Podcasts about his holy spirit

(This podcast was previously published on, November 13, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   Even before David fought Goliath, God had chosen David to replace Saul as king and David was anointed by the prophet Samuel as king, replacing Saul.   I Samuel 16:13  Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.   The Holy Spirit had been removed from Saul and the Holy Spirit was given to David, and Samuel the prophet of God had anointed David by the Word of God to be king over Israel.   Though God had made these changes, they didn't come to pass in the eyes of the people until later. Saul remained king and David was little known.  But in the spiritual kingdom David replaced Saul as king and it would be seen by all in time.   In the meantime, Saul keeps David with him and even makes David to be in charge of his army.   (But David is already anointed by God as king to replace Saul. I Samuel 16)  

(This podcast was previously published on, November 12, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   I Samuel 17   1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.   2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.   3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.   4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.   5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.   6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.   7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.   8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.   9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.   10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.   11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.  

Today's Promise: Isaiah 44:3 Have you ever felt like your soul was running on empty? You're tired, weary, and spiritually dry, but you don't know how to get refreshed.   When you have worked hours in the blazing sun, nothing tastes better than a cold drink of water. It was incredibly refreshing.   But there's a thirst that water can't satisfy. That is the thirst of your soul.   Isaiah 44:3 promises: "I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit…" God doesn't want you to remain spiritually dry. He promises to refresh you with His Holy Spirit and pour His presence into your life.   If your heart feels dry today, this Daily Promise will remind you that God has refreshing water for your soul.

Today, again, we will spend time in worship. Simply focusing on God and His character. So, invite His Holy Spirit to pour over You with His presence. Listen intently as we experience His Word together.From Psalm 33 The MessageGood people, cheer God! Right-living people sound best when praising.Use guitars to reinforce your Hallelujahs! Play his praise on a grand piano!Invent your own new song to him; give him a trumpet fanfare.For God's Word is solid to the core; everything he makes is sound inside and out.He loves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true.Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction.… bow before God; … down on your knees!Here's why: he spoke and there it was, in place the moment he said so.God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, he shoots down the world's power-schemes.God's plan for the world stands up, all his designs are made to last.Blessed is the country with God for God; blessed are the people he's put in his will.He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do.No king succeeds with a big army alone, no warrior wins by brute strength.Horsepower is not the answer; no one gets by on muscle alone.Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love.He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together.We're depending on God; he's everything we need.What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own his holy name.Love us, God, with all you've got—that's what we're depending on.Can you add your personal thoughts of worship to these words from david?What about God are you in awe of?How has God rescued you?Will you praise and worship him for the personal way He has shown up recently?Let's personalize the last lines of Psalm 33:I'm depending on You, God; You are everything I need.What's more, my heart brims with joy since I've taken for my own Your holy name.Love me, God, with all you've got—that's what I'm depending on.Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, Thank You that I don't have to worship, but I get to worship. You are a Gentleman who never forces His way, yet loves in such a powerful way that invites a response of gratitude. Thank You for loving me with all You've got. As above, so below.” - Amen

What does it mean to be sanctified? The process of sanctification comes when you continue to faithfully follow the Lord's will in your life. Once you surrender your life to Jesus, He puts His Holy Spirit within you to do His will. The more you walk with Jesus and abide with Him, day by day, He transforms you. Pastor Mark explains in today's message that every day as a follower of Jesus, the Lord is working to transform you more into His likeness. This is what sanctification is: to gradually become more like Christ. The goal is to ask yourself each day how you can shine more like Jesus. And to serve His Kingdom and will for your life.

God's power was never about finding the right technique. It rests on trusting Him. And that trust begins with something deeper than knowing facts about God: experiencing His love until it changes us. His Holy Spirit isn't a magic word or a formula, but a Presence we live in every day, and that Presence guarantees every promise He's made. From the very beginning, God's dream has been for His goodness to fill the whole earth, and He sends His people, not just to fill seats, but to fill the world with love. So look around, notice where love and dignity are missing, and start somewhere close. Real hope isn't built on how things look today. It's built on God's Presence and His promise.

This week we will spend time in simple, quiet worship. Let's simply focus on God and His goodness. Breathe deep and allow your spirit to connect to His Holy Spirit.Psalm 29 from The Message — A Psalm of David “Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”In awe before the glory, in awe before God's visible power.Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him!God thunders across the waters,Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—God, across the flood waters.God's thunder tympanic, God's thunder symphonic.God's thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars.The mountain ranges skip like spring colts, The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.God's thunder spits fire.God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”Above the floodwaters is God's throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.What words, what phrases stood out to you?What games of God moved your spirit to worship?Listen once again to the final verses:We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”Above the floodwaters is God's throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace.”As you walk through hardships and the challenges of your life, remember that Your God is the God of the thunder, of the rain, and of glory and power. He has you. He holds you. To make you strong. To give you peace.Let's pray: “Father, I realize Your power. I recognize Your glory. Today, in this quiet moment, I worship You. Thank You for Your strong arm that protects my life. Thank You for Your gentle Spirit to give me peace. As above, so below.” - Amen

Learn how to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live a Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:17-18). The exalted Christ has poured out His Spirit upon His people. When we were born again, His Holy Spirit indwells us, and is ready to help and empower us, but we must ask Him to fill us (Ephesians 5:18). He is continuously available to fill believers, and empower them to live in alignment with God's will. Discover practical steps for inviting the Holy Spirit into your life and the transformative power it brings to overcome sin and produce the fruits of the Spirit.

Learn how to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live a Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:17-18). The exalted Christ has poured out His Spirit upon His people. When we were born again, His Holy Spirit indwells us, and is ready to help and empower us, but we must ask Him to fill us (Ephesians 5:18). He is continuously available to fill believers, and empower them to live in alignment with God's will. Discover practical steps for inviting the Holy Spirit into your life and the transformative power it brings to overcome sin and produce the fruits of the Spirit.

Pentecost was not just a historical event. It was the moment God poured out His Holy Spirit on ordinary people, forever changing what it means to follow Him. The transformation of Peter is one of the most powerful examples in all of Scripture. A man who once hid in fear and denied Jesus three times stood before thousands and boldly proclaimed the truth. That change did not come from willpower or self-improvement. It came because God filled him with His Spirit. The same Spirit that filled Peter lives in every believer today. The question worth asking is whether we are truly letting Him work in us.

What does it truly mean to have a heart after God's own heart? In a world that tells us to be guarded, tough, and self-reliant, God invites us into a completely different way of living. He calls us to a life of softness, vulnerability, and radical surrender to His Holy Spirit. In this message, we dive deep into scripture to discover how God transforms us from the inside out. We look at the powerful promise in Ezekiel 11:19, where God offers to take away our stony hearts and replace them with tender hearts of flesh. We explore the life of David—a man chosen not for his outward appearance or status, but because of the condition of his heart (1 Samuel 13:14, 16:6-13). True transformation isn't about trying harder in our own strength. As Romans 8:5-9 and Galatians 5:19-23 remind us, a mind set on the flesh leads to death, but a mind led by the Spirit brings life, peace, and the beautiful fruit of righteousness. When we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), our identity becomes firmly rooted in who He says we are (Matthew 16:13). If you are feeling weary, spiritually dry, or ready to break free from the patterns of the flesh, this sermon is for you. Learn how to cultivate a soft heart that is easily led by the whisper of God.

Jesus talked rather a lot about slavery on the one hand, and freedom on the other. If you're a slave, freedom is a big deal. Now He was talking to you and me – still is.  Because this whole freedom thing isn't a theory lesson, He wants us to live it. Freedom!   Free At Last Now, I want to share something with you today. Yours truly, I have to tell you, I am not stupid. I might be short and slightly dumpy; I may have more grey hair than that of the original colour; it may be that I can't draw a picture for nuts; there are lots of things I can't do; lots of things I'm not great at and lots of things I'm just not. But God has blessed me with a pretty nimble mind, so I'm not stupid. Now the point of me telling you that is not to boast. The point is: even though I am a bit of a bright spark, I spent the first thirty six years of my life in slavery. And here's the thing: I never realised it! That's the point. We can be as smart as smart can be; we can be as clever as clever can be on the one hand, but completely miss the whole point of life, on the other. Do you get it? I mean, I kind of realised that something wasn't quite right. I kind of realised that I didn't have the joy and contentment in life that I was so looking for in everything I tried. But I simply had no idea that the reason for that was because I was a slave … a slave to self; a slave to sin. Now, this idea of slavery may seem a little harsh or extreme. It may seem that I am somewhat overstating the case when I say that I was a slave to sin. After all, slavery is a brutal thing. Let's just stop and think for a moment what it means to be a slave. A slave is someone who has no rights. His or her master can abuse them; they have to do what their masters tell them to do; they have no freedoms; they can't come and go as they please. And if we look at slavery down through the ages, slaves are the most oppressed of all people. Somehow, innately, we know that men and women and children have been born to be free. It doesn't mean we can do anything we like. Obviously, we need laws but good laws, not oppressive laws. So, human spirit is meant to be free, albeit in the right and proper constraints of the society. So, when someone becomes a slave, it's just wrong. Interesting that the Bible, which was written over a period of a couple of thousand years – the last Books being completed in the First Century AD. The Bible doesn't take issue with slavery – neither does it endorse slavery. It just kind of accepts it as a fact of life. Now, I have some ideas as to why that might be but that's for another time. But God's Word does link sin with the concept of slavery, over and over and over again, in the New Testament especially. Let's have a listen to what Jesus said on this. John chapter 8, beginning a verse 28: So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but I speak these things as the Father instructed me. And the one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him." As he was saying these things, many believed. Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and we have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." Now this is a really interesting exchange and I can really, really put myself in the shoes of the people who took umbrage with Jesus about this whole slavery thing. Jesus is explaining that in order for people to be saved and have a relationship with God, they had to believe in Him. That's radical! All the other messiahs out there and there were lots of people claiming to be the promised Messiah around Jesus time. They all pointed at this or that or someone else. Jesus pointed at Himself. "Believe in me!" He was directly claiming to be God in the flesh – outrageously radical – which is one of the reasons the religious leaders had Him crucified. But it says here in verse 30 that: "… many believed". But then the bit that people took umbrage with: Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word you truly are my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. Now, when someone talks to you and me about freedom these days, the first thing we think about, probably, is not slavery, because most of us aren't slaves. Although I have no doubt that of the millions of people listening to this message around the globe, right now, some in fact, are slaves. Most of us aren't and so if someone comes and talks to us about freedom, slavery is not front of mind. But it was back in the first century because there were lots of slaves. The words about being made free, intentionally pointed to freedom from slavery. People knew what He was talking about and that how it was taken. And this is where the Jews who believed in Him had a problem. They answered Him, "We are descendants of Abraham, we have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, "You will be made free"? And that's where Jesus hits them between the eyes. Jesus answered them, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household. The son has a place there forever. So if the son makes you free, you will be free indeed." Friend, sin is slavery. Let me say that again: sin is slavery. It is a yoke of oppression. It robs us of freedom and of life. When we are wrapped up in our own selves and in our own selfish desires; when we are trying to get the world to bow down to us, rather than us loving and serving those around us, friend, we lose our lives. And Jesus came to set the captives free – that's why righteousness is so important. Righteousness is the opposite of sin. As we saw last week on the programme, righteousness is not just an attribute of God; it's something that God gives to us as a free gift, when we believe in Jesus. We become the righteousness of God. Now we are going to live life either in sin or in righteousness. We are! It's one or the other and once we have a right standing with God (that's what "righteousness" means); once we have become righteous because we believe in Jesus, we are meant to live that out. It's like the criminal who has served his time in prison and he is released and he steps out of that gate and he either continues in his criminal ways – which many do, and they end up back behind bars which, frankly, has always struck me as sheer lunacy but it shows you how powerful sin is in people's lives – OR following his release, he mends his ways; and he lives out his new life of freedom and gets the benefits of all that. He is not in prison anymore; he can live out his new life. The new man, set free. Well, you and I have been set free if we believe in Jesus, through faith. Question is: how are we going to live that out?   The Power of Change Now, blind Freddy can see that being forgiven and having a right standing with God is only part of the equation – it's only the beginning. It's like a prisoner being set free at the end of his sentence. He steps out of the prison gate. It's a huge step, but it's only the first one of the rest of his life of freedom. Freedom is something to be lived out and so it is for anyone who has taken the first step of believing in Jesus: believing what He did for us on that cross; believing that He rose from the dead to give us a new life; believing that He has placed His Holy Spirit inside us so that we can live that new life of freedom. Jesus said this, listen very carefully. John chapter 8, verses 34 to 36: Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." And the Apostle Paul, some decades on, restates it so that we won't miss it. Galatians chapter 5, verse 1: For freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. In other words: the reason that we have been set free is in order to be free, to live out our new lives of freedom. For freedom Christ has set us free. God hasn't set us free through this great and mighty act of love – the sacrifice of His Son – in order for us to submit again to the yoke of slavery which sin places on us. He set us free so that we can be free from sin, free indeed! You and I both know – we chatted about this earlier – that a prisoner who has served his sentence, steps out of that prison gate a free man but he can return to his life of crime and many of them do and eventually he finds himself back behind bars. Or we can live out this new life as a free man, a free woman, without breaking the law; without turning against God for the rest of our days. I have never been incarcerated but I'd have thought it would be a horrible thing. I'd have thought that one night, let alone a year or two or twenty would be more than enough to convince anyone not to reoffend. But many, many do and the majority of people in prison today are in fact, re-offenders. Incredible. Mad, you might say. But think about it: it's exactly what many a believer in Christ does. We believe – we take the first step of freedom – we believe in Jesus, but then we go on living just like before, only to discover that this new found freedom in Christ, isn't what it was cracked up to be because we are submitting back to that cruel yoke of slavery which is sin. Now, in part, that is because sin is so deeply engrained in our flesh. And the Apostle Paul has this exact same problem. Romans chapter 7, beginning at verse 15: I do not understand my own actions. Because I do not do what I want, I do the very thing that I hate. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want, that is what I do. So I find this to be a law that whenever I want to do this good, evil lies close at hand. I delight in the law of God in my inmost being, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. That's the problem we all face. "Man, this 'sin' thing is so strong in me. I'm so weak, how am I ever going to live it out, this righteousness of God? How am I ever going to reap the harvest, the blessing; the fruit of righteousness? I just can't do it!" And therein lies the whole point: you and I can't do … we can't do it on our own; we simply can't. I can't and you can't, we need the blessing of God; we need the power of God. The question is: where do you get it? The question is: will He give me the power; will He give you the power? What would you say if I told you we already have the power? Have a listen to this promise from God's Word. Second Peter chapter 1, verses 2 to 4: May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in this world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. Need something to be godly? I do! You do too, actually. Well, God has already given us that – past tense. It is a done deal! Don't you like that? God has already given us everything needed for life. In other words, He has given us our lives back; real life, abundant life because we are now righteousness through faith in Jesus and we have a right standing with Him. But not just what's needed for life but also for godliness. He's given us everything we need to escape from the corruption of this world and become – wait for it – participants of the divine nature; to be one with God; to know God so deeply; for the image of God to be so bright and so vibrant and so powerful in us. Get it? We already have everything we need Just like Jesus prayed for us in John chapter 17, that we would become one with Him, the way Him and His Father are one. We have to work at that. The closer we get to Jesus, the more we change; the more we love Him and experience His love in return, the more our behaviour changes. And that's why we stand firm; that's why our lives are changed: For this reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness and goodness with knowledge and knowledge with self-control and self-control with endurance and endurance with godliness and godliness with mutual affection and mutual affection with love. If these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter chapter 1:5-8) Friend, God has already given you and me so much in Jesus. Wake up!! Stop grumbling. Stop living under this deception that we can't beat sin in our lives. It's already beaten on the cross! We already have a new life through the empty tomb. We already have the power of the Spirit – the very same one who raised Jesus from the dead. Read it. Ephesians chapter 1: We have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing through Christ in heavenly places. Believe that. It's God's promise. It's the power to change. Just believe!   A Transformed Life Well, we are almost at the end of another series and it's amazing how quickly time flies. Now, over these last few weeks we have been talking about reaping a harvest … reaping the harvest of righteousness. As I have said on a few occasions now, in this series, I used to think that righteousness was a bunch of rules I had to live by: do this and God will smile upon my life; do that, WHACK, He'll punish me. That was my view of this word 'righteousness' which, let's face it, is not used so much these days anymore. But that's not what God had in mind when He had the Apostle Paul write these words in his letter to the church at Philippi. Philippians chapter 1, beginning at verse 9: And this is my prayer: that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ, you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. It's not a matter of rules, it's about love, see? And that's what I had to get out of my system. And to tell you the truth, my hunch is, even after a decade and a half of walking with Jesus, even after almost a decade of teaching God's Word on air as I am doing right now, my hunch is I am still getting this misconception of a ruled based God out of my system. I know we all have to live by rules, the law for starters. Obviously, we all have to live by some rules. But by and large we don't mind that; we get it, ninety nine times out of a hundred that in order to live in a society, there have to be some boundaries set that organise the place and make sure everyone is kind of looked after and kept safe. But on the fringes of those rules – let's be honest – there are some rough edges. This is the place where arguments happen: on the fringes; on the borders; in the disputed territories. I mean, disputes between neighbours, what are they about? The fence line; the noise – they are about things either on the boundary or things that cross over the boundary that one party thinks, "Well, that's fine" and the other one thinks, "No, it's not". It's the same in the home or at work. Disputes happen when someone breaks some rules that we have in our heads, whether they are valid or not. The more we think about it, the more rules are a big deal in this world. The ones that are written down called laws, the ones that are unspoken but accepted and then the ones that you and I carry around as our own personal set of rules. So it's easy to imagine that God is this rule-bound God. After all that's what the Old Testament is about – the whole Old Testament story of God, loving and engaging His chosen people, Israel, and their universal inability to keep His law; His rules given through Moses. The whole of the Old Testament screams out at you that this whole rule thing just doesn't work. And there is a reason for that. Have a listen to what the Apostle Paul writes: My friends, you have died to the law through the body of Christ so that you may belong to another; to him who has been raised from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God. While we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are discharged from the law; dead to that which held us captive so that we are slaves, not on to the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit. See, there it is. All that rules really do is point out where we are going wrong. There is no power in the law to change our hearts. We work at it and we work at it and we are still not pure and holy and perfect, the way God is. So the law holds us captive but Jesus died and rose again and those of us, who believe in Him, in effect, die and rise again. We die to sin, we die to the law and we are raised up into a new life. Born again! No longer under the burden of law, but a new life; a transformed life, living in love and forgiveness; living as one with God because He put His Holy Spirit in us – a new law in the Spirit, the law of life rather than of death. How is this possible? Because all my sins, past, present and future, have been paid for by Jesus on the cross – yours too. So when you and I fail God, as we do almost every day, no longer are we condemned under the law. We go to God, we admit our mistakes, we turn away from them and we ask Him for His forgiveness through Jesus, and then we get on with life. We died to that whole ruled-based thing and now there is a whole new life ahead of us – that's the whole point. Not to mope around like nothing has changed; not to whinge and complain about things; not to live as though we are still condemned men and women, but to live a new, vibrant life. Second Corinthians chapter 5, verse 17: If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. Everything old has passed away and, see, everything has become new. Hello! Wake up! This is fantastic news and the thing that changes now is our hearts. Once we are not condemned anymore; once we are free; once we are enjoying Jesus and the presence of His Spirit, man, we want to do His will; we want to live out righteousness. God's ways become a whole bunch easier, because instead of pulling against them, we are so delighted with this new life, we just want to live it out with Him for His glory and that's why we want to do it His way. That's exactly what Paul writes in his New Testament letter to the church at Philippi. Philippians chapter 2, beginning at verse 12: Therefore my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. We obey God which we should, not because we are rule-bound to do so; not because we are dragged into that place, kicking and screaming, but because He is at work in us, enabling us, not just to do what is right, but to want to do what is right. That's huge! This is the Gospel of grace and of love and of mercy, all made possible by Jesus dying for you and me, so our sins could be forgiven and rising again from the dead that we may have a brand new life in the Spirit – the Holy Spirit – whom He sends to dwell in each one of us, each person who puts their faith in Jesus. You know, you stand back and you think about what God has done, and you think, "That is just awesome." I mean, if that isn't good news, tell me what is!

What if the life you've been longing for doesn't begin with striving—but with surrender? What if the desert places in you are not the end of your story, but soil waiting for heaven's rain?This message explores what it means to live a truly thriving life—not by trying harder to become enough, but by being rooted in Jesus. Through Psalm 1, Colossians 2, James 1, and Isaiah 32, we are invited to receive the Word of God and the filling of His Holy Spirit. Whether you're longing for freedom, healing, fruitfulness, or fresh faith in a dry season, this is a reminder that Jesus is the Tree of Life—and in Him, you are already victorious.It's not just about surviving difficult seasons. It's about allowing God's presence to transform desert ground into fertile soil, and trusting that even the tears you have sown will one day become songs of joy. Open your hands, open your heart, and dare to say: “I receive.”Scriptures:Psalm 1:1–3; Colossians 2:6–8; James 1:21; John 6:68; Isaiah 32:15; Psalm 126:5–6Get the Preach Notes:

Have you been striving to live a righteous life, but find yourself failing time and time again? It's a frustrating cycle. It's also completely unnecessary. Jesus didn't leave us on our own. He promised to be with us and to equip us with power to accomplish even greater things than He did. As Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, He provides this power through His Holy Spirit, and all we need to do is rely on Him.

Based on Ephesians 5:18, this series explores how believers can live a Spirit-filled life, and discover the keys to spiritual growth. Understand the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to live according to God's will. This message emphasises developing a hunger for God's Word and a thirst for God's Spirit, as He imparts His righteous life to us through His Word & Spirit. These teachings are designed for those seeking to deepen their faith and live a more fulfilling Christian life. Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who HUNGER and THIRST for righteousness, for they shall be FILLED.” God's righteousness comes to us through His WORD (our spiritual BREAD) and His SPIRIT (our spiritual WATER). How much we are filled depends on our spiritual HUNGER for His WORD (Matthew 4:4), and our spiritual THIRST for the living water of His HOLY SPIRIT. The more we hunger and thirst for righteousness the more we will be filled. We are FILLED with the SPIRIT through DRINKING, but we can only DRINK as much as we are THIRSTY (John 7:37-38, Rev 21:6, 22:17). To be FILLED with His Spirit requires a spiritual THIRST. A major key to growing spiritually is being HUNGRY for more of God's WORD, and THIRSTY for more of God's SPIRIT. This is the KEY of spiritual DESIRE, which is determined by the VALUE we put on spiritual things. Our heart is made to desire, focus on and pursue that which it perceives as having the most value: “For where your TREASURE is, there your HEART (focus, attention) will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, the more we value spiritual things, the more they will occupy our heart and the more we will DESIRE and pursue them. The more we HUNGER and THIRST for God, the more we will be FILLED with His SPIRIT and His WORD. So, our desire for God determines how much of Him we will receive, and therefore how much we will GROW spiritually: “As new-born babes, DESIRE the pure milk of the WORD, that you may GROW thereby” (1Peter 2:2). Spiritual DESIRE determines how much our soul is filled with His Spirit, which determines our spiritual growth. If our soul is filled up and satisfied with natural things, there is no room in our heart for God. So, we will not have a hunger & thirst for God, and we will stop growing spiritually. One of the most important things you can do is to put God's Word first and value spiritual things above natural things (a mark of spiritual maturity). Keep hungry for God's Word and thirsty for God's Spirit Our capacity for drinking (receiving) the Holy Spirit, is determined by how thirsty we are for Him. (1) Our HOLINESS is determined by how much the HOLY SPIRIT fills and possesses our heart, setting us apart to God, as we give our heart to Him (our vertical relationship with God). As the Spirit fills us, (2) He motivates and empowers us to live a life of RIGHTEOUSNESS in this world (righteousness is the outworking of holiness). So, we should DESIRE to be FILLED with His SPIRIT of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Based on Ephesians 5:18, this series explores how believers can live a Spirit-filled life, and discover the keys to spiritual growth. Understand the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to live according to God's will. This message emphasises developing a hunger for God's Word and a thirst for God's Spirit, as He imparts His righteous life to us through His Word & Spirit. These teachings are designed for those seeking to deepen their faith and live a more fulfilling Christian life. Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who HUNGER and THIRST for righteousness, for they shall be FILLED.” God's righteousness comes to us through His WORD (our spiritual BREAD) and His SPIRIT (our spiritual WATER). How much we are filled depends on our spiritual HUNGER for His WORD (Matthew 4:4), and our spiritual THIRST for the living water of His HOLY SPIRIT. The more we hunger and thirst for righteousness the more we will be filled. We are FILLED with the SPIRIT through DRINKING, but we can only DRINK as much as we are THIRSTY (John 7:37-38, Rev 21:6, 22:17). To be FILLED with His Spirit requires a spiritual THIRST. A major key to growing spiritually is being HUNGRY for more of God's WORD, and THIRSTY for more of God's SPIRIT. This is the KEY of spiritual DESIRE, which is determined by the VALUE we put on spiritual things. Our heart is made to desire, focus on and pursue that which it perceives as having the most value: “For where your TREASURE is, there your HEART (focus, attention) will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, the more we value spiritual things, the more they will occupy our heart and the more we will DESIRE and pursue them. The more we HUNGER and THIRST for God, the more we will be FILLED with His SPIRIT and His WORD. So, our desire for God determines how much of Him we will receive, and therefore how much we will GROW spiritually: “As new-born babes, DESIRE the pure milk of the WORD, that you may GROW thereby” (1Peter 2:2). Spiritual DESIRE determines how much our soul is filled with His Spirit, which determines our spiritual growth. If our soul is filled up and satisfied with natural things, there is no room in our heart for God. So, we will not have a hunger & thirst for God, and we will stop growing spiritually. One of the most important things you can do is to put God's Word first and value spiritual things above natural things (a mark of spiritual maturity). Keep hungry for God's Word and thirsty for God's Spirit Our capacity for drinking (receiving) the Holy Spirit, is determined by how thirsty we are for Him. (1) Our HOLINESS is determined by how much the HOLY SPIRIT fills and possesses our heart, setting us apart to God, as we give our heart to Him (our vertical relationship with God). As the Spirit fills us, (2) He motivates and empowers us to live a life of RIGHTEOUSNESS in this world (righteousness is the outworking of holiness). So, we should DESIRE to be FILLED with His SPIRIT of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

COME AND DRINK - John 7:37-39What do you do when nothing seems to satisfy the thirst underneath everything else? In Week 2 of our "Come" series, we open John 7:37-39 and Jesus' bold, public invitation to the thirsty — and His promise to keep filling us with His Holy Spirit as we walk with Him day by day.NotesQuestionsWebsite

These verses combine two of the most misunderstood subjects in Christianity: The Holy Spirit and the will of God. The Holy Spirit is perhaps the most elusive member of the Trinity. And, if you ask Christians, “What is the will of God?” you will get many different answers. Romans 8:26-27 reminds us that God has not left us alone in our weakness and ignorance; rather, He sent His Holy Spirit to us who intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Take-Home Message: The Holy Spirit helps me according to the will of God.The Spirit helps us in our weakness. (26)The Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God. (27)What is the will of God?My salvation My sanctificationMy sobriety and Spirit-filledness My discernmentMy sufferingMy submission to authorityMy thankfulness

Have you been striving to live a righteous life, but find yourself failing time and time again? It's a frustrating cycle. It's also completely unnecessary. Jesus didn't leave us on our own. He promised to be with us and to equip us with power to accomplish even greater things than He did. As Pastor Richard will explain in today's message, He provides this power through His Holy Spirit, and all we need to do is rely on Him.

20th September 2026What does it look like to live by the Spirit's power rather than relying on our own strength?In this message from Ephesians 5:15 to 20, Rachael Raven explores Paul's call to live wisely, make the most of every opportunity, and continually be filled with the Holy Spirit. Rather than drifting through life, we're encouraged to live with intention, seeking God's wisdom through His Word, listening for His voice, and allowing His Spirit to shape our attitudes, actions, and relationships each day.Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for many years, this message is a reminder that God has not left us to live the Christian life alone. He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and transform us from the inside out.--------------Sermon Notes:Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20Living the Christian life isn't about trying harder in our own strength. Paul reminds us that God calls us to live wisely and intentionally, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead every area of our lives.-Living wiselyPaul encourages believers to be careful how they live, choosing wisdom over foolishness.True wisdom comes from walking closely with God rather than simply following the patterns of the world.-Make the most of every opportunityEvery day presents opportunities to reflect Christ.Rather than drifting through life, we're called to live with purpose, allowing our words, actions, and relationships to honour God.-Understand the Lord's willGod invites us to know Him through His Word and to recognise His voice.As we spend time with Him, our desires begin to align more closely with His.-Be filled with the Holy SpiritPaul contrasts being controlled by worldly influences with being continually filled by the Holy Spirit.The Spirit empowers us to live the life God has called us to live, producing joy, peace, gratitude, and worship.-Pause and listenOne of the practical ways we grow spiritually is by slowing down and making room to hear God's voice.In moments of stillness, the Holy Spirit often brings conviction, direction, encouragement, and wisdom for everyday life.-A life of worship and gratitudeA Spirit-filled life is marked by thankfulness and praise.As we remember God's faithfulness, our hearts naturally respond with worship and gratitude for all He has done.-Key TakeawayGod has not called us to live the Christian life through our own effort. As we intentionally seek Him, spend time in His Word, and remain open to the Holy Spirit's leading, He gives us the wisdom, strength, and power to live in a way that reflects Christ every day.

If Yeshua has saved us, transformed us, and filled us with His Holy Spirit - why are we still here?In Chapter 15 of I Am a Witness – The Search Is Over, “GO,” we enter the final part of the book: THE MISSION.Yeshua said:“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” John 20:21Salvation was never meant to be the finish line. It was the starting line. What God begins in us was never intended to stop with us. We have been sent into a world filled with neighbors, friends, colleagues, and strangers who are searching for hope - often without even knowing what they are searching for. But Yeshua didn't call us merely to gather converts. He called us to make disciples. Going is the means; discipleship is the goal. The Great Commission is an invitation to walk alongside others as they learn to hear the Shepherd's voice, trust His leading, obey His Word, and follow Yeshua for themselves. You don't have to have all the answers. You simply need to be available.One conversation. One prayer. One act of obedience. One willing disciple.Never underestimate what Yehovah can begin through your next “yes.”Yeshua is still saying: GO.I Am a Witness – The Search Is Over Dr. Kenny Russell BulldozerFaith — From Israel to the Nations

Did you know in Jesus’ time of walking this earth and preparing his disciples to spread the gospel and reach the ends of the world with his offer of salvation, he never once taught them how to preach. He didn’t teach them how to organize a mission. He taught them this one thing … HOW TO PRAY. In teaching how to pray, we learn how to surrender to the Father, how to grow in trust, how to ask for his healing, seek his will, and follow his plan. All from the power of prayer. If Jesus puts this level of importance on prayer, we should too! He even gives us a way to pray – not a magic formula, but a guide for approaching our Holy God as our Father in Heaven. “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ‘ ” Immediately after Jesus shared this prayer example with his disciples, he followed it up with a parable showing HOW TO APPROACH GOD. As we now hear this story from Jesus, remember that’s what we’re learning. This is how we approach God in prayer. Luke 11: 5-10: Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.'” Again, what is Jesus teaching us through this story? HOW TO APPROACH GOD. This story can be confusing if you focus on the reluctant sleepy friend who doesn’t want to answer the door. That’s not the focus. The focus is on the man beating on the door at midnight asking. Asking is the point. The man knocking is not worried about being a nuisance. He’s not worried about being rejected. His need outweighs his embarrassment. Why do we hesitate to ask God, thinking he might be annoyed by us. We tell ourselves God has so many other more important things to deal with that he can’t possibly have time for our prayers too. Girl – God doesn’t fit in your little box! He’s not limited, he’s not overwhelmed, he’s not stressed, and he’s not annoyed. He created you to need him – Now admit that you do – CONSTANTLY! Do other people have bigger things they’re dealing with – Perhaps. But this isn’t a competition for the one with the most urgent crisis and the winner receives God’s help. This is an invitation to bring your needs to the Father and be personally attended to every single time. The man knocking on the door was asking for bread to share with his house guest – it wasn’t a life or death situation, yet he asked. And because he asked, he returned home with bread to share that night. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus would use an example like that? It wasn’t a mother beating on the door of a doctor begging for help for her dying child. It wasn’t a desperate plea for a bucket of water as their house was on fire. It wasn’t a midnight run for safety. It was a midnight run for bread to feed a guest – like a late night trip to the Walmart for a welcome snack to put on the table. THIS IS THE EXAMPLE JESUS USES FOR PRAYER. Yes, you should ask God for help with what you’re dealing with. Yes, you should ask God to provide for that. Yes, you should ask God to intervene when the situation feels impossible. But don’t wait until your life is falling apart to talk to God. Don’t wait until you’re starving to come knocking – Knock when you only need a little bread for a guest. That’s a little deal. But if you have a big deal, you can still come knocking! Just realize you didn’t have to wait until the need got so big – you could have asked all along. Ask him about the big things AND the little things. Ask him for wisdom about the decision you’re making. Ask him to help you know what to say in that conversation. Ask him to give you patience with that person who is driving you absolutely bananas. Ask him to provide what you need, even when what you need seems small and insignificant compared to someone else’s crisis. If it matters to you, it matters to your Father. You don’t have to rank your problems before you bring them to God. You don’t have to clean up your request, make it sound spiritual, or prove that your need is important enough to bother him with. Just ask. Remember this, we’re not dealing with a reluctant God. The friend in this story was reluctant. He was sleeping. He didn’t want to answer the door. He was bothered. THAT IS NOT OUR GOD. God is not reluctant – because he’s not sleepy – he’s not busy – he’s not annoyed. God says in Isaiah 65:24, “While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” Does that sound like a reluctant God? NO – not at all. So the man keeps knocking, keeps asking, and his persistence finally works – the reluctant, sleepy, annoyed friend finally opens the door and gives him the bread. And here’s the point: IF PERSISTENCE WORKS WITH A RELUCTANT HUMAN, HOW CERTAIN CAN WE BE OF A WILLING GOD? Jesus shares this story to encourage us to approach God with honest, unashamed persistence. Don’t be distant. Don’t be hesitant. Don’t be ashamed to ask. Don’t wait until you think the time is right. Go to God and ask – then ask again – and again – and again. Jesus uses the term, “shameless persistence” – girl get you some of that in your conversations with God. Be absolutely shameless in going to Him again and again. Stop worrying about being too much. Stop worrying about bothering God. You know he has what you need – ASK HIM! That’s how Jesus is teaching us to approach God. Not timidly. Not reluctantly. Not wondering if we’ve bothered him enough already. We come boldly, persistently, confidently—not because God is reluctant to help us, but because he is our Father and he has invited us to ask. Prayer isn’t about convincing God to care. Prayer is about trusting the God who already does. Now, let’s read the final 3 verses as Jesus is teaching his disciples about prayer. Verses 11-13, “You fathers – if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” I’ve always focused on the snake and the scorpion here – completely overlooking what Jesus is telling me to ask the heavenly Father for. What does he say? “How much more will your heavenly Father give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him.” Girl, ask God for his Holy Spirit! Ask him to fill you with his spirit. With his spirit, you begin to change from the inside out. You are filled with power and directed with purpose. You aren’t left trying to muster up the patience, the wisdom, or the strength on your own. He hands you the ultimate source of comfort and guidance. When you get the Holy Spirit, you don’t just get an answer to a prayer – you get the Answerer Himself living inside you!!!!! Think about it: Jesus shifted the whole conversation from a loaf of bread to the third person of the Trinity. He started with a guy asking for a midnight snack for a guest, and He ended with a Father overflowing with His very presence for you. Why? Because God knows that what we need most in this life isn’t just our physical requests met. What we need most is Him. When we ask for a little bit of bread to handle our immediate problems, God looks at us and says, “I will give you that, but I want to give you so much more. I want to give you My Spirit.” Do I need bread for today? YES, that would be great! Do I want the Holy Spirit for today? OH MY GOODNESS, YES!!!!!! I get God himself within me! I get supernatural peace, I get divine wisdom, I get the fruits of the Spirit growing within me, and I get this boldness to keep knocking on heaven’s door without an ounce of shame. So, stop overthinking your prayers. Stop holding back because you think your request is too small, or because you think you've asked too many times. Your Heavenly Father is sitting on the edge of His seat, waiting to hear your voice. He isn’t asleep, He isn’t annoyed, and He certainly isn’t going to hand you a scorpion. Go to Him today. Knock loudly. Ask boldly. And most of all, ask to be filled fresh with His Holy Spirit. He is ready and excited to open the floodgates. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Guest Pastor-Trey Harper 09-16-26 Follow us on social media-- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matoakabaptistchurch-bartl6249 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064614887031 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatoakaB Sermon Audio: http://tinysa.com/live/matoakachannel If you were blessed by this sermon, please consider donating here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MatoakaBaptist We pray God's Holy Spirit quenches yours to eternal life through His everlasting powerful Word. May you be born-again of the incorruptible seed that always yields the fruits of His Holy Spirit and moreover leads to eternal life with Him, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST – The King of King's and the Lord of Lord's – The Alpha and the Omega – The Great "I AM"- The Author and Finisher of our faith – just to name a few. Hallelujah JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

(This podcast was previously published on, November 5, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   Encourage yourself at all times by "The Word", which is brought to your attention by God by HIS Spirit who reminds you of the word which is spoken by God!   Jesus says:   John 14:6    I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by ME.   Jesus, "The Word", is the way.  

Anna and Matt continue the story of the early church as Philip takes the good news about Jesus to Samaria. Kids will learn about Simon the Magician, who used tricks to make people think he was powerful, and discover that real, life-changing power belongs to God alone. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

Think about this truth. God didn't have to love us. He didn't have to offer us grace and mercy. Nothing forced God to show us forgiveness. Nothing compelled Him to give us the precious gift of eternal life, but God chose to. He chose to love us. He chose to call us His own. He chose to make us children of God. Main Points:1. If you've ever been tempted to doubt the love of God, recognize this wonderful blessing: God chose to love you. Despite all of your sins, your failures, and your mistakes, God still chose to love you and wants to spend eternity with you. 2. But there's more: not only has God chosen to love us, He has chosen to use us. You have an assignment, a task, and a role to play in the kingdom of God. For many of us, we feel as if we aren't capable or qualified, so we expect God will use others instead, but that is not what the Scriptures teach us.3. God takes great joy and delight in using our lives for his glory. As He empowers us with His Holy Spirit, and we take steps of faith and obedience, great things are accomplished through our lives. All of this takes place because He chooses to make it happen.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”1 Peter 2:4 - “…rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him.”1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Did you know that sitting in churches all across the country… are some garbage Charlies and some garbage Marys? There are so many Christians… who have all of the wealth of heaven at their disposal… but they're not using it! Did you know that when the Lord saved you… and put His Holy Spirit in you…He wanted you to live a life with authority and victory? Did you know that the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to reign… not someday in the "sweet by and by" …but right now… in the "nasty now and now"?

(This podcast was previously published on, October 25, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   The children of Israel passed over river Jordan and fought the nations and took the land which God had promised to Abraham 400-years earlier.   Joshua grew old and died after he had divided the land and had given that land to the 12 tribes of the children of Israel.   The people began living on their inheritance.   But when they failed to drive out the nations around them, they began to take on the gods of those nations and sinned against God.   God sent HIS angel to them to deliver the following message.   Judges 2   1 And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break MY covenant with you.   2 And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed MY voice: why have ye done this?   3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.   4 And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.  

n September 6, 2026, the Lord revealed that He is intentionally at war with the nations.  He said, "I've thrown the nations into confusion.  They can't come to a consensus because I won't let them; I will not allow it.  Their point of view, their assumptions, and their premises are absolutely wrong. All of the world's leaders are groping in the darkness..."This is yet another confirmation of what the Lord revealed to me since 2020.  He has made it clear that His destructive power would be demonstrated in China, Russia, and Iran, and so it has been and will continue.  His warning to the nations and to His Church is to unconditionally surrender to Jesus and His Holy Spirit.Links to prophetic visions I refer to in this video:"A Vision:  All Nations Will Succumb to Spiritual, Economic & Financial Darkness" - https://joshuarevivalproject.org/2026/09/a-vision-all-nations-will-succumb-to-spiritual-economic-financial-darkness/"Prophetic Bulletin:  The Lord is Shaking the Heavens & The Earth (Global Economic Collapse) - https://joshuarevivalproject.org/2020/03/prophetic-bulletin-the-lord-is-shaking-the-heavens-the-earth-global-economic-collapse/"Three Men Have Set the Stage" - https://joshuarevivalproject.org/2023/10/a-prophetic-vision-three-men-have-set-the-stage/"The Roller Coaster of the Lord's Wrath, Global Instability & The Judgment of Washington, D.C." - https://joshuarevivalproject.org/2026/04/the-roller-coaster-of-the-lords-wrath-global-instability-the-judgment-of-washington-d-c/Additional resources are available on our website.Mark C. Bitelerjoshuarevivalproject.orgemail:  info@joshuarevivalproject.orgDonate:  https://joshuarevivalproject.org/donate/Podcast: Joshua Revival ProjectRumble:  Joshua Revival ProjectYouTube:  @joshuarevivalproject  X: @markbitelerFacebook:  Joshua Revival Project

Welcometo Pastor's Chat. Yesterday we looked at one of the clearest statements inScripture concerning God's will: “For this is the will of God, yoursanctification.” Today Paul continues that thought in 1 Thessalonians 4:6–8and reminds us that holiness isn't simply about our personal relationship withGod. It also affects how we treat other people. Paul warns: “That no oneshould take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter.” Sin neveraffects only the person committing it. That is especially true of sexual sin. Ourculture often says, “What consenting adults do privately is nobody else'sconcern.” But God's Word reminds us that sin has consequences. It affectsmarriages. It affects children. It affects families. It affects churches. Itaffects our testimony. And most importantly, it affects our fellowship withGod. Paulsays we must not “defraud” another person. To defraud someone is to takesomething that rightfully belongs to another. Sexual immorality takes what Godhas reserved for the covenant of marriage and violates the trust, purity, anddignity of others. Then Paul gives a serious warning: “Because the Lord isthe avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.” Thoseare strong words. God takes holiness seriously. We sometimes emphasize—andrightly so—that God is loving, merciful, gracious, and forgiving. But the sameBible that teaches God's grace also teaches God's holiness. God loves us toomuch to simply ignore sin that destroys us and hurts others. Thenverse 7 gives us one of the great statements in this chapter: “For God didnot call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” Think about that. When Jesussaved us, He didn't simply save us from something. He saved us for something. Hesaved us from the penalty of sin, but He also called us to a new way of life. Wehave been called to holiness. Holiness doesn't mean that we walk aroundpretending to be better than everyone else. It doesn't mean we becomeself-righteous or judgmental. Biblical holiness means that we belong to God andincreasingly reflect His character. Peter wrote: “But as He which hathcalled you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” Whyshould we desire holiness? Because our God is holy.  ThenPaul concludes in verse 8: “Therefore he who rejects this does not rejectman, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.” That is powerful. Paulsays, “These aren't merely my standards.” Rejecting God's call to holinessisn't rejecting Paul's opinion. It is rejecting God's authority. And then Paulreminds us of something wonderful: God “has also given us His Holy Spirit.” Godnever commands us to live the Christian life in our own strength. He gives usHis Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. He convicts us. Heteaches us. He strengthens us. He produces His fruit in us. And He gives us thepower to live differently from the world around us. Sometimespeople say, “I just can't live the Christian life.” And in one sense, they areright. We cannot live it in our own strength. But God never intended for us to.The Christian life is Christ living His life through us by the power of theHoly Spirit. So today remember: God has called you to holiness. But He has alsogiven you His Holy Spirit to enable you to live that holy life. Let'spray. Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not called us to uncleanness butto holiness. Help us to understand that our choices affect not only ourselvesbut also those around us. Give us a holy fear of sin and a greater love forYou. Thank You especially for giving us Your Holy Spirit. Fill us, guide us,convict us, and empower us to live lives that reflect the holiness of JesusChrist. May our lives bring honor to You today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Godbless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

In this solo episode, Jesse sets the stage for an upcoming conversation with Tony by diving into one of Jesus' most theologically rich parables — the Parable of the Midnight Friend in Luke 11. Rather than treating this as a simple lesson on prayer technique, Jesse unpacks the passage as a carefully constructed theological argument: a qal wahomer (lesser-to-greater) reasoning that ultimately reveals the character of God the Father. Set within Luke's central travel narrative, the parable is not free-floating wisdom — it is discipleship instruction delivered by the Messiah en route to Jerusalem and the cross. The episode challenges common misreadings that pit persistence against divine sovereignty and instead grounds persevering prayer in confidence in God's willing, lavish character. The culmination — the gift of the Holy Spirit — awaits next week. Key Takeaways The parable's literary structure is intentional and theological — the Lord's Prayer leads to the parable, which leads to a promise (ask, seek, knock), which is grounded in the Father's character and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The sleeping friend is not a type of God — he functions as the lesser pole in a lesser-to-greater argument; identifying him with God is a category error that compromises divine immutability and aseity. Persistence in prayer is grounded in confidence, not desperation — the point is not to wear God down, but to recognize that a God who is not reluctant, not asleep, and not inconvenienced will give all the more freely. The a fortiori (lesser-to-greater) structure is the interpretive key — Jesus deliberately invokes cognitive dissonance through an imperfect analogy so that the contrast reveals something about God's character that a direct statement could not. Ask, seek, knock are present-tense imperatives in Greek — they denote continuous action, matched by divine passives in the promises, meaning God himself is the subject acting behind every answer. The promise is absolute within its covenantal frame — "everyone who asks receives" is not a blank check, but a promise spoken to disciples praying according to God's revealed will, in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit. The passage has a redemptive-historical dimension — it sits within Luke's travel narrative where Jesus is forming the disciples' inner life as He moves toward the very cross that makes the Spirit gift of verse 13 possible. Key Concepts The Sleeping Friend Is Not God One of the most persistent misreadings of this parable is the identification of the reluctant, sleeping friend with God — as though Jesus were teaching that dogged repetition in prayer will eventually wear down a half-willing deity. Jesse is careful to reject this firmly on both exegetical and theological grounds. The sleeping friend functions as the lesser pole of a rabbinic a fortiori argument: a flawed, inconvenienced human who still yields to legitimate need. James 1:17 seals the case — the Father is one "with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." An immutable God cannot be represented by a changeable, reluctant figure. The friend's reluctance is not a window into God's character; it is a foil designed to make God's willing generosity shine all the brighter by contrast. Persevering Prayer Is Grounded in Confidence, Not Doubt A common application drawn from this parable is essentially motivational: don't give up, pray harder, keep going. While there is something right about that call to perseverance, Jesse argues it is being drawn from the wrong well. Biblical perseverance in prayer is not rooted in uncertainty about whether God might eventually come around. It is rooted in the certainty that He already has — that He is a Father who delights to give, who is not asleep, not inconvenienced, and not reluctant. This re-centers the entire posture of prayer. We are not beggars hoping against hope that a distant God notices us. We are covenant children running with confidence into the throne room of a Father who has already given us His Son and, supremely, His Spirit. The Covenantal Frame of the Promise The sweeping promise — "everyone who asks receives" — has tripped up many readers who take it as an unconditional divine guarantee for anything sincerely prayed. Jesse is careful to locate the promise within its literary and canonical context. It is spoken to disciples who have just been taught to pray "Your kingdom come... give us... forgive us... lead us not" — prayers shaped by God's revealed will and kingdom priorities. James 4 and John's Gospel reinforce the point: prayer that does not receive has asked wrongly or outside God's will. The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 21) frames acceptable prayer as offered in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to His will — a tripod of covenantal orientation that, far from weakening the promise, gives it its full and glorious force. Memorable Quotes We draw that persistence not out of our own willingness, not even because God might encourage us, but we should be drawn to it as a representation of His character — of in fact who He is. Jesus is not commending 'wear God down with nagging' as a technique. He's having established that even flawed human reluctance eventually yields to a legitimate need pressed persistently — and he pivots to make the positive direct application: how much more freely and immediately will the Father, who is not reluctant, not asleep, not inconvenienced, give? Even the seeking, even the knocking, even the opening that will be done for you and unto you and on your behalf is from God the Father himself. Full Transcript [00:01:03] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 504 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast for the persistent prayers Hey, brothers and sisters. We have got something a little bit different for you on this episode. Tony will be back with me next week, and we will be continuing our journey through the parables. [00:01:27] And I thought while we anxiously await for his return, that we would set up the next parable that we're gonna talk about so we can hit all the major points together. So we're gonna be hanging out in Luke chapter 11, and we're talking about the parable of persistent prayer, or as I think Tony described it, the parable of the midnight friend. [00:01:47] You can choose whichever one you like. But before you do that, if in fact you miss Tony, here's a good way to fill that need, and that is you should go to the Reformed Brotherhood website. That's reformedbrotherhood.com. And you will [00:02:00] find all of the other podcast episodes living out there. They're all searchable by topic. [00:02:05] Everything we've recorded is right there for you. These some 10 years of lovely conversations with my brother Tony are all available for you. And while you're there, you might be thinking, "How is it that all this is so freely given?" Well, as you've heard us say before, that's because so many lovely brothers and sisters come alongside with a little bit of financial support to make sure all of the hosting and editing and distribution fees are all covered so that this can all be made available to whoever, whoever is searching for it, whoever finds it, whoever wants to join in the conversation and follow closely along with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [00:02:41] So I encourage you to go check that out and also listen along. This will be a quick episode just to help us get our bearings on this really amazing teaching that Jesus gives us about the character of God that comes about in really a kind of unexpected story. And in fact, even the message itself, [00:03:00] the context, I think, is going to sound at first like one thing, but Jesus uses it to describe something entirely different. [00:03:07] Even the literary device He's about to use for us invokes some kind of cognitive dissonance that actually draws us deeper into the character of God than I think if He had explained it more directly. I mean, this is what parables do, loved ones. So come hang out with me in Luke chapter 11 for just a couple minutes. [00:03:24] Wherever you are, join me in this. I'm gonna read from the beginning part of that chapter all the way through the parable, though we will get nowhere near the end, because I told you, I'm saving that for Tony. We're gonna get there next week. So join me in Luke chapter 11, beginning in verse one.  [00:03:39] Luke 11 Reading and Structure [00:03:39] Jesse Schwamb: "And it happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.' [00:03:51] And He said to them, 'When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread [00:04:00] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'" Then he said to them, "Which of you has a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' [00:04:21] And from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me. The door has already been shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot rise up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not arise and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. [00:04:40] So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. But what father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of [00:05:00] a fish? [00:05:00] Or if his son asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?" This amazing little pericope, you'll notice it follows upon the disciples' request, which is, "Lord, teach us to pray." [00:05:24] And the giving of this model prayer is the whole instruction, the whole, like outcropping of this entire little parable. And I think what we should look at first, that I wanna really hit on to set us up, is that Luke has this... It seems to me like a structure that's very deliberate. There's a pattern. The Lord's Prayer, which leads to this parable of encouragement. [00:05:45] Here's the friend at midnight. It leads then to a promise, ask, seek, knock, which then of course leads to this ground of confidence. Why? Because the Father's character, sealed in the gift of the Holy Spirit, has been given to His children. This whole thing [00:06:00] occurs within Luke's central, like quote-unquote, "travel narrative." [00:06:04] It's where Jesus is forming the disciples' inner life. He's teaching them in these really final moments of His life. It's prayer, dependence, kingdom priorities, as He literally moves toward Jerusalem and to the cross. And so I think the biblical exegesis here takes this placement really seriously, because this is not like free-floating wisdom teaching, but it's real discipleship. [00:06:28] It's real firm instruction given by the Messiah en route to accomplish the very redemption that makes the Spirit gift of verse 13 possible. All of this is wrapped up in this story. It is not just about what's being said, but I think literally where it's being said, the context in which it's being said, the very interactions that are taking place around the story itself. [00:06:50] And I cannot help but believe that, of course, God in His foreordaining wisdom is placing this all together. It's as if the experience of the disciples, their time with [00:07:00] Jesus, them literally walking en route to the place where He'll be crucified, all this gets distilled down into a single point in history, and the instruction that is on Jesus' lips is this story about the midnight friend I think we've talked about this before, but there's some principles here that I always go back to, and I think they're especially relevant for looking at this particular parable. [00:07:22] First, there's this understanding that this, there's an analogy of scripture. Like, this text should be read alongside its Matthean para- parallel, which we've talked about briefly, and the whole canon's teaching on prayer, on providence, on the Spirit. We can't look at this instance in complete isolation. We shouldn't. [00:07:39] It-- That wouldn't be proper understanding of the whole passage here, including its redemptive historical reading, which I think is important. It's the second piece here. The passage is suited and situated within this unfolding covenant of grace. This Father language is not like generic theism, but it is like the covenantal Trinitarian Christ-mediated, like all the [00:08:00] rich fullness of what God has done in the redemptive arc of salvation. [00:08:04] It's prayer offered in the name of the Son as we are sons or daughters in the Son. And so there's this light then to heavy inference. Like Jesus' argument, which I think we'll talk about with Tony, in verse eight is this kind of like rab- rabbinic like fortiori reasoning. It's, it's from like the lesser to the greater, or the, the lesser reluctant or flawed party that acts in one way, and how much more the greater than will the willing perfect party act. [00:08:36] And so, so many commentators have really flagged this as like the interpretive key to the unit. This is the thing that draws us in. It's actually this juxtaposition, this cognitive dissonance, this seeing one thing and recognizing that God is so much better than that one thing and so much far beyond it, that really draws us into understanding something about His character that would not be made manifest to us without that kind of comparison or [00:09:00] that setup. [00:09:01] And then, of course, we're Reformed, so we have to talk about the element of sola Scriptura here, that we really, we have to read this passage not as teaching either that God is manipulable by human persistence. I mean, that would com- compromise entirely the, the principles of divine aseity and His immutability. [00:09:20] Or B, that there's some kind of like bare Arminian conditionality here, as though prayer creates possibilities God otherwise lacks. Really, the Bible holds, biblical theology holds that prayer is to be a means that God has sovereignly ordained to accomplish His decreed ends. It's never a lever upon which, you know, otherwise an undecided God acts because we pull. [00:09:46] It's not that at all. So let's talk about just a couple of verses that I think will get us in the vibe here, in the jam, in the middle of this whole parable, and this will set us up for a conversation that we're gonna have next week, which is the culmination, the giving of the [00:10:00] Holy Spirit. That's really the end. [00:10:01] So it's interesting that we start with this whole idea of persistence, of a friend coming with, and it's gonna end with God giving to His children this incredible, unparalleled gift of the Holy Spirit. So let's start in verse five. We get this whole setup. "Which of you has a friend and will go to him at midnight?" [00:10:20] So of course, like, you-- we hear this, hear this in English, it's even more profound in the Greek. The construction here is like this rhetorical question. It's expecting, of course, the hearer, which is you and I, to place ourselves imaginatively in the position of the petitioner. And the scenario is, of course, like pregnant with cultural meaning. [00:10:38] Like, it's just loaded down because in Middle Eastern cultures, of course, like hospita- hospitality was a matter of covenantal honor. I say it that way because I think that's what's at play for us in the text. We're gonna get these, like, themes, this, like, little bit of shading or, like, this, this little taste on the back end of your tongue of the covenant, and it's represented [00:11:00] here even in, like, the situation here. [00:11:01] Because failing to feed an arrived guest was a social and religious disgrace, not merely to the host, but, like, to their entire community, to, like, their entire village And the petitioner has no bread, and he's looking for three loaves because that's what he needs to help feed these guests that have arrived at his house. [00:11:19] And so he comes to a friend. Notice it's not a stranger, so the relationship itself is somewhat covenantal. It's emphasized three times in the verses five through eight. And so we're establishing the premise upon which the argument from the lesser, this friendship, which is reluctantly acted upon, to the greater, which is fatherhood, gladly acted upon, will be built up so that it reaches the peak in verse thirteen I think we need to notice here that this is not some kind of isolated moral vignette, but it's like the first rung of a ladder that's being built for us here. [00:11:55] And the first rung on this, I think, is that Christ accommodates himself [00:12:00] to human experience, which is like a mind-boggling statement. I mean, we could spend all of eternity just contemplating what that means. It's certainly a la Philippians 2, but here in, especially we're seeing that there's the use of this imperfect analogy precisely because it's, its imperfection. [00:12:19] Again, a friend who is reluctant will be highlighted against in contrast to the perfection of the true referent, which is God the Father, a father who is not reluctant. And so this doctrine of accommodation is a standard, uh, that you see a lot in Reformed exeg- as a exegetical principle because it's Scripture speaks of God in creaturely terms, not because God is like the creature, but so that the creature may grasp, however inaccurately, the character of God. [00:12:50] That's what's really lovely about this parable. That's what I think kind of sits underneath the, the surface here. And so many of us wanna run to the action of the petitioner [00:13:00] here and try to equate or invoke something about that persistence as if God is saying to us like, "Please don't give up. Please keep on praying. [00:13:07] Please bend my ear." And while there is something important about that, we draw that persistence not out of our own willingness, not even because God might encourage us, but we should be drawn to it as a representation of his character, of in fact who he is. And so the friend who is reluctant responds very forthrightly with a, "Don't bother me." [00:13:28] And I find when I read this, I kind of chuckle a little bit because, loved ones, is that refusal not completely realistic? Like, it's not caricatured malice. In, in like a one-room peasant house, the door being barred and the family being bedded down on a single sleeping mat meant that practically speaking, rising would wake the entire household. [00:13:49] I mean, the friend's refusal is totally understandable, but still a refusal of a friend to a friend for a legitimate n-need. And so this is the negative pole of the entire analogy. [00:14:00] I also find this, like, totally relatable. Like, even in my own life when I'm serving my own needs and purposes, if I am on like the-- If I've descended, let's say, to like the first floor of my house, and I remember that after getting ready for the day, I've totally forgotten something on the second floor, I'm annoyed with myself. [00:14:17] Sometimes I literally have that thought of like, "How badly do I need that thing? I just don't want to go back upstairs again." And so I think this is totally identifiable I mean, how often have we been in a situation where we- we've just sat down and the phone rings, or we've just finished our day and something else pops up that we have to do, or we just shut down our computer and we've-- as we do that, we remember the one thing that we needed to do, and so we have to go back in. [00:14:40] Or you leave your office and realize that you've forgotten your car keys, now you have to walk all the way back in. I mean, I-- this makes total sense to me that in this, the context of this story, even a loving friend would be like, "Are you kidding me? Uh, we're all in bed. Please, can you just figure out another way to do this?" [00:14:59] I know [00:15:00] there's been a lot of commentators, and I think like a lot of popular preaching, that in my estimation here have mistakenly identified the sleeping friend with God, teaching that persistent prayer, like, wears God down. And that, I think, is a category error that the Reformed tradition and biblical theology generally has consistently rejected. [00:15:21] You know, that's why we read in James 1:17 that every good gift comes from the Father with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. The immutable God cannot be the referent or the reluctant changeable human host here, not according to James. The friend in the parable functions as the lesser term, and again, this argument moving from the lesser to the greater, not as a type of God. [00:15:45] I think that's important for us to keep in mind because there is, again, a temptation for us to want to say, "Well, really the person in the story who is represented by God is this other friend, and he just needs to be awoken," so to speak. And even if we don't feel that strongly, th- that's pressing us a little bit too [00:16:00] far, we, we know theologically that that's not accurate. [00:16:02] We still are prone to believe, "I need to pray harder." The point of this is to pick yourself up, pull up your praying socks, and just pray more and pray more consistently and pray harder. Don't stop. Now, there is, again, something about calling on God that is like the special benefit and privilege of the Christian to run confidently into the throne room of God as we read in Hebrews. [00:16:25] And yet at the same time here, we don't want to get this twisted. We have to set this up right so that by the time we get to, again, the pinnacle of this parable in th-- in Jesus giving the crown teaching of the giving of the Holy Spirit, that we understand it's because God is a good Father who delights to give, who is not reluctant at all. [00:16:46] And that if you ask, if you ask for His Holy, Holy, Holy Spirit, that He will in fact give His Holy Spirit to you. So verse eight: "I tell you, though, he will not get up and give him anything because he is his [00:17:00] friend. Yet because of his imprudence, he will rise and give him whatever he needs." Now, the crux of this question is the referent here. [00:17:11] So traditionally rendered, you know, inopportune or inopportunity or persistence. The word literally denotes like shamelessness or refusal to be governed by some kind of social propriety. And I think either way here, the theological payload in verses nine through thirteen is all about the main point of this passage being but a foil. [00:17:31] You know, Jesus is not commending wear God down with nagging as a technique. He's, he's having established that even flawed human reluctance eventually yields to a legitimate need pressed persistently. And so he pivots in this to make the positive direct application, how much more freely and immediately will the Father, who is not reluctant, not asleep, not inconvenienced, give? [00:17:57] And so this verse does [00:18:00] teach persevering in prayer, but it grounds that perseverance not in doubt about God's willingness, but in confidence about it. This to me is very similar to how we would understand evangelism or missional or missionary type works. There is a type of Christianity that is very thin, that is maybe like a, a mile wide and an inch deep, that essentially considers that when we pray for God to work among peoples, in our families, in our communities, across the land, and across the world, that we do so almost with fingers crossed, hoping against hope that God will show up and make a way. [00:18:38] And yet what the scripture says is it emboldens us knowing that God has already done these things, that we might pray ourselves, as it were, into them in faithfulness to what God has already in-- is accomplishing through his great work. And in this way, we pray with a great empowerment. We pray with persevering prayers because we know that God will make it so because he's a God who gives promises, [00:19:00] and he always fulfills those promises. [00:19:03] And that's why we get three of them, which are beautiful in this passage.  [00:19:07] Ask Seek Knock Explained [00:19:07] Jesse Schwamb: Ask, seek, knock. Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you, for everyone who asks, receives. Loved ones, are there more beautiful words than these from God the Father? This is how much he loves us that he says, "Test me on these promises. [00:19:28] In persevering prayer, come before me, ask, seek, and knock." These three present tense imperatives in the Greek, Greek. In other words, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. The present tense is conveying this continuous action. They're matched by the three future passives here, and the passives are almost certainly divine passives. [00:19:51] In other words, like it's a Jer- Jewish circumlocution, avoiding the direct naming of God as subject out of reverence, which of course, is common in Jesus' [00:20:00] teaching. But what's being unstated here is the subject acting within them. It will be given. It will be opened. Who is doing all these things? God himself. [00:20:10] And so behind these beautiful words, this promise to you and to me, is God in filling them all, so that again, God does all the words. It's as if like he's saying to us, "Seek, knock, and open." And yet even the seeking, even the knocking, even the opening that will be done for you and unto you and on your behalf is from God, the Father himself. [00:20:32] And the escalation from asking to seeking to knocking, in my view, it intensifies this effort and this urgency. Like a beggar asks, one who has lost something seeks, one who shuts, is shut out knocks on the door. And it's, I think, denoting not necessarily like three distinct kinds of prayer, though there are certainly lots of people who have talked about that. [00:20:56] The Patristics in particular, uh, Augustine was very fond [00:21:00] of kind of delineating between these as different types of prayer. I think there, there may be some usefulness in that. But I think the dominant grammatical point is this cumulative intensity. It's reinforced in verse 10 by this chiastic restatement in universal terms. [00:21:14] Everyone who asks, the one who seeks, to the one who knocks, all of these things will be given. This is the beautiful setup that's before us. It's an incredible word from God for us, practical for daily living, to give strength for today and a hope for tomorrow, that our God is one who gives us this promise. [00:21:34] And then he says, in perseverance, with the power that the Holy Spirit enables all of us, seek, ask, seek, knock. What lovely verbs for us to participate in by the power of the Holy Spirit Everyone who asks receives. I, I don't think that can be read as an unconditional blank check. And this is, I think, what trips many people up. [00:21:57] And, and certainly you've had conversations, [00:22:00] I'm sure, with others who've said, "Well, this sounds like some kind of just open-ended promise. There's no closed end to this. And so if I pray for something that I want, maybe if I pray for the thing that I feel like I desperately need, if I put all of my effort into it and pray with all the emotion, and I have, and every concentrated effort of my mental being, and God does not give that to me, it, this proves this passage to be wrong or to be ineffective." [00:22:27] And I think this would contradict directly, again, what James tells us in chapter 4, "You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly." Or John in his gospel, "If we ask anything according to His will." And so I think proper hermeneutics here resolves this not by weakening the promise, but by locating it properly within, again, its covenantal frame. [00:22:53] This promise is spoken to disciples who have just been taught to pray, "Your kingdom come, give [00:23:00]us, forgive us, lead us not." That is, it's a prayer conformed to God's revealed, revealed will and kingdom priorities. I think the Westminster Confession of Faith is particularly strong on this in chapter 21. It qualifies acceptable prayer as being offered in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to His will. [00:23:22] What again, like lovely things to help shape us even as we go into times of daily worship, that we might seek to pray to God in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to His will. I find in my own prayer life, in my own journey of speaking with God, and of trying to listen to Him as well, that I am much better aligned, that start in the better places, that there is more compatibility, so to speak, when I consider, even before I pray literally, that I might do that in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to His will. [00:23:56] By the way, I love that in Ruth- Luther's writing on prayer, [00:24:00] he speaks so highly of what it means to pray in the name of the Son. That that isn't something that we just, of course, put as a suffix onto our prayers to signal that they are concluded. For some reason, when I was younger, I remember thinking that when you said at the end of the prayer, "In Jesus' name," it was like you were talking to somebody on the phone, and that's how you hung up. [00:24:20] Because if you forgot to say that, then God might think you were, like, as you went about your life and you were talking to other people, that you were also talking to Him, and that would be confusing. And so of course, like I, since grown out of that and realized that this is not something just out of custom. [00:24:33] It's not even saying like, "Amen, agree with me." This is a way about an, an explicit, standing in the explicit covenantal promise of God that is bound in the work of, the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ. And that when we invoke His name, we shouldn't do so even flippantly as we end a prayer. But knowing that that's not just like the grand kind of crescendo of everything that we're saying, but we are sealing it as it were, so that we might again pray in the name of the Son, [00:25:00] by the help of the Holy Spirit, according to His will. [00:25:03] And that promise of verse 10 is absolute within that frame. It's not an absolute, like, simplifier. You know, this is not special pleading, but simply reading the verse in its literary context. It's a unit that begins with the Lord's Prayer and ends with the gift of the Spirit. And its canonical context is according with the rest of the New Testament in this idea that this is what prayer really is. [00:25:29] It is praying in such a way that we are invoking God, not so that He would come and condescend to our needs or meet us where we're at. He's already done this very thing, which is why He's a good Father who gives us gifts. Instead, it is that we might l- meet the Lord in His purposes, according to His power, with His perspective. [00:25:49] And so this is the, the ladder that's being built for us. It starts with this idea of saying, you know, there's this universality qualifier, the Reformed [00:26:00] doctrinal caution, as it were, that not-- "You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly." That itself is a challenge that we should all take very, very seriously. [00:26:09] So I'm gonna stop us there, because what I'm really looking forward to speaking to Tony with next week is basically the, the rest of it, really coming into the second rung of this ladder, this human fathers and their children, which sets up a now... We're really transitioning into the setup on this reluctant friend, the lesser, to this great, loving, not reluctant at all, but lovishly la- Man, I just got two words at the same time in one mouth. [00:26:37] This loving Father who lavishes this love upon us, and proof in the pudding in that is the promises which He gives us. And so I wanna save that for next time. So now you've been warned. You yourself can go back and take a look at Luke chapter 11. You can join us there for the culmination and the conclusion of [00:27:00] this little parable. [00:27:01] And again, I encourage you, go check out reformedbrotherhood.com. Go find us on Telegram, which is just a messaging app, and we have a small little corner of the internet where there's a community of listeners who hang out, support one another, are very kind and loving toward one another, and you can be a part of that group too just by going to t.me/reformedbrotherhood. [00:27:21] Slap that bad boy into your browser of choice, t.me/reformedbrotherhood. And until next time, honor everyone and love the brotherhood. [00:28:00]

In this Series, we unveil the keys to be filled with the Holy Spirit, revealed in the Beatitudes. In this message, we focus on developing the important heart attitude of meekness, which is having a humble, submissive attitude to God's Word and His Holy Spirit in our lives. Discover how these truths will lead to your spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

In this Series, we unveil the keys to be filled with the Holy Spirit, revealed in the Beatitudes. In this message, we focus on developing the important heart attitude of meekness, which is having a humble, submissive attitude to God's Word and His Holy Spirit in our lives. Discover how these truths will lead to your spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

Have you ever had a passage of Scripture grab your attention during your morning devotions—compelling you to stop, wonder, and dig deeper into God's Word?In this episode, we unpack John 5:19–29 alongside a profound reflection from Georges Bernanos's classic The Diary of a Country Priest, which leaves us with the timeless truth that "Grace is everywhere."Together, we explore the paradox of salvation: How does Jesus' promise in John 5:24—that the believer has already crossed over from death to life—fit with His statement five verses later regarding the resurrection of life versus judgment? We examine the biblical weight of passivity and inaction (sins of omission), look at the Great Exchange of 2 Corinthians 5:21, and discover through James 2 why genuine, saving faith will always respond with active good works.Key Takeaways:Sins of Omission & Commission: Understanding why passivity and failing to do good carries real moral weight in biblical judgment narratives.The Great Exchange: How 2 Corinthians 5:21 guarantees that our broken track record is covered by Christ's imputed righteousness.Our Response to Grace: Why good deeds are not the root of our salvation, but the natural fruit of a heart transformed by Christ."Grace Is Everywhere": Finding peace in Christ's finished work while allowing His Holy Spirit to produce living faith in our daily decisions.Scriptures & Texts Referenced:John 5:19–29 (Anchor Reading)2 Corinthians 5:21James 2:14–26Matthew 25:31–46The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges BernanosReflection Questions for Your Week:When was the last time a passage of Scripture or a devotional reading grabbed your attention and prompted you to dig deeper into God's Word?Thinking about the Great Exchange on the cross, is your daily life reflecting an active response of thanksgiving, or have you slipped into a posture of no response at all?Where in your daily walk might you be slipping into sins of omission—knowing a good action God is leading you to take, but choosing passivity instead?How does the truth that "Grace is everywhere"—that your salvation rests entirely on Christ's finished work—free you to serve Him out of pure joy?Share the WordIf this episode encouraged you, please consider sharing it with a friend and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. New episodes publish weekly!

As Christians, we pattern our lives after the saints who we read about in the first century. God records their actions, their devotion, and their mistakes by His Holy Spirit so that everyone who reads His word can understand what pleases Him and He requires of us. We are privileged to have this study and to do our very best to mimic the good examples we see in the book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament.

Canons of Dort Fifth Head of Doctrine - The Perseverance of the Saints Article 6: God does not change His purpose of election and allow sinners to utterly fall away by withdrawing His Holy Spirit, thus allowing them to fall into everlasting destruction. But God, who is rich in mercy, according to His unchangeable purpose of election, does not wholly withdraw the Holy Spirit from His own people even in their grievous falls; nor suffers them to proceed so far as to lose the grace of adoption and forfeit the state of justification, or to commit the sin unto death or against the Holy Spirit; nor does He permit them to be totally deserted, and to plunge themselves into everlasting destruction.

In our final devotional, we hear from Imperial about how Jesus empowers us with His Holy Spirit, assures us of His presence, and invites us to partner with Him in fulfilling the Great Commission.

It's Thursday, August 27th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Haitian gang members killed 50 people in church Gang members attacked a church in Haiti on Sunday, killing nearly 50 people. Displaced people were sheltering in the building of Church of the Ark of the New Covenant. The evangelical church is located near Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. Up to 90 percent of the area is controlled by gangs. The gang members killed 47 people and injured another 22 people.  Please pray for Christians in Haiti who face much of the widespread gang violence in the country.  In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Germany first country to display Muslim prayer times on official signs Evangelical Focus reports a German town became the first in the country to display Muslim prayer times on its official signs. The municipality of Penzberg previously listed Sunday service times for the Catholic and Lutheran parishes in town. Signage now includes prayer times for the local mosque established in 1990. Muslims with a migrant background make up about eight percent of Germany's population, up from five percent in 2016. New U.S. economic sanctions against Iran The Trump administration announced aggressive economic sanctions against Iran on Monday.  Operation Economic Outcast aims to cut Iran's financial connections with the rest of the world. The sanctions will also affect any country doing business with the regime.  Listen to comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. BESSENT: “We want to make clear here today that no one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions. That if they facilitate transactions and are part of the ecosystem that turns Iranian oil into money, into repression, they will be targeted.” Facebook/Instagram pay $18 billion over addictive algorithms for kids Meta Platforms agreed to pay up to $18 billion over the next decade in a settlement announced yesterday. Nearly every U.S. state accused the social media company of designing its platforms to be addictive to children. The tech giant is being held accountable for the role its platforms played in undermining children's mental health. These platforms include Facebook and Instagram.  California will get the largest sum of $1.5 billion, but several other states will still collect hundreds of millions of dollars each over the decade. The money will be used to pay for legal fees, mental health care for children, after-school programs, and education about the risks of social media use. According to the Associated Press, Meta will eliminate push notifications during weekday school hours and bring in “robust” age-assurance measures and “age-appropriate” content controls to prevent bullying and harmful material about eating disorders and self-harm. The case also argued that Meta violated federal laws by routinely collecting data on children under 13 without their parents' consent. As part of the settlement, Meta agreed to limit teenagers' use of Instagram and Facebook to a couple of hours a day. 1,235 assisted suicide deaths in California last year The state of California reported 1,235 assisted suicide deaths last year. The death toll is up nearly 150 percent over the past five years.  The California End of Life Option Act allows adults, expected to live six months or less, to obtain life-ending drugs. The state has authorized the deaths of at least 6,758 people since the law went into effect in 2016. 3 California homeschoolers sue over prohibition from participation Three homeschool families petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court last week after California excluded them from a state program. Some of California's tuition-free charter schools allow homeschool academy programs. However, families cannot use state funds from these charter schools for religious curriculum.  In one case, the state rejected a grammar exercise simply because it used the sentence: “God sends the rain to help plants grow.”  Acts 14:17 says God “did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from Heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” Protestant churches are multigenerational Most Protestant churches report being multigenerational.  A survey from Lifeway Research found 91 percent of churchgoers agree their church has a good number of active members from all generations. Seventy-eight percent of pastors also agree.  Being multigenerational was more frequently reported by pastors of larger churches, younger pastors, and evangelical pastors.  Dolly Parton, who died at 80, championed a false gospel And finally, PARTON:  “Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin' Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'” Dolly Parton, the country singer, actress, and businesswoman, died peacefully at her home in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday. She was 80 years old. Known as the Queen of Country, the singer-songwriter is among one of the best-selling music artists of all time.  She wrote and sang this song in 1974 which Whitney Houston would later famously cover.  PARTON: “And I will always love you I will always love you.” Parton grew up in a Pentecostal church and described herself as a person of faith.  PARTON: “My grandpa was a preacher. So, my grandpa pastored this little church called the House of Prayer. He was a very positive, uplifting person. And I learned to love Jesus, and learned that Jesus loved me when I was a little bitty kid. “And all those things that Mama used to say, you know, that through God all things are possible. I kept all those things kind of tucked away into my subconscious mind and in my heart. And those are the things that have helped me through the years. I never do anything that I don't pray about it, and I always ask God to lead me and to show me and direct me into what I'm doing.” She was married to her husband Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 60 years until his death in 2025. As a philanthropist, Parton supported children's literacy and medical research. Sadly, she was also known as an advocate for unbiblical causes like homosexual behavior and faux homosexual marriage.  Appearing with Larry King, she defended homosexuality. KING: “Didn't you recently, though, throw support to the [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] community?” PARTON: “Oh, I've always encouraged, not encouraged. They've made me the poster child I think only because I'm so outspoken as far as just being accepting of people in general.  “I do not believe that we should criticize and judge other people. I think we should be accepting and loving. We are all God's children. We are who we are, and we should allow, be allowed to be who we are.” Kate Newman, a Christian YouTuber, objected to Parton's bad theology, referencing John 1:12. NEWMAN: “We are not all children of God, contrary to popular belief. We receive the Spirit of adoption from God when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we are led by His Holy Spirit. But until then, we're actually all children of the devil.” Larry King asked Dolly Parton this follow-up question. KING: “Did any of the faith-based communities that deeply believe the other way take umbrage with you?” PARTON: “Oh, absolutely. KING: “They did?” PARTON: “Oh, yes. I get it all the time. I keep saying, ‘Well, if you're the fine Christian that you think you are, why are you judging people? That's God's job. We're not God. We're not judges.' You know, we're supposed to love one another. We're supposed to not judge.  “If you're gay, you're gay. If you're straight, you're straight. And you should be allowed to be, you know, how how you are and who you are.” In 2024, Ericka Andersen wrote a column for The Federalist entitled “There's nothing loving about Dolly Parton's false gospel.” She argued that, “Parton's version of love, which includes condoning immoral sexual behavior  is unaligned with God's vision for humanity. Like so many secularized spiritual leaders, Parton equates love with agreement, but the two are not reciprocal. Love doesn't mean we must accept sinfulness as good to avoid hurting someone's feelings. “To be sure, the culture is on a constant witch hunt for those who would call homosexuality sinful. I understand wanting to avoid the avalanche of criticism, but calling sin out by name isn't judgment. It's adhering to Scripture. “She's right that all should be treated with love and kindness, but when we refuse to label sin a sin, we're doing more harm than good.  The gospel of Dolly Parton is popular with the masses, but don't bank your eternity on it.” Leviticus 18:22 says, “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, August 27th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Love and Torah – what's love got to do with it? This study series is based on the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor. Picking up where we left off in the Gospel of John, chapter 15, Rabbi Steve Berkson picks up in verse 16, where he explains that Yeshua has chosen us to be part of His work here on earth. Even though He was speaking directly to His disciples, giving them instruction before He was about to be killed, His words can apply to us today if we allow ourselves to be discipled through His Holy Spirit and produce the fruit He expects to see. All that Rabbi Berkson has unpacked from John 15 is about love for one another in the way the Father expects us to love. We are called and chosen so that we are no longer part of the world and its ways. As we pull away from the world to follow Messiah and live according to Torah, we will experience disdain from others who do not understand Messiah or why we choose to follow Him. Rabbi Berkson once again dissects these passages so that you will have a deeper understanding of what Yah expects of you, so that you can do it and receive the blessings. mtoi.org The MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-app youtube.com/@mtoi facebook.com/mtoiworldwide instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide admin@mtoi.org (423) 250-3020 Join us LIVE (all times Eastern): • Torah Study, Fridays 7:30 pm • Shabbat Service, Saturdays 1:15 pm Streaming available on YouTube, Rumble, MTOI App, and mtoi.org

Sermon Outline: "Redeemed with a Purpose, Released with a Mission" Preacher: Pastor Rhonda Davis I. From Saved to Sent The Foundation: Recapping last week's message, believers must stand firm on the reality that they are chosen, accepted, redeemed, and adopted. Beyond the Waiting Room: The church was never designed to be a waiting room where saved people sit around until heaven comes; it is a sending station where redeemed people are equipped and released into a broken world. Inserting Your Name into the Great Commission: Drawing from John 1:7, Pastor Rhonda emphasized that every believer's name belongs in the blank: "There was a man/woman sent by God, and his/her name was [Your Name]." II. The "Anywhere But Here" Principle Overcoming Resistance: When called to serve, our natural reaction is often to ask God to send us "anywhere but here." The Founding of Church of the Harvest: Pastor Rhonda shared her personal story of resisting starting a church in Cleveland, TN, hoping for opportunities in Phoenix or Yakima instead. While kneeling in the dirt on Atkinson Drive, God gave her a vision of Jesus reaching into the four corners of the earth to pull in the hurting and asked her: "Why are you resisting Me?" Highest Calling: What begins as an "anywhere but here" moment often becomes the very place where God's presence is most powerfully revealed. III. Carrying the Message of Redemption My House Is Full, But My Field Is Empty: Pastor Rhonda shared a memory of her mother singing a classic song about God's heart weeping because His children gather around the table while the harvest fields lay ripe and ungathered. The Ministry of Reconciliation: According to 2 Corinthians 5:18, God has trusted believers with the message of redemption. We do not carry condemnation into the world; we carry forgiveness, grace, and hope. Shifting from Blame to Opportunity (John 9): In the story of the man born blind, the disciples wanted to debate who was to blame ("Who sinned, this man or his parents?"). Jesus rejected the blame game and focused on the opportunity to demonstrate God's works. Religion shames people for having dirty feet; Jesus kneels down to wash them. IV. Using Base Materials for Miracles Spit and Mud into Miracles: Jesus took dirt and spit—the lowest material—to heal the blind man and sent him to the Pool of Siloam (which means "Sent"). God Doesn't Need Better Material: Believers often wish they were smarter, more talented, or more gifted. However, God takes basic "dirt" (2 Corinthians 4:7) and fills it with His Holy Spirit so that the glory belongs entirely to Him. The History of Queen for a Day & The Esther Project: Starting small and using what was available led to growing out of facilities on Atkinson Drive by 2012. In 2014, while Queen for a Day was on hold, God birthed The Esther Project at Women of Hope, where hundreds of women were crowned and reminded that their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. In 2015, following a prophetic dream involving an emblem of the Lion and the Lamb, Queen for a Day was moved to Omega Center International (OCI), expanding its reach to hundreds of women annually. V. Carrying an Atmosphere & Transforming Pain Atmosphere Changers: Fear, division, and hopelessness carry dark atmospheres, but the presence of God inside a believer carries a light that shifts any room. You do not have to absorb the atmosphere of a room; you are sent to transform it. Created for Good Works (Ephesians 2:10): Purpose is pre-ordained by God. There are people only your specific story and personality can reach. Pain as Your Pulpit: Your greatest trials, struggles, and wilderness seasons become the very platform through which you minister compassion and hope to others. Nothing is wasted in God's economy (Romans 8:28). VI. The Unstoppable Cry of Purpose The Supernatural Realm: Purpose cries out before the throne of God long before a physical outcome is seen. Moses: When placed in a basket on the Nile, the cry of his purpose ensured he survived to lead millions out of Egypt. Mary Magdalene: Her purpose delivered her from seven demons to become the first witness to announce the Resurrection. Peter: After denying Christ, the cry of his purpose sustained him to preach the sermon at Pentecost where thousands were saved. Jesus in Gethsemane: Facing the cross, the eternal purpose of redemption carried Him through to secure salvation for all humanity. Scripture Index John 20:21 > "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." Romans 10:14-15 > "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace..." John 1:6-7 > "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." Matthew 9:37-38 > "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." 2 Corinthians 5:18 > "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation..." John 9:3-5, 7 > "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work... And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.)" 2 Corinthians 4:7 > "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." Ephesians 2:10 > "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."   Romans 8:28 > "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."   Exodus 2:2-3 (Referenced) – The birth of Moses and his placement in the basket on the Nile River. Luke 8:2 / John 20:18 (Referenced) – Mary Magdalene delivered from seven demons and witnessing the risen Lord. Acts 2:14-17 (Referenced) – Peter standing at Pentecost declaring the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. "Thanks for listening! For more information, visit churchoftheharvest.com. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube @cothcleveland.

In this episode, Jesus promises to send His Holy Spirit to be with the disciples and to give him His peace!

Goodness is more than doing good things—it is becoming the kind of person whose character reflects the goodness of God. Through the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus reveals that goodness is not measured by comparison or achieved through moral effort, but is found in God's perfect character. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus accomplished what we never could, offering us forgiveness, new life, and the gift of His Holy Spirit. As we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out, producing a life that increasingly reflects the goodness of God for the benefit of others.

God's Gospel Goes Global   After Peter told the story of his vision and going to Joppa to the home of Cornelius, we read in Acts 11:18 that "… the believers in Jerusalem had no further objections and praised God saying, 'So even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.'" And now the barriers that had existed between the Jewish world and the non-Jewish world are down in a single moment. The believers in Jerusalem that had grown up as devout Jewish people had their eyes opened to understand the new age that God promised had arrived. AND God's Gospel Goes Global!!!   Then + Now  GOD's Plan - His plan and intent have always been to win the entire world to Himself. God's plan is coming to fruition. Romans 10:12-13 we see that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile because the Lord saves all who call on Him.   In verse 19 and 20 we read that those scattered by the persecution following Stephen's martyrdom are spreading into Cyprus, Phoenicia and Antioch sharing the gospel message to Jews and Greeks. Peter's ministry to Cornelius opened the flood gates!!  Verse 21 tells us that the Lord was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.   We see the gospel exploding in Antioch, a place with many from multiple backgrounds and cultures, a wealthy city and an incredibly immoral city and this is where the Gospel explodes!!  Unbelievers discover what they are living for has no lasting value, leaving them empty.  Does this sound like the world today?  It is there that God desires to bring the Good News that changes people lives, transforming them from the inside out, that brings an eternal destiny, and great joy and He does that through His people then and NOW!   God's People - God uses His people to do mighty things. He desires to use us to touch our families, neighbors, and even our enemies with His word and his love. In verse 22 the news of the spread of the Gospel got back to the church in Jerusalem, so they send Barnabas to Antioch. Barnabas was from Cypress and was known as an encourager and once he saw what the grace of God was doing there, he encouraged the new believers to persevere in their faith with all their hearts, just as we need to do TODAY!   God's Grace - God's breaks into our lives because He is good, not because of anything we have done, but because He is gracious. It is all based on what Jesus did at the cross. We all need to encounter that grace and know that God cares for us. His grace is powerful and changes lives, families, marriages, communities and the world both then and NOW!.   God's Leaders - Through Barnabas a great number of people are brought to the Lord. And Barnabas goes to Tarsus to bring Saul to Antioch. God assembles a great group of leaders, an amazing team uniquely qualified to carry out God's plan. In verse 26 we read that great numbers of people in Antioch were taught for an entire year by this leadership team, equipping God's people to know God, His Word, His guidance, His direction, and His Holy Spirit. These leaders were specially needed in a corrupt age, in a corrupt city, because if God's people are not equipped they will fall prey to the enemy. Today we see God continuing to raise up leaders to do His work, in His strength and with His guidance and Holy Spirit.    God's Teaching - we need to be instructed in the Truth.  It is a matter of connecting what the Bible says to the life of a believer.  Orthodoxy - right opinion - Beliefs - essential to be grounded in God's truth - the message of Christ's forgiveness. Orthopraxy - right practice - Conduct - knowing how to live our lives in a fallen world.  It's not just head knowledge, it is about heartfelt, Spirit-guided living - conduct that becomes a follower of Jesus.   Titus 2:11-14 - the grace of God offers salvation to ALL people and teaches us to live self-controlled, godly lives as we await Christ's return.    God's Mercy - In verses 28-30 we read that Agabus, a prophet, predicts a famine, so the disciples decide to support the believers living in Judea. In the mercy of God they reached out to those in the midst of famine, then. Today, God's mercy shows in us as we walk by faith and follow the Holy Spirit's leading.   … and God's Gospel continues to Go Global!   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 11-12.    Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

In “I Wanna Be Like God,” Pastor Shola Akognon teaches from Ephesians 5:1–21, where Paul calls believers to imitate God as dearly loved children. What does that actually look like in everyday life? Paul gives us three practical instructions: walk in love, walk in light, and walk in wisdom. Through the love of Christ, the transforming power of living as children of light, and the wisdom that recognizes our opportunities are limited, we learn that becoming more like God isn’t simply about trying harder. God has given us His Holy Spirit—and a community of believers—to help us live the life He has called us to live.

It is the frequent and mournful condition of many a precious soul, under the dark clouds of spiritual desertion or the heavy affliction of bodily melancholy, to apprehend themselves entirely swallowed up in total despair; yet it remains the unalterable covenant-grace of God that His children are never left without such a secret presence and support of His Holy Spirit as keeps them from final shipwreck. Though the felt sense of assurance may be utterly withdrawn, and the believer, like a bruised reed, can discern nothing in themselves but smoke and darkness, the root of faith abides invisibly preserved beneath the soil. As the chief casuists of the church—from Goodwin and Owen to Sibbes and Ridgley—have tenderly demonstrated, the Spirit's supporting hand in the dark is rarely measured by sensible comfort, but by that holy, secret tenacity which causes the downcast soul, even in its deepest agonies, to cry out from the depths and cast itself upon the bare mercy of Christ. To mistakingly judge the absence of light as the absence of life is to misapprehend the subtle workings of grace; for where there remains even a groaning desire after God, a unwillingness to depart from Him, and a casting of the soul upon His bare promise, there Christ is secretly sustaining the smoking flax, guaranteeing that while a saint may walk in deep darkness, they shall never sink into utter ruin.

Does God love all humans and want to save them, or does He love certain ones and hate others? This portion of chapter nine which we are reading today is a central passage to which people will turn to "prove" that God chooses who will or will not be saved. According to that doctrine, the most important truth to emphasize about God is His sovereignty, meaning His control of everything. It is assumed that if humans have any choice in the matter of their eternal destiny, then God isn't totally sovereign. So repentance is renounced as a basis for salvation because it involves the human will making a choice. Even faith in Christ is discounted. This doctrine says faith is something God gives to a person only after He regenerates them, meaning after He places His Holy Spirit inside them. Those who teach this say it is wrong to think a person can choose to believe the gospel. We don't choose God; He chooses us, they say. This makes grace all the sweeter, they say. And on what basis, you might ask, does God choose one person but not another? The answer, they say, is found in this passage of Romans. After all, God loved Jacob but hated Esau before the twins were born or had "done anything good or bad" (v11). So there you have it, they say, the decision of who will or will not be saved is determined by God before we are born. And if you take this passage out of its context, you can indeed make it say that. But the God you end up with is very different from the loving Father Jesus reveals to us. And the conclusion you draw is very different from Paul's own conclusion at the end of the chapter (vs30-33). Though all of this may sound like a pointless theological debate, what's at stake is nothing less than the character of God. These two views of Him are so different they really present two different Gods. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's book Understanding Romans, email us at info@lifelessonspublishing.com and ask for your copy at no charge. The book has all the notes from each sermon in this series. Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge. And if you would like to receive a copy of Pastor Steve's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation at no charge, we are still giving this book out as well!

Deep dive into one of Jesus' most famous and practical “sermons,” delivered on a mount to thousands of spiritually hungry people. Discover Jesus' very practical direction to the disciples (both then and now) about how to live out the sermon in the power of His Holy Spirit.

God keeps us through His Holy Spirit, His Word and His power that can control our lives. Hide God's Word in your heart and mind so it changes how you live. Broadcast #7124To help support this podcast, please visit walkwiththeking.org/donate and select "Podcast" from the dropdown menuA transcript of this broadcast is available on our website here. To hear more from Bob Cook, you can find Walk With The King on Facebook or Instagram.

Faithfulness isn’t something our culture celebrates very much. We celebrate talent, success, influence, and achievement. But heaven celebrates something different. Heaven celebrates faithfulness. In the life of someone not under the influence of the Holy Spirit, faithfulness is a constant struggle. But in the life of someone filled with the Spirit, faithfulness begins to grow naturally. It becomes part of who they are. Galatians 5:23, “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: Love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, FAITHFULNESS …” Again, it’s a fruit. It’s not something we strain for, it’s something that grows within us and is naturally produced in our lives when we are abiding in Jesus. Faithfulness is a translation of the Greek word ‘pistis’ which means, reliability, trustworthiness, fidelity, loyalty and dependability. Yip, all the things you would look for in a partner – that’s what God naturally GROWS in US! But faithfulness is born out of trusting God. BECAUSE we trust God, we can be absolutely steadfast. We can stay the course and continue forward no matter what because of our unshakable faith in God. Without God, we waiver. With God, we are faithful. Faithfulness isn’t flashy. It rarely gets applause. It’s the behind-the-scenes commitment no one notices. Faithfulness quietly keeps promises. It shows up long after the excitement has faded. It finishes what it starts. It stays when circumstances become difficult. It keeps loving after feelings change. It keeps serving after recognition disappears. It keeps trusting when prayers seem unanswered. Lasting faithfulness is impossible without Jesus. We may keep a promise here and there through sheer determination, but only the Holy Spirit can produce a life marked by consistent faithfulness. When you have Jesus, an unfaithful life feels so incredibly wrong in every sense. The Holy Spirit lovingly refuses to leave us comfortable in unfaithfulness. He convicts us, stirs our hearts, and keeps drawing us back toward obedience. The gift of the Holy Spirit won’t let us sleep when we are being unfaithful. The Holy Spirit will stir us up, poke at us, and leave us in a state of complete unrest when we’re unfaithful. Thank you Lord, for not leaving me like I was! Once again, recognize this is a character of God, not of humans. Adam and Eve lived in paradise. There was no sin, no brokenness, no pain. God gave them one command—just one—and they couldn’t keep it. That’s the story of humanity. Left to ourselves, we aren’t naturally faithful. We wander. We quit. We compromise. We break promises. We fail. But God is different. Deuteronomy 7:9, “The LORD your God is indeed God. He is the FAITHFUL God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” God has never broken a promise. He’s never abandoned a plan. He’s never walked away from His people. God is faithful. It’s who he is and what he does. **Now here’s the miracle… The faithful God now lives in you. Think about that. The God who has never broken a promise… The God who has never abandoned His children… The God who always finishes what He starts… lives inside you through His Holy Spirit. So it only makes sense that His faithfulness is beginning to grow in you too. So you know what you absolutely MUST do – Stop introducing yourself by your old nature. STOP excusing yourself as someone who simply can’t finish what you start. That may have been the old you, but remember the Spirit of God is now working in you to make you NEW. You’re not who you once were, you’re becoming more and more like Jesus with the character of God reshaping you. Without God, we waver. With God, we are faithful. Maybe you’ve never stuck with anything your entire life – okay – but it doesn’t have to continue that way. Something new is growing now. With the power of the Holy Spirit, let me tell you exactly who you are becoming: You’re becoming the girl who is obedient when no one is watching. Yes, you’re proving you can be trusted with little, so now God is going to trust you with much! You’re becoming the girl who is faithful in her relationships. You keep your commitments and you remain loyal – no matter what. You’re becoming a girl who gives her best even when no one is watching. You work with your whole heart in all you do, as if you’re doing it for God himself. You’re becoming that good and faithful servant. Maybe not always successful, but that’s never what Jesus asked for. He honors your faithfulness over your success. You’re becoming the girl who can wait. The girl who can trust even when the answers don’t come. You’re living out Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold tightly to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” You trust God, so you faithfully wait for the fulfillment of his promises over your life. Without God, we waver. With God, we are faithful. And let me tell you something, your life now feels different with the fruit of faithfulness growing in you. You’re stable. People trust you. You live so much deeper now, stronger now, healthier now. And most importantly, your faithfulness reflects that genuine character of God and people are continually catching a glimpse of Jesus through you. Yip, every time you show up because you said you would – every time you keep going and don’t give up – every time you keep your promises – every time you give your best effort – every single time, you’re shining Jesus to this world. When people know they can count on you, when you are known to keep your word, when you are consistent and steady, when you are unwavering even under pressure, when you are still there even when life gets hard, when you finish the things God asked you to begin, when you stay instead of walking away …. THAT’S THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS GROWING IN YOUR LIFE. That’s the power of God in you! Without God, we waver. With God, we are faithful. Faithfulness looks like Abraham and Sarah trusting God’s promise for a baby for decades. Faithfulness looks like Joseph as a slave, Joseph as a prisoner, and Joseph in power with the same unshakable character. Faithfulness looks like Ruth out gathering what little food there was, doing what she could do to survive and care for her mother-in-law, when she stumbled into the field of a rich man who would love her. Faithfulness is Mary, a teenage virgin willingly accepting a miraculous pregnancy that would turn her whole world upside down. Faithfulness is Jesus – walking out his calling and purpose all the way to the cross, eyes always on the Father. Faithfulness – you are being called to it. Faithfulness – it’s being produced in your life through a power so much greater than you. You’re growing in faithfulness and it’s changing you. Recognize this change. Without God, we waver. With God, we are faithful. Challenge for Today: “Be Faithful in the Small Things” Choose one area where you can intentionally practice Spirit-produced faithfulness today. Here are a few ideas: Keep every promise you make today—even the small ones. Arrive early for every commitment. Complete a task you’ve been postponing. Spend your planned time with God, even if you don’t “feel” like it. Encourage someone you’ve committed to pray for, and then actually pray for them. Follow through on something without seeking recognition. As you do, pray: “Holy Spirit, make me a faithful person. Form in me a character that reflects the unwavering faithfulness of Jesus. Help me to be trustworthy in the little things, steadfast in difficulty, loyal in relationships, and devoted to You. May my life proclaim Your faithfulness to everyone I meet.” The Holy Spirit delights to produce that kind of steady, enduring faithfulness— one faithful choice at a time. 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