Podcasts about himself jesus

The Weight of Gold, the Lightness of GracePoverty of spirit—what a strange, thin phrase it's become, brittle in the mouths of modern men who've never walked barefoot on cold earth, never felt the raw ache of want, not just in the belly but in the soul. To be poor in spirit isn't a matter of meek nods and saintly sighs. It's not weakness, not a bowed head for show. It's an emptiness carved out deep enough for something greater to fill. Like the hollow in the earth where the seed falls, dark and unseen, but ready. The ache isn't the end; it's the beginning—the ache is where grace rushes in.But we've grown used to surfaces, to sheen and shimmer. We're magpies, dazzled by the glitter of things that promise fullness but offer only echoes. The clink of coins, the soft glow of screens, each flickering to distract from the hollow. Gold glitters because it reflects light, but it holds none of its own. Stack it high, let it spill from chests and accounts, yet it's cold in the hand, colder in the heart. A man can die rich and still be empty, his soul an unfurnished room.The old ones knew better—the story-tellers and seers with their feet thick in mud, their nostrils seasoned by turf smoke, and their minds lit with stars. They spoke of virtues and vices not as moral checklists, but as living forces. Not metaphors, but beings, spirits woven into the warp and weft of the world. Thomas Aquinas saw this, called them agents of divine power, streaks of grace running like veins of silver through the rock of creation. They're not just habits to be picked up like good manners; they're channels, conduits for the breath of God Himself, working miracles, steadying the natural order, ensuring that His will isn't just spoken but walked in, not just whispered but stitched into the very cloth of reality.Take humility. Today it's mistaken for softness, for a kind of cowardice dressed up as politeness. But real humility is a weight—a gravity that pulls you down to the ground, roots you where you stand. It's not the sag of a broken man but the stance of one who knows where he comes from and where he's going. The proud man floats, puffed up, untethered, carried by every whim. But the humble man knows he's small, and that knowing makes him strong—an anchor in the seabed, steady while the waters swirl round. Humility isn't self-loathing; it's the lifeline which keeps our soul from being cast adrift.And virginity—what a word to drop into the middle of this age of excess. Not just bodies untouched, but hearts undivided. The modern mind scoffs, as if restraint were a relic, as if to keep something sacred were a kind of fear. But ancient peoples saw it differently. They saw it as power—not absence, but presence. The unploughed field holds the richest soil. The sky, when it's clear of clouds, reveals the deepest stars. Virginity isn't a gap; it's a vessel uncracked, ready to brim over with something holy.Modesty, too, has been gutted, turned into a checklist about hems and sleeves, rules for what should be covered rather than a wisdom about what should be treasured. But modesty isn't about hiding; it's about holding. The art of mystery is knowing that not every treasure should be laid bare. The pearl keeps its beauty because it stays hidden in the shell. The fire burns hottest when it's banked, not scattered to every wind. Modesty is the virtue that keeps the sacred, sacred—it shields the flame from the careless gust.Prudence—now there's a word that's lost its place at the table. It's been misunderstood as timidity, as fence-sitting, when really it's the sharpest of knives. Prudence is clear sight, not the squint of fear but the wide-eyed gaze that sees things as they are and as they can be. It's the captain reading the winds, knowing when to hoist the sail and when to reef it. The prudent man doesn't avoid storms; he studies the sky, knows the waters, feels the shift in the air. Prudence isn't caution—it's mastery over impulse, the wisdom to see that not every current or causeway leads to home.Sobriety—often mistaken for dullness, as if the sober man is the one missing out while the world spins in bright colors around him. But sobriety isn't the absence of joy; it's the presence of depth. It's laughter that doesn't need to be loud to be true, delight that isn't chased but dwells quietly. The sober heart isn't parched—it's steady. It drinks from a deeper well, one that doesn't run dry when the party's over.And wisdom—that old, thorny vine, twisting through time, often ignored but always there, like roots beneath the frost line. Wisdom isn't just knowing things; it's understanding the weight of them. It's the difference between holding a golden cup and knowing the cup's story—where it's been, what it's weathered, what it means. Wisdom carries the scent of the earth, the hush of old woods, the ache of truths learned the hard way. It doesn't shout. It waits.Truth, too, has been twisted, turned into a weapon or a fashion. But truth isn't a sword to be brandished; it's a mirror to be faced. Truth, ultimately, is the God-man Himself: Jesus. Not an idea, but a person. Not a theory, but a face. You meet Him first in the quiet of your own heart before you ever hold Him up to others. He doesn't argue. He is. Immutable as a mountain, tender as bread broken in trembling hands.And now… let's stand in the bright, flickering carnival of social media—our modern marketplace of vanity and outrage. Here, virtues are relics, dusty and irrelevant, wingless. Who speaks with modesty when the whole platform is designed to scream, “Look at me”? Who practices prudence in a world that rewards the quickest take, the loudest voice? Who seeks wisdom when attention spans are measured in seconds and outrage pays better than understanding?But maybe that's the point. Maybe in a world addicted to spectacle, the quiet, steady reliance on the virtues is the true rebellion. Maybe faith, humility, chastity—words that sound antiquated and out of place—are exactly what the modern soul is starving for. Virtues aren't quaint. They're radical. They're not soft—they're seismic. They shake the foundations of a world built on fleeting applause.The second Reformation, if it's coming—and I feel it rumbling beneath our feet—won't be born from cleverness or novelty. It'll rise from the old truths we've buried but never killed. It won't be a revolution of new ideas but of rediscovery, of remembering the deep roots we thought we'd outgrown. It'll come when we're not paying attention, a seed cracking open in the dark, roots first, reaching down before it reaches up.Because the nature of things doesn't change. The soul still hungers for meaning, no matter how much noise we feed it. The heart still aches for beauty, even when we drown it in distraction. The spirit still longs for God, even when we pretend we've moved beyond such things.Virtues aren't artifacts. They're anchors. They hold us fast when the tides of culture shift and swirl. They're not rules to follow but companions on the road, agents of grace, walking with us, strong as old growth trees, steady as the northern star. They're the breath of God in the bones of the world, the heartbeat beneath the noise.The rich, the powerful, the influencers with their curated lives and glossy feeds—they rise, wave-like, dramatic and loud, catching the light for a moment. But waves fall. Always. The sea remains.So in the quiet, when the screens go dark, when the noise fades, ask yourself: What remains? What endures when the applause dies, when the spotlight moves on?The answer has always been the same. It's not found in what you've gathered, but in what you've been given by God. Not in how brightly you've shone, but in how deeply you've rooted yourself in His Christ. Not in the fleeting, but in the faithful kindness of your Maker.In the end, it's not that the world has changed so much. It's that we've forgotten how to see it. The virtues were never lost. We just stopped looking. —D.

This sermon is from Luke 8:16-21. This is the teaching of Jesus about shining the light to the world. In todays message Jesus tells us that the light of the world is Himself (Jesus) and this light illuminates peoples lives and changes them from the inside out. The question becomes, will we allow this light to change and challenge our lives? 

  Jesus Final Prayers 1 Welcome back to our series, AGOG – A Glimpse of God. We are on Day 26 of our adventure, looking together at the life of the most amazing person in human history - Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Today we start looking briefly at Jesus final prayers in John 17:1-19. Jesus prays for Himself: Jesus starts off by praying for Himself. Central to this part of His prayer is glorification. That is the glorification of Himself in order that God the Father who sent Him will be glorified. In effect, Jesus is saying “Father, may people see me for who I truly am, your Son. And may they also through Me, see Your true nature Father!” Praying as He does, just before He knowingly goes to His death on the cross, shows the importance of the cross. For it is through the cross alone. Both God the Father and Jesus will be glorified. Jesus' death on the cross reveals a God of love, faithfulness and forgiveness. John 17:4 reveals that it was this purpose that He came, in order to complete the work given. Jesus' entire earthly life has been one to show divine love – to all people of every age and class. All Jesus' works and words were completed without even a hint of hypocrisy. His entire life was driven by the desire to see sinful people turn to God for reconciliation and forgiveness. Jesus confidently prays that having laid aside His glory by taking on human form, He will return to God's right hand, having achieved the work of redemption through the cross. Jesus prays for His Disciples: Now Jesus turns to pray for His disciples. Note how He describes them: they were chosen by God Himself, seen God in Jesus and have received God's words and obeyed them. Jesus prays that the disciples would be in the safe possession of both the Father and the Son. Despite misunderstanding frequently what Jesus was talking about, the disciples still managed to grasp that Jesus had come from God. Having taught that the disciples will endure persecution and suffering because they are His followers, Jesus prays for their safety.~ They will be safe, not because of their own cunning, character or conduct. They will be safe because of God's care and protection. As the disciples were God's possession, He will ensure that they are watched over and protected. This security is also borne from glorifying God and being witnesses for Him. By remaining loyal and obedient to Jesus, obedient to His teachings and telling others about Him, God's name & nature will therefore protect the disciples. Jesus also prays that they may be filled with joy and be dedicated wholly and solely to Him. The disciples now have a mission and purpose to fulfil – to tell others about this Jesus. Remember they will not be left alone but have the Holy Spirit to counsel and clarify with them. Right Mouse click or tap here to save this as an audio mp3 file

Jesus' Humility      It is only natural that the subject of Jesus' humility be discussed after examining His position as the Suffering Servant. W. H. Griffith Thomas notes: "In the Old Testament our Lord is called “the Servant of Jehovah,” and in the New Testament He is described as having taken “the form of a servant.” In order to do the will of God and redeem mankind, it was necessary for Him to humble Himself and become a “Servant,” so that along the pathway of service He might come to that Cross which was at once the exemplification of devoted duty, redeeming grace, and Divine love."[1]      Matthew records Jesus' mental attitude of humility when He said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matt 11:29). The word humble translates the Greek adjective tapeinos (ταπεινός), which denotes being “lowly, undistinguished, of no account.”[2] Jesus' mental attitude of humility was in contrast with that of the world which regards the virtue of humility in a negative way. Moisés Silva notes, “In the Greek world, with its anthropocentric approach, lowliness is looked on as shameful, to be avoided and overcome by act and thought. In the NT, with its theocentric perspective, the words are used to describe our relationship with God and its effect on how we treat fellow human beings.”[3] For Jesus, being humble meant He was more concerned with doing the Father's will than that of the world around Him, or even His own will (Luke 22:42). And there was no greater act of humility than Jesus being obedient to the point of death on the cross. Paul wrote that Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). Wiersbe states, “His was not the death of a martyr but the death of a Savior. He willingly laid down His life for the sins of the world.”[4] Homer Kent notes, “He was so committed to the Father's plan that he obeyed it even as far as death (Heb 5:8). Nor was this all, for it was no ordinary death, but the disgraceful death by crucifixion, a death not allowed for Roman citizens, and to Jews indicative of the curse of God (Deut 21:23; Gal 3:13).”[5] And Earl Radmacher comments: "Jesus came to the earth with the identity of a man. Here the word appearance points to the external characteristics of Jesus: He had the bearing, actions, and manners of a man. He humbled Himself: Jesus willingly took the role of a servant; no one forced Him to do it. Obedient: Although He never sinned and did not deserve to die, He chose to die so that the sins of the world could be charged to His account. Subsequently He could credit His righteousness to the account of all who believe in Him (2 Cor 5:21; Gal 1:4)."[6]      As stated before, Jesus was not forced to go to the cross, but willingly went to the cross and bore our sin (Isa 53:4-11; John 10:17-18; 1 Pet 2:24). As God, He could have avoided the cross altogether, or even stepped down from the cross if He'd wanted. Jesus died on a cross to accomplish the Father's will. To be an atoning sacrifice for our sins, so that we could receive forgiveness and eternal life and enjoy heaven forever with Him. His being humble to the point of death was for our wellbeing. He died for us, “the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18). Walvoord notes: "No one else has ever come from infinite heights of glory to such a shameful death. If there had been a better way or another way by which the sin of the whole world could have been taken away, surely God would not have required His beloved Son to submit to such a death. This was the only way. There had to be a perfect sacrifice, an atonement of infinite value. This could be accomplished only by a person who was both God and man, who was without sin and yet was truly a man representing the human race. No other could take the place of Christ, no act of devotion, however unselfish, no act of ordinary man, however courageous, for  sin. As we contemplate the mind of Christ which made Him willing to die on the cross, we must realize that if Christ had not died men would still be in their sins with a hopeless eternity and facing just as certain a judgment as that which is the lot of the lost angels who know nothing of salvation."[7] Jesus' Sinless Life      The record of Scripture is that Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21), was “without sin” (Heb 4:15), “committed no sin” (1 Pet 2:22), and in whom “there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). But why was the sinless humanity of Jesus necessary? The biblical teaching is that all mankind is sinful and separated from God (Rom 3:10-23). We are sinners in Adam (Rom 5:12; 1 Cor 15:21-22), sinners by nature (Rom 7:14-25; 13:12-14), and sinners by choice (Isa 59:2; Jam 1:14-15). Because of our fallen sinful state, we are completely helpless to solve the sin problem and save ourselves (Rom 5:6-10; Eph 2:1-3), and good works have no saving merit before God (Isa 64:6; Rom 4:4-5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). Being completely sinless, Jesus was qualified to go the cross as “a lamb unblemished and spotless” (1 Pet 1:19) and die a substitutionary death in our place, “the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18). Charles Lee Feinberg states, “Though tempted in all points as we are, He was nevertheless without sin (Heb 4:15); indeed, we are told, He was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners (Heb 7:26). In short, the combined testimony of Scripture reveals that in Him is no sin (1 John 3:5).”[8] According to R. B. Thieme Jr.: "As true humanity living on earth, Christ was free from all three categories of human sinfulness: the sin nature, Adam's original sin, and personal sins. The first two categories were eliminated from our Lord's life through the virgin birth, but personal sin remained an issue throughout the Incarnation. Scripture confirms that our Lord can “sympathize with our weaknesses,” because He “has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). The temptation to personal sin did not come from within, because the humanity of Christ had no inherent sin nature. He did, however, receive temptation from outside His person—even being tempted by Satan himself…By constantly relying on the provisions of the spiritual life (the same provisions available to us), Jesus Christ was able to resist every temptation and remain perfect (1 John 3:3, 5)."[9]      Sinners need salvation, but cannot save themselves, nor can they save another. All are trapped in sin and utterly helpless to change their condition. But God the Son did what we cannot do for ourselves. He obeyed the Father and stepped into time and space, taking true and sinless humanity to Himself, and living a perfect life before the Father. Then, at a point in time, He surrendered Himself to the cross and died a penal substitutionary death on behalf of all humanity, bearing the wrath of God in their place. Then He was placed in a grave and rose again to life on the third day, never to die again. The benefits of the cross are applied to those who come to Jesus with the empty hands of faith, believing He died for them, was buried, and raised again on the third day. When they place their faith in Him as Savior, they have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This is given freely by grace. R. B. Thieme Jr. states: Every human being needs to be saved, because everyone enters this world in a state of spiritual death, total depravity, and total separation from God. Because man is born hopelessly lost from God and helpless to do anything about it, God, in His grace, designed a perfect plan to reconcile man to Himself. God the Son took the burden of responsibility: He became true humanity and remained sinless so that He could be judged for the sins of the world (1 Pet 3:18). While Jesus Christ hung on the cross, God the Father poured the full wrath of His justice upon the Son He loved so perfectly (Matt 27:46; Rom 5:8–10; 2 Cor 5:21). Christ “bore our sins in His body” (1 Pet 2:24) and took the punishment in our place. God's righteous standard approved of Jesus' sacrifice as payment for all human sins.[10] Dr. Steven R. Cook   [1] W. H. Griffith Thomas, The Christian Life and How to Live It (Chicago: The Bible Institute Colportage Association, 1919), 59–60. [2] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 989. [3] Moisés Silva, ed., New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 452. [4] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 75. [5] Homer A. Kent Jr., “Philippians,” in The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), 124. [6] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1550–1551. [7] John F. Walvoord, To Live Is Christ (Galaxie Software, 2007), 45. [8] Charles Lee Feinberg, “The Hypostatic Union,” Bibliotheca Sacra 92 (1935): 423. [9] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Impeccability of Christ”,  Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, (Houston, TX., R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries, 2022), 135. [10] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Salvation”,  Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, (Houston, TX., R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries, 2022), 232.

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak Boleng in Labuan Bajo, Diocese of Ruteng, Indonesia. Exodus 3: 13-20; Rs psalm 105: 1.5.8-9.24-25.26-27; Matthew 11: 28-30 KNOWING GOD BY HIS NAME   The theme for our meditation today is: Knowing God By His Name. Yesterday we were introduced to the Lord God in the way of using the name of the ancestors of Israel. In this way, Moses could immediately associate himself with his own ancestors and then be able to emulate the example of faith of his ancestors. Faith can grow by following existing models.   Today the book of Exodus leads us to know God by His own name, so this introduction touches God's very personal self, namely by saying His name. To Moses God said his name: I am who I am. This kind of God is a single “I”, a personal self in God. The pronoun "I" refers to a wholeness within that self and cannot be used or paired with anything else to explain it.   For example, for a person, she says her name Maria, she is a woman, she is a housewife, she is the wife of her husband Peter and many more. There are so many elements attached to her to explain what and who she is. However, God does not use those complementary elements because He is already perfect, complete. So God calling Himself "I AM" means that He is perfect and total. He is immortal or eternal.   For the name "I AM" which emphasizes the principle of self, does not mean selfishness of God. Only God can affirm this because He is almighty and only one. With this advantage, Moses and all of us receive the grace to bring God's superiority to face enemies who are evil and against His divine will, even to the point of defeating those enemies. For us humans, this affirmation is for ourselves, our own selves or ego is very weak when dealing with work, challenges or enemy's threats. This is clearly very different from God as the person and His own self.   The affirmation of "I AM" for the name of God is also made by the Son of God, namely Jesus Christ, especially when He always says: I say to you. Here Jesus continues and states the name of God when He speaks. Jesus never mentions about Himself: Jesus says to you. This affirmation of "I" for Himself, also means wanting to bring all those who hear and believe to come to Him, live with Him and practice His way of life. Today Jesus invites us to come to Him to draw the riches of His mercy. "Come to Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart." Let us always believe and rely on God's name “I am who I am”.   Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O God of all power and goodness, thank you abundantly for showing yourself as a person to us, may we always rely on Your oneness and power. Glory to the Father... In the name of the Father.... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/media-la-porta/message

Out of His deep love for you and me — His profound yearning to see us redeemed from spiritual death and its eternal consequences and to reconcile us to Himself — Jesus was willing to leave His majestic realm of glory to enter the world of humanity. He came down to our level so He could become an effective High Priest on our behalf. Shedding all His visible attributes of deity that were too much for man's flesh to endure, Jesus clothed Himself in human flesh and was manifested as a man on the earth. All of this required the greatest humility ever witnessed since the creation of the world.

"Unto us a Child is born..." writes the prophet Isaiah. In the first part of this two-part Christmas-themed message, Pastor Mat looked at the "us" to whom the Child was sent. This study focuses on the Child, Himself - Jesus. We will look at the names and titles of the Child born that first Christmas morning, learning just Who He is. And we will learn why we should boast in nothing except knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Recap Title: Praying Like Jesus Prayed Series: Discovering The Real Jesus Key Text: John 17 Key Message: As we continue our series on ‘Discovering the real Jesus' we will arrive at John chapter 17, which looks at a prayer of Jesus. Interestingly, this prayer is the longest prayer recorded by Jesus. Through this prayer we see the heart and nature of Jesus. The prayer demonstrates Jesus' relationship with his father and it also shows us that he intercedes for us. As Christians we know that prayer is an important part of our walk with God. Martin Luther King Jr said “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing”. We cannot claim to be a Christian and not pray. Jesus Himself prayed a lot. He prayed when He needed to make important decisions. We have examples in the bible of Jesus praying alone and with his disciples, He prayed early in the morning and in the evening. He prayed often and with fervor. In John 17, Jesus' prayer is a different kind of prayer. It is a prayer of vision, faith, confidence and victory. This particular prayer was during a time when He faced his greatest and toughest mission. He knew that it would not be long before He would suffer and be crucified on the cross to pay the price of sin. Jesus prayed for Himself (John 17:1, 5) Jesus prayed for His disciples He prayed for their protection (John 17:11; Romans 8:34) He prayed for their joy (John 17:13; Hebrews 12:2) He prayed for their development in holiness (John 17:17-19) Jesus prayed for all believers (John 17:20, 11) Apply Jesus prayed for Himself. It may seem selfish or self-centred to pray for yourself, however, John chapter 17 verses 1 & 5 helps us to understand Why Jesus prayed for Himself Jesus is the only one who can ask God to give Him glory because He is the son of God and all authority has been given to Him. However, it is important to note that He doesn't just ask for glory, He says give me glory, that I can give glory to you. In this, Jesus prayed that through Him, God would be glorified. We know that this is what indeed happened through his intense suffering. The glory of Jesus was displayed through his sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection. Jesus prays in everything and in every situation His Father will be glorified. Real prayer should always be focussed on seeing God work out his good purposes in our life so that honour and glory goes to Him. When you pray for yourself, what is your intention? Is it all about you being blessed? Is just about your personal needs? Or are you focussed on God blessing you so that you can bless God and others. The best way is to pray like Jesus, Lord, give to me, that I can give more to you. This can include our time, our finances, our resources etc. Jesus prayed for his disciples The main focus of the ministry of Jesus was to call and train His team of disciples. He knew that making disciples was the greatest way for his message and ministry to be continued. He knew that the condition of his disciples was key to their success or failure and to the advance of the kingdom of God. He was well aware that they would face big trials and temptations that could make them or break them. This is why He made it such a priority to pray for his disciples and this is why all of us who are leaders of the flock of God need to pray for the disciples under our care. He prayed for their protection Jesus knew that his disciples would need spiritual cover in his absence. He knew that they needed protection from the evil one. Jesus prayed for his disciples then and He prays for us now. (John 17:11; Romans 8:34) We need to pray that our disciples will be protected in their health, in their faith, finances in their family and in every area of their lives. He prayed for their joy Jesus was full of joy. Even when He faced the cross, He never lost his joy. (John 17:13; Hebrews 12:2). The Lord doesn't rob us of joy but fills us with joy. He prayed for their development in holiness One of the great areas we need to focus, is for those we are training to always walk in the ways of the Lord. We need to pray that they will stay close to the Lord and constantly be freed from dirt and spiritual pollution. We must pray daily for our loved ones and for our disciples. (John 17:17-19) Jesus prayed for all believers This means He prayed for the church both locally and globally. Both in the present and in the future. Jesus had a heart and a vision to see the multitudes come to believe in Him throughout all generations. He prayed for unity, not just for his disciples but for all future believers. (John 17:20) Unity across the church is important if we are to win people to Christ. Jesus prayed for a unity like that which unites the Trinity – (John 17:11). This means that we all should be of same heart, mind and will. Are you united with our church's vision to grow and bless the nations? We have a vision for growth, for generational blessing in families and to see transformation in our world. As a church we must be united together so that others will see the truth and be believe in God. If we will commit to unity, we will see change in our lives, in our families and in our nation. Do you commit your family, your leaders and your disciples to prayer? Pray for their protection and sanctification, that is to be set apart to do the will of God. Are you united in all things with one goal, to spread the good news of the gospel?

Do you feel as though you are stumbling around in the darkness, [unable to see the path ahead?] Do you run into painful obstacles and live in dread of what might be lurking around the next corner? The good news is that you don't have to live this way. Jesus loves you and longs to shine His light into your life. He will drive away the darkness and be the clarity and safety you need. The path Jesus sets before us is the way out of darkness and doom – a road toward ever-increasing life. Even though we may still have moments when shadows pass over us, we don't have to fear them because the light of the world Himself – Jesus - stays with us every step of the way. He drives out the darkness. If you are ready to leave darkness behind, and step into the light and life Jesus is offering you, call out to Him. Ask Him to bring you into His wonderful light. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 radio.hopewithgod.com

Traditionally the picture of Resurrected Jesus in our minds goes back to a 1st century image of Jesus. The stone rolled away, the empty tomb, the women informing the other disciples about the angle & Jesus is missing. We imagine Peter running to confirm it for Himself, we see Jesus, not yet full glorified appearing to His disciples. It’s a glorious image held dear in our hearts, but what if it isn’t the last image of Himself Jesus gave us to remember? This week, Revelation helped me realize I need to upgrade the image of Resurrected Jesus in my heart & mind. A new revelation of who Resurrected Jesus is, what He looks like, what He’s doing right now, & what He will do. This picture of Resurrected Jesus unveiled for us is meant to change how we see Him, even on Easter Sunday.

The Tribulation The Tribulation is the coming 7-year period of time that precedes the 2nd coming of Jesus and His 1,000 year reign from Jerusalem. Its fullest description of events and its _____________________________ ruler is in Revelation chapters 6-18. Its 3 purposes appear to be: the judgment of the Satanic world system; the salvation of huge numbers of Jews to Jesus; the last chance for others to be saved. Daniel 9 let us know many helpful things about the Tribulation: Other key passages related to the Antichrist and 42 months in Daniel: Adding in Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21)… First and Second Thessalonians: Revelation 6-19 goes into much greater detail: Chronology of Seals – Trumpets – Bowls… Other items from Revelation to place somewhere in the 7 years… The Remarkable Prophecy of Daniel Chapter 9:24-27 Allow me to walk you these verses. My notes are in italics after the actual text of Daniel. Seventy weeks (Literally, 70 ‘sevens') are determined for your people (Jews) and your city (Jerusalem), to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity (Christ's atoning death for sinners as Isaiah 53 describes), to bring in everlasting righteousness (Christ's coming reign from Jerusalem as Zechariah 14 describes), to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy (glory of the Lord back in the Temple as Ezekiel 44 describes). Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem (Artaxerxes, 445 BC), until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks (literally 7 sevens, 49 years), and sixty-two weeks (literally 62 sevens, 434 years); The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times (the book of Nehemiah describes the rebuilding of Jerusalem amidst opposition within those first 7 sevens of 49 years). And after the sixty-two weeks (which is after the seven “weeks” so 7 + 62 = 69 “weeks.” 69 sevens of years is 483 years. So 483 LUNAR years after the decree of 445 BC) Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself (Jesus' death was in 30 AD, 483 LUNAR years after Artaxerxes decree. The rejection of the Messiah by Israel caused God's ‘stopwatch' to stop after the 483 years, before the last 7 years begin, creating a parenthesis in time we call the church age). And the people (Roman Empire) of the prince who is to come (the End Times Antichrist) shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and to the end of the war desolations are determined (In AD 70 the city and Temple were destroyed by the Romans, which Jesus predicts in Luke 21:20-24). Then he (the End Times Antichrist) shall confirm a covenant with many for one week (referred to by scholars as the 70th“week” of Daniel, the coming 7-year tribulation period described in Revelation 6-19. The implementation of this peace deal will re-start God's prophetic stopwatch). But in the middle of the week (3.5 years into the Tribulation), he (the End Times Antichrist) shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate (Jesus calls this the Abomination of Desolation). Even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate (The coming of Jesus as the Son of Man and His defeat of Antichrist, described in Daniel 7, Zechariah 14, Jesus' Olivet Discourse, and Revelation 19).

Jesus is . . . the Lord God Almighty! Amen https://gods-love-mans-response.com/] Home page Jesus' Words Revealing the Only True God & Himself… Jesus said: “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. But […] The post Jesus is Lord; Great News…and Challenging News…Jesus: the Revelation of God…Amen! appeared first on Wonder & Reality.

《Jesus Prays for Himself》 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 《Jesus Prays for His Disciples》 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 《JESUS PRAYS FOR FUTURE BELIEVERS》 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” In His Care, Reno aka L R

Jesus loves Jesus saves Jesus heals Jesus delivers Jesus redeems Jesus invites Jesus gives Jesus gives eternal life The Father and Jesus give the Kingdom Jesus gives Himself Jesus blesses Jesus helps and comforts Jesus speaks Jesus listens Jesus teaches Jesus leads Jesus reveals Jesus reveals Himself Jesus baptizes Jesus anoints Jesus sets free Jesus […] The post Jesus: the Revelation of God; He is God! Jesus' Compassion, Mercy, Love & more. Amen! appeared first on Wonder & Reality.

Jesus is the eternal, infinite, unlimited treasure. He is the Lord God Almighty. Amen! Jesus loves Jesus saves Jesus heals Jesus delivers Jesus redeems Jesus invites Jesus gives Jesus gives eternal life The Father and Jesus give the Kingdom Jesus gives Himself Jesus blesses Jesus helps and comforts Jesus speaks Jesus listens Jesus teaches Jesus […] The post The Unsearchable Riches of Jesus Christ; Jesus is Alive! He is God. Amen! appeared first on Wonder & Reality.

Jesus invites everyone to Himself Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and […] The post Jesus in Us: the Perfect Plan; Jesus Said, “I and My Father are One” (John 10:30) appeared first on Wonder & Reality.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are not offended by men." Who killed the Christ? This is important. Jesus said "I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me." Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus said if you rejected Himself (Jesus) you reject God the father. The is a message for Christians. Are you a Christian? Or a Judeo-Christian? Fritz Berggren, PhD Bloodandfaith.com 1 Dec 2020

"What is truth?" Had Pontius Pilate stayed to listen for the answer straight from the Truth-giver Himself (Jesus), a different outcome may have been penned in John 18:38 but the world in which we live now doubts even factual evidence. In today's message, Pastor Jeff explains three views of truth and how we can combat the devil's deceptions. Music videos used in today's message: "We Believe" by The Newsboys https://youtu.be/FtPmX7e_Rpw "Something Good" by Gateway Worship {lyric video by AliveChurch Vinita} https://youtu.be/xYZ8QVBLa34

Rev. 3:7-13 Jesus, the Angel of the churches, identifies Himself - Jesus identifies Himself as: holy, true, He has the Key of David, and when He opens the door, no man shutteth it!

Pattern of the letters:  Jesus begins by speaking about Himself Jesus assesses each church: the good and the bad Jesus gives a correction Jesus ends with a promise   Stars and Walks = authority and presence Many good works! Problem: abandoned the love you had at first Remedy: Remember, Repent, Do the first works Promise: Eternal life

              Hello and welcome to season 2 episode 56 of The Berean Manifesto, brought to you by The Ekklesian House.  This is Pastor Bill and over the next 10 minutes, or so, we are going to talk about judging by fruit.             In Matthew 7:15-20 CSB Jesus says, “[15] ‘Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. [16] You'll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? [17] In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. [18] A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. [19] Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] So you'll recognize them by their fruit.'”             Jesus is saying that we can, and should, judge others by the results of their actions.  Are they bringing about good and pleasant things?  Are they setting people free from bondage and helping them grow?  Or are they making others twice the slave they are?  Are they spreading contention and strife?  Are they teaching others to believe in fantasy and preaching only what people want to hear? This is important because if someone is producing good fruit then we should join them in spreading that and this is the kind of person we should keep around to make us better people.  If they're producing rotten fruit, then we need to distance ourselves from their actions and protect ourselves from being influenced by them.  If we're considering donating money to a ministry or non-profit, then it's important to know if they are producing good fruit before we donate. For instance, I'm pro-life, in every sense of the term; I oppose war and the death penalty, and I don't support abortion.  I believe any organization that's participating in these acts is producing rotten fruit.  Therefore, I wouldn't donate to Planned Parenthood, nor would I donate to Susan G Komen since they then turn around and donate large sums of money to Planned Parenthood.  I've heard the objection, that Komen only donates specifically for breast cancer screenings and mammogram referrals.  Except that Planned Parenthood isn't organized in a way that makes that kind of donation possible.  You can say you want your money used on, but the way they are organized every donation is used, at least in part, on abortion. This is the very fact why Title X was such a big deal.  If Planned Parenthood would have reorganized their structure, as they were urged by government officials long before Title X was a thing,  to where donated funds could be earmarked for only one thing and then never be used for another then they wouldn't have lost any funding for health services when Title X went through.  But, as former Planned Parenthood president Dr. Leana Wen found out, the organization is more interested in being radical about abortion and less concerned with providing actual health services to women. Now for those of you still listening and/or reading after I just put two dying nonprofits on blast for their fruit, remember, we're still talking about judging fruit.  In Matthew 11 and Luke 7 we find recorded that news has reached John the Baptist in prison that Jesus is performing miracles and has a reputation of being a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.  So, John sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah they have been waiting for or should they be looking for someone else. You see, Jesus didn't look or act like the Messiah that John the Baptist or the religious leaders of the day were expecting.  John is, I'm sure, struggling with the fact that he's in prison while his cousin is out there on His tour of the countryside.  None of that helped by the rumors that John is getting wind of that while John has been a super pious guy never even touching a drop of alcohol, Jesus is living it up at parties with sinners. I love Jesus' response when Johns' disciples reach Him with the question of whether or not He is the Messiah, or should they be looking for another.  Basically, John wants to know if his endorsement of Jesus at the river Jordan was misplaced and is this going to come back and bite him in the butt.  Let's look at Jesus' response.  Luke 7:18-23 CSB, “[18] Then John's disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples [19] and sent them to the Lord, asking, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" [20] When the men reached him, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to ask you, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'" [21] At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and he granted sight to many blind people. [22] He replied to them, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, [23] and blessed is the one who isn't offended by me." Instead of putting John on blast in front of his disciples for publicly questioning His ministry, Jesus instead takes the route of listing his fruit and letting it stand on its own.  Now once John's people are gone though, Jesus turns to the crowd and still instead of talking bad about John or even trying to defend Himself Jesus takes the opportunity to hype John up.  He says, Luke 7:24-29 CSB, “[24b] What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? [25] What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. [26] What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. [27] This is the one about whom it is written: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. [28] I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." [29] (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God's way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John's baptism. [30] But since the Pharisees and experts in the law had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves.)” You see Jesus had no problem openly criticizing those with rotten fruit.  However, John, even though he was questioning Jesus' ministry, was producing good fruit.  Jesus had no reason to cast doubt in others minds over whether or not John and his ministry could be trusted.  I've seen a fair amount of judging of ministers of the Gospel on social media lately.  I'm sure people think they're just warning others about wolves in sheep's clothing.  However, some of these I have first-hand knowledge of good fruit coming out of their ministries.  Some of it you can easily research online, some of it isn't public knowledge.  I guess the point here is that unless God Himself tells you to warn people about a minister of the Gospel then you should probably keep your mouth shut.  You might just be warning people away from the very help that they need. This is Pastor Bill saying, “Until next time…”

When Jesus Prayed John 17:1-26 (CSB) Jesus Prays for Himself Jesus has the authority to give eternal life Jesus is the ark of the new testament ... Read More

When Jesus Prayed John 17:1-26 (CSB) Jesus Prays for Himself Jesus has the authority to give eternal life Jesus is the ark of the new testament ... Read More

THE HEALING AND MIRACLE PODCASTwith Prince HandleyWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG HEALING IS GOD'S GIFT WHY HEALING BELONGS TO YOUYou can listen to the above message NOW. Click on the pod circle at top left. (Click “BACK” to return.)OR … LISTEN NOW  >>> LISTEN HERE 24/7 release of Prince Handley teachings, BLOGS and podcasts > STREAM Twitter: princehandley Subscribe FREE to Prince Handley teaching: princehandley@gmail.com ________________________________________ INTRODUCTION In this podcast teaching we will discuss the FACT that God has provided healing for ALL … and HOW we know this. Also, we will explain HOW to receive YOUR healing. You must KNOW: that healing belongs to YOU … and that YOU can be healed and walk in health. ________________________________________ HEALING IS GOD'S GIFT WHY HEALING BELONGS TO YOU The dictionary defines "disease" as: 1) any departure from a state of health; 2) a disordered condition of mind or body marked by definite symptoms. To be at "ease" is to be FREE from pain or any discomfort, including anxiety and stress. "Dis-ease" is the opposite. In the Holy Bible, God promised MORE than healing for his people. He promised DIVINE HEALTH: freedom from disease! "If you will carefully listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon you … for I am the LORD that heals you." [Torah: Exodus 15:26] Notice the last phrase: "I am the LORD that heals you." Literally, the Hebrew language is saying, "I am Jehovah Rapha (The LORD, your physician)." It is wonderful to be able to claim God’s promises for divine healing, but it is even better to walk in divine HEALTH: not needing to be healed! Exodus 23:25 says, "And you shall serve the LORD your God and he shall bless your bread, and your water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of you." When sickness is "away" from you, then you have HEALTH. Thank God, it is His will for YOU to walk in divine health just as much as it is for your soul to be saved. In 3 John, verse 2, (a passage of scripture which is written to believers in Messiah Jesus) the Holy Bible says: "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper AND BE IN HEALTH, even as your soul prospers." Psalm 103 gives us a powerful promise from God to any and ALL who may be suffering from disease: spiritual, physical, or mental. "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities (or sins); who heals all your diseases." [Psalm 103:1-3] God’s nature never changes. The same healing nature of God that was revealed in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible is revealed in the New Testament. His nature is the same today as it was yesterday. In the Old Testament, God said, "For I am the LORD, I change not." In the New Testament we read, "Jesus, the Messiah, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." [Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8] Jesus displayed the healing nature of God, Jesus said, "He that has seen me has seen the Father." [John 14:9] Jesus never refused healing to anyone! Jesus’ nature is God’s nature. He never refused healing to anyone. Jesus is God! "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel [good news] of the kingdom, and healing every disease among the people." [Matthew 9:35] Jesus came to earth to heal - to restore to health: spiritually, physically, and mentally. He came to "buy" back what Adam, the first man who ever lived, lost. In the Garden of Eden, Adam sinned against God by disobeying him. God had commanded Adam: "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it; for in the day you shall eat of it you shall surely die." [Genesis 2:16-17] Satan, the devil, lied to Eve, Adam’s wife, saying, "You shall not surely die." But Eve, like many people today, did not realize that REAL death is "spiritual.” Physical death (when your body dies) is merely a result of "spiritual" death. To be spiritually dead does not mean you do not exist; it simply means you exist, but that you are SEPARATED from God: "joined" to Satan! From one act of disobedience by Adam, sin entered into the world, so that spiritual death passed through the bloodline to ALL men … resulting in physical death. "Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; so death passed upon ALL men, for all have sinned." [Romans 5:12] This "spiritual" death―SEPARATION FROM GOD―which produced physical sickness and disease, and the death of the body, HAD TO BE HEALED! This is why God sent his only Son, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), to earth. "For as by one man’s [Adam's] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the OBEDIENCE of one [Messiah Yeshua] shall many be made righteous." [Romans 5:19] In Isaiah Chapter 53 we see just what Jesus did … why he came to earth! "Surely he has borne our sicknesses and diseases, and carried [away] our pains; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.” [Verse 4] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [Verse 5] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity [or, sin] of us all." [Verse 6] What Isaiah prophesied in the Old Testament was fulfilled 750 years later by the Messiah of Israel, Yeshua Ha Mashiach [Jesus the "Christ", or the "Anointed One"]. He bore our sicknesses and diseases. He carried away our pains. He was wounded and bruised for our sin; the LORD laid on him the sin of us all. And with his stripes we are healed. In some Bibles Isaiah 53:4 reads: "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” However, the original Hebrew (the original language of the Hebrew Scriptures) for the words "grief" and "sorrow" is "choli" and "macob", respectively. "Choli" means "sickness and disease". "Macob" means "pain" (acute pain; intense suffering: mental or physical). To prove that Isaiah meant in this passage that healing would be included in Messiah’s work for us, we need only to consult the New Testament record of Jesus’ ministry in Matthew Chapter 8, verses 16-17: "When the evening was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils; and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed ALL that were sick. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, ‘Himself [Jesus the Messiah] took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses’." Jesus fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said 750 years before: He bore our sicknesses and diseases. He carried away our pains. With his stripes WE ARE HEALED. Jesus’ body and mind took punishment for us … his blood paid for our sins. His body was beaten, wounded and bruised (even before he was crucified) and then he was nailed to the wooden cross … FOR OUR HEALING: spiritual, physical, and mental! Oppression - both mental and physical - is included in Messiah’s work for us. Messiah was driven; he was abased and looked down upon. Isaiah 53:7 says, "He was oppressed and he was afflicted …" In Isaiah 53:4, where it reads, " … he carried our ‘pains’ …” the literal Hebrew meaning is "acute pain; intense suffering: MENTAL or PHYSICAL." What Jesus did FOR you, you don’t have to do! Messiah Jesus healed the separation between God and man through his work FOR US, and therefore ended Satan’s dominion over ALL who would trust in Him! "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might DESTROY the works of the devil." [1 Yochanan (John) 3:8] Jesus "carried" sickness, sin, disease, poverty, and oppression―the works of the devil (Satan)―FOR YOU. Now you don’t have to carry them any longer. They do NOT belong to the believer in Christ! WHAT JESUS DID FOR YOU YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO! Now that you know that healing is God's gift—and that healing belongs to YOU—reach up by faith and receive what you need from God. Just pray this prayer: “Father in Heaven, I need healing. I ask for you to heal me. I want healing and health for my body, my mind and my spirit. I invite your Son, Messiah Jesus, to take over my whole being. Please save me and heal me. Help me to live for you here on Earth, and take me to Heaven when I die. Amen!” Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai.Your friend, Prince Handley President / RegentUniversity of Excellence Podcast time: 12 minutes, 33 seconds. Copyright © Prince Handley 2019 _________________________ Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers’ Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal (1,000’s of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books NOTICE If you would like to partner with Prince Handley and help him do the exploits the LORD has assigned him, click the secure DONATE button you see below. God will reward you abundantly on earth … and in Heaven! DONATE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU ___________________________

Work changed after the Fall. Creative labor (that’s what work really is- or should be, right?) no longer had the ease to it that it had before sin entered the equation. In a real sense, the ground “fought back” with Adam.  The raises an interesting question: Why did God do this? Why did God curse the ground? God said, “Cursed is the ground because of you” (Genesis 3:17). In other words, it’s clear here that the curse is a direct result of Adam’s sin. This leads us to the obvious follow-up question: Did God curse the ground, or did He simply communicate to Adam the result of his actions?  Or, to ask the question another way- Did God curse Creation or did we? If God cursed Creation, then we can lay the blame for every natural disaster on Him. Even though insurance agencies refer to tornadoes and hurricanes as “acts of God,” do we really believe that He causes- or caused- them? Did God cause the storm at sea that Jesus calmed (Mark 4:37f.)? Or did Satan? In that story is God at “tug-of-war” with devil… or with Himself? Jesus tells us, “The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I, on the other hand, have come to give you life” (John 10:10).  If anything is marked by killing, stealing, or destroying, it clearly doesn’t originate with God. We never see Jesus causing storms, we only see Him calming them, right?  Furthermore…  if God causes sickness… if God causes mental disease…  if God causes emotional unrest… if God causes poverty…  if God causes natural disasters… if God caused Creation to be cursed…  … if these things are true… then why pray for healing, for mental clarity, for emotional wholeness, for provision… for storms to abate… and for work to even be meaningful? Wouldn’t we be asking Him to fix something He did?  It seems to me that the current state of Creation is an example of sowing and reaping, a principle implemented on the 3rd day when the power of seed bearing plants were spoken forth by God (Genesis 1:1-11). Creation mirrors who we are- in terms of both rebellion and ultimate redemption. The image of the "rebellious" dirt shows us where've been... but, the glory that unfolds shows us where we're headed.

A daily devotional through the recorded words Jesus spoke while He walked alongside us. Our website http://alittlewalkwithgod.com. Thanks for joining me today for "A Little Walk with God." I'm your host Richard Agee. Is silent prayer effective? Yep. Is vocal prayer effective? Yep. Is prayer effective? Yep. When it's for the right reason. Scripture John 11:39-42 Jesus: Remove the stone. Martha: Lord, he has been dead four days; the stench will be unbearable. Jesus: Remember, I told you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God. They removed the stone, and Jesus lifted His eyes toward heaven. Jesus: Father, I am grateful that You have heard Me. I know that You are always listening, but I proclaim it loudly so that everyone here will believe You have sent Me. Devotional I know people that are scared to death to pray out loud. They are afraid they'll say the wrong thing. They think someone might think poorly of them because of the words they say. They get their tongues tied and nothing seems to come out right They're afraid they'll forget something they really want to say I know others who think you really need to pray out loud to keep focused during prayer It's too easy to let your mind wander It's easier to gather your thoughts It helps you articulate your praise to God It helps you focus on others instead of yourself It forces you to think more clearly about what you're doing Jesus shows us that prayer is effective no matter how we pray as long as it's for the right reason. “Father, I'm grateful You have heard Me.” But He hasn't said anything out loud yet. He has obviously prayed, but communicated silently with His Father. “I know You are always listening” “I proclaim it loudly so that everyone here will believe You have sent Me.” His vocal prayer is heard so others will know His specific prayer to the Father for Lazarus' resurrection What was all of this about? Everything Jesus did was to bring glory to God He stated before He left for Bethany that His delay and actions would bring glory to His Father All His prayer requests sought direction to give the most glory to God His actions aimed glory to God and not Himself Jesus came to Bethany to bring glory to His Father He would raise Lazarus from the dead He would show He was one with the Father since only God had the power to give life He would point all of those action toward one purpose and one cause Bringing glory to His Father If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don't, tell me. I hope you'll join me again tomorrow for "A Little Walk with God."  

Sermon on John 14:1-14, for the 5th Sunday of Easter, about Jesus' exclusive claim to be the only way to the Father. Sermon Talking Points Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com 1. Why does believing in God, that is, believing in Jesus, bring peace to the troubled heart? John 16:22-23; Phil. 4:7; 1 Tim. 1:5 2. For what reason did Jesus ascend into heaven after rising from the dead? John 13:36; 14:2-3; 16:7. When will He bring us with Him? 3. Rather than give “directions” or a checklist to get into heaven, Jesus points Thomas to Himself (Jesus), as the Way. What is significant about the fact that the Way is a person? What does it mean that “without the Way, there is no going?” 4. How does Jesus' message that He is the only Way to the Father run against the grain of our human thinking? How do people today try to change these words of Jesus? Why is it so important that we be able to turn people away from “dead-end paths?” cf. Acts 4:12 5. What does it mean that “without the Truth, there is no knowing?” How is Jesus the source of Truth? John 1:1-2; 17; 8:32; 16:13; 17:17; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Timothy 2:4. 6. How does human knowledge set itself against God's truth? 1 Corinthians 2 (esp. v. 14); 2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Tim. 4:3-5; Rom. 1:25 7. What does it mean that “without the Life, there is no living?” Mark 8:35; John 1:4; 3:15; 5:24-29; 10:10. 8. What does our sinful nature often propose is the “real life?” Eph. 2:3; 2 Tim. 2:22; Titus 2:12; 9. How is knowing Jesus to know and see the Father as well? John 5:18-29; 8:12ff. What does such faith in God bring us in eternity?

12/17/06 Norm Funk The doctrine of the virgin birth of Jesus is getting hammered both outside and inside the church - this sermon deals with the importance of God coming in the flesh and calling Himself Jesus.