POPULARITY
In this sermon, Pastor Jason invites us to reflect on what it truly means to be the church—a flock led by the Good Shepherd. Rooted in John 10, this message unpacks the rich imagery of Jesus as both the Door and the Shepherd: the only way into the Kingdom and the one who protects, guides, and knows us by name. Pastor Jason reminds us that following Jesus isn't about performance or religion—it's about relationship. He challenges us to ask hard questions: Do we recognize the Shepherd's voice? Are we following Him together as one flock? And are we willing to walk in the direction He's breathing life into, even when it doesn't match our own plans? Whether you've wandered or stood faithfully in the fold, this sermon will realign your heart with the Shepherd who doesn't just save, but walks with you daily. 04:14 The Importance of Community and Service 07:27 Metaphors of the Church: Flock and Shepherd 12:43 Understanding Our Role as Sheep 20:00 Jesus: The Door and Good Shepherd 28:44 Jesus as the Door and Good Shepherd 31:03 The Role of the Good Shepherd 35:44 Jesus Conquers Death for His Sheep 39:33 Expectations of the Sheep 51:44 Following the Shepherd Together
La Porta | Renungan Harian Katolik - Daily Meditation according to Catholic Church liturgy
Delivered by Andrew Jost from the Parish of Saint Albert the Great in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 11: 1-18; Rs psalm 42: 2-3; 43: 3.4; John 10: 1-10.THE GOOD SHEPHERD SMELLS OF HIS SHEEP The title for our meditation today is:The Good Shepherd Smells of His Sheep. Pope Francis once said about becomingshepherd and gave a reminder to the whole Church, specifically an address tothe bishops and priests, that they must have smell like their sheep. This expressionof the Pope has always been quoted and referred to by various elements withinthe Catholic Church. The Pope is actually teaching us about faith that involvesand communicates with the real life of every Christian. The point is that the duty ofleadership and service do not put people only in offices, homes, behind tables,in discussion forums, meetings and planning. To imitate our true Shepherd JesusChrist, we must be able to become shepherd like Him. The following illustrationcan help us to ponder on the idea about shepherd. There were four children in a family. Theywere two girls and two boys. They really admired and loved their parents. Everyone of them testified that their father and mother loved so much each of thechildren personally and treat each one according to his and her circumstanceand character. Every one of them said that in choosing a spouse for marriage, eitherboy or girl should have similarity to their own father and mother. The boyfriends should have something similiar the girls' father. The girl friends alsoto the boys' mother. The shepherd smells of the sheep islike in the story above of the father and mother who did big sacrifice to theirchildren. As the sheep receive help and care, they really feel what is being athome, loved, and developed. First of all because the helpers or shepherds actlike Jesus. They do not choose people to help. They treat everyone personallyand give attention to all with love. This is a concrete way for a shepherd tohave smell like the sheep. The shepherd comes into the concrete conditions andexperiences that each and everyone has in their own lives. The highlight message about the goodshepherd who have smell of the sheep is on the truth that God does not disgustsand gives up on the smell of the sheep that are close to him. God even likesthe smell of the sheep. The different smells of the sheep obviously come fromevery walk of life, but the Lord pleases all of them and He will transform themto become fragrance gift because of His love and mercy. The sheep are not onlyin the sheepfold, but also outside of it, all of them will take pasture andshelter in Jesus Christ. Saint Peter, as told in the Acts of the Apostlestoday, also did the same thing. He succeeded in bringing people who wereoutside the borders of the Jewish territory to become members of the EarlyChurch. The shepherd that smells of the sheephas not been realized perfectly at this time of our life. We should continue topray and hope that the chosen shepherds, those who are ordained and the commonshepherds of the faithful, make this a project of lief in bringing many othersheep into the Church. All their smells must attract us to bring them toChrist. Let us pray ... In the name ofthe Father ... Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us with Your spirit so that we canbecome good sheep and be able to bring other sheep to come to You and enjoy yourpresence. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...
In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.
In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.
3/10/2025 | This day's featured sermon on SermonAudio: Title: Loving Christ and His Sheep Speaker: Bill Parker Broadcaster: Eager Avenue Grace Church Event: TV Broadcast Date: 5/5/2024 Bible: John 21:15-17 Length: 28 min.
Silver Quintette - "Sinner's Crossroads" [Some book recommendations tonight, Brothers & Sisters & Beloved LGBTQ+. Black History Month. Tell the Truth Month. (Pardon, not pardon, the preaching tonight).] [0:00:00] Sanctuary Choir of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church Choir, Birmingham, Alabama - "When I've Done the Best I Can" - Surely the Lord is in This Place [0:04:10] Rev. Arthur Sims - "He'll Understand and Say Well Done" - The Shepherd and His Sheep [0:09:12] Dixie Hummingbirds - "Our Prayer for Peace" [To lie to others is a shame, to lie to yourself, your own heart, and then believe it, is a lie against God, and to lie against God with no fear, while proclaiming God, is the character of the spiritual nihilist. (The concept of God, here, is the God of Spinoza).] [0:15:32] Carrie Feagins and the Feagins Singers - "Times in My Life" [Thanks to Stu for the heads up.] [0:18:24] Sacred Hearts - "You Don't Know What The Lord Has Done For Me" [0:22:03] Leroy Dorsey - "Who Are The Ones" [0:27:28] Rev. E.P. Emanuel and the Bibleers - "Who Will Your Captain Be?" [0:29:21] Friendly Five Quartet of Birmingham, AL - "Lord You've Been Good to Me" [0:34:43] Flying Eagle Gospel Singers - "My Shoes" [0:38:28] Smiling Jubileers - "Talking About a Man Called Jesus" - Talking About a Man Called Jesus [0:43:52] Gospel Crusaders - "Man fom Galilee" [0:45:08] Crusader Gospel Singers - "Let's Get Together" [0:51:44] Jubilee Hummingbirds - "Travelin'" - Gospel Express [https://biglegalmessrecords.com/collections/bible-tire] [0:52:21] https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/149381
Brother Dustin shares a study on The Shepherd and His Sheep.
Jesus is described as, “The Good Shepherd”, and we as His “Sheep”. God wants His sheep to come to Him, to follow Him, as He calls us, and leads us into His fold, the Kingdom of God.The Good Shepherd is waiting for you.
Rev. Stephen Maginas preaches on John 10:11-21, 27-29 in his sermon “The Good Shepherd”.Sermon Outline:1) The Shepherd and His Sheep2) The Shepherd and His Life
Limited Atonement: The Efficacious and Personal Work of the Good Shepherd on Behalf of His Sheep
Send us a textJohn 10:22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 "But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. In this famous section of Scripture Jesus, the Light of the World is walking around at the Feast of Lights (Hanukkah). The Pharisees confront him and ask Him again, who are You, tell us plainly? They ask this like they don't know, like He hasn't already told them time and time again. They have seen the signs, they have heard His Words, and yet they WILL NOT believe. Jesus says that all the signs that He has done for His Father in Heaven prove He is God (the Messiah) and they will not believe because they aren't His Sheep. You see in this section Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility. God calls people to be saved and they cannot be saved unless He draws them (Divine Sovereignty), yet God says we are all responsible because the Scriptures says whosoever will, let him come, whoever believes, etc. (Human Responsibility). He tells them that they cannot hear Him because they aren't His Sheep because His Sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Then He finally tells them that if we are saved we are eternally secure for all time. Romans 8:31-39 confirms this as do many other places in the Bible. It says whoever believes HAS eternal life. John 17:3 says eternal life is KNOWING the true God and Jesus whom He sent. Nobody is greater than Jesus and so no one can snatch them out of His Hand. Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” -John 8:32 Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten. hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.nethttps://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly
Send us a textJohn 10:3 "To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 "Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. In this message we will see that Jesus is the True Shepherd and He is the only one who can get to His Sheep (Those who will trust Him for Salvation). He leads us out of the old false ways we are in, whether it is religion, drugs, alcohol, or any other wrong thing that we are involved in. He says that His people (His Sheep) will flee from the false teachers because they ultimately will belong to Christ. Somehow, because we are elect, God protects us from the false teachers (shepherds) and keeps us from following them into an eternity in hell. This is a passage that has many applications for our lives. Are we following the false teaching of philosophy, religion, psychology, worldly ways or anything that leads us away from Christ? Are we teaching our children to follow the True Shepherd, or are we allowing them to find their own way that may lead them to hell? Do you know the voice and are you following the ONE TRUE SHEPHERD JESUS CHRIST? Hear His cry today, for He says today is the day of salvation. Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” -John 8:32 Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten. hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.nethttps://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions
"It takes some of us a lifetime to learn that Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what He is doing with us. He understands us perfectly." - W. Phillip Keller Psalm 23 A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, 3 He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. What did Jesus mean when He said that He was the Good Shepherd? As we listen to our service today, may we find out why our relationship with the Lord was compared to the relationship of a Shepherd and His Sheep. Our prayer today is that at the end of this message, we get not to only see Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but we get to experience Him on what it means to have that Sheep and Shepherd Relationship. #JesusSaid #YOU&HimRelationSHEEP #JesusTheGoodShepherd #aHeartthatbeatsforJesusbeatsforOthers #itisaONEBEATFamdayFundaySonday! (Credits to the original artists and owners of the media used. No copyright infringement or any illegal means intended)
Summer 2024 Gospel Meeting Lesson 9: The Good Shepherd and His Sheep by Nathan Springer
The Stricken Shepherd Zechariah 13:7-9We know that verse 13 of this chapter is about the Lord Jesus, because He tells us so Himself. In Matthew 26:31-32. Jesus is about to go to the cross, and the Passover has just been kept, and the Lord's Supper has been instituted. He was singing a psalm from Psalms 113-118. Listen to find out what the prophet says about Christ and the scattering of His Sheep.This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church and is reproduced here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
JESUS: THE ONLY SAVIOR#16 | The Shepherd and His SheepPastor Jay Childs (John 10: 1-21)Jesus Gathers His Sheep (vs 1-6)Jesus Guards His Sheep (vs 7-10)Jesus Give His Life for His Sheep (vs 11-21)
God Gives Strength and Power (2) David Eells 5/8/24 (Audio) Compassion Brings Power Whenever there is compassion in God for His creation His power is given to them. Rom 9:15-16 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy. His compassion for the elect causes Him to put His will in their hearts. 2Ki 13:23 But Jehovah was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. He had grace unmerited and compassion because of His promises. 2Ch 30:8-9 Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were; but yield yourselves unto Jehovah, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified forever, and serve Jehovah your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you. 9 For if ye turn again unto Jehovah, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that led them captive, and shall come again into this land: for Jehovah your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. Because of them taking advantage of His grace through willful disobedience, He demanded repentance so they could have compassion from their enemies. Isa 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. Zec 7:9 Thus hath Jehovah of hosts spoken, saying, Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother; Pro 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again. Mic 7:19 He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Isa 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee. Psa 72:13 He will have pity on the poor and needy, And the souls of the needy he will save. And so should we that we might have His compassion on us. Psa 102:13 Thou wilt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; For it is time to have pity upon her, Yea, the set time is come. This time of mercy and compassion is for the Bride! Isa 63:8-9 For he said, Surely, they are my people, children that will not deal falsely: so he was their Saviour. 9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. Father will once again deliver His people from their captivities through His compassion. Joe 2:18 Then was Jehovah jealous for his land, and had pity on his people. 2Sa 22:26 With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; With the perfect man thou wilt show thyself perfect; And if we will show compassion Fathers compassion and power will be with us. Isa 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for Jehovah hath comforted his people, and will have compassion upon his afflicted. Lam 3:31-33 For the Lord will not cast off forever. 32 For though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. 33 For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Even the afflictions are compassion for He crucifies our flesh that we might live with Him. Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And their sins will I remember no more. When Jesus felt compassion His power was manifest to His people. Mat 8:2-3 And behold, there came to him a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway his leprosy was cleansed. Mat 8:14-17 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother lying sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and ministered unto him. 16 And when even was come, they brought unto him many possessed with demons: and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick: 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases. His compassion drove Him as one who was “beside Himself” to meet the needs of the people. Luk 7:12-13 Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was carried out one that was dead, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came nigh and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Notice that Jesus asked nothing of her. It was simply because of pity for her plight that His compassion reached out to her by giving her son back to her. Isa 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young. He is the consummate Good Shepherd who loves His Sheep. Mat 9:35-36 And Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. They needed direction, God's Word, healing and were distressed and through compassion He met the needs. The same account is here in Mar 6:34 And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. His compassion moved Him to give them understanding which was their basic issue. Mat 14:13 Now when Jesus heard it, (John the Baptist had been beheaded) he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard thereof, they followed him on foot from the cities. 14 And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. Notice that His Compassion moved him to heal their many sick. When He acted on compassion there was healings. 15-18 And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food. (The disciples wanted the people to all go find food for they had been without but Jesus cared about their need above His own and power was available to perform a great miracle.) 16 But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat. 17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 And he said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 20 And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And they that did eat were about five thousand men, besides women and children. He has cared for my families need for food and multiplied it. Mar 8:1-3 In those days, when there was again a great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, 2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: 3 and if I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way; and some of them are come from far. He was teaching them all this time and was no doubt hungry and tired also. His concern and compassion for them empowered Him for the miracle. Mat 18:10-14 See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. (11 was added, not numeric) 12 How think ye? if any man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and go unto the mountains, and seek that which goeth astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have not gone astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. The Lords compassion for the wayward sheep caused Him to search them out. Many times they are led away by criticism, rejection, unforgiveness. Simple truths from the Word can turn them around. Luk 10:30-37 Jesus made answer and said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. (Many people are this way in spiritually. They have been robbed and plundered by spirits or spirits in others.) 31 And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. (No doubt they were too busy with their own agenda to stop and help.) 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion, (Sometimes those who have the least respect have the most compassion so God respects them.) 34 and came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine; and he set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow he took out two shillings, and gave them to the host, and said, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, I, when I come back again, will repay thee. 36 Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Mat 20:30-34 And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David. (They recognized Jesus as the son of David who could give them God's mercy.) 31 And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Lord, have mercy on us, thou son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I should do unto you? A cry for mercy is a much answered prayer. 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 And Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and straightway they received their sight, and followed him. Joh 11:32-44 Mary therefore, when she came where Jesus was, and saw him, fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 and said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. (Jesus delayed His coming when his sisters sent for Him, so He wasn't sad and crying because he was dead for He knew He had the solution. He wept because of their grief for they did not yet believe He was “the resurrection and the life”.) 36 The Jews therefore said, Behold how he loved him! 38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus saith, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time the body decayeth; for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou heardest me. :42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the multitude that standeth around I said it, that they may believe that thou didst send me. (Jesus wanted them to believe He was their Messiah and savior.) 43 And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (Jesus had compassion on this family and power came to raise Lazarus even as the Pharisees wanted to kill him again because of this testimony.) Joh 13:13-17 Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you. The Lord has called us to be one who cleans our brothers walk with the Word. Mat 18:26-35 The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. (His compassion forgave us our debt of sin.) 28 But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred shillings: and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest. 29 So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due. The evil servant without compassion would not forgive another's debt of sin against him. 32 Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me: 33 shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. 35 So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not everyone his brother from your hearts. Those who sow compassion reap compassion. Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! They were haters and murderers of the righteous and found no compassion from God. Luk 19:41-42 And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. He so desired to have compassion but they were not a people of peace and were blinded. He showed restraint and self-control when He was subjected to their cursing and mocking of His accusers. Weakness and Humility Brings Power Mat 26:53 Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? Jesus had authority and power came forth from Him, but not for the purpose of saving Himself. “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (As we know rest comes through faith, which is a gift of God.) 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: (The word “meek” in Greek is praos = gentle, that is, humble: Websters: Softness of temper; mildness; forbearance under injuries and provocations. And the word “lowly” means, humiliation of mind, of low degree; lowliness of mind.) and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Of Christ it is written in Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass. What? No horses, gold toilets, Rolex watches, 17 airplanes. Weakness is a true strength when it qualifies us for the Lord's power. What pleases God is that we live from faith, that we not live from our self-confidence, or our self-sufficiency, or our own ability, or the strength of the arm of the flesh, but that we put our trust in God. 2Co 12:9-10 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. If we will be weak as a little child, God's power will be there. Most often, God's power is not there because we refuse to be weak. We want to be strong in a circumstance. We see what we think needs to be done and we run to do it, and we are not ceasing from our works. We are not entering into the Sabbath rest (Heb 4:11). If we will refuse to be strong in ourselves, and we put our trust in God, we will see His power there every time. As children of God, we have all the power of our Father because He is the provider, He is the deliverer, He is the savior. He takes care of everything for us. And He lives in us. Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. (The fruit of the Spirit are also our works) 24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. (That's the end result of self-control) The Lord said that we had to take up our cross and follow Him to the death of self (Mat 16:24). If we're going to enter into the resurrection life of Jesus in the earth, we have to enter into this death in the earth. We have to take up our cross. There is nothing weaker than a dead man. He never sins; you can slap him and he turns the other cheek. Rom 8:10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life (Zoe') also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (That's the end of self-control. Resurrection life is the end of the old man's rule.) 1Jn 2:28 And now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested (Greek: Phaneroo = To make visible; to cause to shine - in us), we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested (same - In us), we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. (And He in us can do the greater works for His power is in us.) 3 And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (That's self-control) 2Pe 1:3 Seeing (By faith) that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life (Greek - Zoe, God's life) and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; (How do you know what to exercise faith in without knowledge? You have to know what has been given to you so that you know how to exercise faith. It's so that you can know how to believe God.) 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in that world by lust. The power of God will come to people who believe and confess the Good news of the gospel. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith. (This is the faith of the Gospel:) Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. Rom 6:11-12 Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: (Then we will be able to obey Col 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. If we constrain our compassion for others we do not have God's love. 1Jn 3:16-18 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? Php 2:5-8 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. The more we become empty of ourselves through faith, the more Christ can live in us and work His power through us. So we die daily and put to death the deeds of the flesh in order for God to complete the life of Christ in us. Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: Just as Jesus learned obedience to God in what He suffered, so must we. Heb 5:8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; We learn through suffering in the flesh too and then we are able to comfort others with what comfort we have been comforted, having gone through similar trials ourselves. You cannot give something to others what you don't have in you. Because of our own afflictions, we are able to understand their suffering, pain and sorrow and will be able to minister to them in the love of Christ. 2Co 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ. 6 But whether we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or whether we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which worketh in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: 7 and our hope for you is stedfast; knowing that, as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also are ye of the comfort. Heb 10:32-34 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings; 33 partly, being made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used. 34 For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. (Suffering it does not last forever because He humbles and strengthens us with His power.) 1Pe 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. 2Ti 1:7 For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. (Fear weakens us but God gives power and self-control. Some versions instead of discipline use “self-control.”) Act 6:8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people. Eph 3:7 whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. Act 5:12-16 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 13 But of the rest durst no man join himself to them: howbeit the people magnified them; 14 and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women; 15 insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them. 16 And there also came together the multitudes from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folk, and them that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed everyone. 1Th 1:5-6 how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, (The powerless gospel is everywhere but not among the faithful Spirit filled.) and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake. 6 And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit; Father fill your people with your Spirit, joy and power in Jesus name. Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth. 18 So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth. (Here it is hard to escape the fact that God made Pharaoh stubborn in order to make Himself famous and powerful in the eyes of men. God knows that we need to perceive a great God and Savior in all circumstances and against all odds.) Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction: Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Luk 6:36 Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Jas 5:11 Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful. Hear The Word Of Your Lord Debbie Fenske 4/19/2024 (David's notes in red) This is the time to stop thinking about yourself. A mind on self is a worldly mind. Put it far from you. This is the time to have your mind focused on what I am doing, and how I am going to do it, and how I will use you and move through you. Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ, who emptied Himself and became obedient to His Father. He was not obedient to His own inclinations. He had none of His own inclinations. He was totally yielded to every thought and way of His Father. And now, you must be yielded to only me and my way of thinking. My way is love. My way is also judgment. And my way is mercy. Think on these things. Come before me ready to let me speak to you the things on My heart, that you will intercede from a heart ready to fulfill My will in this time. I have given you authority to bind and loose. Let this mind be in you. Listen to me. I have an agenda. I want to speak to each heart and mind who wants to line up with what I am doing. Warfare. Do warfare. As you are taking in My Word, you will know how to pray. And you will know what I precisely want you to warfare against. Do you see this thing I have called you too? Are you getting it? It is nothing about yourself, or of yourself. It is My will. You are in My army. You are called to be soldiers. You are called to set yourself apart from the things of this world. Repent, Change your mind. Change your thinking. Renew your mind with the things that make for peace, through prayer, which is My will for you to do each day. There is only peace in that. There is no striving. Are you going to give yourself up to what I have need of you for? There is only peace in giving up. And there is a work that needs to be done, wars for souls that need to be won. Feel the freedom. My thoughts for your thoughts. My ways for your ways. My desires for your desires. Let us build the kingdom together. I can do it without you. But it would mean, casting you aside. Oh my people, how that thought breaks My heart. My people hear the Word of Your Lord. Think on these things and act accordingly. Word From The Lord David Timoshchuk 4/23/2024 (David's notes in red) On the outreach tonight while Michael was reading Debbie's word from the Lord, I started hearing a voice and He said, “When you're free from self, that's when you have the calm in your storm. When you're free of self, that's when the sea splits so you can reach the other side. When you're free of self only then can you love Me and the ones around you. When you're free from self, that's when you will be able to enter My presence. Am I worthy enough for you to give yourselves up to be with Me?”
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Christ and His Sheep 4 Subtitle: Life of Christ Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 4/23/2024 Bible: John 10 Length: 28 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Christ and His Sheep 3 Subtitle: Life of Christ Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 4/22/2024 Bible: John 10 Length: 27 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Christ and His Sheep 5 Subtitle: Life of Christ Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 4/24/2024 Bible: John 10 Length: 28 min.
On October 3, 2004, I preached my first sermon as a candidate for Northwest Baptist Churchs next Senior Pastor. Northwest was considered one of the most dysfunctional churches within the Rocky Mountain district, and although I knew this about the church, there was no way I could fully appreciate just how dysfunctional it really was. So, a very green and 30-year-old version of the pastor that stands before you today preached a sermon on boasting in the Cross of Christ before a congregation with a median age of somewhere in the 60s; my sermon text was from Galatians 6:11-18 and the title of my sermon was, Boasting in the Cross. On October 17th the congregation of Northwest Baptist Church voted to call me as their Senior Pastor. Because I was unsure about moving our family from Pennsylvania to Colorado, I needed more time to pray about it before agreeing to serve as the Senior Pastor of that little church in Denver. Earlier that day, just after the church service at Calvary Baptist Church where I was presently served on the pastoral staff, Bob and Shirley White had given me a gift for Clergy Appreciation Month. I only opened the wrapping paper so that I could thank Bob and Shirley; the gift was a book, and the title of that book was, God as He Longs for You to See Him, by Chip Ingram. I left the book in my office, which was only across the parking lot from where we lived at the time (a house we affectionately nicknamed: Little House on the Parking Lot). Because I needed time to pray, I walked across the parking lot and into my office at Calvary Baptist Church to be alone with the Lord. As I sat down, the book that Bob and Shirley White had given was there in front of my face. As I began to pray, I asked God to give me some indication as to what He wanted me to do; as I was praying, I opened Chip Ingrams book and noticed that Bob and Shirley had written a note on the inside cover: To our dear Christian brother, Keith, who has inspired us through his messages to see and know God as He really is. We love you and may God bless you, Roi Maw, and Nathan. Bob and Shirley White; October 16, 2004. Bob and Shirleys little note also served as Gods way to encourage me to say yes to Northwest Baptist Church; but also served to encourage me to say yes to Meadowbrookes call to become your pastor oddly enough, on the first week of October nearly 14 years to the day that I read Bob and Shirleys note for the first time. I am still convinced as I was twenty years ago, that the best that I can give you is the God of the Bible. I could try to cater to felt needs, but all that really ends up being is a guessing game, and besides, what would that do anyway? I am not going to look at Ephesians 2:19-22 in sequential order like I normally do with a scripture passage but will look at these verses in the order a builder would build a building. We are a Jesus Called Community When it came to the structure of a building, before anything could be built, the cornerstone had to be laid. It was the first stone laid because the dimensions and shape of the rest of the building were dependent upon the shape and size of the cornerstone. If the cornerstone was off, so the rest of the building would be off! If there was anything wrong with the cornerstone such as its dimensions, the way it was cut, or its integrity as the toughest and strongest of the stones used in the building, the structure would be compromised. In the ancient East, the cornerstone was the most expensive of all the stones used in a building because it was the most important part of the building. When it comes to the nature of the Church, Paul says that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone (v. 20b). Against the backdrop of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, stood another temple. Only the temple Paul referred to was living, organic, and holy. Today, it is still being built and it will continue to be built with Jesus as the cornerstone until He is finished building and beatifying His Church. We, the Church, are the great wonder of all of heaven and it is concerning our salvation that we are told: angels long to look (1 Pet. 1:12). Think about who you are Church! In Jesus, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (1:3). In Jesus, we were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless (v. 4). Through Jesus, we have been adopted as sons and daughters (v. 5). In Jesus, we have redemption through His blood (vv. 7-8). In Jesus, we have obtained an inheritance from God that no one can destroy (v. 11). In Jesus, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit that no one can break (v. 13). We were chosen, redeemed, and sealed all to the praise of the glory of God (vv. 6, 12, 14); which means that the Ephesian Church displayed a glory even greater than the power of 300 billion suns! The prophets and the apostles, through the Scriptures, pointed to Jesus: The prophets point towards Jesus and the apostles point back to Jesus. Long before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah declared: Therefore this is what the Lord Godsays: Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, A precious cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. The one who believes in it will not be disturbed (Isa. 28:16). Concerning Jesus, the apostle Peter wrote, And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:4-5). As the cornerstone, Jesus is Gods final and most perfect revelation of Himself: God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world (Heb. 1:1-2). As we have learned in the previous verses, it is because of Christ and through Christ that both Jew and Gentile can become one new people group through faith in Him alone. It is through Jesus that we now have access to God the Father (2:18). If you are a Christian, then Jesus is your cornerstone! Think for a moment of what that means. Jesus is the cornerstone because He is the Christ (Isa. 9:6-7). Jesus is the Christ because He is the Great I AM who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35-51), the Light of the World (8:12; 9:5), the Door for His Sheep (10:7-9), the Good Shepherd (10:11-14), the Resurrection and the Life (11:25), and the True Vine (15:1). Jesus is the cornerstone because only He could claim to be, the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6). If you are a Christian, then Jesus is your cornerstone by which the entirety of your life is being shaped by Him, and as He is shaping you, so too He is shaping all who truly belong to Him. We are a Word Formed Community The prophets and the apostles represent the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, that we as the temple of God (household) are being built upon. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible claims at least 3,000 times to be The Word of the Lord. And, in all its 66 books and the hundreds of years and many different contributors who were guided by the Holy Spirit, it is without error. In a very real sense, we are a people of the Book, but not just any old book! Consider some of the things that the Bible claims about itself: The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:7-11). All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Old Testament and the New Testament are not two separate books nor are they two separate volumes. The Old Testament and New Testament are one book, one story, with one theme: Jesus! This is why Jesus said of Himself, Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them (Matt. 5:17); Jesus is Gods Yes to all Gods promises (2 Cor. 1:20). Jesus commanded His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). Do not miss that He commanded us to teach all that He has commanded. The foundation on which Gods people must stand has always been on the Word of God. Our greatest need is to know God and to be known by Him. The way to know God is through His word, for it is the primary means by which He has revealed Himself. Every time you open your Bible and read the words contained in it, you hear the same voice that was powerful enough to create billions of suns like ours or greater; God has given us a book with His words in it to move and shape us as His people. The words of that Book bear the authority of the Living God and have the supernatural ability through the power of Gods Spirit to speak into your real needs, or as Hebrews 4:12 testifies: For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. You, my dear Christian, must allow your heart to be saturated by it, and the only way to do that is to open your Bible and allow God to speak into your life through His Holy Word, for that is the principle means by which He speaks to His people. Now, permit me to briefly say a word about the preaching of Gods Word as it relates to Gods people: On this side of eternity, God has ordained the preaching of His word as the primary agent for supernatural transformation. This is why we read in the Bible: How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Rom. 10:14, 17). If Romans 10 is not enough for you, consider 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. God has ordained the preaching of His Word to be one of the principle means to equip and strengthen His people for service in His name to the nations. When the proclamation of Gods Word is done responsibly by those who honestly labored over His Word through careful study and prayer then I believe what John Calvin once said is true every time we gather on a Sunday morning: God has so chosen to anoint the lips and tongues of His speakers that when they speak the voice of Jesus comes out (Calvin, Institutes, Book Four). This is why the apostle Paul instructed Timothy who was called to the Ephesian Church as their pastor: In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encouragewith great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Tim. 4:1-4) When we gather under the preaching of Gods Word, there is a God-ordained and supernatural work that Gods people subject themselves to. There are things that happen under the preaching of Gods word during corporate worship that cannot be explained but it is the work only God is able to perform through the authority of His Word proclaimed by the power of His Holy Spirit performed that will often blow your felt needs to ashes so that Gods word is able to address your real needs. We are a In-it-together Community Paul will address what it is that God is doing with His people in the verses and chapters to follow, so I will keep this brief. All I want you to see in verses 19 and 21-22 is this: God has always had a plan for your holiness and blamelessness in Christ, Christian. Through Jesus, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of Gods household (v. 19). God is committed to the very thing He has purposed to do in and through you when He set His affection upon you and chose you before the foundation of the world; His purpose in choosing you is that you would be, holy and blameless before Him (Eph. 1:4). When you were dead in your offenses and sins, God made you alive and every other Christian, alive together with Christ. Why did He do it? Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. You were dead! You were an enemy of God! Now you are Gods child! Now you are, of Gods household in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (vv. 20-21). What does this mean? It means that because you are in Christ, God is for you and not against you! It means, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6)! It means that no matter how used up you were, no matter how damaged you were, no matter how ugly your sins were He is making you more and more holy and more and more blameless! Listen. And the way that God is doing it is with Jesus as your cornerstone being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. In Ephesus there was a more glorious and more beautiful temple that made the great temple of Artemis look like a dung heap! It is a temple that continues to be built today and it is the place where the demonic fear because it is a living temple where the Spirit of God dwells; those who are far and near make up that temple. Meadowbrooke Church, we are also a part of that temple. It is because the preeminent Jesus is our cornerstone, and the foundation of His Church is the inspired teaching of the apostles and the prophets, the best and lasting gift I can give you is not a feeble attempt to cater to your felt needs, but the God of the Bible through the faithful preaching and teaching of His Word. So, on that note, I leave you with the words of a beautiful Hymn about a beautifying Bride: The church's one foundationIs Jesus Christ her Lord;She is his new creationBy water and the Word.From heaven he came and sought herTo be his holy bride;With his own blood he bought her,And for her life he died. Elect from every nation,Yet one o'er all the earth;Her charter of salvation,One Lord, one faith, one birth;One holy name she blesses,Partakes one holy food,And to one hope she presses,With every grace endued. The church shall never perish!Her dear Lord to defend,to guide, sustain, and cherish,is with her to the end;though there be those that hate her,and false sons in her pale,against the foe or traitorshe ever shall prevail. Mid toil and tribulation,And tumult of her war,She waits the consummationOf peace forevermore;Till, with the vision glorious,Her longing eyes are blest,And the great church victoriousShall be the church at rest. Yet she on earth hath unionWith God the Three in One,And mystic sweet communionWith those whose rest is won.O happy ones and holy!Lord, give us grace that weLike them, the meek and lowly,On high may dwell with thee.
On October 3, 2004, I preached my first sermon as a candidate for Northwest Baptist Churchs next Senior Pastor. Northwest was considered one of the most dysfunctional churches within the Rocky Mountain district, and although I knew this about the church, there was no way I could fully appreciate just how dysfunctional it really was. So, a very green and 30-year-old version of the pastor that stands before you today preached a sermon on boasting in the Cross of Christ before a congregation with a median age of somewhere in the 60s; my sermon text was from Galatians 6:11-18 and the title of my sermon was, Boasting in the Cross. On October 17th the congregation of Northwest Baptist Church voted to call me as their Senior Pastor. Because I was unsure about moving our family from Pennsylvania to Colorado, I needed more time to pray about it before agreeing to serve as the Senior Pastor of that little church in Denver. Earlier that day, just after the church service at Calvary Baptist Church where I was presently served on the pastoral staff, Bob and Shirley White had given me a gift for Clergy Appreciation Month. I only opened the wrapping paper so that I could thank Bob and Shirley; the gift was a book, and the title of that book was, God as He Longs for You to See Him, by Chip Ingram. I left the book in my office, which was only across the parking lot from where we lived at the time (a house we affectionately nicknamed: Little House on the Parking Lot). Because I needed time to pray, I walked across the parking lot and into my office at Calvary Baptist Church to be alone with the Lord. As I sat down, the book that Bob and Shirley White had given was there in front of my face. As I began to pray, I asked God to give me some indication as to what He wanted me to do; as I was praying, I opened Chip Ingrams book and noticed that Bob and Shirley had written a note on the inside cover: To our dear Christian brother, Keith, who has inspired us through his messages to see and know God as He really is. We love you and may God bless you, Roi Maw, and Nathan. Bob and Shirley White; October 16, 2004. Bob and Shirleys little note also served as Gods way to encourage me to say yes to Northwest Baptist Church; but also served to encourage me to say yes to Meadowbrookes call to become your pastor oddly enough, on the first week of October nearly 14 years to the day that I read Bob and Shirleys note for the first time. I am still convinced as I was twenty years ago, that the best that I can give you is the God of the Bible. I could try to cater to felt needs, but all that really ends up being is a guessing game, and besides, what would that do anyway? I am not going to look at Ephesians 2:19-22 in sequential order like I normally do with a scripture passage but will look at these verses in the order a builder would build a building. We are a Jesus Called Community When it came to the structure of a building, before anything could be built, the cornerstone had to be laid. It was the first stone laid because the dimensions and shape of the rest of the building were dependent upon the shape and size of the cornerstone. If the cornerstone was off, so the rest of the building would be off! If there was anything wrong with the cornerstone such as its dimensions, the way it was cut, or its integrity as the toughest and strongest of the stones used in the building, the structure would be compromised. In the ancient East, the cornerstone was the most expensive of all the stones used in a building because it was the most important part of the building. When it comes to the nature of the Church, Paul says that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone (v. 20b). Against the backdrop of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, stood another temple. Only the temple Paul referred to was living, organic, and holy. Today, it is still being built and it will continue to be built with Jesus as the cornerstone until He is finished building and beatifying His Church. We, the Church, are the great wonder of all of heaven and it is concerning our salvation that we are told: angels long to look (1 Pet. 1:12). Think about who you are Church! In Jesus, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (1:3). In Jesus, we were chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless (v. 4). Through Jesus, we have been adopted as sons and daughters (v. 5). In Jesus, we have redemption through His blood (vv. 7-8). In Jesus, we have obtained an inheritance from God that no one can destroy (v. 11). In Jesus, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit that no one can break (v. 13). We were chosen, redeemed, and sealed all to the praise of the glory of God (vv. 6, 12, 14); which means that the Ephesian Church displayed a glory even greater than the power of 300 billion suns! The prophets and the apostles, through the Scriptures, pointed to Jesus: The prophets point towards Jesus and the apostles point back to Jesus. Long before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah declared: Therefore this is what the Lord Godsays: Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, A precious cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. The one who believes in it will not be disturbed (Isa. 28:16). Concerning Jesus, the apostle Peter wrote, And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:4-5). As the cornerstone, Jesus is Gods final and most perfect revelation of Himself: God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world (Heb. 1:1-2). As we have learned in the previous verses, it is because of Christ and through Christ that both Jew and Gentile can become one new people group through faith in Him alone. It is through Jesus that we now have access to God the Father (2:18). If you are a Christian, then Jesus is your cornerstone! Think for a moment of what that means. Jesus is the cornerstone because He is the Christ (Isa. 9:6-7). Jesus is the Christ because He is the Great I AM who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35-51), the Light of the World (8:12; 9:5), the Door for His Sheep (10:7-9), the Good Shepherd (10:11-14), the Resurrection and the Life (11:25), and the True Vine (15:1). Jesus is the cornerstone because only He could claim to be, the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6). If you are a Christian, then Jesus is your cornerstone by which the entirety of your life is being shaped by Him, and as He is shaping you, so too He is shaping all who truly belong to Him. We are a Word Formed Community The prophets and the apostles represent the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, that we as the temple of God (household) are being built upon. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible claims at least 3,000 times to be The Word of the Lord. And, in all its 66 books and the hundreds of years and many different contributors who were guided by the Holy Spirit, it is without error. In a very real sense, we are a people of the Book, but not just any old book! Consider some of the things that the Bible claims about itself: The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:7-11). All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Old Testament and the New Testament are not two separate books nor are they two separate volumes. The Old Testament and New Testament are one book, one story, with one theme: Jesus! This is why Jesus said of Himself, Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them (Matt. 5:17); Jesus is Gods Yes to all Gods promises (2 Cor. 1:20). Jesus commanded His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). Do not miss that He commanded us to teach all that He has commanded. The foundation on which Gods people must stand has always been on the Word of God. Our greatest need is to know God and to be known by Him. The way to know God is through His word, for it is the primary means by which He has revealed Himself. Every time you open your Bible and read the words contained in it, you hear the same voice that was powerful enough to create billions of suns like ours or greater; God has given us a book with His words in it to move and shape us as His people. The words of that Book bear the authority of the Living God and have the supernatural ability through the power of Gods Spirit to speak into your real needs, or as Hebrews 4:12 testifies: For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. You, my dear Christian, must allow your heart to be saturated by it, and the only way to do that is to open your Bible and allow God to speak into your life through His Holy Word, for that is the principle means by which He speaks to His people. Now, permit me to briefly say a word about the preaching of Gods Word as it relates to Gods people: On this side of eternity, God has ordained the preaching of His word as the primary agent for supernatural transformation. This is why we read in the Bible: How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Rom. 10:14, 17). If Romans 10 is not enough for you, consider 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. God has ordained the preaching of His Word to be one of the principle means to equip and strengthen His people for service in His name to the nations. When the proclamation of Gods Word is done responsibly by those who honestly labored over His Word through careful study and prayer then I believe what John Calvin once said is true every time we gather on a Sunday morning: God has so chosen to anoint the lips and tongues of His speakers that when they speak the voice of Jesus comes out (Calvin, Institutes, Book Four). This is why the apostle Paul instructed Timothy who was called to the Ephesian Church as their pastor: In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encouragewith great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Tim. 4:1-4) When we gather under the preaching of Gods Word, there is a God-ordained and supernatural work that Gods people subject themselves to. There are things that happen under the preaching of Gods word during corporate worship that cannot be explained but it is the work only God is able to perform through the authority of His Word proclaimed by the power of His Holy Spirit performed that will often blow your felt needs to ashes so that Gods word is able to address your real needs. We are a In-it-together Community Paul will address what it is that God is doing with His people in the verses and chapters to follow, so I will keep this brief. All I want you to see in verses 19 and 21-22 is this: God has always had a plan for your holiness and blamelessness in Christ, Christian. Through Jesus, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of Gods household (v. 19). God is committed to the very thing He has purposed to do in and through you when He set His affection upon you and chose you before the foundation of the world; His purpose in choosing you is that you would be, holy and blameless before Him (Eph. 1:4). When you were dead in your offenses and sins, God made you alive and every other Christian, alive together with Christ. Why did He do it? Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. You were dead! You were an enemy of God! Now you are Gods child! Now you are, of Gods household in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (vv. 20-21). What does this mean? It means that because you are in Christ, God is for you and not against you! It means, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6)! It means that no matter how used up you were, no matter how damaged you were, no matter how ugly your sins were He is making you more and more holy and more and more blameless! Listen. And the way that God is doing it is with Jesus as your cornerstone being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. In Ephesus there was a more glorious and more beautiful temple that made the great temple of Artemis look like a dung heap! It is a temple that continues to be built today and it is the place where the demonic fear because it is a living temple where the Spirit of God dwells; those who are far and near make up that temple. Meadowbrooke Church, we are also a part of that temple. It is because the preeminent Jesus is our cornerstone, and the foundation of His Church is the inspired teaching of the apostles and the prophets, the best and lasting gift I can give you is not a feeble attempt to cater to your felt needs, but the God of the Bible through the faithful preaching and teaching of His Word. So, on that note, I leave you with the words of a beautiful Hymn about a beautifying Bride: The church's one foundationIs Jesus Christ her Lord;She is his new creationBy water and the Word.From heaven he came and sought herTo be his holy bride;With his own blood he bought her,And for her life he died. Elect from every nation,Yet one o'er all the earth;Her charter of salvation,One Lord, one faith, one birth;One holy name she blesses,Partakes one holy food,And to one hope she presses,With every grace endued. The church shall never perish!Her dear Lord to defend,to guide, sustain, and cherish,is with her to the end;though there be those that hate her,and false sons in her pale,against the foe or traitorshe ever shall prevail. Mid toil and tribulation,And tumult of her war,She waits the consummationOf peace forevermore;Till, with the vision glorious,Her longing eyes are blest,And the great church victoriousShall be the church at rest. Yet she on earth hath unionWith God the Three in One,And mystic sweet communionWith those whose rest is won.O happy ones and holy!Lord, give us grace that weLike them, the meek and lowly,On high may dwell with thee.
A new MP3 sermon from FreeGraceRadio.com is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Shepherd and His Sheep in the Valley (Psalm 23) Speaker: Daniel Parks Broadcaster: FreeGraceRadio.com Event: Funeral Service Date: 4/12/2023 Length: 11 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Christ and His Sheep 2 Subtitle: Life of Christ Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 4/19/2024 Bible: John 10 Length: 27 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Christ and His Sheep 1 Subtitle: Life of Christ Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 4/18/2024 Bible: John 10 Length: 28 min.
Rev. Jesse Pirschel preaches the sermon -The Great Shepherd and His Sheep- from Hebrews 13-7-21. From the February 25th 2024 Divine Worship Service. To access a full catalog of sermons from Providence Presbyterian Church, visit providencetemecula.com.
Rev. Jesse Pirschel preaches the sermon -The Great Shepherd and His Sheep- from Hebrews 13-7-21. From the February 25th 2024 Divine Worship Service. To access a full catalog of sermons from Providence Presbyterian Church, visit providencetemecula.com.
Rev. Jesse Pirschel preaches the sermon "The Great Shepherd and His Sheep" from Hebrews 13:7-21. From the February 25th 2024 Divine Worship Service. To access a full catalog of sermons from Providence Presbyterian Church, visit providencetemecula.com.
We Need To Check Ourselves (1) (audio) David Eells 1/3/24 We are very close to the appearance of the Man-child reformers to chose the Bride. It is past time to stop playing and draw close to the Lord. It is time to check ourselves to be sure we are in the running. Major disasters are coming at the same time so pray that you are accounted worthy to escape all these things. Lam 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Jehovah. 1Co 11:27-34 Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern not the body. 30 For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep. 31 But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another. 34 If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come. 2Co 13:5 Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate. Gal 6:4 But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. Psa 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts; 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psa 26:1-2 A Psalm of David. Judge me, O Jehovah, for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in Jehovah without wavering. 2 Examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind. Eph 5:15-21 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ. (Rev 3:11 I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.) Purposely Desire The Lord Anonymous 4/7/23 (David's notes in red) Nothing comes from anything else other than Me. Not your own works, or other people, or this earth. Just Me. (Joh 3:27 ASV John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven.) Endure the suffering now. Have selflessness now above all. If it hurts or is undesirable to the flesh, it is most likely to be for My Glory. (As in Death to self; the crucified life.) There are testings of your patience and diligence to make way for the end result of My Will. And these testings will enable you to always resist the enemy. Have a high regard and hope of Who I Am! (The highest of all, the creator of all; cares for you.) Ask yourself, can there be anything I cannot do? Would I leave anything undone? (Jer 32:27 ASV Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?) Keep loving so much so, that the intensity drives darkness into nothingness. You are in a very tough but major change. Be ready for the blessings in abundance. (I felt to be ready to utilize, not just receive.) Let go of your own feelings and satisfactions. Look at My Son. Did He not lay His life down for you, and yet said nothing? (We are to do just the same as Lord Jesus.) NENT Act 8:32-35 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this, He was led as a sheep to slaughter; And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: His generation who shall declare? For his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other? 35 And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture, preached the gospel to him, Jesus. 1Jn 3:16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Repent quickly. The quicker you do so, you can then be close to each other as I am to you. (I saw a triangle. We must yearn for each other in unity.) You are in a time of sanctification. Tried and true. (I saw how metal being beaten into shape by a blacksmith and tried and proven and made stronger in a fiery furnace.) There is nothing that compares to My Love. I want you and desire your company forever. Cherish this and do not get distracted from My Love. I am pure and true. Everything else is a test of our love together. When you see the time where children and those young in faith are speaking as Jesus did in the temple, then you are unable to ask for more time for the end of time is here. Be ready. (I felt that these are the times where we are seeing those being called out from the apostate churches, His Sheep who follow His Voice, for Our Father's Glory.) NENT Luk 2:46-49 And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: 47 and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Child, why hast thou thus dealt with us? lo, thy father and I seek thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be about my Father's business. Trust Me. I have a way. (I felt we are to let go of all our desires and to treat each day as the last. Not for pleasure but for closeness to Him.) Hold to Me. Never let go. You are doing well and keeping true on the righteous path. Never let this be a reason to stop or slow down. Never allow lies or self to be a hinderance to our life together – now. There Must Be An Exchange Debbie Fenske 12/30/23 (David's notes in red) My children let Me speak this Word of love to you from My heart. Being where you are does not make you part of My Holy Bride. Only ignoring this world around you, and consuming yourself with the business of My Kingdom, willingly and faithfully from a heart of total repentance, and a life of Holy Living as you abide in Me, do I stamp upon you, “Holiness To the Lord." In this hour of much darkness and much falling away of My people, I need your oneness with Me, and I so desire My oneness with you. I need you to be in the thick of warfare against this darkness. Realize the exchange that has taken place. I have been exchanged for meaningless activities. Do you really understand the times we are in? Yes, we are in this together. You need to make the exchange back from the meaninglessness to My High Calling, exchange from darkness to light. Yes. I say that this is an exchange from darkness to light. Let Me open your eyes so that you will see the darkness where you spend so much of your time. This world and the things that are only for occupying your mind and your time are things of darkness. (The distractions of the pleasures of the flesh are darkness.) For a very short time, now, My hand of invitation is still mercifully stretched out to you. What great mercy I have given to you, My people. I have given you so much of everything. So much of Myself. And now the choosing of My Bride is at hand. This is the time to make the exchange. You know what I am asking each of you. Search your hearts. Examine your hearts. Separation is not what I am merely asking of you. I Am requiring it of you. Be diligent to enter the fight for those to whom I have called, and am calling, still, out of My great mercy. Enter in, in the beauty of holiness. Remember, desire is not enough. Your will must win over mere desire. Just as My will was to give My life for Yours, so now, so close in this last hour, will you by your will, and by My extended grace and mercy, give up your life for Me and for others? There are many who need you to give up your life for them, in warfare for them against the enemy. Have you not known that playtime has been over? The time has always been for death to self, but life in Me, for Me and with Me in our Kingdom Reign together on this earth for eternity. Eternity is right now. Right now, spend it with Me on your knees. Keep your hearts bowed. I Am waiting to cloth you with My glory. Are you making yourselves worthy of My High Calling? You are not alone, though you may feel it, being separated from beloved friends and family. For I have given you one another, a family to work together, to come into this calling together as one in Me. I love you, My Children. So Many Will Not Be Kept Safe Debbie Fenske 9/30/23 (David's notes in red) I received this last Thursday night, 9-28-23. It was our worship and praise night on the Zoom Outreach conference call. I could not share it that night because I knew I had to pray about how to present this. Our worship time was awesome. It was such a wonderful uplifting time. I was being really blessed worshiping and praising God, and being lifted up in my spirit, so, I was not prepared for such a turn that I received. One of the last few songs we were singing had lyrics about how He will keep us in the fire, and He will keep us in the storm. After that song I began feeling a spirit of heaviness come over me. It just wasn't normal. I asked Father, “What is this all about, God? Why am I feeling this way?” And then, suddenly I was seeing a vision of Jesus in a white robe. His hair was brown, and shoulder length. His head was somewhat bowed allowing His hair to fall forward over His shoulders, and hang down at each side of His face. Then, I was suddenly given a closer view of His face, like the way a camera focuses on an object. I could see Jesus was not happy. I could tell He was very sad, and grieving, and I could not understand that, because I thought our worship time was so great. Then our worship went into another song with real high praise, and people were so happy, lifting up Jesus. The main lyrics, I will say, were, “I just can't stop praising His Name.” And the song kind of went on and on. I opened my eyes and watched as I was singing with them. It was really a great song. But I was feeling this heaviness at the same time, Then, closing my eyes again, I was again seeing the same vision of Jesus, really grieving, with such sadness on His face. I couldn't understand this. I was still confused, asking myself, “Why this, now?” Then, Jesus faded out, and I was looking at what I had just been watching: people on stage, raising their arms, singing loudly, kicking their legs, and dancing, and twirling while praising God. I saw one group of praisers that were really dressed up, and then another group of praisers were in just jeans and T-shirt, just like what we were watching in these worship videos. But what I heard the Lord say after that, I don't think He was necessarily applying to these particular groups, individuals, and choirs of people that we were just seeing in the worship videos. But He was referring to many people out there that are lifted up in this way. And not just groups or individuals who are popular out there, but to so many who are saying they are doing what they are doing for God's kingdom. But they are not. As I was watching that vision, and after seeing Jesus looking so sad and grieved, and feeling His heart, this is what the Lord said. “So many will not be kept safe from the burning fire, from the storm, from the battle. They will not be kept safe, though they praise Me, because they have not known Me. They are deceived. Oh, they look like they know Me when they are singing great songs of praise to Me. But though they know that what they sing about Me is true, they do not know Me.” “They boast in that I love them. But they cannot boast in their love for Me, for they do not know Me. Therefore, I do not know them. These people grieve My heart so, as I watch them make fools of themselves before the devil and his demons. If they only would really want to know what is in My Word. But they have no desire to know My Word, because they have no real desire to know Me. What they really desire is to be looked upon and worshiped by others. Foolish, they are.” “And though it grieves Me, I know that there are many of them who realize they are empty of Me, and will repent, and come to Me, and follow Me. But so much more than those who will repent, are those who will not repent, and are going to stay on their stage singing their way into hell.” After I finished writing this down, I just happened to opened my Bible. I wasn't, at this point, going for a random word for confirmation. But I was thinking I would do that. So I was really amazed when I read the verses that my eyes looked down at after I opened my Bible. Thank you Lord! I looked at verse 7 of Matthew 7. I'm reading Matthew 7:6-7. 6 And He said unto them, “Rightly did Isaiah, prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: this people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from Me. 7 But in vain, do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” So, the numbers, 767 strongly stood out to me. When numbers stand out to me I like to look them up in the Strongs concordance. So what Strongs says of 767 is, “of no mark, unmarked, or unstamped, insignificant, ignoble.” Oh Father, You've shown that You do grieve for those who are in such a deceived state. It is scary to be thinking that people who worship You before men, are in that place. (Hollywood entertainment has invaded the Church.) The same as all people who say they are Christians, but are deceived by doctrines of demons, thinking that popularity while wearing Your name tag is acceptable. They know of You only in their head, not in their heart. But so many do not realize that they are unmarked, or unstamped, and insignificant to You, and ignoble in what they think they are doing unto You, or for Your kingdom. And they don't realize that You do not know them. I pray that we, and all of Your people will always examine our hearts before You, searching our hearts, and repenting, of not worshipping You in spirit and in truth in all we do. Father, as we are staying in Your Word, reveal to us where we are being in the flesh, and of any spirit of pride and self-grandeur which is so unpleasing to You, so that we can repent. Thank You for Your grace to us to stay in the light of Your Word, wanting Your light to shine on any darkness in our lives so that we can repent and remain true, pure, and clean before You, before one another, and before those out in the world, for Your honor and glory alone. Please open the eyes of Your people, quickly, who don't see that they are in this dangerous, place, trapped in the lie of the devil that tells them they are right with You, while they are really just lifting up themselves, desiring only to please men. Please make them aware of the strong truth of Your words in Matthew 7:23, “I never knew you.” And Matthew 25:41“Depart from me ye cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Lord, put in them a Holy fear of You, and cause them to repent, to change their ways by walking according to Your Word. Deliver them from the darkness so that they will be a Light in the darkness, bringing honor to only Your name, never to their own. And always, in all they do, worship You from their heart, in spirit, and in truth. Thank you, Father. Amen. Sing For The Lord Anonymous 4/9/23 (David's notes in red) “Are you worshipping Me to make yourself feel good or are you doing it for (or to revere) Me? The songs you listen to and the words you sing, are they Holy? Are they, My Word? Are they truth? Or is it repetitive flesh pleasing and self-pleasing words? Are the words (lyrics) contrary to My Word? Are the feelings you are experiencing the Holy Spirit, or the flesh being aroused? Is this for Me or for You? Don't you know that you can't even speak or walk without Me and My grace? Use your mouth for Me and My Glory. Let Me bridle your tongue and let Me only speak through you. Stop speaking about self and singing for self. Think about how those who worship Me now in the Holy of Holies for eternity. You have heard some say, ‘Holy Holy Holy' and they don't speak or glorify self. Think and speak with Me about the beats you listen to. Music goes straight to your soul and there is no filter, spirits transfer whether you see it or not. Are the people you are listening to singing from My Spirit? Are the instrumentals to Glorify Me and from Me or is it another spirit to make and manipulate you to feel a certain way? Is it making your flesh feel good? When the song finishes do you lose the joy? Does it feel like a come down? Or is it My Joy that is always present? Does the pleasure only last the duration of the song or is it My Peace which is always there? Abide and remain in My presence. Ask Me and allow Me to open your eyes to see what spirits are singing, speaking and playing through in the songs you listen to. Allow Me to show you what is really happening in the spiritual when you listen to these songs. When you listen to it you are agreeing with it and in some ways, it has put you under curses. Yes, My Grace is for you but I can't break or go against My own words. Touch NO unclean thing and be Holy as I Am Holy. I love when you sing to Me from your heart. It doesn't matter the tone of your voice or how it sounds in the physical. Your singing from your heart gives Me greater joy than you know. I created you to sing for me and dance for Me. Allow My spirit to sing through you. You don't need to always listen to others singing when you don't even know what spirit they are singing from, and you don't even know them. Sing to Me, you don't even need a beat but sing to Me, My child with My Spirit, commune with Me not just in Spirit and Word but in songs and dance. When you are alone and when you come together. The flesh doesn't like the Spirit singing and dancing through you to Me and will do anything to hinder it. Your Spirit desires to sing and dance to Me always. And when you do it hinders and crucifies the flesh so your Spirit rises up. I love you My child but do these things. I desire you to be clean, holy, pure, undefiled. I Am with you and I will help you, I will show you if you just ask.” Your Time Is My Time Eve Brast 7/23/17 (David's notes in red) Father spoke a word to me that I would like to share. I had been meditating on a couple of conversations I'd had with a brother and sister after the morning prayer meeting and, as a result, I asked Father to speak to me. I realized I hadn't heard from Him in a while so I asked Him why he'd been silent lately? He answered me immediately as if He had been waiting for my attention. He said, "I have not been silent. It's that your mind has been too loud. Empty your mind and void it of busyness and the soulish thoughts that continually scream for your attention. Still your mind and be quiet and you will hear My voice clearly. Don't allow external distraction or the soulish thought life dull your discernment of the attacks from the enemy. He hides behind these and intermingles with them to keep you in turmoil and keep you from fully entering into the life and purpose I intend for you. Guard your mind with My Word. Build the wall with the Rock of my Word and the mortar of quietness and stillness of mind. This will protect and strengthen your mind with My peace and a singleness of purpose. Cast down the soulish thought life and turn away from distraction. Shut them out so you can hear Me clearly and distinguish the voice of the enemy. Strive to walk out your days in stillness of mind. As you train your mind in this way, I will meet you there in the stillness.” I asked our Father for a verse or text for this word and received: Psalm 139:3 (1-4), O Jehovah, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; Thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Jehovah, thou knowest it altogether. When I was driving home from work Sunday evening, Father again spoke very clearly to me as I was thinking on this Word above. He said, "Your time is My time! Don't waste My time. Seek Me on how I would have you spend it.” This really convicted me, because I do waste time at some point each day. I didn't realize that He considered my time His time and that it was precious to Him. I figured, "Well, I'm nobody, so how I spend free time isn't all that important.” Looks like I was presumptuous on that one! I asked Him for a verse concerning my time being His time and received, Acts 1:14 These all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Hope this helps any who are also struggling in these areas. Scripture Test of Discipleship David Eells Rom 8:13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Mat 10:34 Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law: 36 and a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor. 1Co 9:23 And I do all things for the gospel's sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof. 24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. Luk 13:6 And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none. 7 And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground? 8 And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down. Jas 1:2 Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; 3 knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. 4 And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; 8 a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways. 2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an example unto those that should live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their lawless deeds): 9 the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment; 10 but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities: Jas 5:9 Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged: behold, the judge standeth before the doors. 10 Take, brethren, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful. Rom 8:17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 2 Th 1:4 so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure; 5 which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 1Pe 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 1Pe 3:14 But even if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; 1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator. Rev 2:10 Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
He is the Light of the world. The Light shined bright when darkness fell upon all the land when He was lifted up on the cross to lay His life down for His Sheep. We were once children of darkness walking in the dark and hating the Light. At the time of our regeneration God came to our hearts that were full of darkness and declared that there be light as He did into the darkness at creation. Now we are new creations and are to walk in the Light as we now love the Light. There will be no need for the dull light of the sun in our eternal home because the true Light will illumine it forever! Notes: https://www.theactschurch.online/_files/ugd/bc8b4a_6f7ec0268549406abee11c3a09f21d2e.pdf
Today on Meditating the Word: Jesus Heals the Man Blind From Birth, the Pharisees Investigate the Healing, Spiritual Blindness, the Good Shepherd and His Sheep, Conflict Over Jesus's Claims. This is Day 297. We are reading John 9-10 ---- Father God, thank You for Jesus, our Good Shepherd. We read Your Word and listen to his voice. We know You through him. And we follow him wherever he leads us. We don't listen to the voice of a stranger. We know that the enemy come to kill, steal and destroy, but Jesus came to give us a more abundant and eternal life. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for Your Word. Amen ---- We are reading the entire Bible this year in the order the events actually occured chronologically. You can download a copy of the reading plan from blueletterbible.com. And don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube, that way you'll get a notification each time a new episode is released. It's my goal to encourage others to strengthen their Christian walk through daily reading God's Word. You can help, by sharing this podcast, and by rating and reviewing it. Thank you for joining me today and know that I'm praying for you. Join us tomorrow -- and every day -- as we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. ---- Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/at-dawn License code: SFVKF2JFJJIFZDGT Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/a-journey-of-love License code: VUSCEHWQYYSXTUKG
Sunday July 9, 2023."The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep," a sermon on 2 Peter 2:1-22 from Rev. Ronnie Row
The post John 10v11 The Shepherd and His Sheep appeared first on Calvary Chapel Crossover.
"The Shepherd and His Sheep" Here is the NKJV scripture to go with the message! *** Psalm 23:1-6 (printable) ***And the Blue Letter Bible version: *** Psalm 23:1-6 (web) *** And the Notes!
Today we hear the Gospel of St. John 10 where Christ our God reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd. When Jesus reveals Himself to us, it is for us both to truly know Him but also for us to become like Him from the experience of the revelation. Today, we look at three attributes of Christ's nature as our Good Shepherd. First, Jesus says of Himself that He is the Good Shepherd who pursues the sheep outside of His fold. Next Jesus says that His Sheep know Him and He knows them as He is known by the Father. Finally, Jesus tells us that He gathers His sheep into one flock under one Shepherd; a life of unity rather than division.
Pastor Robert Castillo has been preaching on the theme of the Shepherd caring for His Sheep for a few months now. He exposits verse 4 of Psalm 23.
We need this Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd that knows His Sheep and when He speaks, the Sheep follow because they belong to Him....
His Church. His Sheep. Hear more in this week's message from Pastor Anthony!Discussion Questions:1. Am I walking in love? In light? and in Wisdom?2. What can I do today to start walking in these?
His Church. His Sheep. Hear more in this week's message from Pastor Anthony!Discussion Questions:1. Do I live as if I was saved just to get into heaven? Or to be apart of God's family?2. Read Ephesians 4:1 – 32. Is Jesus the Lord of my life?
Change of Fortunes for the Man-child and Bride (Audio) David Eells - 12/18/22 The DS Plan to Rob the People Winnie Osegueda - 12/4/2002 (David's notes in red) I dreamt that my husband, Chuc, and I were driving through the city streets. (Representing world Babylon.) There were a few large, black SUV's that were in front of us which suddenly turned sideways in order to block the road so that we, and others, would not be able to drive through. I knew, in the dream, what they were about to do. (As we will see, the black SUVs represent DS government forces who are trying to hyjack the people and the banking system. Cyrus, who we know Trump is a type of, was shown the stolen hidden riches of Babylon mentioned in Isaiah 45. Trump discovered these riches and repatriated them. Which, in effect, he will use to re-build the Kingdom of God like Cyrus did.) Masked men wearing black from head to toe came out of the SUVs with large guns in order to rob people; particularly, the large armored truck to our left which was transporting money for the banks. (Robbing the truck translates into robbing the people who have money in the banks. Also, blocking the road from people passing through could represent preventing people from accessing their money in the banks.) They made all the cars stop whether they were going to rob that specific car or not. However, Chuc and I decided to not be afraid and kept driving. Chuc drove through a gap on the right and we made it through the roadblock. The masked men began to shoot at the back of our car, and although our car was hit, the bullets did not penetrate, and we were unharmed. I remember calling on the name of Jesus while we were driving away. (Staying on the right represents access to God's protection.) Then I woke up. Verses I received by faith at random: Deuteronomy 10:17 For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of Lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward. Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way; But Jehovah directeth his steps. (The DS thinks “might is right” but when it comes to God's people who trust in Him, His might comes into play.) A verse Chuc received by faith at random: John 3:19 And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. The DS Serpent Coming to Constrict Babylon Marie Kelton - 12/9/22 (David's notes in red) During our meeting, as we were praying, I closed my eyes and saw a vision of a huge brown and black boa constrictor. It was slithering down a rocky cliff going towards a city that was below the cliff. (We recently had a factious man rail at us that we weren't going to “constrict” him. He became a Judas. Judas also went over a cliff when he hung himself and fell into Akeldama “the field of blood.” Because he was guilty of innocent blood. This also seems to fit the factious in the Church and state.) The city buildings looked light brown, like they were made out of clay or sand. (Light brown was the color of Hitler's Nazi uniforms. Also, Jesus said in, Mat. 7:26-27 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: 27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.) The city looked like it was in a desert. There was little water and not many trees. (The old serpent, the dragon, and his factious minions, are being cast down through our prayers. He will not be able to save his Nazi (Brown) city of Babylon. They are falling together..) The Old Serpent Seeks to Devour the Bride and Man-child Tiannah Fire - 12/13/22 (David's notes in red) I dreamt Samuel and I were visiting a town called Dysart. (Meaning isolated, desert, waste) We walked around to the back of a shop to find a trash bin. (God's true disciples seek to rid themselves of all worldly Babylonish garbage.) We found an enclosed area… that led us through this big corridor to a covered area. The roof was plastic and partially transparent, and there were heaps of leaves on top of it. (Preventing the light of the sun/Son from getting through.) … Towards the left … was a dirty, red car parked, that looked like it hadn't been used in an extremely long time. … (Representing [the apostates that have fallen away from the crucified life.] Their lives are stagnant in this town and almost completely buried under the carnality and death of the world;) (The dead leaves represent wintertime which the Bible says is tribulation. Dead leaves can no longer take in the light of the sun/Son representing the Word.) Samuel was holding our baby, David, and he went to walk over to another section that had green, wheeled, trash bins. …Samuel went over there to put the trash in a bin, as I watched from over near the car. (Representing sanctification and getting rid of the Babylonish waste from our lives.) Then, I saw two brown snakes slither out, but Samuel didn't see them. They slipped straight past him and came towards me. I then saw a yellow snake and a black snake come out from under the dirty, red car towards my left, and they went in front of me. (The snakes represent the enemies that surround us.) (The left is where Jesus placed all the apostate, rebellious goats. Both Jesus and John the Baptist referred to the factious leadership “vipers.”) I shouted to Samuel about the snakes, and he turned and looked at them. Then our son David jumped from his arms onto the ground, and the snakes slid around him but they couldn't bite him. (Little David represents the Man-child whom the enemy will try to destroy but will not be able to. The Pharisees were afraid to publicly against Jesus because His wisdom was beyond them.) Then many more snakes appeared and came over towards us. David crawled to me, and I picked him up and Samuel came over to us. Although the snakes were slithering all over the ground and around him, he never once stepped on one of them. (The demons in these serpents cause them to come against satan's enemies.) The snakes tried to intimidate us by looking like they were going to bite us; opening their mouths wide and moving their tongues and showing off their fangs, but they never bit us. (This represents the enemy spreading their fear, lies and intimidation. We must put on our spiritual armor and guard ourselves from the wickedness and venomous poison of the enemy.) Psa 140:3 They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent; Adders' venom is under their lips. Selah. Mar 16:18 and in their hands they shall take up serpents, and if they drink aught deadly, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. I was getting attacked with fear, but I was trying to reject it and stay calm. …Samuel said we needed to leave, and told me to just walk slowly and calmly out, the same way that we came in. (They came in seeking sanctification which is the only escape from the torments and tactics of the enemy.) The snakes followed us and kept moving around our feet. Even though they looked so close to us, they couldn't touch or bite us, but they were trying to intimidate us. When we were going through the …corridor to get out, we stopped for a moment, and Samuel turned around and stepped on the head of one of the brown snakes and it died straight away. (We must “bruise its head” with our heel representing our walk of faith and spiritual warfare or we won't win the battle.) Luk 10:19 Lo, I have given you the authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. He then stamped his foot on another, and it wriggled around for a bit, but then died. (Gen. 3:15 and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.) Then a giant snake slithered over to us; it was 10 times bigger than all the other ones. Its head was a bright yellow and green and its body a bright purple. (This represents satan himself who has appeared to men as a beautiful angel of light. He is the old serpent who will try to devour the woman and her Man-child in Rev. 12.) I was holding little David when this snake came to us and we were supernaturally lifted up off the ground, but still inside this covered area. (The Bride and Man-child are kept safe and are hidden.) (The wicked dwell on the earth and are at the mercy of the Beast. Rev. 13:7-8 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and there was given to him authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. 8 And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, everyone whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain. But the Bride abides in heavenly places in safety. Eph. 2:6 and raised us up with him and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus.) Rev 12:5-6 And she was delivered of a son, a male, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath there a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred threescore days. The snake kept moving its head around, and on the top of its head it had a big hole. This snake didn't show off its fangs like the other smaller ones. But instead, it kept aiming the hole on the top of its head at Samuel and each time it would spew out venom at him. (Satan uses those who have the mind of the flesh because it is at enmity with God.) Samuel casually moved out of the way each time and the venom couldn't get onto him. … (When the enemy cannot directly attack or intimidate, he will desperately try anything to spread his lies.) We ended up just opening the gate we came in through and walking out. The snakes couldn't follow us out of the gate. We were all safe praise God! (Satan cannot deceive those that come out from among them.) Man-child at Death's Door Missy Pollock 12/3/22 (David's notes in red) I was in David's house observing; I knew it was Davids' house, but it didn't look like it was his house. (It is the house of David as a type of the larger Man-child reformers.) David was in a bed covered up and frail looking like he was at deaths door; it hardly looked like him. (Representing the death of the Man-child David's old man in preparation for the catching up to the throne of resurrection life. This will be a great change of fortunes for the Man-child and Bride initially and then for the Church.) There were a lot of brothers and sisters around him and he was talking to them about something, but I didn't hear what he said. After a bit, everyone left. (John 6:66-71 (Notice 666 represents a departure of the factious among the disciples.) 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? 71 Now he spake of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.) I went over to Michael who was laying on his back on the kitchen counter with his head at the corner. (Jesus was the Head of the corner) and his legs stretched out across the countertop, and he had on blue jeans. (Michael means, "who is like God". A corner is also a turning point like the death of self brings resurrection. Also resting on his back puts his eyes toward heaven, meaning his expectation and faith is in God. And the kitchen is the place to prepare spiritual food, which the Man-child body will bring to the Church.) There were items scattered around him, but it wasn't clear what they were. They didn't look like the shape of pots and pans. (Pots and pans are a natural way to prepare food. Spiritual food is prepared by God's methods which don't look anything like the ways of man.) I said to him, "You're in one corner and David is in the other.” (The corners are turning places where walks and provisions will be changed for the better.) (I believe I was just an observer in this dream because I didn't interact with anyone, and Michael didn't respond when I spoke to him.) Then David had gotten out of bed, and I saw that he was wearing a white t-shirt and white and red print pajama bottoms. (Representing being dressed in righteous works and red on the pajama bottoms represents a blood washed and rested walk.) He was nothing but skin and bones. (When the flesh life is dead and gone then the resurrection comes.) David went to the other end of the countertop from Michael and there was a wooden safe under the countertop. I knew he wanted to check and see if he could open it. It didn't look like a normal safe because it had a latch on it that he pulled straight out and it opened. He didn't open the door wide but just enough to know that he could get into it when he needed to. (Access to funds for the ministry will be available to the resurrected Man-child David's.) Then someone was at the door, and he went and opened it and it was Merlene. She had a smile on her face as she walked in. David asked her something like, "Did you bring $180?" She said, "Yes." (180 is a play on words; like making a 180 degree turn about. (Two 90 degree corners that Michael and David were in equals the 180 degree turn about. Everything will change for the Man-child reformers and those who follow them. The 180 degree turn about at the death of the Man-child and the corners represents a total turn about of situations, authority, power, fortunes, etc. The verses at random below, also imply this total turn around regarding enemies and fortunes.) I asked the Lord for verses by faith at random for the dream and received. Isa 14:28, (in context 28-32) 28 In the year that king Ahaz (Father of Hezekiah) died was this burden. 29 Rejoice not, O Philistia, all of thee, because the rod that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent's root shall come forth an adder, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. (Enemies of God's people, and especially Zion, will be judged) 30 And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety; and I will kill thy root with famine, and thy remnant shall be slain. 31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou art melted away, O Philistia, all of thee; for there cometh a smoke out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. 32 What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation? That Jehovah hath founded Zion, and in her shall the afflicted of his people take refuge. (Zion, the Bride city, shall have a rebirth and great change of fortunes. They will once again be a leader of God's people for the David Man-child will be crowned.) Zec 8:10, (in context 9-13) 9 Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets that were in the day that the foundation of the house of Jehovah of hosts was laid (Where we are again now), even the temple, that it might be built. 10 For before those days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in, because of the adversary: for I set all men every one against his neighbor. (Again, where we are now) (The fortunes will change for the better.) 11 But now I will not be unto the remnant of this people as in the former days, saith Jehovah of hosts. 12 For there shall be the seed of peace; the vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things. 13 And it shall come to pass that, as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong. (Michael and I asked if the coming of the Man-child would be soon and got heads for yes 3 times. I asked on Dec. 8th., “Is the Man-child coming now?” And received, Psa. 11:7b the upright shall behold his face.) I also had asked the angel Baruch, “Is the Man-child coming and he answered, “Surely.”) Missy said, “The bank situation may be a sign of Man child coming and related to the safe dream above. …I put my phone on shuffle and the first song was EVEN SO COME! (This is a confirmation of the dream) Last night I was looking at my dream about the embers of judgement falling out of the sky while I was holding my grandson, Maverick, all swaddled up, who wasn't born yet at the time. I know that from the time of that dream I felt things would happen soon; especially hoping the Man child would be anointed. As we know, when that happens, there are blessings and judgement.” When the Davids Die, the Man-child Ministry is Born Vanessa Weeks - 12/1/22 (David's notes in red) I dreamed that I and some UBM women were standing outside on a white patio (Representing being founded on holiness.) We were standing in a circle, talking with each other on a sunny day. (Representing taking in the sun/Son.) Winnie was there in this circle and was pregnant. (“Winnie” as opposed to “losie” represents those in the Bride body who are winners or overcomers in order to give birth to the Man-child, Jesus.) She was dressed in a white, sleeveless sundress. (Representing righteous acts and works exposed to the sun/Son. Rev 3:5 He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Also Rev 19:7 Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and we will give him the glory: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And it was given her that she array herself in fine linen bright, pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.) Winnie said something regarding how amazing it was that she was pregnant at her age, but I was thinking she was not too old. Then Merlene said that she was pregnant too. (The Bride body, who are the first fruits to bring forth the Man-child, is made up of many people young and old.) I remember thinking that was amazing because I have not known anyone pregnant at Merlene's age. (Representing Sarah who bore the impossible fruit of the promised seed, Isaac, at the age of 90 through the faith of Abraham.) Then I saw that a baby boy was born, and it seemed that he came from both Merlene and Winnie. (Representing the birth of the Man-child out of the Bride Body.) I no longer saw Winnie or Merlene, but only the baby. (We are no longer seen when our fruit of Christ is manifested.) There was a very small nurse, standing to my left. (Where Jesus placed the rebellious goats.) Immediately after the birth, she looked at the baby and said it was still born. (Representing the bad report; doubt and unbelief. Even though the apostates look on the fruit, it is not to their liking.) Then I saw the baby move and said, "No, he's alive." 2Co. 2:14-16 But thanks to God, who always leadeth us in triumph in the Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place. 15 For we are a sweet savor of Christ to God, in those being saved, and in those perishing; 16 to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these? The baby was very big, like the size of a three-year-old child. He was also maturing quickly and starting to talk, even though he was just born. (When the Man-child is born, He will mature very quickly, for He is born in the image of His Father. 2Co. 3:18) After I woke up from this dream, I opened my Bible and saw this verse, which I think is the meaning of this dream. Rom. 6:22 But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. Note: Since the David's are close to death, Judas must come along to help Him to His cross. This Judas process has been going on for some time and is near its end. Dream About Judas Bill Steenland - 12/5/22 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was telling a group of people “One of you is a devil!” (This is what Jesus said referring to Judas in John 6:70-71 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.) In the dream I said it multiple times and emphasized the word “is”. I didn't know who the group of people were in the dream. (The factious Judas' become strangers and enemies to us when they are taken over by those spirits, as Judas was. Php. 3:18-19 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) One of You Shall Betray Me Matthew Stewart - 12-11-22 (David's notes in red) In the dream, I was in a room and David was sitting in the doorway. (Jesus in the Man-child David reformers is the Door of the sheep.) Behind him were standing two or three people (Representing those who are mature in Christ [and standing with David in ministry.]), one of whom was Michael Hare, but I can't recall who the others were. In the room were lots of kids of various ages. (Indicating all of UBM local and larger.) (Representing different maturity levels in Christ). I was among the children, but I was a little older. I was sitting along the wall, along with some of the older kids, across from David. (The older ”kids” stay near the wall of sanctification, which represents a separation from the world.) Then David said to us all, “Do you know that part in the Bible where Jesus says, ‘One of you shall betray me?' ” All the kids answered, “Yeah”. Then David said, “One of you shall betray me.” (Mat. 26:20-25 Now when even was come, he was sitting at meat with the twelve disciples; 21 and as they were eating, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, Is it I, Lord? 23 And he answered and said, He that dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born. 25 And Judas, who betrayed him, answered and said, Is it I, Rabbi? He saith unto him, Thou hast said.) I discerned that this event has not happened yet but is for a future time. Of course, I immediately thought, "is it me?” Then I saw a vision, where it was just David. (When Judas betrayed Jesus, Jesus was then all alone. This is the way it has been for me with my past Judas'. To involve others with these vicious people causes them to turn on the innocent.) He said, “I didn't see that one coming. I guess my discernment for that is gone.” (The last Judas that left made threats, but we haven't seen them come to pass. Backstabbers never warn you, they shoot from darkness. But the Lord is coming like a Lion as we shall see to judge these wicked Edomites.) Then I woke up. The Backstabber's Feigned Repentance Winnie Osegueda - 11/21/22 (David's notes in red) I dreamt that some of local UBM was helping a factious man move into an apartment on the 1st floor. (The ground floor represents dwelling on the earth and not desiring to go higher with Christ. The last Judas was being helped into an apartment by us, but it didn't work out for him because he had not repented.) In this dream he had a bald head. (Representing no submission to the Lord since hair is a sign of submission in 1Co. 11.) It seemed that this factious man had repented, and David was being kind in helping him out, giving him another chance, and allowing him back into the fellowship. (True repentance and confession of sin is still the condition for governmental forgiveness in the Church. This is a warning to hold fast to the conditions that none return to defile the body.) I remember that others were kindly helping to move the man's stuff in. However, I kept feeling that something was not right and that this man's repentance was not sincere. I had a knowing that he would destroy the place when he left. (He left before he got moved in because of backstabbing. The factious demons in them always leave death and destruction in the lives of others in their wake, as it was with the disciples when Jesus was crucified through Judas.) I noticed that he had a couple of black duffle bags full of knives. The knives had white handles, but on them were etched something like "love and light" which might sound good to the undiscerning, but it's something that new agers say, and it's a false love and a false light. (They always say they love you while they stab you in the back, and they don't seem to realize how hypocritical this is. This was exactly fulfilled with the last Judas and he left. Rom. 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.) I remember saying "This person is not truly repentant," and then I woke up. Hidden Sins of the Judas' Exposed Tiannah Fire - 12/12/22 (David's notes in red) I dreamt that I was a part of a group of brethren in the United States. (Representing UBM which is based in the U.S.) We all went to another country to set up a school, to tell everyone the real good news and to have a safe place for brethren to live. (This represents our missions outreach and the missionaries that supply our books and materials to the people in their respective countries.) The group bought a giant set of buildings which looked like a boarding school, it was giant and spread out and the buildings were yellow. (Representing the UBM Headquarters that the Lord has promised us for the great revival of the end times. It is yellow because we will spread the light of the Son/sun everywhere.) The buildings were located close to a beach on a small island, but you could still access the mainland by boat. (We were told by the Lord through dreams that this is how it's going to be. The beach represents Abraham's seed whom God promised would be as the sands of the sea.) The main people we were trying to minister to were like Islanders, people that didn't live in normal civilization but lived off the land. (This also describes what the Lord has told us. That we will be separated from the rest of civilization where many judgments will fall. We are living on a big boat in the land that will be separated by earthquakes. Those who are here with us in the boat and are the elect of God will come into the kingdom.). We would go to little islands all around the place and there would be many that came to Jesus. (Jesus went to every city and preached.) There was one woman that came to our Lord, and she was so on fire for our God that she was constantly out preaching and looking for lost brethren, day and night, not worrying about basic needs. (A Body of Saul's will turn into Paul's and will seek diligently to prove themselves worthy of the kingdom.) Samuel and I went for a walk around some of the beaches on this island that the school was located on. It was nighttime and the moon was very bright (The darkness can't stop the light and everything in darkness gets brought into the light, as we will see.). …We walked to this area on the beach which was more secret because there were large sand dunes. As we walked close to the water, from a distance, we saw a man lying down on his back in the water, …but we couldn't quite recognize him. (Representing having his back to the word and in a backslidden state.) We then saw another man walk towards him as if he had been waiting for him. It was made obvious they were in a same sex relationship. We saw the face of the man walking and he was a man that was a part of the Christian group from the USA, (UBM) and he had blonde hair. (Many of the factious traitors have fallen into both bi-sexuality and homosexuality and other perversions because they judged as sinners and they were judged by God.) It was just found out now that he had this hidden sin. (This is why God turns them over to a reprobate mind. We can't hide our sins from God, he will expose them so we can be cleansed or purged out of His Body. Psa. 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, Our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.) We would never have guessed that he was doing this evil behind our back. He seemed to love our Lord. This was very unexpected. These two men didn't see us until we started to walk around them. The man we recognized yelled out to us in anger and frustration for being caught. (This is a good example of exactly how they act. They are mad at you because you caught them.) (Their attacks are based in pride and self-justification.) We didn't want to argue with him, so we just ran back to the school building. (Tit. 3:9-11 but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; 11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned.) The man started chasing after us yelling that if we tell anyone he will kill us and he kept threatening and trying to put fear on us. (They love to threaten and intimidate, and they are stalkers too. They send curses against all who are witnesses against them.) We ran straight to the buildings where some of the elder brethren were and we told them what we saw and how the man was threatening us. (Mat.18:15-17 And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican.) …They said that they would confront the man about his hidden sin. So, we stayed in a different room on the top of a two story building for our safety. (We must take the “high road” and obey the Word represented by relocating to a higher level in the building. This is where safety from temptation and our enemies is provided.) The next day an elder's wife came to us and told us that they searched everywhere for the man, and no one could find him. She also told us to stay hidden in groups of people for our safety. (Pro. 11:14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.) There was a group meeting with everyone in the hall, so we joined them. When we got down the stairs there was a man waiting there with a cart that had our items in it and it had my phone that I had dropped when were we escaping the factious Judas. He told us he was delivering our stuff to us. I picked up my phone and saw that I had a text from the man we had caught in sin, and the text was a threat to kill me for telling people about what we saw him doing. (They send factious witchcraft spirits to spiritually kill those who are witnesses or dreamers who reveal their secret sins.) …I then looked at the man holding the cart and, when seeing his face, I realized that he was the man we saw lying down in the water. This was my first time seeing him face to face. I ran over to the elder's wife and said this is the man that we saw. She refused to believe it because she loved this man very much and he helped out so much and had been with them for a long time. (Most of these people have rejection and fear of rejection and, like Judas, they hide their sins, but God reveals them every time.) We told her it was true, but she didn't want to hear it or believe it. (Believers don't want to accept the evil that is in these people, but sooner or later it will be revealed to them.) I felt that there is nothing else I can do except speak the truth. Then I woke up. A Duty to Expose Judas Gabby Dibble - Sept. 2022 (David's notes in red) I dreamed that I had to go undercover to hide my identity. I was posing as a man to sneak into a government building. I didn't change up my look that much; it must've been the Lord hiding me because I still looked female. (We are to put on Christ and abide in Him in the secret place. Gal. 3:28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.) I was inside the building heading for a specific room. I had a duty to expose something. (Luke 17:3 … if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.) I also had a child with me, and I was carrying them as I was walking calmly. (This represents our fruit of Christ in us.) I could hear a woman over the speaker announce that I wasn't who I said I was, but a poser undercover. (A slanderous, false accusation and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. These people always accuse you of what they themselves are guilty of.) I knew now I didn't have much time and … I continued to press on to the room I intended to go to [for the exposure]. Then the scene changed, and I was in the spirit. I saw this man who would travel everyday on a school bus to a home nearby for some type of secret work. He and another man would have some kind of work exchange. For example, one provided the physical laboring, and the other paid for it. I'm not sure if this was the exact scenario or if it was a trading & bartering situation. (The laborer is the Son of man, and His life is being exchanged for the life of the Son of God. This man represents Jesus in the Man-child body who traded or exchanged His life for ours. The secret work represents the Mystery of Christ in us our hope of glory. The man rides a school bus because He teaches the children the good news of the reconciliation which means exchange.) This man that traveled on the bus got caught going to the other man's house. Many other men came into the school bus and began beating this man. (The factious Pharisees captured Jesus, beat him, and crucified Him. Luke 20:9-16 …A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country for a long time. 10 And at the season he sent unto the husbandmen a servant, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him and sent him away empty. 11 And he sent yet another servant: and him also they beat, and handled him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 12 And he sent yet a third: and him also they wounded and cast him forth. 13 And the lord of the vineyard said, what shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him. 14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned one with another, saying, this is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. 15 And they cast him forth out of the vineyard and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do unto them? 16 He will come and destroy these husbandmen and will give the vineyard unto others.) A friend of his was a part of this group and betrayed him by joining in the beating. Another man that hit him didn't want to as they were also friends. I believe this friend was actually genuine as he didn't hit the man to kill him. (This represents Judas and Peter. Both betrayed the Lord but Peter was able to be redeemed while Judas was reprobated. Some of the faction will return to us while the majority won't receive grace to be reconciled.) The man ended up surviving the attacks. (This represents spiritual death and resurrection.) Then I woke up. A Shift Taking Place Gabby Dibble - Sept. 2022 (David's notes in red) I had a dream that things were taking a shift. I was standing outside with a group of people. They had an action plan and I felt I had no idea what any of them were talking about. I had no memory of what happened before this moment in the dream. I also didn't know who they were. (These are the factious Judas' who have many plans of action but the Lord will continue to foil, derail, and expose their plans. By the grace of God were able to record their leader and his corruption and plans.) All of them were talking in a circle and a man harshly rebuked me but it didn't seem to be accurate. I don't remember what he rebuked me for, but it caused me to cry. (This represents persecution and slander that are based on false charges.) They were about to leave this location to pursue their action plan. I was still confused on what they were doing and where there were going. (We have the renewed mind of Christ and not unregenerate evil minds, so it's hard for us to relate to evil people with evil intentions.) All I knew was that their plan seemed urgent to them. (They were in a hurry to earn their thirty pieces of silver.) They were going to take three trucks. I asked the first two drivers of the trucks if I could ride with them and there wasn't space. The last vehicle was driven by the man who rebuked me harshly. I had such an off feeling about it alI. I ended up not going with them. (Pro. 1:10-19 My son, if sinners entice thee, Consent thou not. 11 If they say, come with us, Let us lay wait for blood; Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, And whole, as those that go down into the pit; 13 We shall find all precious substance; We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Thou shalt cast thy lot among us; We will all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; Refrain thy foot from their path: 16 For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird: 18 And these lay wait for their own blood; They lurk privily for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; It taketh away the life of the owners thereof.) The Lion is Released Taryn Ezell - 12/12/22 (David's notes in red) I had a vision while listening to the song “Let it Rain” in our praise and worship meeting. (A symbol of God pouring out His Holy Spirit with power and signs as we are seeing.) In the vision, the throne of God was there and there was light everywhere. There was a huge Lion next to the Lord on his right side as I was looking straight at them. (Representing Jesus, the Lion of Judah. He is not coming as a lamb but a Lion.) The floor was a blackish gray color with a shiny resin or epoxy on it, where I could see a reflection of all the light surrounding the Lord. (Rev. 4:6 and before the throne, as it were a sea of glass like unto crystal…) The Lord gave the Lion a nod. (The angels told us that “the Son is waiting for the Father's command”; referring to Jesus' return in the Man-child. Meaning it's time for the Lion to go forth and conquer His enemies.) Then I saw satan standing behind me and a huge pit behind him. The Lion was calm but then became enraged when it saw satan who appeared as a dark figure in this vision. (Zec. 3:1 And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary [or accuser]. 2 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Jehovah rebuke thee, O Satan; yea, Jehovah that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?) The Lord spoke into my mind and said, “The Lion is angry that the dark figure [satan] is [the one] who made Him how He is.” (An angry Lion) The Lion was thrashing around on the chain, like an angry dog on a leash, ready to kill. (Isa. 31:4 For thus saith Jehovah unto me, As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, … so will Jehovah of hosts come down to fight upon mount Zion, and upon the hill thereof.) As the Lion was showing his teeth and growling, the Lord unhooked the leash from His collar and loosed the Lion. (The Father is sending the Son as a Lion. The stone that the builders rejected had become the head of the corner.) The Lion gained traction quickly and ran past me, jumped up, and tackled satan with his claws around his neck and with all his might and they both end up in the pit. (The Lord will do a quick work upon His enemies; taking them to the pit. Its important to note that the last Judas who tried to usurp the Kingdom from the aged David was killed by Solomon who was given the Kingdom before David died.) I asked the Lord to confirm if this was from Him or not to make sure it was not just my imagination. I asked Him for a reference to the word “lion” in the next song at the praise meeting. We sang Psalm 34 by the Brooklyn Tabernacle. In the lyrics of the song there was no mention of a lion, so I thought, “Maybe it was just my imagination.” But, when I got home, the Lord led me to look up Psalm 34 and, low and behold, there was the mention of a Lion. It hadn't been in the song lyrics, but I had only asked the Lord for the word Lion in the next song! Here is the context of the scripture: Psalms 34:8-10 Taste and see how good the LORD is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy! You who are the LORD's holy ones, honor him, because those who honor him don't lack a thing. Even strong young lions go without and get hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. I also used an image generator to generate an image from words, and it gave me a few images based on this vision. I'll add those as well. I just thought it was a really awesome to be shown that vision! Note: The dragon in Revelation 12 is the body of satan. The dragon was also the symbol of Babylon. The DS are satanists and Judas' to their brethren. The Lion is coming to do what the Alliance, alone, is not capable of, which is destroy satan's kingdom in Babylon. So, from here we will see this scenario worked out. The Lord Will Come as a Mighty Man David Eells - 12-10-22 The Alliance will not be able to finish off the DS. Their successes so far have been because the Bride like Esther was given authority over Haman and his army. But the Lord is coming as a "mighty man" in the Man-child to bring them down. Like Mordecai, meaning little man or man-child, was given the ring of authority by the King of Kings to lead the Bride to victory. Psa 78:65 Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, Like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine. 66 And he smote his adversaries backward: He put them to a perpetual reproach. (We have received this many times by faith at random. The Lord is coming in His David mighty man to finish off Babylon DS.) Psa 89:19-23 Then thou spakest in vision to thy saints, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; (A mighty one, mighty man, the David Man-child reformers) I have exalted one chosen out of the people. 20 I have found David my servant; With my holy oil have I anointed him: 21 With whom my hand shall be established; Mine arm also shall strengthen him. (In Isa 53, the arm of the Lord is Jesus, who we see here strengthening the David's) 22 The enemy shall not exact from him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him. 23 And I will beat down his adversaries before him and smite them that hate him. When David was anointed, he beat down the factious Edomites, which we have in Church and State. Isa 52:11-53:1 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; cleanse yourselves, ye that bear the vessels of Jehovah. 12 For ye shall not go out in haste, neither shall ye go by flight: for Jehovah will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward. 13 Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. 14 Like as many were astonished at thee (Who is just like thee? The Man-child David's just like Jesus were character assassinated, lied about, slanderered, and spiritually murdered, as Hisstory repeats. Both are defaced as the rest of this verse says.) (his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men), 15 so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand. 53:1 Who hath believed our message? and to whom hath the arm of Jehovah been revealed? (Jesus) So, we see there were two manifestations of Jesus. First, we see that history or His Story has to repeat according to the Word. Ecc 1:9-12 That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us. 11 There is no remembrance of the former generations; neither shall there be any remembrance of the latter generations that are to come, among those that shall come after. 12 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. (Now we can see that Jesus, the former generation, will be repeated by Jesus in the Man-child Body of the latter generation at the Latter Rain.) Notice once again there are two, Jesus, and as history repeats on the larger scale, Jesus in the Man-child body, which will cover the earth and be over mulitudes of the living. Ecc 4:14 For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor. (This was Jesus)15 I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead. (This is the Man-child body of reformers who will be over all the Living on the earth. They are the son of man in whom the Son of God lives by His Word and Spirit.) 16 There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. The Mighty One will come to judge His enemies in Church and state and as a refiner or reformer to the Church all over the earth. Isa 1:24-26 Therefore saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies; 25 and I will turn my hand upon thee, and thoroughly purge away thy dross, and will take away all thy tin; 26 and I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called The city of righteousness, a faithful town. Mal 3:1 Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple (At this time the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem is the Man-child Body of reformers.); and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts. 2 But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3 and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer unto Jehovah offerings in righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto Jehovah, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years. 5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the sojourner from his right, and fear not me, saith Jehovah of hosts. Isa 40:10-11 Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him (Jesus in the Man-child body): Behold, his reward is with him (They will choose the Bride as Jesus did.), and his recompense before him. (He will judge the factions in Church and State)11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd (He will shepherd His Sheep, and all of this will be worldwide), he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young. Isa 42:13-18 Jehovah will go forth as a mighty man (Jesus is coming as a Lion in the Man-child body to destroy the factious enemies in Church and state); he will stir up his zeal like a man of war: he will cry, yea, he will shout aloud; he will do mightily against his enemies. 14 I have long time holden my peace; I have been still and refrained myself: now will I cry out like a travailing woman (The Lord will come as the Man-child ministry is birthed from the travailing Woman in Rev.12); I will gasp and pant together. 15 I will lay waste mountains and hills and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands and will dry up the pools. 16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not (Jesus will come in the Manchild body to set the captives free for their dead religions as Jesus did in Isa 61); in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them. 17 They shall be turned back, they shall be utterly put to shame, that trust in graven images, that say unto molten images, Ye are our gods. 18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Jer 20:10-13 For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, say all my familiar friends, they that watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. 11 But Jehovah is with me as a mighty one and a terrible (The Mighty one in Jeremiah was a type of the Man-child): therefore, my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be utterly put to shame, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which shall never be forgotten. 12 But, O Jehovah of hosts, that triest the righteous, that seest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause. 13 Sing unto Jehovah, praise ye Jehovah; for he hath delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evil doers. Act 3:20-23 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus: 21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, (things, here is italicized and has no numeric pattern as the Numeric NT shows. This is because the people were restored not all things.) whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old. (This restoration happened to Moses and the people who came out of Egypt for there "was not one feeble one among them”. From then until Moses was 120; he had perfect health and strength. Deu 34:7 And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.) So, Jesus is coming again in a body of spiritual Davids to bring this restoration and close the Red Sea on Pharaoh's army so we can go into the wilderness tribulation and see the guidance and miraculous provision for us through the Man-child body.) 22 Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you. 23 And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. (Those who did not listen to Jesus in His first body were destroyed by the beast in 70 AD while the saints escaped to the mountains. Those who do not listen to Jesus in His end time body will be destroyed also for His-Story will repeat as we have seen.) In Jesus' first body was crucified by the factious leaders and His flesh died but He was caught up to the throne. So, it will be in the second larger body. This crucifixion and death of the flesh is almost complete and then we will see Jesus' ministry again all over the world. Rev 12:1-6 And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman (the Church) arrayed with the sun (Clothed with the Son), and the moon under her feet (Reflecting the light of the Son), and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; (With the inheritance of the original 12 apostles. All of this is her position given to her by the sacrifice of Jesus and not what she has attained to.) 2 and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered. 3 And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems. (The worldwide body of the Dragon) 4 And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth (The great falling away): and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered, he may devour her child. 5 And she was delivered of a son, a man-child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron (Given to the overcomers in 2:26-27): and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her (Jesus in the Man-child nourishes the woman in the wilderness for 3 1/2 years as Jesus did in his first body.) a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 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John chapter 10 contains some of the most comforting and doctrinally instructive passages in the New Testament. Jesus gives His sheep life. They hear His voice and follow Him. And, they’ll never perish because they’re secure in His Father’s hand. In today’s message, we consider this passage in our continuing series on statements of Sovereign … Continue reading "The Shepherd and His Sheep"
2022-11-06-0830 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, November 6, 2022 in the 8:30 AM service. Scripture: Psalms 85; 1st Kings 20 Notes: -The Lord is our shepherd. -Wea are the sheep of His Hands. -He knows His Sheep and He hears their voice. -God's hands are creative. -God's hands are caring hands. -God's hands are wounded hands. -The sheep of God's hands have nothing to fear. -Jesus gives us eternal life; it will never end.
2022-11-06-1030 Pastor Loran Livingston is the speaker this morning, November 6, 2022 in the 10:30 AM service. Scripture: Psalms 85; 1st Kings 20 Notes: -The Lord is our shepherd. -Wea are the sheep of His Hands. -He knows His Sheep and He hears their voice. -God's hands are creative. -God's hands are caring hands. -God's hands are wounded hands. -The sheep of God's hands have nothing to fear. -Jesus gives us eternal life; it will never end.
One of the many of God's glorious Truths that reach beyond our ability to fully comprehend; The suffering of Jesus and the reason He suffered is one of those Truth's that we receive, understand and marvel of Christ's eternal Love and Grace for His Sheep - but impossible for us to know the full depths of suffering Christ endured so that He may 'Bring Us To God'
Summer Recording Break (Re-Broadcast)John 10The Good Shepherd and His Sheep (v 1-21)Further Conflict Over Jesus' Claims (v 22-42)**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show
A new MP3 sermon from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The True Shepherd and His Sheep, Part 2 Speaker: Brian Schwertley Broadcaster: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 8/7/2022 Bible: John 10:1-6 Length: 43 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The True Shepherd and His Sheep, Part 2 Speaker: Brian Schwertley Broadcaster: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 8/7/2022 Bible: John 10:1-6 Length: 43 min.
Life is full of decisions, but the most important decision we will ever have to make is the decision of Jesus. In this passage, John tells the story of Jesus talking to the Jews and their reaction to Him calling Himself God. What did they do? What does Jesus say about His “Sheep” when he addresses the Jews? In this sermon, Pastor Christopher talks about the questions of believers and non-believers, what are two ways we can prepare for conflict, and the three decisions we must make concerning Jesus. Thanks for listening! LAKEVIEW MISSIONARY CHURCH, 810 S. Evergreen Dr., Moses Lake, WA 98837, 509-765-5270, www.LakeviewMissionaryChurch.com Pastor Christopher sends a weekly update to our church every Wednesday with an encouraging article, prayer requests, and announcements. Subscribe here, http://eepurl.com/hC7SHD Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.
Continuing in Ezekiel 34, Pastor Jason Huffman teaches that the Good Shepherd's pursuit is relationship with His Sheep. God's people depend on Him for abundant life, real rest, and ultimate hope through our current sufferings. This is always found in real and right relationship with Jesus, and in knowing God, we will receive countless blessings in this life and the life to come.
In today's episode, Jesse finishes chapter 4 and begins chapter 5. We find that Jesus healed not only the royal official's son, but also the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda. He did so without all the fanfare often attached to such an action in modern times. Join Jesse as he leads us through this passage of: Christ: The Healer of His Sheep! Support the show (https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/260544.rss)