Podcasts about gracious god

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 16 Paul embarks on his second journey, taking Silas along with him. In Lystra, they meet Timothy, who joins them after being circumcised to satisfy others. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they are directed to Macedonia following Paul's vision of a man pleading for help. In Philippi, they encounter Lydia, a seller of purple, who converts to Christianity. Later, Paul and Silas liberate a slave girl from an evil spirit, angering her owners, who have them beaten and imprisoned. Around midnight, while they are singing and praying, an earthquake occurs, and the prison doors swing open. The jailer fears for his life, but Paul shares the message of Jesus with him. The jailer and his household are baptized that very hour. The next day, Paul and Silas are officially released. Paul's missionary journey is led by the Holy Spirit. God actively guides him to those whose hearts are prepared for salvation. God continues to reach people today, and we are His vessels to carry the message of Christ, even though our effort may require personal sacrifice. This chapter highlights at least three conversions, each involving a commitment from the new believers as well. Timothy was circumcised, not for salvation, but to gain influence among the Jews. Lydia and her household were likely the first converts in all of Europe. The jailer risked his life by aligning himself and his household with imprisoned men. The gospel demands submission, sacrifice, and courage from all believers in the name of Jesus Christ.  Gracious God, thank You for the powerful stories of faith found in Acts 16. Like Timothy, we pray for a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of others. Like Lydia, we seek to have a heart that is always open to obey You. Like Paul and Silas, we pray for the courage to praise Your name, even in life's most challenging trials. And like the jailer, we ask You to help us build the urgency to do what is right in the very hour that we learn the truth. Open our hearts to respond to Your glorious will. Thought Questions: -       Why was Timothy circumcised? Are you willing to do something painful or hard simply for the sake of someone else's conscience? -       The Lord opened Lydia's heart. What does this mean? How does the Lord open your heart, and what should be the results of such an event? -       Paul and Barnabas rejoiced in trial, and God used the occasion to convert a family to Christ. Is God working similar plans in your times of trial?

He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. — Ephesians 1:4 The Bible explains that believers have been freely and generously chosen by God. This choosing is not based on our appearance, intelligence, personality, status, or anything else. It's not something we earn or deserve. Instead, it's a purely gracious act. God, in his great love, initiates the process of salvation. By his sovereign will and good pleasure, God has decided to save us, making rescue and redemption possible for all who have been made in his image (Genesis 1:26-27). Even though we were ensnared in sin, Jesus died to deliver us from the curse of sin and death to make us holy in God's sight. Being chosen by God is an overwhelming blessing that fills us with humility and helps us see that there is no room for pride or boasting. It also instills in us a sense of security and confidence, recognizing that our salvation is not based on our religious performance. Instead, as God's chosen possession, we belong to him. Body and soul—in life and in death—we are his, and nothing can snatch us from his hand (John 10:28-30). What an exhilarating honor—to be chosen, wanted, and valued by the most significant being in the universe! Gracious God, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for being the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith. May we live with the assurance that you will complete the good work you have begun in us. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

This sermon was delivered on May 25, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Mr. Joshua Marcus delivered this sermon entitled "Keeping Covenant with a Gracious God" on 2 Chronicles 7:12-14. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠info@antiochpca.com.

Teaching from Exodus 23:20-33, by Dr Zach Kilpatrick.

Jonah's story isn't just about God's mercy toward a wicked city—it's about His mercy toward a stubborn prophet. While Nineveh's deliverance grabs the headlines, the final scene zooms in on Jonah's heart, exposing a deeper struggle that echoes in all of us. This week, we're asking the piercing question Jonah wrestled with, and we must as well: Are you okay with God loving your enemies? To support this ministry, visit www.waynesborofm.com/give  

Praying for Wisdom to Our Gracious God. James 1:5-11. Pastor Wade Thomas

Resh—Here we see where the Psalmist is totally dependent upon Divine Grace as he cries out to God who is faithful to keep His promises to His people.

Don't ever think that God was not gracious to Israel in the Old Testament, He was nothing by gracious and kind, and longsuffering toward them. And it was in the midst of their rebellion against Him that He gave them the promise of the New Covenant, in which He perfect all of the promises of it Himself, for their sakes. He didn't say that He had HAD with them, but instead, I will be gracious to you. "For I will be merciful to your unrighteousness." That's grace!

Gracious God, as we gather in this season of reflection and repentance, you call us from our hiding places and invite us to the table of grace. You see us in our brokenness and meet us with mercy. You offer us the bread of life that nourishes our souls, heals our wounds, and strengthens us for the journey of faith. In this time of worship, open our hearts to your transforming love and lead us to greater humility and justice. May this sacred time draw us nearer to you and to one another. Amen.

Title: The Assignment: Protect and Provide Text: Acts 20:28-35 FCF: Church leaders often struggle understanding their assignment and fulfilling it. Prop: Because Elders must shepherd the flock well, they must protect and provide for themselves and the church. Scripture Intro: Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard bible starting in verse 18 and going to verse 25. You can follow along in the pew bible or the version you prefer. Last week, Paul began his final exhortation to the Elders of Ephesus. He used his example to depict for them the kind of men who they must be to lead the church well in his absence. These qualities could be summarized in the primary trait of blamelessness. Paul makes it abundantly clear that if the Elders are not blameless, the Ephesian church will fail. Today Paul will continue his exhortation to them, this time issuing commands on what they must do. Let's take a look. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most loving and Gracious God. We come to You as the bride You came from heaven to seek. We come to You as the earthen jars You have placed Your treasure in. Though we are without worth, You have given us infinite value in what You spent to save and to predestine us for a most holy purpose. We are now citizens of the Kingdom of Light. I pray that You would shine Your light on us today and reveal to us our new purpose, which you purchased for us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Build our faith, strengthen us in Your Word of Grace today. We pray this in the name of The Word… Amen. Transition: Let us press on this morning to the text. We have much to discuss. I.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must protect ourselves and the flock from false teachers. (28-31) a. 28 - Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, i. Up to this point in his exhortation Paul has pointed to his own example which the Ephesian Elders observed while he was among them. ii. Although Paul does not overtly command them to imitate him, it is implied that he wished for his example to be a pattern they must follow. iii. Specifically, a pattern of character. iv. After this, Paul now turns to exhorting the Ephesian Elders directly. v. Paul's opening word in this section is the command to be on guard. vi. The word means to give attention to, to be alert to, to be concerned about, to devote or apply yourself to something. vii. What does Paul command these Elders to guard? viii. He actually points their guard toward two targets. ix. First, they are to guard themselves. Second, they are to guard all the flock. x. Of course, by “all the flock” Paul means all the church in Ephesus. Let no one slip through the cracks. Be on guard for everyone, yourselves included. b. among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, i. They are part of that flock in Ephesus. ii. They are sheep too. iii. So how did they get in the position they are in? Did Paul put them there? iv. Paul may have appointed them, and the congregation may have received them as Elders… v. But the primary agent in their becoming Elders is by the work of God the Spirit. vi. The Holy Spirit made or appointed them to this duty. vii. The character qualities and spiritual giftedness of each Elder serves as an assurance to the congregation that God's Spirit has appointed these men to their office. Their humility, their care, their teaching, their servant's heart has all authenticated the Spirit's appointment. viii. But what role has the Spirit appointed them to? What duty must they fulfill? ix. Paul uses a word that in other letters he uses interchangeably with Elder. x. He uses the word overseer. xi. The term Elder emphasizes the maturity of the man in the office and the term overseer emphasizes the responsibilities of the office the man holds. xii. To oversee means to watch over, direct, and be held accountable for those in your charge. xiii. So, we know who they are to guard and we know the relationship between themselves and those they guard, but what is the purpose of or the intended result of their guarding work? c. to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. i. Again, Paul uses another word that is used interchangeably with Elder and Overseer. ii. It is the word Shepherd or Pastor. iii. Here it is used as a verbal infinitive adverb modifying the command to be on guard. It answers the question why the Elders must guard themselves and the church. iv. The goal of an Elder's oversight is to care for those in their charge. v. Not just spiritually but for their entire being, body and soul, including protection, provision, guidance and accountability. vi. As a shepherd would care for his sheep, so Elders/Overseers/Pastors are to shepherd the lambs which they lead. vii. Why? Why must they be cared for? viii. The first reason they must be cared for, is because they are precious to the Lord. ix. Notice the reason why. Christ purchased the church with His blood. x. Some false teachers today claim that we can determine our inherent worth by how much God was willing to spend to purchase us. Using this text as proof of that claim. xi. However, the bible also describes us as children of wrath, broken vessels, and leaky cisterns. In a sense, the bible communicates to us that we only have value when we can be used for what we were created to be used for. xii. God made us to be His image bearers. To reflect, represent, and worship Him forever. Sin has utterly destroyed all men's ability to do any of that. Meaning we are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. xiii. Christ purchasing us with His blood should not communicate to us that we are inherently valuable. For to conclude this would be to contradict other parts of scripture. xiv. Instead, Christ purchasing us with His blood gives to us our infinite value because of what He spent on us to remake us into a new creation. xv. And to those who oversee and shepherd the redeemed of God – they had better take exceptional care of what Christ has purchased with His precious blood. xvi. Another reason that these Elders should guard this flock with the intent to shepherd them, is because there is a looming threat on the horizon. d. 29 - I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 - and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. i. What a terrible revelation given to these Elders – but one they should not have been shocked to hear. ii. They must be diligent and on guard to shepherd Christ's church because as soon as Paul departs, false teachers will come and try to destroy what God has done. iii. How did Paul know this? Is he making a prophesy? iv. Friends, Paul has been dealing with this since day one. v. In the late 40s after completing his first missionary journey to southern Galatia, only a few months after he returned to Antioch of Syria, Paul had to send a letter to the churches there strongly correcting them for abandoning the gospel. vi. False teachers had come in among them and led them astray. The turn around on this was so quick that Paul wondered if they had been bewitched. “Has someone cast a spell on you?” he asked. vii. The same kinds of things have happened to him in several cities since. At some point a pattern emerges and prophesy becomes merely predictability. viii. And unfortunately the scriptures reveal to us that Paul was exactly correct. 1. In the 60s AD, from I and II Timothy, we find that Paul sends Timothy to Ephesus to right the ship and reestablish order there. Meaning that only a few years after Paul spoke these words to them, the church was under attack by false teaching. 2. And by the time John writes to the church in Ephesus in the 90s, only a little over 20 years after Paul was executed, they had left their first love. ix. Paul's warning is that these people will come in like ravenous wolves. They will rip and tear apart the unity and maturity of the church and will shipwreck the faith of the people. x. But perhaps one of the most blood curdling things Paul says here, is not only that false teachers will come from without, but even some of the ones standing before him, will rise up and speak wicked and crooked things and draw away people from the truth. xi. In I and II Timothy Paul calls out three men who had led to the shipwreck of the faith of many and were gangrenous to the church. He calls them out as Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus. xii. What a sobering thought it is that very likely these three men are standing there listening to Paul say these very words. xiii. What are we to do if the threats are from without AND from within? e. 31 - Therefore, be watchful, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. i. Paul issues another command. ii. He says that because of this, because the church has been given infinite worth being purchased by Christ, because there are threats from without and within to destroy it – iii. They must remain alert. They must not only dutifully guard themselves and the church in order to shepherd these people but they must be vigilant in this task. They must be diligent. iv. Then Paul calls to their attention, again, his example. He labored night and day to continually admonish each of them with tears. v. Of course, Paul doesn't mean that he never slept. But Paul's point is that he worked hard. He labored long. He wasn't passive or lazy. He labored… to do what? Admonish everyone with tears. vi. He labored to counsel, exhort, rebuke, and instruct with great passion, pleading with all the church to follow Christ. f. Summary of the Point: Paul gives two commands in this passage, but those two commands are really describing what an Elder is to do. They must be on guard and be watchful. They must be dutiful and diligent. But neither of these commands mean much divorced from the primary aim of their duty and diligence. What is the goal of their guard and their watchfulness toward the church? It is to shepherd the flock of God. This is THE assignment of every Elder. But this assignment takes on two distinct flavors in Paul's exhortation. The first, which becomes our first application point, is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock by protecting ourselves (The Elders) and the flock (The rest of the church) from false teaching and false teachers. Paul makes it abundantly clear and with the luxury of hindsight we see the nauseating truth of it, that false teachers are everywhere. From without… and sadly… also from within. It is the assignment of every Elder – if they are to shepherd the flock of God well – to protect themselves and the flock of God from false teaching. Transition: But as I said, there are two particular flavors of this concept of diligently shepherding God's flock. Not only must the Elders protect themselves and the church from false teaching, they must also be providers. II.) An Elder's role is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock, so we must provide for ourselves and those who are weak. (32-35) a. 32 - And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, i. Paul now prepares them for the second aim of their assignment to shepherd the flock. ii. Again, he teaches them from two examples. The first is God Himself. iii. He begins by entrusting them or puts them into the care and protection of God. iv. God is ultimately going to keep His people safe. Paul knows this. This doesn't cancel his command to them to protect the flock. Instead, they should perceive God's sovereign hand using them to accomplish this purpose. v. What has God done to protect His people, including His undershepherds, from believing error? vi. He has given us The Word. And even though you do not see it, in my notes this is capitalized. vii. The word of God's grace is another way to say the gospel. But oftentimes New Testament writers when they say the gospel they mean far more than simply the fact that Christ was crucified for sinners. viii. In fact, all of Christ's words to us, all of the revelation of God through Christ to His people would constitute the good news. The Word of Grace. ix. The Word of God's grace is how God continues to give His riches to us because it is given through Christ's work both passively and actively. And Christ is The Word. x. Christ did not only come and die to purchase our pardon but also lived, obeyed God, and taught His disciples and His church. xi. The Word continues to be God's riches dispensed to His church via The Spirit inspired teachings of the apostles recorded in our New Testament. xii. God has given a marvelous gift to us in His Word in that we find all we need for life and godliness. We find all we need to be prepared to do everything that God has commanded us to do. xiii. Paul entrusts the futures of these Elders to God because he knows that God gives grace freely to His people when they need help, and He does this through His Word. xiv. Help to do what though? b. which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who have been sanctified. i. We know that for those who have received Christ by true faith, we cannot lose our salvation. Therefore, we will not fail to endure. ii. But we are also told in the scriptures that it is only those who grow and endure in their faith who will inherit the kingdom of God. iii. How do we harmonize these thoughts? iv. Quite simply, those who have true faith will grow and endure. v. Those who have true faith will take the warnings about enduring faith seriously and pursue any means to mature and perfect their faith so it endures. vi. And Paul here says that The Word of God's grace is the means by which we are built up and given an inheritance among those who have been sanctified. vii. We are continually sustained by feasting on The Word of God's grace. To not read, study, mediated, memorize, learn, and live out the commands of Jesus Christ, is to starve yourself and risk proving that your faith… is actually dead faith. viii. Again, The Word of God's grace is a gift freely given. And God has given us this Word of His grace to help us grow and endure and assure us of a clear conscience before Him. ix. This is God's example. God freely gives to help those who are weak. Like us. x. Let's move on to Paul's example. c. 33 - I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. 34 - You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to those who were with me. i. Paul's example is also of one who is not greedy for gain but is instead a servant to all providing for himself and those who ministered with him. ii. Now this is not to say that pastors and missionaries should not accept support from other believers. We know that Paul himself did accept monetary support from the church in Philippi while he was in Thessalonica. He mentions this in the book of Philippians. iii. So, Paul isn't giving these Elders the absolute statement of never being supported by the church. iv. Instead, he is targeting one key area which often destroys leaders. v. Covetousness. Greed. And seeing the flock of God as servants to them. vi. Paul's example is that he did not see each church member as a bank account or a means to make him rich. vii. Instead, he worked with his own hands to support himself and his companions in their missionary endeavors. viii. He continues… d. 35 - In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak i. He did this so that he could be an example to them of what it means to labor hard and long and help those who are weak. ii. Paul isn't saying they can never be supported by the church… but he is saying that if they are to shepherd well, they must not only provide for themselves but also for those who are unable to provide for themselves. iii. The poor and the weak and the destitute among them. iv. This ought to be the goal of Elders. To not only provide for themselves but to be in a position financially to provide for others. v. Why? e. and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” i. Although we do not have this specific teaching of Jesus recorded for us in the scriptures, there is no doubt that Jesus said this at some point to Paul directly or to his disciples. ii. It is certainly something we can piece together from the rest of the teachings of Jesus. iii. It is certainly more blessed to give than to receive. iv. God should know – He is constantly depicted as a giver in the scriptures. v. In fact, the doctrine of God's independence or Aseity teaches us that God has no need of anything from His creation. There is nothing that we can give to Him that He needed. vi. Therefore, God is the ultimate giver because there is literally nothing we could ever do to “pay Him back” for all that He gives to us. vii. Paul should know that it is more blessed to give than to receive for he has given of himself for the sake of these Ephesians and did so for 3 years admonishing them night and day. He earned his own living and paid for his mission with very little help from others. He did not charge a fee to hear him but only took enough to provide for himself and to help those in need. viii. Paul's point is this. These Elders had freely received from him the gospel of God… so they must freely give of themselves and exercise servant leadership, providing even the financial needs of those who are desperate, and refuse the temptation to Lord over the congregation expecting to be served. f. Summary of the Point: Again, Paul's primary point is that the Assignment of an Elder is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. The first aspect of shepherding well involves protecting the flock from false teaching. But because God has given all we have and we are simply blessed receivers of His grace, and because Paul's pattern was to provide for himself and those who were destitute, we conclude that another necessary component to shepherding the flock of God well is to be a giver and not a taker. Elders must diligently and dutifully provide for themselves and those who are destitute. In this sense they, who have richly received from God, must richly give to those who are weak. Elders must be servant leaders, positioning themselves in a way that they are neither needing financial aid, nor are they withholding help from those who are in need. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: As Paul addresses the Ephesian Elders, he has already shown them through his example the character qualities required to be an Elder. Today, he gives them their assignment as he goes off to Jerusalem never to see them again. Their assignment is to dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God. This command divides into two basic roles they must fill in order to shepherd well. The first arises from the impending threat of false teachers peddling other gospels which will shipwreck the faith of the flock and act like gangrene to the body of Christ. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must protect ourselves and the flock from doctrinal error and those who teach them. The second role in shepherding well arises due to the threat of covetousness and greed which is so common among leaders. Failing such a role leads to the pervasive want of those who are destitute in the church. So, to shepherd dutifully and diligently means that we must provide for ourselves to the point that we have enough to give to those who are weak among us. But let us look deeply into these applications. There is quite a lot here and although the actions commanded are aimed at Elders, the key concepts necessitating those actions are profitable for all God's people to affirm. 1.) 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 false teachers will continue to arise from without and within our church. a. Oh it could never happen here. We are just a small country church in a township without a major city in not quite the thumb area of a state that isn't even the most well-known peninsula in the USA. b. It could never happen to us. Right? Wrong. c. There are many churches in our area that get the gospel right. There are even a few who share our perspectives on the specifics of the gospel and several other secondary matters. d. But make no mistake, there are many churches in our area peddling a false gospel leading people to trust in themselves, their inherent goodness, and their own faith so that they can be healthy, wealthy, and earn their spot in heaven. e. Indeed, in our nation heresies abound. And not new heresies. There is nothing new under the sun. Arianism, Modalism, Partialism, Pelagianism, Sabellianism, Universalism, Gnosticism, Montanism, Marcionism, and many more all still exist in some form or another. f. And they don't just exist in the cultic offshoots of Christendom. My friends some of these heresies exist in churches that are minutes from us. They are preached from their pulpits. They are swooned over in small groups. g. And some teachings which have been part of the church orthodoxy for thousands of years are being chucked out the window by people who think they know the bible well enough to unceremoniously cancel what Theologians from hundreds of years ago bled and died to prove to be true. h. My friends, we must hold fast to the teachings which we have received from faithful witnesses which have been passed down through the ages for thousands of years. i. This is why it is absolutely imperative that we study the scriptures and have the scriptures be our final authority but that we also do not study the scriptures and have our interpretation of them be our only authority. j. The church is not comprised of several individuals! We are one body untied by one faith and one Lord in one baptism from the garden to now. Thus, the essential doctrines of our faith must be known by us and known well, including not only where we find it in the scriptures but also why the church arrived at these beliefs through the study of those scriptures. k. No one here is exempt. Everyone here is a theologian already. But no one is an island either. l. Once again, I advise that you read the books Know the Creeds and Councils and Know the Heretics. m. The ancient Creeds and Councils define for us what orthodox Christianity looks like and how the church has always interpreted key doctrines from the scriptures. Knowing the Heretics helps us to understand how the church engaged with those who did not agree on these ancient teachings of essential doctrines. n. Knowing both the creeds and councils and the heretics will provide for you some guardrails for what has always been taught in the church of Christ. And with these books and diligent study of the scriptures you will not fail to remain steadfast in the essential and ancient doctrines of the church. o. Incidentally I just ordered 10 more of each of these books and they should be here this week. I highly… HIGHLY recommend you read them – if you haven't already. And maybe read them again if its been a while. p. Why is this so important? Without drawing paranoia or undue suspicion on one another – we must keep in mind that the threat of false teachers is always present. Not just from without but also from within these very walls. q. The biggest antidote to this as a member of this congregation or even as an Elder is to remain humble and when you find yourself disagreeing with something, search the scriptures and assume you are the one out of bounds. And only when you cannot harmonize your view with what is being taught, should you approach the Elders and seek clarification or… even… correction. r. Unsurprisingly the greatest inoculation against false teaching is humility. 2.) 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 the church is valuable to God because He purchased it with the blood of Christ. a. You have often heard me teach against the self-esteem movement. b. You have often heard me criticize the modern overemphasis on the love of God to the point that some preachers make it seem that God would be really lucky to have us join Him. c. You have often heard me teach on the wretchedness and wickedness of natural man and how we are all enemies of God and hate His law and do not seek after Him naturally. d. All of this is true. All of this I will continue to preach until I die. e. But I want to make it very clear – dear children of God – that God has given every single one of us eternal and infinite value by redeeming us with the precious and priceless blood of His Son. f. For His bride Christ came and sought her. He found her prostituting herself to various gods and passions. She was a slave of Satan and her own lusts. g. But He found her and bought her with His death. He has granted her new life in His resurrection. He has made her new. h. The value God has given to His church is bound to His holy and eternal purpose for her. She will be glorified with the Son and she will reign with Him forevermore. i. My friends… God has lavished His love on us in that while we were yet sinners… Christ died for us. j. We are worth so much to God, because He gave us worth in His Son. We are no longer slaves… but sons and daughters. And if we are sons and daughters, we are heirs to the throne of God. We are a holy and royal priesthood. We are Princes and Princesses, unblemished Priests and Priestesses, and preaching Prophets and Prophetesses… why? Because we are His bride. k. He loves us so much. Not because we are loveable… but because He has poured into us His love. We love God because He loved us first. l. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God! His church is the apple of His eye… the reason He became a man, lived a sinless life, and suffered and died… we are His Holy Church. m. My friends, He is ours… but we are also His. We are His portion. We are His prize. We are His children. We are His bride. n. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! From heaven He sought us. Through death He bought us. Forever He loves us. o. Oh the depth and the riches and the glory of the Love of God which He has lavished on His church! 3.) 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 the Word of God's Grace is able to grow our faith in maturity and endurance. a. God loves His church so much that He has supplied His Son not only to redeem us but to grow us and sustain us and to remake us into what He desires us to be. In this we walk worthy of the expensive name we have been given. b. The Word of His Grace continues to shape us, grow us, mold us, and strengthen us to endure to the end. c. The Word of God is powerful to destroy and rebuild to mold and purify. d. We are of great value to our King, which is exactly why He has not left us to fend for ourselves. He has given us the Word of His grace. e. Why oh why do you deprive yourself of the gift of God's Word? Do you enjoy starving yourself or feasting on that which will never satisfy? Do you enjoy feeding yourself at the pig trough when you could be dining on the fatted calf your heavenly Father has slain for you? f. Why do you like baby birds desire the prechewed and predigested food of books about the Word of God's grace when you could study the Word itself? g. My friends – it is time for you to take up the means that God has provided to grow you and make you strong and consume it daily! h. What have you to do with your time that is better than eating and drinking? Who among us today can go a week without water? How many among us have gone a week without food? i. Why then do you consume spiritual food only on Sunday, and only food that has been prepared for you. Food that is so large a meal that your stomach, being accustomed to short 2 minute devotions, cannot seem to linger over for more than 10 minutes before you have eaten your fill and thus drifted off to sleep. j. Do you not know the price God paid to give you the Word of His grace? k. Elders and church members alike… feast often and feast long on the meals arranged for you in the Word of God's grace. See how big and strong your faith becomes. See how humility becomes your default setting when day after day the Word strikes you down to the nothing that you are only to pick you up in the potential of His Spirit's plan for your life. 4.) 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?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God by protecting ourselves and the assembly from doctrinal error. a. Elders we must lead the way in this. b. All that I have said so far is for everyone here… but we must lead the way. c. We cannot be prone to hobby horse doctrines, theological musings, endless discussions over genealogies and mythologies, or answering the questions of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. d. My friends, we must devote ourselves to the rigorous study of the Word of God and the Creeds, confessions, and historical dogmas of the church to ensure that we do not stray to the left or the right. e. Why? f. Because where we go others are sure to follow. g. We must hold one another accountable. We must stay on guard for all teachings which could lead others astray from the truth and even for teachers rising up… even from among us… who must be corrected and if they will not be corrected, they must be silenced. h. We have been given the duty to shepherd this flock. To do so well, we must protect them from ravenous wolves. And some of them we may even know personally. i. We must be courageous and bold in this. 5.) 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 God freely gives to His children all we need to be godly. a. God is the greatest example of a giver. b. God has given freely, without cost, without need of repayment, all we as His children need to be godly. c. God owns all of us, everything we have, everything we are… all of creation is His… yet He gives us life, hope, peace, repentance, godliness, faith, grace, and mercy. d. He gives out of His abundance. e. No one can outgive God. f. He has lavished His love on us, His people. g. Indeed, God even gives glory to us through Christ. h. Although the scriptures say that God will share His glory with no one… the scriptures also teach that God will glorify us in Christ. i. In fact, God is glorified by glorifying us in Christ. How? j. Because for all eternity we will live to declare the matchlessness of His grace to us in that He has lavished upon us all His riches at Christ's expense. k. God is the greatest example of a giver that there ever could be. 6.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” Elders must deny that the church exists to serve us. a. As no surprise then, men, if we are the undershepherds of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… then we must be givers too. b. From heaven… He sought His church and bought them with His own blood. c. How could we EVER conclude that the church exists to serve us? d. They are not here for us… we are here for them. They are His precious bride, His children, His heirs. e. And so are we. f. Those who wish to be first, must be last. g. As Elders, we have desired this noble office… we have desired to be first among these people… h. But that means we must be last. i. We must be servants of all these dear ones whom Christ has purchased with His blood. j. Like God… like Paul… we must give of ourselves to them… until we are empty and extinguished. 7.) 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 it is more blessed to give than to receive. a. But not just the Elders need to understand this principle. b. All of us must heed the words of our Lord. It is more blessed to give than to receive. c. Giving of our time, talents, abilities, strength, financial resources – is the heartbeat of the Triune God as He gave freely to save His church. d. We are blessed when we are holy as our heavenly Father is holy. e. When we are stingy, self-focused – we are only cursing ourselves. f. Our culture says take care of #1. And many today are keyboard activists standing up for the rights of those who are oppressed or hurting… but when it comes to actually DOING something to help… they have only excuses for not doing so. g. Let that not be said of us. Let us be generous first to the household of faith. Let us be generous to all whom the Lord purchased with His blood. Let us not allow even one among us who are truly His child to be poor and destitute. h. Let us intervene and meet the needs of those who cannot meet their own needs. And let us encourage and train them to go from needing help, to helping others. Why? i. Because it is more blessed to give than to receive. j. It is not God's will for you to remain a taker… because it is more blessed to give than to receive. If you must receive, do so without shame. But see to it that you seek to become a giver as soon as you are able. 8.) 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?” Elders must dutifully and diligently shepherd the flock of God, by providing for ourselves and the destitute in the assembly. a. Men this leads once again to us leading by example. b. We must labor hard and not be lazy. c. We must devote ourselves to providing for all our own needs so that we may take our excess and give out of our abundance, like our heavenly Father does to us. d. It is very uncomfortable for me to say this you all as the vocational Elder here. I have to just voice that. I labor each week to bring the text of scripture to bear upon all of us – myself included. For this the church graciously supplies my needs, giving my family enough to be generous to others as well. e. But for you all my brothers, you earn your living via another job and then give of yourselves here by pure sacrifice. f. Nevertheless, the scriptures must be presented as they are. All of us must be providers to those who are destitute in our fellowship. g. As it stands at this moment, the Elders are not aware of any that are… but it is our job to ensure it stays that way men. Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan John Flavel Lord, cleanse our churches, and repair their walls, so they may become gardens of delight for Christ to walk in and take pleasure in. May her ministers be faithful and wise: faithful so they do not deceive others; wise so they do not deceive themselves. May their wisdom prevent deceivers imposing on them, and their faithfulness prevent them imposing on others. May their wisdom enable them to discern wholesome food for the flock and their faithfulness oblige them to distribute it. May our leaders be pure with spiritual aims and intentions; serving not their own honour and interest, but yours. May our leaders show sincerity, not appearing outwardly spiritual while being inwardly carnal. May our leaders be diligent, like men in harvest, like women in labour, like soldiers in battle, watching while others sleep. May our leaders lack favouritism, as those who will appear before an impartial God. May they take the same care, manifest the same love, show the same diligence to the poorest and weakest souls in their care as they do the rich, the great and the honourable. For all souls are rated the same in your book of life, and our Redeemer paid as much for one as the other. May their faithfulness fix their eyes on the right end, and may their wisdom direct them to the best means of attaining it. May they lay a good foundation of knowledge in our souls, choosing subjects that will meet our needs, shaping the language in which they address us, using their own affections to move us, being careful of their behaviour. Send them often to their knees to seek your blessing upon their labours, knowing that all their success entirely depends upon you. It is in Jesus' name we pray this… Amen. Benediction: May our God who called Abraham when he was but one, And blessed him and made him many, Show you the incomparable riches of his grace, That you might know you are His workmanship, To do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. Until we meet again, go in peace.

"For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!' Jeremiah 30:17  Gracious God, I come before you in humble reverence, acknowledging your omnipotence. Your Word reminds us in Isaiah 40:29, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” I seek that strength now, Lord, as I need your miraculous touch. I trust in your promise, knowing that you are my Creator, and that through your divine power, I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Lord, I ask you to envelop me with your healing presence. As you breathed life into Adam, breathe your restorative spirit into me today. Cast out any afflictions and ailments that dwell within me, for I believe that “by his wounds we are healed.” Fill every corner of my being with your light, illuminating any darkness that may hinder my health. Isaiah 53:5 says, "Christ was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed."  Heavenly Father, mend what is broken within me. Root out any unproductive cells and cleanse my body from all impurities. Open any blocked arteries or veins, allowing the flow of your life-giving blood to restore vitality. As I lay my burdens at your feet, let the warmth of your healing love wash over me, soothing inflammation and eradicating infection. I pray for restoration not just in body but in mind as well. Grant me peace where there is anxiety and clarity where there is confusion. As Philippians 4:7 promises, let your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May I be renewed and revitalized so that I can fulfill the purpose you have laid out for my life. Finally, Lord, I desire to serve you wholeheartedly. Restore me to full health so that I may proclaim your goodness and mercy to others. Let my life be a testament to your healing power, reflecting the glory of your name. Thank you for hearing my prayer, for I know that with you, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Amen.  Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Amen.

Throughout the ages, our God has repeatedly proven himself to be merciful and gracious, forgiving sin, and blessing abundantly. But what happens when we meet an Israelite prophet who doesn't like that about God and decides to rebel instead of obey when the Lord calls Him? Come find out this and way more as we start our new series through God's word in the book Jonah — The Prodigal Prophet of a Gracious God. To support this ministry, visit www.waynesborofm.com/give  

Join us every Sunday at 10am at River of Life church in Guilderland, NY Find us online at facebook.com/riveralbany or riveralbany.com. Podcasts of the Sunday message can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, YT music, or Soundcloud.

We closed out our series through Jonah by looking at the similarities between Jonah's story and the Story of the Two Brothers found in Luke 15. For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection1. When you think of the word "goodness," what comes to mind? How would you define God's goodness versus how the world defines goodness?2. Read Matthew 5: 1-12 (The Beatitudes). Which of these blessings stands out to you the most? How do these characteristics reflect the goodness we are called to live out?3. Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5: 13). What do you think He meant by this? How does salt relate to the way we live out our faith?4. Jesus also calls us “the light of the world” (Matthew 5: 14-16). What are some ways we can be a light in our daily lives?5. In verse 16, Jesus says that our good works should glorify God. How do we make sure our actions point to God and not just to ourselves?6. In what ways can we preserve (like salt) and illuminate (like light) God's truth and love in our communities?7. Jesus calls us to let our goodness shine in a way that draws others to God. What's one practical step you can take this week to reflect Christ's goodness to those around you?8. What do you need from God to live as salt and light this week?9. Who in your life needs to experience God's goodness, and how can you be part of that?Prayer for the Week:Gracious God, You have called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Help us to live out Your goodness in all that we do. May our words be seasoned with grace, our actions reflect Your love and our lives shine brightly for Your glory. When the world feels dark, let us be a light. When others are in need, help us to be generous. When we face challenges, remind us that Your goodness sustains us. May we bring flavor to a world that longs for hope and shines with the love of Christ wherever we go. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Sermon - March 16, 2025

God is gracious and merciful to those who come to Him by faith

This week in part 6 of our study though the book of Jonah. We spent time learning how God was being gracious with Jonah. Jonah is mad at God that Nineveh was not judged, while not understanding that he was just as deserving of God's judgement.For more info visit ChristCommunity.Life

We are continuing in the series of learning what God is like. Today we look at how He is gracious.Other episodes referenced in this one:Episode 24: The GospelScriptures referenced:The whole book of JonahEphesians 2:3-4Exodus 33:18Exodus 34:6-7John 14:9Psalm 86:15Psalm 103:8Psalm 111:4Psalm 145:8-211 Peter 5:7Psalm 55:22John 3:16John 14:6Nehemiah 9:16-21, 30-312 Chronicles 30:9Exodus 22:25-27Hebrews 4:16Matthew 23:12Luke 14:11James 4:6Proverbs 3:5-6Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 282 Chronicles 33:1-13Joel 2:12-14Galatians 5:22-23Feel free to email the podcast at ijustwanttotalkabout@gmail.com, and we will respond as soon as we are able!I WANT TO BE DISCIPLEDI am on staff with another ministry called Mentoring Men for the Master (M3). M3 is a discipleship ministry; so, if you are interested in being discipled and having someone come alongside you to invest in you and your walk with Jesus, or if you would like to do this in someone else's life, feel free to email us at info@mentoringmen.net. You can also check out M3's website by clicking "I want to be discipled". Also note that despite the ministry's name, M3 disciples both men and women; so, the offer is open to all!I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTERIf you would like to sign up to receive newsletter updates, simply click "I want to sign up for the newsletter" and fill out the form. Also, feel free to check out our most recent newsletter.I WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf you feel so led, you can support the podcast by clicking "I want to support the podcast". I Just Want to Talk about the Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means that any donations made are tax-deductible. Thank you so much for giving as the Lord leads!...

In part 5 of our study through Jonah, we spent time looking at how God used Jonah's minimal effort to show mercy to Nineveh. We also looked at Evil and how it effects God's Shalom.For more information visit ChristCommunity.life

Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025Welcome to Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA. Perham, Minnesota.Gracious God, out of your love and mercy you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and our neighbors. Call forth our prayers and acts of kindness, and strengthen us to face our mortality with confidence in the mercy of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AmTUESDAY WORSHIP*9:00AM Arvig TV Channel 14Egiving https://secure.myvanco.com/YMVS/homeWebsite: https://calvaryperham.com/Facebook: / calvaryperham YouTube: / @calvaryperham Podcast on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7hbXujmmTtLlWAxzIzpUZo?si=55a2f1977c1c4d22Podcast public sitehttps://rss.com/podcasts/april16th2023/Lakes 99.5 Radio Sundays at Ten Thirty AM

As we continued our series through Jonah, we spent time examining the grace of God shown to man as far down as he could be. God met him where he was at, as he does with us.For more information visit ChristCommunity.life

Jonah 1:17-2:10 (NASB) 17 And the Lord designated a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish for three days and three nights. Jonah's Prayer1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish, 2 and he said, “I called out of my distress to the Lord,And He answered me.I called for help from the depth of Sheol;You heard my voice.3 For You threw me into the deep,Into the heart of the seas,And the current flowed around me.All Your breakers and waves passed over me.4 So I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight.Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.'5 Water encompassed me to the point of death.The deep flowed around me,Seaweed was wrapped around my head.6 I descended to the base of the mountains.The earth with its bars was around me forever,But You have brought up my life from the pit, Lord my God.7 While I was fainting away,I remembered the Lord,And my prayer came to You,Into Your holy temple.8 Those who are followers of worthless idolsAbandon their faithfulness,9 But I will sacrifice to YouWith a voice of thanksgiving.That which I have vowed I will pay.Salvation is from the Lord.” 10 Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land. 1) God's Rescue (1:17)2) Jonah's Prayer to God (2:1-9)3) God's Answer (2:10)  

In part 3 of our study through the book of Jonah, we spent time better understanding how we view ourselves can be shaped by the Gospel. We also found comfort knowing that God is at work within storms and our rebellion.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

Jonah 4:1-11 What happens at the end of a championship game? A Gracious God and Merciful What did Jonah know about God? It Is Better to Die Why was Jonah angry about this? Do You Do Well? How did God want Jonah to respond to it?

As we continue thought the book of Jonah, we spent time today looking at Jonah's storm and how the sailors responded. We also looked at the storms in our lives, and why we experience them.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

Read Mark 2: 1-12.1. Share a time when someone's love and support helped you in a difficult season.How did their actions impact you?2. If you were the paralytic in the story, what emotions do you think you wouldhave felt as your friends carried you to Jesus?3. The paralytic was unable to get to Jesus on his own. How does this reflect ourspiritual condition before Christ?4. Who do you know that may need to be “carried” to Jesus through prayer,encouragement, or an invitation to faith?5. The paralytic's friends faced obstacles (the crowd, the roof) but didn't give up.What are some common obstacles that keep people from coming to Jesustoday?6. Jesus saw their faith. What does that teach us about the role of community inspiritual transformation?7. What are some ways we can actively bring others to Jesus, even when it'sinconvenient or difficult?8. How does this story challenge our priorities when praying for ourselves orothers?9. What does this passage teach us about the depth of Jesus' grace?10. When the man was healed, the crowd glorified God. How does God use changedlives to bring others to Him?11. In what ways has God's grace changed your life, and how can you share thattestimony with others?12. How can our church be a place where people experience both the power offriendship and the grace of Jesus?13. Who in your life might need to experience the love of Jesus through yourfriendship?14. What is one practical step you can take this week to be a faithful friend whobrings others closer to Christ?15. If you had been in that house, watching this miracle unfold, how do you think itwould have changed your faith?Prayer for the Week:Gracious God, Thank You for the friends who lift us up when we are weak and for thegrace that meets us where we are. Help us to be the kind of people who carry othersto You, tearing down any barriers that stand in the way of Your love. When we feelhelpless, remind us that Your grace is enough. When we see others in need, give usthe courage to act in faith.May our lives be a testimony of the love that carries and the grace that changes.Lead us this week to walk in compassion, boldness, and gratitude for all You havedone.In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rev. Brian Habig

We started our new series Gracious God, which is a study through the book of Jonah. We see that God shows grace to the undeserving, our enemy, and us as well.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

https://media.urclearning.org/audio/janbazian/msj-2025-01-26_acts-13-13-43.mp3

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comMatthew 12The opposition of the Pharisees has been ramping up through Jesus' ministry and takes center stage in this chapter. Christ's disciples eat grain heads on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees take the opportunity to accuse them of sin. Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees conspire to destroy Him! Jesus heals a man of demonic possession, and the Pharisees accuse Him of having a demon. All along Jesus puts them in their place. His disciples violated no law by eating on the Sabbath, for Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath! It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, including miraculously healing a lame man. Jesus works with the Spirit, not with the devil, and all who suggest such will be eternally judged for the sin of blasphemy.   Jesus goes on to say that speaking against the Spirit is worthy of eternal punishment. These evil accusations of the Pharisees indicate rotten, jealous, selfish hearts. He also exclaims that many nations of old repented on less evidence than Jesus was providing, indicating the Pharisees are far from God. We need to be humble enough to look at the Pharisees and ask, “How have I been like them?” Jesus is worthy to be worshiped, honored, and followed. We must love Him from the heart. We must love and serve His disciples as our family in the body of Christ. He defends and loves His saints. We should not be attacking or accusing others. We must be faithful supporters of one another in Christ.  Patient and Gracious God, please bear with us as we grow in our faith. Help us purge the spirit of the Pharisees in our hearts and lives. Give us wisdom to listen, to learn, and to love. And extinguish in us any desire to immediately question, judge, or attack our Lord or anyone in His family of believers. Humble us to hear His call to repentance and to respond. May the unclean spirits that flee from us by your grace not return to find a place of abode in our hearts and relationships ever again. Thought Questions:  -       What does it mean for Jesus to tell the Pharisees, “I desire compassion and not sacrifice”? How important is compassion in evaluating others? -       If Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, eternal God, and Healer of others, what place should He hold in your life today and what does that look like? -       How important should the Christian family be to us? If we are all Jesus' “brother and sister and mother,” how do you demonstrate that in service?

Many of us here know the anxiety that goes into planning a wedding. Whether large or small there are many variables. Between people, flowers, site for wedding and reception, food & drink, etc. In the end we find out that something will not be just the way we wanted it. My parents, whose wedding was on May 9, 1959, had the experience of running out of food and drink. My dad grew up out in the country, thus many of his family and friends were farmers and it took them longer to be able to get to the reception which was about 40 minutes or so away. My parents both had large families, thus what they had budgeted didn't seem to be covering. Someone who's family my mother lived with her senior year in high school, after her parents had divorced, provided funds to keep things going. My parents were in a bind and Elmer came through to keep things going as if nothing had had been wrong. Weddings are always hopefully joyous occasions, but with so many variables, something is bound to go wrong. Thus Elmer, behind the scenes came through and my parent's party went on. Does this story sound a little familiar to the story that we heard in our Gospel lesson for today? Jesus came through to provide what was needed for the celebration to go on just as Elmer did. Of course he is not Jesus, but Elmer gave of himself and did not make some big announcement as to what he had done. Neither did Jesus as there were very few people who knew the wine was replenished. When things don't go right at events, the planners often feel shame when they can't turn it around. Elmer knew that and of course Jesus did too. I want to say it is a heart thing and in a sense a humble act. Elmer and Jesus did not want shame to come upon the planners nor did they want to be recognized. Because of the relationship that my mother had built with Elmer, he felt that he wanted to support her. While my mother lived in their home she took care of their kids while she was finishing high school. Their children who are still living, remember my mother. With Jesus, I wonder if part of it is the relationship with his mother as she is the one who informed him that the wine had run out. We don't know how well he knew the couple who got married, but he and his disciples attended it. This celebration often lasted a week. Thus, it was quite a chore to keep food and drink going, let alone the cost. Nonetheless, Jesus felt the need to allow the celebration to continue without a hitch with the replenished wine. This was his first sign as John labels Jesus' work. So many other signs were done, but were more public and dealt with healings and raisings, etc. This first sign was done in a common ordinary setting so the celebration of this relationship could continue. It was also done to show his disciples who he was, and it says they believed after they saw the sign done. Jesus' mother seemed to know what he was capable of as she told the workers to do whatever he told them to. Even after he was questioning why he should get involved with it. Signs in John were about revealing Jesus' glory, they were to help people see who he was, the Messiah. He did not do them to impress people, but to help them believe. Even in this first sign it was because he cared about the people and did not want them to be shamed. This is what we call grace. He didn't have to do it, but he did out of love for them. When you think about this, it is a model for his disciples, to do acts out of love, out of grace. Jesus had no real obligation, maybe in a sense to his mother, but not to the couple getting married and those who were in charge of the celebration. From JB Phillips translation we hear from John chapter 1:14-18 So the word of God became a human being and lived among us. We saw his splendor (the splendor as of a father's only son), full of grace and truth. And it was about him that John stood up and testified, exclaiming: “Here is the one I was speaking about when I said that although he would come after me he would always be in front of me; for he existed before I was born!” Indeed, every one of us has shared in his riches—there is a grace in our lives because of his grace. For while the Law was given by Moses, love and truth came through Jesus Christ. It is true that no one has ever seen God at any time. Yet the divine and only Son, who lives in the closest intimacy with the Father, has made him known. So, in this first sign in the Gospel of John, Jesus is modeling grace. This was a model for his disciples, for you and me. Jesus is already setting the tone and direction for his ministry and ultimate act of grace, his death and resurrection. We see and experience grace from Jesus through others. Without this, it would be difficult to share grace if we have not experienced it ourselves. I can say with complete certainty that everyone here in this room has received grace. Number one, our baptism is a means of grace. We have received this gift as infants or adults. As members of the beloved community, we are called to model how we share grace, as Jesus models here in our gospel lesson as well as throughout the Bible. We learn how to share or model grace by experiencing it through others. In our country and here at Faith things are changing. Through any transition grace is needed.  As changes occur, we are called to respond and not react to them. There may be times that we need to step back and clear out as much of the anxiety as we can in order for grace to flow through us. I am not talking about graciously accepting everything as it is. What I am talking about is being graceful in our responses. When I hear the word reaction, I often think of no thought behind our action. In order for grace to flow through us, we need to take our anxiety to Jesus. This will allow us to think and consult with Jesus before responding. There will be anxiety. Jesus graciously walks with us and stands ready to listen to our anxieties. This is the grace that Jesus has modeled and continues to model for us through others and is ready to share with us. Once we have realized this grace and given our anxieties over to Jesus, we are ready to make graceful responses to the changes that we encounter. Just as Elmer and Jesus modeled grace, we are then called to model that grace for others. This is how people see Jesus at work within us and may be able to believe as the disciples did that day, when Jesus shared grace when he performed his first sign. Let us pray: Gracious God, you sent Jesus to model and share your graciousness. As we have read again the story of Jesus' first sign we see your grace modeled for us. We daily ask and receive your grace, may your Holy Spirit help us to share your grace with others that more may come to believe and continue to share your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen

We will explore the first description of God's character and the most-often quoted passage in the Bible, Exodus 34:6-7. In these two verses we learn that all of God's actions are an expression of five unique attributes.

Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen shares biblical truth that will bring hope and comfort in these uncertain days. May we draw closer to God through this time and impact those around us for eternity. https://fallsbaptist.org https://baptistcollege.org https://www.theegeneration.org https://ontovictorypress.com If you'd like to support this ministry - https://fallsbaptist.org/give/

January 16, 2025 Today's Reading: Catechism: The Fourth CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Ezekiel 38:1-23; Romans 7:1-20“Honor your father and your mother.”In the Name of Jesus. Amen.Luther's Small Catechism says, “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.” Parents are special and distinct neighbors who serve in a vocation backed by the divine command to “honor.” We don't just love our parents. We extend them honor differing from other neighbors we're called to love, yes. But honor goes to the parents. The Fourth Commandment prioritizes parents above others, as Luther explains in his Large Catechism: “It is a far higher thing to honor someone than to love someone, because honor includes not only love, but also modesty, humility, and submission to a majesty hidden in them” (LC 4:106).Parents are fallible, with sins requiring a Savior. Children see this and so suffer the temptation to despise their parents and rebel against their wisdom. The Old Adam drives us to think we're always smarter and stronger than others, which is another reason to repent. We should repent for relying on the flesh, trusting in ourselves, and shirking advice at every turn. No matter a parent's sins, they still inhabit a vocation established by God deserving honor based on the Word. That's a crucial point. Parents are due honor not because they're flawless. We honor them according to God's Word, calling us to see them for what they are, in Luther's words, “the most precious treasure on earth” (LC 4: 109). Luther's meaning of this commandment extends beyond the parental office to include “other authorities.” Teachers, policemen, magistrates, and principals serve in vocations requiring faithful obedience. We may not like it when the police officer gives us a speeding ticket, but he's enforcing a law to curb us from sin that could hurt others. The teacher and principal may be hard on a student when desiring the best alongside the father and mother. Such authorities work in tandem with the parental office with the hope children grow, we pray, into faithful, God-fearing adults. Such vocations, though good and beneficial, are often abused by sinners. Still, we live by the Word and God's call to recognize those authorities He has established and thank Him for faithful servants. When we fail in our vocations, whether parent or child, the Gospel reminds us we're not saved by our stations in life. We're saved only by Jesus, which is the comfort we need while laboring in those blessed vocations of God. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.Gracious God, Your Ten Commands are just and good. Grant us faith always to hear your Word and keep it. Guard us from evil and harm and turn us to your mercy that we would find comfort and peace in the love you have on account of Christ crucified and risen from the dead. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.-Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Know . . . that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. — Deuteronomy 7:9 Our God is love, and he loves us. God cares, protects, and provides for us. God described himself to Moses as “the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7). God's love is sure, extravagant, dynamic, radical, and eternal. Nothing is better than knowing we are loved by God. It is lovely to start each day knowing we are loved by God and to think of his love throughout the day, no matter what comes our way. Love anchors us. Experiencing God's love has an extraordinary effect on how we relate to others. Love gives us a testimony to share with others. The way we treat one another comes from God's love in us. The Spirit of God guides us to be patient and kind, not boastful, not dishonoring others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, not keeping a list of wrongs. Love “rejoices with the truth . . . always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13). God loves us even as he loves his own Son. Love is forever. Where are you experiencing God's great love in your life? Gracious God, thank you for your covenant of love and for sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins as a sacrifice of love. I desire to love and live for you. Amen.

“See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.” — Deuteronomy 1:8 Every new year brings new opportunities and challenges. May the Lord prepare us to receive something new this year to improve our lives. Many people begin the year by making New Year's resolutions and promises, but that approach rarely works well. To receive from God, we must believe that he has prepared something for us. We need to dismiss thoughts of not being worthy or deserving of God's blessings. We may imagine and speculate what God will do for us, but we do not really know (see 1 Corinthians 2:9). To receive from God, we must believe he will do as he says. We cannot lean into our own understanding or dwell too much on the past because we might miss seeing God's hand at work (Isaiah 43:19). When God nudges us forward, we cannot allow fear to keep us in our comfort zone or be satisfied with our current situation. We cannot talk ourselves out of what God wants to do. Let us remember our history with God and be ready to receive. We can trust him and respond in obedience. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us receive God's blessings in this new year. God wants us to step out and receive the blessings he has in store for us. Gracious God, as we begin this new year, we want to be ready for whatever you have prepared. Awaken us each day to the newness of life in you. Amen.

Message at iHope 11.24.24 Luke 1:5-25

Your Nightly Prayer

Hey Mama,    Sometimes we really get stuck in feeling like we have failed at Motherhood. The longer we leave this shame and guilt unaddressed, the farther we can distance ourselves from our Heavenly Father.   Have you been avoiding time with God on purpose? Do you find you tend to pencil in extracurricular commitments for your children before you make time for a Bible study or a small group? Sometimes when you have distanced yourself from the Lord, it can be difficult or embarrassing to approach Him again.    Well sister, the good news is that God, through His graciousness draws us to Himself. So even when you may not feel like God is “there,” He is waiting for you to draw near. Listen in today to learn just how our gracious God provides the freedom and security we crave as moms from our guilt and shame.   Link to sign up for the free STRESS LESS WORKSHOP: https://stresslessworkshop.gr-site.com/    For His Glory, Christen   I would love to hear from you!  >>Leave a Review >>Connect with me:   Sign Up for Manage In The Moment Coaching Call: https://bit.ly/ManageStressInTheMoment   Email me : naturalwellnessforbusymoms@gmail.com  Sign Up to Become an Insider: https://bit.ly/naturalwellnessinsider  Join Our FREE Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1789472588229094  >>Find Related Products Here: https://bit.ly/m/Natural-Wellness-for-Busy-Moms  >> These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. >>I make a small commission when using the links above to purchase items.

The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. — Isaiah 30:18 I often picture God sitting on an ornate throne made of rare metals, adorned with priceless jewels, and upholstered in the finest fabric. Some Bible passages portray God in a similar way. But, what if, for a moment, we close our eyes, quiet our souls, and imagine God differently? What if God—still in all his glory and splendor—isn't sitting in lavishness associated with royalty but instead is sitting at the corner booth in a local coffee shop, or on the couch in your family room, eagerly waiting for you? What if God, who is so excited to see you, leaps from his seated position and embraces you like a friend who longs to hear how you are doing and what you have been up to? What if God, in both his divine and human nature, gives you his undivided attention as you share with him your life, your story, your joys, and your concerns? What if . . . ? How do you see God today? Or, maybe a better question: How do you need to see God today? The beauty of God is that he is not only the King of all creation but also the attentive friend who is always near. Gracious God, thank you for being the ruler of all things and the dear friend who is always present with us. Thank you for the ways you show your compassion, and help us today to share that same care with the people you place on our path. Amen.

Anxiety among adolescents is prevalent today. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 38% of girls and 26% of boys aged 13 to 17 experience some form of anxiety disorder. Our guest today, Pastor Josh Weidmann, author of the book The End of Anxiety, focuses on how anxiety can lead us to greater trust in God and ultimately glorify Him, which is the end purpose of our struggle with anxiety. While we may not eliminate anxiety, we can learn to manage it effectively.  While anxiety may be a lifelong struggle for some, it can also be a tool for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. By addressing anxiety with biblical principles, individuals can find peace and purpose in their struggles. In this episode, guest Pastor Josh Weidmann discussed: His personal journey with anxiety The purpose of anxiety  Practical steps towards healing and hope Other resources: The End of Anxiety: The Biblical Prescription for Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Panic by Josh Weidmann Honest to God: Becoming Brutally Honest with a Gracious God by Josh Weidmann Special Event: Christmas Hope Mom, you are not alone!  Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom  For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

OTHER -- Pastor John Musyimi preaching from 2 Timothy 1:8-11 on October 6, 2024 at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC.

"We all love that God is compassionate and gracious, but what about when God is compassionate and gracious to people you hate?" John Mark walks us through the passages demonstrating the scandalous compassion and graciousness of God, inviting us to imitate God by extending compassion and grace to others in our lives. Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 34v6-7, Jonah 1-4, Luke 17v11-19, Luke 18v35-43, Luke 15v11-32, Luke 6v35-36This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Carma from Columbus, Ohio; Sam from Sioux Center, Iowa; Kathy from Coupeville, Washington; Joshua from Holt, Michigan; and Jeannette from Chichester, West Sussex. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.