Podcasts about his kingdom

God has given us an intentional window of time to rise up and see His Kingdom advanced, if we are obedient and willing to answer His call. In this message you will learn how to take advantage of God's timing and execute His will, as exemplified by Queen Esther and how it relates to modern times.

Join us for week 2 of our series, Sandcastle Kingdoms, as our guest Patrick Murray speaks on the fact that we are obligated to the King for the sake of building His Kingdom.

Through Scripture and personal testimony, Pastor Olumide unpacks why raising disciples is legacy work, exploring biblical discipleship through the life and teachings of Jesus. This message highlights the second movement of our new church vision statement—raising disciples—within our call to reach, raise, and release disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom, challenging believers to embrace intentional, generational disciple-making.

Romans 10:9-10 — What is at the center of history? In this sermon on Romans 10:9–10 titled “Results of the Resurrection,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that it is Jesus Christ, the crucified Messiah. His sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary is the means by which God conquered sin, Satan, and the power of death. All the blessings that Christ gives are procured by His suffering and rising from the grave. He then ascended into heaven, where He lives and intercedes for His people. After ascending into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit just as He promised, to empower and comfort believers and the church. Jesus will return to bring His Kingdom to completion by finally destroying death and evil once and for all. These glorious truths should lead all believers to trust and hope in God that He is faithful to bring the work of redemption to completion. Christians ought to live in light of this hope and never look to themselves for wisdom and strength, but rely wholly on Him who has conquered the grave and defeated death. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

A Sunday sermon by Pastor Brett Deal.Tonight, we sit on the water's edge of a new year. With the sun set and moonlight piercing the darkness, we watch the slow ripple on the waves of yesterday and watch for dawn. It may not seem it, but the hours before sunrise are some of the best for fishing. This silent time lit soft by stars is the perfect time to cast wide our net into the new year. I'm not talking about new year's resolutions that only last a day or two. I'm talking about epiphany! Epiphany is the culmination of prolonged effort—like wisemen from the East making their long journey to Bethlehem or a faithful fisherman patiently casting out His net. At the beginning of last year, Jesus enlightened us with his preaching (Matthew 5-7). On a mountainside He spoke light and life, opening our eyes and ears and illuminating our hearts. Now, Jesus will come down from the mountain and walk among us, living His message into our world (Matthew 8.1). As we set out with Jesus the Messiah, would you enter this new year challenged by our fourth century sibling, Chromatius of Aquila, who wrote:“‘The kingdom of heaven is near.' So do you want the kingdom of heaven to also be near for you? Prepare these ways in your heart, in your senses and in your soul. Pave within you the way of purity, the way of faith and the way of holiness. Build roads of justice. Remove every scandal of offense from your heart. For it is written: ‘Remove the stones from the road.' And then, indeed, through the thoughts of your heart and the very movements of your soul, Christ the King will enter along certain paths,” (emphasis added).Beloved, the King and His Kingdom are near, so let us begin this new year intently going through the gates, preparing the way for all people, building up the way of the Lord to dwell among us (Isaiah 62.10). Let us join Jesus in the journey as He casts the net wide.

Goals to Grow workbook: https://curtlandry.com/goals26 Discover your divine design with PurposeQuest: https://mypurposequest.com/beginLearn more about the Hebrew month of Shevat: https://curtlandry.com/shevat Are you willing to embrace God's Word and follow it?In this episode of the Curt Landry Podcast, Rabbi Curt and Darrell Puckett talk about the Hebrew month of Shevat, a time to receive divine instruction for the year ahead. This month highlights the transformation that comes through meditating on God's Word. We can't allow mass media manipulation to discourage or distract us from what God is doing. He will judge evil and vindicate the righteous. The truth will prevail, and He is leading His people toward a future of hope. As we meditate on His Word and seek first His Kingdom, He will light up our path and fill our thoughts with life and peace.Join Rabbi and Darrell as they unpack global awakening in 2026, the One New Man reformation, and how to declare war on negative thinking.

Read Online“See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” Mark 1:44Miracles amaze and inspire us. For that reason, it is common for people of faith to pray for them. They are acts of God's great mercy, but the miracles we pray for are not always part of God's plan. In today's Gospel, Jesus heals a leper who comes to Him, kneels down, and says, “If you wish, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40). After that, Jesus' Sacred Heart is moved with compassion, so He says to the leper, “I do will it. Be made clean” (Mark 1:41). Once healed, Jesus does something that might surprise us: He tells the man not to tell anyone about the healing. Why the secrecy?This pattern of a divine manifestation of Jesus' power, followed by His command not to publicize the experience, is often referred to as Jesus' “Messianic Secret.” We see this invitation to secrecy especially throughout the Synoptic Gospels. For example, after Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, Jesus “warned them not to tell anyone about him.” (Mark 8:30). Similarly, following the Transfiguration, He commands Peter, James, and John, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:9). Even when Jesus silences demons who proclaim His identity, such as when they cry out, “You are the Son of God,” He “rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Messiah” (Luke 4:41).This pattern of secrecy highlights an important truth: Jesus' identity as the Messiah could not be fully understood apart from the Cross and the Resurrection. At this early stage in His ministry, publicizing His miracles risked distorting His mission, as many people expected a political or earthly Messiah. The fact that Jesus manifested His divine power at times led many to seek Him out for that power rather than for the real purpose of His mission. We must learn from this pattern and seek out Jesus for the right reasons.The Messianic Secret reminds us that while miracles reveal God's mercy and power, they are not ends in themselves. Rather, they point to the deeper truth of Christ's mission. He came to reconcile humanity to the Father through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. This truth calls us to embrace God's will over our own preferences, humbly recognizing that God's plan unfolds according to His ways and timing, not ours.Do you desire miracles in your life? It's understandable that when we encounter some heavy burden we might ask God to intervene and resolve the situation. God sometimes does so, but only when, in His wisdom, He sees that the answered prayer will bear the most important fruit He desires to bestow: the sanctification of our souls, leading to our salvation.If we want to be followers of Christ, it's important that we follow Him on His terms. The heart of the Gospel message is not, “Ask me for favors and I will grant them.” Rather, it is, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” Freedom from sin is more important than physical healings or resolutions to earthly issues. In fact, God often uses physical ailments and other crosses to deepen our trust in Him because they give us an opportunity to unite ourselves to His Passion. This leads to greater holiness and eternal blessings, rather than earthly and passing rewards. Reflect today on the miracles you might be hoping for in your own life. Are you willing to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even if His answer is not what you want? Rather than focusing solely on temporal favors, resolve to deepen your faith in Christ's mission. Commit to embrace His will, especially in moments of suffering or uncertainty, knowing that God's greatest desire is your salvation. Seek first His Kingdom, confident that His plan—whether through miracles, crosses, or quiet moments of grace—will always lead you to a deeper union with Him. All-powerful Lord, You can do all things. At times, You intervene and bring resolution to crosses. At other times, You call me to embrace those crosses with hope and trust, knowing that Your wisdom is far above my own. Please give me the grace I need to seek Your will above my own, trusting that You will work all things for good when I love You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Georg Pencz, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

How can your history with God influence how clearly you see His Kingdom at work around you? In this impactful Healing Is Here session, Bill Johnson explores what it means to think from God's perspective and intentionally remember the testimonies of Christ in your own life. Discover how living from a place of testimony sharpens your ability to hear God's voice and positions you to see the Kingdom of God at work in your life today. If you're ready to experience the benefits of God's Kingdom more clearly and more consistently—then this message is for you! For more resources and to view our upcoming conferences and events: www.charisbiblecollege.org.

Jesus didn't come only to be remembered—He came to reign.In this powerful message from the Advent series Promise Fulfilled: The Coming of Christ, we are reminded that Christmas was not the end of the story, but the beginning of God's Kingdom breaking into the world.In “Jesus Is King Everyday!”, we explore how Christ—the eternal Word—stepped into time to seek, save, and restore what was lost. Jesus didn't come merely to forgive sin; He came to heal hearts, restore identity, and bring abundant life that continues to overflow today. His Kingdom is not shrinking or fragile—it is increasing, and because we belong to His Kingdom, increase is released in every area of our lives.Rooted in Isaiah 9:6–7, this message reveals that the government of Jesus and the peace He brings have no end. The same King who came in humility is still reigning in power, working in our lives right now. When Jesus reigns in us, we carry His Kingdom into our homes, relationships, schools, and future.As we close the year, this message calls us to trust the King even when we don't yet see the outcome, to live with confidence that the Light has not faded, and to step into the increase God has promised.Jesus is not only the center of Christmas—He is the King of our everyday lives.

Tom Logue - January 11th 2026 When we stop listening and obeying, we wander — but prayer shows us the way forward. This week, Tom pauses our King and His Kingdom series to bring a prophetic and pastoral message rooted in Exodus 15 and Numbers 13–14, asking a piercing question the Lord placed on his heart: Why did God's people wander in the wilderness? Though the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land should have taken days, Israel wandered for forty years because they chose complaint over trust and fear over obedience. Through the stories of Moses, Caleb, Joshua, and the people of Israel, Tom shows how forgetting what God is capable of leads to fear, rebellion, and spiritual drifting. The message presses closer to home as Tom reminds us that this is not just Israel's story — it's ours. When we stop listening to God and obeying His voice, we wander relationally, spiritually, and communally. Drawing a powerful modern analogy and tying it to the life of prayer, Tom calls the church to build their lives around ongoing, relational prayer, not occasional moments. Prayer is not a religious task — it's the way we stay close to God, avoid wandering, and walk faithfully toward the Promised Land. As we step into a new year, this sermon invites every listener to examine their life honestly: Are we walking with God, or wandering without Him? The invitation is clear and hopeful — return to prayer, trust the Lord's leadership, and walk forward together into the fullness of His kingdom. Learn more about our church: https://restoredtemecula.church Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoredtemecula and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restoredtemecula #Exodus #Numbers #Prayer #ListeningAndObeying #SpiritualFormation #KingAndHisKingdom #RestoredTemecula Share this message with someone who needs to hear it. Chapters (00:00:00) - Restored Church(00:00:35) - God Reveals Himself in Exodus, Chapter 15(00:02:52) - What Did The Israelites Do?(00:08:03) - God's Warning for the People of Israel(00:12:15) - "People Love to Complain About Their Leaders"(00:15:35) - The Promise Land(00:20:03) - The Israelites: Do Not Obey God(00:25:45) - If the Lord Is With You, You Have Nothing to Fear(00:30:40) - God Forgives the Israelites(00:34:42) - Why Did My People Wander?(00:41:27) - God's Blessings for the Body of Christ(00:43:58) - What I Wish I Knew About My Love Life(00:47:16) - A Paralyzed Man Gets Ready to Attend His First NHL(00:51:03) - Build Your Life Around Prayer(00:55:05) - A Week in the Life of AI(01:00:15) - God Prays for You Today(01:09:06) - Thanksgiving Worship

Homily: The Sunday after Theophany Hebrews 13:7–16; Matthew 4:12–17 This homily explores repentance as the doorway from darkness into light, and from spiritual novelty into mature faithfulness. Rooted in Hebrews and the Gospel proclamation after Theophany, it calls Christians to become not sparks of passing enthusiasm, but enduring flames shaped by grace, sacrifice, and hope in the coming Kingdom. ---- Today's Scripture readings give us three interrelated truths—three movements in the life of salvation and theosis. First: darkness and light. Second: repentance as the way from darkness into light. Third: what children of the light actually do once they have been illumined.  Point One: Darkness and Light In today's Gospel, St Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah: "The people who sat in darkness saw a great light; and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned." This is not merely a poetic description of history. It is a diagnosis of the human heart. Scripture teaches us that our calling as human beings—our calling as Christians—is to become "children of the light and children of the day." Light is not something we admire from a distance. It is something we are meant to live in, to be shaped by, and to reflect. Darkness, in Scripture, is not simply ignorance. It is disorder. It is the twisting of desire. It is the heart turned inward on itself. And Christ comes—not merely to expose darkness—but to heal us of it. That is why today's epistle begins by reminding us: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7) Light becomes visible in lives that endure. The Christian life is not meant to flash briefly and disappear. God desires something steadier—not sparks, but flames. Point Two: Repentance — Leaving the Darkness Immediately after this proclamation of light, Christ begins His preaching with a single command: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." If we want to be part of the Light of Perfection, then the darkness in our lives and in our souls must be removed. Repentance is not optional. It is the doorway into illumination. Here we must confront a deep confusion in our culture—and often in our own hearts. We have the relationship between happiness and goodness exactly backwards. We tend to think: "It is good for me to be happy." And then we go looking for ways to become happy. But Scripture teaches the opposite: Happiness is not the path to goodness. Goodness is the path to real happiness. The epistle warns us: "Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods." (Hebrews 13:9) Indulgence does not strengthen the heart. Novelty does not strengthen the heart. Only grace does.  There is a danger here for neophytes because Orthodox is novel for them; there is an experiential conflation of the happiness that comes from new fascinations and their new connection with The Good Itself.  More on this in a moment. Back to repentance.  Repentance is how the heart is strengthened. It is how the flickering light of intention becomes steady. The iterated acts of repentance that constitute the Christian life is how God turns sparks into flames. Repentance and Tears This will bring tears.  Christ does not say, "You have suffered enough—come get comfortable in the light." He says, "Repent." Repentance is rarely pleasant. We do not repent because it makes us happy, although it occasionally will in the short term; again, because of our fascination with things that are new and shiny. But regardless, we do not repent for happiness; we repent because the darkness that has accumulated in our souls cannot survive in the presence of the Light and we want to grow in that light.  And that is going to involve suffering on account of the darkness that is within us; a darkness that has often come to define us. The epistle reminds us: "So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp, and bear the abuse he endured." (Hebrews 13:12–13) Repentance means leaving what is familiar and comfortable. It means stepping outside the camp. It means allowing the old life to die so that a new one can endure. Point Three: What Children of the Light Do Christ does not defeat the devil in the wilderness and then rest. He immediately begins His ministry. And so must we. We do not hide the light God has given us. We let it shine. And because we have been given different gifts, we shine in different ways. But we must be clear about the direction of this life: "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come." (Hebrews 13:14) Children of the light do not live for momentary brightness. They live toward the Kingdom. God is not basing the establishment of His Kingdom on bright flashes of enthusiasm; He is forming it on the constancy of the saints—not sparks, but flames. Marriage, Monasticism, and Mature Joy Many people experience spiritual puppy love when they first encounter Christ and His Church. And thanks be to God for that—it is a real gift. But puppy love is not the same thing as mature love. The Church teaches this most clearly through marriage and monasticism. Marriage matures love through patience, forgiveness, sacrifice, and daily fidelity. Monastic life matures love through obedience, stability, and perseverance. Both proclaim the same truth: love becomes real when it stops being about how we feel and starts being about who we are becoming. Hebrews names this life plainly: "Through him let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God… Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:15–16) This is the rhythm of mature Christian life—ordinary faithfulness, repeated again and again, until the light no longer flickers but until we all bear and share the eternal flame that is God's energies, constantly working through us and transforming us and this world towards His perfection in an ending tide of theosific grace. This is how Christ forms His people: not sparks, but flames. The Call All of us are called to worship, and if we are new to this the spark of our participation is infinitely greater than the darkness we once new — but it is still only the beginning of life in Christ. We have been given great gifts—individually and as a parish. We must guard against using them just to make ourselves feel good, and start using them to bring light. May Christ, the Light who has dawned upon us, make us children of the day— no longer sparks, but flames. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  

Join us this morning as Pastor Devin and Pastor Landon call us to an “above and beyond” faith that refuses to hold back. Rooted in Isaiah 54, they challenge us to move past partial obedience, unbelief, and misplaced priorities into wholehearted participation in God's purposes. Through biblical examples like the widow's jars, striking the ground, and the great banquet, this message reveals a consistent truth: God provides fully, but the extent of blessing is shaped by our response. Ultimately, this teaching calls the Church to renewed faith, deeper obedience, and active engagement in God's redemptive work as He expands His Kingdom through us.

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "The Last Supper" during this Sunday evening service.

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "The Price To Betray Christ" during this Sunday morning service.

By Mario Seiglie - Throughout the Bible from the time of Abraham to the epistles of Paul, God uses the geography and archeology of Israel to tell the stories of His Kingdom. In this PowerPoint presentation using maps, we have six lessons to learn in tracing voyages of the prophets and apostles. In the closing

Drugs, drugs and more drugs and that lifestyle took Roddy Martin to a point in his life where he lost everything. He was robbing from his mother, his family, his neighbors, everybody was a target. But it ended once he accepted God Almighty into his life, was baptized in prison, spent 4 years and came out clean! Now working for God and His Kingdom, Roddy will give those who need hope, Christ centered hope. Listen Up!

In our 24-hour news cyclone, it's easy to get lost in all the stories.  Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and radio show encourages us to keep our focus on the Overstory of God and His Kingdom.  It will help keep stories like those around Venezuela, Iran, and others in it's proper perspective.  Chris Martin, author of "A Wolf in Their Pockets," addresses the news that social media giant Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) knows their sites are used extensively by human traffickers to hook young people, but have don't little that really stops it.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Life is full of obstacles and echoes of our past brokenness—especially when we're stepping into something new. But are we going to let those doubts and fears rob us of everything God has planned for us? This week on the Known Legacy Podcast, the guys sit down with Mike Elkins, a missionary with His Voice Global. Mike shares his powerful story: from running a successful company to hearing God's clear call to leave it all behind and pursue full-time ministry in Africa. He opens up about wrestling with past wounds and self-doubt, yet ultimately taking that bold leap of faith—moving his entire family to South Sudan to serve orphans and vulnerable communities. Tune in as Mike inspires us all to step out courageously, trusting God to pour out His grace, bring healing, and empower us to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom. Learn more about Mike's ministry and how you can get involved at hisvoiceglobal.com. Join us for this faith-stirring conversation that will challenge you to overcome obstacles and embrace God's calling on your life. New episode dropping now—don't miss it! To learn more about Mikes Ministry go to hisvoiceglobal.com Wake Up, Gear Up, and Come Alive! Take a break from the noise and step into a weekend designed just for you—a time to rest, recharge, and rediscover who God created you to be. Whether you're running on empty or just need to hit pause, this retreat is your invitation to refocus on your purpose and build deeper connections with other men on the journey.  What's Included: Intentional time to slow down and breathe Dynamic worship & powerful teaching sessions Epic cornhole tournament Basketball, disc golf, gaga ball, 9 square, horseshoes & lawn games Archery & archery tag Indoor activity center: foosball, ping-pong, carpet ball, board games & movie nights Meaningful conversations & memories that last  Cost: $300     per person (double room occupancy)  $400     per person (single room occupancy) ⚠️ Spots are limited — don't wait to sign up! Scholarships available!  Email: bill@knownlegacy.org for more info. https://knownlegacy.org/mens-retreat Chapters (00:00:01) - Known Legacy Podcast(00:01:12) - Question of the Day(00:01:46) - Bill on His Thanksgiving Dinner(00:04:43) - Bill and Travis Try Cranberries For A Week(00:07:32) - Missionary Mike Elkins on FaceTime(00:07:58) - Thanksgiving at the Olympics(00:09:34) - The Chaos Man(00:12:37) - Married Christian: The Calling of God(00:16:39) - Married Man on His Love for Megan(00:18:40) - Mike's Journey From Divorce to On Course(00:22:18) - One missionary's call back into the field(00:25:07) - God's plan for me in South Sudan(00:29:59) - "I Love It When I Am Alone With You"(00:30:19) - Another 20 Years of Serving the World(00:32:55) - What A Desire For Men!(00:34:40) - His Voice Global: Fast Five(00:35:29) - 3 Questions for the Christmas Season(00:36:43) - Favorite fruit of Uganda(00:37:15) - No Legacy Podcast: Mike's Funeral

Happy Wednesday!   We are so excited for this week's episode! Today, we are sharing one of our co-host story, Ana!   Ana has been part of Finding Something Real since the very beginning. Janell and Ana met at a small group when she was a senior in High School in 2019. They've formed a beautiful friendship since then.   Ana was born and raised in Chelan, WA. She is currently the Social Media Manager for this Podcast and a co-host this season. She graduated from Northwest University and got her Bachelor's in Business Administration.   Ana is one of the founders of Valley Collective - a moment to unify the Churches in the Greater Chelan Valley. She's involved in many other ministries, including this one, using her gift and talents to build His Kingdom.    Ana loves the Lord with all her heart. It doesn't mean she hasn't gone through anything hard. Her dad had a stroke her sophomore year in High School. He was handicapped for four years until he passed away at the end of 2021. She shares her story about breaking a generational curse that was associated with to her dad's stroke.    She also opens up about her struggle with self-hatred and suicidal thoughts.   Ana's relationship with the Lord is so rich and so deep. If you relate to her story or want to ask more questions, please reach out! Message us - we would love to talk with you!   We hope you love Ana as much as we do!   -- -- -- -- -- LINKS I Have Seen the Goodness of God in My Life   You Don't Have to Have All the Answers with Lindsey Medenwaldt   Why People Really Don't Believe in Jesus with Xandra Grieme   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856   www.janellmwood.com   Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood  

“Bring Your Bible” is a simple reminder for all of us that actually believe the Bible to be the Word of God, to take a closer look as to how we got to those beliefs. Seriously, Is this book we call The Holy Bible actually God's Word? As we said last week, we have to acknowledge that by design, there is an element of faith involved in accepting the Bible as The Word of God. THE BIBLE— (collection of books) 66 books, 40 writers, one author, 3 languages, over 1500 years The revelation of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, came directly from Him to His creation.

Our Election in Christ (2) (audio) David Eells - 1/7/26 I'm going to continue where we left off in part one, about our election in Christ. We were speaking about how Judas was identified from among the disciples. (Joh.6:70) Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil? (71) Now he spake of Judas [the son] of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, [being] one of the twelve. So, Jesus understood that Judas was a son of the devil, yet He called him to walk among the 12 in (Joh.13:18) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen.... So Judas was not chosen . He went on to explain that He was not speaking of Judas, who never had ears to hear the spirit words and didn't believe. (Joh.6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. (64) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him. (65) And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father. Let me point out to you that it's not who receives the call and starts out with you who is chosen; it's who is still with you at the end. (2Jn.7) For many deceivers are gone forth into the world.... John is talking about them leaving Christianity. (1Jn.2:18) Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour. (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out,] that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. “They” here is referring to the antichrist body leaving the Church. The Beast is antichrist in the world, but antichrist in the Church is this son of perdition or destruction. They will all be reprobated like Judas so you will know them. (2Jn.7) For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, (I.e, out of the Church) [even] they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. (They deny, “Christ in us the hope of glory.”) This is the deceiver and the antichrist. (8) Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. So it's not “he who began with you” who is chosen; it's “he that abideth in the teaching” to prove they are not antichrist. Some people say they love the Word and seem very eager to study the Word, but there comes a point where they decide not to go any deeper, usually because it comes against their flesh. You know, lost people like knowledge. They like knowing things that other people don't know because they are prideful and this gives them a reason to be puffed up. The son of perdition likes knowledge, but when it comes to knowledge that demands a change in their life, that's where those people start filtering out, as the Bible says: (1Jn.2:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out,] that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. In the parable of the sower, three out of four, fell away. (2Jn.9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. “He that abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God.” This is saying you have to be obedient to have the Father and the Son. Antichrist are those who go out from among you and are denying the Father and the Son because they are not obedient to the Word. Remember that Jesus said, (Joh.14:15) If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. That's not a promise to those who are disobedient or to those who start out and don't finish the course. That's a promise to those who endure until the end denying their flesh. (Mat.24:13) But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (1Co.1:23) But we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; (24) but unto them that are called (meaning “invited” to partake in election), both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. People who are called understand the wisdom of the Gospel, but to the rest, it's foolishness and a stumblingblock. However, you may preach the Gospel to somebody today, and they won't come, but they might come later on because the right foundation was finally laid and the right timing has finally come. Just because someone doesn't accept the Gospel today doesn't mean that they're forever lost of God's calling, but only the called are going to come to Christ. Only the called have initial salvation. A good example of that is, (26) For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called:].... It's not many who “accept Christ” to begin with. This calling is not to the lost. This calling is internal; the calling is a gift from God to those who are being saved. The Bible never says, all are called. But it does teach that not all have the gift of faith. Everything in this world was created for the purpose of manifesting sons of God and everything that Paul did was toward that purpose. He said in (2Ti.2:10) Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. God called His Son out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1), but then He tried Him in the wilderness to find out who was going to go on to the Promised Land. Those who went on into the Promised Land were in type God's elect. Notice that His whole purpose was for the elect, not for those who fell away in the wilderness. You see, God's grace has been given to all those who are called, but it's the elect among the called who are going to take advantage of it and that's the difference. Paul dealt with many, but everything he did was for the few, the elect. God used Paul to fulfill His purpose. (Joh.6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. This is very interesting because the phrase “come to me” is used many places in Scripture. Jesus told the Jews in (Joh.5:39) Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me; (40) and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life. That was obvious about most of the Jews then, who rejected everything that Jesus said. And it's obvious about those people today who reject everything that Jesus said, but did you know that some of those people who walked with Jesus, even as disciples, wouldn't come to Him? (Joh.6:66) Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. That actually happened, then and now. Notice the verse number 666. Antichrist was coming out from among them as we saw. Only God can cause a person to come to Jesus: (Joh.6:39) And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. (40) For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day… (44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. It's not possible for anyone to come unto Jesus, except the Father draws them. It is possible for them to come to church and to believe many doctrines. They can go to an altar and accept Jesus as their Savior, even though we don't see anything in the Scriptures about that. But people will not actually come unto Jesus unless they are drawn by God. (Son.1:4 Draw me; we will run after thee:) (Mar.1:14) Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, (15) and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel. “Repent and believe” is the Gospel being preached in the Scriptures, but it's been pushed aside for another gospel that says, “Just accept Jesus Christ.” That's a gospel that fills up the Church with tares because you can “accept” Him while He does not “accept” you. You can “accept” without repenting and believing. We've seen people who have come to the Unleavened Bread Bible Study and even when they were shown, “This is what the Scripture says,” they refused to believe it. The Greek word for “repent” is metanoeo and it means “to change your mind; to think differently.” Repenting means to change your mind and believe the Scriptures.  Some people refuse to do that. Yes, they can “accept” Jesus all they want, but Jesus doesn't accept them unless they repent and believe. Let me show you again that you can walk with Jesus, but not come unto Jesus: (Joh.6:64) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him. That tells you Jesus knew from the beginning that Judas didn't believe. (65) And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me.... Judas was doing the same mighty works, and he was accepted among the disciples because they didn't know that he wasn't like them. Did he come to Jesus? No. Judas was walking with Jesus, and yet Judas didn't come to Him. Somewhere along the way, if you adhere to the Scriptures, those who are not of God are going to be filtered out. They are going to come to a place where the Scripture demands obedience and they will not obey, which is to repent and believe. (Joh.6:65) And he said, For this cause have I said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it be given unto him of the Father. (66) Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (67) Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, Would ye also go away? (68) Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (69) And we have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God. (70) Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil? He said several things about this devil. Jesus said that he didn't believe, he hadn't come unto Him, and he's not going to obey. (71) Now he spake of Judas [the son] of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, [being] one of the twelve. The son of perdition is still in the Church today. Let's read (2Th.2:3) Let no man beguile you in any wise: for [it will not be,] (the coming of the Lord) except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, (I.e., Like Judas they will eventually faction and fall away to prove who they are. We have seen this first hand.) (4) he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped (Like Judas, they don't start out this way, they end up this way.); so that he sitteth in the temple (Which in Greek is the word, Naos, which is always used by Paul as the people, not the building.) of God, setting himself forth as God. (I.e., They are their own God) (5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (6) And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. (7) For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only [there is] one that restraineth (the coming of the Lord) now, until he be taken out of the way. (The numeric pattern shows “until he be come out of the midst”. He will be taken out so that the body can be spotless, ready for the coming of the Lord.) (8) And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming; (9) [even he,] whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (Everyone they deceived also became one of them.) (11) And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: (12) that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.  That's talking about the corporate son of perdition in the corporate body of the Church. They are walking with Jesus, but they are not coming unto Jesus and they are doing the works that Judas was doing because Jesus gave Judas authority along with the others. You can have some works without the Life. (Mat.10:1) And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. (Mar.6:12) And they went out, and preached that [men] should repent. (13) And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. He didn't choose Judas to be one of the elect, but he chose him to be one of the 12 and He gave him authority. We read in (1Co.11:19) For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you. It's necessary for factions to be among the people of God to prove them. (Luk.17:1) And he (Jesus) said unto his disciples, It is impossible but that occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come! It's necessary that these occasions of stumbling and these “heresies” come because they weed out the tares from among the wheat. They weed out those who don't bear fruit, and so Jesus chose Judas and didn't do anything to separate him from out of their midst, even though He knew what Judas was. It was the Word that finally ended up separating Judas; just as in these days, it's the Word that separates the Judas', the sons of perdition, from among the disciples. Judas brought Jesus to His cross. (Joh.17:2) Even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. Remember that Jesus said in (6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me.... The “freewillers” say, “If you don't go get them, they won't come.” Well, I do believe in going and preaching the Gospel, but I tell you, if you don't go, somebody will, and those who are His are going to come. Some people think that Jesus failed in His mission because He gained so few disciples. No, He said in (Joh.17:4) I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. What was that work? (6) I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world.... Notice that the Lord manifested His name only to the elect among Israel, a type of the Church. He was not manifesting His name to anybody else. (Psa.147:19) He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel. (20) He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. Jesus is still doing that today; He is still revealing His statutes and His commandments only to the Israel of God, circumcised in heart not flesh. Only spiritual Israel is a “chosen” generation now. But to the true Church He said in (1Pe.2:9) But ye are an elect (chosen) race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Notice carefully who the elect race is now. (Joh.17:6) I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were.... This is the Church whom He “called out” of Judaism. Church means “the called out ones”. You see, before they came to Jesus, they belonged to God. They always belonged to God. Let me tell you something about the sons of God and the sons of the devil. According to election, a child of God was never a son of the devil. According to nature, they were sons of the devil as in (Ephesians 2:2,3), but according to election, they were never sons of the devil. Why? (Eph.1:4) Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love. In the mind of God, anybody who is a son was always a son. So Jesus tells us, (Joh.17:6) I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were and thou gavest them to me (They belonged to God, who doesn't dwell in time, before they came to Jesus.); and they have kept thy word.  When the disciples walked with Jesus as His children (Mark 10:24; John 13:33; 21:5), they grew in wisdom and understanding, as the Bible says of Jesus: (Luk.2:52) And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. God didn't attribute to Him any of the childish things that Jesus might have done as a child because children do things grownups would never think of. He didn't attribute to the disciples any of the childish things that they said and did. (Psa.32:2) Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile. Jesus didn't hold against them the mistakes they made in ignorance. He had to rebuke them so that they would know what was displeasing to God. (Matthew 17:17; Mark 9:19; 16:14; Luke 9:41; 24:38; John 20:27; etc.) In spite of this He said, “They have kept thy Word.” (Joh.17:9) I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine.... Notice Jesus was not going to pray for the world, but it's something we see done all the time. Do you know for whom we are actually praying when we pray for the world? We are praying for God's elect. Jesus said, “I don't pray for the world; I pray for those whom You have given me because they are Yours.” Someone who is not God's, will never be God's. We were chosen in Christ before times eternal, before the world was made. A person who is a child of God always belonged to God through election. Remember that God uses methods in election and He doesn't go around these methods.  He always uses the faith and prayers of His people to manifest election. He's going to use the faith and prayers of parents for their children to bring their children into the election. He's going to use the faith and prayers that you have for other people who are the elect of God. Some people say, “If my children are elect, they will just come into the Kingdom.” No, those people are neglecting the method by which God elects. God's method for election is faith and prayer. I personally don't believe that God does anything on the earth whereby He doesn't use someone in faith and prayer to bring it to pass. We have examples in the Scriptures of how God always used the faith and prayers of people to manifest miracles, to heal, to bring salvation, and so on (Genesis 32:9-12,18; Job 42:7-9; Luke 22:31-32; Acts 9:10-19; etc.) God has chosen to use the vessel of man to bring things to pass, and He's not going to circumvent man. You may have heard the old saying, “Prayer changes things,” but that's not a Scriptural statement. Prayer fulfills things. God chose, from the foundation of the world, His elect to come into His Kingdom. Through faith and prayer you can be a vessel to bring this to pass. What happens is that God puts in you the desire and faith to pray for certain people, and then He brings them in. (Php.2:13) For it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. And Jesus told the disciples in (Mar.11:24) Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. What's the condition there? “Believe that ye receive them.” Faith is a gift of God. You see, “All things whatsoever” is a dangerous promise unless you know that God has total control over the situation because He's the one who gives faith in the first place.  If you've ever tried and failed, over and over, to believe for something, sometimes it's because you are praying for something that's not Scriptural. And your faith doesn't hold up, of course, because God doesn't want you praying for that. I don't want you to use this as an excuse, though; many people pray for things and then don't endure in their faith to receive them. Jesus rebuked His disciples for their unbelief in (Matthew 8:26; 17:20; Mark 9:19; Luke 7:9; etc.)  Remember what God said to Ananias when he questioned God's choice of Paul: (Act.9:15) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel… (17) And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. (18) And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized. God chose Paul to do wonderful things, and God put it into the heart of Ananias to come and pray for Paul to receive his sight and the Holy Spirit. That's a good example of how God uses people to do His will. Another good example is the story of Cornelius: (Act.10:3) He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius. (4) And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God. (5) And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter: (6) he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. (21) And Peter went down to the men, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? (22) And they said, Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee. The angel was showing Cornelius to send for Peter and he will come and tell you how to be saved. Angels could do this but they don't because God chooses to use men. Jesus said, (Joh.17:12) While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. Again, in our day, the only one who is going to perish among the people, who are thought of as disciples of Christ, will be the son of perdition. “Not one of them perished” who was truly a child of God. Judas was not a child of God. According to Jesus, he was a son of the devil. Is there a “son of the devil” in the Church today? Yes, there certainly is; he was called “Antichrist.” Also in (Joh.3:18) He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.  Now the Armenians want you to believe that God loves everybody, but they must not have read this verse: (Joh.13:1) Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end. You see, the doctrine that says God loves everybody is not in the Scriptures: (Rom.9:13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. That's what the Bible says and we should believe it. Jacob, in type and shadow, represents the true Church. Esau represents those who hate the chosen people and fight against them to our day. Both of these men had the same mother and father. So we can see that among Christians, there are those whom God loves and there are those whom God hates for mistreating their brother. Physical lineages of flesh mean nothing in the New Testament. There are born-again men in all races. Many verses prove God is particular about whom He loves: (Psa.5:5) The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Yet it also says, (Rom.5:8) But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I discovered something about that. I discovered that God's love is just like His faith. He doesn't love you for what you are; He loves you for what He will make of you. God sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). If He loves you for what you are, then that would mean He loves sin and that's not true because the Bible says He hates “all workers of iniquity,” and the worker of iniquity is the “old man.”  Let's read (Eph.4:17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, (18) being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; (19) who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. (20) But ye did not so learn Christ; (21) if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: (22) that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; (23) and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, (24) and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.  There is a means to the end of election. (Col.3:5) Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; (6) for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: (7) wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; (8) but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: (9) lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, (10) and have put on the new man, (That is faith.) that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: (11) where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. God hates the old man and the Bible says the old man is the enemy of God: (Rom.8:6) For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace: (7) because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: (8) and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Some people want to convert the old man. He cannot be converted; it's not possible. He has to die. God loves you for the seed that He's sowing in you and what that seed is going to bring forth. God loves the fruit and the fruit is Jesus. He doesn't love the dirt. The Bible says He hates all workers of iniquity and people are workers of iniquity. Maybe you've heard someone say, “God loves the sinner but hates the sin.” Well, that's a complete lie and it's not Scriptural. He hates all workers of iniquity, so how can God love the sinner when the sinner IS sin and his whole nature is sin? Pick out any sinner in the world. They are bound in sin and “shapen in iniquity” (Psalm 51:5; Acts 8:23); their whole nature is sin. Their whole nature is self-will and rebellion against God.  There's no way to pick out something there that is righteous and good because nothing righteous and good is in a person if the seed of God hasn't been sown in them. (Psa.11:5) The Lord trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. (Pro.6:16) There are six things which the Lord hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: (17) Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; (18) A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, (19) A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren. You know, that clearly describes unregenerate man, so it's clear that when we come to God, His love for us is a love of faith. (Rom.5:8) But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He loves us by faith; for what He sees we will be (1 Corinthians 13:12; 15:49; 1 John 3:2). It's a false doctrine that God loves everybody. God can save anybody He wants to save, as you can see in Apostle Paul's conversion, and if He loves them, He will certainly save them. (Psa.147:19) He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel. (20) He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. God called Israel and He didn't call any other nation. Did He love any other nation? No, obviously not. Whom did He love? He loved Israel and He still loves Israel. He still calls His spiritual Israel, and He still reveals His statutes unto them.  (Deu.7:7) The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples: (8) but because the Lord loveth you, and because he would keep the oath which he sware unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. God revealed Himself to Israel and He knew that they were the least of the nations. They were the smallest nation; they were the weakest nation, and He revealed Himself to them. It's the same today! True spiritual Israel is a very small percentage of the world's population, and God is revealing Himself to them. He loves them and He doesn't love the rest. As it was with Noah in the ark.

Growing In God Podcast Program Number: GIG #283 Title: You Are the Temple   Web Description: Hanukkah celebrates the reality that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us. We take this time to dedicate ourselves on a deeper level to be those in whom God is living and moving. Therefore, as those who are His dwelling place, we wash away any unbelief and separate ourselves from the pollution of this world.   Show Notes: Hanukkah celebrates a time of miracles when the people of Israel defeated the powerful kingdom that was oppressing them and took back the Temple in Jerusalem. But after these miracles, the Temple had to be cleansed and rededicated. Likewise, the miracles in our lives are because of the miracle Christ accomplished on the cross, which happened for our cleansing and dedication to be His temple, the holy dwelling place of God in the earth.   When Yeshua (Jesus) walked in the Temple during Hanukkah, He did so as the One who would cleanse the Temple, the One sent by the Father to be His true temple, and the One who has sent us with the same purpose of being the temple that God will indwell. By the miracle of His cross, Christ took us out of the hands of satan and cleansed us from sin. And when we receive Him, He gives us the power to dedicate ourselves to Him as the physical bodies in which He dwells.   Therefore, we cannot minimize this aspect of our Christian life. We must apply the true cleansing of our hearts and minds that Christ has provided. We must walk in the power that we have received from Him to separate ourselves from the world and to not be touched by any of its corruption. It is time to cleanse ourselves from any unbelief about what God has called us to be as His people. We give ourselves to His working in us to build us together into the temple that He will live in on this earth.   Key Verses:   •       John 17:21–23. "The world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." •       John 10:22–25. "The Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem … and Jesus was walking in the temple." •       1 Corinthians 3:16–17. "You are a temple of God." •       1 Corinthians 6:19–20. "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit." •       2 Corinthians 6:16–17. "We are the temple of the living God." •       Ephesians 2:18–22. "You also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." •       Philippians 2:12. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." •       2 Corinthians 13:5. "Jesus Christ is in you." •       Ephesians 3:16–19. "Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."   Quotes:   •       "We should have a very aggressive attitude during this time of Hanukkah as we look at the things in the world that need to conform to what God has already said, what He's already spoken, what He's already prophesied. And we just stand up and say, 'It is finished. It is already done. And enough is enough!'" •       "Christ comes and reconciles us to the Father as the temple of worship. But then we become those who dedicate ourselves and make sure there's the cleansing, the reviving of the temple to a state of purity through which the worship can come." •       "They had to go cleanse everything in the Temple during Hanukkah that had been polluted by the world. And there's a pollution in us that blinds our hearts and minds from really accepting and seeing and believing and understanding that God is in us."   Takeaways:   1.    Hanukkah means standing firm in the miracle of Christ's victory that establishes His Kingdom in the earth and delivers us from the wickedness, sin, and corruption of this world. 2.    Just as the Temple was taken from the evil ruler, cleansed, and dedicated back to the Lord, so Christ delivers us from satan, cleanses us from sin, and makes us the temple of God, His dwelling place. 3.    We must not diminish the indwelling of God within us; rather, we apply the power that Christ gives us to dedicate ourselves to be wholly His temple.

Disorder around us exposes the disorder within us, and Jesus calls us to realign our lives by seeking His Kingdom first

Send us a textChapter 22 concludes the Revelation of Jesus Christ and in it we are warned that He is coming soon.  Living our lives being ready for the day when we meet Him should motivate every believer to stay faithful to Jesus and obey the Holy Spirit day by day ensuring our lives are used for the glory of His Kingdom.  

Hello and thank you for joining us! At Gospel Community Church we teach the Bible line by line, verse by verse. This week we pause our study of Genesis to look at all God has done in our church body, all He is leading us to in the new year, and take a moment to be reminded of God's beautiful big picture and how we are a vessel for His Kingdom expansion!

In Week 1 of our parables series, Jesus opens the Kingdom of God to us through the Parable of the Sower. Parables are not moral lessons about how to be better people. They are stories Jesus tells to reveal what He is like as King and what His Kingdom is like. Here, we see His extravagant generosity as He scatters His Word widely, offering His gifts even where they will be rejected.Jesus also diagnoses what threatens that Word in our lives. The evil one seeks to snatch it away, hardship can scorch it, and the cares and riches of this world can choke it out. Yet the good news is that we do not make ourselves “good soil.” The Holy Spirit cultivates hearts to receive Jesus' Word, and God brings the harvest. As people who are being shaped by the King's generosity, we are also sent to reflect that generosity by sharing His Word with others. Isaiah 55:6–11 1 Corinthians 3:5–9 Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

On Vision Sunday, we align our God-given dreams under the vision of His Kingdom. As we seek first God and commit to His house, we discover that vision written in alignment releases God's provision in every area of life: finances, health, relationships, and purpose. This message calls us to stop writing in vain and begin writing faith-filled, Kingdom-first vision for 2026.

Money is a topic that seems to be in the “mind your own business” category these days. Even Christians can slip into a mindset that asks not how much can I give but rather how little can I get by with. After all, no one wants less of it. So why has money become such a sensitive, personal subject—one that so easily leads to discomfort or even offense? It's an important question, especially when we consider that Jesus had no hesitation in talking about it. He knew our approach to money was not just a reflection of our hearts but also a key part of His Kingdom expanding. In our new series Leverage, Pastor Brandon will explore the biblical call to generosity by discussing the how come, how to, how much, and how many of biblical stewardship.

In this message, Pastor Bobby unpacks the biblical discipline of fasting—not as a religious obligation, but as a relational practice that deepens humility, dependence, and attentiveness to God.Rooted in Jesus' words and echoed throughout Scripture, this teaching reframes fasting as a response to longing for Christ and His Kingdom. We're reminded that we do not live by bread alone—and that true fasting doesn't stop with us, but overflows into generosity, mercy, and love for others.As we begin a new year together, this message invites our church into a renewed rhythm of prayer and fasting, trusting God to do something meaningful in and through us.

Are you truly living out your faith or just blending in with the world? Pastor Kevin invites you to examine your heart, resist spiritual deception, and embrace the transformative power of abiding in Christ. Discover how to create space for God, hear His voice clearly, and live with purpose rooted in His Kingdom.Scriptures ReferencedJeremiah 29:4-9, 29:11; Matthew 7:21-23; John 15:1-5, 18:36; Romans 12:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:11-12Key InsightsSpiritual deception is often more dangerous than persecution because it's subtle.Abiding in Christ requires creating intentional space to hear God's voice.Deception convinces us we know enough and blinds us to our true spiritual condition.We are called to live set apart, not shaped by the culture around us.Evaluating how we spend our time reveals where our faith truly lies.True success in faith is measured by the fruit of the Spirit, not worldly achievements.Repentance means realigning both our thoughts and actions with God's truth.https://springhouse.captivate.fm/episode/make-room Subscribe & Follow the PodcastDownload our appOur WebsiteOnline Tithes & OfferingsJoin our LivestreamGathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PM Contact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421 CCLI License 2070006

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "The Plans of Man The Purposes of God" during this Sunday morning service to start the year 2026.

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "Worship or Waste?" during this Sunday evening service to start the year 2026.

By Peter T Burchard - Would it be arrogant to declare you will make it into Gods Kingdom? Or would you be lacking belief or doubting if you are not sure? How can we be humble but certain we will enter His Kingdom? Listen to see what scripture says.

In Matthew 6 Jesus warns against 3 forms of showy piety prevalent amongst the Pharisees of his dayverses conspicuous giving of alms (charity, prayers designed to impress others rather than heartfelt requests to the Father and attention-seeking fasting. Our Lord tells us that the focus of worship must be internal i.e. our relationship with our Father and should ignore anything external that would impress an audience. The chapter points out that charitable deeds must have their focus on the receiver and not the giver - and the reward being future not present. The same attitude must characterise our prayers. Jesus then provides a model prayer in which the honour and reverence for God must be foremost. When His Kingdom is sought and when His will shall be done. Next in the prayer follows petition for needs (not wants), forgiveness(measured by our capacity to forgive) and deliverance. Advice on fasting, the objective of the treasure we seek, freedom from all anxiety as God knows us loves us and will provide all that we need to bring us into His Kingdom. One day at a time our Father has given us- we leave the worry for tomorrow to Him.

"Freedom is not getting to do whatever you want. Freedom is getting to do what God wants you to do," said Pastor Rob McCoy, lead pastor of Calvary Chapel and former mayor of Thousand Oaks, California. In this interview, Pastor Allen Jackson and Pastor McCoy discuss the vital role the Church is called to play in our nation. Liberty can only be found in God, so we must guide our country's conscience in order to preserve our freedom. We may be told that Christians have no place in politics, but the opposite is true. By being an advocate for Jesus Christ, we can win hearts for His Kingdom and defeat the darkness of our culture.

In this New Year's Eve best-of show, The Gospel Coalition's Collin Hansen looks back at 2025 and talks about the top 10 theological news stories of 2025.  Karen Ellis of the Edmiston Center helps remind us that we (both as individuals and collectively as Jesus followers) are defined by who we are in Christ and His Kingdom.  When we forget that and all His promises to His people, evil flourishes.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

As we close out 2025, we return to Matthew 17 in our series The King & His Kingdom. In this passage, we see three powerful truths about Jesus: the Son who suffers, the Son who is free, and the Son who provides. This sermon invites weary and anxious hearts to stop living as fearful subjects and begin resting as confident sons and daughters—trusting in our gracious King who has met our greatest need and promises to provide for all we need as we follow Him.Mission Church — www.missionlasvegas.com

Read OnlineWhen the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Luke 2:22–24Forty days after a firstborn male was born, the law of Moses required that the mother participate in a purification ritual and that the parents were to “redeem” the child by offering a ritual sacrifice. As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph took these obligations seriously. When they entered the Temple, they were met by a holy man named Simeon, who was among the faithful Jews “awaiting the consolation of Israel.”From its founding, the Kingdom of Israel had endured many troubled times. The last time the Kingdom of Israel had been united was under the reign of King David and his son Solomon in the tenth century B.C. After Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom was captured by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., and the Southern Kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of many Jews to Babylon for about seventy years. In the centuries that followed, Greek culture was imposed upon the region after the conquest of Alexander the Great, and the Romans finally captured Judah in 63 BC, maintaining control beyond the birth of Christ.This history of oppression and division created various responses among the Jewish people. Many prophets had foretold the coming of the Messiah, the one who would bring consolation to Israel. Some Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would reunite and restore the Kingdom. Others were indifferent to the prophecies. But a faithful remnant, like Simeon, awaited the Messiah who would bring about a profound spiritual renewal.Simeon was not a Pharisee, Sadducee, or scribe, but an ordinary devout Jew filled with the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit Who revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, came to the Temple and recognized the Christ Child. He took Jesus in his arms and rejoiced, saying, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled…”We should all strive to be like Simeon. Like the people of Israel and Judah, we are living in a world where God's Kingdom is often divided or overshadowed by immorality, wars, divisions, and a lack of faith. We might be tempted to address these challenges in various ways, but the best way is to become part of the faithful remnant who, like Simeon, trust in God's promises and eagerly anticipate His transforming action in our lives and in the world. Reflect today on the state of the world. In some places, the Kingdom of God is vibrant and alive; in others, it seems distant or absent. No matter where you find yourself, turn your gaze to the all-powerful Messiah, Who is capable of renewing His Kingdom on Earth as we await its fullness at the end of time. Devote yourself to His mission, and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you to be an active participant in bringing about the reign of God. My Lord and Messiah, as I see the challenges and divisions in the world around me, help me to trust in Your promises. May I, like Simeon, be filled with faith and hope as I await Your Kingdom. Inspire me to be an instrument of Your grace, helping to build Your Kingdom here on Earth. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Janmad, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

It's surprisingly easy to let life's big moments slip by and forget how much has actually happened over the last twelve months! We often move so fast that we lose sight of how God has been looking out for us. This week, we looked at how pausing to remember isn't just a sentimental exercise—it's Biblical! And it helps us gain peace and perspective, regardless of what's happening around us. Think of your phone's photo library as a modern version of a memory jar. When you scroll back through your pictures from 2025, you start to see the full story of where you've been and what God has done, even in the messy parts. Before the new year officially kicks off, take a few minutes to look through your photos, send a quick text to someone you've missed, and be honest with God about what you're grateful for and where you still need some help. It's a simple way to head into next year with a much clearer head and a lot more gratitude. Your 2025 year-end giving advances our Unshakeable vision as we partner with God to build an Unshakeable future. As you put God first in your giving, He continues to use your generosity to move His Kingdom forward. Thank you for continuing this journey with us. Together, we're seeing lives changed as people take their next steps with Jesus. Give online or mail gifts postmarked by December 31st. Get more details by clicking the button below. As we approach the end of the year, we praise God for all He has done through 12Stone Church and your generosity in 2025. Your year-end giving allows us to continue our Unshakeable journey and advance the gospel around the world. You can find year-end giving tips and ways to give at 12Stone.com/give At 12Stone Church, learn how to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose and Make a Difference. Visit our website at 12Stone.com for more information or connect with us at https://12stone.com/connect/

The communion table is more than a ritual or tradition. It is a moment to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and to declare our loyalty to Him. When we participate, we are choosing shared life with Jesus and aligning our hearts with the rule and purposes of His Kingdom.

The communion table is more than a ritual or tradition. It is a moment to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and to declare our loyalty to Him. When we participate, we are choosing shared life with Jesus and aligning our hearts with the rule and purposes of His Kingdom.

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "The Judgment of the Nations" during this Sunday evening service.

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "The King Will Return" during this Sunday morning service.

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "The Judgment of the Nations" during this Sunday evening service.

Pastor Ryan continues through the series in the gospel of Matthew titled "The King & His Kingdom" as he preaches a message titled "The King Will Return" during this Sunday morning service.

By John Elliott - Have you ever wondered, “Will I really be in God's Kingdom?” God's plan isn't distant or vague—He has personally built you into His purpose and expects you to be in His Kingdom. Discover eight scriptural reasons you can move forward with hope, motivation and confidence in your eternal future.

In the Christmas narrative, angels came to deliver "good news of great joy" to us. Good news of great joy doesn't mean everything is going to be easy, but it does mean our assignments will be meaningful and well-rewarded. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson teaches about the theme for the third week of Advent: joy. We may be tempted to grumble when facing trials, but God calls us to endure with joy. It's counterintuitive to our human natures, but with the Holy Spirit's help, we can find true joy in the midst of hardship. God is moving in the earth, and we want to be a part of what He's doing in His Kingdom, so let's choose to cultivate joy—sustaining, eternal, and supernatural joy.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Matthew 10:17–18These words capture the essence of the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the Church's first martyr, whom we honor today. The day after celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church, in her wisdom, reflects on the reality of persecution as a consequence of worshiping the newborn King.The Jewish community in Jerusalem was diverse, with traditional Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews who were influenced by the Greco-Roman culture. As Jews began to convert to Christianity, a new unified community of believers emerged. Despite this unity, tensions arose, particularly when Hellenistic widows were neglected in the daily distribution of bread. To address this, the Apostles appointed seven deacons, with Stephen being the first, likely a Hellenist himself.Stephen, described as “a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,” performed great wonders among the people. When confronted by Hellenistic Jews, he defended the faith with wisdom and courage, leading to his being dragged before the Sanhedrin. His eloquent defense angered his opponents, resulting in his stoning. In his final moments, Stephen commended his spirit to Jesus and prayed for his persecutors.At first, his martyrdom seemed a tragic loss that sparked a wave of persecution and scattered the Christian community throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. This dispersion, however, spread the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, leading to many new converts. What appeared to be a tragedy became a catalyst for the growth of the early Church.As we honor Saint Stephen, reflect on the truth that God permits evil only to draw greater good from it. If you face suffering or persecution, let today's feast inspire hope. Trust in God's plan, reject fear, and embrace His will, knowing that He can use every cross for His glory. Saint Stephen, you were a man filled with grace and power, deeply committed to Jesus and the proclamation of the Gospel. Please pray for me, that I will have your courage and faith so that God can use me to further His Kingdom by drawing many souls to Him. Saint Stephen, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Giovanni Andrea de Ferrari, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

In this special Christmas episode of Faith in Healthcare, Dr. Mike Chupp reflects on God's faithfulness as CMDA nears its 100th year, before we listen to a message from former CMDA CEO Dr. Dave Stevens. He shares how a small group of praying medical students grew into CMDA and a global ministry through seasons of obedience, challenge, and God's unmistakable guidance. More than a history lesson, this episode is a reminder that God delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes for His Kingdom. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we're invited to remember that the same God who has been at work through CMDA for decades is still at work today in healthcare and in each of our lives.

Ryan Kelly | Isaiah 9:6-7 | 1. The Promise of a Child 2. The Majesty of His Name 3. The Security of His Kingdom 4. The Certainty of His Plan