who fully worship the unmanifested, that which lies beyond the perception of the senses, the all-pervading, inconceivable, unchanging, fixed and immovable – the impersonal conception of the Absolute Truth – by controlling the various senses and being equally disposed to everyone, such persons, engaged in the welfare of all, at last achieve Me. TEXT 5: For those whose minds are attached to the unmanifested, impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome. To make progress in that discipline is always difficult for those who are embodied. TEXTS 6-7: But those who worship Me, giving up all their activities unto Me and being devoted to Me without deviation, engaged in devotional service and always meditating upon Me, having fixed their minds upon Me, O son of Pṛthā – for them I am the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death. TEXT 8: Just fix your mind upon Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and engage all your intelligence in Me. Thus you will live in Me always, without a doubt. TEXT 9: My dear Arjuna, O winner of wealth, if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga. In this way develop a desire to attain Me. TEXT 10: If you cannot practice the regulations of bhakti-yoga, then just try to work for Me, because by working for Me you will come to the perfect stage. TEXT 11: If, however, you are unable to work in this consciousness of Me, then try to act giving up all results of your work and try to be self-situated. TEXT 12: If you cannot take to this practice, then engage yourself in the cultivation of knowledge. Better than knowledge, however, is meditation, and better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of action, for by such renunciation one can attain peace of mind. TEXTS 13-14: One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor and is free from false ego, who is equal in both happiness and distress, who is tolerant, always satisfied, self-controlled, and engaged in devotional service with determination, his mind and intelligence fixed on Me – such a devotee of Mine is very dear to Me. TEXT 15: He by whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anyone, who is equipoised in happiness and distress, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me. TEXT 16: My devotee who is not dependent on the ordinary course of activities, who is pure, expert, without cares, free from all pains, and not striving for some result, is very dear to Me. TEXT 17: One who neither rejoices nor grieves, who neither laments nor desires, and who renounces both auspicious and inauspicious things – such a devotee is very dear to Me. TEXTS 18-19: One who is equal to friends and enemies, who is equipoised in honor and dishonor, heat and cold, happiness and distress, fame and infamy, who is always free from contaminating association, always silent and satisfied with anything, who doesn't care for any residence, who is fixed in knowledge and who is engaged in devotional service – such a person is very dear to Me. TEXT 20: Those who follow this imperishable path of devotional service and who completely engage themselves with faith, making Me the supreme goal, are very, very dear to Me.
“In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him.” — Colossians 2:9, 10 All the attributes of Christ, as God and man, are at our disposal. All the fulness of the Godhead, whatever that marvellous term may comprehend, is ours to make us complete. He cannot endow us […]