Podcasts about here jesus

2 Kings 16 deals with Ahaz's succession to Judah's throne. He was one of the worst kings to sit on the southern throne as the Isaiah prophecy records. Ahaz sacrificed his firstborn son to Molech and passed the younger brother of the slain infant, Hezekiah, through the fire scarring him greatly. Tiglath Pileser, the Assyrian king came and put Judah under tribute. Ahaz took the silver and gold from the temple to avert ruination. The idolatrous Ahaz sent Urijah the priest to copy the altar in Damascus and set up a duplicate in Judah. The substitution by Ahaz of the true altar with the Syrian altar is equivalent to the very human tendency in all ages to replace the commandments of God with the traditions of men verses Matthew 15 verses 1-9. Thus, the incident teaches a timeless lesson. Ahaz destroyed the laver to give the bronze to the Assyrians. It was during the end of Ahaz' reign and the start of Hezekiah's rule that the Immanuel prophecies of Isaiah chapters 7-11 were written. Ezekiel 6 tells of the destruction of the idols and the incense altars. Verses 1-7 proclaims the LORD's intention to destroy these altars. Ironically this would be done by a totally idolatrous nation - the Babylonians. The end of the seventh verse picks up the refrain that is used over sixty times throughout Ezekiel's prophecy verses "And they shall know that I am Yahweh". Verses 8-10 declare that their Sovereign would leave to Judah a remnant to be His witnesses. That remnant of the nation will be preserved by the Almighty for future salvation. Verses 11-14 tell us that the Almighty asks His people to endorse the justice of His judgments, and the refrain is again used in verse 13. In Luke 2 we have the record of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world was turned upside down by the decree of Caesar Augustus that there must be a census. This required vast movements of people to their ancestral homes. Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife, Mary, are caused to go to Bethlehem. When there was no room in the inn (Chimham's lodging house from the time of king David) they found lodging among the cattle. In such humble circumstances the king of the world is born. A multitude of angels appear to the Bethlehem shepherds, who were watching over the lambs which were to be sacrificed at the next Passover. The message of the angels was that when God is glorified in the earth then there would be peace among men of good will. We then find the record of Jesus being taken to the temple for the required offerings. Mary's offerings were for those of the poorest. We are told of the faithful Anna and Simeon who were in expectation of Messiah's redemption of the nation. Jesus is taken by Joseph and Mary to Egypt in order to escape Herod the Great's slaughter of the babes of Bethlehem (this is recorded in Matthew 2). Luke takes up the story after Herod's death, when they were returned from Egypt and their moving to Nazareth in Galilee. Here Jesus remains until the age of twelve when he went with his parents to the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus became "lost" when the family was returning to Galilee. When the family came to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus, they found him in the temple discussing the Law with the doctors of the Law. What child was this? The record tells us that as well as hearing these learned men Jesus was also asking questions of them. Our Lord gave the rejoinder to Joseph, his stepfather and Mary - where else did you think I would be? It is my Father's business that motivates me. Mary kept these matters in her heart and often pondered them. On returning to Nazareth, he took the appropriate role of an obedient child. Jesus' wisdom increased rapidly, as did the pleasure of His Father in His wonderful Son. People found him amiable and agreeable in every capacity.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow at https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

In chapter 8, Matthew writes of our Lord healing the servant of a Roman centurion. He really cared for his servant-slave. Here Matthew presents the first Gentile in his book. This centurion's faith was unique. Here is what Jesus said in verse 10, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith".Why did Jesus say this? The centurion believed Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. No need to go to the servant or to touch him. Jesus just spoke the word and he was healed. What power that is?When the Lord healed Peter's mother-in-law with a touch and later cast out demons, Matthew quotes, the O.T for the 17th time. "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases" found in Isaiah 53:4. Here Jesus fulfills another Messianic prophecy as the Messiah.Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Matthew 8:5.

2 Kings 16 deals with Ahaz's succession to Judah's throne. He was one of the worst kings to sit on the southern throne as the Isaiah prophecy records. Ahaz sacrificed his firstborn son to Molech and passed the younger brother of the slain infant, Hezekiah, through the fire scarring him greatly. Tiglath Pileser, the Assyrian king came and put Judah under tribute. Ahaz took the silver and gold from the temple to avert ruination. The idolatrous Ahaz sent Urijah the priest to copy the altar in Damascus and set up a duplicate in Judah. The substitution by Ahaz of the true altar with the Syrian altar is equivalent to the very human tendency in all ages to replace the commandments of God with the traditions of men verses  Matthew 15 verses 1-9. Thus, the incident teaches a timeless lesson. Ahaz destroyed the laver to give the bronze to the Assyrians. It was during the end of Ahaz' reign and the start of Hezekiah's rule that the Immanuel prophecies of Isaiah chapters 7-11 were written. Ezekiel 6 tells of the destruction of the idols and the incense altars. Verses 1-7 proclaims the LORD's intention to destroy these altars. Ironically this would be done by a totally idolatrous nation - the Babylonians. The end of the seventh verse picks up the refrain that is used over sixty times throughout Ezekiel's prophecy verses  "And they shall know that I am Yahweh". Verses 8-10 declare that their Sovereign would leave to Judah a remnant to be His witnesses. That remnant of the nation will be preserved by the Almighty for future salvation. Verses 11-14 tell us that the Almighty asks His people to endorse the justice of His judgments, and the refrain is again used in verse 13. In Luke 2 we have the record of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole world was turned upside down by the decree of Caesar Augustus that there must be a census. This required vast movements of people to their ancestral homes. Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife, Mary, are caused to go to Bethlehem. When there was no room in the inn (Chimham's lodging house from the time of king David) they found lodging among the cattle. In such humble circumstances the king of the world is born. A multitude of angels appear to the Bethlehem shepherds, who were watching over the lambs which were to be sacrificed at the next Passover. The message of the angels was that when God is glorified in the earth then there would be peace among men of good will. We then find the record of Jesus being taken to the temple for the required offerings. Mary's offerings were for those of the poorest. We are told of the faithful Anna and Simeon who were in expectation of Messiah's redemption of the nation. Jesus is taken by Joseph and Mary to Egypt in order to escape Herod the Great's slaughter of the babes of Bethlehem (this is recorded in Matthew 2). Luke takes up the story after Herod's death, when they were returned from Egypt and their moving to Nazareth in Galilee. Here Jesus remains until the age of twelve when he went with his parents to the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus became "lost" when the family was returning to Galilee. When the family came to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus, they found him in the temple discussing the Law with the doctors of the Law. What child was this? The record tells us that as well as hearing these learned men Jesus was also asking questions of them. Our Lord gave the rejoinder to Joseph, his stepfather and Mary - where else did you think I would be? It is my Father's business that motivates me. Mary kept these matters in her heart and often pondered them. On returning to Nazareth, he took the appropriate role of an obedient child. Jesus' wisdom increased rapidly, as did the pleasure of His Father in His wonderful Son. People found him amiable and agreeable in every capacity. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow at  https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Don't Begrudge God's Generosity to Others - Matthew 19:20-20:16In today's passage we will see Jesus start with the pride of the twelve and rebuke in advance any believer who would judge later believers for not being as much of an ‘OB'(‘original believer') as themselves.Matthew 19:20-20:16The context of the parable: Jesus' teaching on rewards - 19:27-30In the Bible “Fors” and “Therefores” connect the thought we just read with the thought coming.J-O-Y comes from putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third.We might have expected Jesus to blast Peter for self-interest in 19:27. Instead Jesus stated in 19:28 that in the coming “New Genesis,” the Twelve will be uniquely rewarded for following Jesus.Here Jesus teaches that when He reigns on earth, the 12, all of whom were Jewish in background will have special roles judging, or leading, the restored 12 tribes of Israel. (Zecheriah 12-13; Acts 1:6-11; Rev. 19-20).What I love about Matthew 19:29 is that it teaches that anything we might consider to be sacrifices for faithfully serving Jesus are really investments that will be rewarded with a hundred-fold return-on-investment in the ages to come.On the one hand, all believers will be rewarded in ages to come for what they do for Jesus in the age they live in. On the other hand, we should never begrudge other believers for also being generously rewarded.The Master is always adding workers to His great work - 20:1-7Now remember that every parable doesn't teach every aspect of Christian truth. This parable is not telling us how to be saved like John 3:16 & Eph. 2:8-10. Here Jesus is teaching them not to be jealous of other believers.The key thing to notice in the first part of the parable is that God is always looking to add more workers to the work in His vineyard!God invites all believers to appreciate how wonderful grace is - V. 8-15Jesus gave His story this shock ending to rebuke in advance any believer who would judge later believers for not being as much of an ‘OB'(‘original believer') as themselves.Two great applications from the generosity of our Lord:1. Hell really will be awful for all that refuse to repent and turn to Jesus. In comparison, all who believe and go to Heaven will be astoundingly rewarded as they get to live with Jesus forever. Be excited for all who believe, no matter how late they ‘sign up.'2. All who began a work for Christ or become instrumental in part of that work must not treat as second class citizens all those the Lord incudes in the work as it continues on – we will all be in Heaven together.

Send us a textGalasiërs 2: 19b, 20... Ek is saam met Christus gekruisig. Ek leef nie meer nie, maar Christus lewe in my. Die lewe wat ek nou op aarde leef, leef ek deur geloof in die Seun van God, Hy wat sy liefde vir my bewys het deur in my plek te sterf. (NLV) “Oorgawe” is 'n woord wat 'n hele klomp negatiewe konnotasies meebring. En tog kan oorgawe 'n magdom voordele en seëninge wat ons nooit kon voorsien het nie, meebring.Kom ons kyk na die gevolge van die twee atoombomme wat Amerika op Japan laat ontplof het. Dit het immers hul betrokkenheid by die Tweede Wêreldoorlog beëindig.Dit was verskriklik en het baie lewens geëis, maar Japan se oorgawe, het 'n tydperk van intense heropbou onder Amerikaanse leiding ingelui. Die besetting het demokratiese hervormings, ekonomiese hulp en toegang tot nuwe tegnologieë gebring, wat Japan binne dekades van 'n oorloggeteisterde nasie in een van die wêreld se voorste ekonomieë omskep het. Japan se na-oorlogse herlewing is inderdaad ‘n merkwaardige voorbeeld van seëninge wat op oorgawe gevolg het. En 'n volledige oorgawe van ons lewens aan Jesus, bring selfs groter seëninge.Galasiërs 2:20 Ek is saam met Christus gekruisig. Ek leef nie meer nie, maar Christus lewe in my. Die lewe wat ek nou op aarde leef, leef ek deur geloof in die Seun van God, Hy wat sy liefde vir my bewys het deur in my plek te sterf. (NLV)Dit spreek van ‘n volkome en algehele oorgawe –  Ek leef nie meer nie, maar Christus lewe in my. Oorgawe word nie méér radikaal en méér volledig as dit nie.Ek was onlangs by 'n kerkdiens waar hierdie gebed gebid is – 'n gebed van totale oorgawe aan Jesus. 'n Gebed wat sonder twyfel groot seën in baie lewens sal bring:Mag die Here Jesus ons gedagtes neem en daardeur dink; ons hande neem en daardeur seën; ons monde neem en daardeur spreek; ons gees neem en daardeur bid; en bowenal, Here Jesus, ons harte neem en daardeur liefhê, sodat dit U is wat in ons leef en werk. Ons vra dit in die Naam van Jesus Christus, ons Here. AMEN.Die Christelike lewe is 'n lewe van oorgawe.Dis God se Woord. Vars … vir jou … vandag.Support the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

As Jesus has spoken about love for one's neighbor, Dr. Mitchell cautions one about disguising one' sin as love for others. Jesus then, having spoken to the future citizens of the kingdom of heaven about several topics, He now speaks about the Jewish custom of giving alms to the poor. In Matthew 6:1-4 Jesus speaks of one's duties before God which in this case has to do with one's giving. Here Jesus looks again at the motives as well as the actions. The Word of God speaks of God as a great giver. Scripture says, If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally and without reproach and it shall be given. God gave us His only begotten Son and Jesus gave Himself for us. Let's join Dr. Mitchell, in Matthew 6:1, here on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

Your money is more valuable than you think. This is clear from how often Jesus spoke about our money and our wealth. Luke 16:1–18 is one such stretch of teaching. Here Jesus tells one of his most perplexing parables. Yet, read properly, this story in which Jesus commends a dishonest manager teaches us something about eternity, evangelism, and everything else.

What can we learn about Satan, demons, and the victory of Christ from Christ's own words in this passage? Here Jesus equips us not only to know the danger of our enemy, but also the power of our Deliverer. This message was preached by Pastor Erick Cobb on July 20, 2025.

Jesus' Last Night Right mouse click here to download as a MP3 audio file G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 21 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days, from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! Last time we looked at Jesus at prayer. Today we look at the events of his last night, before his death. In Luke 22, we come to Jesus' last night before He goes to death on the cross. It's the time for the Feast of Passover! Jerusalem was filled with people come to celebrate this great event! Passover was a time to commemorate the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and it was a time for remembering and rejoicing with families (Exodus 11-12). 1. Plans of His enemies In Luke 22v1-6, we read that Jesus' enemies plotted to kill him (Luke 22v2) and arranged for Judas to betray him (Luke 22v3). Of course, satan is involved, just as he was at the beginning of time and his purpose was to destroy Jesus (Luke 22v3, Luke 22v31). What about Judas though? Judas was motivated by greed, energized by satan and willing to betray Jesus for money (John 13v2, 27). Judas was never a true believer because his sins had never been cleansed by the Lord (John 13v10-11), therefore he had never truly believed or received eternal life (John 6v64-71). And while all this is going on, Jesus is still in perfect control. All the elements in the plot conspiring against Jesus had been allowed for. Remember, Jesus had been talking to God the Father! The death of Jesus was no accident! 2. Jesus Plans In accordance with the Mosaic covenant, the people of Israel were expected to remove all yeast from their houses (Ex.12v15) as a reminder that their ancestors left Egypt in a hurry and had to eat bread without yeast on their travels to the promised land. In Luke 12v1, Jesus had warned his disciples about the "yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy". In other words, the religious leaders had cleansed their houses but not their hearts. The last thing the religious leaders wanted was a messianic uprising during Passover (Luke 19v11). They would have heard the crowds talking up Jesus Christ as the messiah, particularly after the events of the previous week when Jesus entered Jerusalem!. 3. Jesus Prepares (Luke 22v7-23) Reading Luke 22v7, 13 - Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, "Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together." The disciples went off to the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there. Disciples needed a room within Jerusalem itself, and also required food - a lamb, bread, bitter herbs and wine. 4. Jesus initiates the New Covenant (Luke 22v14-23) - When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come." He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people-an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. The Passover meal contains historical and theological symbolism regarding the death of Jesus. We will come to see what those are later on in the series, but suffice to say at this point, it is why this meal is the model for the central act of Christian worship, which is Holy Communion. Opening Prayer First cup of wine and a dish of herbs and sauce. Story of the Passover was recited. Psalm 113 was sung Second cup of wine Prayer of Grace Main course of roast lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs A further prayer Third cup of wine. Psalm 114 to 118 were then sung. Fourth cup of wine. 5. Jesus Serves Jesus washes the disciples' feet (John 13v1-17) Reading from John 13v1-5 - Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. As part of the custom of the day, a servant or slave usually undertook foot washing of guests. Since none of the disciples had done this, Jesus Himself undertakes the task (John 13v4-5). Peter, recalcitrant and resistant as always, objects (John 13v6,8 ). Peter learns that only those cleansed by Jesus and trusting in Him fully, can be a part of the kingdom (John 13v7, 9). Jesus' rising to serve symbolizes His coming to serve - that was his mission we talked about earlier in the series! It was a mission of great love and service! When he took off his cloak, this symbolizes the taking off of His glory when He became human. As he girded Himself with a towel, symbolizes his taking on human flesh at his birth. And, as the water cleansed the feet, so Jesus death and blood cleanses from sin. When he finished cleaning, he returned to where he was sitting and sat down after finishing this act of service. 6. Jesus Speaks (Luke 22v24-38) Reading Luke 22v 24-27: Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, "In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.' But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Here Jesus tells his disciples that they are the new leaders and thereforet they will judge the tribes of Israel! That in doing so, they are to serve everyone gladly, love everyone even those that they tested and persecute them! This is a radical new thing Jesus is telling his disciples - their actions are to back up their claims, just as Jesus' actions confirm his own claims! In so doing, Jesus replaces the old leaders of God with his own people. Tomorrow we look at that day in history - the day Jesus, the God-man, died. Thank you! Right mouse click or tap here to download as a MP3 audio file

I AM 2 G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 16 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days, from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! Jesus' teaching has been met with amazement yet also fury and ridicule! Today we continue looking at one particularly aspect of his teaching - himself - and 3 more I AM statements. Light of the World Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." The Pharisees replied, "You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid." Jesus told them, "These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going. But you don't know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other." (John 8v12-18) ) Jesus is at the Feast of Tabernacles! One of the great symbols of that feast was Light! At the end of the feast, when all the lights are extinguished, Jesus said something quite remarkable - that he was the light of the world! Throughout the Old Testament, light is an important symbol. There is the pillar of fire and cloud leading the nation of Israel on their journey (Exodus 13). In Psalm 27v1, the psalmist describes God as "my light". The nation of Israel was to be God's light to all the world (Isaiah 49v6), so that God would be the world's light (Isaiah 60v19-22). So, by referring to himself as the light of the world, Jesus is saying it is he who shines light into people's spiritual eyes and gives them understanding, which in turn leads to them seeing their need of God and his ability to satisfy their spiritual needs. This was opposite to the burdens the Jewish religious leaders, the Pharisees, put upon people. Hence their vehement opposition to Jesus. I am the Gate and Good Shepherd "I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice." Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn't understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. "The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded." (John 10v1-18) Throughout the Old Testament, God is seen as a shepherd and his people are the sheep of his keeping. The sheep are always God's, even though He temporarily entrusted them to people such as Moses to care and tend them. Therefore Moses and others like him, such as the true prophets, were forerunners to Jesus. David, you may remember, was the Shepherd King! Here Jesus proclaims that he is the door or gate to salvation! It is through Jesus that salvation is found and through him alone as the door or gate that people are led safe and sound into spiritual freedom, spiritual light and spiritual sustenance. Unlike others who come only to steal, kill and destroy, Jesus offers spiritual safety and nourishment. Jesus does not just offer a way out, but also a way in! The security offered by Jesus is because he is always in close proximity to those who follow him. Jesus calls all those who follow him by name (John 10v3) and they know each other. Jesus is also the great shepherd through the sacrifice he must make for his sheep. It is in this role of shepherd, that Jesus exhibits true leadership, which is self-less and sacrificial. Ezekiel 34v11 tells of God searching out for his sheep among all nations, and this is fulfilled through Jesus. Here Jesus is looking ahead to the sacrifice he will make. His love for all of humanity compels him to make the ultimate sacrifice. Just as all shepherds will endanger themselves for the safety of their sheep, so too will Jesus endure the pain and suffering, so that all people can be led into the safety of God's kingdom if they choose to avail themselves of that opportunity. Through his perfect, obedient and voluntary sacrifice, not only will salvation be available to the Jews (the sheep of Israel) but also to those of other nations, the Gentiles (the other sheep mentioned by Jesus). Remember that often in Israel, certainly under 1st century Gentile Roman rule, Gentiles (non-Jews) were hated and many Jews declared thanks to God that they were neither dogs nor Gentiles! Truly amazing words by Jesus in the light of such sentiments! Jesus already has the end in view. Can you glimpse at what he means when he speaks about laying down his life and taking it back up again? Can you see where we glimpsed at the Covenants and how they apply to this Jesus - particularly the Davidic Covenant (Father and Son) and the New Covenant? Can you see how this Jesus is divisive and what sets him apart from all other religious teachers of any time? This Jesus, at the moment is only speaking words, but will his words be backed up with action? Tomorrow, more I AM statements as we reflect on Jesus' teaching about himself. Thank you. Right mouse click or tap here to download as a MP3 audio file

Delivered by Evelyn from the Parish of Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Singapore. Exodus 3: 13-20; Rs psalm 105: 1.5.8-9.24-25.26-27; Matthew 11: 28-30.KNOWING GOD BY HIS NAME The title for our meditation today is:Knowing God by His Name. Yesterday we reflected on the identity of God throughthe pronouncement of the name of the ancestors of Israel to Moses. By this wayMoses could immediately associate himself with his own ancestors and then beable to imitate their examples of the faith. Today, the book of Exodus leads us toknow God in His own name. This knowledge touches the very personal being ofGod, that is by mentioning His own name. To Moses God mentioned his name withthe expression: I am who I am. In this identification God revelas himself as asingle Godhead, a personal principle of God. The pronoun "I" refersto the wholeness in oneself and cannot be put together with something else toexplain or clarify it. For example, for me, I must say myname is Maria, I am a woman, I am a nun, I am a professional, I am part of thisfamily and so on. There are so many elements attached to me to explain what andwho I am. But God does not use these complementary elements because He isalready perfect, complete. So God calls himself "I" means that He isperfect and total. He is eternal. For the name "I" whichaffirms the principle of self, it does not refers to the selfishness of God.Only God can maintain this principle because He is almighty and omnipotent.With this superiority, Moses and all of us make as an opportune of bringingGod's superiority to face evil enemies and those who oppose His will, even todefeat those enemies. For us humans, an affirmation of oneself only, the ego orselfishness, it is actually a great weakness and evetually failure. Whendealing with works, challenges or even threat from enemies, this weakness isnot a big deal to face the problem. It is obvious our human ego is so differentfrom the ego of God. The "I" affirmation of Godis also carried out by the Son of God, Jesus Christ, especially when He alwayssays: Amen, I say to you. Here Jesus continues to declare the name of God inHis Word. Jesus never says in His teachings, saying: “Jesus says to you.” Thisaffirmation of "I" for Himself also means to bring all those who hearand believe come to Him, stay with Him and follow His way of life. Today, Jesusinvites us to come to Him to draw from His great mercy in this expression:"Come to Me, because I am meek and humble." Let us always believe andrely on God's name as I AM WHO I AM. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O good Lord, thank you so much for showing yourself to uspersonally, may we always rely on your love and power. Glory to the Father andto the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...

I AM 1 We are now on day 15 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days, from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! The long awaited for king is here, his public ministry has begun in earnest. His teaching is met with amazement yet also fury and we looked at last time, how Jesus taught; what he taught; his methods and who he taught? Today we start looking at one particularly aspect of his teaching - himself! I AM Introduction It may come as a surprise to you but Jesus talks about himself - a lot! But, not only just talk about himself but always put those words into action. In other words, he backed up his claims with action, which even a cursory look at the Gospels will reflect. John Stott says this about it: ‘The self-centredness of the teaching of Jesus immediately sets himself apart from the other great religious teachers of the world. They were self-effacing. He was self-advancing. They pointed away from themselves, saying "This is the truth, so far as I perceive it, follow that." Jesus said, "I am the truth, follow me."' Jesus' teaching about Himself? In John's Gospel, the writer John records statements where Jesus said "I AM". These are unique to John and are not recorded in the three other Gospels. Here Jesus is reinforcing his claims to be God because, when he says "I AM", he is referring back to the time when God revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 3v14 and through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 41v4. That's why crowds often picked up stones in order to kill him for blasphemy. This was in accordance, so they thought, with Deuteronomy 13, which dictates that anyone who tries to turn people away from the living God is to be stoned to death. They knew Jesus was claiming to the very God they thought they worshipped. Little did they know at the time that he was the living God! So lets go look at our first "I AM" I AM the bread of Life John 6:30-51 They answered, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day." Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day." Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." They said, "Isn't this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know his father and mother. How can he say, ‘I came down from heaven'?" But Jesus replied, "Stop complaining about what I said. For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. As it is written in the Scriptures, ‘They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. (Not that anyone has ever seen the Father; only I, who was sent from God, have seen him.) "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh." ___________________________________________ Three times in this passage, Jesus refers to himself as the living bread. By this he meant that he was the only one who could gratify the appetite and yearning of every person's spirit and their spiritual needs. For those he was speaking to, bread was a basic staple food for living, just as it is for millions of people today. Jesus indicates when saying he is the bread of life, that he will supply all needs! Just as he said to the woman at the well in John 4v4, and repeats here, that whoever drinks his living water, shall never again go spiritually thirsty. When Jesus referred to the bread in the desert he talked of it being merely temporary, despite being a gift from God. He however, as the true bread of life, would give permanent satisfaction and life everlasting to all those who believe and follow him! But this bread he offers has to be eaten; it has to be taken up by the person wanting spiritual life! In this passage from John 6 he offers glimpses of what is lying ahead for him. He also gives glimpses of the intimacy he held with God the Father. Soon after this, some people stopped following him and abandoned him because they found it too difficult to understand. How easily people give up and not persevere. Jesus is the bread of life! To have true spiritual life is to believe in Him! No works or good deeds can earn this spiritual life from God - just believe by having faith in Jesus alone. All spiritual needs are met through Jesus alone as the bread of life! Jesus will supply needs - spiritual as well as physical. This is only a glimpse at what Jesus taught about himself and we continue on this theme tomorrow! Thank you! Right mouse click or tap here to download as a MP3 audio file

"Laat ons almal saam bid: “Maranatha, kom tog gou, Here Jesus.”

Today we turn to John chapter four, and verses ten through twenty-four, which is the inspiration for our present series, “In Spirit and in Truth.” Here Jesus has a conversation with a Samaritan Woman, and conveys something profound. You'll soon see the sort of worship that pleases God. It's something that is to occur all throughout the day, every day, with sincerity. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29

This message looks at Matthew 5:33-37. Here Jesus is calling us to have honesty with our words and simplicity with our speech, that our words are trustworthy and that our words build others up.  We are reminded that where our words might fail, God's words never fail. He means what He says. 

Unfortunately, many people are Christian in name only. It was true in Jesus' day as well, and that's why He shared the parable of the Sower. That will be our topic of discussion once again today as we look at Mark chapter four. Here Jesus describes four kinds of soil, and we'd do well to see which best describes our heart , to see whether or not we are who we think! 

Here Jesus focuses on our response to his Word—and the eternal implications of that response. We need to avoid false teachers as being very dangerous, we need to bear fruit as a sign of our response to the Word, and we need to be careful to build our lives on the solid and secure foundation of his Word.

Here Jesus focuses on our response to his Word—and the eternal implications of that response. We need to avoid false teachers as being very dangerous, we need to bear fruit as a sign of our response to the Word, and we need to be careful to build our lives on the solid and secure foundation of his Word.

(Mark 10:1-12) As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark we come to another challenging teaching that has often been misused and misunderstood. Here Jesus takes the opportunity to share about divorce, to share God's heart and how the tension that arises can be navigated. Join us as Gavin unpacks this teaching and what it means.

Send us a textMarkus 2:13-14 Jesus het weer na die see toe gegaan. 'n Hele menigte mense het na Hom toe gekom, en Hy het hulle geleer. Toe Hy by die tolhuis verbygaan, sien Hy vir Levi seun van Alfeus daar sit, en Hy sê vir hom: “Volg My!” Levi het opgestaan en Hom gevolg. Wanneer jy na al die suksesvolle mense rondom jou kyk, diegene in die kollig, diegene wat gereeld die klop op die skouer kry en "welgedaan" toegeroep word, en jy vergelyk jouself met hulle, dan is dit maklik om minderwaardig te voel.As ek terugdink, is een van die dinge in my lewe waaroor ek werklik spyt is, die feit dat die wêreldse prentjie van hoe ‘n suksesvolle persoon moet lyk, op een of ander manier in my kop nes gemaak het. Dit het my in 'n wêreld van pyn gedompel wat ek andersins sou kon vermy het. Ek het vas geglo dat sukses alles is - my ideaal was om die duurste motor in my portuurgroep te hê, om 'n indrukwekkende huis met een van daardie prentjiemooi versorgde grasperke in die voortuin te hê, en die duurste klere te dra... Weet jy hoe dit my lewe verwoes het? Dit het my van my belangrikste verhoudings beroof, om die waarheid te sê, van byna al my verhoudings, want in my strewe na sukses, het ek nie omgegee wie ek in die proses platgetrap het nie. Toe ek alles verloor het, was ek absoluut seker dat niemand iets met my te doen sou wou hê nie.  Markus 2:13-14 Jesus het weer na die see toe gegaan. 'n Hele menigte mense het na Hom toe gekom, en Hy het hulle geleer. Toe Hy by die tolhuis verbygaan, sien Hy vir Levi seun van Alfeus daar sit, en Hy sê vir hom: “Volg My!” Levi het opgestaan en Hom gevolg. Jesus, was op hierdie stadium reeds ‘n baie belangrike persoon met ‘n groot aanhang onder die mense. En hier kom Hy en nooi 'n tollenaar, Levi, wat destyds deur die Jode verag en verstoot is, om Hom te volg. Nee, my maat, moet nooit besluit dat jy nie goed genoeg is nie. Dit maak nie saak hoe ver jy dalk geval het, of hoe hopeloos jy dalk voel nie, die liefdevolle oog van die Here Jesus is op jou.   Dit is God se Woord. Vars … vir jou … vandag. Support the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

“Type” has to do with forms, shapes, patterns, images. People demonstrate “typical” behavior when they act in a similar pattern time and again. In typesetting, a block with a typographic character on it makes an image of that character on the page. Our first four Bible studies in this year's series have focused on straightforward messianic prophecies, which abound in the Old Testament. However, Jesus and His church are prefigured in other ways in the Old Testament. This is known as typology — seeing an Old Testament person or event (a “type”) as a pattern for a New Testament one (the “antitype”). This sort of interpretation is employed by the New Testament, which shows us how it can be done responsibly (and not fancifully!). For example, Jesus says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15). Here Jesus teaches about Himself and His work by pointing back to Numbers 21:4–9, with the bronze serpent that saved snakebitten Israelites (the type) corresponding to Jesus as One who was lifted up on the cross that we might look to Him in faith and be saved (the antitype). In this study, we will look at more typological connections between the Old Testament and New Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Isn't That Typical?” on Typological Connections throughout Scripture. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness.

“Type” has to do with forms, shapes, patterns, images. People demonstrate “typical” behavior when they act in a similar pattern time and again. In typesetting, a block with a typographic character on it makes an image of that character on the page. Our first four Bible studies in this year's series have focused on straightforward messianic prophecies, which abound in the Old Testament. However, Jesus and His church are prefigured in other ways in the Old Testament. This is known as typology — seeing an Old Testament person or event (a “type”) as a pattern for a New Testament one (the “antitype”). This sort of interpretation is employed by the New Testament, which shows us how it can be done responsibly (and not fancifully!). For example, Jesus says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15). Here Jesus teaches about Himself and His work by pointing back to Numbers 21:4–9, with the bronze serpent that saved snakebitten Israelites (the type) corresponding to Jesus as One who was lifted up on the cross that we might look to Him in faith and be saved (the antitype). In this study, we will look at more typological connections between the Old Testament and New Testament. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins Sarah to talk about the “Searching Scripture” feature in the May 2025 issue of the Lutheran Witness titled “Isn't That Typical?” on Typological Connections throughout Scripture. This year, “Searching Scripture” is themed “Opening the Old Testament” and will walk through ways that the Old Testament witnesses to Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy and peace, delivered through the holy Christian church. Follow along every month and search Scripture with us! Find online exclusives of the Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org and subscribe to the Lutheran Witness at cph.org/witness. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

In this sermon Pastor Clint preaches Luke 4:14–30. Here Jesus proclaims Himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, offering grace to the poor and oppressed. The people of Nazareth reject Him, offended that someone so familiar could make such a claim and that God's grace might extend to outsiders. Their pride and unbelief prevent them from receiving the grace of Christ, leading them to attempt to kill Him.

Send us a textMatteus 28:19-20 Gaan dan na al die nasies toe en maak die mense my dissipels: doop hulle in die Naam van die Vader en die Seun en die Heilige Gees, en leer hulle om alles te onderhou wat Ek julle beveel het. En onthou: Ek is by julle al die dae tot die voleinding van die wêreld.” Jy kan vir ‘n KI-rekenaar 'n vraag vra, en binne enkele sekondes sal dit sulke deeglike navorsing doen en met die antwoorde te voorskyn kom, wat jou destyds ure se naslaan in 'n biblioteek sou geneem het. Ons is so bederf daardeur, dat ons deesdae dink mense moet net so blitsig die regte antwoorde hê.Ek het onlangs met my vriend, Dave, wat op sy eie besig is om ‘n kamer by sy huis aan te bou, gesels. Een van die redes waarom hy dit geniet om te bou, het hy gesê, is die onmiddellike terugvoer. Dit neem ‘n paar uur en daar staan 'n muur waar daar voorheen niks was nie. Nog 'n paar uur later en 'n venster gaan in. Hy kan terugstaan en met trots kyk wat hy gebou het.Maar my vriend 'n pastoor belê in mense; jy belê en jy belê; sommige mense sal jou deur die gesig klap, maar jy belê steeds, en jy sal dalk vir maande, selfs jare ... nooit verandering sien nie! Ek bewonder daardie geduld en liefde.Wie is die mense in wie se lewe God jou geroep het om te belê? Hoe geduldig is jy met hulle? Hoe maklik verloor jy moed? Net voordat Hy na die hemel opgevaar het, het Jesus vir sy dissipels gesê...Matteus 28:19-20 Gaan dan na al die nasies toe en maak die mense my dissipels: doop hulle in die Naam van die Vader en die Seun en die Heilige Gees, en leer hulle om alles te onderhou wat Ek julle beveel het. En onthou: Ek is by julle al die dae tot die voleinding van die wêreld.”Om mense dissipels van die Here Jesus te maak en hulle te leer om gehoorsaam te wees aan Hom is baie belangrike, maar harde werk. Moenie moed verloor met daardie een moeilike persoon in jou lewe, wat lyk asof hy nooit gaan reageer nie. Wanneer jy dit vergelyk met KI-werk, waar jy onmiddellike oplossings vir probleme kry, kan jy jou regmaak vir die feit: transformasie van ‘n mens se lewe neem soms baie lank.Die goeie nuus is egter dat Jesus altyd by jou sal wees. Hy sal geduldig saam met jou werk, selfs al neem dit tot die einde van die tyd.Dis Sy Woord. Vars … vir jou … vandag. Support the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

(Mark 9:14-27) As we continue our journey through Mark's Gospel we come to another powerful example of Jesus' healing. Yet like many of these examples; it is not just the healing that Jesus wants us to pay attention to. Here Jesus unpacks a powerful lesson for both those waiting for healing, and those seeking healing for others. Join us as Megan unpacks this passage and challenges us about how this passage applies to us today.

. Join us for this very special season here on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast as we look at the Savior on the Cross.We continue the study of the Gospel of John chapter 19 starting at verse 25 with Dr. John G. Mitchell here on the Unchanging Word Bible study.Our study today looks at Jesus on the cross speaking with Mary, His mother and the beloved disciple. Here Jesus takes care of His own. Not only this, but Dr. Mitchell describes here how every Scripture prophetically given about Jesus, He literally fulfills. The apostle John is also an eyewitness of Jesus fulfillment of Scripture as he says in verses 35 and 36.Now, Jesus' words in verse 30 "It is finished" meaning "paid in full", comprises the complete fulfillment of all that was literally written for Him at His first coming, especially here with His death on the cross. So, how much more when He comes again, for His own -- literally?Turn with us in your Bible to John 19 verse 25 with Dr. Mitchell.

Luke 12:35-48 - Here Jesus tells two short parables about what faithfulness looks like for those who wait on Him. We don't know when He will return, but we know we are called to be ready and faithful in the meantime. All disciples are called to ready, watchful waiting, and leaders have a special burden to serve at Jesus's pleasure, under Jesus's vision, by Jesus's methods, with Jesus's tone, for Jesus's purposes. In these two parables we learn about the grace and justice at the heart of God, both flowing out of His love, and both reaching their culmination on the last day. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 7 of our series "Imagining the Kingdom: Jesus's stories about the already and not yet reign of God"] Questions for reflection: 1) Can you think of an example of how certainty of a future event shaped your behavior in the waiting? What was that like? 2) What does it look like for us today to be "dressed for action" with "lamps burning?" What is spiritual readiness in light of Jesus's return? 3) What is surprising about the master's behavior in Luke 12:37? How did Jesus himself embody this? 4) The second parable (vv. 42-48) focuses on those entrusted with leadership responsibility. What does the manager's abusive behavior look like when we see it today? 5) How does the master's (Jesus's) severity toward the abusive manager reveal God's love? 6) This passage points to the fact that the return of Christ will be a day of both grace and justice. How do these two values come together in the cross of Jesus?

We will be continuing our study of Mark in chapter 15:1-20. Here Jesus will go before Pilate, be traded for a criminal, and be mocked by Roman soldiers. We hope to see you Sunday where we will study these verses in depth and see how everything Jesus goes through was on our behalf.

Caleb Drahosh On the same day He spoke His first parables, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat to cross the sea. A windstorm came up and the disciples found themselves living a parable. In the parables, Jesus explained how small things bring about big results. Here Jesus' three simple words end a violent storm suddenly. But the disciples aren't relieved; they're terrified. They witness the absolute and immediate holiness of God.

In week 3 of our 40 Days on the Mount we explore Matthew chapter 6. Here Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount. Jesus assures us that God sees our acts of kindness, hears our prayers and knows our needs. He emphasises the importance of our motives behind these acts. Are we doing these things to impress people or to draw close and honour God? When we do things to impress people rather than God they are many times fear based and based on our need to be seen. But when our acts are based on sincere trust and obedience to God we can rest in peace. When we seek first the king and the kingdom, all the things we need to living will be given to us-therefore there is no need to worry or fear. God sees you-God knows your need. Seek God first. To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/give Melbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ's equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture. Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

Luke 12:1-12 begins with Jesus giving a warning to Hisdisciples to, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy”.Jesus said, “Beware of hypocrisy”! Then He teaches us how to overcomethe temptation of hypocrisy and compromising our Christian faith. Hypocrisy isa terrible sin that destroys our responsibility and opportunities to be a faithfulwitness for the Lord Jesus to the lost world around us. We should take thiswarning of our Lord to heart every day! Today in Luke 12:13-21, the Lord is giving us anotherwarning! Here Jesus says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness!” Atthis point, Jesus is approached by a man in the crowd who interrupted Him by askingHim as the Rabbi or Teacher, to solve a family problem and help settle a legaldispute with him and his brother over their inheritance. Rabbis were expectedto help settle legal matters, but Jesus refused to get involved. Why? BecauseHe knew that no answer He gave would solve the real problem, which wascovetousness in the hearts of the two brothers.  The "you" in Luke 12:14 is plural, which meantJesus is speaking to both of the brothers. As long as both men were greedy, nosettlement would be satisfactory. Their greatest need was to have their heartschanged. Like too many people today, they wanted Jesus to serve them but not tosave them. Jesus also knew the crowd needed to hear this warning, so, “He saidto them, Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's lifedoes not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."  Jesus knew we needed to hear this warning tooand we should “take heed” and listen carefully to what He has to say about thissin of covetousness. Someone said that covetousness is an unquenchable thirstfor getting more and more of something we think we need in order to be trulysatisfied. It may be a thirst for money or the things that money can buy, oreven a thirst for position and power. Jesus made it clear that true life doesnot depend on an abundance of possessions. He did not deny that we have certainbasic needs (Matt. 6:32; 1 Tim. 6:17). He only affirmed that we will not makelife richer by acquiring more of these things. Mark Twain once defined "civilization" as "alimitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities," and he was right. Infact, many Christians are infected with covetousness and do not know it. Theythink that Paul's admonition in 1 Timothy 6 applies only to the "rich andfamous." Measured by the living standards of the rest of the world, mostbelievers in America are indeed wealthy people. Jesus then told this parable of a rich farmer to reveal thedangers that lurk in a covetous heart. As we read and study it, we will noticeseveral things. We need to recognize that Jesus did not say this wealthy manwas a fool because he was rich. He was not a fool because he worked hard and wasfugal and saved a lot of money that he now had available for himself. No, Jesussays he was a fool because after he acquire this money and goods, that he didn'tknow what to do with it. This no doubt is a sin that many of us have in America. Thepoorest person in America is richer that ninety-five percent of the rest of theworld. We tend to waste money, spend money, and invest money to gain more moneyand a better living, but we spend it and invest it for temporal rather than theeternal. I love this quote by the missionary Jim Elliot, “He is nofool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”As we think about this warning from Jesus, we need to look into our own heartstoday and make sure we are not seeking to be satisfied with money orpossessions. Their satisfaction is only temporary and will not meet the deepestneed of our soul that can only be satisfied by our relationship with JesusChrist!  Today, may God help us to “beware of covetousness” and seekJesus first and foremost (Matthew 6:33).  God bless!

Today pastor Lloyd takes us back to the gospel of John, chapter five.  Here Jesus  points to His works and the scripture as the basis for faith, and that He is indeed God's promised Messiah. Despite the obvious evidence, there were still a lot of skeptics around back then, just as there are today. 

Hello New King Church, we are so excited to continue our study in Mark this week through chapter 12:13-17. Here Jesus addresses the Pharisees' questions about paying taxes and being faithful to God. These verses will challenge us to consider where our true allegiances lie and how we can honor God no matter where we live. We hope you will join us Sunday!  

January 19, 2025 The first miracle of John's Gospel is one of a gracious provision that takes place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.  Here Jesus shows himself to be the Son of God and the promised Messiah. Scripture: John 2:1-11

Sunday, 5 January 2025   And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:13   “And not may You lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil. For Yours, it is, the kingdom, and the power, and the glory to the ages. Amen” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of the forgiving of debts. Now, He finishes up the prayer, beginning with, “And not may You lead us into temptation.”   The word here has two main meanings. The first is the negative connotation of being tempted. The other refers to being tested, as in a trial. At times the two thoughts can overlap. A temptation arises that tests the caliber of the one being tested. The prayer is to be kept from being led into such a situation.   In James 1, it says –   “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:13-15   Here Jesus' prayer petitions the Lord to not lead a person into temptation. The thoughts seem contradictory, but this isn't so. There is a difference between being led along life's path and facing temptation and actively tempting someone.   The Lord led Israel in the wilderness. He called Moses up the mountain, and while Moses was there for an extended time, the people were tempted to build a golden calf and worship it. God didn't actively tempt them to do this. Rather, they were drawn away by their own desires into sin.   If God had fashioned the golden calf and placed it at the entrance to the camp, the situation would be different. Jesus is instructing the people to pray to avoid the process that may lead to temptation. In essence, “Lord, keep my life from bringing me to the point where I am tempted.”   The fact that Jesus says this indicates that praying for a life without such leading is perfectly acceptable. Understanding this, He next says, “but rescue us from the evil.”   This contrasts what was just said. The words “the evil” either refer to Satan, the one who tempts, or the state of falling into and acting on temptation. Either way, it is a prayer to not face such temptations, something that Job is specifically recorded as having gone through. The Lord allowed Satan to put Job through great trials of his faith. Jesus is saying that we can pray to not face such things.   As for the word rhuomai, translated as “rescue,” it is introduced here. It gives the sense of being drawn or pulled. It implies that danger is present and they are in need of rescue to be delivered out of it. As this is dealing with sin and its consequences, it is a petition to deliver a person from what is bringing about such a situation. Jesus next says, “For Yours, it is, the kingdom.”   It is an acknowledgment that God has the authority over such things and is fully capable of responding to such a prayer favorably. This doesn't mean the response will be favorable. The Lord may allow a specific ordeal into one's life for His own good purposes, such as when Joseph was sold off to slavery in Egypt. That served a greater purpose, and we must consider that our trials and afflictions may as well. Jesus next says, “and the power.”   The word dunamis is introduced here. One can see the root of our current word dynamite. It signifies power in both ability and strength. At times, it is translated as “miracle.” A miracle is something beyond the normally expected ability of someone, or that occurs beyond a normally expected result in a given event.   God has the power, both in capability and in strength, to effect His purposes as well as to bring about the petitions of His people if He so chooses. Lastly, Jesus says, “and the glory to the ages. Amen.”   The immediate purpose of granting the prayers of His people is to provide their relief as petitioned by them. But the ultimate goal of all such things is the glory of God. When such a prayer is favorably responded to, the Lord should be magnified for having delivered the response. In all things, the glory of God should be the paramount consideration in the lives of His people.   Life application: The second half of this verse is not found in many manuscripts. Therefore, it is not recorded in many translations. Which manuscripts are correct is hotly debated. Unless this can be definitively determined, it is best to include the words, footnoting them with the controversy.   To leave out something that is original, especially without footnoting it, will leave a deficiency in the word. To include it without a footnote would be to add to the word. But if it is footnoted, at least this would be known to the reader. Hence, footnoting should be used in translations if at all possible.   When starting a new translation of the Bible, be sure to read the preface and find out what the translators have done and why. The preface often contains such information, and it will help you know what is going on in the minds of the translators.   There is not normally a sinister plot to manipulate the word. However, there are times when purposeful manipulation takes place. If you are unsure of a particular translation, you can normally search the internet and get a competent evaluation of it. So, be diligent in your study of the word. When difficulties arise, research them. In the end, the more time you put into the word, the more you will get out of it as you live out your walk before the Lord.   Lord God, lead us on the proper path of faith, especially in knowing and rightly handling Your word. It is the tool You have provided for us to know You and to interact with You in matters of faith. So, Lord, guide us all our days as we search it out. Amen.  

 John 14:25-27  I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.     In this passage, the baby Jesus we celebrated on Christmas has now lived about 30 years, and he's coming to the crossroads of what He came to do. He is sharing with his closest friends who, unbeknownst to them, are about to encounter complete chaos and, from the way it seems, the whole plan falling apart. Their Messiah, their friend, is murdered in front of them.     Peace is not a place, Peace is a person, Peace is a Presence. This same Presence is with us now, just as he was with his friends, his disciples, thousands of years ago.   Here Jesus is clearly telling us that: Number one, the Holy Spirit, who is one with Jesus and the Father, is with us to remind us of everything that he said.   Number two, He says don't be troubled or afraid even when things seem like they're all falling apart. Jesus has left us with a gift, peace of mind and heart.     What thoughts are troubling your mind right now that you can ask for peace of mind?   What heartache are you feeling right now that you can ask God to bring peace to your heart?    Jesus says the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don't be troubled or afraid…     Breathe    PRAY:  Lord Jesus, we celebrate that holy moment when Your coming as man renewed our hearts. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Peace that only You can bring. Immanuel, God with us. Amen

7. Messiah's Leadership Zechariah 10:1 - 5 10:1 Ask of Yahweh rain in the spring time, Yahweh who makes storm clouds, and he gives rain showers to everyone for the plants in the field. 10:2 For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams. They comfort in vain. Therefore they go their way like sheep. They are oppressed, because there is no shepherd. 10:3 My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the male goats; For Yahweh of Armies has visited his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as his majestic horse in the battle. 10:4 From him will come forth the cornerstone, from him the nail, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together. 10:5 They shall be as mighty men, treading down muddy streets in the battle; and they shall fight, because Yahweh is with them; and the riders on horses will be confounded. During the time of Zechariah, the Temple was being rebuilt. The Temple was central to Jewish worship. But who would help give advice and solve the multitude of problems they were facing? Who cared about them? Well, Zechariah speaks into their situation with wise words. He has already likened the nation of Israel as being like sheep, and that God is their shepherd (Zechariah 9:16) "Yahweh their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people; for they are like the jewels of a crown, lifted on high over his land. ". Throughout Chapter 10, it is repeated again and again, that God will care for and bless them. But in order to receive the blessing and care, the nation of Israelites must seek, turn and follow. Seek God If the people need advice and help in times of trouble and need, the first place they should look, is to the Lord their God. They must seek and ask of Him! (10:1)! God can provide all things! He can control the weather, but these people need to stop being so independent, self-sufficient and start to rely on God and His infinite wisdom and resources. Turn to God In 10:2, Zechariah reminds the people of Israel, that following idols and false gods is foolishness. These idols are self-seeking, liars and deceivers. Israel needed to turn back to the One True Almighty God! Instead of following the glory of the Almighty God, they were turning to idols for worship, advice and listening to superstitious nonsense. And of course idols and false gods are mute! They cannot speak or give advice because they are not Gods at all!! The sin of idolatry particularly broke the second commandment! The people were to turn away from false gods and return to worship the One True Almighty God. They were also to listen to the true prophets of God instead of the false prophets who deceived by speaking words they wanted to hear. Follow Me These sheep, the nation of Israel were to follow God. Instead of wandering around aimlessly, they were to follow and obey God Almighty. The Jewish leaders and teachers were supposed to be leading the nation in worship of Almighty God, but were not doing so. Hence God in 10:3 being enraged at those who were in positions of trust who were deceivers, liars and only looking out for their own interests. Ezekiel 34 expounds this out in much further detail! So who were the people of Israel to follow? They were to follow the coming Messiah. Not only was the Messiah a King, Prophet Servant and Disciple but He would also be a Shepherd: the Good Shepherd! From the lowliest tribe of Judah, will come this Good Shepherd "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) The Messiah Cares This Good Shepherd will be utterly reliable, responsible, faithful and being the sure foundation that the people of Israel need, particularly in a time of crisis. In 10:4 God will send this Good Shepherd to also be a cornerstone, nail or tent peg, battle bow and a source of all ruling authority. Cornerstone: all ancient buildings needed a chief cornerstone to ensure a sure foundation so that the building could not fall down easily. It held two walls together. The imagery fits in well with the building of the Temple. If you want to continue worshipping God, then you must get the foundations right. The chief cornerstone of the building holds the building together. Not only that, it gives the building shape, strength and all other stones are adjusted by it. Nail: Another translation is that of tent-peg. Just as the chief cornerstone holds the building together, so does a tent-peg ensure that the tent stays fastened down during storms! This Good Shepherd would ensure that everything is held together if they stick to Him. Battle-bow: Probably referring back to 9:13, Zechariah now likens this Messiah Shepherd to a battle-bow! This Good Shepherd will fight to keep the wolves from harming His sheep. He will battle for them. This Good Shepherd will be brave, courageous and strong as he leads his people to victory! How is Jesus this Messiah? Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened." In other words, ask of God your heavenly Father and your needs will be supplied! That was how Jesus lived and obeyed, by being in constant communication with God the Father. That is how he could live a life of utter obedience to God, because He always asked, sought and knocked. What is more, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, hence Him saying in John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Again in John 10:14-17 "I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own; even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again." Jesus is the Good Shepherd only through the sacrifice he must make for His sheep. Here Jesus is looking ahead to the sacrifice He makes on the Cross. His love for all of humanity compels Him to make the ultimate sacrifice. Just as all shepherds will endanger themselves for the safety of their sheep, so too will Jesus endure the pain and suffering of the Cross, so that people can be led into safety of God's kingdom. It is in this role of the Good Shepherd, that Jesus exhibits true leadership, which is self-less and sacrificial. E zekiel 34:11 tells of God searching out for his sheep among all nations, and this is fulfilled through Jesus. Through His perfect, obedient and voluntary sacrifice on the Cross, not only will salvation be available to the Jews but also to those of other nations. And Jesus is willing to fight for His people! He gives spiritual armour for all those who follow Him to wear. Christians are in a spiritual battle reminds Paul in Ephesians 6, and as the Good Shepherd, Jesus will fight and battle for us through His indwelling Holy Spirit! For as the Bible says in 1 John 4:4 "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world." Jesus Christ is, as Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:8, the Cornerstone of faith - referring back to Isaiah 8:14. Jesus Christ is the dependable, sure foundation that all faith is to be ground upon. All Christians are living stones, but should be living on the dependability of Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone alone! It is only Him, who can give direction, assurance and be relied upon. It is Him that calls all people everywhere to seek for, turn to and follow obediently. Jesus Christ, Servant King, Servant Prophet, Servant Disciple, Servant Shepherd. Follow Him as the great leader He is and victory is assured! Whatever you are struggling with today, turn it over to God and ask for His help! He has promised to help! Remember that the battle belongs to the Lord! Amen! Just as Jesus said to Peter in John 21:19 "Follow Me!", so Jesus calls all those willing to follow Him, to follow Him for life. Follow and be led by Him and Him alone, regardless of what and where that might be. Right mouse click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3.

In Luke 6:46–49 we come to the end of Jesus' sermon the plain. Here Jesus confronts us with a question: will we build our house with a foundation on rock or with no foundation at all? There's no in-between when the floodwaters of life come. We may have said, "Lord, Lord," but if we have stopped with words then we will not be safe on that day. Jesus calls his disciples to make a hard break from the world, including the worldly false religion that obeys man and discards Jesus' words.

Our study with Dr. Mitchell begins in 1st Peter chapter 2 verses 3 and 4. In these verses Dr. Mitchell speaks about why we grow as we are nourished up on the word of God. Here Jesus is spoken of as a living stone, a cornerstone, chosen and precious by God. Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16 where God the Father Himself says, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame." The one who Believes in and trusts Christ Jesus is being built up as a spiritual house and will never be put to shame or disappointed by God our Father. What an encouragement, is it not?! Let's turn with Dr. Mitchell to 1st Peter chapter 2 verse 4 here on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

We continue in the book of Mark with 8:1-21. Here Jesus does another miraculous feeding of a large crowd, yet many still completely miss what he's doing and who he is. We consider the faith (good, bad, and confused) of all involved. 11.17.2024 - Eyes to See Pastor Matthew McCleary, Associate Pastor Visit our website at www.fremontpres.org Email us at podcast@fremontpres.org

This week’s gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who will be closest to Jesus, leading to Jesus teaching his followers about God's take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God's community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over […]

We're traveling through Matthew's gospel one verse at a time, and today we come back to chapter 23. Here Jesus is giving His final message before heading to the cross, and it might surprise you what He chose to talk about! It's a message of warning that we really need to hear today. Are you under the impression that you're to somehow live a religious life, in order to gain favor with God? Actually, that's a futile endeavor. Rather, God wants a relationship with you. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29

This week we will continue studying Jesus' teaching to his disciples on the way to Jerusalem from Mark 10:1-16. Here Jesus will use the examples of marriage and children to reveal what should be at the heart of every true disciple. In this passage, we will also see how we can enter God's kingdom and address the hardness in our heart that separates us from God.

Jesus, out of His great love for us, invites us to cooperate with Him in His wondrous works of salvation. We offer Him only that which we have, no more and no less. He takes anything lacking in our offering and fills it with Himself accomplishing His great works. We see this in the testimony of Christ feeding the 4,000 men plus women and children. Here Jesus invites His disciples to cooperate with Him in the miraculous by offering the little they had. What might He do through each of us if daily we decide to participate in the great work of our Lord in the salvation of our souls and the souls of many?

Currently on the program, we're studying the gospel of Matthew. This account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ has many enriching lessons for us, including a very important warning in chapter sixteen. Here Jesus warns us, Take heed of the leven of the Pharisees! These Pharisees were doing many religious things, but inside they were full of dead men's bones! They were hypocritical. And this sort of hypocrisy is alive and well, even in the church today. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29

Facing some opposition or obstacles in your daily walk? That's to be expected, but how do we respond to it as God would have us? We're about to find out today on a Daily Walk through a study of Matthew chapter ten. Here Jesus is preparing His disciples for what's ahead, and we stand to benefit from this valuable instruction. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29

Today we'll spend the bulk of our time together in Matthew chapter thirteen, and verses 33-35. Here Jesus gives us a parable about Leaven, and raises our awareness to a great deception that is in our midst. And it's false doctrine that comes from within the church. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29

Wow, can you imagine witnessing Jesus' glory? That would change how you view Jesus. Today, Pastor Ken describes Jesus' bold attack against Satan during the Transfiguration. Here Jesus showed His disciples that He was God. When we think about Jesus, do we see Him as God? Many times, we see Jesus as our own private good luck charm. We carry Him around and use Him as we wish. Let's instead experience transformation by seeing Him in all His glory.

Today we get back into our study of Matthew, and we left off in the middle of chapter twelve. Here Jesus is healing a lot of people. From a man with a withered hand, to many who were ill, and even a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute as we'll hear today! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29

Dr. Richard Schmidt is the Pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church and also heads Prophecy Focus Ministries. He is the speaker on the WVCY-TV program Prophecy Focus and the radio program Prophecy Unfolding. Prior to his current pastoral ministry, he spent 32 years in law enforcement including becoming Acting Sheriff of Milwaukee County in 2017 until his retirement in 2019. He is the author of several books including the one being discussed today, Tribulation to Triumph- The Olivet Discourse.--For thousands of years, mankind has been fascinated with the question of what will happen in the future. For answers people turn to their local neighborhood palm reader shop. Some follow their daily horoscope. Psychics abound on many television channels, by telephone, and online. Just type the word -psychic- into a search engine and in half a second, 230 million responses will come up.--There is great interest in the future. However, one place that people have refused to look at is the pages of Scripture. Jesus Himself was asked by his disciples about future events. Our program today focuses primarily on two chapters of Scripture- Matthew 24 and 25. Here Jesus addresses this important issue in what has been coined -the Olivet Discourse.-