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Before Jesus began His ministry, He faced the full force of Satan's temptations. In Part 3 of our Matthew study, we look at the third temptation—how the enemy uses doubt, distortion, and deception, and how Jesus shows us the way to overcome. [Full Description Below ⬇️] Description (Full): In this week's message, *Messiah's Temptation from the Father of Lies | Part 3*, we continue our deep study in Matthew by examining the third temptation of Jesus. Before beginning His ministry, the Messiah faced direct attacks from Satan. These temptations reveal timeless truths about how the enemy works—and how we can stand firm in God's strength. Pastor Brandon unpacks the spiritual battle behind temptation, showing us that whenever we step out in faith and obedience, we should expect pushback. Satan's tactics—doubt, denial, distortion, and deception—are still at work today. Yet, Jesus shows us how to overcome: by clinging to God's Word, refusing compromise, and worshiping God alone. We also explore practical applications for our lives: - Recognizing spiritual attacks when we step out in ministry. - Understanding the pattern of temptation that affects families, marriages, and churches. - Guarding against covetousness and idolatry by desiring God above all else. Jesus' victory over temptation assures us that He is our faithful High Priest who sympathizes with our struggles (Hebrews 4:15). He overcame so that we might overcome in Him.
Lower than the angels?- The Jewish believers reading this letter probably needed some clarification on how Jesus was greater than the angels, but in His humanness was "a little lower" than them like you and I. Jesus temporarily lived a human life and tasted death for everyone, proving to be a "merciful and faithful High Priest."
Seventy verses of names, numbers, and roles tell the story of preservation, provision, and a people eager to worship God. From the guarding of the priesthood to the generosity of freewill offerings, and from the smallest servant to the high priest, every part of the community has a place. This chapter, though reminiscent of an ancient phone book, points to the greater fulfillment in Christ, the true Temple and High Priest, in whom every believer's name is known and kept forever. The Rev. Tim Barkett, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kingman, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ezra 2. To learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, visit goodshepherdlckingman.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God's chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God's authority, calling His people to courage, repentance, and hope. In Ezra 5–8 the temple is completed, worship flourishes, and hearts are renewed in God's Word. This series on Thy Strong Word follows the events in the order they happened, revealing how the Lord moves kings and prophets, overcomes opposition, and restores His people.
King Yoash's story is told in two parts.His early life, before the death of his adopted father - the High Priest - is virtuous. But after Yehoyada's demise, he turns to idolatry and silencing his critics, including the murder of the son of the man who raised him. Punishment quickly ensues.
Jesus is the victorious King and eternal Priest who reigns over all creation and intercedes for His people. He has conquered every enemy, including death, and now draws us near to God as our perfect High Priest.
Jesus Delivers Us (9) (audio) David Eells -8/10/25 Saints, I'm going to continue our teaching on how Jesus delivered us and the authority and power we've been given over the kingdom of darkness. I have several revelations to share with you today to encourage you in your faith. I want to begin with this dream. First, I'm going to read the entire dream and then break it down with scripture and interpretations, so listen carefully. Dream: Escaping the Darkness – LD (David's notes in red) I was in an empty parking lot with two young men who may have been angels. It was dark outside. I saw many people walking around talking to themselves. Many people had their heads down as if they were depressed or worried. Behind most, if not all of the people talking to themselves, I saw at least one or two demons standing. The demons were whispering in their ears the very words that they were speaking. The people were oblivious to the demons, thinking that what they were saying was their own thoughts. At some point, the demons realized that I was aware of them and that I knew what they were doing. At that point, all of the demons stopped at once and stared directly at me. Then they began to chase me to attack me. I and the two young men (angels) began running to the right side of the parking lot where there was a wooden fence. I was then helped over it to escape the demons. On the other side was a three-story apartment building, all one structure. On the top floor, a single light was on. I went to that room. I entered to see a man sitting down, smiling at me. I knew I was safe there. As we look at the interpretation of this dream, I'd like to point out some underlying Scriptural principles. I was in an empty parking lot with two young men who may have been angels. (This is a revelation of mobile vessels, or people, finding no rest although they should be resting because this was a parking lot.) It was dark outside. (We know that darkness is closing in quickly.) I saw many people walking around talking to themselves. (This could be spiritual or physical. It could represent that they are talking to themselves in their minds or aloud, with their tongues. People who have demons often do talk to themselves.) Many people had their heads down as if they were depressed or worried. (They were being oppressed by the very demons that were using them.) Behind most, if not all of the people talking to themselves, I saw at least one or two demons standing. The demons were whispering in their ears the very words that the people were speaking. When demons attempt to seduce people who are loyal to the Lord and His Word, those people have authority over the demons to rebuke them, but when the demons have gotten this far, people, as represented here, are overcome. Even so, they still have this authority if they repent of the thing that caused them to be taken over by these spirits in the first place, and if they have faith to exercise their authority or go to someone who has authority, or both. Demons do speak directly to your mind. They're testing you; they're looking for a crack in your armor (Romans 13:12,14; Ephesians 6:10-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8). Anyone who listens to them speak through others or listens in their own mind will lose their freedom. If you listen to them, their demonic words have power. If you listen, they will take you where you don't want to go. It's a different situation for those who have authority. (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. This includes all the demonic powers. But a person does not have authority over Satan when they've disobeyed God's Word and been turned over to Satan for a chastening (1 Corinthians 5:5). However, if a person repents, or if they haven't given in to Satan but are being tested by Satan, this person does have authority. They can “bind” and the devil has to obey. It's just like commanding a healing. You believe you have authority over that curse (Matthew 10:8; John 20:21). When your conscience is clean and you understand what Jesus accomplished at the Cross, you do have this authority. This is not because you are absolutely perfect; even the youngest child in the Lord has this authority to bind or loose. Now, this principle can go against you. People do loose Satan on themselves by their disagreement with God's Word instead of binding Satan by their agreement with God's Word. It's not about saying, “I bind” or “I loose”; it's about agreeing or disagreeing with God's Word. People do it all the time, whether they know it or not. (Luk.9:1) And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. We know that the disciples weren't perfected at that time. They still had quite a way to go in walking with Jesus, but they had been given authority. Jesus told us in (Mar.16:17) And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons… And in (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. We have that authority. You have that authority if you have faith to agree with the Word. The devil tries to bluff people. He tries to tell them he has authority or that he's going to take them out. If your conscience is not clean, you need to do something about that quickly! If you have confessed your sins (1Jn 1:7-9) and your conscience is clean, you can turn on the demons and tell them they don't have any authority over you because of what Jesus said. You have authority over them. Demons can't take you without your permission, but you can permit them in one or more ways. You give them permission when you sin or when you are determined to walk in sin. You give them permission when you choose to walk after idols because they are more important to you than obeying God. You give them permission when you give in to deception or seduction by evil spirits, and so on. So, if you give them authority, they will take it. What you bind on earth is bound in heaven. You have the authority on the earth, but you also have the authority to give it to Satan just as Adam did. God's Word says, (Rom.6:16) Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves [as] servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Adam obeyed Satan and lost his authority. The same thing happens today. People get demon-possessed because they obey Satan. Let's return to the dream. Oblivious to the demons, the people were thinking that what they were saying was their own thoughts. (You can't tell them, “Hey! That's demons talking through you.” It's a waste of breath. When the demons have already taken over, they are not going to let the person even think they've got demons. This is a common symptom of possession.) At some point, the demons realized that I was aware of them (Now this is important.) and that I knew what they were doing. At that point, all of the demons stopped at once and stared directly at me. Then they began to chase me to attack me. This is also common in demon possession. They know their advantage is to stay hidden. Demons make their victims believe that the demonic thoughts and words are the victims' own, or that the thoughts are from God. They can be peaceable until they know that you are aware of them, then they fight against you because they are not worried so much about hiding themselves anymore. I've had the gift of discerning of spirits since I was about a year old in the Lord, but it doesn't happen all the time. It happens when God wants it to happen. On one occasion, I saw demons in a woman looking at me, and by the spirit I heard the demons saying to one another, “Do you think he sees us? Do you think he knows we are in here?” Well, yes! I did know because I had seen them long before they spoke, but I had not said anything. I was waiting on the Lord. Once I acknowledged their presence, they would completely turn her against me. I knew this from experience, and so during this time of waiting, I was praying for this person to repent. Not repenting is most often why people are turned over to demons. (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. (35) So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. The Lord Himself turns people over to demons because they don't repent. Some of the biggest reasons for needing to repent are holding on to unforgiveness, being bitter, and habitually criticizing people, which can be a type of judging others. These wrongs are always cause for a person to be turned over to demons for the purpose of bringing them to repentance. An example is the man who had his father's wife. Apostle Paul was led by the Spirit (1Co.5:5) to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. In the case of the woman in whom the demons were questioning if I could see them, the time came to reveal the problem to her husband for his sake, but he chose fellowship with the demons and his wife over the Lord. Then he became infected, too. I've seen this disloyalty to God cause possession many times. I pray for these folks who are in that kind of situation. More than ever, God is turning people over to Satan for chastening to humble them and bring them to repentance. (Mat.10:32) Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. (33) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. One way this happens is by choosing demons, relatives, or friends over the Lord and His Word or representatives. This happened all through the Scriptures. God's representatives spoke for Him, but the demons in people railed. Those who felt it more important or more advantageous to listen to demons got demon-possessed. “Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.” In other words, they have no right to grace or the benefits of the Kingdom. Jesus is the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1). If we don't confess Him before men, we don't have any offering before the Father. (Rom.10:10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Salvation comes from our confession. And so, once again, I saw a seducing Jezebel spirit in a wife give a husband no peace until he knuckled under for the sake of advantage, and from then on, they both served this false god. This happens a lot, and that's how we end up with so many Ahab spirits out there. The Scripture is clear in (Luk.14:26) If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (“Life” here is the Greek word psuche and it means “the soul, life, self.”). What is Jesus talking about hating here? It's the carnal soulish life that we should hate in ourselves and our relatives. Some people give in to that soulish life and the opinions of relatives, but we should never do that, because it's denying the Lord. It's following a false god for the sake of advantage. People do this for the sake of peace in their family. A husband or wife sways a person because of their idols or fear of someone else's opinions. For the sake of their ego or whatever, they give in and deny the Lord, and then demons come in and oppress or torment. They are the ones who administer the curse. The curse is wherever grace is not. When God takes away grace, that's the curse. (Luk.14:26) If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not … his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. If you don't love God above everyone else, you can't be His disciple. And if you don't hate that carnal life in your relatives and turn against it for the sake of the Lord, you cannot be God's disciple. (Luk.18:29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or wife, or brethren, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, (30) who shall not receive manifold more in this time, and in the world to come eternal life. There are some men who do end up leaving their wives for the Kingdom's sake, but no one can do this of themselves, and wives and children must be cared for. (1Ti.5:8) But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. In some cases, wives refuse to follow husbands into the harvest work. If God ordains a man to a five-fold office (Ephesians 4:11) they must go, but they are responsible to care for their families through faith or by actions. No one can take an office unto themselves or ordain themselves. Some men stay home and don't work, putting their wives to work instead. If a man doesn't work at a secular job, he must be ordained to a ministry office, but either way, he must work to eat. (2Th.3:10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. (11) For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. (12) Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. You will notice in the last two Scripture texts that the man is responsible to work or provide, if able. If the above responsibilities are met, a wife should not be able to hold a man back from work. Remember that Lot's wife looked back to sin and destruction (Genesis 19:26), but Lot kept going to the refuge (Genesis 19:19:22- 23). Men, do not appease a Jezebel spirit; it's going to seduce you and lead you astray. We have our command from God. (Eph.5:22) Wives, [be in subjection] unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (The Lord, not I, said this, but those who have a Jezebel spirit will still get angry, although this is the truth. We have to obey God's Word, otherwise we can't call ourselves “disciples”.) (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, (Just as much as Jesus is Head of the Church, the husband is the head of the wife.), [being] himself the saviour of the body. (If a wife does not obey her husband, she is not going to get saved.) (24) But as the church is subject to Christ, so [let] the wives also [be] to their husbands in everything. (To make this possible for the wife, we are then told,) (25) Husbands, love your wives (Feeling unloved isn't an excuse for a wife to disobey her husband, but love makes it easier for the wife to obey her husband.), even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it. Loving your wife does not include giving in to a Jezebel spirit. Giving in means you are putting yourself under a demon spirit, and taking yourself and your family out from under God. If you do that, you will pay the price for it. On the other hand, do not judge the lost wife. God insists on Christ the Word being your Head. Don't judge her, but don't allow her to be your Head. If Jesus is not your Head, then you are following a false god. It's very plain. (Mat.12:30) He that is not with me is against me… If, because of your stand for Christ, your wife leaves you, then suffer for Christ's sake. We all have to suffer in one way or another, but do not follow a false god. The Bible says, (1Co.7:15) Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such [cases:] but God hath called us in peace. If your mate leaves because you follow Jesus, then so be it. You are not bound in such a case; God never really wants you to be married to an unbeliever anyway. He says to stay married to them only if they are content to dwell with you, because they can be saved through your witness. Amen! The wife who has an unbelieving husband should obey him up to, but not including, moral sin. (1Pe.3:1) In like manner, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives. [Read our book on our site, The Word, Women and Authority https://www.ubm1.org/books/pdf/wwaa.pdf] If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you have to follow the Word. If you want to be a “Christian” and not be a disciple of Jesus, you are not going to be saved. It's that simple. The word “Christian” is a very loose term in our day, meaning almost nothing. In the early days, people were called “Christians” because they followed Christ Jesus and they did His works. Today, the word “Christian” should mean more, but sad to say, it doesn't mean much to people. Jesus told us, (Mat.10:34) Think not that I came to send peace on the earth (You might think, “Peace between me and my wife is the most important. I have to do whatever I have to do.” No, you don't. Jesus did not come to send peace on the earth.): I came not to send peace, but a sword. (And that “sword” is to divide those who are loyal to God's Word from those who are not.) (35) For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law (Of course, there are many more relationships. He's just making a point.): (36) and a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. When you come to God and they have not, you have no communion there. The Bible says, (2Co.6:14) Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? If you follow the Lord, they can be converted by your witness. If you don't follow the Lord, you have no favor from God, and in that event, don't expect your family to be saved. To get your family saved, the most important thing for you to do is follow the Lord as a disciple of Jesus Christ and have favor from God. He will save your family if you believe Him for it. (Mat.10:37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. You can love people more than you love the Word. The Lord and Word are the same. If you love someone or something more than the Word, you are going to be deceived. It's possible to pity demon-possessed people and then, through demons manipulating that pity, to get deceived and fall right into their situation. Don't believe that all those who call themselves “Christian” are going to be saved, because (Mat.10:38) And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. (We are to die on our “cross” in order to gain our higher life, the life of the born-again man.) (39) He that findeth his life (This is the old psuche life.) shall lose it; (39) and he that loseth his life (Again, this is the old psuche life, the carnal self.) for my sake shall find it. (40) He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Those who favor God in His representatives will have His favor. Those who don't receive His representatives, God will not receive. Those who do not receive His representatives due to selfish purposes will be rejected as unworthy. (Mat.10:41) He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet (“Name” means “nature, character and authority.” In other words, a prophet or other office should be respected in the Name that they fill.) shall receive a prophet's reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. If you don't do these things, you will not receive that reward. “Filthy lucre” preachers have selfish ambition. (1Pe.5:2) Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to [the will of] God; nor yet for filthy lucre…When tested of the Lord, they fail. I have seen ministers tested by demons who told them how good the ministers were and how bad I was, until finally the ministers promoted themselves and sought to overthrow me with slander. They were taken captive. Now we can finish interpreting the dream. I and the two young men (angels) began running to the right side of the parking lot (This represents the sheep being on the right, as opposed to the wrong side, or the left, which is where the goats go.) where there was a wooden fence. I was then helped over it to escape the demons. (The Lord will make a way of escape for those who are on the right, but not for those who are on the left. The Bible says they will be held under punishment until the Day of the Lord (2 Peter 2:9). Those faithful who overcome with the help of God's ministering spirits will escape the demons. They will not be separated from the body, as will be the unfaithful.) On the other side of the fence was a three-story apartment building, all one structure. (This represents those who go over the fence are being joined with the other true overcomers in God, becoming the temple of God. (Eph.2:21) In whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; (22) in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. God does not want to share His building with demons. A person needs deliverance if they have demons because the demons are keeping them from serving God. Demons are idols and they take advantage of people to prey upon their flesh as a judgment on the wicked. If a person wants deliverance from these tormentors, they must forgive everybody from their heart; otherwise, Jesus said the Father would put those tormentors on them. On the top floor a single light shone. I went to that room. The top floor represents the spirit of the body. The one light is Jesus, our Light in darkness. I entered in to see a man sitting down, smiling at me. I knew I was safe there. Amen! This is a very interesting revelation that opens up a lot of good points from the Lord. Now, I have another dream by Sister A. to share with you. Satan Is Under Jesus' Feet - Sister A. I was standing before a door in the attic of a house with a group of white women. They were unknown to me. I had a golden key. We all knew that a demon would be behind that door. I unlocked that door with my key and entered that attic with these women following behind me. As I stood inside, a huge, beast-like creature with a face like a bear and long hands like a monkey, full of hair, stood suspended in the air before me. (The house can be our individual house or the corporate house.) I started singing “Satan is Under Jesus' Feet.” I was the only one singing this song, though there were a few women with me. They were like unwilling witnesses to the hideous demon. Also, I did not rebuke or bind the demon at all. (Nobody particularly likes to look at demons. They are ugly.) As I was singing this song, the demon started getting smaller and smaller until it vanished. I continued to sing and left that room with the others. I locked that door behind me. You don't have to speak to a demon. Your attitude and actions will do that for you. If you do not accept that they have authority over you, then you have authority over them. If you preach to them that they are under Jesus' feet, they don't like to hear it. They do not like to hear about the Blood of Jesus. They don't like to hear about this great sacrifice that Jesus made to deliver us out of the power of darkness. So, as she was singing this song, the demon got smaller and smaller until it was gone. Sister “A” asked, “Does the attic have significance? Does it speak about the mind? Why was the demon locked up, and why did I lock the door after me?” The answers to all those questions are found in the interpretation of the dream. This is the “golden key” to the Kingdom that will loose people from bondage, which is in the mind. The golden key is the revelation that in the “attic” of the mind, all evil hidden there has been put under Jesus' feet. This means it is under the Body of Christ. The Bible says God made Christ to sit (Eph.1:21) far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. Yes, Jesus has that absolute dominion over them, so how do people get demons if Jesus doesn't agree? Well, He does turn people over to demons for chastening, like the Apostle Paul did in (1 Corinthians 5:1-5), and He knows when people are putting themselves under the curse because they don't walk in repentance and faith toward God. (Eph.1:22) And he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. He put all things under His feet. He is the Head over His corporate body upon the earth, but notice that He put all of these demon powers under the feet, under the very lowest members of His corporate body upon the earth. He's saying that He's put all these powers and dominions and rulers under the very lowest members of the Church. If we look at the image of the beast in Daniel with its ten “toes” being the end-time revelation in (Daniel 2:31-45), and we stand up the Body of Christ next to that over history, the “toes” there are also at the end of history. It's in these days that Christians are going to bring Satan's kingdom under their feet and plunder it. Note that this promise was spoken first to Adam and his seed, and then to Christ and His seed. (Heb.2:6) But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (7) Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands: (8) Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet… There it is, but people like to say this is just about Jesus. No, it was spoken first to Adam and his seed, and then to the Last Adam, Christ and His seed. We have a confirmation here that it's talking about the seed of Christ having all things in subjection, just as in Ephesians 1:21-23. (8) Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him. When those words were spoken by Paul, he did not yet see all the manifestation of that dominion, but in the end-time we are going to see it. The battleground between us and Satan is the mind. The battleground is in that “attic.” (2Co.10:3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (4) (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds). We are talking about “strongholds” where Satan, through his demons, has gained dominion in a person's mind. Demon spirits, through those strongholds, are even passed on from parents from generation to generation through the blood (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 5:9; Numbers 14:18). God has given us authority to cast this down, but the devil works hard to convince you that you do not have this authority. If you want to have dominion over those strongholds that have been built up in your mind over the years of your lost life, you must take your authority in Christ. (2Co.10:5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. How do you win this battle? Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The rules Jesus laid down regarding judging and forgiving must be followed, especially in personal relationships. If you ignore these regulations, you will lose this battle. Even while you are puffed up by demons who want you to exercise your authority among men, you will have lost the battle. That will be proven after the Lord has used you as a vessel of dishonor. The “white women” in the dream represent those corporate bodies who are justified by grace to “walk in white,” but they need this revelation to be free, and of course, Sister “A” was demonstrating this revelation to them. There are people out there who do walk in white to the very best of their ability. They walk with the Lord. They walk under His cleansing power. We need to know that we have authority over Satan's minions and that we have authority over their strongholds in our minds. When we repent and stop agreeing with him, his influence in our mind shrinks until it's gone, just like the demon vanishing in the dream. Believe the Lord when He says, (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Believe the Lord when He says, (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. (What does “all” mean? What does it leave out? “All” leaves out nothing.) (20) Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Can you imagine what will happen when saints believe that Jesus in them has total authority? Can you imagine what will happen when the Word in them takes total authority over the kingdom of darkness? (Col.1:13) Who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. That's awesome! We need to exercise our authority, saints! Our battle does not depend on whether the enemy can read our minds; it depends on what he can do about what we know. Satan admitted he didn't have the power to get at Job because of God's “hedge.” (Job.1:9) Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? (10) Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. The same is true of us. It's not important for our thoughts to be hidden from the enemy when he can do nothing about them, and he can do nothing about our thoughts unless by our thoughts, we give him permission. This is because we have authority over him. Remember Jesus said, (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. It doesn't matter what the demons know. It matters what we know as sons of God. We are their lords, just as it was with Jesus. (Joh.20:21) Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (Mat.18:18) Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind (The Greek word deo here means “forbid” or “prohibit.”) on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose (The Greek word luo here means “release” or “permit.”) on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Faith permits the sovereignty of God to be manifest through the Body of Christ. Faith forbids Satan, no matter what he knows of our thoughts. Jesus' condition for receiving His benefits is plain. (Mat.8:13) … As thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee… (Mat.9:29) … According to your faith be it done unto you. And (Luk.17:19) … Thy faith hath made thee whole. He said such things as these, giving us authority. Praise be to God! As we believe, God's benefits will be given. Unbelieving thoughts and actions forbid God's benefits to us because He has made a condition, and He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Hebrews 6:18). Unbelief permits Satan to continue administering the curse. We come out from under the curse through faith. We are counted righteous through our faith. We have to use our faith, but we can't exercise complete authority over other people. They have to use their faith, too. (Mar.6:5) And he (Jesus) could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (6) And he marvelled because of their unbelief. Even Jesus was forbidden to do mighty works for those who would not believe. It's a condition, but whether we know it or not, we are constantly forbidding or permitting by our thoughts, words, and actions. All authority in heaven and earth was given to Jesus. He, in turn, delegated it to His disciples; so where does Satan get his authority? He gets it from our unbelief, words, and disobedience. Adding to or taking from God's Word, whether in thought or deed, permits the curse to be administered by Satan and forbids God's blessings for us or through us. This is by God's design to motivate us to come into agreement with Him. (Rev.22:18) I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book (How do we add to or take away from them? We do it with our thoughts. We do it with our words and actions. We deny the Lord when we deny His Word.): (19) and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. To win this battle, we have to cast down the thoughts of Satan. They are sent to deceive us so that we might give him permission to destroy us. Now, another thing. Many people think the reason God gives the gift of tongues is so that Satan cannot understand what we say to God, so that his purposes will be thwarted. This is false. Satan and his fallen angels have tempted mankind since shortly after the beginning, so they know some tricks. And they are angels, whether people believe it or not (Revelation 12:9). They certainly know the “tongues of men and angels”; otherwise they couldn't communicate with one another, or put thoughts in our heads. We read in (1Co.13:1) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. When prophecy is uttered in one's own language, one's mind, doctrine, and desires are permitted to be involved in what is said. The Word is polluted. (1Co.13:9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part… To put it another way, the prophecy can be part God and part man. That's why the prophecy, not the person, needs to be judged in (1 Corinthians 14:29). The true reason we speak in tongues is so that we will not know what we are saying, and therefore we will have no carnal reason to change the word. If our mind gets involved, then we can be tempted because of selfish ambition or our own doctrines to change it. So when you speak in tongues, the Holy Spirit is praying through you to God in a language that can be purely the Holy Spirit's request to God. (Rom.8:26) And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for [us] with groanings which cannot be uttered (That is, which cannot be uttered by man.); (27) and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will] of God. It's important to pray in this way because … For the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (1Ch.28:9) In the spirit realm, thoughts are audible to the mind of God, angels, and to demons. God and demons can, in turn, impart the gift to read minds. A man once asked me if I knew what he was thinking. At that moment the Holy Spirit gave it to me, and the man was just awed at the power of God. When I first went to a full-gospel church, I witnessed Christians exorcising a demon-possessed man who thought he was a woman, and that man also showed his ability to read minds. Why those unbelieving Christians asked for a demonstration is beyond me, because magicians, wizards, and mediums with familiar spirits or spirits of divination have demonstrated the power to read minds in front of audiences of people. I don't know why people think that demons can't read minds, especially since we wrestle with principalities and powers in the mind. We are commanded to (Eph.6:11) Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With the renewed mind of the Word (Romans 12:2), our thoughts can be guarded as with a helmet. We are then able to take back our thoughts and cast the enemy's thoughts down. (2Co.10:3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (4) (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds) (The principalities and the powers possess strongholds in the thoughts of the mind.), (5) casting down imaginations (our thoughts), and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, (Cast down anything that opposes God. You will have victory over Satan in this way. Any other way you go is opening yourself up to him.), and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Be sure you do this when the demons in people are trying to deceive you. They are fighting to win the battle against you, so bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of the Word of God. Study the Word. We have studied and talked about the verses that most often trip people up, because they disobey them. When they do that, they get captured by Satan. We win the battle by rejecting the enemies' thoughts and replacing them with God's thoughts. We win the battle by holding on to God's thoughts. We are at peace with God when we are full of His thoughts, since then our minds are guarded from demonic attacks that cause outward actions of sin. The Bible says, (Php.4:6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. We should be aware that Satan can insert thoughts within our thoughts. (Act.5:3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Also, we see another example here. (1Ch.21:1) And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. We can use a little Holy Spirit reasoning by asking, “How can Satan insert thoughts unless he knows the content of thoughts?” If you went into your computer to edit a text, how could you insert changes unless you could read the text? If you just inserted a word change at random without knowing the text, you would make a nonsensical document, and anyone would know that someone inserted something. It's the same with us. If Satan or demons inserted something nonsensical, it would be obvious that demons were at work, but they know they do their best work undercover. How would Satan be able to tempt us if he were so dysfunctional? We would know immediately that he was up to something. Now, let me share the following testimony of faith by A. T. Poor Blood Circulation Healed given to A. T. I went to help my mom volunteer over at this place where she gets her food. I didn't have time to grab a coat, but I knew the Lord would keep me warm within the warehouse. It turned out I was working in the freezer the entire time. Within that freezer, the Lord did keep my body warm through my faith. My hands were the only thing that were suffering from the cold. I have always had problems with poor blood circulation in my hands. I felt intense pain in my hands. My fingers were freezing up, making my task harder to perform. As pain was an attribute of the curse, I kept in prayer and continued to thank Him for healing my hands on the Cross. (Php.4:6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. A couple of times I had to leave the cold because my hands hurt too much. But every time I would leave, I felt as if my faith was wavering and I wasn't holding fast to my confession. The spirit of doubt was trying to come in to hinder my faith. Then I began to deal with condemnation. It was demonic activity holding me back. I was acting in double-mindedness, and such did not please the Father. (Jas.1:6) But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; (8) a doubleminded man unstable, in all his ways. The Lord wanted my actions to be according to my confession, for (Jas.2:17) faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. The Lord could not manifest my healing without His works being involved. He told me to bind and loose and to cast down any vain imaginations of the flesh. This is as Paul speaks about in (2Co.10:5) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, for Christ bestowed upon us authority over all the power of the enemy. The third time I got back into the freezer, I was convinced not to leave the freezer for the purpose of warming my hands. When I thanked the Lord, I felt confession pouring from my heart, rather than just my lips. I completely ignored the pain and began to rest on what the Lord had accomplished on the cross. Behold, the Lord faithfully answered! The pain was leaving my hands all at once, and a great comfort was coming over my affliction (The pain had not left due to numbness. I could feel everything I was touching.) I felt supernatural warmth cover over my hands. I regained mobility in my fingertips, as well as overall strength. Praise the Lord and His Sovereignty! Praise the Son of the Most High and His Love! Even after the healing manifested itself, my flesh was trying to scare me out of the healing by attempting to suggest that it was only a temporary healing. Eventually, Satan gave up trying to steal my gift, for I continued to cast down more doubt that was exalting itself against the Lord. (Jas.4:7) Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. I kept working. The Lord put me into an environment with an exaggerated degree of cold—where the cold was so strong against my flesh that I was in utter weakness—in order that Jesus could show His might. In such a cold environment, heat could not have been in the air. Only the Lord could have heated my hands. He engineered this circumstance so that it was impossible for my flesh to reason and prevail against my spirit. There have been more trials with my blood circulation, but the Lord has healed my hands. (1Pe.2:24) … by whose stripes ye were healed. (And He continues to conquer this old flesh.) He is our only resistance to Satan and the mind of the flesh. He is our only salvation. Without His grace and love, we are nothing. Now, I'm going to talk to you about the faction war and how we win this battle. Let me begin by sharing this dream. Getting Ready for the Storm by S.G. A few of us were outside a big house that was more than one-story high. We were trying to get a platform or something apart before the storm was to come. We needed to unscrew some bolts or something like that. We started to see wolves and dogs trying to come against us. It was dark outside. There was thunder, lightning, and blowing wind. We went inside the house. Many others from local UBM were in different rooms praying. Some were kneeling down, while some were standing and commanding the wolves and the dogs to go! It was all happening so fast. It was as if we were in the midst of a storm on a ship out to sea. Things were coming from all directions. We were just commanding those things to cease and go. At one point it settled down a little. But then I was going outside and touching a gate that was opened. It seemed like it shocked me. Then I couldn't speak, as if the enemy were trying to silence me. I was able to say, “No! In the Name of Jesus!” I said this as loudly as I could, and started to fight in the spirit. It started to get windy and rough again. I saw David and Michael and other brothers and sisters praying and taking care of the little ones. It was so chaotic and noisy! But everyone was doing their part in the warfare. A few of us would go up and down stairs, helping each other to fight. We were strong and didn't give up. No one was frightened. But we were more determined when we saw the enemy come against us. As far as I could tell, there were no casualties. And before I woke up, I heard myself say two or three times, “I have to wake up and write this down.” And then I woke up. S.G.'s Notes: I sensed we had the victory, even though I had left the whole scene (without seeing the end) when I woke up. I felt good about the dream, sensing that we were all working together. Even though the enemy was trying to bring chaos, the fight was done with order. We all knew what we were to do, and we did it. I asked the Lord for a Word to correspond to this dream. My finger went down on “our captain.” (2Ch.13:12 KJV) And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. Then, the Lord gave me the word “tumult” from H1993 “Strong's Concordance,” which means “to make a loud sound, to be in great commotion, roar, be in an uproar, to rage, war, clamor.” I looked up a few verses with the word tumult in them. One of the scriptures, Psalm 83:2, I received this twice in twenty-four hours. (Psa.83:2) For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: And they that hate thee have lifted up the head. Amen! When the enemy plans an attack, God warns us in advance. We received the next several Words at random from the Lord, by faith, in one day. To begin with, I received words from the Lord in Job about a coming faction attack. (Job.16:9) He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; He hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: Mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. (10) They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me. (11) God delivereth me to the ungodly, And casteth me into the hands of the wicked. The “me” in this case represents the David Man-childs who have been going through a persecution. However, the Lord may have said, “Enough!” The faction that was planned was confirmed to me by another verse I received. (Isa.1:2) Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. (3) The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib; [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. (4) Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children that deal corruptly! they have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are estranged [and gone] backward. (5) Why will ye be still stricken, that ye revolt more and more? the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. (6) From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and fresh stripes: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with oil. (8) And the daughter of Zion is left as a booth in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. The last verse describes faction situations very accurately. That same day, I was directed to a Judas passage. (Joh.13:27) And after the sop, then entered Satan into him (Judas, the betrayer). Jesus therefore saith unto him, What thou doest, do quickly. At that same time, praying brethren received warnings, too. E.B. received this Judas verse: (Mat.26:50) And Jesus said unto him, Friend, [do] that for which thou art come. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. D.L. got (Lam.1:9) Her filthiness was in her skirts (This represents “harlot” religion, those who have turned away from their “husband” Christ, having received the seed of the world.); she remembered not her latter end (It's a demonic problem when people don't count the cost of low living. They don't understand that all of this is going to catch up to them.); Therefore is she come down wonderfully; she hath no comforter: Behold, O Lord, my affliction; for the enemy hath magnified himself. Isn't it interesting how all of these verses line up? We have received wonderful training for several years now on spiritual warfare and gained a lot of understanding and wisdom from the Lord. What the Man-child corporate body is going through right now is what the Woman corporate body will go through in the “wilderness.” Everybody has to go to their “cross,” and so all this training is necessary, or else the Lord would not be speaking to us in this way. What is the enemy's sin? (Jer.34:8) The word that came unto Jeremiah from the Lord, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people that were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them; (9) that every man should let his man-servant, and every man his maid-servant, that is a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, go free; that none should make bondmen of them, [to wit,] of a Jew his brother. (10) And all the princes and all the people obeyed, that had entered into the covenant, that every one should let his man-servant, and every one his maid-servant, go free, that none should make bondmen of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go: (11) but afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids. What will happen to the enemy? Well, I received the answer to those questions. (Jer.34:17) Therefore thus saith the Lord: ye have not hearkened unto me, to proclaim liberty, every man to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim unto you a liberty, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be tossed to and fro among all the kingdoms of the earth. The wicked were to forgive debts owed to them and to let their servants go free from their servitude. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus taught that these “debts” were the debts of forgiveness for their sin that the wicked owed to others who had sinned against them (Matthew 18:23-34). Failure to do this would bring the judgment of the Shemittah. Everybody thinks the Shemittah is all over, but no, Jesus said that the Father would turn those guilty of unforgiveness over to tormenting demons. This has already happened. [Note: Shemittah is the Hebrew word “to release.” (Deu.15:1) At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. (2) And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he hath lent unto his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother; because the Lord's release hath been proclaimed. In other words, “the Shemittah waives all outstanding debts” (see chabad.org).] Saints, a tremendous Passover, along with much death and destruction, is coming, and we need to get ready for it, but the Passover is only good if you have a sacrifice. If you walk in willful disobedience, we are told in (Heb.10:26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. There is no sacrifice for you if you walk in willful disobedience and, therefore, the Blood is not on the doorpost. There needs to be repentance, or many are going to be taken away. And then E.B. got, (SoS.1:5) I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon. (6) Look not upon me, because I am swarthy, Because the sun hath scorched me. My mother's sons (“Mother” represents the church.) were incensed against me… This is all part of crucifixion. God has vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor to do His work (2 Timothy 2:20-21). We need somebody to bring us to our cross, and God will use whom He can use. If anybody is fitted to be used as a vessel of dishonor, God will use them for that purpose. So when I opened my Bible to nowhere in particular because I was getting ready to study, as I looked at the page, I was asking, “Lord, can this usurpation attempt be cast down?” It wasn't as if we hadn't gone through enough of it, but we know that's up to God, and my eyes fell on, (Mar.11:23) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. That's certainly kind of a “blank check” but then, of course, His Word says, (Mat.11:24) Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. He certainly answered my question there without any doubt. Then, in the same meeting, M.L. got the same Word from Matthew 17:18. What are the chances of that in this great big Bible! (Mat.17:18) And Jesus rebuked him; and the demon went out of him: and the boy was cured from that hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast it out? (20) And he saith unto them, Because of your little faith: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Another sister received this word about Joseph's persecution and later promotion. (Psa.105:19) Until the time that his word came to pass (Joseph was persecuted because of the things that he prophesied about his brethren, but there came a time, which they thought would never come, when his word came to pass.), The word of the Lord tried him. (20) The king sent and loosed him; Even the ruler of peoples, and let him go free. (21) He made him lord of his house, And ruler of all his substance; (22) To bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his elders wisdom. His factious brothers came to find out that Joseph had been promoted over them, just as he had said in (Genesis 40:38-45). Their faction against him, in delivering him into bondage, was found out and those brethren were humbled (Genesis 45:1-15). M.L.'s word spoke about the enemy who was evil to Joseph. (Amo.6:6) … But they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. (7) Therefore shall they now go captive with the first that go captive; and the revelry of them that stretched themselves shall pass away. All their rejoicing in their evil comes to nothing because the factious enemy today is also going into captivity as a chastening. They were not grieved for the affliction of the Joseph Man-child of our day, who was going through a crucifixion. E.B. asked for a confirmation and got another faction verse. (Psa.60:4) Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah (5) That thy beloved may be delivered, Save with thy right hand, and answer us. (6) God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult; I will divide Shechem (Shechem were those who factioned against the house of Gideon. In that time, Abimelech was the beast, and Shechem was the harlot. God said, “I'm going to divide Shechem,” the harlot that had come against His people.), and mete out the valley of Succoth. There is faction planned by Satan, and we are warned so that we may cast it down and divide the enemy. (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. The Lord wants to teach us that this is true. In the coming tribulation, we will need to know this is true because the enemy is everywhere. The corporate body of the beast is very large, and the people of God are comparatively small. Because of the demons that are in them, this great big beast is set on making war against the saints. We have authority, but not in wrestling with flesh and blood. (Eph.6:12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. Wrestling with flesh and blood will just get you killed. Jesus said, (Rev.13:10) If any man [is] for captivity, into captivity he goeth; if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and faith of the saints. Anybody who doesn't know anything about spiritual warfare and hasn't put the Word of God in their heart is going into captivity. Those people who don't take the authority and the dominion that Jesus gave them over the evil, including the evil in themselves, are going into captivity. When Jehoshaphat in Zion was faced by three enemy armies in (2 Chronicles 20:1), he sent out the praisers first in (2 Chronicles 20:20-21). Those armies were divided and killed one another off in (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). Then Zion celebrated and spent three days gathering up the loot in (2 Chronicles 20:25). Our battle with the spirits of faction is not something that's over in a moment, but His Word encourages us with awesome verses. His Word helps us to believe we have received and to cast down faction. Through His Word, we have authority to cast down faction and every evil work. You come into more and more rest in the battle after you have gone through it for a while. It's like anything else that you face that comes against your faith; the more experience you gain with spiritual warfare, the more solid your faith becomes and the more you enter into the rest. Praise be to God!
This sermon examines Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees when His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath. It opens by setting the cultural and biblical background—showing that eating grain from another's field while traveling was permitted under the law (Deut. 23). The disciples' willingness to receive what they didn't earn becomes a central application: many Christians struggle to receive help because of pride, self-sufficiency, or fear of appearing needy. Yet the gospel is about giving and receiving freely—grain and grace.The Pharisees' objection to the disciples' actions is framed through the Mishnah's idea of “building a fence around the Torah,” originally meant to protect God's law. However, fence-building often turns into gatekeeping, where people decide who's in or out of God's kingdom. Jesus confronts this spirit, reminding them that He—not the Pharisees—is the Gardener, the King, and the High Priest.Through two Old Testament references—David eating the bread of the Presence (1 Sam. 21) and priests working on the Sabbath—Jesus asserts His authority to declare what is lawful and to give His followers both grain and grace. The sermon closes with a call for humility and dependence on God: the story begins with hunger but ends with help; begins with grain but ends with grace; begins with the Pharisees but ends with Jesus—who still gives to the hungry when they simply say, “I need help.”
He was numbered among the Seventy. Then, when Judas who betrayed Christ had taken his own life, the disciples (120 men and women) convened to choose one who would take his place among the Twelve. They nominated two, Joseph (called Barsabas or Justus) and Matthias, then cast lots. The lot fell to Matthais, who henceforth was numbered among the Twelve (See Acts ch. 1). Accounts of his Apostolate after this vary. According to some, he preached the Gospel in Ethiopia and met his martyrdom there. According to others, after visiting Ethiopia he returned to Judea, where he was tried and condemned by Ananias the High Priest, and stoned to death, then beheaded.
Episode Title: Hebrews: A Letter to the Drifting (Part 7 of the Melchizedek Series) Host: Rod Thomas Date: Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 Episode Summary: In this episode, Rod Thomas continues the Melchizedek series with Part 7, titled "Hebrews: A Letter to the Drifting." Rod delves into the Book of Hebrews, exploring its profound messages and themes. He emphasizes the significance of Yahoshua (Jesus) as the ultimate High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, surpassing the Levitical priesthood and the old covenant worship system. Key Points Discussed: Introduction and Updates: Rod greets the audience and provides updates on the ministry's upcoming missions trip to Kenya, focusing on helping widows and orphans and spreading the Gospel 1. He expresses gratitude for the audience's support and prayers 1. Dramatic Opening Monologue: Rod sets the stage with a dramatic monologue titled "The Throne and the Veil," highlighting the significance of the Book of Hebrews 2. Main Teaching: Rod introduces the main teaching, focusing on the Book of Hebrews and its message to the drifting believers 3. He discusses the historical and spiritual context of the Book of Hebrews, emphasizing its relevance to modern-day believers 4. Rod explores the themes of Yahoshua's exaltation, the Melchizedekian priesthood, and the renewed covenant 5. Key Themes and Messages: The superiority of Yahoshua over angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood 6. The concept of Yahoshua as the eternal High Priest and mediator of a better covenant 7. The importance of understanding the Book of Hebrews in its historical and cultural context 8. Conclusion: Rod concludes the episode with a preview of the next installment in the series, encouraging listeners to continue their study of the Book of Hebrews 9. He expresses his hope that the teachings will inspire and bless the audience 10. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to support the ministry's missions trip to Kenya through prayers and financial contributions. Donations can be made through the Qumran Family Foundation's website 1. Contact Information: For more information and to support the ministry, visit [http://qumranfamilyfoundation.org](http://qumranfamilyfoundation.org).
Jesus is our better High Priest because He continuously intercedes on behalf of believers, ensuring a perpetual link to God's presence.
Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 7.1-25Jobey McGintyMelchizedek, a mysterious king and priest from the Old Testament, serves as a powerful "Easter egg," foreshadowing the coming of Christ and assuring us that God's eternal plan is true. Jesus is our true and greater Melchizedek, a High Priest whose position is not based on lineage but on the power of an indestructible life. He is the guarantor of a new and better covenant—one that isn't a fragile deal dependent on us, but an unbreakable promise God made to Him. Because of this, Jesus is able to save us to the "uttermost." He provides a "bumper-to-bumper" warranty on our salvation, accomplishing it from beginning to end. Even when we fail, Jesus, our perfect High Priest, continually intercedes for us, making our salvation secure in Him.
JESUS CHRIST IS OUR GREAT AND ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
The Ghosts of Harrenhal: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast (ASOIAF)
Send us a textTyrion and Ser Jorah make it to Volantis where Tyrion seeks escape. But when he finds out that they're headed to Daenerys, not Cersei, his outlook changes markedly. Mackelly and Simon refuse to take the bait.Chapter Review:Tyrion Lannister arrives in Volantis as a prisoner of Ser Jorah Mormont. He tries all his tricks to wheedle out of his predicament but gets nowhere. In the city, they see the High Priest of R'hllor preaching a pro-Daenerys message to a multitude of slaves, who are here for all of it. Tyrion feels the same atmosphere as when King's Landing rioted.They learn that the Golden Company is headed to Westeros, and the Triarchs are happy to help. Tyrion is amazed that Aegon took his bait. But wonders if it is a ruse, and that Griff's destination remains Meereen.They meet the Widow of the Waterfront, a wizened former slave and business-woman. Ser Jorah asks for passage, not to King's Landing, but to Meereen! Tyrion is ecstatic. Jorah tanks his way into her bad books, but the situation is saved when Penny, a dwarf, attacks Tyrion. Her brother died at the hands of those seeking Cersei's favor, and she blames Tyrion. She is thwarted, but the Widow arranges passage for Tyrion and Jorah on a ship purportedly heading for Qarth.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister whom he recently murdered. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.Ser Jorah Mormont - Twice-disgraced knight of the Seven Kingdoms. In love with Daenerys.Benerro - High priest of R'hllor in Volantis.Widow of the Waterfront - Businesswoman of Volantis. Old and wise.Penny - Dwarf who performed at Joffrey's wedding. Her brother Oppo was murdered. Griff (Jon Connington) - Sellsword in service to Ilyrio Mopatis. Lord of Griffin's Roost. Stripped of his titles and exiled by King Aerys for perceived failures during Robert's Rebellion.Young Griff (Aegon Targaryen) - Griff's foster son. Now revealed to be Rhaegar and Ellia's son Aegon. Saved from murder in the Sack of King's Landing by a Varys switcheroo.Volantis - Largest of the nine free cities of Essos. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
In the message, "Consider Jesus," Pastor Rich Whitter focuses on Hebrews 3:1–2, a call to fix our thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. Speaking to those who share in a heavenly calling, Pastor Rich challenges us to not just glance at Christ, but to truly consider Him His faithfulness, His obedience, and His authority over our lives.Drawing from the example of Moses, the message underscores that Jesus is greater worthy of more honor and trust. In moments of distraction or discouragement, we're reminded that clarity and confidence come when we lift our eyes to Christ.We hope this message helps you re-center your heart, deepen your focus, and faithfully walk in your calling by continually considering Jesus.
OA1179 - Dr. Timothy Leary is best remembered today as the Harvard psychologist who told America to “turn on, tune in, and drop out” with psychedelics in the 1960s. But did you know that “the High Priest of LSD” was also one of the most famous people ever to bring a criminal case to the U.S.. Supreme Court? Jenessa shares her scientific perspective on Leary's “research,” and Matt explains how a minor California marijuana possession charge led to Leary's unbelievable life on the run as an international fugitive across four continents and his eventual association with not just one but three of the era's most notorious radical groups. We then review Dr. Leary's conviction under the Marihuana [sic] Tax Act of 1937 and how Leary v. U.S. changed everything about drug enforcement. (Also discussed: the unexpected origin of the Beatles song “Come Together,” the benefits of podcasting on acid, and what psychedelic research and regulation might have looked like in an alternate Leary-free timeline.) Leary v. US, 395 U.S. 6 (1969) Letter from the American Medical Association opposing passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 (7/10/1937) The Most Dangerous Man in America: Timothy Leary, Richard Nixon and the Hunt for the Fugitive King of LSD, Bill Minutaglio and Steven L. Davis (2018) Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!
What if Jesus wasn't just your Savior, but the one who prays for you?In this message from our House of Prayer series, Pastor Ramin teaches from Hebrews 4, offering a powerful picture of Jesus as both King and Priest. He is full of authority, but tender in compassion.Jesus is not distant. He is the High Priest who understands your weakness, who intercedes for you, and who invites you to draw near with confidence. This message is a reminder that God's presence is not reserved for the perfect. His throne is a place of grace for the broken.Whether you're weary, waiting, or just trying to hold on, this teaching will help you see Jesus clearly. And when you see him clearly, everything changes.
What might it look like to fully obey Jesus from a place of trust, not fear?
Speaker: Kristian Hernandez Scripture: Hebrews 4:15-5:10
The priestly ministry in God's tabernacle begins. After a seven days consecration period, Aaron and his sons start offering sacrifices to the LORD on His Holy Alter. The High Priest, Aaron, and his son's sin must be dealt with first, then the peoples sins and fellowship offerings can be made.
Fame, riches, approval, and more—chasing after these only leaves us empty and restless.The Book of Hebrews presents us with something better, and Someone greater to look to—to place all our hope, faith, and being into. Jesus is greater than anything or anyone else we could ever think of. Yet no matter how immensely superior He is to all, this same God still chooses to personally draw Himself closer to us, the same way that He did on the cross.
Fame, riches, approval, and more—chasing after these only leaves us empty and restless.The Book of Hebrews presents us with something better, and Someone greater to look to—to place all our hope, faith, and being into. Jesus is greater than anything or anyone else we could ever think of. Yet no matter how immensely superior He is to all, this same God still chooses to personally draw Himself closer to us, the same way that He did on the cross.
A Greater High Priest: Part 2
The priestly ministry in God's tabernacle begins. After a seven days consecration period, Aaron and his sons start offering sacrifices to the LORD on His Holy Alter. The High Priest, Aaron, and his son's sin must be dealt with first, then the peoples sins and fellowship offerings can be made.
The priestly ministry in God's tabernacle begins. After a seven days consecration period, Aaron and his sons start offering sacrifices to the LORD on His Holy Alter. The High Priest, Aaron, and his son's sin must be dealt with first, then the peoples sins and fellowship offerings can be made.
God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve as priests in His holy temple. Following all of God's instructions, Moses makes ALL the required sacrifices and instructs Aaron on how to serve God's people as High Priest.
Hannah rejoiced! But what about the corrupt sons of Eli the High Priest!? Come Bible Study WITH ME through 1 Samuel 2 and ask all the questions!
In this episode of Bible Fiber, you'll discover the fascinating story behind the permanently sealed East Gate. We'll also explore the surprising strictness about who could enter Ezekiel's ideal temple. You'll learn about the unique calling of the Zadokite priests.While Ezekiel's vision is incredibly detailed about the future temple, there's a significant omission – no High Priest. The answer is in the Book of Hebrews. Jesus is our ultimate, eternal High Priest, the one who tore down the veil and gives every believer bold, direct access to God's throne of grace.Intrigued by how ancient prophecies connect with modern-day realities and the truth of the Gospel? Tune in to this episode of Bible Fiber on Ezekiel 44.Support the show
God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve as priests in His holy temple. Following all of God's instructions, Moses makes ALL the required sacrifices and instructs Aaron on how to serve God's people as High Priest.
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Check out the Video of this Episode Here! EPISODE 371 Rebecca and Rey step into this milestone issue of Moon Knight with plenty of pip and vigour... It's a huge occasion so who can blame them? Caught up in the action-packed finale, both High Priests take time to analyse the trajectory of Marc and Tigra through the MacKay lens, as well as the visual assault for our eyes, courtesy of Devmalya Pramanik! It's all here in all it's glory! This, and Loony feedback too...the celebrations have only just begun! Fist of Khonshu Vol. 1 #10 "God of Gangsters" Release Date July 23rd, 2025 Cover Date Septamber, 2025 Writer(s) Jed MacKay Penciler(s) Devmalya Pramanik Inker(s) Devmalya Pramanik Colorist(s) Rachelle Rosenberg Letterer(s) VC's Cory Petit Editor(s) Devin Lewis Shine those idols, and dust off the cape....IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR KHONSHU ON! SHOW NOTES: Fist of Khonshu Vol. 1 #10 Tales from the Stack WHERE TO HEAR US: Podcast Page Podchaser Apple Podcast Google Play Music Spotify Overcast SoundCloud Stitcher Tunein Podbean Into the Knight RSS Feed YouTube DROP US A LINE: Website: intotheknight.libsyn.com Email: feedback@itkmoonknight.com FB Page: Into the Knight- A Moon Knight Podcast Page FB Group: Into the Knight- A Moon Knight Fan Base Bluesky: Into the Knight - Bluesky X: @ITKmoonknight Instagram: ITK Moon Knight Discord ITK Server: ITK Server CHECK OUT THESE OTHER SHOWS I CO-HOST! Sons of the Dragon - An Immortal Iron Fist Podcast DCAU - The DC Animated Universe Podcast Capes & Lunatics Sidekicks To Know Her Is To Fear Her: The Spider-Woman Podcast Predator & pREY - a Yautja Podcast Rey Plays Games! OFFICIAL ITK MERCHANDISE @ DASHERY - BUY HERE! Thinking of starting your own podcast? Check out our special offer from Libsyn! CREDITS: ITK Logo Graphic Design by The High Priests of Khonshu ITK Graphic Design produced and assisted by Randolph Benoit ITK Opening Sequence for video by Chris Kelly Music Written, Performed and generously provided by Deleter Co-Producers Wayne Hunt Josh Johnson Anthony Sytko Matthew Howell Jonathan Sapsed Dan Newland Executive Producers Justin Osgood Derek O'Neill Daniel Doing Mario Di Giacomo Odin Odinsword Produced by Reynaldo Gesmundo The music for this episode contains excerpts from various songs and music copyrighted by Deleter and Brian Warshaw. The music agreed for use on Into the Knight - A Moon Knight Podcast is licensed under an Attribution License;
In the message, "Sanctified," Pastor Rich Whitter unpacks Hebrews 2:10–18, revealing the depth of Jesus' identification with humanity. Through suffering, Christ was made the perfect pioneer of our salvation bringing many sons and daughters to glory. Pastor Rich highlights how Jesus became like us in every way, not only to redeem us but to call us brothers and sisters.This passage reminds us that Jesus didn't remain distant He stepped into our pain, defeated death, and disarmed the devil. He became our merciful and faithful High Priest, fully equipped to help us in every trial.We hope this message encourages you to walk in the freedom of being sanctified set apart by a Savior who truly understands your struggle and stands ready to help.
God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve as priests in His holy temple. Following all of God's instructions, Moses makes ALL the required sacrifices and instructs Aaron on how to serve God's people as High Priest.
A Greater High Priest: Part 1
Chapter 7 turns our attention to a name we have already heard several times in the book of Hebrews, Melchizedek. This mysterious figure mentioned only one other time in Genesis seems to have a deep connection to proof that Jesus is the perfect High Priest, but in what ways? How can someone who seems to have such a small; role in the history of Israel have such an important role in proving the permanent and perfect priesthood of Jesus?
Ladies and gentlemen and whoever else is listening. Welcome back to the show. In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Laurie Lee Hall, author of Dictates of Conscience: The Journey from Mormon High Priest to Transgender Woman, to explore her extraordinary life—a path marked by devotion, courage, and authenticity over 50 years. Once a respected leader and chief temple architect within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Laurie shares what it meant to honor her truth in the face of profound spiritual and social consequence. We also have a special guest on the program. Joining Laurie Lee are a 15-year-old transgender boy and his devoted, passionate, and fiercely supportive mother. Together, they offer a rare intergenerational glimpse into the evolving landscape of gender identity, parental advocacy, and the real-life challenges and triumphs of living authentically in today's world. This is a conversation about faith, identity, and the unbreakable power of love—and what it truly means to follow the dictates of one's own conscience. Note: We regret that our additional guests have chosen to remain anonymous as they don't feel safe in today's political climate. CONTACT Laurie Lee Buy the Book - https://shorturl.at/qXL7e Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/laurieleehall/ Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/laurie.lee.hall #TransVoices #FaithAndIdentity #LGBTQStories #TransYouth #ParentingWithPride #LivingAuthentically #DictatesOfConscience #LDSChurch #MormonChurch #Excommunincation #GenderAffirmingCare
Matthew 26 begins with ongoing plots from the High Priest to destroy our Lord Jesus Christ. Next, comes the anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, with the precious ointment- which became the catalyst for greedy Judas to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Following this is the record of the Lord's Supper being kept in what thereafter would be a memorial of his sacrifice by sharing bread and wine. Luke says that Jesus had prepared to eat this memorial supper with his Apostles with an intense and fervent desire: Luke 22 verses 15-16. Preparations had been made in secret so that nothing, or nobody, could thwart this vital time to steel and fortify his disciples for the trials that would soon confront them. Our Lord then prophesied of his betrayal by Peter, which in turn was a citation of the words of Zechariah 13 foretelling this.After these events came Jesus' intense personal struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane; where three times he prayed and was strengthened having subjected his own will to that of his Father's. It was here that our Lord's greatest trial and his greatest triumph occurred. In his great agony Jesus sweat as it were great drops of blood. Having completely subjected his own will to that of His Father the victory on the stake was ensured. The Apostle Paul comments on this in Hebrews 5:7-8. The temptation of our Lord Jesus was sharp and intense and real. Despite being tried to the limit Jesus was perfectly obedient. He has become the captain of our salvation and is able to succour us in our trials. Our Lord's betrayal came next. Here, one of the twelve named Judas Iscariot, led the heavily armed band of thugs sent from the temple to arrest the meekest man to have ever walked upon the earth. How tragic that Judas betrayed his Master with a kiss. There was a short ensuing resistance led courageously by Peter, who was rebuked by Jesus. The Master miraculously heals Malchus and passively surrenders himself to be led away to the High Priest's palace awaiting the sentence of death by a process that was illegal in every detail. Note the adjuration of the High Priest in verse 63 was contrary to divine law. Jesus answered citing Daniel 7 verses 13-14 in verse 64, which indicated that the High Priest was knowingly defying God and would incur coming judgment as a result. Peter's pathetic threefold denial and intense remorse close the record.
232: Pt. 1 Unlocking Heaven's Perfect Frequency | Dr. Robert RodichI'm so thrilled to welcome back my good friend, Doc Rodich, to Spirit-Centered Business. If you've followed the show for a bit, you might remember him from episodes 140 and 141, and even way back in November of ‘22 when he first shared his story with us. Since then, the man has been busy—like "retirement-who?" kind of busy.In this episode, we dive deep into the wild and wonderful journey God's had him on—from prophetic words and unexpected encounters with the power of God (yes, a gravel faceplant included), to creating prayed-over EMF-blocking medallions that blend real gemstones, Holy Spirit downloads, and solid science.These aren't just pretty pieces of jewelry—they're powerful tools designed to enhance wellness, spiritual clarity, and connection with heaven.We talk frequency, faith-filled intention, the Kingdom's reclamation of things we've long dismissed as “New Age,” and what it looks like to carry an open heaven with you. He even drops some insights on a new generation of medallions, including the game-changing Torus shape that amplifies your energy field and boosts all the others by 5x. (Yes, please!)So grab a comfy seat—preferably not an electric recliner—and tune in. You're going to love this part one of three series. Let's get Spirit-centered!BIO:Dr. Robert Rodich, Ph.D. has over thirty years of experience doing precise wellness evaluations for his clients. It is clear that today's food sources no longer contain optimal levels of vital nutrients therefore having a plan in place that is precise to your exact nutritional need is vital in these challenging times.What makes Doc Rodich unique is that the testing method he uses works off of the frequencies projected by your voice. This methodology has proven to be just as accurate as if you were standing in front of him in his office. The obvious takeaway is that you need not travel all the way to South Alabama to benefit from his testing unless you just want to enjoy the wonderful white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange beach.HIGHLIGHTS:Doc's “retirement” is code for “busier than ever”—turns out, heaven had more in store.A prophetic word + a gravel faceplant = divine confirmation that Alabama wasn't just a random move.He's been doing remote nutritional scans using voice frequencies for decades—way ahead of the curve.EMF readings in everyday spots (like recliners and beds) can spike dangerously high—his wife's AFib seemed linked to them.Homemade EMF-blocking medallions reduced her episodes to zero—and yes, they're pretty enough for ladies, by design.These medallions aren't just gadgets—they're loaded with prayed-over gemstones, revealed via Holy Spirit downloads.Doc builds first, then learns why it works later—a spiritual R&D method straight from Father's Kingdom.Each medallion combines gemstones to form frequency “formulas” that act like training wheels for the spirit-soul-body connection.Wearing them can amplify your ability to hear from God, stabilize your atmosphere, and even boost your mood and energy.The ephod piece mirrors the High Priest's breastplate—a nod to the original wearable tech for hearing from heaven.Don't dismiss crystals as “New Age”—God's people used them first. We just forgot their Kingdom purpose.Doc's Torus medallion expands your personal energy field to nearly 30 feet—like a Holy-Spirit-powered WiFi bubble.It also multiplies the power of other medallions by 5x. Yes, like a frequency amplifier from heaven.He uses muscle testing to confirm impact, all while staying anchored in scripture and spiritual discernment.Doc sees these tools not as magic fixes, but as kingdom training wheels that help us hear better and carry heaven wherever we go.LINK for DOC RODICH:– Find all of Doc's medallions, books and services on http://DocRodich.comLINK for BRALYNN: – Coaching for Business and Breakthrough Encounters: http://SpiritCenteredBusiness.comCopyright 2025 - Bralynn Newby Int'l, LLC. All rights reserved.
Zechariah 3: Vision of the High Priest! Come and see what the procedure looks like for all of us to get our white garments! If you are blessed by today's Bible study, please support my channel by liking, subscribing, commenting, and sharing with your friends and family! I am not a Pastor, and agree with God's word that women are not supposed to be Pastors. However, all people are called to share the gospel. It is perfectly acceptable and Biblical for women to lead Bibles studies outside the church as an ancillary addition to the church, and especially if it is a viable avenue for study of the Word on a daily basis, like I'm doing on this show, and paving the way for all of us to be closer to the Lord and become more knowledgeable of the Bible. If you care to contribute to my work with the Daily Bible study and sharing the Gospel, as part of your tithes and offerings, you can do so through PayPal by sending it to my PayPal address of: ReneHoladay@gmail.com Thank you for watching and God Bless you all! ;() --------------------- The primary study bible that Rene' uses is the 'Spirit-filled Life Bible, by Jack Hayford, and is available in hard cover or faux leather on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/434fBnQ You can watch this episode on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v9ekffu7ds Please be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, and SHARE!
In this sermon, Pastor Jim elaborates how Jesus is our great High Priest who can fully sympathize and relate to our weaknesses while perfectly representing us before God.
What if God's presence isn't something to be carried your way—but something that carries you?This week, Youth Director Caeden Sizemore walks us through David's bold pursuit of God's presence in 2 Samuel 6—and the costly lesson he learns along the way. From forgotten reverence to undignified worship, we see how David lays down his crown to lift up the name of the Lord.In this message, we explore what it means to truly honor God's holiness, walk in obedience, and live unashamed of who we are in Christ. Discover the difference between Saul's pride and David's surrender—and how it all points us to Jesus, our forever King and High Priest.We hope that you enjoy this series! Subscribe if you haven't already to stay up to date with what we've got going on here at Creekside Church!
Jesus was and always will be faithful to fulfill what God had told Him to do.
The Power of the Tabernacle: Hebrews 9 Part 1In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane begin their journey through Hebrews 9 by exploring the rich symbolism of the earthly tabernacle. Why does the author of Hebrews take us back to its details? What does it teach us about access to God and the limitations of the old system? Join them as they unpack how every part points to Jesus, our true High Priest, who offers us a better way into God's presence.____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams____________________________________ Get Jamie's Newest Book:Living Loved: An 8-week Journey to Living Fully Loved
In this episode, Brody shares how to stay anchored in Christ when life's transitions and cultural pressures tempt us to drift. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, he unpacks the subtle warning signs of spiritual drift and offers practical wisdom for staying faithful through every season. With encouragement from Hebrews 2:1 and 2 Peter 1:10, Brody reminds us that no one drifts toward holiness—spiritual growth requires focus, discipline, and daily dependence on Jesus.Spiritual drift often starts with neglecting Scripture and leads to doubt, dullness, and disconnectionHebrews 2:1 warns us to “pay closer attention” to the truth we've heard2 Peter 1:10 calls us to confirm our calling through consistent, intentional growthAnchoring your identity in who Jesus is—Creator, King, High Priest—keeps you steadyLasting faithfulness often comes through relationships with mature, accountable believersExpect criticism when you're making a gospel impact—keep your hand to the plowThose who walk away from the faith often first pull away from community and accountabilityNO SANITY REQUIRED BOOKSend us a textPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.
Welcome to an exploration of one of the most distinctive branches of Mormonism: the Strangite Church. We will discuss Strangite women's role in priesthood. While many are familiar with the larger Latter-day Saint movements, the Strangites offer a fascinating glimpse into different interpretations and practices rooted in early Restorationism. Based primarily in Burlington, Wisconsin, the Strangite Church has a rich history, unique theological perspectives, and surprising elements that set it apart. https://youtu.be/61quRH-_glI Resilient Community/Promised Refuge According to the revelations of James J. Strang, Voree was prophesied to be a refuge for the people, where "the Gentiles would treat you with kindness". Remarkably, the Strangites in Voree have never experienced the persecution that other Mormon settlements faced in places like Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, or Nauvoo. This consistent respect and kind treatment from the wider community is seen by Strangites as a powerful sign that James A. Strang's revelations were true. Furthermore, families living there have prospered, owning homes and achieving financial stability, which they believe is a testament to the blessings promised for obedience to God. The congregation has seen periods of challenge and renewal. A spiritual movement led others to move to Voree, and gradually the church began to build up again. While the primary congregation is in Burlington, members also reside in various states, including Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota, often attending services via Zoom. Women in the Aaronic Priesthood Perhaps one of the most surprising and progressive aspects of the Strangite Church is its stance on women and the priesthood. Unlike many other Restorationist faiths, the Strangite Church ordains women to the Aaronic priesthood, specifically to the office of teacher. They believe that Emma Smith herself was the first teacher. These women teachers play an active and vital role in church services. They are permitted to lead meetings, often doing so in pairs, each taking half of the Sabbath service. While women hold the office of teacher, they are not ordained as deaconesses; deacons are exclusively boys. Priesthood ordination in the Strangite Church is not tied to age or seen as a "rite of passage.” Instead, individuals are called when a priesthood member receives inspiration that a particular person is ready and begins to excel. The Strangite priesthood structure includes: Melchizedek Priesthood: Elders and High Priests. Aaronic Priesthood: Priests, Teachers (including women), and Deacons. There are no Seventies currently, and they believe a prophet is needed to structure other offices. The leadership of the church has continued through a series of appointments. Lorenzo Hickey ordained Wingfield Watson as the head of the church and a high priest, who then served until his passing around 1920. Following Watson, subsequent presiding high priests have been appointed by their predecessors. Currently, David Flanders serves as the presiding high priest, a role of duty and responsibility to manage affairs, but not one that grants him higher authority than other high priests. Saturday Worship and the Nature of Christ A distinct practice of the Strangite Church is their worship on Saturday, the Sabbath day. This is based on their belief that God sanctified the seventh day during creation. They contend that the Catholic Church changed the Sabbath to Sunday to honor the sun god and appease pagans, aiming to unite Christians and pagans into a single universal church. Their theological views also extend to the nature of Christ. The Strangite Church believes that Jesus was 100% mortal, and that Joseph was his biological father. This belief is critical to their understanding of Christ's lineage, as Joseph was of the tribe of Judah, which connects Jesus directly to the covenant line of Abraham and King David through the ma...
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we gather each day to journey through the Scriptures and seek the heart of God. In today's episode, host Hunter guides us through Isaiah chapters 8–10, and Hebrews chapter 8, drawing our attention to God's enduring presence, faithfulness, and the promise of a new covenant. We reflect on moments of warning, prophecy, and hope—witnessing both judgment and the dawn of redemption through the coming of a great light. As we move from the ancient struggles of Israel to the beautiful declaration in Hebrews that we have a High Priest in Jesus, Hunter encourages us to see Christ as the true and ultimate point of it all: the One who writes God's laws upon our hearts and invites us into the joy and freedom of life with Him. Join us for scripture, prayer, and a reminder that you are, without a doubt, deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He is the main point. When we look back over the pages of Scripture and consider the prophets, the priests, the kings, all the people and stories—the point to which all of this leads is Jesus. The book of Hebrews, reflecting on all that has come before, tells us plainly: we have a High Priest who is seated in the place of honor at the right hand of the Father. And what's more, this High Priest is not just one who offers sacrifices out of obligation, like those before Him, but one who Himself is the offering—the One who mediates a new covenant, a better covenant, grounded in better promises. What sets Jesus apart is not just what He's done, but what He continues to do. He is our advocate before the Father. The old ways—the law, the sacrifices, the external signs—pointed toward something greater. And now, through Him, God has written His laws not on tablets of stone, but on our very minds and hearts. We are invited not into a distant, law-based relationship, but into participation with Christ Himself—sharing in His kingdom and in His life. Jesus does more than deliver us from guilt and shame; He unshackles us from the power of death and darkness. He gives us, not a set of external rules, but Himself. All the heroes and prophets of Scripture, all the signs and shadows, are fulfilled in Him. The main point, then, is not a doctrine or even a set of principles, but a Person. Jesus. And in His light, we find true life. That is the prayer I have for my own heart today: that I would live in the reality of Christ—the true center and meaning of my story. It's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife and our children, and it's the prayer I have for you. Let us walk this day in the light of Jesus, our High Priest, our Advocate, the One who is the main point of it all. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Almighty and ever loving God, you have brought us to the light of a new morning. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may walk this day in peace. Guard our steps from temptation. Shield us from the weight of fear and shame, and lead us deeper into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Christ, light of the nations, shine in every place where shadows dwell. Call the scattered home, heal the wounds of division and gather all people into the communion of your grace. May the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen. And now, Lord, make my hands ready for mercy. Make my eyes quick to see the hurting, my ears open to the cry of the lonely, and my feet swift to bring good news. Let me seek to bless, not to be noticed, to serve, not to be praised, to forgive, not to hold back. For in your way is life, in your mercy is healing, and in your love is the peace this world cannot give. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter takes us through the readings from Micah chapters 5 through 7 and Hebrews chapter 7, reflecting on profound questions about justice, mercy, and the true cost of forgiveness. Together, we explore what God truly requires of us—not endless sacrifices or offerings, but to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. Hunter delves into the challenges we all face in living out these commands and points us to the ultimate answer found in Jesus, our high priest who has perfectly fulfilled what we could not. Join us for a time of scripture, thoughtful reflection, and prayer, as we seek to understand more deeply the heart of God revealed through Jesus—the One who is enough and invites us to walk with Him today. TODAY'S DEVOTION: How much is enough? How much do we owe for our mistakes, our regrets, the pain we've caused? That's the deep question Micah puts before us in today's reading. We try to measure it: burnt offerings, rivers of oil, some attempt to set things right, to pay enough to cover our sins. But here's Micah's answer—“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good… to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” That's the call. Not endless sacrifices or rituals, but a life lived rightly, one that loves mercy and walks humbly with God. And yet, as poetic and right as that sounds, we find ourselves falling short. We're invited to a life most of us cannot live in our own strength. Adam didn't. Neither have we. We've all missed the mark, failed to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly. But here is the good news: there is One who has not failed—Jesus, our Savior, the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. He did what we could not. He lived rightly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with His Father. He paid the price once and for all for the sins of the world—not by repeated offerings, but by offering Himself. So what will cover our past, our shortcomings, the missing sum in our own ledger? The answer is not more striving, not more doing, but Jesus. Because of Him, we're invited to participate in a life with God. No longer do we need to keep trying to pay—He is enough. As we receive Him, we're set free to live out justice, mercy, humility—not as a debt to be paid, but as a life that overflows from Him. That's my prayer today: that I will participate in this with-God life, that I will receive what has already been accomplished and live in it. He has included me in Himself, and He has included you as well. Everything we need to walk with God today is ours in Jesus. Let us learn from Him now. That's the prayer I have for my own soul. That's the prayer I have for my family. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Loving God, you have knit us together in the body of Christ from every nation and tongue. Make us a vessel of your peace today. Make us a vessel of your peace today. Where hatred stirs, let us bear your love. Where wounds run deep, let us be agents of pardon. Where fear grips hearts, may we speak faith. Where sorrow hangs heavy, may we carry joy. Teach us to listen more than we speak. To understand before we are understood. To love. For in surrender, we find abundance. In mercy, we discover grace. And in dying, we rise into your life. In the name of Jesus. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Let me know if you'd like this prayer formatted differently or if you need prayers from other episodes transcribed as well! OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL