Podcasts about his son

Spiritual growth isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily process of surrender, humility, and learning to reflect Christ’s heart. In our daily prayer and devotional, Vivian Bricker shares how her early enthusiasm for sharing Jesus was marked by zeal, but not always by gentleness or grace. Over time, through both failure and faith, she learned that true growth comes by walking with Christ day by day. Just as the Apostle Paul declared that “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” our lives find meaning only when centered on Him. To live is Christ means surrendering our will, allowing Him to shape our attitudes, actions, and relationships. And while the process of growth can be painful—marked by pruning, trials, and refining—it also deepens our roots in faith and equips us to help others. God uses every circumstance—our mistakes, disappointments, and struggles—to grow us into the likeness of His Son. Even when we can’t see the progress, He’s working beneath the surface, producing maturity and steadfastness. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t come through striving. It comes through abiding—listening, learning, and depending on Christ moment by moment. As we do, we echo Paul’s words and find joy in knowing that our lives belong fully to Jesus. Today's Bible Reading: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." – Philippians 1:21 Key Takeaways Spiritual growth takes time, humility, and daily dependence on Christ. Struggles and failures are opportunities for God to refine and strengthen us. “To live is Christ” means making Jesus the center and purpose of every day. True growth leads to deeper compassion and a greater heart for others. Let’s Pray Together Dear Jesus, I want to grow in You, even when growth feels slow or painful. Help me to be patient and faithful, learning to walk with You one day at a time. Teach me to echo Paul’s words—to live for You and bring glory to Your name. Strengthen my heart, renew my mind, and help me see every moment as a chance to grow closer to You. In Your name I pray, amen. Related Resources What Does It Mean to “Live is Christ, to Die is Gain”? – Crosswalk.com How God Uses Trials to Grow Our Faith – BibleStudyTools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Tuesday October 7, 2025XVII Week After PentecostIn today's episode, we see rebellion, perseverance, and resurrection hope collide in the story of God's unshakable kingdom.

RUNDOWN   Are Seattle sports are even fun anymore? Six hours “chewing my fingernails and losing hair.” Mitch and Scott argue about what “fun” in fandom really means, roast Matt Brash for his walk-filled chaos, and marvel at the weirdness of Seattle beating Tarik Skubal yet again. Mitch welcomes Brady Farkas (Refuse to Lose Podcast) and Joe Doyle (Over-Slot / Future Stars Series) for a fiery Mariners No-Table as Seattle heads to Detroit tied 1–1. They rave over Jorge Polanco's two-homer night off Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal and the team's resilience, then dissect Dan Wilson's bullpen management in Game 1, Bryce Miller's usage, and the decision to start George Kirby. The group debates Matt Brash's shaky late-inning trust, Julio Rodriguez's base-running and clutch turnaround, and whether the Tigers or Mariners now hold the upper hand as the ALDS resumes. Mitch welcomes Brady Henderson (ESPN Seahawks Insider) and Jacson Bevens (Cigar Thoughts) for a heated Seahawks No-Table after Seattle's gut-wrenching 38–35 loss to Tampa Bay. The trio debates how Mike Macdonald's defense—ranked among the NFL's best through two weeks—got completely schemed apart by Baker Mayfield. Mitch rips the lack of pressure from Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams, the blown coverage across the secondary, and the failure to get a stop with the game on the line. All agree: Sam Darnold looked spectacular, throwing four touchdowns and confirming his franchise-QB credentials even in defeat. CBS analyst Rick Neuheisel joins Mitch after an emotional weekend that saw his son Jerry Neuheisel call plays for UCLA in the upset win over Penn State. Rick describes watching from the CBS studio as his phone exploded with messages, reliving the moment as both a broadcaster and a dad. He shares the behind-the-scenes timeline of Jerry being handed play-calling duties, his pride in how the Bruins responded, and the joy of seeing his family's work pay off. From there, the conversation turns to the broader college-football landscape — Penn State and Texas now facing uphill climbs to the playoff, Notre Dame's renewed path, the Huskies' comeback win in Maryland, Florida's bounce-back under Billy Napier, and previewing the week ahead with Oregon–Indiana on CBS.   GUESTS   Brady Farkas | Host, Refuse to Lose Podcast (Mariners on SI) Joe Doyle | MLB Draft & Mariners Analyst, Over-Slot Substack Brady Henderson | Seahawks Insider, ESPN Jacson Bevens | Writer, Cigar Thoughts Rick Neuheisel | CBS College Football Analyst, Former Head Coach & Rose Bowl Champion   TABLE OF CONTENTS   0:00 | From Fingernails to Fun Forest: Mitch and Hotshot Debate Whether Sports Are Still Fun After Six Brutal Hours of Seahawks and Mariners Angst 12:15 | BEAT THE BOYS - Register at MitchUnfiltered.com 15:46 | Mariners Split, Seahawks Stumble: Mitch Calls It “Inexcusable,” Hotshot Still Finds Hope in Detroit 32:01 | GUEST: Mariners No-Table; Polanco Powers Mariners Even, Wilson's Moves Debated as Series Shifts to Detroit 55:21 | GUEST: Seahawks No-Table; Seahawks Defense Collapses in 38–35 Shootout: MacDonald Takes the Blame, Darnold Shines in Defeat 1:20:50 | GUEST: Rick Neuheisel; A Proud Papa Moment — Rick Neuheisel on His Son's Play-Calling Debut and a Wild Weekend in College Football 1:51:20 | Other Stuff Segment: Michael Bennett defends Russell Wilson and says Richard Sherman's criticism is personal animosity, debate over whether Russ deserves the Hall of Fame, Mark Sanchez stabbed in Indianapolis parking dispute involving pepper spray, 49ers backup QB Mac Jones discovers a dead body outside his hotel before Thursday Night Football, Texas Rangers part ways with Bruce Bochy and promote Skip Schumaker, Jay Cutler released early from DUI jail after trying to pay off a fender-bender with $2,000, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's reported split includes a “no-cocaine bonus clause,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gets early Oscar buzz for The Smashing Machine as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, Lionel Richie claims Michael Jackson was literally nicknamed “Smelly,” Mitch realizes the real-life fighter from The Smashing Machine went to Syracuse the same time he did. RIPs: Lawrence Moten, Syracuse basketball's all-time leading scorer (53), Arthur Jones, former Ravens defensive tackle and Syracuse standout (39), Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist and conservationist (91). Headlines: Holiday Inn Express testing scent-based alarm clocks (mildew, fast food, and beer farts), AI vandal confesses to crimes via chatbot “Rat GPT,” Seattle's sex-trivia nights draw crowds and educate, UK Health Service sparks debate over cousin marriages and their “benefits,” Hotshot's favorite — “Uncle Dad Christmas shopping simplified.”

It's hard to describe to you how our first grandchild lit up our lives. He had a smile that was really a people-stopper. Yeah, I know I sound like a grandfather. Now, it's a good thing this is radio or you'd have to look at my pictures as well! One day when he was about eight months old, I came home from the office to a pleasant surprise. My wife and I were babysitting our grandson. There he was, sitting on his Grandma's lap, leaning against her. I knelt down in front of the chair and told him what I tell him often. "I love you." He just looked at me, without changing his expression. I repeated it again - no response. Then two more times. "I love you." Suddenly he smiled, his arms started reaching, and his whole body leaned forward for me to hold him. And I did. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "Saying 'Yes' to Love." I kept telling my grandson I loved him. No response. And then finally, he reached for me. That scene has been repeated over and over again - millions of times - when God comes close to someone and says, "I love you." And we just don't respond. For you, this might be the day when you finally reach for the One who has loved you so long. Our word for today from the Word of God, from 1 John 4:19, describes in just eight words how people like you and me finally come to experience the awesome love of God. It says, "We love Him because He first loved us." Well, there's the picture: The God who made you trying to tell you how much He loves you over and over. Actually, showing you how much He loves you. Earlier in this same chapter in the Bible, God says, "This is how God showed His love among us...He sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10). God gave us our lives. And the One who rules billions of galaxies is the One who was supposed to call the shots in our lives. But according to what God says, "Each of us (and these are the Bible's words) has turned to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6). We've made ourselves God, and we've built a wall between us and the divine love that we were made for. That's why our deep loneliness has never gone away. It's cosmic loneliness. You're lonely for God. And God's love for you is so great that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay for your rebellion and mine. You did the sinning. Jesus did the dying, and it's that kind of love that God has been trying to give you for years. But like my little grandson, maybe you've stayed where you are while your Heavenly Father has been saying, "I love you. I love you." It's been a long, lonely, turbulent road without that love. And now you are risking an eternity without that love by putting off or ignoring God's forgiveness for your sins. Maybe you've thought God was mad at you, that He's an angry God you could never know or be close to. But if you want to know how God feels about you, look at the cross of Jesus. That was for you! Haven't you lived long enough without this unloseable, unconditional love that you were made for? This isn't about being religious or some spiritual experience. It's about finally responding to the love of the man who gave His life for you! One more time, God is leaning in close, calling you by name, and He's whispering, "I love you." But this time is your time to take that love! You want to do that? You tell Him that right now, "Jesus, you loved me enough to die for me. I will take this life of mine that I've run too long already and I put it into Your hands. I'm pinning all my hopes on You and what you did on the cross for me." Our website is there for you at a moment like this. It's ANewStory.com. Go there as soon as you can today. It's been a one-way love long enough. Reach out your arms for Jesus. His arms have been open for a long, long time, and He will take you in His arms and He will never let you go.

Title: The Thing We Rarely Ask For But ShouldSpeaker: Rob BerrethScripture: Hebrews 12:3-13Episode Overview:God's discipline is something few of us ask for—but all of us desperately need. In this message from Hebrews 12:3–13, we explore how God's loving correction is not a mark of His anger, but evidence of His deep affection. The author of Hebrews reminds us to “consider Him who endured such hostility” so that we do not grow weary or lose heart. By fixing our eyes on Christ, we begin to see God's discipline not as punishment, but as purposeful—training us in holiness and shaping us into the likeness of His Son.This sermon unpacks two essential truths: first, that Jesus has already endured everything we never could; and second, that God's discipline is a profound good that grows endurance, righteousness, and peace in His children.Key Highlights:• Embrace Christ First: Before we can understand discipline, we must look to Jesus—the One who endured the Cross so that we could be saved. His endurance strengthens our faith and reframes our struggles.• Embrace Discipline Second: God's discipline is never condemnation. It is always correction and training, rooted in His perfect love for His sons and daughters.• The Purpose of Discipline: “For our good, that we may share in His holiness.” Discipline produces growth, endurance, and the peaceful fruit of righteousness.• The Right Response: Remember who you are—God's beloved child. Receive His correction eagerly, and let it shape you rather than harden you.• The Result: When we let God re-tune our hearts, He restores our joy and strengthens our faith, preparing us to “run with endurance the race set before us.”Call to Action:Ask God to reveal the areas in your life that need His loving correction. Instead of resisting His hand, invite Him to train and shape you for holiness. Pray, “Lord, whatever it takes, discipline me.” And when He does—receive it as grace. Because the Father who loves you as you are also loves you too much to leave you as you are.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

When we face uncertainty, when life gets hard, when things happen that we can’t explain, we’ll often ask: Where is God? But every Christian should realize they are never alone. Jesus is with you. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 22 Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil; For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Sometimes our feelings need to catch up with our faith. #1 Joseph was in a prison cell. He probably felt all alone and abandoned. He was there, not because he broke a law, but because he kept one—God’s law. God was in the prison cell with Joseph. Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)"You meant it for evil; but God meant it for good—to save many people alive.” #2 Let’s go from a prison to a palace and think of Esther. Queen Vashti, to her credit, refused. She would not be humiliated or objectified, not even by the king. Vashti is a role model for young girls and women today.Don’t ever let some guy reduce you to a mere object. You are a woman made in the image God. If you present yourself cheaply, don’t expect to be valued royally. A man needs to value you for who you are on the inside, not only the outside. The most attractive thing is to be a godly and principled woman. Through the providence of God, Esther became the queen of Persia. God is always at work in the life of the believer, every hour of every day. God is now here! Providence comes from the Latin prōvidentia; “pro” meaning "before" or "ahead of time” and “videntia” meaning “to see.” God is in control. #3 The story of Israel at the Red Sea.They were between a rock and a hard place. Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Colossians 1:16–17 Exodus 14:19 A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. John 8:56–58 (NKJV)"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." John 8:56–58 (NKJV)Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" John 8:56–58 (NKJV)Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM!" Luke 24:27 The disciples on the Emmaus Road were literally listening to God incarnate describe His Old Testament appearances. Jesus didn’t begin in Bethlehem; He has always been. The story of redemption started a long time ago in a garden. The Christmas story begins with a tree: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve sinned and lost that sweet fellowship with God. Genesis 3:8 (NLT)“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden.” We can never escape the presence of God. When you walk with God, it is a source of comfort. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” James 1:14–15 (NLT)“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow,it gives birth to death.” The Bible says, “Christ was slain from the foundation of the world.” Genesis 3:15 Pharaoh tried to exterminate the Jews starting with the Hebrew baby boys. Wicked Haman tried to have the Jews wiped off the face of the earth. King Herod hearing that one was born, “King of the Jews,”tried to kill Jesus, but that too failed. Nothing would stop Messiah from coming.Nothing will stop Christ from coming again either. #4 The story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah. Read Genesis 22 The two of them went together.Genesis 22:8 That is exactly what happened when Jesus went to the cross for us. This gives a glimpse of Calvary from the Father’s perspective, sacrificing His Son, His only Son. Genesis 22:11 Christ died in our place and absorbed the wrath of God. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we face uncertainty, when life gets hard, when things happen that we can’t explain, we’ll often ask: Where is God? But every Christian should realize they are never alone. Jesus is with you. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 22 Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)“Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil; For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Sometimes our feelings need to catch up with our faith. #1 Joseph was in a prison cell. He probably felt all alone and abandoned. He was there, not because he broke a law, but because he kept one—God’s law. God was in the prison cell with Joseph. Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)"You meant it for evil; but God meant it for good—to save many people alive.” #2 Let’s go from a prison to a palace and think of Esther. Queen Vashti, to her credit, refused. She would not be humiliated or objectified, not even by the king. Vashti is a role model for young girls and women today.Don’t ever let some guy reduce you to a mere object. You are a woman made in the image God. If you present yourself cheaply, don’t expect to be valued royally. A man needs to value you for who you are on the inside, not only the outside. The most attractive thing is to be a godly and principled woman. Through the providence of God, Esther became the queen of Persia. God is always at work in the life of the believer, every hour of every day. God is now here! Providence comes from the Latin prōvidentia; “pro” meaning "before" or "ahead of time” and “videntia” meaning “to see.” God is in control. #3 The story of Israel at the Red Sea.They were between a rock and a hard place. Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Exodus 14:13–14 (NLT) Colossians 1:16–17 Exodus 14:19 A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. John 8:56–58 (NKJV)"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." John 8:56–58 (NKJV)Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" John 8:56–58 (NKJV)Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM!" Luke 24:27 The disciples on the Emmaus Road were literally listening to God incarnate describe His Old Testament appearances. Jesus didn’t begin in Bethlehem; He has always been. The story of redemption started a long time ago in a garden. The Christmas story begins with a tree: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve sinned and lost that sweet fellowship with God. Genesis 3:8 (NLT)“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden.” We can never escape the presence of God. When you walk with God, it is a source of comfort. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” James 1:14–15 (NLT)“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow,it gives birth to death.” The Bible says, “Christ was slain from the foundation of the world.” Genesis 3:15 Pharaoh tried to exterminate the Jews starting with the Hebrew baby boys. Wicked Haman tried to have the Jews wiped off the face of the earth. King Herod hearing that one was born, “King of the Jews,”tried to kill Jesus, but that too failed. Nothing would stop Messiah from coming.Nothing will stop Christ from coming again either. #4 The story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah. Read Genesis 22 The two of them went together.Genesis 22:8 That is exactly what happened when Jesus went to the cross for us. This gives a glimpse of Calvary from the Father’s perspective, sacrificing His Son, His only Son. Genesis 22:11 Christ died in our place and absorbed the wrath of God. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prayer is the greatest gift with which God blessed His Son at his creation. ²It was then what it is to become; the single voice Creator and creation share; the song the Son sings to the Father, Who returns the thanks it offers Him unto the Son. ³Endless the harmony, and endless, too, the joyous concord of the Love They give forever to Each Other. ⁴And in this, creation is extended. ⁵God gives thanks to His extension in His Son. ⁶His Son gives thanks for his creation, in the song of his creating in his Father's Name. ⁷The Love They share is what all prayer will be throughout eternity, when time is done. ⁸For such it was before time seemed to be. (https://acim.org/acim/en/s/922#1:1-8 | S-1.in.1:1-8)Visit the website for information on these meetings, the online community and information on paid private mentoring with Keith:https://www.acimwithkeith.com/You can watch many older meetings on the YouTube Channel here:https://www.youtube.com/@acimwithkeithOur meetings are organised in the Facebook group, "A Course In Miracles With Keith" Please ensure you read and agree to the group rules on application to have membership approved. This is the link:⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/384802770144828⁠If you'd like to donate, you can do so with paypal here:⁠https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/keithkav⁠Or you can donate with credit card here:⁠https://www.mypos.com/@keith⁠

Do You Struggle with Your “Prayer Life”? Find a Quiet Place for Your Personal Relationship with God and Pray to the Universe's Creator MESSAGE SUMMARY: Do you struggle with your “Prayer Life”, even though you know it is the most important component of a life lived as a Jesus Follower? Abraham provides you with a model for a “Prayer Life” that works. Abraham was an awesome man, and he had things happen in his life that were both important for him and humankind down through the ages as a resultant of his “Prayer Life”. For the development of your own “Prayer Life”, you can learn from Abraham's “Prayer Life”. One of the first things Abraham did, when he went to a new location or was in a new situation, was to build an altar to the Lord and call on the Lord's name in prayer. In Genesis 12:8, Abraham's focus on and the priority given to his “Prayer Life” is described: “From there he {Abraham}moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.". Prayer was a priority for Abraham to build a place for God in his life and for his personal relationship with God. A way you can follow Abraham's example is to find an altar, a church, or a quiet place in your life to worship and pray, and to call upon the Lord's name like Abraham.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Genesis 12:7-8; Genesis 13:3-18; Genesis 22:9-14; Psalms 79:1-13. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Jesus in Prayer” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Jesus in Prayer MESSAGE SUMMARY: In this powerful exploration of Jesus' identity, we delve into the profound High Priestly Prayer found in John 17. This prayer reveals Jesus not just as a teacher or prophet, but as one who shares in the divine nature with God the Father. We're challenged to consider: Who is Jesus to us personally? The prayer showcases Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, calling Him 'Father' over 160 times in the Gospels. This intimacy extends to us as believers, inviting us into the very fellowship of the Trinity. As we contemplate this, we're reminded that our unity as Christians is rooted in our union with God Himself. The prayer also reveals Jesus' eternal existence and His role in creation, emphasizing His divinity. This understanding transforms how we view the cross - not as a tragedy, but as our salvation. Let's reflect on how this deeper knowledge of Jesus' nature can impact our daily walk with Him and our relationships with others.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): James 1:21-25; John 17 (entire chapter); John 10:30; John 10:27-33; Colossians 1:15; Colossians 1:19; 2 Peter 1:4 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Do You Struggle with Your “Prayer Life”? Find a Quiet Place for Your Personal Relationship with God and Pray to the Universe's Creator”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Introduction: Know Your Salvation (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) GRACE. (v4) Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. GIFTED. (v5-7a) Ephesians 6:19 – also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel... GUILTLESS. (v7b-9) 2 Corinthians 5:21 – For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 1:1-9What was your big take-away from this passage / message?If the Bible is so clear that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8), why do so many people insist on earning your salvation or hold the idea that good people go to heaven?Explain 1 Cor 1:5 in your own words. How does this apply to your personal walk with Christ?What does 1 Cor 1:8 say about the doctrine of eternal security (once saved, always saved)?Why do you think Paul starts this letter by calling them sanctified (1 Cor 1:2) and reminding them of their salvation (1 Cor 1:4-6)? BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Today is our ministry year kickoff and that also means that today is our anniversary.So today we are celebrating 14 years of Harvest Bible Chapel and we're like alot of 14 year olds. We've come a long way but we have a long way to go.Right? What kind of church is this? We sit on four pillars we have from thebeginning. We've proclaimed the authority of God's Word without apology. That'swhat kind of church this is. We lift high the name of Jesus in worship. That'swhat kind of church this is. We believe firmly in the power of prayer. That's whatkind of church this is. And we share the good news of Jesus with boldness. Thoseare the four pillars this church was resting on when it was planted by God'sgrace. Those are the four pillars today. It may it always be. So I want you to openup your Bibles to 1 Corinthians and we're just going to pause. I want you to justplease pray for me to be faithful to communicate God's Word and I will prayfor you to have a heart open to receive what it is the Lord wants to teach ustoday. Alright? Let's just take a moment.Father in heaven as we get into your Word now I pray that your Spiritwould work with your Word in the hearts of every person here. In the hearts ofevery person that is streaming or going to be listening to this podcast later.Father thanks to the technologies we have in our day. This goes out to somany people all over the planet and we thank you that you've given usopportunity and we want to use that opportunity to exalt your Word, to exaltyour Son. Father has to start right here.Father incline our hearts towards nothing but your glory. We pray in Jesus' name.All of God's people said amen. Amen. A couple of decades ago Aaron and I weredoing foster care and for about a year and a half we had a brother and sister.They were five and seven and it was at the time it was the worst case of childabuse in Butler County. I don't know if that's still the case but it was at thetime. But the five-year-old boy was pretty broken when he came to us. Hecouldn't even talk really and we tried our hardest to give them somesemblance of a normal childhood. You know? Well one of the things that we did tothat end was we signed our five-year-old, his name is Walter. We signed him up forsoccer and I played soccer in high school and in college so I was asked tohelp coach the team. Now anybody ever coach five-year-olds in soccer? It's areal hoot because coaches have to be on the field with the kids. Okay, not on theside shouting instructions. "Will, you're standing on the field with the kids andyou have to run." And did you ever see five-year-olds play soccer? Okay, it's notlike World Cup where they're all like spread out and passing. It's just thiswave of kids chasing the ball. Well we were really trying to get really tryingto get Walter to embrace this, right? It was a big part of my childhood. Justwasn't clicking. The kids would run by with the ball. We're like, "Walter, get theball! Get the ball!" And Walter would run a couple of steps and he'd go, "They're toofast." Like, "Walter, no, come on, come on, get the ball! They're too fast." And then hewould get increasingly frustrated. Walter's big insult for people was tocall them naked. So the kids would run by, I'm like, "Walter, get the ball!" He goes,"They're naked! They're naked! They're naked!" And I'm like, "Actually, they'reclothed, but we need you to hustle, right?" And I don't know if this is greatparenting or not. Probably not. But at one point, Aaron and I offered Walter 25cents for every time he even touched the ball. We paid up zero. Well the othercoach, she was the mom of the goalie. Before the first game, she pulled measide. She goes, "I just want to warn you. I can't remember her son's name. We'll callhim Joey." She goes, "I just want to warn you." She goes, "Joey doesn't like gettingscored on." I'm like, "Well, that makes sense." She goes, "No, he really, reallyoverreacts." Like, well, good to know. Well, sure enough, we got scored on. To saythat the kid lost his mind as an understatement, he started ripping hisclothes like trying to rip his jersey off. And it was this scene. It was likehe was turning into the Hulk. And I'm watching this. I'm like, "Oh, man, what isgoing on here?" And then all of a sudden, I realized, "Wait a minute. Where didWalter go?" All of a sudden, I lost the foster kid. You don't want to tell theagency that. I'm like, "Where did he go? Where is he? Where?" Then I looked down.Walter is celebrating with the other team. Hugs and high fives and...This unity on the soccer team, it was funny. But you know, when there's thisunity in the church, it's not so funny. Let's be honest, we're a lot like thosekids in the soccer team sometimes, aren't we? Irrationally losing our minds overstupid things, calling people names, not wanting to participate. That's the themeof this first stretch in 1 Corinthians. You're gonna be hearing this a lot,because it's important to the heart of God, so it's important to the heart ofthe leaders in this church. Get unified. Church, we need to get unified.1 Corinthians was written to the church in Corinth, and you have tounderstand a little bit about their background. The city of Corinth wascorrupt. Like, how corrupt were they? They were so corrupt that the city's veryname became synonymous with immorality.They were known for their temple to the false goddess Aphrodite, the goddess oflove, and they had about a thousand priestesses who served as prostitutes.So you can imagine what passed for worship in Corinth.Well, it's in that backdrop that the Apostle Paul planted a church. You can readabout this, little homework assignment for you. Acts chapter 18. Go home and read it.Not right now, but go home and read it, and you'll see how the church was planted.So you have this church planted in this horrible city, and the church, the churchitself, was absolutely perfect. They just had two problems. Bad doctrine and badbehavior. Other than that, they were perfect. What the Corinthian church neededwas unity and purity. Look at chapter 1 verse 1. Paul called by the will of Godto be an apostle of Christ Jesus and our brother Sostenes to the church of Godthat is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saintstogether with all those who in every place call upon the name of our LordJesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. Grace to you in peace from God, ourFather, and the Lord Jesus Christ. This church had a lot of problems, and we'regoing to be getting into that. And if you're familiar with God's word at all,you know. And it's so interesting to me that Paul starts this letter saying, hey,you Christians, those of you in Christ Jesus, you are sanctified. That word meansholy, I mean set apart. And then he goes, he calls them saints. Again, the wordmeans holy. Saint is a name for all true Christians, by the way. And when you lookat this little introduction, you're like, wow, Paul, that's quite a thing to saywhen you consider the rest of the book. And we're going to see as we go throughthis, but these Christians were worldly, and they were divisive, and there wassexual sin, and the list goes on and on and on. They were just, they were somessed up in so many ways. And why in the world would Paul kick this letter up bysaying you sanctified saints you? Like, why would he start that way?What, was it to butter them up? Like, I'm about to lay the hammer down, so I'm justgoing to make you feel good on the front. That wasn't it. Was Paul justignoring all their problems? Like, maybe if I don't mention it, they'll go away.No, that's certainly not it. So why did he start by calling them sanctifiedsaints? Why? Because it was true. Wait, wait, wait. How can they be holy and stillstruggle with being holy? Well, biblically, when we talk about holiness,holiness is two things. There's positional holiness, and there is practicalholiness. Positional holiness is when you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord andSavior, when you believe in Him, when you are born again, God pronounces you holy.In God's eyes, He's looking at you through the lens of Jesus Christ, and from God'sperspective, He says you are perfectly holy. We're going to talk more about thatin just a couple of minutes. So while we are positionally holy, practicalholiness, that is the growing, living like Christ, growing in Christ'slikeness, doing the things that honor the Lord, growing in maturity as a Christian.Put it this way, the Christian life is growing to be what God already pronouncedyou to be. That's what the Christian life is. It's growing to be what Godalready pronounced you to be. It's like joining the army. When you enlist in thearmy, as soon as you enlist, you are a soldier. So why go to boot camp? Why doyou go to boot camp? So they make you a soldier. You're like, "Wait, I thought Ialready was." You are. That's what the army does. They're making you what they'vecalled you to be. That's what God does in holiness. He's pronounced you holy andJesus, and your sanctification, your growth, your maturity. He is making you whatHe's already pronounced you to be. So now do you understand why Paul started theletter this way? Paul says, "Granthians, this is who you are. This is your identity.You are holy people." So we're going to get to this down the road. Paul's saying,"If you're holy, why are you acting unholy? Sin is inconsistent with who youare." So if we, Corinthian church, if we harvest Bible chapel, if we are going tobe unified and purified, it has to start here. You have to know your salvation.That's where Paul starts. So on your outline, I want you to draw three wordsdown. Know your salvation. Now this passage we're looking at today says somuch in just a few short verses. It says so much about salvation. The Bibleitself says so much about salvation, but you're going to see here in this passageknowing salvation is really knowing three G's. Your cell phone might needfive G's, God only needs three. Know your salvation. Three G's, it's allstraight from the text. Here's what you have to know about your salvation.If you're going to grow in unity and purity, here's what you have to knowabout your salvation. Number one, write this word down. Grace.Look at verse 4. "I give thanks to my God always for you, because of the grace ofGod that was given you in Christ Jesus." And I get to tell you as a pastor, I lovethat. He says, "I give thanks for you." Again, the church had so many issues thatPaul needed to deal with, but notice he didn't see them for where they are. Hesaw them for who they are. It's like, "I give thanks for you." Why? They were given.Actually, that word in the Greek refers to being given something at a moment oftime in the past. You know, I'm thankful for you because at one point in your past,you were given one of the most beautiful words in the whole Bible. The word isgrace. You were given grace. You know, that's a word that we throw around a lotin church. Sometimes we don't wrestle down what exactly it means.You look up a theology textbook, grace is unmerited favor. It is undeservedkindness. But you know, the best definition of grace I've ever heard isthis, grace is God giving to you what He requires from you. That's grace. Godgiving to you what He requires from you. What does God require from you?Holiness, righteousness, perfection. God requires that. We don't have it. Grace isGod giving that to us in Jesus Christ. Sometimes we mix up grace with otherconcepts in the Bible like long suffering and mercy and things like that. Myfavorite illustration, some of you have heard this before. You're going to hear itagain. It helps me to really understand what grace is, is this. Imagine that youhave a teenage son. Some of you do and some of you did. Some of you will andsome of you can use your imaginations. But imagine you have a teenage son andyour teenage son goes to a party. And at this party there's another boy, same ageas your son, who hates your son. Something stupid probably, a girl andmurders your son. Cold-blooded murder, unprovoked murder. This other kidmurders your son. Now, if you track that kid down that murders your son, if youtrack him down and you kill him, that is called vengeance. But if you track himdown and you help the law, you help the police get him arrested, that's calledjustice. But if you track him down, help the police get him arrested and you showup at his court date and somehow, somehow, you're able to convince the judge tojust let him go. Like just let him go. That's called mercy. But you help thepolice track him down, arrest him and you show up at his court date and somehow,somehow, you convince the judge to allow you to adopt that kid as your own andraise him as your own son. That's called grace. And understand that's what God hasdone for us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have sinned against him and wekilled his son. And what's God's response to that? God's response is, "I want toadopt you." That is grace. The Bible tells us, Ephesians chapter 2, "For by grace youhave been saved through faith." By grace we have been saved, we've been adopted, we'vebeen regenerated, we've been sanctified. It's all grace. Grace isn't withheldbecause of our sin. God is able to be gracious to us because Jesus Christ tookaway our sin. Our part is faith. That's our part. Faith is believing in Jesus.It's believing Jesus is who he said he is. He is God in the flesh. It's believingthat Jesus accomplished what he said he would accomplish. That his death on thecross was to pay the penalty for my sin and for your sin. He rose from the dead togive us eternal life. It's believing that. It's receiving that. Our part is faith.God has done all the work in Christ. That's His grace.Now, this is so fundamental.But at the same time, it's so hard to believe. It's so hard to believe becauseevery single area of our lives are performance-based. Every single one. Right?My boss is happy with me when I perform. My teacher at school is happy with me whenI perform. My family is happy with me when I perform. Every area of life it's justI gotta do stuff to make somebody happy and we bring that thinking into thechurch. Like what do I have to do to make God happy? This is salvation is notbased on your performance. It's based on Jesus Christ's performance.So as we start this stretch, as Paul starts this stretch in 1 Corinthianstelling the Corinthian church, telling Harvest Bible Chapel today, get unified.You have to know your salvation and you have to understand grace because it'sonly when you understand this that you take the first step to unity. What doesthis have to do with unity? Grace puts us all on the same level.We don't have time to do this but I'd sure like to. I'd like to get everyChristian to line up here like we do for communion. We will be doing that. I'dlike to get every Christian line up here. Just have testimony time. How were yousaved? By grace? Not because you were special or you worked for it? Oh that'sawesome, me too. Next. How were you saved? Oh by grace? Not because you were specialor did anything to earn it? Oh me too. Next. Do you see what that does?None of us deserve to be saved. None of us. None of us are any better thananother.We're not going to get unified until we come to grips with that. We're all onthe same level. We all, in Christ, are recipients of grace.It's the first thing you need to know about salvation. The second one, number two,write this word down. Gifted. Gifted.Look at verse 5 through the first part of verse 7.Paul says that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and allknowledge, even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so thatyou are not lacking in any spiritual gift.You are not lacking in any spiritual gift. You see grace speaks to the past.That's what was received. Gifted speaks to the present. You are saved to serve.Notice Paul says you are enriched. You are not lacking any gift. Jesus,Paul is telling us here, Jesus has gifted you everything that you need to serve him.You're like, well, can you be more specific? He was more specific actually.Do you notice that? What is that? Verse 5, all speech and all knowledge.These are two of the gifts that he highlights here. First of all, you weregifted with all speech. You were gifted with the ability to speak the truth.All knowledge. You were gifted with all knowledge. That doesn't mean you knoweverything. That means you know everything that you need to know pertaining to the gospel.So here's what Paul is saying. Listen, church, you have been gifted to speak and you have beengifted with knowing what to say. So the question is, how are you using that?You have the gift if you're a Christian. How are you using that?Here at this church, it can be used in teaching and preaching.All speech, all knowledge. It can be used in Harvest Academy,teaching the kids back there while we're teaching in here. It can be used in small group.It can be used in youth group, in conferences, in prayer services, in workshops, in precepts,in our witnessing.You've been given a gift. How are you using it?Because the reality is the biggest problem with most Christians is not that we don't know what to say.Our problem is just opening our mouths and saying.I hear that all the time when it comes to witnessing. Well, I don't really witness becauseI don't know what to say. If you don't know enough to share, then you probably don't know enough to be saved.Look what Paul says in Ephesians 619.He's talking about prayer. He says, "Praying also for me that words may be given to me in openingmy mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel." You see that? Paul didn't say,"Pray that I can't speak or pray that I would know what to say." He says, "I need boldness."Our fourth pillar, sharing the good news of Jesus with boldness. That's what we need to be praying for.Boldness isn't jerkiness. It's not obnoxiousness. It's just confidence in God's calling and God'sgifting. It's just confidence to say, "Look, God gave me a message and he gave me the knowledgeof what I'm supposed to say, so I'm just going to open my mouth and I'm going to say it."And again, if you know enough to be saved, then you know enough to share.Share what you know. Look at verse 6 again. I love as he says, "Even as the testimonyabout Christ was confirmed among you." What's he saying? He's saying the people of Jesus usingthe gifts of Jesus is confirmation that Jesus is at work in the church.When I was little, my dad, for Christmas one year, he wanted magnifying goggles.Because he was going to undertake this hobby of putting boats and bottles. Have you ever seenthese things where you have like a bottle and there's like a boat inside? You know what I'mtalking about? Okay, my dad was going, "I'm going to make those and I need magnifying goggles."Like I said, I was just a little kid. I'm like, "I'm going to get those for dad."Now listen, I can tell already you're not impressed. So I'm going to remind you of something.This was pre-Internet. I know right now you can get on your phone and get on Amazon's orEtsy or whatever. I don't know. But you can eBay, you can get on there and you can probably rightnow find me 500 pairs of magnifying goggles. This was pre-Internet. This was pre-smartphone.This was pre-cell phone.All right? So I'm like, "I'm going to find those for him." And you know, it took me forevermaking phone calls and going to different stores and talking to people and tracking.And do you know, I found a pair of them. I went to a jewelry repair storeand I found them and I saved my money. Those weren't cheap. I saved my money,especially for a little kid. I saved my money and I bought those magnifying goggles.I bought them for dad for Christmas. I got to tell you, I can't think of a gift that I was moreexcited to give in my life. See, one of them, I couldn't get them, but I tracked them down.And I was so, I was so proud to give dad those magnifying goggles for Christmas.Well, my father died in 2003. And you know, when somebody passes away and you start tokind of go through their stuff and figure out what to do with all that,found those magnifying goggles, still in the box, never used.And I wonder, church,when Jesus returns, how many boxes of magnifying goggles is he going to find?I wonder when Jesus returns, how many of his gifts that he gave to his people,is he going to return and find? Oh, we had them. We didn't use them.We didn't use them. You have been gifted so much. And we're going to talk about this later,the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We're going to talk about this later in 1 Corinthians.But have you been using the gifts that God gave you?Listen, if your mindset is this, you know what, Pastor Jeff, I just attend church.My spiritual gift is attendance. My spiritual gift is warming a seat. And you know, I just leavethe ministry to the professionals. I don't really have a gift. That's bad news. Because not havinga gift means you're not saved, because he tells us right here that Jesus' people are enriched in him.Paul is saying, church, you have everything you need. Everything has been gifted to you,to minister to each other, and to reach the world.So look, there's no bench warmers on this team.On this team, listen, if you're saved, you're starting.All right? Don't call the other players naked. All right? If you're saved, you're starting.Get unified. Get unified. You know, the biggest unity killer in the church is selfishness.My wants, my desires, my preferences, especially in this culture where we are right now,right here geographically where we are, this is a horrible place. Because the mindset of mostchurchgoers in this area is church is the place that I go to get. And I'm going to this churchbecause they have better coffee, and I'm going to this church because, you know, they have a zipline for their youth group, and I'm going to this church because they have fog machines and laserlights. And we have this idea that church is the place that I go to get. And that is completelyforeign to the Bible. Church is not the place you go to get. Church is the place you go to get.And anything you receive here is bonus. The mindset has to be church is the place I go to get.You're expected to. It's why you're saved, and it's why you have been gifted.Know your salvation. Three Gs, grace, gifted, one more.Guiltless.Guiltless. Pick up second part of verse seven,where he says, "As you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ."That Greek word for wait means to wait eagerly. Right? I don't have to tell you on that.There's a big difference between the way a kid is waiting to open his birthday presentsversus the way that kid's dad is waiting at the DMV. Right? This is wait eagerly. It's this idea ofanticipation like, "Oh, he's coming. He's coming. I can't wait. I cannot wait. Jesus is coming, and Icannot wait." Do you see that? What are we waiting for? He tells us the revealing of our Lord JesusChrist. I don't know if you noticed, but Jesus Christ is mocked now. He's about to show up.And he's going to make everything right. And he's going to make everything new.Are you excited for that? I sure am.In the verse eight, he says, "Who will sustain you to the end? Who will sustain you to the end?If you believe that you can lose your salvation, I want you to explain that verse to me.Will sustain you to the end?" Did you ever wonder if you're going to make it?Did you ever wonder,am I going to make it to the end? Loving Jesus, following Jesus, serving Jesus, am I going to make it?Listen, if you are legitimately born again in Christ, you will make it.On the authority of the Word of God, you are going to make it.Because you didn't work to earn your salvation, and you can't work to keep your salvation.And here very plainly, God's Word tells us that Jesus will sustain you to the end.How? That's His responsibility. He's going to get you there.You're like, okay, well maybe He's going to get me there, Pastor Jeff, but I got a lot to answer for.When I stand before God, He's going to tell me how disappointed He is in me.God's going to tell me how upset He is with me. And I've had people tell me, Pastor Jeff,you know what, when we're like in line to get to heaven, don't be standing behind me.Because God is, He's got a lot of stuff that He's going to, He's really going to let me have it.You don't want to stand behind me in line to get to heaven.Well, let's keep reading, shall we? Who will sustain you to the end? Look at this.Guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.Guiltless.In that day, when you stand before Christ, it is not going to be for Himto tell you how badly you messed up. In Christ, what does your Bible say? You have no guilt.2 Corinthians 5.21 says, "For our sake, God He made Him Jesus."God made Jesus to be sin, who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousnessof God. There's a trade that's going on here. Jesus took our sin on Himself, on the cross,to the point that somehow He is personified sin here.He took our sin. What did He give us in exchange? So that in Him we might become the righteousnessof God. Do you see that this grace, it didn't just take away your sin. God's gracemade you as righteous as God Himself is. And look, you can talk to me about the trinityand creation and predestination, and I've never lost a moment's sleep over any of those things.To me, this is the most baffling doctrine in the entire Bible, the fact that God would takea piece of dirt, sinner like me, and because of Jesus Christ, He would pronounce me as righteousas He is. I don't even have the ability to explain how awesome that is.Guiltless. He's going to sustain you until the day that you stand before Him when Hepronounces you guiltless. You're like, "You sure about that?"Well, look at verse 9, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowshipof His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord." Yeah, I am sure about that, because it's not basedon my ability, and it's not based on my integrity. It's based on God's ability,and it's based on God's integrity. He called you to this, the fellowship of His Son.You've got to know your salvation.And you see, it's past, present, and future, right? It's justification, sanctification,glorification. It's just in this particular passage, it's grace, gifts, and guiltless.And for them then, and for us now, this isn't new information.But these are foundational truths that we seem to forget about over time.Because church harvest Bible chapel like the Corinthians over time, we tend to forget aboutour identity in Jesus Christ. We forget that we were lost, hellbound sinners saved by His grace.We forget that we are here to serve, not to be served. We forget that Jesus Christ is comingsoon, and we forget that this is Jesus' church, not our church.And when we forget these things, unity goes out the window, because we start to thinkthat church is about us. Know your salvation. It's Jesus. It's Jesus. It's His grace. It's His gifts.It's His fellowship. So our worship team makes their way forward in our communion servers.You know, Jesus gave us a way to remind us of all these truths that unite us in Him.That's what I love about the Lord's table. Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of Me."This keeps bringing us back when we are tempted to think this is about us, when we are tempted tothink that we are contributing to our salvation. When we are tempted to thinkthat God doesn't love us and we need to figure stuff out, this brings us back to the foundationaltruths of the way God purchased your salvation and what it means for us today.

Romans 8:3-4 — Why is it important that Christ was truly a man? In this sermon on Romans 8:3–4 titled “Jesus: Our Sinless Saviour,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this vital theological question and explains how it changes lives. If Christ was not truly a man, how could He die in the place of humans? If Christ was not a man tempted like all humans, how could He relate to their weaknesses? This is why Christ had to come as a true man, and yet He was totally without sin. He had to be born as a man, live as a man, and die as a man in order to be a perfect Savior. The glory of salvation is that God becomes human and dies in humanity's place upon the cross. This message of good news commands all to believe in Christ alone for forgiveness of sin as there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ. This leaves everyone to ask if they believe that Jesus died for them and are they trusting in the what God has done in His Son upon the cross. This question is not one of intellectual speculation, but has eternal significance for all of humanity. In this sermon the listener will hear the greatest truth that the world has ever seen in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:3-4 — Why is it important that Christ was truly a man? In this sermon on Romans 8:3–4 titled “Jesus: Our Sinless Saviour,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this vital theological question and explains how it changes lives. If Christ was not truly a man, how could He die in the place of humans? If Christ was not a man tempted like all humans, how could He relate to their weaknesses? This is why Christ had to come as a true man, and yet He was totally without sin. He had to be born as a man, live as a man, and die as a man in order to be a perfect Savior. The glory of salvation is that God becomes human and dies in humanity's place upon the cross. This message of good news commands all to believe in Christ alone for forgiveness of sin as there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ. This leaves everyone to ask if they believe that Jesus died for them and are they trusting in the what God has done in His Son upon the cross. This question is not one of intellectual speculation, but has eternal significance for all of humanity. In this sermon the listener will hear the greatest truth that the world has ever seen in the gospel of Jesus Christ. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Sharing our faith should be exciting to us. It is exciting. When we consider the free grace God gave us through His Son, telling others about Jesus should be on our priority list every day. For whatever reason, many find it very awkward to talk to others about Jesus. We can talk about just about anything else, though. That's why it's crucial that we look at sharing the gospel as an intentional thing we do. Intentionality is a great way to overcome our hesitancy, and let's be honest, sometimes fear keeps us from sharing. Truth is, each personality requires a customized approach to sharing about Jesus. Some are outgoing and others are shy. A blogger for God TV has written that he admired a friend who told every seatmate on every plane he'd been in about Jesus.The blogger went on to write that “Even if my fellow passengers desperately wanted to know Christ, they likely couldn't even get my attention with a jackhammer drill or a pie in the face.” Kind of funny and also kind of sad, also very common. Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” So, if we're looking for ways to overcome our mediocre gospel sharing, what can we do? Let's look at a few tips. The first is prayer. Get honest with God and tell Him you're not so great at evangelism. I mean, He already knows, anyway. Ask Him specifically to give you both opportunities and an intentional plan for communicating the best news anyone will ever hear.Two, plan, think ahead. Are you a person who's good at conversation? Go over a mental checklist that provides you with enough scripture and short sentences to make your pitch when the time comes. However, if you're not outgoing, maybe you're a writer. Consider communicating with a card to let the person know you're thinking about him or her. Play to your strengths, not your weaknesses. Number three, listen before you talk. How many times do we jump into a conversation or meeting without taking a breath? Train yourself to be quiet for a bit until you hear where the other person is coming from. You'll learn about your friend or acquaintance, and you can then think through the best way to approach them about the saving gift of Jesus. But also, don't just wait for your turn to talk. Hear them. Meet them where they are, and listen to the Holy Spirit to see how you can speak Jesus into that person's life. Very few of us are Billy Graham. That doesn't mean we can't share the gospel. Somebody's depending on it. Let's pray.Father, whatever our personality and our experiences, give us a passion for loving unbelievers and caring about their well-being. The world is full of diversity. Help us embrace that. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

In these three short stories of the Wild West, cowboys learn important principles from God's Word!  In episode one, Wild Bill teaches 1 John 1:3, “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”  In episode two, Roy teaches Gabby 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people will pray and turn from their wicked ways, then will I forgive their sin and heal their land.”  In episode three, Billy-Bo teaches Fro-Don John 3:3, “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”#kids, #biblelessonsforkids, #storiesforkids,#bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #youmustbebornagain, #prayer, #prayerforthenation, #fellowshipwithgod, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbites4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb

LESSON 276The Word Of God Is Given Me To Speak.What is the Word of God? “My Son is pure and holy as Myself.” And thus did God become the Father of the Son He loves, for thus was he created. This the Word His Son did not create with Him, because in this His Son was born. Let us accept His Fatherhood, and all is given us. Deny we were created in His Love and we deny our Self, to be unsure of who we are, of Who our Father is, and for what purpose we have come. And yet, we need but to acknowledge Him Who gave His Word to us in our creation, to remember Him and so recall our Self.Father, Your Word is mine. And it is this that I would speak to all my brothers, who are given me to cherish as my own, as I am loved and blessed and saved by You.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Every winter we hear the stories, we see the pictures of avalanches. We have done a lot of work in Alaska, and I took special note of an avalanche that happened at Alaska's Turnagain Pass. The mountain slopes had danger written all over them that day - eight feet of new snow had fallen on this older, packed-down snow, a warm sun had been beating down all day, and there were avalanche warnings. But that didn't stop some snowmobilers from powering up this 2,000-foot-high mountain to see who could go the highest. There was an even more sobering warning of the danger they were in. Twenty minutes before the major avalanche there was a smaller one in a nearby gully. But some of the snowmobilers just kept going. When the big avalanche hit, a mile-wide wall of snow roared down that mountain. An onlooker's videotape shows massive slabs of snow breaking loose and sliding down the mountain in a roiling, powdery cloud with at least four snowmobilers - mere specks - being swallowed up. At least four people died that day. And none of them had to. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Warning You Must Not Miss." You say to yourself, "If only they had listened to the warnings." I wonder if that's what God says every time someone goes into eternity unprepared. The Bible makes it clear He wants us to go to heaven when we die, to be with Him forever, to experience His awesome love forever. But the Bible also makes it clear that many won't make it to heaven, not because they weren't good enough, but in God's own words, "because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:18). Because they've heard God's warnings about sin and its death penalty in hell, but like those stubborn snowmobilers in Alaska, they've ignored the warnings. Our word for today from the Word of God in Hebrews 2:3 really bottom lines what's at stake here. God says, "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation." Salvation. That's rescue. That's what I got the day that someone came to rescue me from drowning in Lake Michigan. I was ten years old. That's the reason I'm around today. Someone came and rescued me. So salvation is what a person receives when a firefighter brings them out of a burning building. It's salvation. Rescue from dying. God says that's what Jesus dying on the cross is all about. He was paying the price for all the sinning you and I have ever done so He can come and rescue us forever. But like me in that lake or the person in the burning building, if we resist the rescuer, we'll die. God warns us here about ignoring His salvation, and I think that's how most people end up in hell instead of heaven. Not because they out-and-out reject Jesus; they just ignore Jesus and all of God's warnings about our need of Him. Maybe that's where you are. You're just too busy to think about eternity right now or you're having too much fun. You think you're religious and you'll make it on your own goodness, or you think you know Jesus because you know a lot about Jesus. But for one reason or another you are ignoring the Savior. You are ignoring God's warnings. And this is one more warning from God. Right here today. It may be that for someone here today; this might be the last warning. But God is saying, "Don't keep going this way! You are headed for an eternity without hope, without love, without Me." This is just too important to ignore any longer. You are risking the eternal judgment of Almighty God - judgment which God's Son already took on the cross for you. Please listen to Jesus' knocking on the door of your heart. Listen to the warning of God. Tell Jesus "I'm trusting You today to do what only You can do - to rescue me from my sin and its eternal death penalty." Actually, our website is there because we wanted to put things that would help you begin that relationship with Him and know you belong to Him. I want to encourage you to go there. It's ANewStory.com. Please check it out! The avalanche of God will sweep away all those who ignore His warning, who ignore His Son. Please, don't gamble your eternity one more day.

Do you remember the early days of your relationship with your spouse? That feeling of excitement when you see each other and the special connection you had during those moments together is almost indescribable… That's the kind of relationship God desires to have with you. Many people think of God as a distant man in clouds, but in reality, He simply wants to be with you. That's why He gave the world His Son, Jesus. Today, Pastor Ken wants you to know that the God of the universe wants a personal relationship with you.

In Galatians 3 Paul says that his readers must have been bewitched to turn from the evidence, seen in himself, of Christ placard before them as a crucified one. He asks the Galatians if had they received the spirit gifts through works of law, or by the hearing of faith. Verses 6-9 cite the Scripture from Genesis 15:6 - Abraham could DO nothing but believe and trust God. What Abraham did was to believe to God. And our Heavenly Father counted that belief to Abraham as righteousness. The gospel, says Paul, was taught to Abraham in Genesis 12 verse 3, when he was told "In you shall nations of the earth be blessed" - see Romans 4 verse 13. Paul actually quotes a hybrid of Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 22 verse 18 - as Peter likewise does in Acts 3 verse25. All the Law of Moses could do was curse those who were subject to it and prove to them the utter sinfulness of human nature. The other thing that the Law did was to curse a sinless man who was hung on a tree in crucifixion - that was our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Law had to be annulled. Any law that brought condemnation on a righteous man, must be revoked. Verse 16 says that the promise was about one specific seed alone, the Christ. To be saved the one requirement is faith and the acknowledging of one's belief by becoming one with Christ through baptism. Whoever is baptised becomes clothed with Christ and receives by imputation Christ's righteousness. Verses 26-29 establish that in Christ there are no gender distinctions, no social strata differences and no racial discrimination. All equally receive the salvation offered in Christ Jesus and are each one an heir of what the Almighty promised in His Son. Chapter 4 tells us that to attain to sonship we must as children first go through training, whose appointments are of the father until the time determined. Christ came in the fulness of time for the purpose of redemption in general; and particularly for those under the Law to liberate them from the curse. From verses 8-20 Paul expresses his concern for the Galatians servile adherence to days and rituals, which have only a negative effect on spirituality. The chapter concludes with an allegory regarding the sons of Sarah and Hagar, about the freedom in Christ in contrast to the slavish servitude to law.

 1 At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?In illa hora accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, dicentes : Quis, putas, major est in regno caelorum? 2 And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them,Et advocans Jesus parvulum, statuit eum in medio eorum, 3 And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.et dixit : Amen dico vobis, nisi conversi fueritis, et efficiamini sicut parvuli, non intrabitis in regnum caelorum. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.Quicumque ergo humiliaverit se sicut parvulus iste, hic est major in regno caelorum. 5 And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.Et qui susceperit unum parvulum talem in nomine meo, me suscipit : 6 But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.qui autem scandalizaverit unum de pusillis istis, qui in me credunt, expedit ei ut suspendatur mola asinaria in collo ejus, et demergatur in profundum maris. 7 Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh.Vae mundo a scandalis! Necesse est enim ut veniant scandala : verumtamen vae homini illi, per quem scandalum venit. 8 And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire.Si autem manus tua, vel pes tuus scandalizat te, abscide eum, et projice abs te : bonum tibi est ad vitam ingredi debilem, vel claudum, quam duas manus vel duos pedes habentem mitti in ignem aeternum. 9 And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.Et si oculus tuus scandalizat te, erue eum, et projice abs te : bonum tibi est cum uno oculo in vitam intrare, quam duos oculos habentem mitti in gehennam ignis. 10 See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.Videte ne contemnatis unum ex his pusillis : dico enim vobis, quia angeli eorum in caelis semper vident faciem Patris mei, qui in caelis est.God's love for us was not satisfied with giving us His Son, Jesus, for our Redeemer, and Mary for our Advocate; He has been pleased to give us also His Angels to be our guardians; "He hath given His Anges charge over thee; to keep thee in all they ways" (Ps 90,2). These holy spirits and princes of heaven are always present with us, and assist us in all our actions. And on this account, out of regard to our guardian angels, we ought carefully to refrain from every action that can displease them.Note:This can be a confusing reading. There is a good explanation of this reading at this web site...Fr Flader: Cutting off our hand?This reminds me of a time I went to confession, and talked about temptations that were on my iPhone. The priest said to me "get rid of the iPhone, or limit it's use". After confession, I thought to myself, "hey, I am plucking out my iPhone."

Dave Wolcott transformed military discipline into a wealth blueprint, showing how alternative investments, syndications, and holistic strategies create freedom, purpose, and true fulfillment beyond money.See full article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/unearthing-dramatic-holistic-wealth-and-a-firestorm-of-freedom-with-dave-wolcott/(00:00) - Mattias Opens the Show and Talks About Possible Format Changes(00:48) - Mattias Shares Family Camping Trip and Lessons Learned(04:32) - Transition Into Today's Guest and Investing Topics(05:01) - Introduction of Guest Dave Wolcott(05:14) - Dave Explains His Business Model and Wealth Journey Support(06:05) - Dave's Background: Middle Class Upbringing and Marine Corps Lessons(07:20) - Triplets Arrive: Financial Wake-Up Call and Wealth Journey Begins(09:50) - Early Real Estate and Alternative Investments Journey(11:20) - Creation of the Book Holistic Wealth Strategy as a Blueprint(12:01) - Military Values and Lessons Passed to His Son(13:12) - The Importance of Perspective and Discipline from Combat Experience(14:15) - Mattias Questions the Financial Planner Divide(14:30) - Dave Explains Why Traditional Financial Planning is Rigged Toward Wall Street(16:25) - The Movement Toward Control of Capital and Real Estate Alternatives(18:12) - Energy Investments and Massive Tax Benefits Explained(20:09) - Breaking Down Oil and Gas Investments Compared to Real Estate(21:23) - Fund of Funds and Investor Structures Explained(21:48) - What It Means to Be an Accredited Investor(22:23) - Pathways to Accreditation Through Real Estate Growth(23:01) - Why Passive Syndications Create Scalable Wealth(24:40) - Introduction to Private Credit as a Growing Asset Class(27:04) - Private Credit Lending Examples and High-Yield Potential(28:43) - Impact of Alternative Wealth on Family and Lifestyle(29:05) - Dave's Book Philosophy: Holistic Wealth Strategy and Deep Life Vision(32:19) - The Importance of Intention and Living With Purpose(33:48) - Challenging Retirement Accumulation Theory(35:08) - Mattias on Designing Family Life With Intention(37:02) - Dave Introduces Wealth Software Pantheon WealthOS(39:42) - Cash Value Life Insurance and Infinite Banking Explained(40:50) - Syndications as Untapped Opportunities for Real Estate Agents(41:38) - Dave's Free Gift: Holistic Wealth Strategy Book Download(42:06) - Dave Recommends 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Ben Hardy and Dan Sullivan(43:03) - Where to Find Dave Online and His Podcast Wealth Strategy Secrets of the Ultra Wealthy(43:40) - Closing Remarks and Thank YouContact Dave Wolcotthttps://pantheoninvest.com/https://pantheoninvest.com/pantheon-wealth-os/https://holisticwealthstrategy.com/Freedom is more than money. It's purpose, relationships, and living life on your terms. To dive deeper into holistic wealth strategies with Dave Wolcott, visit https://reiagent.com

“Warning #1” • Hebrews 2:1-4 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. In the middle of his argument that Jesus Christ is superior to the angels, the Apostle Paul warns of the dangers of not listening to and applying the word of God in our lives. Since God has spoken to us directly in His Son, we ought to be even more devoted to Him and His kingdom. If we neglect these things, we are in danger of forgetting all the blessings God has for us and that we were saved from our sins. This message was preached on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

In this episode of Ryan & Brian's Bible Bistro, Ryan and Brian explore the concept of "glory" in Paul's writings, building on Brian's paper on 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and insights from Haley Goranson Jacob's Conformed to the Image of His Son. They dig into the theological depth of doxa (glory) and its implications for Christian life.Key Points:What is Glory? The Greek doxa (glory) and doxazo (to glorify) are central in Paul's writings, especially in 2 Corinthians 3-4. Glory is more than splendor—it's tied to honor, authority, and God's redemptive acts.Old Testament Context: The Hebrew kavod (weight) links glory to reputation or ruling authority (e.g., kings, the temple). God's glory appears in theophanies (burning bush) or redemptive acts.Paul's Framework: Paul echoes Psalm 8 and Genesis 1-3. Humanity was created to rule creation with glory (Psalm 8), but sin led to its loss (Romans 3:23). In Christ, believers are restored to “functional glory” (Romans 8:29-30).Key Texts:Romans 8:18-30: Believers are co-heirs with Christ, glorified to rule in God's kingdom.2 Corinthians 3:18: Transformation into Christ's image with ever-increasing glory.Daniel 7:9-14: The Son of Man receives glory and authority.Romans 1:21-23: Humanity exchanged God's glory for idols.Implications: Glorification is both now (living out God's kingdom) and future (consummated at Christ's return). Believers reflect Christ's cruciform glory through service (Philippians 2).Why Listen? This concise yet rich discussion unravels Paul's theology of glory, connecting Old Testament roots to Christian calling. Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture.Support Us:Visit thebiblebistro.com to listen, share, or donate.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or like to boost our reach.Share with friends to spread the conversation.

Retired seminary professor Dr. Jim Kinnebrew joins Brett to talk about Romans 8.28-29 and why it much it means to him... 28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. (Berean Standard Bible)

Welcome to Alive with Fr. Jonathan Meyer for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Luke 17:5-10). In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we are “unprofitable servants.” Fr. Meyer reflects on the humility this truth calls us to embrace — recognizing that no matter our works or merits, we cannot repay what God has given us in His Son.   Through the words of Psalm 116, “How can I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me? I will take up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,” we discover that the only response is to give ourselves fully back to Him .  

LESSON 273The Stillness Of The Peace Of God Is Mine.Perhaps we are now ready for a day of undisturbed tranquility. If this is not yet feasible, we are content and even more than satisfied to learn how such a day can be achieved. If we give way to a disturbance, let us learn how to dismiss it and return to peace. We need but tell our minds, with certainty, “The stillness of the peace of God is mine,” and nothing can intrude upon the peace that God Himself has given to His Son.Father, Your peace is mine. What need have I to fear that anything can rob me of what You would have me keep? I cannot lose Your gifts to me. And so the peace You gave Your Son is with me still, in quietness and in my own eternal love for You.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Cowboy Combo In these three short stories of the Wild West, cowboys learn important principles from God's Word! In episode one, Wild Bill teaches 1 John 1:3, “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” In episode two, Roy teaches Gabby 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people will pray and turn from their wicked ways, then will I forgive their sin and heal their land.” In episode three, Billy-Bo teaches Fro-Don John 3:3, “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” #kids, #biblelessonsforkids, #storiesforkids,#bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #youmustbebornagain, #prayer, #prayerforthenation, #fellowshipwithgod, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbites4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb

When you hear the word "superstar," you may think of some great athlete or A-list movie star or some television personality - a celebrity. I'm sorry, but I personally think that's a pretty lame use of the word when you hear about the kind of star that astronomers have been discovering. Like the largest known star in the universe! Conventional telescopes had missed it because of vast dust clouds. But the Hubble Space Telescope picked it up. It is (get this) 186 million miles wide and ten million times brighter than the Sun! That's a superstar. Don't even try to comprehend one star that enormous! Interesting footnote - according to many theories on how stars are formed, a star this large is an impossibility! It's there, it is not impossible. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "Awesome God, Awesome Love." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Psalm 8:1-4. "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens...When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" It's hard to come up with a theory big enough to contain the infinity of what's out there. But it's not hard to come up with a creator big enough to explain it all. And speaking of Jesus, the Bible further explains in John 1:3 that "through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made." When you consider that beyond that superstar are literally millions of galaxies, your mind just goes on overload. But there is something more staggering than the size of creation...and that is the possibility that you could have a personal love relationship with the creator of it all! That's what the psalmist couldn't grasp - in light of the splendor and magnitude of all you've created, God, why do you care about us little guys and girls on this speck of dust called earth? But the amazing truth is that this awesome God has a deep, deep love for you. Here's how you can know that. In those same verses that tell us Jesus created it all, it says that He "became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). The One who created that mega-star - and countless millions of galaxies - left the Throne Room of the universe to come here as one of us. And everything in us screams, "But why?" Answer - two chapters later. "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Why? God loves you so much. So much that even though we've defied Him by running our own life, He sent His Son to go to a cross to bear the death penalty for my sin and yours. God does not want to lose you. And when Jesus comes knocking on the door of your heart, offering you His love and His forgiveness, it just doesn't make any sense to reject Him or postpone Him. This is the One who made it all - who loved you enough to die for you. Why would you wait another day to begin a personal love-relationship with the most awesome person in all the universe? Have you ever begun this relationship that Jesus died to make possible? He proved that He can give it to us, because He walked out of his grave under his own power. And only the One who's proven He has eternal life can give it to you. This is your day to be born into God's family; to begin your relationship you were made for. Reach out to Jesus and say, "Jesus, I'm tired of running my own life. I resign from running my life. You died for the sin that's come from my decision to take over a life you were suppose to run. And today, Jesus, I'm pinning all my hopes on you. Thank you for loving me so much." I think our website would help, would you go there today - ANewStory.com? Jesus - the one who made the stars - the biggest Star of all - has come to you. Don't miss this amazing love.

This week we tackle a big question: Who really speaks for God? With the Catholic Church appointing a new pope this year, and the Mormon prophet passing away just this weekend, both traditions are again highlighting their unique systems for choosing a spiritual leader. Catholics gather in Rome and elect a pope. Mormons promote their longest-serving apostle to prophet. But both groups agree on one thing: their leader is God's one true mouthpiece on earth.In this episode, we'll explore:How prophets are chosen in the Bible — God personally calls His messengers (Exodus 3, Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1).How Mormons pick their prophet — by seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.How Catholics choose their pope — by election among cardinals.What each group believes about their leader — both claim he speaks with divine authority.Why both systems are unbiblical — Hebrews 1:1–2 shows that in these last days God speaks through His Son.Real-world examples of the danger of unchecked authority — LDS prophets reversing “eternal” teachings, Catholic popes pushing indulgences.The biblical test of prophets — Deuteronomy 13 and 18 show how to spot false authority.The biblical model of leadership — pastors and elders serving under Christ and His Word (1 Peter 5, Titus 1, Acts 17).The good news — Jesus is the final Prophet, Priest, and King. We don't need a pope in Rome or a prophet in Salt Lake City. We need Christ.Key Verses:Hebrews 1:1–2Isaiah 8:20Deuteronomy 13:1–5; 18:21–221 Peter 5:2–3Acts 17:111 John 4:1Takeaway:Catholics say, “Follow the pope.” Mormons say, “Follow the prophet.” But Jesus says, “Follow me.”--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --

This is a summary of the series, "The Whole Counsel of God." Here we discover the simplicity and purity of the gospel and are reminded of the scope of God's gracious provision in His Son.

Jesus Followers Should Fear, Respect, and Praise God's Power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but in Life's Trials They Should “fear not for I {Jesus} am with you always” MESSAGE SUMMARY: You should fear, respect, and praise God's power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but, as a Jesus Follower, you should “fear not” in life's trials and tribulations or at your time of judgment. As David's praise tells us in Psalms 103:13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”. David models again and again, in Psalms, how we should praise God. For example, in Psalms 146, David says: "Put not your trust in Princes; Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, Oh my soul!". When we are wondering how to praise the Lord, we can read one of David's Psalms to God like David's praises to the Lord in Psalms 112:1-2: “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.". Also, we learn in Proverbs 1:7, the “fear of the Lord” and “wisdom” are closely linked: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.". These verses from the Old Testament point to the fear, respect, and praise that God warrants and demands from His power, sovereignty, and Holiness. On the other hand, as we see when the Apostle John quotes Jesus from Revelation 1:17-18, when Jesus, in all His power and Glory, reassures us of God's Grace and His plan for working out the Salvation and Eternal Life for all those that have accepted Jesus as their Savior: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Revelation 1:17-18; Psalms 118:1-20; Proverbs 1:7; Psalms 73a:1-14. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Promise of the Eternal” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Crucified, Died, and Was BuriedMark 15Message Slides For the bulletin in the PDF form, click here. SufferedCrucifiedDiedBuriedHOME CHURCH QUESTIONS1. What are some examples of suffering you have experienced in your life? It was mentioned that we often expect to live long and not suffer. Do you agree? Why do we think like this? 2. What are some examples of Jesus' suffering throughout His life and at the end of His life (for example, in Mark 15)? Why should it encourage us to consider that Jesus suffered in some of the same ways we suffer? What is a specific example of suffering in your life and how has Jesus experienced something similar? 3. What are some unhelpful or unhealthy responses to someone who is suffering? What are some biblical ways to respond to someone who is suffering? Why is it encouraging to consider that God enters into our broken world and suffers for us? How should this impact the way we think about suffering? 4. What aspects of the crucifixion from Mark 15 (or from the sermon) stand out to you? Explain. 5. One motivation for God sending His Son to die on the cross was to demonstrate His justice and righteousness (see Romans 3:25). Do you tend to think about God's justice as a motive for the cross? Why is it important we keep this in mind? What are some consequences if we don't? 6. The cross both humbles and encourages us at the same time. Do you currently need to be reminded to be humbled because of what your sin required at the cross? Or do you currently need to be encouraged by God's love and what He was willing to provide at the cross? Explain. 7. Imagine you are talking with someone who says he/she believes Jesus died, but this person doesn't believe it matters or makes any difference. How would you explain the meaning of the cross and why it is important in your life?Mission Highlight - The Aid Andhra in IndiaWith a population of over 350,000, the Adi Andhra are a marginalized people group in southern India, primarily speaking Telugu and practicing Hinduism. Though some have gained education and moved to cities, many still live in poverty as landless rural laborers. Less than 1% follow Christ, and few have heard the gospel in a way they can truly understand. While the full Bible and other ministry tools are available, access and outreach remain limited. They need sustainable resources, education, and most importantly, the hope of Christ.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 09/14 23,974Giving For 09/21 35,518YTD Budget 415,385Giving 362,151 OVER/(UNDER) (53,234)Women's RetreatLadies, we are getting away for rest and encouragement October 24-26. Mark your calendars to be part of this meaningful time together. Early Bird registration ends today. For all the details, go to fellowshipconway.org/women.New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Join a Home ChurchHome Church small groups are about building a deep community where we are transformed into the image of Christ and serve a broken world for the sake of the gospel. If you are not in a Home Church, we encourage you go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch or stop by the Connection table in the Atrium. Equipping OpportunitiesEquipping Ministry exists to equip and release our church body to deepen their understanding and experience of God & His word, develop genuine, Spirit-led living, and consistently invest in making disciples. Check out this Fall's opportunities at Fellowshipconway.org/equipping. Fellowship KIds at Schaefer's Pumpkin Patch | October 4 | 10 aM - 12 PMJoin us for a morning of fall fun! Enjoy games, a petting zoo, hay rides, and food trucks. Grab your hay ride tickets at the booth and meet us by the tractor at 11:00 AM for a ride with other Fellowship families. Don't miss out—it's going to be a blast!Special Pack OCC | Pack • Pray • Send — Be Part of the Mission!On Monday, October 6, join us at Fellowship for a powerful Operation Christmas Child Packing Event! Together, we'll pack 2,800 shoeboxes to share the love of Jesus with kids in hard-to-reach places. Sessions: 11 AM–1 PM or 6–9 PM (childcare available in the evening for 6 years and under) Let's fill every box, pray over every child, and send the Good News across the globe!Fellowship Kids Father/Son Camp outCalling all dads and sons! Get ready for an awesome weekend just for you. We're planning a fun father and son camp out on October 10-11, at 53 Wasson Road in Conway. We'll have games, a campfire, and plenty of time to hang out. If camping isn't your thing, you can still join us for all the activities on Friday night. Saturday breakfast is included. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. Men's Fellowship BreakfastMen, join us for a great breakfast and fellowship on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 a.m. here in the Fellowship atrium. No sign-up is needed. Come with your Bible ready to eat, fellowship with other men, and start your day off right through prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org.Fellowship Women's Hike - Saturday, October 11Ladies, we are going for a hike at Woolly Hollow on the Huckleberry Trail. We will meet at Fellowship and take off together. Will you join us?

Because God has sovereignly destined His people to be like His Son, we can know that all things are working for the good of those who belong to Him. Think about it: If you know that God’s actions on your behalf are already past tense, while still holding present and future power, then why do you feel defeated, depressed, or condemned?

In this sermon, Pastor Jeremy calls us to worship in light of God's glorious judgment and redemption revealed to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ, His Son.We hope you enjoyed this sermon! To learn more about our ministry, you can visit us at the Harvest Plains website.Harvest Plains Church is a small church plant located in Mapleton, North Dakota. Our heart is to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our local communities, and to build disciples with Bible-centered preaching. If you're near Mapleton or the Fargo/Moorhead area, we'd love to have you join us!

What is the Christ?Christ is God's Son as He created Him. He is the Self we share, uniting us with one another, and with God as well. He is the Thought Which still abides within the Mind that is His Source. He has not left His holy home, nor lost the innocence in which He was created. He abides unchanged forever in the Mind of God.Christ is the link that keeps you one with God, and guarantees that separation is no more than an illusion of despair, for hope forever will abide in Him. Your mind is part of His, and His of yours. He is the part in which God's Answer lies; where all decisions are already made, and dreams are over. He remains untouched by anything the body's eyes perceive. For though in Him His Father placed the means for your salvation, yet does He remain the Self Who, like His Father, knows no sin.Home of the Holy Spirit, and at home in God alone, does Christ remain at peace within the Heaven of your holy mind. This is the only part of you that has reality in truth. The rest is dreams. Yet will these dreams be given unto Christ, to fade before His glory and reveal your holy Self, the Christ, to you at last.The Holy Spirit reaches from the Christ in you to all your dreams, and bids them come to Him, to be translated into truth. He will exchange them for the final dream which God appointed as the end of dreams. For when forgiveness rests upon the world and peace has come to every Son of God, what could there be to keep things separate, for what remains to see except Christ's face?And how long will this holy face be seen, when it is but the symbol that the time for learning now is over, and the goal of the Atonement has been reached at last? So therefore let us seek to find Christ's face and look on nothing else. As we behold His glory, will we know we have no need of learning or perception or of time, or anything except the holy Self, the Christ Whom God created as His Son.LESSON 271Christ's Is The Vision I Will Use Today.Each day, each hour, every instant, I am choosing what I want to look upon, the sounds I want to hear, the witnesses to what I want to be the truth for me. Today I choose to look upon what Christ would have me see, to listen to God's Voice, and seek the witnesses to what is true in God's creation. In Christ's sight, the world and God's creation meet, and as they come together all perception disappears. His kindly sight redeems the world from death, for nothing that He looks on but must live, remembering the Father and the Son; Creator and creation unified.Father, Christ's vision is the way to You. What He beholds invites Your memory to be restored to me. And this I choose to be what I would look upon today.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

The Promise of the Eternal MESSAGE SUMMARY: Today, we delve into the profound mystery of the Holy Spirit and its vital role in our Christian walk. We're reminded that it's not just about having the Holy Spirit, but allowing the Spirit to have us - to lead and guide our lives. The message emphasizes three key sins against the Holy Spirit: grieving, quenching, and blaspheming. When we choose bitterness over love, or hold onto unforgiveness, we grieve the Spirit. Every time we sin, we quench the Spirit's flow in our lives. Yet, there's hope in confession, which reopens the floodgates of the Spirit's presence. This teaching challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we truly yielding to the Spirit's guidance? Are we living holy lives that honor God? It's a call to deeper surrender and a reminder of our constant need for the Spirit's empowering presence in our faith journey.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 5:19; John 14:19; John 8:51; John 11:25; Exodus 3:14; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 3:20 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Should Fear, Respect, and Praise God's Power, Sovereignty, and Holiness; but in Life's Trials They Should “fear not for I {Jesus} am with you always””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Paul shares this encouragement to the believers at Ephesus - that God knew us and chose us to gain the holiness of His Son and to lose the blame of our sin through the glorious grace of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

God sent you to make His Son known wherever life takes you.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” (John 16:13 NLT) “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” One of the core truths that the Holy Spirit guides us into involves righteousness. If you were to ask a random assortment of people whether they consider themselves righteous, most would probably say yes. Most people like to think of themselves as good, relatively speaking. Most people also recognize that there are certain plateaus of goodness. At the top are the saints who sacrifice almost everything to help others. Their goodness puts everyone else to shame, although they would be much too humble to ever acknowledge that. Most of us resign ourselves to the fact that we will never reach their level of righteousness. So, we settle for good enough. We say things like, “I may not always be an angel, but I’m not a devil either,” or “At least I’m not as bad as certain other people,” or “I may not be perfect, but I have a good heart.” We treat righteousness like the cut line in a golf tournament. We just have to be good enough—or just a little better than others. The problem is that, when it comes to righteousness, perfection is the cut line. That’s the truth the Holy Spirit guides us into. The apostle Paul wrote, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23 NLT). In Jesus’ day, the scribes and Pharisees were revered for their righteousness. They spent their days contemplating and debating the smallest details of God’s law. They observed every ritual. They held themselves to the highest religious standards. Yet Jesus said, “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Matthew 5:20 NLT). I remember the first time I read that as a young Christian. I thought, “Now wait a second. Weren’t the Pharisees extremely devout men? How could my righteousness exceed theirs?” Here’s how: Theirs was a false righteousness. Theirs was a self-righteousness. Even their best efforts fell far short of God’s standard of perfection. The Holy Spirit says, “You are not righteous enough on your own. You need the righteousness of Christ imputed into your account because you are a sinner. But if you will trust in Jesus, this righteousness will be given to you.” If we repent, ask God to forgive our sins, and receive Christ as Savior and Lord, we receive His righteousness. So, when God looks at us, He sees the perfect righteousness of His Son. And He welcomes us into His presence forever. That’s the truth the Holy Spirit guides us into. Reflection question: How would you respond to someone who said, “I’m going to Heaven when I die because I’m a good person”? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.” (John 16:8–9 NLT) Over the next few days, we’re going to look at the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, one of God’s greatest gifts to us. The Holy Spirit performs vital duties in this world. Yet many of them go unnoticed because we simply take them for granted. But it’s important for God’s people to understand and celebrate His work. So, let’s start with this one: The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me” (John 16:8–9 nlt). The Holy Spirit shows us that we are sinners. He communicates the amazing truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He shows us that we need to turn to God. Without the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, none of us ever would have come to Jesus. That’s why, when I pray for a nonbeliever, I say, “Lord, convict them by Your Holy Spirit.” If I tell someone that Jesus has made my life fuller and better, and that I have joy and peace, they will think, “Well, that’s fine for you.” But what they need to realize is that they’re a sinner in need of a Savior. And that’s the work of the Spirit. The Spirit convicts us of our sin—not to drive us to despair, but to send us into the open arms of Jesus. On the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter delivered a sermon. Some of the people in the audience were culpable in Jesus’ crucifixion. Acts 2:37 says, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’” (NLT). The Holy Spirit was doing the piercing. The idea of piercing someone’s heart may be a little unsettling—if you imagine the act as an attack with a knife. But what if the blade is a scalpel? And the one wielding it is a highly trained surgeon? And the piercing is a necessary procedure to remove a cancerous tumor? Suddenly the scenario is reframed as a life-giving act of mercy. So it is with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. He reveals the ugly truth—that we are sinners, powerless to save ourselves. He reveals the dire consequences—that we face God’s eternal judgment. And then He reveals the life-giving truth—that God made salvation possible through the sacrifice of His Son. The Holy Spirit pierces our hearts—not to weaken us or destroy us, but to save us. He shows us just how much we need Jesus. Reflection question: What did the convicting work of the Holy Spirit look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I was younger, I recall being upset when my parents would punish me because I had done something wrong. I know now that they were trying to make me a better man, but it didn't feel like that in the moment! Today, Pastor Gary says that many people don't want God's guidance but desire the benefits of knowing Him. To know God is to love all that He is. He wants to lead you and guide you to be more like His Son every day. Only God can give you eternal life, but you must be all in for His plan.

Modern Christians often miss the central message of the Bible: the reign of God through His Son. In this episode, Steve Wood explores how the theme of the King and His Kingdom is essential for understanding Colossians, Revelation, and the Gospels. Drawing on Colossians 1, Isaiah 52, and insights from leading scholars, we see how the Gospel is not just good news in general, but the royal proclamation that “Your God reigns.” This background sets the stage for grasping Paul's vision of Christ's kingdom and the sovereignty of God throughout Scripture. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com. 

The Church: the vast network of God's family reaching across the globe and all timeTHE GLORIOUS BODY: WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORY If those are our only thoughts we think about when we think about heaven then we won't think of it often and when we do - the excitement won't be lasting. WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORY Revelation was written by John to the church then and now, giving us hope by showing us that Christ reigns and final victory is assured. 9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.” - Revelation 7:9-12WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORYheaven is for we, not just me9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb - Revelation 7:9-10 5 And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 (A)Then he believed in the Lord; and He credited it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:5-6 6 (A)Then he believed in the Lord; and He credited it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:5-6 15:6A Rom 4:3, 20-22; Galatians 3:6 6 Just as Abraham (A)believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 7 Therefore, recognize that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, (A)“All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. - Galatians 3:6-9 A) the Gospel is the central message of scripture B) By Faith [in the Gospel] we are a part of the Family of God 9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” - Revelation 7:9-10 Form follows Function: how something looks (form) should be based on its primary purpose (function) 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Just like Form follows Function, Design follows Destiny 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30 He changed our DESTINY!!! 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30 WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORY live with heaven in mind For we know that if our earthly tent, which is our house, is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed, in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven. - 2 Corinthians 5:1–2  Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:1–2  Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16–18  A) We should long to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven. B) Heaven starts in the mind  C) We are accumulating an eternal weight of glory 9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.” - Revelation 7:9-12

God is a Personal Triune Arche' Journey to Reality Chapter Three: Who is God? Money quote from this chapter:“The reality is that Christianity is profoundly different from every other religion in history precisely because the Trinity solves this problem of the One and the Many on the basis that God's nature is love.  No other religion is like that.” (pg 37 of 142) Framing Scripture on the Godhead (this is just an introduction to the subject): Genesis 16:7&13.  Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness by the spring on the way to Shur… Then Hagar called the name of Lord who spoke to her, “You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees-Me”; for she said, “I have seen the One who appeared to me face to face.” Genesis 19:24.  Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and on Gomorrah from the Lord out of the heavens. (repeated in Amos 4:11). Genesis 22:15-16.  Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven and said, “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you did this thing and for My sake did not spare your beloved son.  [God appears many times to Abraham in human form.  Jesus confirms that that was Him in John 8:56-58; Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad.” Therefore, the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.] “God had appeared to Jacob visibly in a dream at Bethel (Gen. 28:10–22), where he was identified as the Lord. Later the Angel of God came to Jacob in another dream and told him point-blank that he was the same God who met him at Bethel earlier (Gen. 31:11–12).” (Heiser, Supernatural), Ch 6). Exodus 3:4.  When the Lord saw he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”  Exodus 23:20-22. Behold I send My Angel before your face, to keep you in the way and to bring you into the land I prepared for you.  Listen to Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My Name is in Him. [In 1 Corinthians 10 and Hebrews 11, St. Paul explains that it was Jesus the Logos that brought the Israelites out of Egypt, was with them in their journey, and brought them into the promised land.  Jude 1 does the same.] Judges 6:20-24.  The Angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And he did so.  Then the Angel of the Lord stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread.  And the Angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.  Now Gideon perceived that this was the Angel of the Lord.  So Gideon said, “O Lord, my Lord!  For I have seen the Angel of the Lord face to face.”  Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.”  So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it the Peace of the Lord.  To this day, it is still in Ephrata, the father of Esdri. Jeremiah 1:4-9.  Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. Proverbs 8:22-30.  Wisdom's role in creation. All this is to say that God has always been Three Persons and has always made Himself known to us through His Son.  Of course, the Incarnation is the most obvious of this.  We could do the same with the Holy Spirit. Which brings us back to Chapter Three: The moral reality of the Arche'.  Not just the unmoved mover – reality itself – but also GOOD itself.  This idea is fairly widespread. The Personal God.  But the Arche' is also personal, with a mind and a will.  Must avoid allowing this to bring us back to the idea of gods like Zeus or such; or even the Universe as a person.  These pagan ideas are often well-intentioned, but they are too small. You can imagine something being a person.  A rock with a personality, or a cosmos with a spirit, but we mean a lot more than that. “We're not taking some object (a rock, a mountain, a planet) and adding the idea of personhood to it.  We're saying that the ultimate governing principle of reality – distinct from the created universe – is personal.  This is what we end up with “I AM” as His name. The One or the Many? What is a person like?  Are persons like water, appearing to be separate, but they merge when you put them together and their distinctiveness disappears.  In this view, the Arche is the source of all water, and persons have a propensity and calling to be brought back together into oneness with other drops and the Source.  This is the worldview of the “one”. Or perhaps persons are distinct objects.  You can put them together, as when you stack stones, but they keep their own uniqueness.  You cannot merge them together; if you break them up to do so, they are no longer themselves.  In this individualist view, the Arche' is like one huge stone, and we have broken off of it and can never merge back with it. Both of these worldviews seem to explain an important element about the world we find ourselves in, but each does so at a cost.  The worldview of the One explains, truly enough, that there is some kind of fundamental unity among all people and all things, but it does so at the cost of our individualism.  Persons can't really exist in this view; our distinctiveness turns out to be an illusion, as our very nature means that we belong to a greater whole that has no place for our individuality.  If a drop of water falls into the ocean, the drop ceases to exist and there's no way to get it back. In a worldview of the many, we get to preserve our individuality but at the cost of any sense of unity.  Because (in this view) you don't share a connection with any other person at the level of ultimate reality, there's a sense in which you'll always be alone, despite however many connections of relationships you make.  And in fact, this needs to be so in order to preserve your individual uniqueness.  Otherwise you'd just melt into other people and disappear – the way water droplets do.  Neither of these views paints a complete picture of the way we experience reality, and still less do they resolve the problem of how to understand the Arche' as a person. … In order to transcend the limitations of both these views, we need a worldview that can combine the best features of the One and the many without being either of them. The Trinity Three distinct persons (individuals? No.) with one essence.  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The Father is not the Son is not the Holy Spirit is not the Father.  BUT they are NOT separate: they are ONE GOD. There are many ways we try to simplify this: modes, focusing on one aspect at the expense of the others, personalities, three gods.  The Oneness and Threeness are part of the definition and need to be held together.  [Comparing it to a family?  Hmmmm (Awww, Patrick!)  ] Being and Love.  Neither the water nor the stone approach (one and many) has room for love.  But the Trinity is ideal for love: there are other persons to love, but it isn't just an individual attribute of attraction.  Our individualism makes it hard for us to understand the implications of a world made for love by love.  We are relational beings.  Interdependent and connected. God is Love.   Three persons united in one essence and existing as a perfect, loving, community.  We are called be one as God is one. Next week: The Problem of the Fall?  

God, who made all things and holds all things together, made a way for us to be in right standing and relationship with Him by sending His Son to die on our behalf. We must submit our lives to Him, bowing our knees and acknowledge Him as Almighty God and Father.

God, who made all things and holds all things together, made a way for us to be in right standing and relationship with Him by sending His Son to die on our behalf. We must submit our lives to Him, bowing our knees and acknowledge Him as Almighty God and Father. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/640/29

A “stagnant Christian” should be an oxymoron. God's plan for His children is that they be edified, constantly moving forward in faith. But the Christian can't become spiritually mature alone... Notes: Focus verse - Ephesians 4 We don’t stand in our own strength, but we are built up together on the foundation of Christ. Upward – glorify GodInward – edify each otherOutward – reach people with the Gospel Edification happens inside each of us when we submit ourselves to God and allow Him to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus. We are built up so that He is lifted up.1. Edification Is Jesus’ Blueprint.Ephesians 4:11–12 Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus says the Lord God:“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;Whoever believes will never be shaken.” Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles—it’s up to you to make sure these children are prepared for spiritual battle. Be proactively teaching your kids Biblical truth or they will be led astray. When Jesus is the cornerstone, and when His people are equipped and built up in truth, the church stands strong. Romans 14:19 (ESV)So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Let us pursue. 2. Edification Produces Maturity.Ephesians 4:13–14 (NKJV) Edification gives us:- discernment- stability- resilience Longevity doesn’t equal maturity. Jesus loved them enough to tell them the truth and call them to repentance. True love doesn’t enable sin; it confronts it. 3. Edification Requires Every Member’s Contribution.Ephesians 4:15–16 (NKJV) It is essential, that we speak the truth in love. 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, Our goal is to lead people to Christ, to be a light in the world. Speak the truth in love.Use your gifts.Pour into others. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A “stagnant Christian” should be an oxymoron. God's plan for His children is that they be edified, constantly moving forward in faith. But the Christian can't become spiritually mature alone... Notes: Focus verse - Ephesians 4 We don’t stand in our own strength, but we are built up together on the foundation of Christ. Upward – glorify GodInward – edify each otherOutward – reach people with the Gospel Edification happens inside each of us when we submit ourselves to God and allow Him to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus. We are built up so that He is lifted up.1. Edification Is Jesus’ Blueprint.Ephesians 4:11–12 Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus says the Lord God:“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;Whoever believes will never be shaken.” Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles—it’s up to you to make sure these children are prepared for spiritual battle. Be proactively teaching your kids Biblical truth or they will be led astray. When Jesus is the cornerstone, and when His people are equipped and built up in truth, the church stands strong. Romans 14:19 (ESV)So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Let us pursue. 2. Edification Produces Maturity.Ephesians 4:13–14 (NKJV) Edification gives us:- discernment- stability- resilience Longevity doesn’t equal maturity. Jesus loved them enough to tell them the truth and call them to repentance. True love doesn’t enable sin; it confronts it. 3. Edification Requires Every Member’s Contribution.Ephesians 4:15–16 (NKJV) It is essential, that we speak the truth in love. 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, Our goal is to lead people to Christ, to be a light in the world. Speak the truth in love.Use your gifts.Pour into others. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God invites all to the ultimate wedding feast of His Son—a lavish call to grace, a warning to the indifferent, and a reminder that faithful obedience leads to eternal celebration.

The first and most important relationship that we need to seek reconciliation for is our relationship with God. He made it possible through His Son, and because of that we can be made right with Him and He can begin changing us inside. The more He fills us then the more His work in us overflows outside of us and changes the world around us.