Podcasts about he loved

Title: Love and Honor Text: Acts 20:36-38 FCF: We often struggle having a good relationship between leaders and followers. Prop: Because the relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, we must devote ourselves to love and honor one another. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 36. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Over the last couple of weeks, we have had longer sermons covering Paul's final exhortation to these Ephesian Elders. So, this week I am giving you a break and a chance to digest everything before we celebrate easter next week. This will certainly be a shorter sermon, but there are still many things we can glean from this text. Last week Paul concluded his thoughts toward the Elders of Ephesus. He serves as their template and commands them to shepherd the flock of God well. His last words express a great truth spoken by Jesus Himself, it is more blessed to give than to receive. They must be givers, spending themselves for the sake of the flock which God purchased with the blood of Christ. What follows is the response. What does Paul do after saying all these things, and what do the Elders do after hearing all these things? In this we see a pattern emerge. Just as Paul is a Pastor to these Pastors, so his example and their example serves as a pattern for our Elders and our church to follow. Let us stand to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most gracious Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, our Great Shepherd. He laid down His life for His sheep. He knows His sheep. His sheep hear His voice. He prayed… not for the world, but for all those lambs whom You gave to Him. He protected them. He Loved them. He made them vessels of honor. Now Father, Your Spirit has appointed undershepherds to continue shepherding while Christ is physically absent from us. We know that Jesus is always with us, but we also know that the Spirit is now our comforter and counselor and that He has equipped men called Elders to shepherd your precious lambs. May we be grown in this text to be a church who holds the right relationship between these Spiritually appointed men and those whom they have been given to shepherd. May we have a ministry where mutual love and honor is given to each other. Show us this in Your Word today we ask in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Throughout all of God's creation, there are several examples of relationships He has made that are symbiotic. For instance, clownfish dwell inside sea anemones which protects them from predators while living there, the clown fish cleans the anemone of parasites. Remora fish attach themselves to sharks and whales eating scraps of food from when their host eats. In exchange they clean the shark or whale of parasites. Bees collect nectar from flowers pollenating and reproducing the plant in the process. These animals need each other to survive. The very first humans were created to be two halves of the image of God. It could be said that Husbands and Wives need one another in a symbiotic relationship of sorts. Today we will see that this entity God created called the church is also in a symbiotic relationship. The Elders and the church exist in a symbiotic relationship of mutual love and honor – because neither can exist without the other. At least not for long. Let's look at this relationship as it is displayed in the epilogue of this meeting between Paul and the Ephesian Elders. I.) The relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, so Elders must pray for the church. (36) a. [Slide 3] 36 - And when he had said these things, i. Because we had to divide Paul's final exhortation message into two, it would behoove us to review even for a few minutes what Paul said. ii. The text this morning provides to us this opportunity, as it references that everything that follows is after he said what he said. iii. First Paul walked them through his own personal example among them. iv. How he was humble and gave of himself through many tears and trials to teach them all that God had revealed through Christ and calling all men to repentance and faith. v. In the same way they needed to be blameless and do the work of an Elder to share the gospel and teach thoroughly all that God had revealed. vi. Second, Paul charged them to dutifully and diligently shepherd the church. He told them to do this because the church has been given infinite value in the blood of Christ and because false teachers are coming who will destroy them. vii. And since they had received freely from God and from him, they must give of themselves freely, even to the point of supporting those who are destitute among them. Teaching them and encouraging them so they can be givers and not just takers. viii. Because as Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. ix. After Paul said all this… he continues to instruct them as to what kind of Elders they should be, but he does so by demonstration. b. [Slide 4] he knelt down and prayed with them all. i. The final component of what it means to be an Elder, is to be a man of prayer. ii. In a sign of humility, Paul kneels down and prays with them. iii. This probably means that Paul knelt first to pray and that they joined with him. iv. Luke does not give us the content of his prayer, but I don't think it is a stretch to assume that his prayer consisted of both praises to God and also deep and tearful pleas for God to preserve and protect the ministry in the church in Ephesus. v. That God would guide and lead the Elders and that He would prevent doctrinal error from destroying the unity and the effectiveness of the Ephesian church and the impact they would have on the rest of the province of Asia and beyond. vi. In this he demonstrates how leaders, who are truly caring for the body of Christ, are to be men who spend time in earnest prayer for God's people. vii. Truly, without God we are nothing. viii. Knowing that they are but undershepherds who do not have all the answers, who are not able to administer and guide of their own strength, being humble and meek, Elders must seek the Lord in all their duties. For it is only by His strength and will that anything accomplished will endure. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: In this final epilogue, ending the 3rd missionary journey of Paul and closing out the mission to the city of Ephesus, we see Paul's relationship with the Elders through the lens of this final scene with them. After exhorting them and warning them of the challenges which they will face, Paul prays with and for them before he departs. This illustrates for us that the proper relationship between the Elders and the church is one of love and honor. One way that the Elders express love and honor to the church is to pray earnestly for the sake of the church. This shouldn't be surprising to us. In the book of Acts we saw already how the apostles created the office of Deacon in order to allow themselves the freedom to focus on prayer and the teaching of the Scriptures. Since the office of Overseer inherits several functions of the apostolic gift, we might expect the roles of an Elder to mimic that of an Apostle. And one of those roles on display is to pray for the church. So, we Elders must also pray earnestly for our people. In this we express love for them and honor to them as the flock which God purchased with the blood of His Son. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But since this relationship is one of mutual love and honor, what is the role of the church toward the Elders? II.) The relationship of an Elder to the church is one of love and honor, so the church must appreciate their Elders. (37-38) a. [Slide 7] 37 - And they began to weep aloud and falling on Paul's neck, they were kissing him, i. In the last two verses of chapter 20 we have the general response of the Elders to Paul's exhortation and closing prayer. ii. All of the Elders present began weeping aloud and falling on Paul's neck. iii. This is an idiomatic expression for hugging or embracing. iv. Why are they crying so much, hugging and kissing Paul? v. Some of why they were weeping no doubt had to do with the threat of false teaching that was coming to Ephesus. vi. Some of it was due to the great weight being placed on their shoulders to lead like Paul did. vii. Some of it was the revelation that some of them would become false teachers in the future. viii. But the primary reason for their tears is pointed out to us by Luke. b. [Slide 8] 38 - being in agony especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again and they were accompanying him to the ship. i. They are weeping because of what Paul suggested to them that they would not see his face any longer. ii. Perhaps they thought this meant that Paul would die soon. I don't think Paul thought he was going to die, only that he would not enter into ministry with them again before he did. iii. They were hugging him, kissing him, and weeping in agony over this. iv. Just as Paul served as an example to these Elders on how to be Elders. So now, these Elders serve as an example to the church on how to love and honor their Elders. v. Therefore, this is the appropriate response of the congregation to an Elder who has served well and is retiring or is approaching death. vi. The congregation should know what a great gift godly leaders are to their assembly. vii. They should know this to the point of giving honor to those who serve well. Honor, respect, submission and love. viii. We see their love and honor of Paul expressed in their desire to see him to the ship and spend every last second they could with him. ix. Some scholars suggest that “accompanying him to the ship” is an idiom suggesting that these Elders put into practice what Paul had taught them and gave him many provisions for his trip to Jerusalem. x. What an amazing expression of gratefulness for his service to them as an apostle. c. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Once again we see that the relationship between the Elders and the church which is illustrated in Paul's relationship to these Elders, is one of love and honor. These Elders know of Paul's love and honor for them. In turn, they loved and honored him. As he turns to Jerusalem to face whatever the Lord has in store for him there, the Elders embrace him, kiss him, and provide for him and his journey. This illustrates the church's love and honor of their Elders by being grateful for them. Elders who serve well are worthy of honor. And those who labor long in leadership and the study of the word are worthy of double honor. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 10] Over the last several weeks Paul has been the example that Luke sets before us of what constitutes a godly church leader. We've seen how godly church leaders prioritize the spiritual instruction of God's people. We've seen the character qualities an Elder must possess in order to lead, chief among them being blamelessness. We've seen that Shepherding God's flock is the primary role of an Elder which includes both their protection from false teaching by rooting them in truth and also their physical care. And today we pivot slightly to show the mutual relationship of love and honor that ought to exist between the Elders and the church. Elders who are excellent shepherds show love and honor to the church by praying for them and with them. And the church shows love and honor to the Elders by appreciating them and their efforts. But let me express some more tangible applications for us today from this tiny little sermon. 1.) [Slide 11] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the relationship between the Elders and the church should be characterized by love and honor. a. Paul is the Pastor of these Pastors. b. He demonstrates who they should be and what they should do for the church. c. In this sense, we see the mutual relationship of love and honor between the church and their leaders. d. We've seen the great care that Paul put into these men. We've seen his heart for them, his passion for them, his sacrifice for them. They must go and do the same. e. And if they do, the church should and must respond like these Elders did to Paul. f. The church should show love and honor to them by appreciating their heart, their passion, and their sacrifice as they care for their souls. g. The relationship between our Elders and the church should look like the relationship between a husband and his wife. h. This shouldn't shock us since the relationship between a husband and wife should look like the relationship between Christ and the church. i. And the Elders are undershepherds and stewards of Christ's church until He returns for her. j. So in many ways the Elders have responsibilities that Christ would perform if He were here among us bodily. k. But no matter how many years you've lived on this earth – it is difficult for us to imagine a form of leadership or government that we could love and honor. l. In fact, it seems like we can pendulum swing far and wide when it comes to our view of leaders. More on that in a moment. m. But the picture that the Bible paints for us concerning the Elders/Pastors or Overseers and the church body itself is one of mutual love, honor, and even dependence. Neither can exist without the other. Elders have nothing to lead if the church is absent and the church is rudderless and disunified when they do not have Overseers. n. As difficult as it may be for us to do so – we must affirm and even seek to have this relationship between the Elders and the church. o. But what are some ways we get this wrong? 2.) [Slide 12] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Elders must be served without question or treated with constant suspicion. a. In a perverted sense of honor, some churches view their pastors or overseers as leaders who have absolute authority over their lives. i. They obey whatever their Elders say without question as if the Lord Jesus Himself had said it. ii. Now although Elders are undershepherds and do tend the flock of Christ, we do not for one instant consider this flock ours. We know that you all are His, because He purchased you with His precious blood. Why do we know that so well? Well, because He had to purchase us the same way. We are mere sheep. iii. We also have absolutely no authority to command you to do anything except what the Scriptures have said. iv. This does not mean that our advice and counsel is meaningless or should be easily ignored or dismissed – but it does mean that on anything we advise that is not a command of the scriptures, it is at its best wise counsel and not a command. v. For example. 1. The Elders may NOT come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from dating another Christian from a different congregation. Now the Elders may advise, based on what we know of the person, whether it would be wise to enter into a relationship pursuant to marriage with them. But we cannot forbid it. Why? Because we do not have a command from the scriptures. 2. But the Elders may come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from having premarital sex, also known as fornication. Why are the Elders permitted to do this? Because this is what the scriptures teach. We are merely commanding what the scriptures have commanded. 3. Some may say – if that is all that is happening, why must the Elders command anything at all? 4. Well, that is our role! Our role is to preach and teach what the scriptures say. Not just from the pulpit but in the counseling room, in your living room, in your car, over the phone and everywhere where we give counsel, we must give the whole counsel of the Lord. And not just when it is palatable for the church, but in season and out of season too. Whether you are going to like it or not is irrelevant. It is our job to bring to bear all that God has said concerning the situation you are in. 5. We are not adding our authority to scripture but we are drawing your attention to what God has said and we must also be his earthly executives making sure His will is known to all and to a certain degree… followed. 6. You see the Lord has given us (the church) the keys to the kingdom. This means that whatever we bind on earth will have been bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. When two or three are gathered in His name He is with us. Helping us. And when we find a member refusing to obey the commands of God… this is when we execute church discipline. First in private exhortation and correction but eventually in excommunication. 7. The Elders then are to enforce the commands of Christ upon His church. We rebuke, reprove, correct and instruct to thoroughly equip God's people to do all that He has commanded them to do. And to a certain degree – as much as we are humanly able – we, in gentleness, see to it that Christ's instructions are followed. b. Another abuse we often have when it comes to leadership is to have a persisting and underlying sense of suspicion and distrust toward them. i. Now certainly I would be a fool to combat this by pretending there is no such thing as ungodly leaders. ii. Of course there is. iii. Not only in the political realm but even in the clergy there have been several examples of leaders abusing their authority and lording over their people. iv. But just because someone is in leadership does not automatically make them worthy of suspicion. v. Elders should be trusted, loved and honored until there is some reason that they have provided to suspect something different. vi. There is no reason to withhold your trust from Elders simply because they are in a position of authority. vii. If the COVID pandemic taught us anything it is that people don't very much like being told what to do. And they will only go along with being told what to do for so long before they push back. Why? Because people are suspicious of their government leaders – and to be honest, those in government have earned that suspicion. viii. But godly Elders are not the same as government leaders. Especially in a small country church like ours. My friends there is no power here worth manipulating you for. There is no money here worth bilking you out of. And let me tell you something, there are a lot of easier and quieter and more fulfilling ways to gain authority than being an Elder of a church. If I wanted power with few headaches… Elder isn't the right choice. ix. Don't be suspicious of your Elders. Especially when they haven't given you a reason to be. x. What must you do instead? 3.) [Slide 13] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” The church must love and honor their Elders by being grateful for them and submitting to them. a. Elders who lead boldly, who are godly men, who possess truly blameless character, who are apt to teach, and strong in their faith, should be trusted, loved and honored. b. Putting your trust in Jesus means that you obey Him. The Lord actually says that if you love me, you will keep my commandments. c. And although it is to a different and lesser degree, the Lord makes it plain in Hebrews 13 that if you truly love your Elders, you will submit to their authority so that they may watch over your souls with joy. d. One way you show love to your Elders is by submitting yourself to our authority. i. As I have already said, the Elder's authority extends only as far as the Scriptures allow. ii. You should trust your Elders and submit to our authority out of a heart of love for us so that we may be joyful in our responsibility to help guide you safely to heaven's shore. iii. Go willingly and passionately with us. e. Secondly, you show honor to your Elders by being grateful for our wise and godly leadership and teaching. f. How do you show gratefulness? i. Well, in Paul's case these men fell on his neck, kissed him, and wept over his leaving. They even potentially gave him provisions for his long trip to Jerusalem. I'm not saying that is THE way – I am saying that is what they did. ii. But let me make some suggestions. iii. First, it would be wise to be thankful to the Lord. Express thankfulness to God for wise and godly leadership. Ask for His blessing on our lives and that He would keep us and preserve us in our role. Do this in your family devotions and family worship times to let your children hear that you are thankful for our sacrifice. iv. Second might be to express gratitude to the Elder personally. A card, a phone call, a gift, a strong handshake. Especially when a particular Elder has helped you through a difficult trial or has devoted extra time to your family. It is wise and even obvious to express heartfelt thankfulness to that particular Elder. Let him know that you appreciate his sacrifice for you. Even doing so toward his wife and children. Knowing that they too have had to sacrifice his presence among them so that you could be ministered to. v. Finally, you might express gratefulness publicly. You might pray a prayer of thanksgiving at a family gathering, in a church service, or express a praise during prayer request time. You might make a special service or event to honor our sacrifice and service. g. Let me clear the air really quickly. Every single Elder in this room today has been absolutely squirming at the mention of every single way you could express gratefulness. And I felt REALLY uncomfortable saying it too. h. You need to understand that I am saying this not because I want to, but because the text so obviously leads us to that conclusion. i. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. j. Let me read that again. k. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. l. I wrote that last sentence the day before we met. That is how confident I was that it wouldn't happen. And I was right. m. Why was I so confident that we wouldn't do that? n. Because we don't do that. o. The reason we are squirming today at the mention of these practical ways you can show your gratitude for us…is because WE DON'T DO THIS FOR YOUR GRATITUTDE. p. Which is exactly the reason you should express your gratefulness to us. q. Ugh – I hate saying it. But it must be said. I am holding my nose up here saying it. r. Show love and honor to your Elders by submitting and expressing your gratefulness to us. s. Yuck! t. Ok moving on. Let's beat up the Elders now. 4.) [Slide 14] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders must love and honor the church by praying for her. a. My brothers. b. I have continued my quest this year to pray through our membership directory every week. c. It isn't enough. I've had to add more times of prayer. I've had to start praying immediately after hearing a request to make sure that I do actually pray for it before the next week rolls around. d. Understand, I don't hold myself up as the standard – I am simply giving a testimony of what it has done for me. e. I have grown in my love for these folks over the last couple years and I think that is because I pray for every member by name, every single week. I pray for everything I can think of regarding that member. f. I just walk around this room with my membership directory in hand praying for every name in it. g. Some weeks it takes over an hour to get through. h. I usually do this on Tuesday and hit my 8000 steps by noon.

Title: Love and Honor Text: Acts 20:36-38 FCF: We often struggle having a good relationship between leaders and followers. Prop: Because the relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, we must devote ourselves to love and honor one another. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 36. You can follow along in the pew bible or whatever version you prefer. Over the last couple of weeks, we have had longer sermons covering Paul's final exhortation to these Ephesian Elders. So, this week I am giving you a break and a chance to digest everything before we celebrate easter next week. This will certainly be a shorter sermon, but there are still many things we can glean from this text. Last week Paul concluded his thoughts toward the Elders of Ephesus. He serves as their template and commands them to shepherd the flock of God well. His last words express a great truth spoken by Jesus Himself, it is more blessed to give than to receive. They must be givers, spending themselves for the sake of the flock which God purchased with the blood of Christ. What follows is the response. What does Paul do after saying all these things, and what do the Elders do after hearing all these things? In this we see a pattern emerge. Just as Paul is a Pastor to these Pastors, so his example and their example serves as a pattern for our Elders and our church to follow. Let us stand to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most gracious Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, our Great Shepherd. He laid down His life for His sheep. He knows His sheep. His sheep hear His voice. He prayed… not for the world, but for all those lambs whom You gave to Him. He protected them. He Loved them. He made them vessels of honor. Now Father, Your Spirit has appointed undershepherds to continue shepherding while Christ is physically absent from us. We know that Jesus is always with us, but we also know that the Spirit is now our comforter and counselor and that He has equipped men called Elders to shepherd your precious lambs. May we be grown in this text to be a church who holds the right relationship between these Spiritually appointed men and those whom they have been given to shepherd. May we have a ministry where mutual love and honor is given to each other. Show us this in Your Word today we ask in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Throughout all of God's creation, there are several examples of relationships He has made that are symbiotic. For instance, clownfish dwell inside sea anemones which protects them from predators while living there, the clown fish cleans the anemone of parasites. Remora fish attach themselves to sharks and whales eating scraps of food from when their host eats. In exchange they clean the shark or whale of parasites. Bees collect nectar from flowers pollenating and reproducing the plant in the process. These animals need each other to survive. The very first humans were created to be two halves of the image of God. It could be said that Husbands and Wives need one another in a symbiotic relationship of sorts. Today we will see that this entity God created called the church is also in a symbiotic relationship. The Elders and the church exist in a symbiotic relationship of mutual love and honor – because neither can exist without the other. At least not for long. Let's look at this relationship as it is displayed in the epilogue of this meeting between Paul and the Ephesian Elders. I.) The relationship of the Elders to the church must be one of love and honor, so Elders must pray for the church. (36) a. [Slide 3] 36 - And when he had said these things, i. Because we had to divide Paul's final exhortation message into two, it would behoove us to review even for a few minutes what Paul said. ii. The text this morning provides to us this opportunity, as it references that everything that follows is after he said what he said. iii. First Paul walked them through his own personal example among them. iv. How he was humble and gave of himself through many tears and trials to teach them all that God had revealed through Christ and calling all men to repentance and faith. v. In the same way they needed to be blameless and do the work of an Elder to share the gospel and teach thoroughly all that God had revealed. vi. Second, Paul charged them to dutifully and diligently shepherd the church. He told them to do this because the church has been given infinite value in the blood of Christ and because false teachers are coming who will destroy them. vii. And since they had received freely from God and from him, they must give of themselves freely, even to the point of supporting those who are destitute among them. Teaching them and encouraging them so they can be givers and not just takers. viii. Because as Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. ix. After Paul said all this… he continues to instruct them as to what kind of Elders they should be, but he does so by demonstration. b. [Slide 4] he knelt down and prayed with them all. i. The final component of what it means to be an Elder, is to be a man of prayer. ii. In a sign of humility, Paul kneels down and prays with them. iii. This probably means that Paul knelt first to pray and that they joined with him. iv. Luke does not give us the content of his prayer, but I don't think it is a stretch to assume that his prayer consisted of both praises to God and also deep and tearful pleas for God to preserve and protect the ministry in the church in Ephesus. v. That God would guide and lead the Elders and that He would prevent doctrinal error from destroying the unity and the effectiveness of the Ephesian church and the impact they would have on the rest of the province of Asia and beyond. vi. In this he demonstrates how leaders, who are truly caring for the body of Christ, are to be men who spend time in earnest prayer for God's people. vii. Truly, without God we are nothing. viii. Knowing that they are but undershepherds who do not have all the answers, who are not able to administer and guide of their own strength, being humble and meek, Elders must seek the Lord in all their duties. For it is only by His strength and will that anything accomplished will endure. c. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: In this final epilogue, ending the 3rd missionary journey of Paul and closing out the mission to the city of Ephesus, we see Paul's relationship with the Elders through the lens of this final scene with them. After exhorting them and warning them of the challenges which they will face, Paul prays with and for them before he departs. This illustrates for us that the proper relationship between the Elders and the church is one of love and honor. One way that the Elders express love and honor to the church is to pray earnestly for the sake of the church. This shouldn't be surprising to us. In the book of Acts we saw already how the apostles created the office of Deacon in order to allow themselves the freedom to focus on prayer and the teaching of the Scriptures. Since the office of Overseer inherits several functions of the apostolic gift, we might expect the roles of an Elder to mimic that of an Apostle. And one of those roles on display is to pray for the church. So, we Elders must also pray earnestly for our people. In this we express love for them and honor to them as the flock which God purchased with the blood of His Son. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But since this relationship is one of mutual love and honor, what is the role of the church toward the Elders? II.) The relationship of an Elder to the church is one of love and honor, so the church must appreciate their Elders. (37-38) a. [Slide 7] 37 - And they began to weep aloud and falling on Paul's neck, they were kissing him, i. In the last two verses of chapter 20 we have the general response of the Elders to Paul's exhortation and closing prayer. ii. All of the Elders present began weeping aloud and falling on Paul's neck. iii. This is an idiomatic expression for hugging or embracing. iv. Why are they crying so much, hugging and kissing Paul? v. Some of why they were weeping no doubt had to do with the threat of false teaching that was coming to Ephesus. vi. Some of it was due to the great weight being placed on their shoulders to lead like Paul did. vii. Some of it was the revelation that some of them would become false teachers in the future. viii. But the primary reason for their tears is pointed out to us by Luke. b. [Slide 8] 38 - being in agony especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again and they were accompanying him to the ship. i. They are weeping because of what Paul suggested to them that they would not see his face any longer. ii. Perhaps they thought this meant that Paul would die soon. I don't think Paul thought he was going to die, only that he would not enter into ministry with them again before he did. iii. They were hugging him, kissing him, and weeping in agony over this. iv. Just as Paul served as an example to these Elders on how to be Elders. So now, these Elders serve as an example to the church on how to love and honor their Elders. v. Therefore, this is the appropriate response of the congregation to an Elder who has served well and is retiring or is approaching death. vi. The congregation should know what a great gift godly leaders are to their assembly. vii. They should know this to the point of giving honor to those who serve well. Honor, respect, submission and love. viii. We see their love and honor of Paul expressed in their desire to see him to the ship and spend every last second they could with him. ix. Some scholars suggest that “accompanying him to the ship” is an idiom suggesting that these Elders put into practice what Paul had taught them and gave him many provisions for his trip to Jerusalem. x. What an amazing expression of gratefulness for his service to them as an apostle. c. [Slide 9] Summary of the Point: Once again we see that the relationship between the Elders and the church which is illustrated in Paul's relationship to these Elders, is one of love and honor. These Elders know of Paul's love and honor for them. In turn, they loved and honored him. As he turns to Jerusalem to face whatever the Lord has in store for him there, the Elders embrace him, kiss him, and provide for him and his journey. This illustrates the church's love and honor of their Elders by being grateful for them. Elders who serve well are worthy of honor. And those who labor long in leadership and the study of the word are worthy of double honor. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC, and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 10] Over the last several weeks Paul has been the example that Luke sets before us of what constitutes a godly church leader. We've seen how godly church leaders prioritize the spiritual instruction of God's people. We've seen the character qualities an Elder must possess in order to lead, chief among them being blamelessness. We've seen that Shepherding God's flock is the primary role of an Elder which includes both their protection from false teaching by rooting them in truth and also their physical care. And today we pivot slightly to show the mutual relationship of love and honor that ought to exist between the Elders and the church. Elders who are excellent shepherds show love and honor to the church by praying for them and with them. And the church shows love and honor to the Elders by appreciating them and their efforts. But let me express some more tangible applications for us today from this tiny little sermon. 1.) [Slide 11] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the relationship between the Elders and the church should be characterized by love and honor. a. Paul is the Pastor of these Pastors. b. He demonstrates who they should be and what they should do for the church. c. In this sense, we see the mutual relationship of love and honor between the church and their leaders. d. We've seen the great care that Paul put into these men. We've seen his heart for them, his passion for them, his sacrifice for them. They must go and do the same. e. And if they do, the church should and must respond like these Elders did to Paul. f. The church should show love and honor to them by appreciating their heart, their passion, and their sacrifice as they care for their souls. g. The relationship between our Elders and the church should look like the relationship between a husband and his wife. h. This shouldn't shock us since the relationship between a husband and wife should look like the relationship between Christ and the church. i. And the Elders are undershepherds and stewards of Christ's church until He returns for her. j. So in many ways the Elders have responsibilities that Christ would perform if He were here among us bodily. k. But no matter how many years you've lived on this earth – it is difficult for us to imagine a form of leadership or government that we could love and honor. l. In fact, it seems like we can pendulum swing far and wide when it comes to our view of leaders. More on that in a moment. m. But the picture that the Bible paints for us concerning the Elders/Pastors or Overseers and the church body itself is one of mutual love, honor, and even dependence. Neither can exist without the other. Elders have nothing to lead if the church is absent and the church is rudderless and disunified when they do not have Overseers. n. As difficult as it may be for us to do so – we must affirm and even seek to have this relationship between the Elders and the church. o. But what are some ways we get this wrong? 2.) [Slide 12] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Elders must be served without question or treated with constant suspicion. a. In a perverted sense of honor, some churches view their pastors or overseers as leaders who have absolute authority over their lives. i. They obey whatever their Elders say without question as if the Lord Jesus Himself had said it. ii. Now although Elders are undershepherds and do tend the flock of Christ, we do not for one instant consider this flock ours. We know that you all are His, because He purchased you with His precious blood. Why do we know that so well? Well, because He had to purchase us the same way. We are mere sheep. iii. We also have absolutely no authority to command you to do anything except what the Scriptures have said. iv. This does not mean that our advice and counsel is meaningless or should be easily ignored or dismissed – but it does mean that on anything we advise that is not a command of the scriptures, it is at its best wise counsel and not a command. v. For example. 1. The Elders may NOT come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from dating another Christian from a different congregation. Now the Elders may advise, based on what we know of the person, whether it would be wise to enter into a relationship pursuant to marriage with them. But we cannot forbid it. Why? Because we do not have a command from the scriptures. 2. But the Elders may come together and absolutely forbid a member of the congregation from having premarital sex, also known as fornication. Why are the Elders permitted to do this? Because this is what the scriptures teach. We are merely commanding what the scriptures have commanded. 3. Some may say – if that is all that is happening, why must the Elders command anything at all? 4. Well, that is our role! Our role is to preach and teach what the scriptures say. Not just from the pulpit but in the counseling room, in your living room, in your car, over the phone and everywhere where we give counsel, we must give the whole counsel of the Lord. And not just when it is palatable for the church, but in season and out of season too. Whether you are going to like it or not is irrelevant. It is our job to bring to bear all that God has said concerning the situation you are in. 5. We are not adding our authority to scripture but we are drawing your attention to what God has said and we must also be his earthly executives making sure His will is known to all and to a certain degree… followed. 6. You see the Lord has given us (the church) the keys to the kingdom. This means that whatever we bind on earth will have been bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. When two or three are gathered in His name He is with us. Helping us. And when we find a member refusing to obey the commands of God… this is when we execute church discipline. First in private exhortation and correction but eventually in excommunication. 7. The Elders then are to enforce the commands of Christ upon His church. We rebuke, reprove, correct and instruct to thoroughly equip God's people to do all that He has commanded them to do. And to a certain degree – as much as we are humanly able – we, in gentleness, see to it that Christ's instructions are followed. b. Another abuse we often have when it comes to leadership is to have a persisting and underlying sense of suspicion and distrust toward them. i. Now certainly I would be a fool to combat this by pretending there is no such thing as ungodly leaders. ii. Of course there is. iii. Not only in the political realm but even in the clergy there have been several examples of leaders abusing their authority and lording over their people. iv. But just because someone is in leadership does not automatically make them worthy of suspicion. v. Elders should be trusted, loved and honored until there is some reason that they have provided to suspect something different. vi. There is no reason to withhold your trust from Elders simply because they are in a position of authority. vii. If the COVID pandemic taught us anything it is that people don't very much like being told what to do. And they will only go along with being told what to do for so long before they push back. Why? Because people are suspicious of their government leaders – and to be honest, those in government have earned that suspicion. viii. But godly Elders are not the same as government leaders. Especially in a small country church like ours. My friends there is no power here worth manipulating you for. There is no money here worth bilking you out of. And let me tell you something, there are a lot of easier and quieter and more fulfilling ways to gain authority than being an Elder of a church. If I wanted power with few headaches… Elder isn't the right choice. ix. Don't be suspicious of your Elders. Especially when they haven't given you a reason to be. x. What must you do instead? 3.) [Slide 13] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” The church must love and honor their Elders by being grateful for them and submitting to them. a. Elders who lead boldly, who are godly men, who possess truly blameless character, who are apt to teach, and strong in their faith, should be trusted, loved and honored. b. Putting your trust in Jesus means that you obey Him. The Lord actually says that if you love me, you will keep my commandments. c. And although it is to a different and lesser degree, the Lord makes it plain in Hebrews 13 that if you truly love your Elders, you will submit to their authority so that they may watch over your souls with joy. d. One way you show love to your Elders is by submitting yourself to our authority. i. As I have already said, the Elder's authority extends only as far as the Scriptures allow. ii. You should trust your Elders and submit to our authority out of a heart of love for us so that we may be joyful in our responsibility to help guide you safely to heaven's shore. iii. Go willingly and passionately with us. e. Secondly, you show honor to your Elders by being grateful for our wise and godly leadership and teaching. f. How do you show gratefulness? i. Well, in Paul's case these men fell on his neck, kissed him, and wept over his leaving. They even potentially gave him provisions for his long trip to Jerusalem. I'm not saying that is THE way – I am saying that is what they did. ii. But let me make some suggestions. iii. First, it would be wise to be thankful to the Lord. Express thankfulness to God for wise and godly leadership. Ask for His blessing on our lives and that He would keep us and preserve us in our role. Do this in your family devotions and family worship times to let your children hear that you are thankful for our sacrifice. iv. Second might be to express gratitude to the Elder personally. A card, a phone call, a gift, a strong handshake. Especially when a particular Elder has helped you through a difficult trial or has devoted extra time to your family. It is wise and even obvious to express heartfelt thankfulness to that particular Elder. Let him know that you appreciate his sacrifice for you. Even doing so toward his wife and children. Knowing that they too have had to sacrifice his presence among them so that you could be ministered to. v. Finally, you might express gratefulness publicly. You might pray a prayer of thanksgiving at a family gathering, in a church service, or express a praise during prayer request time. You might make a special service or event to honor our sacrifice and service. g. Let me clear the air really quickly. Every single Elder in this room today has been absolutely squirming at the mention of every single way you could express gratefulness. And I felt REALLY uncomfortable saying it too. h. You need to understand that I am saying this not because I want to, but because the text so obviously leads us to that conclusion. i. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. j. Let me read that again. k. The Elders and I, when we met yesterday, did not spend one second complaining about how you all don't submit to us or how you are an ungrateful bunch and never appreciate our sacrifices. l. I wrote that last sentence the day before we met. That is how confident I was that it wouldn't happen. And I was right. m. Why was I so confident that we wouldn't do that? n. Because we don't do that. o. The reason we are squirming today at the mention of these practical ways you can show your gratitude for us…is because WE DON'T DO THIS FOR YOUR GRATITUTDE. p. Which is exactly the reason you should express your gratefulness to us. q. Ugh – I hate saying it. But it must be said. I am holding my nose up here saying it. r. Show love and honor to your Elders by submitting and expressing your gratefulness to us. s. Yuck! t. Ok moving on. Let's beat up the Elders now. 4.) [Slide 14] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders must love and honor the church by praying for her. a. My brothers. b. I have continued my quest this year to pray through our membership directory every week. c. It isn't enough. I've had to add more times of prayer. I've had to start praying immediately after hearing a request to make sure that I do actually pray for it before the next week rolls around. d. Understand, I don't hold myself up as the standard – I am simply giving a testimony of what it has done for me. e. I have grown in my love for these folks over the last couple years and I think that is because I pray for every member by name, every single week. I pray for everything I can think of regarding that member. f. I just walk around this room with my membership directory in hand praying for every name in it. g. Some weeks it takes over an hour to get through. h. I usually do this on Tuesday and hit my 8000 steps by noon.

Welcome to the Red Letters & Whitetails Podcast! On episode 16, host Steven  Crawford begins by diving into Pauls Letter to the Galatians in chapter 5, verse 14; Arguably one of the most powerful verses from Paul. "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." In a time of great turmoil and hate in our country, especially with this upcoming election, this is a great reminder in how Christians NEED to live their lives. Its not our job to judge, it's our job to live like and live for Jesus. And what did Jesus do? He LOVED. UNCONDITIONALLY. We run into people everyday that live, believe, and think differently; remind yourself that Jesus called us to LOVE them, not judge them.After scripture, Steven is joined by Richard (Rick) Buckley, David Foster, and Nate Griswold to share an epic hunting story of strategy, determination, timeliness, decency, and helpfulness all wrapped into one story. I'm not going to spill the beans of this miraculous story of Rick's Michigan Public land giant in 2021, you'll have to listen for yourself as everyone included in this podcast had a huge part in this hunt and recovery. SUBSCRIBE AND ENJOY!!

In this week's HowToBBQRight Podcast, how was Malcom's Thanksgiving celebrations (00:20)? He LOVED watching the Egg Bowl… me not so much (07:08). At Deer Camp, Malcom and the Buck Junkies were THROWING DOWN on their new Breeo fire pit (09:05), and Mark whipped up some crazy marbled pork chops (15:22)! What's going on with Memphis in May 2024 (22:40)? Should we do a HowToBBQRight BBQ Fest, instead (30:36)? Malcom really does make the best Blue Plate Blue Cheese dip (33:38), and I want to know what holiday party food he's serving it up with (37:19). What foods are we reaching for every holiday season (45:50)? There are only TWO episodes left in Season 6… how are we planning to close out the year (55:50)?

Have you ever had someone do something and you knew that you would have to return the favor? That's not a bad thing, but it's not how God's Love works. We can't view God's love as a “back-and-forth” exchange of favors. God's Love is something that doesn't operate based on what He can get in return. He Loved us before we did anything that made us worthy of being Loved. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to be sharing about the incredible Agape Love that God shows us every day. 

Have you ever had someone do something and you knew that you would have to return the favor? That's not a bad thing, but it's not how God's Love works. We can't view God's love as a “back-and-forth” exchange of favors. God's Love is something that doesn't operate based on what He can get in return. He Loved us before we did anything that made us worthy of being Loved. In today's message, Pastor Bill is going to be sharing about the incredible Agape Love that God shows us every day. 

This podcast features the song “He Loved me to Death"(The Caudill's) as well as part one of the message called "Is Jesus Home in Your House?" given by Pastor Stephen Pope from the pulpit of Calvary Baptist Church(Union Grove, NC)

 When I started this podcast in late 2019, I never imagined in a million years that I'd be eulogizing my father a year later. If you get a chance, check out the Tribute to My Father from December 17th, 2020. Ken Carfagno, Sr was born in Northeast Philadelphia on May 11th, 1936. He was the youngest of 6. Ken Sr. married Gabriella Corbett on October 20th, 1956. They were 20 years old. Soon after, they had their first of three sons, Ken Carfagno, Jr. That's my dad. 18-year-old Ken Jr married 16-year-old Lynn Driban in August 1976 and Ken Carfagno III was born on March 1st, 1977. Ken Sr became a Pop-Pop at the age of 40. My parents didn't stay married long. I have shared this so many times in this podcast as it's so vital to understand me. My single mom raised me during the week as a kid, while my dad and mostly my Pop-Pop raised me on weekends. The most influential man in my life has always been my Pop-Pop. In latter years, I started calling him my father because he raised me into the man that I am. Thank you for listening to this opening and my genealogy story. I just wanted to give you context to this episode.  My Pop-Pop had a favorite breakfast diner. It's called the Jem Restaurant in East Norriton, PA. Tony Bello opened this restaurant in 1974 with the sole goal of serving & providing a place for the community to connect. Due to the 1950's theme, it attracted many patrons that are nostalgic from that era. My Pop-Pop definitely found this at the Jem. He LOVED the 50's. As I said, he fell in love with his bride, my Nana in 1951. He went steady with her while they finished school. He worked at her parent's bakery to save up money listening to his favorites of Frank Sinatra and Jo Stafford. Pop loved the 50's and he would mosey into the Jem every Saturday morning for years. His routine was the same. He's sit at one of the counter stools with his newspaper and talk to the other old guys that were there. They all knew him. Tony knew him. He'd order the same thing. A decaf coffee and corn muffin. He was so proud of me. I heard stories over the years of how the old guys and Tony at the Jem all knew that Ken's grandson was a Penn State grad, an engineer. He owned a cleaning company. He was married to the best daughter ever. He gave the family the first girl (Christianna) in 3 generations. The only thing he didn't brag about me was how badly I'd beat him in ping-pong.Read the rest of this article at the Smart Cleaning School website

Love is always the answer. God gave His one and only son to die for us because He LOVED the world! We have been given authority and power through Chris Jesus, yet we still lack in those God given gifts. The only way to fully tap into that power is by gaining understanding of the Father's love for us! 

Dear Woman, Listen to the words of Jesus as he addresses women dear to his heart whom He Loved.

@Bnosanchuk and @TheJDStaley bring you several media recommendations to look into. The fellas get started by talking The Rock's rap debut on the new Tech 9ine song, and our Escape the Undertaker interactive Netflix experience. In sports news we chat the John Gruden and the Raiders. We get to hear about JD's Trippie Redd concert and BNos' Minoru Suzuki wrestling match events, respectively.  In media consumption both boys watched the new Many Saints of Newark flick (Shout out to Uncle Joey Diaz!). BNos dove in and binged all of Squid Games, as well as the controversial new Dave Chapelle comedy special on Netflix. BNos also tries to break down the latest in the Brittney Spears saga coming off of Netflix's new documentary, "Brittney vs. Spears." JD watched the new Clint Eastwood, Cry Macho film. He also caught caught up on a couple of 5-star blockbuster flicks; the Angelina Jolie film, "Those Who Wish Me Dead," and "Cosmic Sin" with Bruce Willis. He LOVED these ones! BNosanchuk https://www.instagram.com/bnosanchuk/ https://twitter.com/BNosanchuk JD https://www.instagram.com/qwikwits/ https://twitter.com/thejdstaley SPENT https://twitter.com/spentradio Music by: Music by Wataboi from Pixabay

“The Magnificent Story” is about Jesus. We cover chapters 1 AND 2 this week. A few synonyms of “magnificent” include “wonderful, splendid, glorious, brilliant, stunning, grand, marvelous, and superb.” People came to Jesus in physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual brokenness and pain. For many reasons they were living with shrunken narratives. Romans 3:23 says we all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Our stories have been shrunken because of sin. We need to be redeemed. Our stories and our understanding of the gospel need to be enlarged. Jesus constantly amazed people with His healing and teaching ministry. This entire study is about trading our shrunken stories to finding new life in Him. Jesus constantly invited and welcomed various people in: He LOVED children, women, lepers, demoniacs, tax collectors, outcasts, Samaritans, and all sorts of sinners (including the religious ones). Nobody had ever known a person like Jesus. Note in our readings how people responded to Jesus' grace, love, and forgiveness. He was not mean or hateful. He did not boss or bully. He did not compromise compassion or Scripture. His story is one of beauty, goodness, and truth. If you have not formed or joined a “Magnificent Story” small group, it is not too late. We can help. Invite a friend, too.

Good Sunday Morning to each and everyone... I hope this message finds you doing well.. This episode is one from the vault aka a previous lesson.  This one is entitled: He Loved us First. I discuss 1st John 4:19... Tune in for more..

At Crossgate Church, we have seven priorities. Here they are: glory, truth, love, prayer, community, generosity, and reach Today we start a new series entitled, “Reach”. Reach includes an outward focus whereby we pursue and accomplish the purpose of our church which is to “Make more and better disciples for Jesus Christ.” In order to make “more disciples,” we've got to look beyond and go beyond these walls. Let's look at the life of Jesus to see how he accomplished His mission. (Matthew – Chapter 9, Verses 35-38) A Compassion for People More than anyone else who has ever walked the earth, Jesus was compassion personified. He LOVED people, and we see that time and again in the Bible. (Mark Chapter 6, Verses 32-34 | Matthew Chapter 20, Verses 30-34) Jesus saw the need and he felt the need of the people He encountered every day.   When you see the people of Hot Springs and Garland County, what do you see? Do you see the needs? Do you feel the needs? Do you WANT to see and feel the needs? A heartbeat for the harvest begins with a heartbeat for people.    A Word for Disciples With a heartbeat for the people, Jesus then spoke directly to his disciples—his committed followers. And he introduced the “harvest” concept. As with the illustration of the sheep, the people in that day would have immediately recognized the idea of the harvest. But Jesus was speaking of people, not plants . . . souls, not seeds. A Prayer for Action (v. 38) Now, this is not a word for disciples merely to agree on . . . it's a word for disciples to act on. After all, consider that Jesus talks about a “prayer for ACTION” in verse 38 – “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” I'm certain that everyone here shares with me what I call the “Gospel Assumption.” The Gospel Assumption says, “Our lost and un-churched family, friends, and neighbors would be infinitely better off with Jesus in their lives as Savior and Lord.” But it is impossible to “Reach” the people around us without prayer. So in conclusion, we can see that our “Road To Revival” series was just the beginning. God desires to change our heart, pray for the things He cares about, and then go into our community and share His Good News!

April 11 2021 Sunday Pastor Mark Strickland Easter-Gods Perfect Plan Acts 2:22-24 Jesus' death on the cross was all according to God's deliberate and well thought out plan... Romans 4:25 We are Saved because of His death and resurrection... Luke 23:32-34 He Loved those who crucified Him. He came to die for sinners—so that God could forever treat those that believe on Him as though they never sinned that's Grace... http://clevelandchristianfellowship.com Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 … Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

Wisdom Clinic: The Person And The Power Of Wisdom January 24, 2021 Session 3 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Ephesians 3:10 Christ; the Personification of Wisdom; the True Gate to God’s Wisdom. (Colossians 2:3) The Cross: God’s Wisdom and Power To draw us back to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18) To “expunge our” sins from the record! (2 Corinthians 5:19) To break sin and the flesh and the devil’s rights over us, His Church! (Romans 6:3-14) Romans 5:10 How to Receive Admit, Profess “I Was There” (Romans 6:3ff; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-3) Ask for Greater Revelation of His representation of me/you! He Saw me; He Loved me; He Chose me; He Called me; He Represents me! (Ephesians 1:3-7; Colossians 3:1-3) “We believe, therefore we speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Who we are and how we act is very important when it comes to showing the world who Jesus is. Are we leading people to Christ or are we giving them reason to doubt. Christ gave the commandment to love as He Loved. I believe the time to start is now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pastordwaynenbbc/message

The most praiseworthy station in the sight of Allah, the highest quality that was manifested in the Prophet(PBUH) was the quality of IHSAN, the quality of Excellence. Taqwa is the stepping stone to IHSAN. Allah loves when one of you is given a task, that he or she does it in the most excellent manner.Imagine standing in front of Allah (swt) on the Day of Judgment and having Him tell you all the things that you did that He LOVED. Imagine how you would feel.We are given just a few moments in this dunya. Each breath is a priceless jewel and when it passes it never returns...make this moment, this breath, this heart beat one that resounds with ihsan (Excellence)!

To be a Prophetic Church means going against the stream, it means being God's instruments (as the prophets were) and speaking as Jesus spoke, serving as He served and Loving as He Loved.

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER! Thank you for checking out Beacon Church. Its our prayer that this message from Brandon Crook will bring you hope in this season.Hebrews 10:24-2524 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.GOD Created us to be together. There is no place for racism in this world and in the church. Diversity is the most beautiful thing about the body of christ.The reality is we were created for community! We were created for relationships and friendships.The cure for loneliness is community!Not just your online community, but real raw friendships WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER Don't let your stereotype of church be developed from bad encounter you’ve had…Church is not a building. Church is the body! Church is all about community!A real community is made up of all races, all backgrounds! They support one another, they lift one another up! God cares so much about relationships that he gave us Jesus…Jesus came down to reinvent the wheel. He broke traditions, he went out of his way to meet with all people. He Loved everyone the same!It's time to start loving one another and allow God to heal our land.Support the show (https://beaconchurchatl.churchcenter.com/giving)

This week is a tribute, a shout out and a testimony to a man of God I only dream of being similar to. Ra'Shaud Graham went home to the Lord less than two weeks ago at the young age of 26. He was a Citadel graduate, FCA leader and Chaplain for the Bulldogs football team. He LOVED and LIVED for Jesus and was planning on being with me on a podcast soon. So Ra'Shaud, you still have your time on here, and I will remember your words forever of living for Jesus and taking care of others. Here is to you brother, long live. The audio of Ra'Shaud is via a YouTube link that I attached below and you all should go and watch. The 30 Day Challenge is something special. Stay hungry and stay motivated!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGkPMZ45Gm0

LOVE is WHY He CAME, DIED, ROSE and REIGNS “LOVE IS WHY” SERIES Luke 19:10 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. LOVE IS WHY JESUS CAME Through SIN – Satan gained power over mankind Simply put – We couldn't save ourselves…and we were slaves to SIN – with a death sentence hanging over us. The only way for us to have life was for there to be a sinless human sacrifice that would pay for our sins. God loved us enough that He took upon the form of a servant – and put on flesh to save by His Love! LOVE IS WHY JESUS DIED Very often when the Bible trying to find the most obvious expressions of God's love, the fastest way is to beeline for the cross of Jesus Christ. Calvary is God's statement of just how much He loves you. When you think of the immensity of God's love, the first thing the Bible often asks us to do is to consider the price that was paid. Romans 5:8 (NASB) 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It was love that motivated Jesus to come to earth and die on the cross and take the punishment as our substitute. The death of Christ was also a visible demonstration of the love of God for sinful humanity. We could not die for ourselves – our blood wasn't pure enough to save us…We needed Jesus to take our place. He LOVED us enough to DIE for us! LOVE IS WHY JESUS ROSE On the cross, Jesus displayed that He can conquer corruption and forgive His people from their sin. Colossians 2:15 (NKJV) 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Acts 2:24 (NASB) But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Jesus loved us enough to not just die – but to rise from the dead. That is what we Christianity celebrates today – the fact of the resurrection! Thank God He loved me enough to GET UP! LOVE IS WHY JESUS REIGNS Why would you want Jesus to REIGN in your life? Because He truly knows what is best for you. He ALONE is wise! 1 Timothy 1:16-17 (NKJV) 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Jesus Loves me enough to reign over all the world, but also He loves me enough to reign in my life as well. Love is why He reigns in my life – that's good because… He sees the Unseen & He knows the Future If I'm in charge of my life…I am going to mess it up for sure…I need God to reign in my life. It's not because He wants to be a dictator over me…it's because He loves me and His wisdom is so much greater than mine…His ways are so far above my own. How arrogant I must seem to Him when I try to reign in my life…I need to let Him reign my life in His love!   How do I respond? Ask God to forgive you, and remove any sin from your life – All of us have past mistakes and sins, many times it is those things that cloud our perception to the fact that Jesus loves us no matter what. The devil will use those things to make you feel unloved and unworthy of love. So ask God to cleanse you of all those things today! There is no one here that is worthy, but there is a proper way to deal with your guilt and shame – that is to turn it over to God at this altar and LEAVE IT THERE! That is when Love can come in. Be Baptized today in Jesus' Name – to wash you completely. His love made a way for you to be clean – why not take that step today to be identified with Him in baptism and have every stain from your past washed away? Be filled with God's love through receiving His Spirit – God's Spirit will enable you to love the unloveable and will bring joy and peace into your life everyday. When you receive it, you will speak in a language you didn't learn in school. This is the initial evidence that you are receiving the same experience that they did in the church described in the book of Acts. Why don't you make a place to pray right now in your home, in your living room or family room or wherever you are watching from and ask God to lead you closer to Him today. If you are not sure what your next step is after you have prayed – why not us right after service and get some spiritual advice on how to move forward.

May 2 2019 Thursday  Is God Unreasonable? (Absolutely Not) My Prayers For You   Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT  'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.' Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT 'When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.' John 3:16-17  He Loved us that much... John 10:10  The thief is satan… Luke 15:11-24  The Prodigal Son… Romans 11:29  God's callings, He will not go back on… Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… God Loves the abortion dr. as much as He loves the babies they're killing… Luke 15:7  There is celebration in Heaven over one sinner that comes to repentance… Matthew 7:7  Ask, seek and find when you ask and seek of God… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email the-prodigalson@outlook.com YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.com iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical 

You as a born again child of God reflects God's Love and are stirred by the Holy Spirit to give yourself for others.Thanks be to God that His love for us is greater than our love for Him. May He strengthen us to pursue love above all else, a love that reflects His Love.The Bible is a Great Love Story between God and His creation mankind. About the relationships between God and you whom He fashioned with capacity to know and to love Him, even as He knows and loves you.When eYou Love God Most, You Will Love Others Best.The worth of your life is measured by how deeply rooted you are in love and founded securely on Love,‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭3:17‬) ‬Love is as strong as death. (Song of Songs, 8:6).Without Love, your life is Nothing! As the Scripture says:Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am Nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me Nothing. ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13:1-3‬ ‬LOVE is ALWAYS the Gift from God, (John 3:16) the manifestation of His Presence in you, actively doing what the Lord perfers by His Power at work in you, and directing you by His Divine Persuasion which the Lord continuously in-births in you, so you can know what God prefers. – Faith – the persuasion of His Will.Love is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit and All the Fruits of the Spirit are an expression of Love. The Very work which the Holy Spirit's Presence within you accomplishes or produces in your life: LOVE is a manifestation of the Presence of God Himself in you and through you, to do what He perfers as He is Love. You see God through LoveLove comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is Love. God showed how much He Loved you l by sending His One and Only Son into the world so that you might have eternal life through Him. This is Real Love—not that you loved God, but that He loved you and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away your sins. Dear friends, since God loved you that much, you surely ought to love each other.No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in you, and His Love is brought to full expression in you. And God has given you his Spirit as proof that you live in him and he in us. (1 John ‭4:7-13‬)‭All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. So you know how much God loves you, and you have put your trust in His Love. ‬God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:15-16, 18‬ ‬For you who are in Christ Jesus, God's Love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. ‭‭(Romans‬ ‭5:5‬)‭ The Holy Spirit Divinely Persuades and activates and energizes and expresses and works in you and through LOVE. (Galatians ‭5:6)‬‬‬And Jesus, being God, is Love. And (1 John 4:8). And His love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). His love seeks to serve, rather than be served (Matthew 20:28). His love seeks to save the lost (Luke 19:10) and lavishes the returning prodigal with grace (Luke 15:11–32).His Love is actively at work in you, giving you the very power and desire, to do what He Prefers, by His Power at Work in you and directing you displaying His Love through you:

The Revealing of Christ Jesus Is Near. Who will be the faithful and wise servant awaiting His return longing to see His face and be with Him Forever because they genuinely love their Savior because He Loved them First. #Be ready at all times, Fit for the kingdom of Heaven because you have obeyed the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. That Gospel is the testimony of Christ Jesus!

Forgiveness is a supernatural work empowered by the Spirit of God Who Lives in you. He gives you the Power and Desire to forgive as you have been forgiven by God. Mark 2:7, Philippians 2:13God alone can forgive sins, remove the guilt, remit the penalty, and bestow righteousness instead‭‭Mark‬ ‭2:7‬ ‬It is Not in your own strength, for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Philippians ‭2:13‬ Here is what God says about your offenses:For I will be merciful to your unrighteousness and your sins and your iniquities I will remember no more. Hebrews 8:12God has not dealt with you after your sins nor rewarded you according to your iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward you who reverently and worshipfully fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed your transgressions from you. Psalm‬ ‭103:10-12‬ ‭‪Is there someone who has offended you? Are you able to release the person in forgiveness? ‬‪God gives us divine power to forgive. We who have received the freedom of forgiveness have the power to set one another free. This is a power that truly sets the captive free and can affect the whole world. Forgiveness defeats darkness on a massive scale because it involves the resurrection power of Jesus. Nothing can defeat the greatness and glory there is in one act of forgiveness.‬Steps in Forgiving OthersWhen you forgive others, you are releasing them to God and letting go of the pain of living with bitterness and unforgiveness, that can poison your soul. Forgiving as the LORD forgave you. Colossians 3:13‪Share with God honestly and let Him heal you - Spend time with Him, and let Him restore where sin has destroyed. Forgiveness releases God's divine healing power.‬“O lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me” (Psalm 30:2).‪Set the offender free, understanding that it is a process - Declare forgiveness. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins, Love forgives and disregards the offenses of others.1 Peter 4:8Forgiveness is at the core of Peace, Because Jesus is the Source of Forgiveness and Peace. Anger, resentment and unforgiveness steal your Peace and Joy. Forgive to Heal.Luke 6:37, John 14:17Forgiveness Reflects God's Character in you and through you. When You Forgive You Reflect the Father's Love. The Father's Standard of forgiving you is completely. And forgiveness is an act of love extending to another, what God is extended to you – His Forgiveness.God says, Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense. Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs ‭19:11‬ He's telling you that is more honorable to look past someone who has hurt you, than to revenge it.Even if the wrong is great… Not Forgiving is a Greater Wrong. When a person injures you or offends you, he or she has made an offense against God; because you are His Child in whom He dwells. You take pity on on them just as Jesus and Stephen did,Jesus said: Lord Forgive them for they does not what they do. Luke 23:34,Stephen Said, LORD, do not charge them with this sin. Acts 7:60‪Release the offender to God - Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the lord” (Romans 12:19).‪Bless the offender - Apply God's forgiveness. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14). The power of forgiveness transforms your life.Forgiveness is the Power of Love demonstrated through the undeserved favor and mercy, God empowers you to forgive the one who or offended you. Just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32The power of love and forgiveness is absolutely miraculous, and is constantly available in whatever situation you may find yourself. Your Life is an extension of God's Grace, Who is rich in mercy to you, because of His Great Love with which He Loved you, even when you were dead in trespasses and sins. He empowers you to do the same. Ephesians 2:4-5‪There is perhaps no greater gift you can offer God than a heart that knows the power of forgiveness and decides to set others free. Forgiving shows that the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus are operating in our lives. It is time to access this life-changing grace of forgiveness.‬

Comments on Nosey AF? 888-563-3228 Description Artist and Filmmaker Stephanie Graham digs deep with people who are nothing like her.Each week the Nosey AF podcast gets all up in the business of movers, shakers and subculture makers. Stephanie explores how the hell they got into the worlds they've found themselves a part of.At the end of each Nosey AF episode, you will either have random info to share and impress your friends with or have a new idea for a project of your own.The world is yours. Website http://www.noseyaf.com/ Opinion Your description of "interviewing people who are not like you" only works for people who know who you are. Your guest introduction took a tangent into the party you met her at (and we don't need those details). You say she makes opportunities out of nothing. How about an example to pull me in? You seemed to be very focused on her Tesla, is that the core reason you brought her on? I would really give me a detailed blurb to get me excited about your guest.I thought the audio quality was good, and I liked your style (not scripted just talking to the audience and your guest).Side note: (BONUS)Your artwork does not meet Apple specifications:1400x1400px (minimum) 3000x3000px (maximum) Under 500kb Use rGB color space Be a JPG, JPEG, or a PNG fileYou can repair your artwork (compress it to be less than 500 kb)  and go to settings > edit show settings and upload the new version and click Save (you might try saving it as a jpeg).For me when she talks about her 50% check strategy, instead of doing kind of a "me too" response, why not ask her how she was able to save 50% (as most people can't) Listener Feedback Clay groves from the Fish Nerds Podcast can't believe I didn't' like the Sh*tting with the door open podcast on episode 199. He Loved it! Get A Full Review If you’d like a full review of your podcast, check out Podcast Review Show or if you need Podcast Consulting, Book an Appointment Today Get Your Podcast Reviewed Sign up at Fiverr. comGet a full review on the Podcast Review Show. Free Subscription to the Podcast Rodeo Show Subscribe to the show and never miss another episode on Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts. For more options see www.podcastrodeoshow.com/subscribe

O GIVE thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the enemy.(Psalm ‭107:1-2‬)PRAISE THE Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! [I Chron. 16:34] (Psalm ‭106:1‬)Listen, God Knows you thoroughly and completely. He has examined your heart and know everything about you. He knows when I sit down or stand up. Be knows my thoughts even when I'm far away. He sees yiu when you travel and when you rest at home. He knows everything I you do. He knows what you are going to say even before you say it. He goes before you and follow you. He places His Hand of Blessing on your head. You can never escape from His Spirit! You Can Never get away from His Presence! (Psalms ‭139:1-5, 7‬)God is with you! He never leaves you nor for section, he will not, he will not, he will not in any way let you down, or lacks his hold on you. For you are His Workmanship created in Christ Jesus. He chose you before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love, knowing you would trust and believe in Jesus Christ his son. (Hebrews 13:5, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 1:6-8)In this world you many times question whether you should be transparent with people, whether they will look down on you when they come to know you or even reject you.I have Good News! God Who Sent His Son from Heaven to Earth to Die for You, and Further to Be Raised Again and Seated at His Own Right Hand, He Loves you. The God Who Created All Things Including ou, Loves you.There is never a reason to question, God's Great, Magnificent, Infinite, Transcending, and Indy Come Unconditional Love for you. Because even when you didn't love Him, He Loved you.This is REAL LOVE – not that you loved God, but that He loved you and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away your sins. (1 John ‭4:10‬)People may exalt themselves above you and look down on you or even reject you, but God came down to lift you up from the Marri Clay of the world's rejection, to be seated in the heavenly places with Him, by Virtue of You Being in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6).In This World around You May Sometimes Keep others at a safe distance, only disclosing the parts of yourself you think are acceptable. However, even though this way of interacting with others tends to feel safer, it leads to isolation and loneliness.God who created you, He knows you Fully and you can Completely Trust in Him, ask Him to Cause the Right People to Come across Your Path; Whom He Has Given a Heart of His True Love, to Love you and Accept you: Just the Way You Are. Then be thankful that God knows who you need and what you need in your life.God does not require you to be cleaned up acceptable in his side before He Loved You. God Chose to Love You in Your Worst Condition, so You Can Be an Example of His Greatest Goodness in the ages to come. (Ephesians 2:7)God sees you. There is nothing you can hide from Him! He Absolutely Knows Everything about you. And the Truth is there is NOTHING that can separate you from His Love. And there's nothing you can do to Earn His Love. (Romans 8:37, Ephesians 2:8-9)God Loves you! He formed your inward parts; hHe knitted you together in your mother's womb. So, Looked at Him and Confess and Praise Him for you are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Him.You Are His Workmanship created in Christ Jesus, whom He Chose to Be His Child. Your Frame Has Never Been Hidden from Him, for He Is the One Who Formed You in Secret and Intricately and Curiously Created You. His Eyes saw your substance still Unformed, and in his book All the Days of Your Life Were Written for Ever They Took Shape, When As yet There Was None of them.Oh how precious are God's Thoughts About you! How Vast the some of them! (Psalms 40:5) if you could count them, they would be more Vast and more in number than the sand; you can never count the end of them for all eternity. (Psalm ‭139:12-18‬)God is telling you that He is thinking about you all the time. God is a 24/7 God, he is always thinking about you think about how great love he has toward you that he thinks about you all the time.Yes, the LORD KEEPS you in His Thoughts All the Time. (Psalms‬ ‭40:17‬) you have the benefit of knowing that God is thinking about you at this very moment… And he will enable you to do greater and mighty things then you can even, think, hope, ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)The truth is, there's nothing you can do to get God from thinking about you, because you are His – bought with the Blood of Jesus Christ – You Are Accepted and Treasured for Ever by God.You can approach God confidently as his dear child, knowing that he has a perfect understanding of you and everything that concerns you. You have boldness and access with confidence His Throne of Grace. So Tell Him Your Troubles Candidly; He Already Knows about the. And You Will Find That He Will Give You Mercy for Your Failures, and Good Help in His Perfect Timing by His Grace. (Hebrews 4:16)

First you need to Renew your mind to God's Thoughts about you:As a born-again believer, you have been ingrafted in Christ Jesus, Your True Identity before God is: you are a New Creature Altogether, a new creation; your old previous moral and spiritual condition has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! And all this is from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled you to Himself. Yes, He received you into favor, brought you into harmony with Himself and Provides to you All things to you Richly and Ceaselesly to Enjoy. (2 Corinthians ‭5:17-18, 1 Timothy‬ ‭6:17‬)You have the mind of Christ and hold the thoughts, feelings and purposes of his heart. (1 Corinthians 2:16)You have been delivered from this present evil world. And you are seated with Christ in the heavenly places. You reside in the Kingdom of God's dear son. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus is set you free from the law of sin and death. (Galatians 1:4, Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 1:13, Romans 8:2) You fear not, because God has given you a spirit of power, of love, of a sound mind. God is on your side. (2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 8:31)You have now received the Spirit producing sonship in which you cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself testifies together with your own spirit, assuring you that you are a child of God. (Romans ‭8:15-16‬)SEE WHAT an incredible quality of love the Father has bestowed on you, that you should be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! (1 John ‭3:1‬)Therefore, you are no longer a slave to sin, but a child of God; and if a child, then it follows that you are an heir by the aid of God, through Christ. (Galatians ‭4:7‬) You Conqueror your thoughts that are not from God, by thinking on the thoughts of God about your situation and circumstance. What does God's word say about the situation?God wants you to rely on, trust in and depend on Him! When you renew your mind, to your Hope and Expectation being in the LORD; Then you realize His Great Love and Mercy with which He Loved you, and Know His Tender compassions for you never fail. ‭‭(Ephesians 2:4, Lamentations‬ ‭3:21-22‬) ‭ ‬‬The Holy Spirit testify with your own spirit saying to you: I AM the LORD your God, Your Father and you are My child. And your relationship with Me will never change. (Malachi ‭3:6‬)You abide in me and I abide in you, you are more than a conqueror through Me Who loves you. And nothing can separate you from me; neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate you from My Love for you in Christ Jesus your Lord. (Romans ‭8:38-39)‬I AM The LORD your God Who is with you. And Who gives you Rest and Peace on every side, according to all that I promised. There has not failed one word of all My Good promise, which I Have promised. ‭‭(I Kings‬ ‭8:56)‬ ‬So Father I Come to You in the Name of Jesus for this Listener whom You have led to Hear From You, the Prayer of Your Servant of Christ Jesus, the Messiah, for them that this one may know Your Thoughts toward them, thoughts for their Good and Not for Evil, to Give them Hope in the Future You have For them.

He Loved a City That Killed Him

As the leaves start to fall off the trees and that distinctive chill in the crisp autumn air returns, I am called to slow down and turn inwards. Autumn is represented by the medicine wheel direction of West and the colour blue (or sometimes black). In Ayurveda, autumn is represented by the Vatta (wind) dosha. May this melodic and emotive mix help to relax and create space for introspection. The title comes to me from what I could remember from a recent dream… [I remember being asked 2 questions. I cannot remember the 1st for the life of me. The 2nd involved making a connection between a canoe and a cave. I began my story explaining how reality was a sort of illusion and how physical journeys were actually more about the inner journey - what goes on inside someone. Henceforth, it matters not whether you are travelling in a canoe or sitting in a cave. A cave is a type of canoe. The journey is inside regardless.] "Remember, you only need to move a 1/4 inch in the direction of your dreams to start feeling better" - Don Ollsin Intro | Excerpt(s) from Calum MacDiarmid's "Worship" (inspired by Derry MacDiarmid's "Century of Insight") 01 | One Mile North - In 1983 He Loved to Fly 02 | Japanese Wallpaper - Breathe In (feat. Wafia) 03 | Bonobo - First Fires (feat. Grey Reverend) 04 | Husky Rescue - Diamonds in the Sky 05 | Hiatus - We Can Be Ghosts Now 06 | Trifonic - Lies 07 | Beacon - Bring You Back 08 | Sunlounger - Lost (Chillout Mix) 09 | Pixel Fix - Fall (Walton Hoax Remix) 10 | Massive Attack - Dissolved Girl 11 | Daughter - Landfill (Monrroe Remix) 12 | Random Rab - Apparently 13 | Mark McGuire - In Search of the Miraculous 14 | Jon Hopkins - Immunity *Cover art credit: Elicia Edijanto @eliciaedijanto - http://www.eliciaedijanto.com/

Every so often an artist emerges that captures our attention, makes us sit up and take note of what pure talent and anointing looks and sounds like. Jessica Reedy is truly one of those artists … one listen and you will never forget the voice.  Jessica Reedy first came to our attention on the national TV competition BET's Sunday Best. She attended the Season 2 Sunday Best audition in Washington DC on a whim to support a friend. She quickly found herself in the Top 20 onto the show's main stage performing for judges Mary Mary and Bebe Winans. Reedy made it all the way to finals eventually being named runner up. Throughout that process and the subsequent loss, self-doubt crept in. While Reedy never thought she had the talent to make it, God used the totality of the experience to bring her into her call as both an artist and minister of music.  “My insecurities, my fears, my guilt and pain were all brought before me – the things I thought I had let go. I learned so much about myself during and after Sunday Best. I learned how little my faith was in God and His abilities … in spite of my shortcomings God still proved HIMSELF to me,” said Reedy. “I started discovering how much HE Loved me, cared for me, and how HE thought of me as HIS beloved. I learned how much I didn't know about myself.”“The Sunday Best experience changed me tremendously,” she continued. “Being on the Show allowed me to see God like never before … He used the Show to teach me what it really meant when He said ‘I'll never leave you nor forsake you.' It marked the beginning of my in depth search to know Christ and why He loves me so much.”

Comedian Kyle Hickey joins the Background Noise podcast this week for an especially smarmy episode! He let us in on what he has in the works, including a new, on-line mini-series, and we also talked with him about the recent closing of a local East Side Mario"s which has been the cause for much controversy. In the middle segment we took a look at a collection of Derrek"s report cards, stories, pictures, etc. from his early school days. He LOVED bears and ghosts. Trust me. He also may have been dropped on his head at some point. Tune in to find out why Derrek is "satisfactory" at best.

Pastor Garry is beginning a new 10:30am series called“UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!” GOD’S LOVE: It’s what Christmas is all about! But God, Who is rich in Mercy for His Great Love, wherewith He Loved us. Ephesians 2:4

He Loved to Ride: POV–Lindy. Hospital tears and lost relationships.

Lonnie Jenkins: Revelation Series - Part 3: He Loved and Washed Us [1:08:34] Click here for: High quality (763.81 MB) Click here for: Low quality (339.75 MB) 1246