Podcasts about Hananiah

Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,6 These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;8 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.12 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.22 The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.24 The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.25 The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.27 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.28 The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two.29 The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.30 The men of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.31 The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.32 The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.34 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.35 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.39 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.40 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.41 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.42 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.44 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,47 The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,48 The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,49 The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,50 The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,56 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,58 The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,59 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.60 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.61 And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel.62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.63 And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.68 Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:69 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Prayer: I Decree Career Elevation!"For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one and exalts another." Psalm 75:6-7Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. Thank You for the breath of life, for the love of family and friends, and for the opportunities that lie ahead. As I stand in Your presence, I invite Your blessings into my day and ask that You cover my path with Your divine favor.I decree elevation in my career, just as You lifted Joseph from the dungeon to the palace. Lord, in line with Psalm 75:6-7, I ask for Your hand of recognition to rest upon my efforts. Grant me excellence and innovation, so that my work reflects Your glory and reminds others of Your faithfulness.Daniel 1:17-20 says, "...The king talked with them, and he found non-equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so, they entered the king's service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom."I seek Your favor with decision-makers, guiding their hearts to recognize my gifts. Open the right doors and close those that lead me astray. Protect me from workplace politics, and let my name be synonymous with integrity and hard work as I walk in the light of Proverbs 22:29 that says, "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank."Father, I release every barrier that hinders my progress and declare that I will see acceleration without compromise. Anchor me in humility and diligence, bringing creativity and strategy to every project I undertake. As I step into these new opportunities, let my work not just elevate me but also uplift those around me.In faith, I declare open heavens over my assignments. May every task be infused with Your wisdom and every challenge be met with grace. Seal this prayer, guiding me toward recognition that glorifies Your name. Amen. Proverbs 18:16 says, "A man's gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men." Amen.https://maglife.org

Amelia Smith looks at the messages of Jeremiah and Hananiah - the one with a hard but real message from God, the other with an easy message of false comfort.

Examining the confrontation between God's prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah, Sandy Hector discusses how we hear God's voice and truly and accurately discern what he is saying to us.

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.10 And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.23 After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.30 After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Friday Bible Study (5/22/26) // Rebuilding the Wall // 3 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them[a] Zaccur the son of Imri built.3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. 5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.[b]6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah.[c] They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 7 And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. 8 Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of[d] Jerusalem, repaired. 10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. 11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits[e] of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.15 And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king's garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David. 16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. 17 After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. 18 After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. 19 Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress.[f] 20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired[g] another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz

Chad and Daniel begin the book of Daniel in this episode. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah find themselves in Babylon with new names. The four young Hebrews stay faithful to God and find favor with the king. Have a listen. More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Chad Bird

The whole world to be judged. Plan to murder Jeremiah is thwarted. Israel and surrounding nations' peoples to submit to Nebuchadnezzar or die! Hananiah's false prophecy and its result.

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.4 Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.6 Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.7 And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;8 And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.11 Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.12 Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.14 Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.16 And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.17 And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.18 And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.19 And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.20 And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.21 And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.22 And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.23 Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.24 Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.25 Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.26 And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.27 And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.28 Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.29 And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.30 And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.31 And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.33 Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.34 Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,38 And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,39 And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,41 Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.43 Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah.44 All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by whom they had children.

The Mount // Week 7 //  Fasting In God's Kingdom Pastors JF & Ashley Wilkerson Matthew 6:16–18 NIV 16“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 1. FASTING EXPOSES WHAT'S RUNNING US Daniel 1:14-20 NIV 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. 1. FASTING EXPOSES WHAT IS RUNNING US 2: FASTING REORDERS OUR APPETITES 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. Matthew 5:6 NIV 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 1. FASTING EXPOSES WHAT IS RUNNING US 2. FASTING REORDERS OUR APPETITES 3. FASTING REALIGNS US WITH THE SPIRIT Matthew 4:1–4 NIV 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Isaiah 58:6–7 NIV “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 1. FASTING EXPOSES WHAT IS RUNNING US. 2. FASTING REORDERS OUR APPETITES. 3. FASTING REALIGNS US WITH THE SPIRIT.

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for Trinity Sunday— including fundamental statements about God's identity in Exodus and the Gospel of John, and the song of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in Daniel.This episode is sponsored by the Benedict XVI Institute's Reverent Liturgy Project.Offering the practical wisdom of priests who have successfully adopted classically Catholic worship practices to priests who want to embark on the same journey but need a roadmap to get started.To learn more, visit ReverentLiturgy.orgAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:30.Reading 1 - Exodus 34: 4b-6, 8-9Psalm - Daniel 3: 52-56Reading 2 - 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13Gospel - John 3: 16-18 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This exploration of Daniel chapter 1 confronts us with a timeless question: how do we maintain our faith when everything around us seems designed to compromise it? We're introduced to four young Hebrew men—Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—who were violently ripped from their homes, transported 600 miles away, stripped of their identity, and placed in a culture intentionally crafted to dismantle their belief system. Yet in the midst of this trauma, they made a choice that would define their legacy: they purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves. What's remarkable is that their holiness wasn't achieved through rigid rule-following, but through their relationship with God. This relationship shaped their decisions, gave them courage, and ultimately caused God to stand with them. The message challenges us to recognize that we too face a compromised culture—one that seeks to strip our identity, destroy our future, and assimilate us into belief systems contrary to God's truth. But like Daniel and his friends, we're called to stand courageously, remembering that a compromised culture never excuses a compromised faith. When we choose to stand for God, even when it means standing alone, we discover that we're never truly alone—God is orchestrating every detail for our redemption.

Ezra 10 While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly. 2 And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra: “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. 3 Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law. 4 Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” 5 Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath that they would do as had been said. So they took the oath. 6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, where he spent the night,[b] neither eating bread nor drinking water, for he was mourning over the faithlessness of the exiles. 7 And a proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the returned exiles that they should assemble at Jerusalem, 8 and that if anyone did not come within three days, by order of the officials and the elders all his property should be forfeited, and he himself banned from the congregation of the exiles. 9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the open square before the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain. 10 And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel. 11 Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.” 12 Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said. 13 But the people are many, and it is a time of heavy rain; we cannot stand in the open. Nor is this a task for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter. 14 Let our officials stand for the whole assembly. Let all in our cities who have taken foreign wives come at appointed times, and with them the elders and judges of every city, until the fierce wrath of our God over this matter is turned away from us.” 15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this, and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them. 16 Then the returned exiles did so. Ezra the priest selected men,[c] heads of fathers' houses, according to their fathers' houses, each of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to examine the matter; 17 and by the first day of the first month they had come to the end of all the men who had married foreign women. Those Guilty of Intermarriage 18 Now there were found some of the sons of the priests who had married foreign women: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah, some of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers. 19 They pledged themselves to put away their wives, and their guilt offering was a ram of the flock for their guilt.[d] 20 Of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 21 Of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. 22 Of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah. 23 Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. 24 Of the singers: Eliashib. Of the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri. 25 And of Israel: of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Hashabiah,[e] and Benaiah. 26 Of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah. 27 Of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza. 28 Of the sons of Bebai were Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai. 29 Of the sons of Bani were Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth. 30 Of the sons of Pahath-moab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh. 31 Of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah. 33 Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. 34 Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasu. 38 Of the sons of Binnui:[f] Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. 43 Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah. 44 All these had married foreign women, and some of the women had even borne children.

Ezra 10:9-44 New International Version 9 Within the three days, all the men of Judah and Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people were sitting in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed by the occasion and because of the rain. 10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. 11 Now honor[a] the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.” 12 The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: “You are right! We must do as you say. 13 But there are many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot stand outside. Besides, this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two, because we have sinned greatly in this thing. 14 Let our officials act for the whole assembly. Then let everyone in our towns who has married a foreign woman come at a set time, along with the elders and judges of each town, until the fierce anger of our God in this matter is turned away from us.” 15 Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, supported by Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite, opposed this. 16 So the exiles did as was proposed. Ezra the priest selected men who were family heads, one from each family division, and all of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to investigate the cases, 17 and by the first day of the first month they finished dealing with all the men who had married foreign women. Those Guilty of Intermarriage 18 Among the descendants of the priests, the following had married foreign women: From the descendants of Joshua son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and Gedaliah. 19 (They all gave their hands in pledge to put away their wives, and for their guilt they each presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering.) 20 From the descendants of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 21 From the descendants of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel and Uzziah. 22 From the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad and Elasah. 23 Among the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah and Eliezer. 24 From the musicians: Eliashib. From the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem and Uri. 25 And among the other Israelites: From the descendants of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malkijah and Benaiah. 26 From the descendants of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth and Elijah. 27 From the descendants of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad and Aziza. 28 From the descendants of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai and Athlai. 29 From the descendants of Bani: Meshullam, Malluk, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal and Jeremoth. 30 From the descendants of Pahath-Moab: Adna, Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui and Manasseh. 31 From the descendants of Harim: Eliezer, Ishijah, Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluk and Shemariah. 33 From the descendants of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh and Shimei. 34 From the descendants of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Keluhi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai and Jaasu. 38 From the descendants of Binnui:[b] Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Maknadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah and Joseph. 43 From the descendants of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel and Benaiah. 44 All these had married foreign women, and some of them had children by these wives.[c]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.2 He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.4 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.6 And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.7 And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.8 And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.10 Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.11 Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.12 The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.13 And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.14 And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense.17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men:18 And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God.19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar.20 And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him.21 And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the king's house, judging the people of the land.22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

Join David Lee Corbo (The Raven) and Top Lobster on Nephilim Death Squad as they welcome best-selling author Brian Godawa for an epic deep dive into his new Daniel Trilogy (Chronicles of the Watchers series). Godawa reveals how he retells the biblical story of Daniel in Babylon with the supernatural lens of the Watchers, fallen angels masquerading as gods like Marduk, Ishtar, Baal, Asherah, and Nergal.  Discover why Daniel studied the language and literature of the Chaldeans (divination, astrology, astronomy) without compromising, how the Magi followed the Bethlehem Star 500+ years later, and the explosive spiritual warfare behind earthly kingdoms—including the Prince of Persia vs. Prince of Greece. Godawa breaks down his research on Daniel NOT being a eunuch, the love story with his Jewish maidservant, his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (one portrayed as autistic), and how the book fills in the biblical gaps with historical and mythological accuracy.  Plus: Parallels between ancient Jezebel (child sacrifice, feminism archetype) and modern culture, the alien deception, Bohemian Grove event details, and why understanding the Watcher paradigm changes everything about spiritual warfare today. Godawa also discusses his full series—Chronicles of the Nephilim, Chronicles of the Apocalypse, Judah Maccabee, and Jesus Triumphant—plus the research appendices that prove it's all biblically grounded.  Get your tickets to Bohemian Grove (Wildwood, Florida) before they sell out: toplobsta.com Buy "Daniel: Exile in Babylon" (eBook, paperback, audiobook) and the full Chronicles of the Watchers series: godawa.com or Amazon Support Nephilim Death Squad early access, ad-free episodes & merch: patreon.com/NephilimDeathSquad  0:00 - Intro & Bohemian Grove Event Promo (Wildwood, Florida Tickets)3:45 - Patreon Support, Nephilim Death Squad Communities & TopLobster Merch6:20 - Guest Introduction: Brian Godawa (godawa.com)9:10 - Official Trailer for "Daniel: Exile in Babylon" (Chronicles of the Watchers)12:05 - Chronicles of the Watchers Series Overview – Fallen Angels as Gods of the Nations17:30 - The War of the Seed & Deuteronomy 32 Watcher Paradigm Explained22:40 - Jezebel Book Deep Dive: Archetypes, Feminism, Child Sacrifice & Modern Parallels29:15 - Elijah vs Prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel – Spiritual Warfare Behind the Scenes33:50 - Why Brian Godawa Chose Daniel for a Trilogy (Prophecy, 70 Weeks, Revelation Links)39:20 - Daniel Chapter 1: Babylonian Schooling, Wise Men Training & Chaldean Literature46:05 - Was Daniel a Eunuch? Historical Research & Love Story Reveal52:40 - Magi Connection: Bethlehem Star, Astronomy vs Astrology & Mazaroth (God's Story in the Stars)1:01:10 - Daniel's Character Arc – From Royal Pride to Unshakable Faith1:08:35 - Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego – School Bullies, Autism in Hananiah & Harry Potter Vibes1:15:50 - Spiritual Realm in the Novel: Marduk, Ishtar, Nergal, Anzu Bird & Mushu Dragons1:23:40 - How the Spiritual Warfare Mirrors Earthly Kingdoms (Prince of Persia vs Prince of Greece)1:29:20 - “Are You Having Fun?” – Brian Godawa's Hollywood to Biblical Fiction Journey1:33:45 - Where to Buy the Books + Spiritual World of Daniel Research Appendix1:36:10 - Final Thoughts & OutroBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

In this pivotal teaching from Jeremiah 28, Jacob Prasch exposes the biblical test of true versus false prophecy, showing how deceptive messages of peace have always seduced God's people—from ancient Judah to the modern church. Drawing from Deuteronomy 18, the Olivet Discourse, and historical examples, this message warns that false prophets tell people what they want to hear, while true prophets declare what God has actually spoken. As Jeremiah confronts Hananiah's lie, we are reminded that rejecting truth for comforting deception leads not to freedom, but to a heavier yoke. This chapter is essential for discerning the times we live in and remaining faithful to the true Word of the Lord.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.

Honoring Leadership Authority (1)  (audio) David Eells, 5/3/26 Father, it says in Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… Help us to know how to cooperate with You in these days to come. We make our own future because You tell us that we reap what we sow. Lord, we would like to cooperate with You and be led by Your Spirit. Please, Lord, open our understanding and give us wisdom how to cooperate with You. Please help us to avoid the great tribulations that are going to come upon those who have been rebellious historically. We see that this cycle is about to start again, and we see that Your people once again are rebellious to Your Word, and in ways that we are rebellious to Your Word, it brings tribulation upon us. And we're asking You, Father, to please have mercy upon us and open our eyes and give us Your grace. We ask it all in the name of Jesus. Thank You, Father. Well, I've been thinking about this, and I feel like the Lord is showing me that what I'm going to share with you today could save some lives in the days to come. I just ask you to be patient with me and let me share this with you. I'm going to start in Romans 13. There's a thing going around in the patriot movement that preachers in the end times are working for the government, the beast government, and are going to be preaching Romans 13. Well, I was preaching Romans 13 before they ever thought about that, and I don't believe we should depart from anything that the Word has to say. I don't care who's doing it wrong out there. Romans 13 is in the Bible, and it comes from God Almighty, and now I'm not working for the government. In fact, I don't even think they like me. But at any rate, I think we need to obey this, because if we don't, it promises judgment. Let's read it. Rom.13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. Now, the people who don't believe in the sovereignty of God believe that there's good and there's bad. God's got the good, the devil's got the bad. But that's not biblical at all. God works all things after the counsel of His own will. (Eph.1:11) And He is even over the devil. If you read the Book of Job, you'll see that the devil had no free will. He was only permitted to try to tribulate God's people with God's express permission. God permits this if His people go astray or walk out from under the blood. The devil is there, as I say, like a mad dog, ready to give them a reason to get back under the blood. And the curse is out there to chasten God's people and bring them to the place of repentance to receive God's blessing. Jesus became a curse for us; He bore the curse on Himself. (Gal.3:13) But if you're out there doing your own thing, then you're under a curse. Well, He's telling us here, and He warns us that there's no power that's not of God on this earth. God claims the power over vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor. And I'll just point out to you one place in Daniel chapter 4. Listen to this now because some of you don't believe or obey this. Daniel chapter 4 says the same exact statement three times. When God does that in a text, believe me, He wants you to get the point. Well, the first one was spoken by a holy one, who came down out of heaven and spoke it to Nebuchadnezzar, and it's in Dan.4:17 The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the lowest of men. 25 … and seven times shall pass over thee; till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. And then it's stated a third time, A voice came out of heaven and spoke it in Dan.4:31 … there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken:… 32 … thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. So God said three times in Daniel 4 The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.  And we just read in Romans 13 that there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God. For that reason we respect these authorities. Rom.13:2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. See, when you rebel against the powers that be, whoever they are, you rebel against the ordinance of God. And He says, ‘They that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.' Now, I'm going to tell you, a lot of Christians are going to come under judgment because they don't understand this principle. It's very, very important. First, He says, there's no power but of God. Now, you need to realize who these people in power were back in those days. They were Herod and Pilate and Caesar and, even in later days, the Hitlers and the Mussolini's and the Stalin's and the Idi Amins and people like that. God is saying that He's still in control of all that. As a matter of fact, He raised up every beast empire that ever ruled over God's people, and God took credit for it in the Scriptures every time. And now we're coming to another beast empire, and God's people don't know this principle that we're looking at here, which is absolutely and totally important if you want to escape this judgment that's coming. Let's look at Act.4:25 who by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David thy servant, didst say, Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves in array, And the rulers were gathered together, Against the Lord, and against his Anointed: How many of you know that in 1 Corinthians chapter 1, those who are filled with the Holy Spirit are also called God's anointed. Christos is the word there. We are the anointed of God when we are saved and filled with His Spirit. Now, where it's spoken here in the Book of Acts, this is the body of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who was God's Anointed. The body of Christ is still on the earth, and we, being anointed, are vessels through whom He can continue to do His work. That's the way it was planned from the beginning. I want to read on in Act.4:27 for of a truth in this city against thy holy Servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, (two vessels of dishonor that ruled at that time. I'll point out to you that Jesus wasn't even disrespectful to the leadership He met at the time of His trial. You understand?) both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together, 28 to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass. So, even the crucifixion of Jesus was totally foreordained of God, and He used Herod, and Pontius Pilate, and the Gentiles, and the people of Israel to bring to pass the crucifixion of the body of Christ. Now, this was spoken by the Holy Spirit out of the mouth of David. And Jesus was the David of His day, the son of David. Once again, this is going to happen in our day because it's a repetition of history. History keeps on repeating. So we're looking at this on a larger scale in our day. We're looking at ‘the people's imagining a vain thing, the kings of the earth setting themselves in array, the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against His anointed.' The same thing is going to happen. This is one of those prophecies that's fulfilled repeatedly. And the Lord foreordained this. Well, at this time, Jesus, Who didn't sin and took our sacrifice, became our sacrifice; His body took the punishment, He was crucified for us. But He also told us we have to take up our cross and follow Him. The fact that the church is rebellious doesn't mean that Jesus could have taken all the punishment. The reason is that the Bible says Heb.10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. So, when you walk in rebellion to God's Word, there is still crucifixion. There is still judgment upon the body of Christ, that is, the outer man, the man that's in rebellion. The Lord told us that we have to take up our cross and follow Him if we want to be His disciples. And that cross is for the crucifixion of the old self-life. And so God is about to do the same thing again. He's raising up the nations of the world, the kings and presidents of the world, to come against Him and to come against His anointed. And He foreordained this to come to pass.  Now, in Romans 8, we can see that it is indeed going to happen. Rom.8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; 34 who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? God loves us. He saw us from the foundation of the world as a finished product. And we're actually in creation mode now. It's that we cannot take this old flesh, that old man with us. And there is a crucifixion foreordained.  Rom.8:36 Even as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Why are we conquerors, in some cases, by being slaughtered? How could that be? For one thing, one of our enemies is this old man, this old life. It is an enmity with God, meaning the flesh is the enemy of God, according to the Scriptures. So, we're conquering this old man. Jesus conquered, in a type for us, the body of Christ. He conquered it on that cross, right? He went to the cross, He overcame, He was victorious. And we, too, in a spiritual way, have to take up our cross in order to be victorious. And God has created this world to cooperate with us in this process. But we go through many things we don't have to. And that's what I want to talk about today.  Rom.8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Don't think that because you end up in a crucifixion that God doesn't love you. It is because He loves you that you're going through that. He is preparing you for another Kingdom, a Kingdom in which this old flesh cannot rule, cannot reign. I want to go back to Romans 13 and reiterate what was said here, Rom.13:1 … for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: (If we resist the power that God has put in place, again, this was spoken about in the time of Herod, and Pilate, and at the time of Caesar, and so forth. If you rebel against the laws that be and the leaders that be, when there's no need for it whatsoever, then God says, You're going to receive judgment. Why are judgments coming? I believe many of God's people are going to rebel and won't obey. And I'll point out to you what the Scripture has to say about that. But we need to totally respect the authority of what we call the beast government. In fact, reading on it says, and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. Okay, this is an important point here. Rom.13.3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: Now, how do we determine what is evil works? Well, for one thing, an evil work is when you do not respect the authority whom God put in position, and we're going to look at that. When I was younger even those of a different party spoke respectfully to the president, or about him, calling him “Mr. President” even if they disagreed with him. We saw what Daniel said. There is nobody in a position of authority who wasn't put there by God. Even Nebuchadnezzar, who was what? The king of the great eagle of Babylon. The head of the nation. Sounds familiar? God put that man in there. Daniel chapter 4 said this three times. Well, didn't Nebuchadnezzar conquer the people of God, kill many of them, take them away captive, into bondage? Exactly. And God still told them that He put this man in authority. They were to submit. And if they didn't, they were going to receive judgment. Why does God promote a beast kingdom over God's people? It's because God's people are in rebellion. God gave authority to the beast kingdom to crucify Jesus Christ. Was it because of His own sins? No, because He bore our sins. What was God crucifying there? Our rebellion was being crucified there, you see. We were crucified with Christ, the Bible says. Rom13.3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Now, we have to let the Scriptures tell us what is an evil work, right? And some people are already rebelling because they don't believe what the Scriptures are saying here in chapter 13, verses 1-3. Even now, they're rebelling against them. And the reason is that they're rebelling against them because they don't know how to cooperate with God. They don't know God's purpose. If you knew God's purpose, you would see a perfectly good reason for obeying this and respecting the leader. I just saw 4 leaders of the MAGA movement rail and revile (sins) President Trump because in their pride they disagreed with him but no one voted for them. And I can assure you they are headed for a spanking. Even if he was wrong, none of them have made the great changes he has at the threat of his life. They are giving the enemy ammunition. But people make God captive to their own mind and their own understanding. Listen, we don't know anything that God knows or even the president knows. And so, if we have to understand something before we'll obey it, that's just rebellion against God. God made the rules, so we're just here to obey Him. And we know that if we obey Him, we will see the good fruit of it, and we will ultimately understand.  Rom13.3 … And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, (In other words, do that which is good in God's eyes, even according to this. That's a God-ordained law to be subject to the higher powers.) and thou shalt have praise from the same: 4 for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. (In other words, for conscience of God, you should obey what the word of God says concerning rulers, concerning presidents. You should obey.) Let's go now to Tit.3:1 Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, 2 to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men. Again, this is addressing the same thing that Romans 13 says. But he carries us a little further. He wants us to even speak evil of no man and be meek towards all men. If the Lord wants us to be this way towards the rulers of this world, and we're antagonistic towards them, or insolent and rebellious against them, then we're rebelling against God. Why is it that we should have this attitude towards rulers who may not even know God? Well, for one thing, in 1 Corinthians 5, we're commanded of the Lord not to judge those who are without. He said, Do not ye judge those that are within, but those that are without, God judges. (1Cor 5:12) So, God doesn't want us ever to judge the lost. They don't have any choice because they haven't received grace from God to grant them repentance, to grant them the faith that they need to walk in His Kingdom. By the grace of God, He's given us a new nature, and we desire to do the things that are pleasing unto Him. If they don't have that grace of God, we certainly can't judge them. We'd be judging ourselves. We're forbidden to judge those who are without, to be angry, to be critical, as though they could be something other than what they are. They are what they are, and they do what they are. We want grace from God, so we give grace to everyone else, right? We want unmerited favor of God, so we do not judge what He commands us not to judge. We don't see that spirit of judgment in the scriptures of holy men towards even pagan government rulers, evil government rulers, and I'm going to point this out to you in just a few places here.  Let me now look at 1Pe.2:13 Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: (People say, well, maybe it's not an ordinance, maybe it's a law. They're trying to get out of it. But actually the word here is ‘every creation of man.') whether to the king, as supreme; (God is telling us to submit to a king as supreme in judgments concerning the natural earth.) 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (In other words, if we submit to the rulers, we will give honor to God in the earth. We will show people that we are law-abiding people, and that we keep His laws. God's laws, as we can see over and over, are to submit to man's laws. I know there is a condition to that, and we'll get to that too.  1Pe.2:16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all men. (Even wicked men, we don't have to treat them insolently or contrary. The Bible even says, ‘Love your enemies.' We don't have to treat them insolently, or arrogantly, or rebelliously, or speak evil things. He says, Honor all men.) Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (Listen to this. Honor the king? You know, he didn't say, ‘worship the king' He said, ‘Honor the king.' And the translators believed this not to be the King of kings. We know we're supposed to honor Jesus as the King of kings. This means we're not to be insolent or arrogant, we're not to speak evil of the natural king or president. We are to submit and be respectful. And if we disagree, we must do it respectfully.) I'm going to read Exo.22:28 Thou shalt not revile God, nor curse a ruler of thy people. (Some are calling him Hitler and antichrist. And as we've seen, this is not just talking about a religious ruler, somebody who's right, or honorable, somebody who is Christian; He says, ‘honor the king.' How many kings do you know of on planet Earth who are born-again Christian people? So, He's talking about the ‘king over you', whether he be a president or a king. Honestly, I think where we're going... that the president will eventually be a king. There just isn't going to be any difference, and anyway, it's somebody who is in a position of rulership, and we're supposed to honor them. Let me share what the apostle Paul said in Act.23:1 And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day. 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: and sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? (That was a good point he made, but he called this ruler a whited wall.) 4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? (Paul was right in what he was saying, but this was not permissible, according to what we've just read.) Act.23:5 And Paul said, I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler (not any particular ruler, but just a ruler) of thy people. So, Paul repented here. He spoke evil of a ruler. It may seem like he had a pretty good reason to do so, but we know the rules. We've read the rules. We know what God has told us already. And he wanted to be seen as respectful by those who are without, because they questioned him. Why would you say this to God's high priest? You're supposed to be seen as respectful to God's high priest. And so Paul knew that he should not give a bad name to Christians, and to not have people revile his God, he backed up and basically said, Okay, I repent.  The word says, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people. And when Paul was basically being interrogated, like in chapters 26 and 24, we read he was always totally respectful to these, what we would all recognize as evil rulers. Why does God do this? Because God doesn't want us to give Him a bad name, or to give Christianity a bad name. He wants us to be seen by ignorant people in the world as somebody who is totally respectful to authority and submissive, not as rebels. Act.26:24 And as he thus made his defence, Festus saith with a loud voice, Paul, thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee mad. 25 But Paul saith, I am not mad, most excellent Festus; (They were used to speaking respectfully to rulers, even evil rulers,) but speak forth words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that whether with little or with much, not thou only, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, (meaning, a Christian) except these bonds. In other words, he was showing compassion for their souls, even these evil rulers. He wanted a good witness to go across to them, and he wanted them to have a chance to be saved. We should be the same way. The Bible says, ‘Know no man after the flesh.' We're supposed to see people through the light of the gospel, so every man is given his opportunity to be saved, right? And we want to be a good witness of Christ to every man, to love our enemies, not make enemies. Even as we're going to see people who are recognized as people who have killed multitudes of God's people. Act.26:30 And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: 31 and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. (Would they have said this if he had insulted them?) 32 And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. So, his humble representation of Jesus Christ in front of them said that the guy's not guilty and wanted to turn him loose. I think that is a good example of what the apostle Paul did to respect rulers, even evil rulers, even the kind of rulers that crucified Jesus Christ. And as Jesus Himself was respectful to leaders and rulers because He did not want to cause a stumbling block, right? Let me give you another example in Jude 1:8 Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, (Notice that) and rail at dignities. (If we had translated that in modern-day English, it would be dignitaries. This is talking about somebody who should be respected. Like a leader high up in government, or in religion, somebody of authority. And then he gives what I think would be an extreme example here:) 9 But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil (He picked the very worst; if it's true of the devil, it would be true with anybody else we ran into, right? So he's making an extreme example here to prove his point.) he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, (So he didn't bring a railing judgment against the devil. Should we bring a railing judgment against anyone? Or should we bring a railing judgment against a leader, or a ruler, or somebody that the Lord tells us we should be submitting to? We don't find anywhere in the scripture of any respectful person railing at authorities. But there are Christians who do it today. And I'm telling you, in some cases, this railing against the government is going to cost them their life because they're in rebellion against God's word, and He said in Romans 13 it would cost them their life. It would bring judgment upon their head. So even Michael, somebody who is a high dignitary himself, the leading warrior angel for God Himself, somebody of no little position. But yet, he didn't even bring a railing accusation against the devil when the devil was contending for the body of Moses.) but said, The Lord rebuke thee. (Michael didn't take the authority to do it. He let the Lord do it.) 10 But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed. (Some people rail at dignities today. People who aren't nearly as lowly as the devil. And they rail at them and speak evil of them. And God is saying here, “Be very careful, because they don't understand that the authority of God is behind this person.” God is the One Who puts anybody in a place of power, according to what we've read in Romans 13, as a minister of His. That's what it says there, a minister. In fact, the word there is diakonos, a deacon. They are a deacon of God. He sent them to do this job. Does that mean they're holy? No, because God's got vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor. You have to respect the vessels that He sends to you, who have been given authority over you, even if they're vessels of dishonor. That's the example we see in the Scripture, repeatedly, by every holy man of God. Notice, … these rail at whatsoever things they know not. They don't understand the sovereignty of God in promoting this man over them. The Lord promoted the beast kingdom over His people in every instance. And when people like Mordecai, Daniel, and Joseph were under these people, who in some cases had slaughtered their own brethren, there was total respect in every case because they knew that God had put this person there.  10 But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed. Wow! They're destroyed! So, this is a really dangerous thing to do, especially at the time we're coming to right now. Now let's go to 2Pe.2:9 the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment; (Now, we've been reading about judgment and punishment. And this is going to come upon people because they rebel against the constituted authority that God brought forth.) 10 but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. (What dominion have we been talking about? He's talking about the worldly rulers that He's put over people, even in the case of Satan, despise dominion.) Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities: (Now, why would we tremble? Because God stands behind this person. If He's put them into a position of power over us, and He has, He tells you to submit. Why? Because He's bringing us to our cross. We have to submit. There'll be a day when we will have authority over all of them, but right now, He tells us to submit.) 2Pe.2:11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, bring not a railing judgment against them before the Lord. (Those holy angels that are around us who are totally submitted to God, couldn't they bring an accusation against us, just like we try to bring one against some other dignitary? God says this is foolishness. Do you see its foolishness?) 12 But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, (Wow, those who scoff at dominion that God has put over them, He says they are going to be taken and destroyed like animals, like beasts. You want to know why a lot of destruction is going to come to a bunch of what we loosely call ‘Christians' in these coming days? This is one of the reasons right now.) railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed, (So, they're ignorant of the fact that God put this person over them and to submit to them.) Well, what about Jesus? Jesus went to His cross. He submitted the whole way, and He didn't give us any reason to rebel or to fight or to take up the sword. He forbade all of that. He said that ‘He that takes the sword, shall die by the sword.' He wouldn't let his disciples take up a sword to defend Him. (Mat.26:52) And when He was before those evil rulers, He didn't resist. He understood this principle of submitting to authority, even the dishonorable. We still represent the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ upon this earth to all mankind. And they need to see us as people who are humble, submissive, people who do not seek our own will but who seek the good of all around us, including the lost people. Even as Paul was very humble towards those kings, to desire their souls to be saved. And we should be that way even with the most reprobate of leaders that we know of in this country or in any other. We should always have their soul in mind. Today, people take their own authority. They want to rail and fight against the government, thinking that in this way they can stop something from happening that the Bible says is going to happen, which is ridiculous, you know? God Himself is the One Who prophesies that this will happen. And He never tells us that this is against His will. It's a repetition of history. It's happened already before. Railers have caused evil men to shoot at the president.  Don't you know that He can change government if a man is put in there that is totally contrary to godliness and if he's totally immoral? God still put him in there. Let God do what He wants to do, put the man in, take the man out. According to Daniel, He's the only One that does that. Shouldn't we leave that up to God? People are saying today, ‘We're going to take this country back.' You know what? That's rebellion against God. You want to take the country back? Go out and preach the gospel. That's God's method. Let God handle the government. We've been commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ to go out and do the Great Commission. You want to take it back, but you're never going to get it back by self will. Now, while you're out there fighting with the government, doing your self-will thing, who's going to be doing what we've been called to do, to actually save people of this system? The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes it. (Rom1:16) That's our job. That's what we need to do. We can give scriptural advice humbley. Let God take care of the government. Let Him rule through the government, and let Him raise up the biggest beast the world has ever seen, because that's what He said He was going to do. Let's just leave that up to God, and we'll just take care of what He told us to do, right? Let's get out of His business, take care of what He told us to do. God bless you, saints. I hope this is helping you understand. So let's look again at 1Pe.2:13 Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: (God wants us to reflect the life of Christ-likeness. People need to see Jesus in us. He wants the wicked to know that we are law-keepers.) 16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. We're trusting God and His sovereignty through rulers by submitting to them. So, how far should we go, and what examples do we have? We have the example in the Book of Esther. The people of God had been conquered and were under the authority of the Persian Empire, being ruled over by this pagan king. But they wanted their own nation and be ruled by their own people, but they got there because of rebellion. In fact, every time they were conquered by a foreign nation, it was because they had rebelled against the word of the Lord. And today, we're coming into just such a time. So we need to learn our lesson and submit to the word of the Lord.  Est.2:21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, (the King's Gate is a place of government, and Mordecai was a part of the government. He probably was a representative for the nation of Israel, which was being ruled by Ahasuerus at the time. The King's Gate was also a place of judgment and of counselors.) two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.  22 And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king thereof in Mordecai's name. 23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. (Mordecai saved the king's life from Bigthan and Teresh, who were two of the king's chamberlains who were going to lay hold on the king, and he put a stop to it. This is what they would have considered a pagan king who was ruling over them, a worldly king, keeping God's people in bondage. Mordecai honored the king. In all the things that he did in the Book of Esther, Mordecai was never once anything but respectful of the king and of his governor. And in this case, his governor was Haman, a man who really had an ambition to wipe out the people of God.) Est.3:1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. (Now, we're just looking at it in the letter, what actually happened, not spiritually. The king and his governor, and we say, “Well, how far do we go with this honoring the king thing?” Well, I believe we are going to see that next.) 2 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed down, and did reverence to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence. (In other words, dishonoring the king, things go just so far; we cannot worship anybody but the living God. We cannot pledge allegiance to anybody but if we did it would be the living God. You may say, “Well, how come Mordecai served the king?” Because if you don't obey God's word, you won't serve the king. So in serving the king, you're serving the Master. You're serving the King of kings. He said to obey, to submit to, and to serve the king, and to honor the king. Therefore, if you don't do that, you're not serving God. Now, we come to a place where the king is permitted by God to cross his line that he's drawn in the sand. And that is, we're not permitted to worship anybody but the Lord God. And we're not permitted to take the mark of the beast because that's an identification of unification with the beast and being a member of that kingdom, which we're not. We are in the world, but we're not of the world. We don't belong to the world. And so, the example that we get from Mordecai, as he always spoke well of, he always served, he always respected the king and his governors, but he drew a line and would not step over it. He would not bow down, nor pay reverence to Haman in this case. Est.3:3 Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? (He'd always obeyed the king's commandment before, but now he came to a place where he wasn't going to do it. And we can't either. Read Foxes Book of Martyrs; they would not bow and died rather than bow.) 4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. (Meaning, that he can't worship any other god but the true and living God.) 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 6 But he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. (Mordecai believed in the sovereignty of God. He believed he should obey God no matter what the consequences. And the consequences of this were big, I mean, major. He believed that God was in control and that if they submitted to governors and kings, God would be in control. And we should know that. But many teachers of Christianity have destroyed the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. Instead of giving in to willy-nilly Arminianism.) So, that's a really good example. We have another one in Daniel chapter 3. This is Nebuchadnezzar addressing the three Hebrews. And they, along with Daniel, had always been totally polite, submissive, and obedient, and yet this is the first time we read that they are rebelling against the king. They were submissive even in this fiery trial. Dan.3:15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands? 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. (So, one way or the other, we're going to be delivered here. Even if it's through death.) 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was wont to be heated. (Time, times, and a half a time was three and a half years in tribulations, so seven times is seven years, you see. And this is a symbol, in fact, that Nebuchadnezzar here represents the beast. As we saw in the Book of Esther, in a natural way, that was the head of the beast's kingdom. Some people call him the Antichrist, which is false. He is just the head of the body of the image of the Beast. Both of these were images of the Beast. People would say today, “David, are you saying that we should submit to the Beast?” Yes, in every generation that God's people were taken captive, they were expected to submit, commanded of the Lord, and we don't see any place where Daniel or the three Hebrews were not submissive except in this one thing. The same thing that we saw in the Book of Esther, and that is worship, or bowing down to. There's only One Who is above all, and when they want to carry you across that line, there's always the higher order that we have to submit to, right? And so, yeah, we're talking about the beast here. Some people want to make war on the beast when they see him coming. We don't see that example in the scriptures anywhere. No, remember, God is the One Who is sovereign. He is the One Who has ordained the beast to conquer His people. It is coming because His people need a crucifixion. So God has ordained this. If God's ordained it, who are you to fight against God? We don't have any authority to do this in the Scriptures. We have to submit to God's will, even if it means, like the three Hebrews, going to the cross. Even if it means we physically lose our lives, we submit. We're not going to fight. They didn't fight. We don't see any example of that in the Scriptures. We have a good word in Pro.24:21 My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king; (Fear a pagan king? Yes, because God has put you under His authority. God has given Him power over you. Therefore, we should fear and obey God.) And company not with them that are given to change: (So, anybody that's not going to do this, don't company with them.) 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; And the destruction from them both, who knoweth it? Pro.16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right. 14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it. (We saw how Paul answered the king. It was an unrighteous judgment, but he was humble, submissive, and respectful. He did not rail at the king, as many are doing today.) 15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; (This is God speaking. He's saying that your life is in this man's hand.) And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. (That could give you a symbol about what he's really talking about here. In the time of the latter rain, it will be very important to honor the king.)16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. I want to share something that happened to me and how it relates to this teaching. On our website, we have many articles, and we made a page that was very unflattering, I would say, to the king. And believe me, presidents these days are becoming more like kings because of all the presidential directives they're taking over more power from the balance of powers. And so, this webpage was very unflattering, looking into the psychological problems of this particular king. And I don't know, I just didn't feel right about it. I felt something was wrong, but I really wasn't connecting this teaching. We generally look at the prophetic significance of presidents, and where they could be leading us, and so on, and I didn't think there was anything wrong with it.  So, when I felt nervous about it, and I didn't know why, I asked the Lord to give me a couple of verses. I opened my Bible up, and I just blindly stuck my finger down. And I put my finger down in this very next chapter here of Proverbs 25:6. Remember that number, 25 and 6.  And it said, Pro.25:6 Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, (I said, Okay, Lord.) And stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom thine eyes have seen. 8 Go not forth hastily to strive, Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame. A lot of people are going to go forth to strive against the beast government. Because they don't understand what God has ordained it to, or what He's ordained it for. Many, many Christians are going to lose their lives because they will fight. God doesn't want you to do that. If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth. That's what the Lord said. He's got a plan. He wants you to submit. Then, a very interesting thing happened because I asked him to give me another verse. Guess what I got? Another chapter 25 verse 6! Wow, that's significant! What are the chances of that happening? I'd say pretty much a wild chance that that would happen. 2Ki.25:6 Then they took the king, and carried him up unto the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him. 7 And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him in fetters, and carried him to Babylon. (That's very interesting. Zedekiah led a rebellion against the king of Babylon. He was commanded to submit by God Almighty, but he didn't and this happened to him. And he represents Babylon, the modern-day kingdom of the United States, over the rest of the world. And prophetically speaking, Babylon was called in Ezekiel 17, the Great Eagle. And in Daniel, it was the head of the image of the beast, the world empire of that day. It had conquered God's people and brought them into bondage. And Zedekiah was their puppet king that they had set up, and he rebelled. And that's very significant. The whole story there is very significant of the days that we're in. But Zedekiah led a rebellion, and the Bible tells us quite a bit about that rebellion.  Jeremiah spoke to Zedekiah in Jer.27:5 I have made the earth, the men and the beasts that are upon the face of the earth, by my great power and by my outstretched arm; and I give it unto whom it seemeth right unto me. The Lord is in control. We may want to take control or take political power; we may want to, as some people say, “take America back,” but if God has given the pagans authority over you, and given the rulers of a worldly kingdom authority over you as a Christian, then God's done that. What He's saying is, “I've got authority here, and I've got power, and I give the rulership of this world over to whoever I desire.” And we need to remember that. He raised up the King of Persia to conquer Babylon and to set the people free.  Trying to take power doesn't mean God's with us. God waited many years to promote Trump as a type of the Persian, Cyrus, to conquer Babylon DS and to set God's people free. When has God put a Christian in the head office. I only know of once but the people threw him out shortly after. The Jews tried on their own many times to conquer the beast and failed. God wasn't with the Jews, and He's not with the Christians these days to have political power either. If it were, it would have happened, but it hasn't happened. People who have come into power are quite distinct from Christianity. Does that mean we're supposed to honor them? It certainly does. Just think about Mordecai, and Daniel, and others; we read a story about Paul. Just think about these people and who they were submitting to and what they had done. Think about what the king of Babylon had done here. He had conquered Israel, killed many of their people, and took the remainder into bondage. Verse 6 And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, (The one-world order. And what did he command God's people to do in Daniel chapter 3? Bow down to the image of the beast. And of course they refused, but many others didn't refuse. But God says He gave them into the hand of this beast.) the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field also have I given him to serve him. 7 And all the nations shall serve him, (Beasts are kingdoms. The kingdoms served Nebuchadnezzar and they were a part of the image of the beast.) and his son, and his son's son, until the time of his own land come: and then many nations and great kings shall make him their bondman. (Yes, that is happening for America as a modern-day Babylon. The head of gold that rules over the nations, that has conquered God's people and has brought them into submission. And now our Cyrus is flipping the whole system of Babylon who killed a lot of people. When the people try it on their own they end up like Zedekiah and the people that followed him who lost their lives.) 8 And it shall come to pass, that the nation and the kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith Jehovah, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand. (So God threatened His people that any nation, including them, that didn't serve the king of Babylon, He would use that king to destroy them by the sword, famine, and pestilence. This was because God ordained a cross for His rebellious people and they refused it.)  9 But as for you, hearken ye not to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreams, nor to your soothsayers, nor to your sorcerers, that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: (Zedekiah and his people disobeyed and refused their cross under the beast of Babylon and totally rebelled against God. You're going to hear false dreams, prophecies, and visions from the false prophets. In the next chapter, they said that they weren't going to serve the king of Babylon. Jeremiah said, “Oh, yes, you are, seventy years.” “Oh, no, we'll be free from him in two years,” Hananiah said. Well, these were the same people that were saying they were going to escape the beast and that didn't happen and they didn't fly away either. Here they are, finding themselves in the hands of this beast kingdom, and their prophets are saying, “We're out of here, we're going to be free, we're going to be free from this bondage.” And Jeremiah said, No, it's not going to happen until after 70 years.  So, don't listen to your false prophets, who preach a prosperity doctrine that this is not going to happen to you. After the Man-child ministry begins in Revelation 12, the tribulation beast comes in 13 with the mark. A beast killed the flesh of Jesus and it will do the same with His body. Because this is history repeating.  10 for they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land, and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish. (In other words, God is going to take the side of the beast and use him and His sword, famine and his pestilence to destroy the person that didn't submit, who rebelled against the words that we've already read about submission to the king.) 11 But the nation that shall bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, that nation will I let remain in their own land, saith Jehovah; and they shall till it, and dwell therein. 12 And I spake to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live. 13 Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as Jehovah hath spoken concerning the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? I believe we're coming to the place where God will very plainly demand that His people submit to the beast kingdom. I didn't say worship it, and I didn't say take the mark of the beast. I didn't say pledge allegiance to it, but they will have to submit. He said this to every nation that would not serve the king of Babylon. Jesus taught His disciples that they could flee but they couldn't fight, even to deliver Jesus the Son of God from the Roman beast.  You say, “Well, this is the Antichrist we're talking about.” No, not really. That's a false doctrine. It's not even found in the Scriptures. Let's talk just for a moment about who the Antichrist is. And should we submit to the Antichrist? Let's take the term “the Antichrist” and see exactly what it says. The first thing we find out is that it has nothing to do with what people have been taught through prophecy that it means.  1Jo.4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: (Notice, every spirit, not just a spirit, but every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God.) and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already. (The Antichrist was in the world then. It's in the world now. It has nothing to do with some man coming on the scene now, because it didn't say a spirit. It said every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ. A spirit that does not agree with the Word of God, a spirit that's not renewed by the Word of God. That's the spirit of the corporate Antichrist, every spirit, every lost spirit that's born from beneath is a member of the Antichrist, you see, because their spirit is unregenerate. In the New Testament there is no individual man called the Antichrist.) 1Jo.4:4 Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: (See, there are only two there, those that are serving God and those that are not, Christ and Antichrist. Jesus said, “There are two men in the earth, right? One shall be taken and one shall be left.” (Mat.24:40) It's the body of Christ and the body of Antichrist.) because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (Antichrist is a spirit that speaks against Christ, (it's ‘anti'-Christ) or in disagreement with Christ, or does not confess, which Greek word means ‘speak the same as' Christ  That spirit doesn't confess Christ. How many Christians don't confess Christ? To the extent a Christian speaks things that are contrary, or in other words, they don't “speak the same as”, they don't confess Christ, they speak contrary to Christ. That's antichrist coming out of them. To the extent that what we loosely call “a Christian” is not submitted to the Word of God and does not agree with the Word of God, to that extent, they're antichrist and will probably take his mark. Now, every lost person is antichrist. Are you going to be persecuted by the antichrist? Well, of course. Anybody around you who is carnal, a Christian or not, everybody around you who's lost, is a member of that body. They all submit to the antichrist spirit. They do not agree with Christ. So, therefore, you say, “Well, I can't submit to this guy because he's the Antichrist.” Well, no, he may be just the head of the body of the Antichrist, like Nebuchadnezzar, like Pharaoh, but what did God say in every case? Submit. The antichrist is also mentioned here. 1Jo.2:18 Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; (So they heard the same thing. Antichrist is coming, and he's correcting them.) whereby we know that it is the last hour. And John spoke of it here, too, in 2Jo.1:7 For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. (Now, listen, the Bible says, If any man speak, let him speak as an oracle of God. Say what the Bible says. The Bible never says the antichrist is an individual. Never. The antichrist is the whole body. The Bible never says the beast is the individual. Although it says every man is a beast. You see? All of them together make up a beast. And when Daniel spoke of the beast kingdoms, he spoke of multitudes of people that were beasts. You see? So, that doctrine is a false doctrine of the letter and not the Spirit. Now, do you have to deal with the king or the president the way the Bible commands? Yes, of course. If not, you're rebelling against the word of God. And then you're not serving your King, ‘capital K”. We have to serve the “little k” kings in order to serve our King, although we do not have to cross that line of worship, right? So, remember that. I think what Jesus said in John chapter 18 here is significant. Let me read this to you. Joh.18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (So, our kingdom is not of this world, and we can't fight either. You know, when Jesus was taken before Pilate, He was submissive. He didn't fight. He didn't grab a sword. He rebuked Peter for grabbing a sword to try to keep him from doing that.  And in Joh.19:10 Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee? 11 Jesus answered him, Thou wouldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath greater sin. (So, Pilate didn't have any power except what God gave him. Nobody's got any power over you except what God gives them. That's why you can totally rest in this whole situation. We have to submit to the ‘powers that be' because it's commanded of the Lord.) This puts us in a position of weakness, does it not? That we cannot fight with our enemies? God has put them in authority over us, and He tells us to submit to them. Let's read Mat.16:21 From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. 22 And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall never be unto thee. (You know, there are people saying today that none of God's people will go through a crucifixion, or go into the hands of the beast, none of them will have to go to their cross. But we all have to lose our life in order to gain our life. That's what Jesus said. I believe what the Lord has shown me very plainly is that if we will willingly give up our life, meaning our soulish life, we will be spared. And if we don't, we will have to give up our physical life.) 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: (See, who is it that's trying to stop us from going to the cross? It's the devil; okay, notice this.) thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men. (Men don't want to give up their life, their psuche, their soulish life, their fallen life, but look at how Jesus responds.) 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Jesus was going to His cross, and He was telling them that they're going to be His followers, they have to do the same thing and they did.  We're put here in the hands of people who've been given physical power over us and vastly outnumber us. And in most cases, it means a spiritual cross. We just submit and obey what the word of God says, even though these people who are, in many cases, obnoxious and persecute us, speak against us, do things against us, and take authority over us. You think that's not right to take away our rights, all these kinds of things. But we're like lambs to the slaughter; in most cases, it's that simple.  In many cases, it will even come down to a physical, denying the Lord in order to escape physical death or else submitting to our cross to have eternal life. In some cases, it will come down to the physical aspect, especially in the days to come, because we've been warned about that from the scriptures.) 25 For whosoever would save his life (That's the word psuche, soulish life, I'm not talking about physical life.) shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life (that's psuche again) for my sake shall find it. (We're speaking about the higher life, the zoe life. God is going to give us the greater life if we will give up this carnal life, the soulish, or self-life.) 26 For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds. (He wants us to take up our cross and follow Him, and if necessary, even to death, like the three Hebrews who were already dead to self so the beast could not kill them.) 1Pe.1:20 who (speaking of Jesus) was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. And in 1Pe.2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, (In other words, unjust suffering. The whole world's going to turn against Christianity, turn against the most peaceful people on this earth. And many are going to see it as very wrong, very evil, and they're going to be tempted to react to that. But listen to what the Lord says.) ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called (We were called to suffer for the name's sake.): because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: (Wow! Well, Jesus went to the cross, gave His life, so that we would be able to give our life. You see, we were crucified with Christ. (Gal.2:20) What was accomplished there was the crucifixion of this old man. But now, it's being manifested as we walk it out.  22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (We're going to have to turn the other cheek and love our enemies, to give a soft answer and give answers that show respect. They need to see Jesus in us, somebody who's not retaliating or fighting. Have you ever seen Christians who like to threaten people? I have; I see them all the time. They're very self-willed, and some of them are very angry. But we're told, Rom.12:19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.  1Pe.2:24 who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. (So even this sin of self-will, of rebellion against God, if we will repent, if we will confess it, if we will give up our anger, there's forgiveness.) If you don't believe that Christianity has been rebellious against God, you haven't been reading the Bible. The more you read it, the more you accept what it says, the more you're convicted that we have failed God, and we've rebelled against Him. You learn about the crucifixion of the self-will, and you see self-will is a total rebellion against God. God is going to have a holy people. One way He's going to do that is through persecution. The persecution and the tribulation that's coming is going to do a great work in purifying God's people, in delivering God's people, a powerful work. God's people are going to be holy through what we go through, especially if you will submit to the crucifixion, if you will treat the leadership of this world the way we see in the examples we've looked at.  We're saved by grace through faith. We should submit and put our faith in God as Jesus did, and let God be the Judge. He is Sovereign. Please read our book Sovereign God for Us and Through Us. It will give you such rest and peace to understand God's plan that He is in control of the nations, the wicked and all the people around you. You can rest in Him. You can put your faith in Him. He is your Savior. He will deliver you through death to self, sanctified, meet for the Masters use. He will give you a fear of the Lord, so that you will respect His Word, so that you will obey His Word, even when your flesh doesn't want that. God bless you.

Sunday 3rd May 2026 - West SiteSpeaker - Alice MeadsAlice starts a new series, explaining that we all get to play a part in building the Church.________________Nehemiah 3 v 1-141) Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2)  The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.3)  The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4)  Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5)  The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.6)  The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. 7)  Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah – Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth – places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. 8)  Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9)  Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. 10)  Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him. 11)  Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12)  Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.13)  The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. They also repaired a thousand cubits[c] of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.14)  The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Rekab, ruler of the district of Beth Hakkerem. He rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place._______________Recorded at West Site - 03May2026

Nehemiah 3:1-32 ESV Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king's garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David. After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress. After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib. After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired. After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house. After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress and to the corner. Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the buttress and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel. Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house. After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired. After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber. After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner. And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.

Is your workplace a difficult environment? Are you being asked to participate in things that don't align with your biblical convictions? Many of us find ourselves in situations like that. Maybe it's a new HR requirement or a training course you're expected to attend. How do you authentically respond in a way that is both respectful to your employer and doesn't go against your faith? The Old Testament prophet Daniel gives us a powerful example. Let's look at Daniel's life and the lives of his friends to see how they navigated challenging circumstances and how you and I can apply those same principles in our workplaces today. Here's some background: Israel had been conquered by the king of Babylon, who took many of the most capable young people into his service. In Daniel 1:3-5, we read these young men were chosen for their intelligence, appearance, and ability to learn. They were brought into the king's palace, trained in Babylonian language and culture, and given food and wine from the king's table. Daniel and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were among those taken. They were uprooted from their homes and everything familiar, placed in a foreign culture, and immersed in new beliefs and practices. Even their names were changed, as if their identity and heritage were being erased. They were also to eat the king's food, which on the surface sounds like a perk. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself by eating it. Some suggest the food may have been sacrificed to idols or considered unclean, though the text doesn't clearly say that. What I do see is Daniel chose to honor God in the one area he could control. In a place where so much had been taken from him, he remained faithful in what was still within his power. Daniel respectfully asked for permission for himself and his friends to abstain. He proposed a ten-day test to eat only vegetables and drink water, and in the end, he and his friends were healthier and better nourished than those who ate the king's food. Daniel was in a situation where nearly every aspect of his worship and culture had been stripped away. He couldn't go to the temple. He couldn't observe the usual practices of his faith. Yet he held onto what he could—his devotion to God. He chose to honor him in a small but significant way. What about you? Are there aspects of your workplace that feel outside your control? Where the environment seems hostile to your faith? Is the language inappropriate? Are the practices unethical? Do the expectations feel compromising? Where might God be inviting you, like Daniel, to take a respectful but firm stand? How can you authentically and respectfully respond in a tough situation and trust God will be with you and provide a way.

Daniel 2:1-49 2In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him.2Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.3And the king said to them, I had a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.4Then the Chaldeans said to the king in Aramaic,[a]O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.5The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The word from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins.6But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. Therefore show me the dream and its interpretation.7They answered a second time and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show its interpretation.8The king answered and said, I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see that the word from me is firm9if you do not make the dream known to me, there is but one sentence for you. You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the times change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation.10The Chaldeans answered the king and said, There is not a man on earth who can meet the king's demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean.11The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. 12Because of this the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.13So the decree went out, and the wise men were about to be killed; and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them.14Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.15He declared[b]to Arioch, the king's captain, Why is the decree of the king so urgent? Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel.16And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king. 17Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions,18and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.19Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.20Daniel answered and said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,to whom belong wisdom and might.21He changes times and seasons;he removes kings and sets up kings;he gives wisdom to the wiseand knowledge to those who have understanding;22he reveals deep and hidden things;he knows what is in the darkness,and the light dwells with him.23To you, O God of my fathers,I give thanks and praise,for you have given me wisdom and might,and have now made known to me what we asked of you,for you have made known to us the king's matter. 24Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation. 25Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus to him: I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.26The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?27Daniel answered the king and said, No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked,28but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:29To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be.30But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. 31You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was frightening.32The head of this image was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze,33its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.34As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.35Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. 36This was the dream. Now we will tell the king its interpretation.37You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory,38and into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them allyou are the head of gold.39Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.40And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these.41And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay.42And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle.43As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage,[c]but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay.44And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,45just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure. 46Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him.47The king answered and said to Daniel, Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.48Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.49Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king's court.

Friday Bible Study (4/10/26) // Ezra 10: 18-44 (ESV) // Those Guilty of Intermarriage // 18 Now there were found some of the sons of the priests who had married foreign women: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah, some of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers. 19 They pledged themselves to put away their wives, and their guilt offering was a ram of the flock for their guilt.[a] 20 Of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. 21 Of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. 22 Of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah.23 Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. 24 Of the singers: Eliashib. Of the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri.25 And of Israel: of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Hashabiah,[b] and Benaiah. 26 Of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah. 27 Of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza. 28 Of the sons of Bebai were Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai. 29 Of the sons of Bani were Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth. 30 Of the sons of Pahath-moab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh. 31 Of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah. 33 Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. 34 Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasu. 38 Of the sons of Binnui:[c] Shimei, 39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, 40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. 43 Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah. 44 All these had married foreign women, and some of the women had even borne children.[d]Footnotesa. Ezra 10:19 Or as their reparationb. Ezra 10:25 Septuagint; Hebrew Malchijahc. Ezra 10:38 Septuagint; Hebrew Bani, Binnuid. Ezra 10:44 Or and they put them away with their childrenWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW USFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #Ezra #BookOfEzra #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #Bible #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons

Daniel 1:1-21 1In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.3Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family[a]and of the nobility,4youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans.5The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king.6Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.7And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.9And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,10and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.11Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,12Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.13Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.14So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.15At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food.16So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.18At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.19And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king.20And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.21And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:2 Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the Lord.4 Of Heman: the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth:5 All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.6 All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.7 So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.8 And they cast lots, ward against ward, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve:10 The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:11 The fourth to Izri, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:12 The fifth to Nethaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:13 The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:14 The seventh to Jesharelah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:15 The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:16 The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:17 The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:18 The eleventh to Azareel, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:19 The twelfth to Hashabiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:20 The thirteenth to Shubael, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:21 The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:22 The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:23 The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:24 The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:25 The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:26 The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:27 The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:28 The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:29 The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:30 The three and twentieth to Mahazioth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:31 The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve.

Synopsis: A false prophet from Gibeon named Hananiah came to Jerusalem and contradicted God's word spoken through Jeremiah. He broke Jeremiah's yoke of wood for emphasis, yet God revealed yokes of iron were made to replace them. Hananiah was swiftly and severely judged by God for causing people to trust lies, and all who turn away from God's truth and rebel against Him will face judgment as well. Verses in order of appearance: Jeremiah 25:11 Jeremiah 28:1-4 Jeremiah 28:5-6 Jeremiah 27:22 Jeremiah 28:7-9 Isaiah 8:19-20 Deuteronomy 18:20-22 Jeremiah 28:10-11 Luke 4:28-32 Jeremiah 28:12-14 Haggai 1:5-6 Jeremiah 28:15-17 James 3:1 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2 Timothy 4:1-4 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Numbers 14 Joshua 9 Jeremiah 2 Psalm 119:105 John 8:12 John 10:34

Nehemiah chapter 7 focuses on establishing order and security after the wall of Jerusalem is completed. Nehemiah appoints trustworthy leaders like Hanani and Hananiah, emphasizing integrity and reverence for God. Gatekeepers, singers, and Levites are assigned, showing that both protection and worship are essential. A record of the returning exiles is also reviewed, reminding the people of their identity and heritage. This chapter teaches that after rebuilding, we must guard what God has restored—with wisdom, structure, and faithful leadership. Hashtags: #Nehemiah7 #GuardTheWork #FaithfulLeadership #GodlyOrder #RebuildAndProtect #IdentityInGod #StewardWellBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

In this series about name changes, one big change is when Jerusalem gets conquered by Babylon and selected hebrews are forced to learn Babylonian ways and language. Today we look at the story of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; whose names were changed to Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. We start with the ultimate truth that God wants us to find our identity in Him, and in the story of these hebrew men, it helps us to understand that not everybody who values what we can do, also values who we are. God is with us in the middle of our worst moments and will help us get through them; in the middle of temptations to make small, quiet compromises, and in the middle of large public temptations to go a different way than God's design. God will be with you. Through the lives of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, we can learn that our faith is in God's faithfulness. - Key Verses // Daniel 1:1-7, Daniel 3:16-30 - For Sermon Notes, the Connect Card, and our other online resources: https://linktr.ee/Celebrationchurchlive

Don't Bow to the Beast (1) (audio) David Eells 3/4/26  I want to talk to you about refusing to bow to the Beast, but we will first go over a little background.  Many Christians are deceived about the Bride and the leadership of the church. We know God is raising up a new leadership, a Man-child ministry in these days that's going to be the first fruits of those to walk in the steps of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 16 that He was going to come again as a baby, a Man-child, born to a woman. We read in Revelation 12 that the Man-child is born at the beginning of the Tribulation Period and that the Man-child leads the woman through the wilderness. In studying the Book of Esther, we've learned that “Mordecai” in Hebrew means “little man” and in Persian means “little boy.” Persia was the Beast kingdom that he was under at the time. Both of those mean “Manchild.” In Esther 2:5, it says that Mordecai was in Shushan, the palace. He wasn't just a commoner; he was a ruler, somebody under the king who probably had to do with ruling over God's people. In Esther 2:19-20, it says that he also sat in the “king's gate,” which was the place of government, where the rulers of the conquered nations gathered before the king. Mordecai raised up Esther as the Bride and he “nourished her,” the original word says. He prepared her for this time and he continued to guide her steps all the way through the Book of Esther, all the way through their tribulation. Also, Hegai, the king's chamberlain, was very pleased with Esther, and she required nothing but what Hegai provided. And we need nothing but what the Holy Spirit provides us with. (Rom.8:14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. This Bride and Man-child are the “sons of God” for whom the creation has been awaiting, the fullness of the sonship of Jesus Christ manifested in His people. In fact, the Shulamite in the Song of Solomon, the Bride who was chosen from among all the fair virgins of the kingdom, was called his “perfect one” (Song of Solomon 5:2). God is going to perfect, to mature His people. Esther was chosen out of all the fair virgins of the kingdom “because the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her Queen” (Est.2:17). But even then she was under the guidance of Mordecai and in verse (20) … Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. So we see that the job of the Man-child is to raise up the Bride and guide her. The Man-child is the head of the Bride, much like the False Prophet is the head of the Harlot. There is a corporate body of apostate people, called the Harlot, and the head of that body is its so-called Christian leadership, which is leading it astray. The Bride is Jerusalem and David was the head of Jerusalem. When Jesus came, He sat upon the throne of David and He was the head of the Bride. John the Baptist said, He that hath the bride is the bridegroom (Joh.3:29), as he saw Jesus leading the disciples. That's a short background, somewhat, and there's much more to the Book of Esther. (Est.3:1) After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. These princes were the people who ruled over the kingdoms over which Ahasuerus ruled, and among those princes was Mordecai, who was over the people of God. Now we see that Mordecai and Esther are two entities whom God uses to save the rest of the people of God from destruction by the Beast. The Beast that was to destroy them is represented here by Haman, who is a corporate body, just as Mordecai represents a corporate body of people. Why would God advance Haman above the other princes? Because throughout history, God has raised up a Beast kingdom over His people in times when His people were in apostasy. Why is God calling His people out of the Harlot? (Rev.18:4) … Come forth, my people, out of her…. It's because there is such an apostasy in the Church, and they've turned away from the Word; they've gone after religions. They are in apostasy and God is calling His people out of that.  This is what the Tribulation is for. Every time God's people have become a harlot, He raised up a Beast to come against them: from Egypt, to Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and now the end-time Rome. We're seeing a worldwide revived Roman Empire being raised up again for the purpose of sanctifying His people and bringing them to repentance. The raising up of Haman, with his authority to destroy the people of God, is what brings God's people to repentance. (Est.3:2) And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate (That's the place where government was, where all the representatives of the nations saw the face of the King.), bowed down, and did reverence to Haman (the Beast); for the king had so commanded concerning him. In Rom 13 we are told to submit to the powers that be. He had given Haman authority over God's people. People don't think that the Lord gives authority to evil in the earth, but He does, and it's for the purpose of bringing repentance. (Job2:10) … What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil… God does bring evil against His people as a chastening and a method to bring them to repentance.  So all the King's servants who were in the King's gate bowed down to the Beast, But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence (Est.3:2). I would say bowing down with reverence should be given nly to God. However, submitting to man's kingdoms is necessary to obey the Lord.  This is something we find all through the Scriptures. Mordecai, as a type of the man-child, refused to bow down to the Beast. We see the example of Joseph, who was sold into bondage by the Harlot, Potiphar's wife, and came to the position of authority like Mordecai. We see the example of Jesus, who didn't bow down to the Beast; and Moses, who didn't bow down; and Daniel – all these are types of the Man-child, who refused to bow down to the Beast.  (3) Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? (4) Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Who is this accusing Mordecai to the Beast? You remember throughout history how the apostate brethren of Joseph persecuted and came against him and sold him into the hand of the Beast; and the apostate brethren of Jesus, the leadership of apostate Israel, accused Him to the Beast. We're seeing the same thing here; history keeps on repeating. We're not talking about rebellion against Constitutional, political authority here. We're talking about rebellion in terms of not bowing down religiously, of not worshipping the Beast as God. Today, there is a spirit of worship of the Beast by Christians, and there has been for many centuries. Patriotism, pledging allegiance, all these things that saints in past days would never have thought of doing, God's people today think nothing of. They don't understand that there's only one Kingdom – the Kingdom of God – which we should be representing. (5) And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. (6) But he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. Notice that the head over all God's true people is represented here by Mordecai.  In the rest of the story, Mordecai and Esther save all of these Jews from the Beast. Does that mean that all of what we loosely call Christians are going to be saved from the Beast? No, but the true Jews, those who are circumcised in heart, not in flesh, are all going to be saved. All Israel (Romans 11:26) is going to be saved – everybody who is grafted into the olive tree called “all Israel.” They'll be saved from the Beast in one form or another. We see here that Mordecai is one of the princes who sat in the king's gate to represent his people. He was among the other princes who were accusing him. In Ezekiel 17, I've shared a revelation the Lord gave me concerning the Beast of D.S. Babylon, who has brought God's people into bondage. We know that when Babylon conquered the nations, it not only brought apostate Israel into bondage, but they brought people like Daniel and the Hebrews, who were appointed people of God in their time, under the thumb of the Beast kingdom. When we talk about Mordecai, we're talking about the good leadership, but what about the bad leadership that accused him? (Eze.17:2) Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; (3) and say, Thus saith the Lord God: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar: (4) he cropped off the topmost of the young twigs thereof, and carried it unto a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants. This represents the Great Eagle of America which is the head of D.S. Babylon, bringing the leadership of God's people into bondage. In the natural, it's happening; natural Israel is more and more under Kazarian D.S. dominion. Something else is also happening, and that is, that spiritual new testament Israel said to be circumcised in heart is being brought more and more under the dominion of the latest Beast government. Media-Persia of Cyrus/Trump is conquering Babylon, thank God. In fact, as we keep reading, it says (11) Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, (12) Say now to the rebellious house…. Why is it that God is permitting  Beast governments to bring under their authority the spiritual people of God and the “letter” people of God, the natural Jews? It is because they are rebellious houses. The letter Israel is a type and shadow for spiritual Israel. They've rebelled against the covenant that God has given. (12) Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and brought them to him to Babylon. So the king and the princes of both spiritual and natural Israel have been under the dominion of Babylon. What makes a beast a beast? The flesh is in control over the spiritual. The Alliance of nations under Cyrus/Trump is about to be a GESARA covenant. Although we will benefit from this covenant to rebuild the Kingdom of God, it will not last. The next seven verses go on to talk about a covenant that was broken in the middle, exactly as we would expect if it were Daniel's 70th-week covenant of the end-time broken in the middle. God also rebukes them for breaking His covenant and then He talks about another leadership that He's raising up. We just saw the apostate leadership, the king and the princes, brought under the dominion of Babylon, but He talks about a new leadership here. (22) Thus saith the Lord God: I will also take of the l7ofty top of the cedar (An evergreen type of eternal life), and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it upon a high and lofty mountain. That's referring to the mountain representing the Kingdom of God, spiritual Mount Zion. This was the same description (cropping off the topmost twigs) that God gave in verse four here, referring to the apostate leadership of Israel/Church, but now the Lord speaks of a type of the Israel/Church's new leadership. So, once again, He is talking about a new leadership, “the topmost twig.” (23) In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of the branches thereof shall they dwell. (24) And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it. God is bringing down a false leadership over the true people of God, and He's raising up a new leadership. This is just as it was in the days of Jesus and Moses, when the apostate leadership persecuted the Man-child Jesus and then His disciples. In the same way, in the end-time, God is going to bring down the high and the lofty and raise up the lowly to take that position who will walk in the steps of the Lord Jesus, the Man-child of Revelation 12. He came as a Lamb but now as a Lion. We just had a prophecy of the coming Lion, who come manifested in His Man-child body.  So we see here two groups in captivity. In the time of Esther, there were two groups in captivity, and the one persecuted the other, just as the False Prophet in Israel, the Sanhedrin, persecuted the Man-child ministry of Jesus. We see the same thing with Mordecai and these servants of the king who accused him to the Beast. Jesus was accused to the Beast by the corporate False Prophet of Israel. Also, we can go to Daniel and see that when Babylon took God's people into captivity, there was the good thrown in with the bad. (Dan.1:1) In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (the “Great Eagle” in Eze 17.) unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. (2) And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god. (3) And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in [certain] of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; (4) youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace…. There it is! These are people whom God is raising up who are spotless and blemishless, and they're not equated with the Jewish king and his princes, who were also taken captive. That's the way it was with Daniel. (6) Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (7) And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave [the name of] Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, [of] Shadrach; and to Mishael, [of] Meshach; and to Azariah, [of] Abednego. Next, these four had to be proven because they wouldn't be defiled by eating the king's food. They wouldn't partake of the Babylonish king's dainties and, since they wouldn't be defiled, they also didn't bow down to the image of the Beast. It's important to know that what we eat is what we are, and if we partake of a beastly doctrine that enables our flesh to rule, we will become a member of the Beast. Our flesh is a member of the Beast kingdom – it is an enemy of God; it's at enmity with your spirit. Partaking of fleshly doctrines is partaking of the Beast's dainties. Anyway, there was nothing but good said about these four Hebrews. (17) Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. … (20) And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. (21) And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. What we see in the Book of Daniel – twice, in chapters 3 and 6 – is exactly what we see concerning the accusations against Mordecai, the Man-child, by the other leaders. What happened in Jesus' day, when He was accused by the other rabbis, the apostates (and accused to the Roman Beast, too, by the way), we see also in Daniel. The three Hebrews represented the people who would not bow down. Daniel was obviously in leadership, but the three Hebrews refused to bow down to the image of the Beast in Daniel chapter three. It was the image of the Beast because it had the number of the Beast. (Dan.3:1) Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore (60 - there's “6”) cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits (there's “6-6”): he set it up in the plain of Dura…. “Dura” means “a circle,” which reminds us of the earth, and the Gematria for “the earth” or “the world” is 600. So there you have a representation of the world adding up to 666. We're talking about the image of the Beast, and it's made up of, if we look carefully in chapter two, all the peoples and all the kingdoms, one right after another.  Now notice who was commanding the people to bow down to this image: (4) Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages…. The word “herald” is the only Greek word in this text, and it's the New Testament word for “preacher.” So we have apostate preachers over the people of God, commanding them to bow down to the image of the Beast. This is like pledging allegiance. Not everybody bowed down, just as we saw with Mordecai. The other servants of the king who stood in the king's gate bowed down. This was the leadership of the apostate people of God, or the False Prophet. They bowed down to Haman, but Mordecai, the Man-child, refused. We see that they commanded them to bow down, and the people all bowed down, except for the three Hebrews. (8) Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews. They were accused because they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast. Now, God saved them and brought a witness through them of His power to save, even in the fiery furnace that was heated seven times hotter, as in the seven years of the Tribulation Period. “Times” is used in Revelation 12:14, for instance, as in “a time, times, and half a time,” speaking of years. So “seven times” in this text speaks of the Tribulation Period. The three Hebrews refused to bow down. They served the king, obeyed and submitted to the government of the king, but when it came to bowing down, they refused. The world is going to demand this; they're going to make their generic god, and everyone is going to have to serve it and be at peace with others and not witness to others and so on. We have another witness of Daniel himself, who was a type of the Man-child. Daniel refused to bow down, and the same situation happened. There were others with him, who were leaders, who accused him before the Beast: (Dan.6:1) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom; (2) and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one (“Throughout the whole kingdom” could be an application of what we loosely call “the Kingdom of God.”); that these satraps might give account unto them, and that the king should have no damage. (3) Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. (4) Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Praise God! Those were the false prophets who corresponded to the false prophets in Jesus' day, who sought occasion for false witness against Jesus, and since He had committed no sin, they had to falsely accuse Him. It was the same with Daniel here. The head of the Harlot was the false prophets and false leaders who were accusing Jesus, How is the faithful city become a harlot! … (Isa.1:21). God's people had become a harlot because they had apostatized and were committing fornication with the world. They were receiving the seed of the world, the seed of the Beast kingdom. (Dan.6:5) Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. (6) Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. (7) All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Daniel only bowed down to his God; he only asked of his God; he wasn't going to treat the king or the Beast as a god. (8) Now, O king, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (9) Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the interdict. (10) And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem;) and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. So he only knelt down to the God of Israel. He refused to bow down to the image of the Beast.  (11) Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. (12) Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's interdict: Hast thou not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. (13) Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the interdict that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. (14) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him. Notice that it wasn't the Beast that wanted to destroy the Man-child; it was his own brothers. Joseph's brothers were the ones who sold him into bondage to the Gentiles. And, accordingly, Pilate wanted nothing to do with crucifying what he called Jesus, this righteous man (Mat.27:24).  The apostates twisted his arm, exactly as they are doing here. We are headed to the exact same time, when the false leadership over God's people is going to be used to persecute the true leadership. Although all of them are going to be under the same Beast government rule, the leadership of the apostate people of God, just as we saw with Mordecai, is going to bow down to the Beast. Amazingly, people whom you and I have called Christians and thought were Christians will be part of a great falling away. The 10 northern tribes worshipped the image of the beast and were part of a great falling away. They bowed down to the golden calf, or the image of a beast. Now the same thing is happening to what we loosely call Christianity; they have built and bowed down to their golden calf. It's a work of man's hands. It has nothing to do with God or His Word that He created in the very beginning, as far as Christianity is concerned. It's something that they have made themselves, and because it's their own, they're going to want to protect it and defend it and their livelihood along with it. The Man-child ministry is going to be a threat to that because of the truths that will come forth, just as they came out of Jesus. The Bible spoke about Jesus, how He opened His mouth, and things that were hidden from the foundation of the world were revealed. Things that have been hidden are going to be revealed, but also, things that have been hidden in God's people are going to be revealed by this great falling away and by the apostates' siding with the Beast against their brethren. They are Judases, sons of perdition, false prophets. The point here in Daniel is that he still refused to do anything but bow down only to the real, true God, not to just any ruler or generic god, not even to any god that they might call “Jesus.” Many religious images of Jesus are not Him at all. When we read the Bible, we see the true Jesus and His crucified life. That contrasts with what we see now in Christianity. Will the current leadership continue to bring a reproach on Christianity by living so lavishly and fleecing so many people? That's not walking in the steps of Jesus; that's not the crucified life. These people defend that lifestyle as spiritual, and it's a shame. How many airplanes can a person use? God is sending the Beast not only because of the leadership, but also because of the people who don't understand that they should not support people who do such things. The crucified life that Jesus and His disciples walked was a simple life without all the accoutrements of Babylon. They didn't have the fancy temple and the big synagogues, but they had the truth. That was part of the trial. There is a great apostasy, a rebellion, in the church. They're in love with the world, and the things of the world, and the Bible says, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1Jn.2:15). God is proving just who it is who loves Him. The Bride, in the Song of Solomon, ran fanatically after the Bridegroom, so much so that she surprised the other queens, virgins, and concubines. They thought that one Jesus was just as good as another. But the other Jesus' are made by man. They give Jesus a character that's contrary to Scripture, a contrary doctrine, and so on.  Well, Daniel wouldn't bow down, so he had to be thrown into the lion's den and, as you know, God preserved him. God sent His angel. (Dan.6:18) Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him. (19) Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. (20) And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? (21) Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (23) Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God. (24) And the king commanded, and they brought those men that had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den. That's very similar to Revelation 17:16, where the Beast devours the Harlot.  The apostate leaders who accused Jesus were then destroyed, and as we know, there's a great and terrible Day of the Lord coming, when that's exactly what's going to happen. The Beast is going to devour and destroy the Harlot and burn her flesh with fire. So the Beast was basically made a believer in the God of Daniel, just as in the time of Nebuchadnezzar; and, by the way, Daniel chapter seven speaks of the end-time. We know the timing of Daniel's Tribulation because he gets a revelation of the four Beasts, and from his time, which was the time of Babylon onward, is when his revelation started. His vision didn't start with the Egyptian and Assyrian Beasts, which were two that came before Babylon. The Beasts of Revelation, however, start with those two that came before Babylon. Daniel mentions the four Beasts that lead up to the end-time Beast. There was the lion with eagle's wings (Babylon) that was conquered by the Media-Persian bear, then by Greece, then Rome. He was prophesying again of the image of the Beast.  In today's end-times, these entities are still with us. The Lion with Eagle's wings is the British Empire, and the Eagle's wings are the present head of the British Empire and America. This is the Great Eagle, which was then and will be today conquered by the Medo-Persian Bear. So not only were these historic, from Daniel's day on, but they're also an end-time revelation of what's going to happen. We find that this last Beast that he talks about, which was Rome, devours the whole earth. The last Beast, he tells us, was headed up by 10 horns, exactly like Revelation 17. The 10 horns are the ten kings that rule over the Beast kingdom. Among those 10 horns comes up a little horn (Daniel 7:8) that's different, it says, from the rest of the horns. That little horn is a ruler among rulers that will be diverse from all of the 10, and it is the corporate False Prophet. (Dan.7:21) … The same horn made war with the saints…. There it is again! They'll make war on the Man-child and the saints, which is exactly what we see in the rest of the Book of Esther. (Dan.7:23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth…. We have had the United Nations, whose place is being taken by the Alliance of nations. The whole earth is inside the body of the last Beast. GESARA Law was signed unanimously by all 209 countries in 2015. Remember that in Daniel's vision of the legs of the image of the beast, Rome lasted from the thighs all the way down to the toes – the iron that was mixed with the clay. It is different in these days because now it has covered; it has devoured, the whole earth. And among those 10 kings is the little horn that comes up to make war on the saints. (Dan.7:20) ... Before which three fell, even that [horn] that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows. (21) I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; (22) until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.  So we see the Beast has been given authority to crucify Christ once more. It says that he “prevailed against them.” This False Prophet and the Harlot beneath the False Prophet have been given authority to crucify the flesh of the saints. It doesn't necessarily mean that all will die; that's not the point here. The point is the crucifixion of the flesh of the saints. The Church is in rebellion because the flesh rules. The Beast, in a spiritual way, is ruling over them already because their flesh rules over them already. There has to be a crucifixion for us to bear fruit and come into the Kingdom; therefore, God is raising up this whole worldwide kingdom to come against His people. The little horn represents a religious entity because it's different from the other horns. They are corporate bodies of secular rulers, but the little horn is a corporate body of religious rulers who will bring God's people to their cross, much like they did to Jesus in His day. This is the seed of that same Sanhedrin that's being raised up in our day, no different from the earlier one. The Sanhedrin in natural Israel has been raised up again, and the Sanhedrin in spiritual Israel has been raised up again, too, to crucify the body of Christ again. God just repeats history in larger and larger ways. The spiritual man is not going to be conquered, and the quicker we learn to submit, the more we will be like Daniel, in that the lions' mouths will be closed. The Beast will not be able to devour Daniel. The fire of the fiery furnace, heated seven times hotter, will not be able to devour the three Hebrews because they have refused to eat the king's dainties and they refused to bow down to the image of the Beast, just like Daniel. What we see in Esther is clearly a prophecy of the end-time. The persecution that was raised up against Mordecai, who was over all God's people of the kingdom, will be repeated in our day. Remember, the Beast decided to kill the people of Mordecai. The people of Mordecai, of whom we are speaking, include the Bride, but just as Jerusalem is only part of the Kingdom, the Bride is only part of the people of Mordecai. Not everybody in the Church is going to follow the Man-child. All the righteous Jews in the rest of the kingdom will be delivered from the Beast through the righteous leadership of Mordecai, the Man-child, and Esther, the Bride – a leadership that refused to bow down and a people that refused to bow down, respectively. The true people of God will not bow down. The rest will worship the image of the Beast; they will bow down. God is sending a separation in the form of this image of the Beast. The people who have no faith in their God, no commitment to their God, will find it easier to justify themselves and bow down to the image of the Beast, even change their doctrines, if necessary, and submit to the Beast kingdom. The true people of God are represented by the people of Mordecai, who discover that this leadership is truly the right leadership, like the people who followed Jesus in His day. This represented a people from among natural Israel who were a first fruits to follow Jesus diligently, just as it will be in our day. (Joh.3:29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom…. Even if a person didn't come up to the standard of the Bride which Jesus raised up, He sent them forth unto every place He was about to go to fulfill the Great Commission. The apostles raised up the five-fold ministry as the leadership for the rest of spiritual Israel, just as the latter-day apostles will for the Church. We have some great days coming, some wondrous days. In Esther 3:7-8, it is also revealed that God's people had been rebellious, and that's the reason this is coming today. The best thing we can do is learn to serve the true and living God. Don't bow down to the Beast.

On today's page, Menachot 45, we hear the spectacular story of Hananiah ben Hezekiah, the man who saved the Book of Ezekiel from being removed from the biblical canon. Hananiah famously holed himself up in an attic with 300 barrels of oil for illumination until he mastered the text. Guest Dr. Tevi Troy joins us to discuss this kind of scholarly obsession, drawing parallels to American presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, who went to extreme lengths to satisfy their own hunger for books. What does it mean to love a text so much that you'd risk everything to understand it? Listen and find out.

When we take a step toward God, we find He's already reaching out to us. As James 4:8a says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Life is simply better together—not just with one another, but with the One who invites us closer every day. As we lean into His love, we discover His grace meeting us right where we are.  Let's continue journeying nearer to Him—together. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Nehemiah 7:1-5a (NIV) // After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the Levites were appointed. I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do. I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.” The List of the Exiles Who Returned Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return.

This Sunday pastor Brian preached a sermon titled "THE FIRE before the fire," where he spoke of the revival before the Babylonian exile that prepared Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to stand for their faith in the face of the lion's den and the fiery furnace. He spoke from the passages of 2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35, Proverbs 29:18, and Psalm 119:105.

Are you paying attention to the signs of the times? In this powerful message, we dive deep into Matthew 24 and explore what Jesus specifically warned His disciples about deception in the last days.  With Bible prophecy comprising nearly one-third of Scripture, understanding these end times warnings has never been more critical for believers today. You'll discover why Jesus mentioned deception four times in a single chapter and how the patterns of biblical prophecy connect ancient warnings to our modern world.  We examine the story of the false prophet Hananiah in Jeremiah 28 and see how the same tactics of deception that led God's people astray centuries ago are still at work today. From AI-generated fake images to false teachers in pulpits, the tools of deception have become more sophisticated than ever before.  Learn the one powerful protection God has given us against being led astray and why staying rooted in Scripture is essential for navigating these last days with wisdom and discernment.

A life of taking ground in our faith is not a life               of adversity, rather it is the                      of having gone through adversity with our eyes fixed on God.[Daniel 1:5, 8-9 NET] So the king assigned them a daily ration from his royal delicacies and from the wine he himself drank. They were to be trained for the next three years. At the end of that time they were to enter the king's service. [8]  But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the royal delicacies or the royal wine. He therefore asked the overseer of the court officials for permission not to defile himself. [9] Then God made the overseer of the court officials sympathetic to Daniel. God can do the ______________ when your aim is to please him.[Daniel 2:14-18 NET] Then Daniel spoke with prudent counsel to Arioch, who was in charge of the king's executioners and who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. [15] He inquired of Arioch the king's deputy, “Why is the decree from the king so urgent?” Then Arioch informed Daniel about the matter. [16] So Daniel went in and requested the king to grant him time, that he might disclose the interpretation to the king. [17] Then Daniel went to his home and informed his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the matter. [18] He asked them to pray for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery so that he and his friends would not be destroyed along with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. [Proverbs 2:6 ESV] For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.  We gain ground by                       God for wisdom.  [Daniel 3:16-18 NET] …“We do not need to give you a reply concerning this. [17] If our God whom we are serving exists, he is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he will rescue us, O king, from your power as well. [18] But if he does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we don't serve your gods, and we will not pay homage to the golden statue that you have erected.”[Daniel 6:10-11 NET] When Daniel realized that a written decree had been issued, he entered his home, where the windows in his upper room opened toward Jerusalem. Three times daily he was kneeling and offering prayers and thanks to his God just as he had been accustomed to do previously.  [11] Then those officials who had gone to the king came by collusion and found Daniel praying and asking for help before his God.Through Daniel's life he cultivated a _________ of prayer and ____________ .  [1 Thessalonians 5 NIV] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.[Proverbs 4:20-27 NIV] My son, pay attention to what I say;turn your ear to my words.[21] Do not let them out of your sight,keep them within your heart;[22] for they are life to those who find themand health to one's whole body.[23] Above all else, guard your heart,for everything you do flows from it.[24] Keep your mouth free of perversity;keep corrupt talk far from your lips.[25] Let your eyes look straight ahead;fix your gaze directly before you.[26] Give careful thought to the paths for your feetand be steadfast in all your ways.[27] Do not turn to the right or the left;keep your foot from evil.[Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (let's gain ground!),[2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  The daily habits that we ___________ determine the ___________ of our life.

Dialed In for 2026 // Fasting for Mind, Body, and SpiritPastors JF and Ashley WilkersonMatthew 6:16–18 NIV16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”1. Fasting Helps Dial in Your MindDaniel 1:15–20 NIV15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your SpiritBIBLICAL FASTING - refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.Matthew 4:1–4 NIV 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”Fasting is a chosen wilderness that helps to teach your spirit Who sustains you.3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.- Biblical fasting should align us with God's heart and mission.Isaiah 58:3–10 NIV3 ‘Why have we fasted,' they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit

Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king's food. He asked the chief official for permission not to eat it. After ten days, he and his friends looked healthier than the others. God gave them learning and wisdom—and Daniel could understand visions and dreams. Just as God provided for Daniel and his friends in exile, Jesus teaches us to trust God's daily provision and reign, especially in uncertain times. Daniel 1:8–17(ESV)But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.Luke 12:22–31 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

We know from both Jewish and secular sources, that 2,500 years ago the Babylonians led by Nevuchadnezar, besieged Jerusalem on this day. Two years later the Temple was destroyed. But what events led to this moment? And why was the path of the prophet Yirmiyahu's life so dangerous?   As importantly how do we, in our days, feel a connection to the message and the narrative? 10th Teves is also designated as a day of mourning, for all those who do not know the date or the fate of their family's passing during the Holocaust, and this episode will feature the unusual story of a young child in the partisans.    Timestamps 0:00:00 Opening and podcast intro; dedication to Nehemiah and host's father 0:01:06 Overview of episode topics, Hanukkah feedback, and menorah discussion 0:03:18 Context of Asara B'Tevet, Holocaust link, and anecdote about Kaddish in old-age home 0:04:20–0:10:04 Historical exposition: Jeremiah's prophecies, political pressures, scroll burned, imprisonments 0:10:04–0:19:37 Continued account: attempted murder, rescues, false prophets (Hananiah, Uriah) and descent to siege 0:19:37–0:21:25 Summary of decline leading to exile and significance of the 10th of Tevet fast 0:21:25–0:28:46 Modern parallels: genteel/diplomatic antisemitism, political short-termism, and examples 0:28:46–0:34:31 Reflection on providence, Hashem's hand, emunah vs. bitachon, and cultivating trust 0:34:31–0:40:15 Practical guidance: quiet contemplation, Hanukkah lessons, and spiritual responses 0:40:15–0:46:37 Holocaust case study begins: Matei Jakel's early life, attack, deportation, and escape from train 0:46:37–0:52:16 Partisan life, postwar displacement, meeting youth emissaries, aliyah to Israel, rebuilding life 0:52:16 Closing reflections, key takeaways on resilience and faith, listener email (podcasts@jle.org.uk) and two-week break

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-af6dc88039d017a449c87aac7aa379bf{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-af6dc88039d017a449c87aac7aa379bf .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-af6dc88039d017a449c87aac7aa379bf .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 06Daniel 2:1-30 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 06 Daniel 2:1-30 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1206db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar Challenges the Wise Men to Explain His Dream 1 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. His spirit was troubled, but he fell back to sleep again. 2 The king gave orders to summon the magicians, the spell casters, the sorcerers, and the astrologers [1] to relate the king's dream to him. So they came and stood before the king. 3 The king said to them, “I had a dream, and my spirit was troubled because I did not understand the dream.” 4 The astrologers said to the king in Aramaic, [2] “Your Majesty, [3] may you live forever! Tell the dream to your servants, and we will explain its meaning.” 5 The king answered the astrologers, “My decision is final. If you do not tell me the dream and what it means, your body shall be cut to pieces, and your houses will be made into a pile of rubble. 6 However, if you explain the dream and its meaning, you will receive gifts, a reward, and great honor from me. So, explain to me the dream and its meaning!” 7 They responded a second time and said, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will explain its meaning.” 8 The king answered, “Now I know for sure that you are buying time because you see that my decision is final. 9 If you do not make the dream known to me, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to give me a lying and cheating response until the situation changes. So, tell me the dream, and I will know that you are also able to explain its meaning to me.” 10 The astrologers responded to the king, “There is no person on earth who is able to reveal what the king wants. No great and powerful king has ever asked for a thing like this from any magician, spell caster, or astrologer. 11 The thing that the king is asking is difficult. There is no one who can reveal it to the king except the gods, who do not dwell with mortal flesh.” 12 Because of this the king became very angry. He was enraged and gave orders to put the wise men of Babylon to death. 13 The decree was issued that all the wise men were to be executed. So executioners looked for Daniel and his companions to execute them. God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar's Dream to Daniel 14 Then Daniel responded with good judgment and tact to Ariok, the chief of the king's executioners, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. 15 He said to Ariok, the king's officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” So Ariok explained the situation to Daniel. 16 Daniel then entered the court and asked the king to give him time so that he could reveal the interpretation to the king. 17 Next, Daniel went to his house and explained the situation to Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, his companions. 18 They were to seek mercy from the God of Heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions would not be put to death with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision at night, and Daniel blessed the God of Heaven. [4] 20 Daniel said, May the name of God be blessed forever and ever, because wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and eras. He removes kings, and he brings kings to power. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have good judgment. 22 He reveals deep things and hidden things. He knows what is in the dark, and the light dwells with him. 23 To you, God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because you have given me wisdom and power. Now you have made known to me what we requested from you, because you have made known to us the thing the king asked about. Daniel Explains Nebuchadnezzar's Dream 24 As a result of this, Daniel went to Ariok, whom the king had assigned to put the wise men of Babylon to death. Daniel went and said this to him: “Do not put the wise men of Babylon to death. Bring me before the king, and I will explain the meaning to the king.” 25 Then Ariok immediately brought Daniel before the king. This is what Ariok said to the king: “I have found a man from among the Judean exiles who will make the interpretation known to the king.” 26 The king said to Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar), “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I saw and its meaning?” 27 Daniel answered the king, “The mystery that the king is asking about, no wise men, spell casters, magicians, or diviners are able to explain it to the king. 28 However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. This is your dream; the visions in your head while you were on your bed were this: 29 For you, Your Majesty, while you were on your bed, thoughts arose about things that will come after this, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. 30 But the reason that this mystery was revealed to me was not because I have more wisdom in me than any other living being. Rather, it was revealed to me so that the meaning could be made known to Your Majesty and so that you may know the thoughts of your heart. Footnotes Daniel 2:2 In the book of Daniel there are two homonyms, both pronounced kasdim. One word refers to a type of astronomer/astrologer. The other word refers to the Chaldeans, the ethnic group that ruled Babylon. In most cases the context indicates the correct meaning. Daniel 2:4 The text of Daniel is written in Aramaic from this point through the end of chapter 7. Daniel 2:4 Literally O King Daniel 2:19 The God of Heaven is the common title for the Lord in Daniel. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-3ce68255e5fbbb6d29124630242939e5{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-3ce68255e5fbbb6d29124630242939e5 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-3ce68255e5fbbb6d29124630242939e5 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 05Daniel 1 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 05 Daniel 1 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1205db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Daniel Is Taken to Babylon 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into Nebuchadnezzar's hand, along with some of the vessels of the House of God, and he brought them to the land of Shinar, [1] into the house of his god. He brought the vessels into the treasury of his god. 3 The king told Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, [2] to bring some young Israelite men from the royal family or from the nobility. 4 He was to choose young men who had no blemish, who were good looking, who had insight into all kinds of wisdom, who possessed knowledge, understanding, and learning, and who were capable of serving in the king's palace, in order to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. [3] 5 The king assigned them daily rations from the special royal food and from the king's own wine. He ordered that they should be trained for three years. At the end of training they were to serve the king. 6 In this group of young men were the Judeans Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief of the officials gave them new names. He gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar, Hananiah the name Shadrak, Mishael the name Meshak, and Azariah the name Abednego. The Young Men Are Steadfast in Their Faith 8 Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the special food of the king or with the wine that he drank. So he sought permission from the chief official, so that he would not have to defile himself. 9 God made the chief of the officials favorable and sympathetic toward Daniel. 10 Then the chief of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink. Why should he see your faces looking less healthy than those of the other young men who are your age? You put my life at risk before the king.” 11 Daniel said to the superintendent whom the chief of the officials had placed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days. Tell them to give us only vegetables, and we will eat them and drink water. 13 Observe our appearance and the appearance of the young men who eat the special royal food. Then deal with your servants based on what you see.” 14 So he listened to what they said about this and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days, their appearance was noticeably better than that of the others. They were healthier than any of the young men who had been eating the special royal food. 16 So the superintendent permanently took away the special royal food and the wine they were to drink and gave them only vegetables. 17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and insight into all kinds of literature, as well as wisdom. In addition, Daniel also understood every kind of vision and dream. 18 At the end of the time which the king had set for them to be brought to him, the chief of the officials brought them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king spoke with them, and none of the others were found to be comparable to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they served the king. 20 In every matter concerning wisdom and understanding that the king sought from them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [4] and spell casters in his entire kingdom. 21 So Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. Footnotes Daniel 1:2 That is, Babylon Daniel 1:3 The term may refer to eunuchs, but it is not limited to this meaning. Daniel 1:4 The Chaldeans were the ethnic group ruling Babylon. Daniel 1:20 The distinctions between the various kinds of occult practitioners are unclear. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

God did not abandon Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to Babylon. He sent them there as seeds of awakening in a hostile culture. In the same way, we are called to live in a city that offers power and indulgence without letting those offers weaken our convictions. From Daniel 4, we saw Daniel honor a wicked king, Nebuchadnezzar, proving that real holiness refuses compromise and also refuses hatred. Rich reminded us that we are leaders in every sphere we occupy and that God calls us to combine excellence with anointing, using both natural diligence and supernatural wisdom. He connected this to 1 Timothy 4, urging us to steward our gifts and live as examples of faith and purity. We were reminded through Daniel 2 and Psalm 75 that promotion comes from God, not from bowing to cultural idols. A life of excellence and Spirit-led obedience becomes our witness across NYC. Influence also requires proximity, which means learning to love and pray for the “Nebuchadnezzars” around us. The call is to become a Daniel company in this city, drawing clear lines of conviction and revealing Christ where pressure is greatest.   Listen in now to hear Life Center Church's latest Sunday message from Pastor Rich.   ⛪️ Connect with us ⛪️  https://www.lifecenternyc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lifecenternyc/  

This message invites us to explore the courageous faith of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—three young men who stood firm when everyone else bowed. Their story reminds us that God's presence is not proven by the fires we avoid, but by the God who stands with us in the flames. Whether He delivers in the way we hope or leads us through the heat, He is still worthy of our trust and worship. This sermon calls us to a resilient, “even if He doesn't” kind of faith that refuses to bow to pressure and finds strength in the Fourth Man in the fire.

A study of three biblical prophets: Abraham, Moses and Jeremiah. The difference between a true and a false prophet is illustrated by contrasting Jeremiah's prophecy with Hananiah's false prophecy. Know God's word and you'll be able to discern the difference between the true and false prophecy. Jeremiah 27-28 VF-1827 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

Today's Scripture passages are Jeremiah 12 - 13:14 | Daniel 3 | Acts 4:1-22.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Feeling powerless amid upheaval or uncertainty? Jennifer Slattery reflects on Daniel 1:6-9, showing how God remained with Daniel during exile and worked through him to influence a nation. This devotional reminds believers that even in times of political, social, or personal turmoil, God is sovereign, present, and always working for the good of His children. Highlights Daniel’s faithfulness in exile demonstrates God’s ability to protect, elevate, and use His people, even in foreign or difficult circumstances. God’s favor can work through unlikely individuals—including secular leaders—for His purposes. Biblical truth affirms God’s control over earthly powers (Proverbs 21:1). Darkness—whether personal, societal, or global—cannot overcome God’s light (John 1:5). Anticipating God’s work in our lives fosters hope and resilience, even amid chaos and hardship. Join the Conversation How have you seen God work in unexpected ways during challenging seasons? Share your reflections and encourage others to trust His sovereignty. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithInTheChaos #GodRemains #LightInTheDarkness to join the conversation.

In an age before billboards, movies, and cat videos, there were few ways to stand out from the crowd and command the attention of people who might otherwise ignore you. At the Lord's command, Jeremiah frequently acts out some of his prophesies in order to dramatically display the reality of what will soon take place. You wouldn't soon forget a man wearing chains and a yoke who looks you in the eye and tells you that you will be like him in the near future. Another prophet named Hananiah comes along, and in similar fashion breaks Jeremiah's yoke, prophesying that the Lord will break the yoke of King Nebuchadnezzar, but things are not what they seem.Jeremiah 25 - 1:15 . Jeremiah 26 - 10:26 . Jeremiah 27 - 15:51 . Jeremiah 28 - 22:02 . Psalm 119:97-112 - 26:04 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Reading Jeremiah 28:1-17 where a prophet named Hananiah makes a false prophecy about the years Judah is going to be in exile, and the Lord punishes him and Judah severely. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Fr. Mike shares one of his favorite Bible verses, and guides us through the story of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah as they are thrown into the fiery furnace. He also emphasizes the significance of their Hebrew names, and how powerful name changes are in Scripture. Today's readings are Jeremiah 22, Daniel 3, and Proverbs 15:29-33. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this Bible Story, we were introduced to Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The three young men are specially chosen out of the Judaen captives to sit under the king as wise men. King Nebuchadnezzar attempts to indoctrinate them into Babylonian ways, however they prove that following the Lord proves to be more useful for human flourishing. This story is inspired by Daniel 1:1-16. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Daniel 1:8 from the King James Version.Episode 162: The kingdoms of Israel and Judah had fallen and the men of nobility were taken captive. Among these handsome and well educated men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These four feared God and though they were brought into the King's court to be influenced, God used them to skillfully influence the King and his men instead.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does God respond to false prophets? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Jentri Cornelius discuss Jeremiah 28-30. Jentri walks us through the story of Hananiah and why God's response to Hananiah's false teaching was necessary for the good of his people. We are reminded that we too can be easily led astray from God's teachings and how to avoid that happening in our lives.  Additional references: Deuteronomy 28; Acts 17:11Check out our middle school ministry, Wake! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/wake