Podcasts about gospels jesus

Throughout the Gospels Jesus tries to form the Apostles as men of prayer. He tries to introduce them to the intimacy he has with the Father. Lord, this Lent, let us enter through prayer into the life of the Trinity, into the loving dialog of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A meditation by Father Joe Keefe.

Luke 7 begins with Jesus in the city of Capernaum located on the north side of the Sea of Galilee. It was there He was approached by a group of elders asking him to come with them to heal the servant of Roman centurion. Jesus responded to their request and went with them but on the way there the centurion sent word through his friends that he felt unworthy for Jesus to enter his house but knew if Jesus just spoke the word that his servant would be healed. Jesus spoke the word and then commended the centurion's great faith to the crowd that was with Him.   Now in Luke 7:11-17, Jesus leaves Capernaum and goes to the city of Nain where He responds to a widow's great sorrow. Nain was about twenty-five miles from Capernaum, a good day's journey away, yet Jesus went there even though He was not requested to come. Since the Jews buried their dead the same day (Deut. 21:23; Acts 5:5-10), it is likely that Jesus and His disciples arrived at the city gate late in the afternoon of the day the man died. In this passage we find that four special meetings took place at the city gate that day.   First, we notice that two “large crowds” met at the gate of the city. We can only marvel at the providence of God when we see Jesus meet that funeral procession just as it was heading for the burial ground. He lived on a divine timetable as He obeyed the will of His Father (John 11:9; 13:1). The sympathetic Savior always gives help when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16). This was no “accidental” meeting.   What a contrast between the crowd that was following Jesus and the crowd following the widow and her dead son. Jesus and His disciples were rejoicing in the blessing of the Lord, but the widow and her friends were lamenting the death of her only son. Jesus was heading for the city while the mourners were heading for the cemetery.   Next, we find that two “only sons” met. One was alive but destined to die, the other dead but destined to live. The term “only begotten” as applied to Jesus means "unique," "the only one of its kind." Jesus is not a "son" in the same sense that I am, having been brought into existence by conception and birth. Since Jesus is eternal God, He has always existed. The title Son of God declares Christ's divine nature and His relationship to the Father, to whom the Son has willingly subjected Himself from all eternity.   Then, two “sufferers” met. Jesus, "the Man of Sorrows," could easily identify with the widow's heartache. Not only was she in sorrow, but she was now left alone in a society that did not have resources to care for widows. What would happen to her? Jesus felt the pain that sin and death have brought into this world, and He did something about it   Finally, two enemies met. Jesus faced death, "the last enemy" (1 Corinthians 15:26). When you consider the pain and grief that it causes in this world, death is indeed an enemy, and only Jesus Christ can give us victory (see 1 Cor. 15:51-58; Heb. 2:14-15). Jesus had only to speak the word, and the young man was raised to life and health.   The young man gave two evidences of life: he sat up and he spoke. We can only imagine what he said! In the Gospels Jesus raised three dead people back to life. This is the first one. The next was Jairus's daughter in Luke 8:49-56. And Lazarus in John 11. In each case Jesus spoke to them. When Jesus speaks life to us, we are never the same! The crowd responded by glorifying God!   Spiritually speaking, each of us is in one of these two crowds. If you have trusted Christ, you are going to the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10, 13-16; 12:22). If you are "dead in sin”, you are already in the cemetery and under the condemnation of God (John 3:36; Ephesians 2:1-3). You need to trust Jesus Christ and be raised from the dead (John 5:24; Ephesians 2:4-10).   Today, which crowd are you in?   God bless!

Pastor Scotty unpacks one of the most profound moments in the Gospels—Jesus' simple yet life-changing invitation, “Come, follow me.” Through historical exploration, we uncover how this call wasn't just an offer to believe, but an invitation to a new way of life; one that Peter, Andrew, and others immediately embraced. Discover the depth of Jesus' invitation and what it means to truly follow Him, not just in belief, but in every aspect of your life. This is a message for everyone, whether you're deeply rooted in faith or just beginning to explore.

Pastor Scotty unpacks one of the most profound moments in the Gospels—Jesus' simple yet life-changing invitation, “Come, follow me.” Through historical exploration, we uncover how this call wasn't just an offer to believe, but an invitation to a new way of life; one that Peter, Andrew, and others immediately embraced. Discover the depth of Jesus' invitation and what it means to truly follow Him, not just in belief, but in every aspect of your life. This is a message for everyone, whether you're deeply rooted in faith or just beginning to explore.

Welcome to Generation Church! As we close out this series on Prayer, lets bring it back to where we started..."Our Father." These are the first words Jesus taught His disciples when He taught them to pray and they are words loaded with Good News. Over and over in the Gospels Jesus applauds the "childlike" and teaches us to pray to our Father. So what does that mean for us in prayer? How do we "come to God in childlikeness?" What does that look like in everyday life? Lets dive into all of that and more as we wrap up this series.Scripture: Luke 10:17-21+ + + + +Hey, while you're here, please help Generation by clicking the 'Subscribe' button, then click on the BELL (on mobile devices, also click 'ALL'). Then you'll be the first to know when our latest messages and content goes live!As always, you can find more from us at https://www.gotogeneration.comAnd get the latest from Generation in your inbox with the Midweek Musing, our free weekly email: https://subscribepage.io/UOAh3oFollow us on Social!▶ FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/southochurch▶ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/generationchurchsoutho/

What should we make of Jesus' claim that he came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil them? What is the relationship between the believer and the law in light of Jesus' claims? 

Jesus in the Four Gospels In the New Testament, we have four accounts of the life of Jesus Christ that are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are called Gospels. But what is a Gospel, how are the four accounts different or similar and what were the main points each writer sought to communicate? What the Gospels are! Firstly they are called Gospels, because they gave substance to the Gospel or Good News as described by Paul in Romans 1:16 (The Message): "this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!" We know that Jesus Christ during his time on earth wrote nothing, yet the stories about him were preserved and passed on by Christian teachers and evangelists. For the first thirty years or so, these stories were possibly collated and stored together. That would explain the similarity in the four accounts of Jesus' life. They are not an exhaustive biographical detail of all that Jesus did. Similarly they are also not diaries reflecting a daily account of Jesus' life. Rather they are selective accounts of His life, and were probably factual illustrations used by His disciples when preaching about Him. Therefore they would represent the theology of the disciples, as each story about is Jesus is told. That is why they are trustworthy accounts as well as rooting Jesus' life in first century Judaism and the Greco-Roman world. The first three of our Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke are what are called the synoptic Gospels. This is based on their great similarity and possibly use of a common source. Mark is probably the first Gospel as it is shorter in length than Matthew or Luke and it would appear that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a guide and elaborated where required. Mark wrote none of the great discourses of Matthew (Mark 13 being the exception), such as the Sermon on the Mount, nor does Mark show the great parables that Luke recorded, such as the Good Samaritan. Surely if Mark had used either the accounts of Matthew or Luke, he would have used those two examples! Matthew is closer in similarity to Mark than Luke. Luke does share large portions of Mark and quite often verbatim, and with a greater use of the Greek language. John on the other hand, while still telling about Jesus' ministry, has vastly different story content. Whereas in the synoptic Gospels Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God frequently, in the Gospel of John, Jesus talks about himself much more often, as in the seven I AM statements. For this reason, John was probably written later than the synoptic Gospels. Four Different Portraits The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 16:16 - Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 28:18 -Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew wrote primarily to Jews who knew the Old Testament. He wrote to present Jesus as the Messiah to Israel. He also records Israel's attitude towards Him as Messiah. Throughout this Gospel, Matthew gives us the genealogy, presentation, and the authentification of Jesus as the Christ Messiah. Matthew then shows the nation of Israel's opposition to and rejection of Jesus as the Christ, followed by Jesus' rejection of Israel due to her unbelief. He then records the death and resurrection of Christ. He concludes with Christ commissioning the disciples. Throughout, this Gospel is a well ordered and balanced account. The Gospel of Mark Mark 8:34 - "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark presents Jesus as the Suffering Servant of the Lord, coming in fulfilment of the Old Testament. Jesus offers His credentials, gathers His disciples, offers the Kingdom of God and its message. Jesus' teaching is seen in short parables, which hide the truth from those hardened against Him, yet prepares and instructs those responsive to Him. Overall Jesus calls those who follow him to serve others and to deny themselves by taking up their own cross, just as He took. Early tradition states that Mark's Gospel had a connection with the Apostle Peter, and was therefore written to preserve some of Peter's memories before his death. The Gospel of Luke Luke 1:3-4 -Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 19:10 -For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke presents Jesus as the God-Man, as a saviour for the entire world, writing primarily to Gentiles. He does this from a broad vantage point that is compatible with the fact that he is a Greek. Luke traces the incarnation, Christ's introduction, ministry, rejection, subsequent teaching in view of His rejection, the cross, resurrection and ascension. Even though a Gentile, Luke emphasizes the kingdom program with Israel's place in the kingdom. This Gospel is not complete in itself, but is rather the first of two parts, with the Book of Acts being the second section. Both are addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4 & Acts 1:1). The author is probably the Luke identified by Paul as a doctor, and was one of Paul's travelling companions (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11). The style and language used are those of a native Greek speaker. The Gospel of John John 1:9 & 12: The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world... Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 20:31: - These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John presents the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ so that mankind would believe in him as the Son of God, Messiah, and Saviour of the world. His selective argument portrays Christ as the God-Man. John records miracles and messages that affirm the deity and humanity of Christ. John builds his record around the public ministry of Christ, the private ministry, the cross, and the resurrection. For more to think about please do ask yourself the following questions and see how you respond or react to them. Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together. Q1. Read Mark 8:34 and Mark 10:45. How strongly am I encouraged to carry my own cross, knowing that Jesus carried His cross? Q2. Read Luke 1:34 and Luke 19:10. If Jesus gave up everything to seek me, what more can I give, in order to help spread the good news of Him? Q3. Read Matthew 16:16 and Matthew 28:18. If Jesus is still living and has authority, how is that a help to me as I live a life worthy of His name? Q4. Read John 1:9-12 and John 20:31. As a Christian Disciple and therefore a child of God, how is Jesus working on and changing me? Right mouse click or tap here to save this podcast episode as a mp3

February 18, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m. The Bottom LineCore 52: The InvitationMatthew 22:14The bottom line. Throughout the Gospels Jesus challenges those who choose to follow Him in many different ways. In Matthew 22 Jesus shares a story with the people that is both overwhelmingly hopeful while at the same time devastatingly tragic. It is a story about an invitation. What kinds of things have you received an invitation to in your life? Were you excited to go? The story Jesus shares probably does not end the way you think it would. It ends with these words. 14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” What does this sentence mean? What point is Jesus trying to get across? If you feel left out or left behind. Maybe you feel unwanted or forgotten. Please know that Jesus is inviting you to be a part of His family right now. No matter where you are, what you have been through, or what you are in the middle of right now. He knows and He is calling out to you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/escape-urself-podcast/support

All throughout the Gospels Jesus is described eating, feasting, and partying with common people. Jesus is almost always going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal. The early church adopted this practice as well. The book of Acts tells us that the first followers of Jesus made it a regular habit to break bread from house to house, eating with “joyful and sincere hearts.” And as the meals spread, so did the gospel. But for Jesus and his followers, a meal was about more than just food; it was a means of grace. Meals were a way for the Son of God to come near people and offer conversation, friendship, and healing. Every dinner shared with a sinner was a way for God himself to extend a merciful hand of salvation to those who least deserved it. This is why the communion was often shared as part of a full meal. When we partake in communion, we're eating a meal together. We're reminding ourselves that through his sacrifice, fellowship, and hospitality, God has cleared a space at his table for us. Taking communion is our way of feasting with our Savior.

All throughout the Gospels Jesus is described eating, feasting, and partying with common people. Jesus is almost always going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal. The early church adopted this practice as well. The book of Acts tells us that the first followers of Jesus made it a regular habit to break bread from house to house, eating with “joyful and sincere hearts.” And as the meals spread, so did the gospel.But for Jesus and his followers, a meal was about more than just food; it was a means of grace. Meals were a way for the Son of God to come near people and offer conversation, friendship, and healing. Every dinner shared with a sinner was a way for God himself to extend a merciful hand of salvation to those who least deserved it. This is why the communion was often shared as part of a full meal.When we partake in communion, we're eating a meal together. We're reminding ourselves that through his sacrifice, fellowship, and hospitality, God has cleared a space at his table for us. Taking communion is our way of feasting with our Savior.

All throughout the Gospels Jesus is described eating, feasting, and partying with common people. Jesus is almost always going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal. The early church adopted this practice as well. The book of Acts tells us that the first followers of Jesus made it a regular habit to break bread from house to house, eating with “joyful and sincere hearts.” And as the meals spread, so did the gospel.But for Jesus and his followers, a meal was about more than just food; it was a means of grace. Meals were a way for the Son of God to come near people and offer conversation, friendship, and healing. Every dinner shared with a sinner was a way for God himself to extend a merciful hand of salvation to those who least deserved it. This is why the communion was often shared as part of a full meal.When we partake in communion, we're eating a meal together. We're reminding ourselves that through his sacrifice, fellowship, and hospitality, God has cleared a space at his table for us. Taking communion is our way of feasting with our Savior.

What do we make of Jesus' exchange with the royal official at the end of John 4? How does working from the definition of faith in Hebrews 11 help clarify our interpretation of this interchange? 

Gospel Reflection– Fr Mark De Battista–Cost of Discipleship (Fr Mark says that this is a parable about the Lord trusting us with talents and what he expects us to do with them. It's one of those parables where fear is no excuse. In a few places in the Gospels Jesus tells his disciples do not be afraid. He knows a fear is going to come upon us at various times in our lives, sometimes it's going to cripple us even, but he always calls us to trust in him. And to trust in him therefore, even when it comes to using our talents, our gifts, those things that he's given to us for his glory to develop ourselves to do good, even though taking appropriate risk. As we come to the end of the liturgical year, the Church naturally turns her mind to Christ coming again, and he will come to judge us mercifully and justly. But what do we have to show for ourselves, for what he has given to us? Have we gone out and traded with our talents? Have we perhaps been more cautious and fearful and invested it with the bankers or have we been so utterly afraid that we didn't even do anything with them and buried them in the ground? Because this simply doesn't cut it with the Lord.)

What was Jesus doing from 12 years old to 30? From his episode in the Temple at twelve, to his public appearance in ministry, how did he spend what theologians often call his "quiet years?" In this session, we will argue that we can know from Scripture certain truths about that time period with certainty. 

Series: “WIJD” — Sermon #9 “Jesus Is Healing And Setting People Free” We can't talk about W.I.J.D. without talking about demons. 1 John 3:8 “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”     61x's Gospels Jesus is dealing with devils. Matthew 8:16-17 “And He […]

In this session, we will examine the Son of God at 12 years old. What can we learn about Jesus from this passage detailing an event from Jesus' early life? 

Talk 5   Mark 1:29-45 Miracles of healing in Capernaum and beyond   Welcome to Talk 5 in our series on Mark's Gospel. Today we'll be looking at Mark 1:29-45. We'll begin by reading verses 29-31.   29. As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30.  Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.   As we saw last time, Jesus has just cast a demon out of a man in the synagogue. He and his disciples now leave the synagogue and go to the home of Simon and Andrew. This passage gives us an interesting insight into family life at the time. Although Simon was married, his brother Andrew was living with them, and so was his wife's mother. For the extended family all to live under the same roof was normal at the time and is not uncommon in some parts of the world today. This may well account for the fact that, later in his ministry, Simon Peter, also known as Cephas, was able to take his wife with him on his apostolic travels, as did some of the other apostles (1 Corinthians 9:5).   However, more important than the social conditions prevailing at that time, is the miracle of healing so briefly described in the verses. Simon's mother-in-law is in bed with a fever. They tell Jesus. He responds immediately, goes to her, takes her hand, and helps her up. She is healed straightaway and is able to wait on them. So Jesus' response to the need is immediate and so is the healing.   Interestingly, in Matthew's account of this miracle, Jesus simply touches her hand (Matthew 8:15), and in Luke we're told that he bent over her and rebuked the fever and it left her (Luke 4:39). Of course, the differences in these accounts are not contradictions. They complement each other and give us the full picture. They all show his willingness and power to heal. Sometimes Jesus healed with a touch, at others with a word of command. In this case he does both. I have often preached about his miracle, usually from the passage in Matthew, and have commented that in many ways his word is synonymous with his touch. He touches us with his word.   On one such occasion, in March 2009, on a visit to Portugal where I was teaching for a week in Mount Hope Bible College near Lisbon, I was asked to do a weekend of teaching in a place called Tomar. On the Sunday morning I was preaching about the power of Jesus and how He healed people just by touching them. I explained that today He often ‘touches' us through the message that is preached and that He could touch and heal people now, even while I was preaching. While I was saying this, I noticed a woman in the second row who was quietly crying.     As soon as the service ended, this woman came to me and spoke to me. She did so through an interpreter as I don't speak Portuguese.  She insisted on showing me the lower part of her leg which for some time had been very swollen, had caused her great pain, and which had been greatly discoloured. Her friend, who interpreted for her confirmed that this was true. However, during my preaching the swelling had gone down completely, the discolouration had disappeared, and she was no longer in pain. Her tears were tears of joy! She pulled up her trouser leg and revealed a perfectly normal ankle. There was no evidence that she'd ever had a problem.   32. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33. The whole town gathered at the door, 34. and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.   We saw last time that in verse 28, after Jesus had driven out the demon in the synagogue, the news spread quickly throughout Galilee. This is demonstrated by the immediate effect on the people of the town. In fact, the whole town gathered at the door. It's understandable that people who are suffering will flock to someone who is able to meet their need, but sadly this does not always lead to genuine conversion, as the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 makes clear. And, as we saw last time, the miracles Jesus performed in Capernaum did not bring the people to genuine repentance.   In the New Testament, miracles almost invariably attracted the attention of the crowds, and the same is generally true today, though their effect seems to vary in different cultures. For example, in Africa multitudes used to gather at the evangelistic and divine healing crusades conducted by Reinhard Bonnke, but I know from personal experience and acquaintance with him that the effects of his ministry were considerably less in Europe. Rather as in the ministry of Jesus, the Lord could do no mighty work because of the scepticism and even cynicism in the region, although he did lay his hands upon a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:5).   Despite this, Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons. We're told in verse 41 and elsewhere that he did this because of his compassion (Matthew 14:14, 20:34, Mark 1:41, 5:19, 9:22, Luke 7:13). In healing the sick he demonstrated the love of God, even for those who were ungrateful, just as later he died for the sins of the whole world even though he knew that many would reject him.   In verse 34 Mark tells us that Jesus drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. We have already seen one example of this with the demon-possessed man in the synagogue (vv24-25). Jesus tells the demon to be quiet because it knew who Jesus was – the holy one of God.  James 2:19 shows us that even the demons believe – and shudder. They believe, but they do so grudgingly. Jesus silences all such testimony. He looks for a voluntary and glad acceptance of who he is, as the truth is revealed by the Spirit of God to those who repent and come to faith in him as their Saviour.   Finally, in Matthew's account of these miracles (8:17), he says that Jesus performed his healings   …to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."   This is one of the ‘proof-texts' used by those who believe that Jesus died for our sicknesses in just the same way that he died for our sins. However, as I have argued in detail in my PhD thesis, and in a more simplified way in my book, Just a Taste of Heaven, whenever Matthew quotes the Old Testament he does so in connection with the events in Jesus' life and ministry that he is there and then recording, not to something that will take place later. And in Matthew 8:16-17 he uses the quote from Isaiah in connection with Jesus' healing ministry in Galilee, not in the context of his atoning work on the cross, which took place three years later. So, as we've already seen, Jesus' miracles are best understood as signs of the kingdom of God. They confirm the truth of the gospel message as they demonstrate God's power and his loving compassion for those who are sick.   35. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36. Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37. and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" 38. Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39. So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.   Verse 35 undoubtedly reveals the key to Jesus' power. Although he was the Son of God (v1), and although he had been baptised in the Spirit (v10), he still needed to spend time alone in communion with God. He got up very early, he found somewhere to be alone, and he prayed. It was surely on these occasions that he received revelation from God about everything he was to do. In John 5:19, after he has healed the man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath day, he says:    I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.   This surely makes it clear that even Jesus could not tell God what to do. And we, as his disciples are to follow his example. We are God's servants. He dictates the agenda. If we are to be used in healing, as Jesus was, we must first hear what God is saying. The level of our authority is directly related to the extent to which we are hearing what God has to say.   But these verses also give us an insight into two other aspects of public ministry:   (1)  the external pressure of both the disciples and the general public demanding attention (36-37), and (2)  the inward pressure of one's personal conviction of God's call and purpose for our lives (38-39. Cf. also v45).   God's call to serve him is what should motivate all we do, but if we are to be effective in his service we must find the right balance between spending time with him and responding to the inevitable demands made by our fellow Christians and the desperate need of those who do not yet know Jesus. This is probably the most important reason why we need to follow closely the example of Jesus in seeking to win others for him.   And finally in verses 40-45 we have the account of the healing of the leper.   40. A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41. Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42. Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.   There are several points of interest here. First is the fact that the leper came to Jesus. This was unusual in that lepers were required to keep their distance due to the highly contagious nature of the disease. Perhaps his boldness in doing so can be accounted for by the fact that he had presumably heard of the miracles Jesus had already performed and that, like the four lepers in 2 Kings 7, he felt he had nothing to lose.   Secondly, what he says makes it clear that he did not doubt Jesus' ability to heal him, but that he was unsure of Jesus' willingness to do so. I've often heard it said that to be healed we must not only have faith that God can heal us, but also that he will. But that is clearly not the case. Jesus healed the leper despite his lack of faith in his willingness to do so. But Jesus' words of reassurance – I am willing – are surely an encouragement to us all. This is the only case in the Bible where someone prays in effect, Lord, heal me if it is your will. And Jesus replied, I am willing. In the light of this, and the fact that Jesus never refused healing to anyone who came to him, we should surely continue to expect healing, at least until he shows us that there is a reason for his not doing so (as in the case of Paul's thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 11 where the apostle was told that God's grace would be sufficient for him).   Thirdly, Jesus' motive for healing the leper was compassion. Ignoring social convention and the danger both of catching the disease and of being made ceremonially unclean, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man – because he loved him. And we're reminded, as we saw in an earlier talk, of Jesus' willingness to be baptised even though it made him look as though he was a sinner who needed to repent. These things all foreshadow – they are a prophetic picture – of all that Jesus was to do on the cross. Although he never sinned, he was willing for God to treat him as a sinner so that he could make us acceptable to God (2 Corinthians 5:21 CEV). And he did so because he loves us.   Fourthly, please notice that the healing was immediate. Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured (v42). In the Gospels Jesus' healings were almost always immediate. There is little evidence for miracles of gradual healing. Admittedly, in Mark 8:22-26 the healing of the blind man was not instantaneous, and the ten lepers who came to Jesus for healing were all healed, but it was only as they set off to see the priest as Jesus commanded them that on their way they were healed (Luke 17:14). However, it's clear from the context that these healings occurred almost immediately or at least very soon after Jesus had ministered to those who were suffering. This does not mean of course that God may not sometimes have a purpose in gradual healing today, but healings really need to be immediate if they are to fulfil their purpose as manifestations of the kingdom of God and as signs confirming the truth of the good news of the gospel.   43. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44. "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45. Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.   Why did Jesus tell him not to tell anyone about his healing? Because he didn't want people to come to him simply for the physical benefits they could get. He had compassion on the sick and never refused healing to anyone who asked for it, but he didn't go looking for the sick and the demon possessed. He didn't advertise his healings – nor did the apostles in the book of Acts – his miracles advertised him! His priority, as we have seen was to take time to hear what his heavenly Father was saying.   So he tells the man he has healed to obey the Law of Moses in Leviticus 14 for the priest to examine him and confirm the healing. We might have thought that the man would have gladly obeyed Jesus' instructions out of sheer gratitude, but instead he does the opposite! We're not told why, but whatever the reason, his enthusiasm to tell his story didn't help the cause of the kingdom of God. The proclamation of the good news of the kingdom of God is demonstrated with miraculous signs and wonders, but his kingship does not take away our freedom of choice or our responsibility to obey him. And surely the greatest evidence that Jesus is Lord is in the obedient lives of those who profess to follow him. If we want Christ's kingdom to be extended, we must do things his way.   And finally, seven key points to summarise what we've been saying: (1)  Jesus' authority to heal sprang from the time he spent in communion with God and his obedience to what God revealed to him. (2)  The purpose of Jesus' healings was to confirm the good news of the kingdom of God and to show his compassion for suffering humanity. (3)  His healings, as signs of the kingdom, were immediate rather than gradual. (4)  Jesus healed by a word of command, or by a touch, or by both. (5)  While his healings brought multitudes under the sound of his teaching, relatively few became true disciples. (6)  Despite this, his willingness to be identified with suffering and sinful humanity foreshadowed what was to happen at Calvary. (7)  His willingness and power to heal all who came to him, like his willingness and power to save all who come to him, were no guarantee that all would come. But he heals and he saves anyway, because he loves us. The choice is ours, whether we come to him or not.

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Raymond Chang to zoom in on how Jesus interacted with the people around him and see what we can learn from Jesus in terms of what it looks like to love others well. Questions Covered in This Episode:What is notable about Jesus' interactions with each of these groups?How do Jesus' interactions with others challenge our understanding of what it looks like for us to love our neighbors?How have the American church's past failures in demonstrating biblical love contributed to the dynamic of young people walking away from the church? What opportunity do you see for church to help young people?How have you seen an impact by loving people well in your own community?What does it look like for you to embody a biblical love for your neighbor?How do Jesus' interactions with others in The Gospels and the theme of love point us to the gospel?Guest Bio:Pastor Raymond Chang is the president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, a pastor, and writer. He currently lives in Chicagoland, serving as the Executive Director of the TENx10 Collaboration, which is a collaborative movement that is geared towards reaching 10 million young people over 10 years with the gospel. He has contributed chapters to several books including “Ministers of Reconciliation: Preaching on Race and the Gospel,” “Confronting Racial Injustice: Theory and Praxis for the Church,”  “Preaching Romans from Here,” with other books forthcoming.  He is currently pursuing his PhD on the intersection of Spirituality and Campus/Organizational Racial Climates. He is married to Jessica Chang. You can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and his website.Reflection Question:How does your pride prevent you from loving your friends and family well? How would things be different if you choose to love them by imitating Jesus?Continue Learning:Matthew 23, Luke 8:43-48, John 3:1-21Horizontal Jesus by Dr. Tony EvansJesus & the Disinherited by Howard ThurmanJesus & Women by Kristi McLellandAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Blair Linne to take a closer look at Jesus' prayer in John 17 and see what it teaches us about the relationship that is available to us with God through Jesus.Questions Covered in This Episode:Where in The Gospels do we see Jesus interact or speak with or about God The Father?What do these interactions show us about how Jesus views God the Father and how he believes God the Father views him? What do they show us about what we need to believe about God the Father and how we should interact with Him?In what way do you think our earthly relationships make it harder to embrace the loving relationship we have with God the Father through Jesus?Can you share a bit about your journey and how a right view of God helped you find healing in your relationship with your earthly father?What encouragement would you provide to those struggling to fully embrace God because of a broken relationship with their earthly father?How do Jesus' interactions with his Father point us to the gospel?Guest Bio:Blair Linne is an author, speaker, actress, and Christian spoken word artist. She has appeared in numerous theater productions, commercials, and television shows. Blair has toured globally and is known as one of the originators of the Christian Spoken Word genre. Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ through spoken word is her passion. She lives with her husband Shai and their three children in Philadelphia. Blair serves in discipling women at Risen Christ Fellowship. She is a contributing writer in the devotional His Testimonies, My Heritage, and the author of Finding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of Fatherlessness. You can find her on her website and Instagram. Reflection Question:How would your relationship with God change if you approached Him with the same love and trust that Jesus did?Continue Learning:Finding My Father by Blair LinneKnowing God by J.I. PackerKnowing God Changes Everything - JourneywomenAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Elizabeth Woodson is joined by Robert Daniels to discuss the message of Jesus found in the book of John and how far too often the life we can only find in him we try to find in other created things.Questions Covered in This Episode:In the Book of John, we read about Jesus' message through the lens of his 7 I Am statements. What are they and what do they tell us about Jesus? Through these 7 I Am statements, what was Jesus asking people to give up? What was he inviting them to receive?How do you see people trying to be their own savior or provide themselves with the life that can only come through Jesus?What does it look like for you to find life in Jesus?How does Jesus' message in John point us to the eternal hope of the gospel?Guest Bio:Robert Daniels is the lead pastor of Christ Freedom Church in Lewisville, TX. You can find Robert online at Christ Freedom Church or on Instagram.Reflection Question:What do you need to give up in order to experience the abundant life that is available to us through Jesus. Continue Learning:Gentle & Lowly by Dane OrtlundDangerous Jesus by KBConfronting Jesus by Rebecca McLaughlinThe Life of Jesus - She Reads TruthAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting ChristianityStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Elizabeth Woodson reviews the Old Testament story and jumps into the New Testament, seeing how the story of Jesus' birth brings us hope that God can use and even redeem the messy areas of our lives.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is the story of the Old Testament?What happens between the Old Testament and the New Testament?How does the book of Matthew begin?What are the three main sections of the New Testament?What are the gospels?What is one thing we can focus on and learn from the genealogy on Jesus?What do we learn from the story of the birth of Jesus?How does the complicated nature of Jesus' birth point us to the gospel?Reflection Question:Think of a situation or person you think is too broken for God to redeem. What would it look like to embody hope in this situation? Specifically hope that the same God who used broken people to bring Jesus into the world, can redeem a broken or imperfect situation for his good. Continue Learning:Read Matthew 1 & Luke 1-2Jesus' Troubled Family History by Nancy GuthrieGospel Coalition articles on the Birth of ChristAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting ChristianityStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon. Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | TikTokOur Sister Podcasts:Knowing Faith | The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Tiny TheologiansStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

The Christian faith is rooted in the belief that Jesus died for the sins of the world and was then raised from the dead. But is this what Jesus himself preached during his public ministry? In the Gospels Jesus certainly predicts his coming death, on numerous occasions. But are those saying historical? How would scholars know? What is the evidence both ways? And if Jesus did not anticipate, let alone predict, his death, does that completely undermine the Christian faith?

We continue to delve into the good news of The Synoptic Gospels. This week we look at Jesus’ encounter with a paralyzed man in the book of Mark. What if God granted you your deepest desire? That one thing that… Read More The Synoptic Gospels // Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man in Mark The post The Synoptic Gospels // Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man in Mark appeared first on Refuge.Church.

Four Portraits of Jesus In the New Testament, we have four accounts of the life of Jesus Christ which are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are called Gospels. But what is a Gospel, how are the four accounts different or similar and what were the main points each writer sought to communicate.   What the Gospels are!   Firstly they are called Gospels, because they gave substance to the Gospel or Good News as described by Paul in Romans 1v16 (The Message): “this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!” We know Jesus Christ during his time on earth wrote nothing yet the stories about him were preserved and passed on by Christian teachers and evangelists. For the first thirty years or so, these stories were possibly collated and stored together. That would explain the similarity in the four accounts of Jesus' life. They are not an exhaustive biographical detail of all that Jesus did. Similarly they are also not diaries reflecting a daily account of Jesus' life. Rather they are selective accounts of His life, and were probably factual illustrations used by His disciples when preaching about Him. Therefore they would represent the theology of the disciples, as each story about is Jesus is told. That is why they are trustworthy accounts as well as rooting Jesus' life in first century Judaism and the Greco-Roman world. The first three of our Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke are what are called the synoptic Gospels. This is based on their great similarity and possibly use of a common source. Mark is probably the first Gospel as it is shorter in length than Matthew or Luke and it would appear that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a guide and elaborated where required. Mark wrote none of the great discourses of Matthew, such as the Sermon on the Mount nor does Mark show the great parables that Luke recorded, such as the Good Samaritan. Surely if Mark had used either the accounts of Matthew or Luke, he would have used those two examples! Matthew is closer in similarity to Mark than Luke. Luke does share large portions of Mark and quite often verbatim, and with a greater use of the Greek language. John on the other hand, while still telling about Jesus' ministry, has a vastly different story content. Whereas in the synoptic Gospels Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God frequently, in the Gospel of John, Jesus talks about Himself much more often, as in the seven I AM statements. For this reason, John was probably written later than the synoptic Gospels.   Four Different Portraits Mark Mark presents Jesus as the Suffering Servant of the Lord, coming in fulfilment of the Old Testament. Jesus offers His credentials, gathers His disciples, offers the Kingdom of God and its message. Jesus' teaching is seen in short parables, which hide the truth from those hardened against Him, yet prepares and instructs those responsive to Him. Overall Jesus calls those who follow him to serve others and to deny themselves by taking up their own cross, just as He took. Early tradition states that Mark's Gospel had a connection with the Apostle Peter, and was therefore written to preserve some of Peter's memories before his death. Mark 8:34 - "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Luke Luke 1:3-4 -Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 19:10 -For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke presents Jesus as the God-Man, as a saviour for the entire world, writing primarily to Gentiles. He does this from a broad vantage point that is compatible with the fact that he is a Greek. Luke traces the incarnation, Christ's introduction, ministry, rejection, subsequent teaching in view of His rejection, the cross, resurrection and ascension. Even though a Gentile, Luke emphasizes the kingdom program with Israel's place in the kingdom. This Gospel is not complete in itself, but is rather the first for two parts, with the Book of Acts being the second section. Both are addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1v1-4 & Acts 1v1). The author is probably the Luke as identified by Paul as a doctor, and was one of Paul's travelling companions (Colossians 4v14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4v11). The style and language use is that of a native Greek speaker. Matthew Matthew 16:16 - Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 28:18 -Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. " Matthew wrote primarily to Jews who knew the Old Testament. He wrote to present Jesus as the Messiah to Israel. He also records Israel's attitude towards Him as Messiah. Throughout this Gospel, Matthew gives us the genealogy, presentation, and the authentification of Jesus as the Christ Messiah. Matthew then shows the nation of Israel's opposition to and rejection of Jesus as the Christ followed by Jesus' rejection of Israel due to her unbelief. He then records the death and resurrection of Christ. He concludes with Christ commissioning the disciples. Throughout this Gospel is a well ordered and balanced account of the life of Jesus Christ. John John 1:9 & 12: The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world… Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 20v31 - These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John presents the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ so that mankind would believe in Him as the Son of God, Messiah, and Saviour of the world. His selective argument portrays Christ as the God-Man. John records miracles and messages that affirm the deity and humanity of Christ. John builds his record around the public ministry of Christ, the private ministry, the cross, and the resurrection.   Right mouse click or tap here to save/download the audio MP3 file

Three times in the Gospels Jesus performs the spectacular miracle of raising from the dead. He raises the little daughter of Jairus, the widow's son at Nain, and, as we hear in today's gospel, Jesus's friend Lazarus. The Fathers of the Church saw these resurrections as Jesus's saving response to the spiritual death that is sin. In the little girl, they saw one who had just began to be touched by sin. In the young man, one who had begun to cling to sin more persistently. And in Lazarus, the powerlessness of one completely overwhelmed in their sins. And for each one, Jesus is the remedy. Let us let him be the remedy for our own sin this Lent!

Thank you to our 2023 Daily Dose Devotions sponsor, The Family Leader!Here are a few other ministries we are proud to highlight and partner with:Christian Crusaders, where you can find weekly 30 minute worship services at ChristianCrusaders.org AND where you can hear engaging interviews and other content on The CC Podcast: Conversations.Cedar Falls Bible Conference, whose conference videos are available at CedarFallsBibleConference.com. And please consider joining us for our 102nd annual conference: Saturday, July 29 – Saturday, August 5, 2023.Power to Change Digital Strategies: If you or someone you know could benefit from an anonymous online Christian mentor, please visit IssuesIFace.com.Please subscribe to or follow this podcast, leave a 5 star review, and prayerfully consider financially supporting one of our partnering ministries.Thank you for listening, and may God richly bless you!Contributors to The Daily Dose include:Tim Boettger - Director of Spiritual Care at Western Home Communities and Associate Radio Preacher for Christian Crusaders Radio & Internet MinistryPastor Steve Kramer - Radio Preacher for Christian Crusaders Radio & Internet MinistryAndrew Nordstrom - Technical Director of Christian Crusaders Radio & Internet MinistryMatt Reisetter - Director of Christian Crusaders Radio & Internet Ministry and Director of the Cedar Falls Bible ConferenceSpecial thanks to, Terri, our podcast announcer!

Did Jesus exist? Setting aside whether Jesus is the son of God and savior of the world for a moment, is there real evidence that he existed as a human in history? The short answer is yes, say historians, but there is a small movement out there that claims Jesus was a myth. Dr. Craig Evans refers to these people as mythicists, and talks with Henry Smith about what they claim, and the evidence against it.    CraigAEvans.com Earliest reference describes Christ as 'magician' - Magic Cup Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels Jesus and the Remains of His Day

We've been looking in the Old Testament and have found that right from the beginning, Jesus was there. Jesus was at creation. He is the one who not only created everything but holds all creation together. Last week we looked at the law, the first five books of the bible. In those regulations of life […]

This year we are looking intently at the entire life of Jesus. But before we can dive into the Gospels, into Matthew Mark Luke and John, we need to look back into the Old Testament. Last week we looked at Jesus' role in creation. Today we are going to see how Jesus is in the […]

We are going to spend this year looking at the life of Jesus and there are lots of theories about Jesus. From a mythical, made-up person, a good teacher, an embellished person, a rebel against the jews, all the way to the Son of God. So, who is He? Was Jesus a real person? Were […]

Summary/Synopsis : When a young woman becomes afflicted by stigmata, a priest is sent to investigate her case, which may have severe ramifications for his faith and for the Catholic Church itself. Watch full video explanation on YouTube Follow on me Instagram Copyright Disclaimer : Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hey everyone and welcome to Refinery Life Australia. Our new sermon series is titled “Jesus Came Preaching”. What did He preach about? Over the coming few weeks we are going to look at some of the Scriptures and the great subjects on which He taught. Today we are talking about What Jesus Preached About His Church. More than one hundred times in the Gospels Jesus is reported as using the terms, kingdom, kingdom of God, or kingdom of heaven. On only two occasions is He reported as using the word church, namely, in Matthew 16:18 and 18:17. The added light thrown on the nature and purpose of the church by Acts and the Epistles is doubtless a fulfilment of Jesus' promise. The purpose of this message, however, is confined to “What Jesus Preached about His Church.” Visit us at www.refinerylife.org Twitter @PastorGaryHoban @RefineryLifeGC Facebook @PastorGaryHoban @RefineryLifeChurch Instagram @gary_hoban @refinerylifechurch Patreon YouTube Gary Hoban http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxvrTCsjg98vGjMTObxJhtQ Refinery Life Church Australia http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkvD9z50SuKWxhSw0TPQkgQ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/refineryliferadio/message

In the Gospels Jesus offered his life; in the book of Acts, Jesus offered his power. In the Gospels Jesus modeled the Christian life as lived by the perfect Man; In Acts the church models it as lived out by imperfect men. Acts 1:1–11 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joelramsey/support

by Dennis Sansom

by Dennis Sansom

Sermon series: The King's Passion This is one of the saddest accounts in the Gospels: Jesus is interrogated, condemned and denied by one of his closest friends. Yet, through this denial, he is faithful and accomplishes God's will to save a people for himself. Preacher: Tan Huai Tze Date: 13 March 2022

Don't be deceived by the sci-fi wrappings of The Matrix - it is not only profoundly mythical in structure, but also deeply Christian. Learn how how the first movie presents the theology of salvation, the Holy Trinity, the nature of evil and spiritual blindness!"...Further, the first time in the Gospels Jesus meets John the Baptist (at least as grown ups), it was at his baptism in the Jordan river. Likewise, the first time Neo meets Morpheus, it is also at his equivalent baptism scene … with lots and lots of water present. First it is a thunder storming night with torrential rain. Then, when Neo takes the red pill, he literally gets reborn from the machine womb where you see him being detached from the artificial umbilical womb …he gets washed through a chute akin to the birth canal and is plunged into a pool of water, naked, before being raise back up into the light. And all this time, Trinity, the Spirit archetype is present by his side and over him. If this isn't Catholic baptism symbolism I don't know what is..."

In the Gospels Jesus asked one of the most important questions placed before humanity - "Who do you say that I am?". In this podcast Danny and Kurt look at the Biblical answer to this vital question.

In this episode Mgr Tony Rogers and Fr Stefan Park on this week's questions: Has the obligation to attend Mass been reinstated? And if not, when or will it be reinstated?; I'm confused about Halloween which is coming up this weekend. I know in some parts of the Church it is frowned upon to let one's children dress up and go trick or treating – that in doing so is in some way collaborating with evil. How harmless or dangerous is it? Should we be exercising caution?; In the Gospels Jesus says that the one who sins against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. What is this sin against the Holy Spirit?; How should we mark All Souls Day which is next Tuesday? It seems we don't we visit graveyards in this country as much as in other countries. Is there a reason for this? Where I was living abroad, Mass would be celebrated in the cemetery on All Souls Day; After we die, will we receive a glorified body at the moment we enter heaven, or at the end of the world after the final Judgement?; Can we pray to Old Testament prophets? Are they saints?

What lessons can we learn from how God's people gave thanks throughout history? History that is covered in this podcast: The First Thanksgiving Cain & Abel (Genesis 4:2-5a) Thanksgiving after the Flood Noah & His Family (Genesis 8:15-22 & 9:12-15) Thanksgiving at the Harvest Ruth & Boaz (Ruth 2:2-9) Thanksgiving in the Gospels Jesus & the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) Thanksgiving in the Epistles Paul & Timothy (1 Timothy 6:6-10) The first civil Thanksgiving Proclamation Governor William Bradford (1623) Thanksgiving is Nationally and Annually Celebrated Abraham Lincoln (October 3, 1863) All readings from the Evangelical Heritage Version. Music by the Martin Luther College Choir Immanuel Cares podcast (https://shirleygreenleaf.com/subscribe-to-podcast/)

 What lessons can we learn from how God's people gave thanks throughout history? History that is covered in this podcast: The First Thanksgiving Cain & Abel (Genesis 4:2-5a) Thanksgiving after the Flood Noah & His Family (Genesis 8:15-22 & 9:12-15) Thanksgiving at the Harvest Ruth & Boaz (Ruth 2:2-9) Thanksgiving in the Gospels Jesus & the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19) Thanksgiving in the Epistles Paul & Timothy (1 Timothy 6:6-10) The first civil Thanksgiving Proclamation Governor William Bradford (1623) Thanksgiving is Nationally and Annually Celebrated Abraham Lincoln (October 3, 1863) All readings from the Evangelical Heritage Version. Music by the Martin Luther College Choir Casting Nets Podcast can be found at: castingnets.fireside.fm

Mgr Tony Rogers and Fr Stefan Park on this week's questions: Has the obligation to attend Mass been reinstated? And if not, when or will it be reinstated?; I'm confused about Halloween which is coming up this weekend. I know in some parts of the Church it is frowned upon to let one's children dress up and go trick or treating – that in doing so is in some way collaborating with evil. How harmless or dangerous is it? Should we be exercising caution?; In the Gospels Jesus says that the one who sins against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. What is this sin against the Holy Spirit?; How should we mark All Souls Day which is next Tuesday? It seems we don't we visit graveyards in this country as much as in other countries. Is there a reason for this? Where I was living abroad, Mass would be celebrated in the cemetery on All Souls Day; After we die, will we receive a glorified body at the moment we enter heaven, or at the end of the world after the final Judgement?; Can we pray to Old Testament prophets? Are they saints?

Mark and Heather continue their series called the Torah in the gospels!  This week they discuss Jesus' words on comparing Himself to the Cornerstone of the Temple.  There are so many tie in's to the Hebrew Scriptures on this one!  It's so fun! Join us at www.firstcenturyyouthministry.com

Heather and Mark are taking you on a journey of connecting the testaments via the words of Jesus!  This week they're discussing something called biblical allusion, which shows up so much in Scripture!  Join us at www.firstcenturyyouthministry.com 

Heather and Mark have a discussion Jesus' fulfillment of the suffering servant in Isaiah and discuss some practical ways we can apply the same type of life of sacrifice and service to our youth ministries! Join us at www.firstcenturyyouthministry.com 

This week on #ASK! Pastor Jamie answers...How did the early church know when they were done writing the Bible? Many times in the Gospels Jesus instructs witnesses not to speak of his miracles. Why? What is Cornerstone church's view on who can participate in the Lord's Supper? Check it out!

In the Gospels Jesus says that we are the salt of the Earth. In this week's message we compare the traits of salt and break down how this plays into spreading the good news to others.

Throughout the Gospels Jesus is regularly seen giving thanks. The question is why? Was this just a customary activity of the day or was it rooted in something more? In week 2 of Human Like Jesus we talk about what the gratitude of Jesus shows us about his connection to God the Father and how thankfulness can increase the amount of joy we experience in our daily lives.

Faith Life Weekend 2015 Session 3A Moveable Feast is best known as the memoir by Ernest Hemingway. But the term actually comes from the liturgical calendar. A moveable feast is a feast day without a fixed date, like Easter. In this sermon A Moveable Feast is used to describe the ministry of Jesus. In the Gospels Jesus moves from meal to meal, feast to feast, announcing and enacting the kingdom of God. Jesus ministry truly was and is a moveable feast!