Podcasts about his son

The one thing that God promises to forget is the sin of His people, for He has blotted it out with the blood of His Son. Today, Sinclair Ferguson marvels at the freedom from guilt that comes with complete forgiveness. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/i-will-remember-their-sins-no-more/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The Old Testament said "an eye for an eye," but Jesus rewrites the script entirely. In this episode, we discover what it means to move in the opposite spirit and why there's no place for judgment in the New Testament. Graham asks one climactic question that changes everything: Was Jesus judged enough for sin?Key Scriptures:+ Leviticus 24:17-22. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth - Old Testament justice.+ Matthew 5:38-48. You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person...+ Luke 6:27-36. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.+ Acts 5:1-11. The account of Ananias and Sapphira - spiritual warfare, not human judgment.+ Romans 8:1. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.+ John 3:17. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.+ Matthew 7:1. Judge not, that you be not judged.Want to explore more?

To be chosen by God! What an honor, what a responsibility, and indeed we called for both. By faith, by hope we leave our nets and follow the Man who can see who we will become – for we shall be like Him, those who hold no record of wrong, who are gentle, kind and rely on God to work within us this life-transforming image of His Son, Jesus.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock and Christine Miller

In this introductory message to our new series on identity, Phil Mason opens up the New Testament revelation of our sonship and the significance of the new identity the Father bestows upon every adopted son and daughter.Identity comes from the Lord. He alone bestows identity, despite all our fleshly attempts to establish our own identity through our possessions, our status, our knowledge, our appearance, our achievements, and even our ministry. Our identity as beloved sons and daughters, loved by the Father as much as He loves His Son, Jesus, is the greatest identity anyone could ever carry in this life. This is the pathway to security and the foundation for our complete freedom from performance-based approval.Discovering and growing in our identity in Christ is the greatest investment we can make in our spiritual formation. We hope this message blesses you!

Our Election in Christ (4) (audio) David Eells, 1/28/26 We've covered our election in Christ previously pretty well. Today, I'm going to cover more about being predestined in Christ and its connection to Election. (Eph.1:4) Even as he chose (The Greek word here again is eklectos, “elect.”) us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained (or “predestined”) us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Those who are elect are predestined to come into the adoption of sons, which is the same thing we just read. (Rom.8:16) The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: (17) and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified with [him]. Notice that those who suffer the death of their self-life, will manifest their election. What does Paul mean when he says, “Having foreordained us unto adoption as sons”? The answer is found a few verses further down. (Rom.8:23) And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for [our] adoption, [to wit,] the redemption of our body. Those who receive the first-fruits of the Spirit are on their way to the adoption of sons, which is when you receive your redeemed body. Notice that a child must receive the Holy Spirit to manifest sonship.  (25) But if we hope for that which we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for it. The manifestation of our sonship begins when we receive our born-again spirit and then are obedient to receive the Holy Spirit, which enables us to “walk as He walked”. Peter said that your soul is born again through your obedience to the truth. (1Pe.1:22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (23) having been begotten again (or “born again”), not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. The soul is where we manifest the fruit of Christ 30-, 60- and 100-fold. Those who have a born-again soul will be given a redeemed body. A born-again soul is the “fruit” that the Bible talks about. It's the fruit of Christ in you. It's the nature of Christ. Your soul is your mind, will and emotions; in other words, it is your nature and your character. While we are still in this body, we can manifest our sonship in spirit and in soul. Full adoption comes when we receive our redeemed body. The elect were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8; 17:8) and they will manifest Christ 30-, 60- and 100-fold, according to what Jesus said (Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20). They will manifest Christ-likeness. I want to talk about what it is to be “foreknown” and who it is whom Christ knows, because there are Christians, using the term loosely, whom Christ doesn't know, and there are Christians whom He does know. You say, “David, that sounds crazy!” No, from out of all the called among the Christians, there are those whom Christ knows and those whom He doesn't know. I'm going to prove this to you. (2Ti.2:19) Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his (From the foundation of the world, they've been His because from the foundation of the world He has foreknown them.): and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness. This is what proves who are God's people. The people who depart from willful sin are the ones who are His. If you depart from unrighteousness, you will be manifestly His. (20) Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified.... Who is sanctified? The elect, who are the ones whom God foreknew, will be sanctified. We read this earlier in Peter. (1Pe.1:1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, (2) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. The Lord knows right now those who are His. (2Ti.2:21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work. (22) But flee youthful lusts and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. The Lord knows right now those who are sanctified. Is every Christian His? Well, does God know every Christian? We've seen that those whom He foreknew, He's going to know at the end, but does He know every Christian among the called now? What is it that makes God know you? (1Co.8:3) But if any man loveth God, the same is known by him. God knows those who love Him. Notice, (Rom.8:28) And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, [even] to them that are called according to [his] purpose. That's not everybody. (29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. The ones whom God foreknew are the ones who love Him. What distinguishes between the Christian who loves God and the Christian who doesn't love God? Jesus said, (Joh.14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. These people are Christians because they have a born-again spirit. All of the called have a born-again spirit, but not all of the called will bear fruit. The called who will bear fruit and be manifested as the elect are the ones who love God. They are going to obey God. They are going to give up their life to have His. They are going to pay the price and the Lord says He knows them. (Jer.1:5) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations. God knew us by faith before He even formed us in the womb. Amen! Another example, which is one that's constantly misused by the “once saved, always saved” crowd, is this verse: (Joh.10:27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (That's not everybody out there who ever professed the name of Christ. It's only those who professed the name of Christ and departed from unrighteousness.): (28) and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. That's true; they will never perish. They will receive eternal life. Nobody will ever pluck them out of the Father's hand because they love God and so they will obey God. I didn't say they all overcome immediately, but they do obey God and they overcome. Notice, Jesus says, “I know them.” Doesn't He know everybody? Of course, God knows everybody in this world. God knows their names, and He knows everything about them, but that's not the kind of “know” He's talking about here. This word “know” is the Greek ginosko and it means the kind of personal relationship Adam had with Eve, in that Adam sowed his seed in her and she brought forth fruit. That's the kind of “know” that the Scriptures are talking about. Let me further prove to you that not every Christian, as we use the term loosely, is known by God or has ever been known by God. Jesus said, (Joh.15:2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away (This is speaking of the Father taking it away.): and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. And now look at this verse: (Mat.7:19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Jesus said, “Every branch in me,” so He's talking about people who are Christians, although we use the term “Christian” very loosely nowadays. (20) Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven (These people are calling Him “Lord.” Who else but Christians would have the nerve to do that?); but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) Many will say (What “many” is this? This is the “many” who are calling Him “Lord, Lord.”) to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? These are Christians who are doing the “many mighty works,” unless you believe that today Satan casts out Satan, but Jesus tells us Satan doesn't cast out Satan: (Mat.12:25) And knowing their thoughts he said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: (26) and if Satan casteth out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand? So these people were casting out Satan and they were doing mighty works by the power of the Holy Spirit, yet in their own lives, they were not being obedient to the will of the Father. (Mat.7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. What does He mean by “I never knew you”? He means, “I didn't know you from the beginning. I never knew you from before the foundation of the world and you were not written in the Book.” Yes, they were Christians, but they were not found written in the Book at the end because they were not foreknown. They were physically written in the Book when they were born again, but they were erased out of the Book before the end. In the beginning, the ones whom God foreknew were written in the Book by His faith. They are going to overcome. They are going to bear fruit, and they are still going to be there at the end. Others are going to be written in who will not overcome. They will not bear fruit and they will be erased, so even though they were called, they will not be chosen. (Rev 3:5) He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Mat.7:24) Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: (25) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. (26) And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: (27) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. Notice, Jesus is only talking about two groups of Christians here. He's talking about those who “heareth these words of mine, and doeth them,” and He's talking about those who “heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not.” These can only loosely be Christians. He's not talking about the lost world. Jesus is talking about Christians who, in their own life, are not being obedient to God. They are not loving God, which is not being obedient, therefore He says, “I never knew you.” His seed was not in them. Let me show you more proof of this in the parable of the 10 virgins: (Mat.25:1) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (2) And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Obviously, they had to be Christians or they would not have started out with the “oil” of the Holy Spirit in their lamps. (Pro.20:27) The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all his innermost parts. The oil the virgins had in their lamps symbolized the Holy Spirit, which gave them light. (Mat.25:3) For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: (4) but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (Obviously some are filled with the Spirit) (5) Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (6) But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him. (7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. (8) And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out. (9) But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. (10) And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. The five foolish virgins should have been “buying” the oil of the Holy Spirit all along. How do you “buy” the oil of the Holy Spirit? You “buy” it when you give up your life to gain your higher life (Matthew 10:38-39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; John 12:25). You do have to buy it. You can be filled with you or you can be filled with Him. We do have to give something for His life. Jesus said we have to give up our life, and they were not doing this. (Mat.25:11) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. (12) But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (13) Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour. The 10 virgins were all Christians, but the five foolish virgins were not filled with the Spirit of God and they were not being disciples of Christ in their own lives. Jesus said to them, “I know you not.” This is the second witness. Can you have been born again? Yes, you can be born again in spirit. Some people like to think that they are just a shoo-in for the Kingdom because they are born again in spirit and even have the Holy Spirit. However, remember what the Bible says about the children of God: (Rom.8:17) … If so be that we suffer with [him,] that we may be also glorified with [him]. Only the ones who suffer with Him will be the glorified sons of God. We have to suffer the crucifixion of the old life; that's why we were put here. These are the ones who are going to be glorified. (29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: (30) and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. These are the ones who were foreknown to be conformed to the image of His Son and be glorified. Jesus said in (Luk.13:24) Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. The five foolish virgins wanted to go through the door, too, but found that it was shut to them. (25) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door (indicating we have a limited time to bear fruit), and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; (26) then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; (27) and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. Again, He's talking to disobedient Christians here. The people in this verse are just like the foolish virgins who didn't bear any fruit to be able to enter through the door. Jesus will say of them, “I know you not whence ye are.” The Amplified Bible says, “I know not of what family, or of what parentage, you are from.” You see, it's only by bearing fruit that we can prove God is our Father. Maturity is coming to know God the way He knows us. (1Co.13:9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; (10) but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things. Paul is talking about maturity, about growing up and bearing fruit in God, and he's using a little parable here to show us how to do that. (12) For now we see in a mirror, darkly (Some versions have “dimly,” or “indistinctly,” or “obscurely.”); but then face to face (The more you grow in God, the more you truly know Him clearly.): now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known. God fully knew the elect; He fully knew those who would come to maturity. God is speaking about one specific group of people here: He's speaking about those who come to see Him face-to-face. Paul says that these people will come to fully know God in the same way God knew them. (13) But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. God knows those who love Him. We are coming to know Him because He first knew us. Those who love God will seek the truth; they will humble themselves to the truth, and they will be obedient by His grace through their faith. An example can be found in the life of Moses: (Exo.33:12) And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name (What is this talking about? Of course, God knows everyone's name.), and thou hast also found favor (The Hebrew word there is chen and it means “grace.”) in my sight. (13) Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found favor in thy sight, show me now thy ways, that I may know thee, to the end that I may find favor in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. (14) And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest. Moses is saying, “You know me by name, and You say that I have Your grace, so now let me know You.” That's the same situation with God and His elect. He has always known them by name since the foundation of the world and they have His grace. Now they are coming to know the one who has always known them. They are coming to know Him fully, even as they also were fully known. (Exo.33:17) And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found favor in my sight, and I know thee by name. There it is again. Knowing us by name means knowing us by His nature and character in us. (18) And he said, Show me, I pray thee, thy glory. We've seen that the ones who were foreknown before the foundation of the world are those who will be glorified (Romans 8:29,30). (19) And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee (God knew Moses by name and now Moses is going to know God by name. The Hebrew word for “name” is shem and it means “nature and character.”); and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. God is talking about predestination and election here and we recognize this from Romans, where God talks about Jacob and Esau: (Rom.9:10) And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac-- (11) for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Before they had done anything, Jacob belonged to God; Jacob was God's before he was born. That makes it obvious that “God so loved the world” means He's only loving worldly Jacob, or Israel, because these are the people who have been given the gift of faith to come to Him and believe on Him. So God had mercy on Jacob, but He gave justice to Esau. (Psa.33:12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (13) The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men; (14) From the place of his habitation he looketh forth Upon all the inhabitants of the earth, (15) He that fashioneth the hearts of them all, That considereth all their works. It's God who fashions the hearts of all people. (Ecc.3:11) He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their heart, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from the beginning even to the end. Man cannot find the way of God unless He draws them. Yes, everything is beautiful in its time. Everything that God has made has a good purpose and that includes the evil. Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil. I am Jehovah, that doeth all these things. The evil gives man a choice and also a crucifier of his flesh. Now, let me ask you a question here. If God predestined some to life from the beginning of creation, what is He doing with everybody else? Remember we read, (Rom.9:21) Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? Of course, God does this, but why? (22) What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering (God has done this. In order to show His power, He has endured suffering from.) vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction (Or, in other words, “made to be destroyed,” and here's the reason.): (23) that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory. I don't know about you, but when I look out at the lost multitudes in the world, it makes me appreciate grace and mercy given to the few. How can you know grace and mercy, except you look out over the world and see all of the people who don't have grace and mercy? That should make you feel blessed: “There but for the grace of God, go I.” The multitudes, the masses who are going down the broad road (Matthew 7:13), should make you appreciate the grace and the mercy of God, who said, (Rom.9:15) … I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. Well, God had mercy upon us and we can appreciate His compassion when we look at the lost multitudes. God actually does do this. (1Pe.2:8) … A stone of stumbling (This is speaking of Christ.), and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. The Scripture says these people were “appointed,” or “designated,” or “preordained,” to stumble at the Word and be disobedient. (9) But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God's] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. You were chosen to be obedient to the Word. You were chosen not to stumble at the Rock of Christ. (2Pe.2:12) But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed (They were born animals to be destroyed.), railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed. These are vessels who have been raised up to put us on our cross and also to show us God's mercy and grace. You ask, “How so, David?” When you go out there and tell them about Christ and they totally can't and wont understand, they show that what God has done for us is mercy and grace. God gave you a revelation and opened your understanding. Why would God do this for you and not for them? He did it for you only because of predestination and election. There are some objections to election and predestination even though it is clearly in the Word. The one I hear the most from people is that God loves the world but we see that it is a people in the world who believe. (Joh.3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. Of course, when people read this verse, they think it means that God loves the whole world. As we've seen from the Scriptures, the Bible doesn't teach that God loves the whole world and even in this verse it doesn't say that because there is a condition given for God's love. That is, “whosoever believeth on him” and that limits God's love to a very few. The majority are not going to believe on the Son, since the only way to have any hope of believing on the Son is to receive the gift of faith from God. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. You see, faith is a gift from God; believing on the Son is a gift from God. The people in the world who do believe on the Son are the ones to whom God has given the gift to be drawn to the Son and have eternal life. (Joh.15:19) If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. God did not choose the world; He chose us out of the world. In effect, that means God chose not to choose the rest of the world. And so when we read verses like John 3:16, we have the level of revelation that God permits because of our lack of understanding. I feel as if the Lord showed me that when we are carnal, it's easier for us to understand this as if God does love the whole world, and therefore not attribute foolishness to God. But as we grow in knowledge, the more we see the plan and wisdom of God, and the more we fear God. Jesus didn't claim everybody in the world and here's another good example of that: (Joh.10:16) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring (So they haven't come to Him yet.), and they shall hear (They haven't even heard of Him yet.) my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. He's talking about a multitude of people that includes us. We are included in this group. So at the time Jesus made this statement, some people didn't know Him, they hadn't heard of Him, and they hadn't even been born yet, but they have been His. God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world; therefore, our election has nothing to do with time. (Eph.1:4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: (5) having foreordained (or predestined) us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. We have belonged to Christ since the time God set His plan into action at the beginning. We were chosen in Him as our Savior at the very beginning. “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold” and they are going to become one flock with one Shepherd. So when He says, “having loved his own,” He's only talking about those who come from God, those who belong to God. He's only talking about the wheat and the sheep. (Joh.15:19) If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. God did not choose the world; He chose us out of the world. In effect, that means God chose not to choose the rest of the world. The Bible says God hates all workers of iniquity: (Psa.5:5) The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Jesus told us, (Joh.14:21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. So, again, we see the love of the Father is shown only to those who love Jesus. Another verse, where the wisdom of God is speaking, says the same thing: (Pro.8:17) I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me. The Bible says three times in the New Testament that Jesus is the wisdom of God (Luke 11:49; 1 Corinthians 1:24,30). There is a condition to the manifestation of God's love. I say “manifestation” because God loved us before we were. God loved Jacob before he was born. God loved him even before he had done anything because it's not by works, it's by election. (Rom.5:8) But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God wanted to show us His love in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God, who sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 41:4), loved us for what He knew He was going to create in us from before the foundation of the world (Romans 8:28-30). God loved the end creation that He saw by faith. His love is manifested for those who walk according to His commandments because they love Christ “God commended His own love toward us....” Who is He talking to here? (Rom.1:7) To all that are in Rome (You might think that he's addressing everybody in Rome, but he goes on to qualify this.), beloved of God, called [to be] saints.... That's very, very conditional. He's talking to those who are beloved of God and called “saints.” (Rom.1:7) To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you (The only people who receive grace are the people who are beloved of God, called “saints.”) and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. God didn't give grace to anyone else. The Lord promised salvation to those who were in Christ from the foundation of the world because Christ died for us. People always say, “Well, Christ died for the world.” No, the Bible says that Christ died “for whosoever will” (Mark 8:34; Revelation 22:17). God is the one who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure (Ephesians 1:5,11; Philippians 2:13), and “whosoever will” is only those who have the gift from Father of being drawn to Christ. (Joh.6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. They're the ones who have the will. So, it is to “whosoever will” but, specifically, Christ died for us and for everyone in the world who is the called of God. They're the ones who are invited to partake of Christ. (Joh.14:22) Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Why would He want to manifest Himself to these and not to the world? It's because He's very particular; He's revealing Himself only to God's chosen. (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. And in the next chapter it says in (15:10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. So the manifestation of God's love is for those who are obedient and who walk in Christ. And the manifestation of God's love by faith is for those who have not yet come to Christ, but will come to Him because Jesus said, (Joh.6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. God loves them, not for what they are now, but for what they will be when they do come to Christ and walk in obedience to Him. Now I want you to look at this next verse again because people like to claim it for just anybody who says they're a Christian. (Rom.8:28) And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, [even] to them that are called according to [his] purpose. But people don't go on to consider the next verse. (29) For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. The promise is to work “all things together for good,” and is made to those who love God and we know who loves God because Jesus told us those who keep His commandments are those who love Him. Those who walk by faith are empowered to obey. I'm not saying that they don't ever fail; I'm saying they are able to walk into obedience, getting closer and closer to God, because they walk by faith. We know that power comes from God because of faith (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 1:5). So Romans 8:28 is talking about those “whom he foreknew.” They are the ones He predestined to come into the image of His Son, 30-, 60- and 100-fold. Everything is going to work together for their good; even chastening and the curse work together for the good of those who are called of God to come into the image of His Son. In the prophecy given to Joseph, the husband of Mary, it said, (Mat.1:21) And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. The only ones who are saved from their sins are the ones who are already His people. Only sinners can be saved. They are His people by election, not by manifestation.

In The Why?, Pastor Paul Gates explores the central motive behind all of Scripture, creation, and redemption. Drawing from Matthew 20:28 and 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, Paul invites us to look beyond the surface questions of who, what, when, where, and how, and instead confront the deeper question that runs through the entire Biblical narrative. Why did God send His Son? And why did Jesus give His life for humanity?   Paul reveals that love is not only the reason for salvation but the catalyst for a life that awaits eagerly for the return of Christ. The heart posture of waiting expectantly flows from a restored relationship with God. It is to desire Jesus Himself. To long for face-to-face communion with the One whom we love.   We learn that waiting is not passive. It is the outward expression of an inward work of God. A heart being filled by Christ and overflowing with His life. As believers are filled by Jesus, they are able to live ready, watchful, and faithful lives marked by His own love.

These Old Testament texts can be difficult for us to wrestle with. Perhaps it is uncomfortable to think about God as a judge. There are aspects of  God's character that are hard to explain. God is love, and He is just. Both the love of God and the justice of God were fully displayed on the cross. God can't ignore the penalty of sin. It would be unloving and unjust. He also knows His holy standard is impossible for us to achieve. So, He did the unfathomable and died in our place. He fully upheld His love and justice by sending His Son as an atonement for sin. These Old Testament texts are important for us to remember because they remind us of the costliness of sin and they magnify God's grace. God's grace is being extended to us today.

Blessed Are — Part 1: Blessed Are the Peacemakers Description: In Part 1 of Blessed Are, Pastor Eric opens the series with one of Jesus' most challenging and misunderstood declarations: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” In a culture marked by outrage, division, and unrestrained anger—even within the church—this message calls believers back to the heart of Christ and the ministry of reconciliation. Pastor Eric carefully distinguishes between righteous anger and destructive wrath, showing how uncontrolled anger numbs wisdom, damages witness, and distorts the gospel. Drawing from James, Romans, Isaiah, Colossians, and the teachings of Jesus Himself, he explains that peacemaking does not mean avoiding truth, suppressing conflict, or capitulating to evil. True peacemaking begins vertically—by receiving peace with God through Jesus Christ—and then flows outward as Spirit-led engagement with a broken world. At the center of this message is the gospel itself: humanity as enemies of God, Christ as the Prince of Peace, and the cross as the place where justice and mercy meet. Pastor Eric emphasizes that God does not negotiate peace with sinners—He secures it through the blood of His Son—and that all who trust in Christ are reconciled, forgiven, and adopted into God's family. From there, the call is clear: those who have received peace are now commissioned to make peace. As ambassadors for Christ, believers are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation—bringing truth with humility, courage with compassion, and confrontation with the goal of restoration. This message challenges listeners to examine how they handle conflict, how they represent Jesus in a divided world, and whether their lives reflect the Prince of Peace they proclaim. Key Scriptures (NKJV): Matthew 5:9; James 4:1–5; Romans 5:6–11; Colossians 1:19–23; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:21–23; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20; Romans 12:18. Highlights: Why peacemaking is often despised—and why Jesus elevates it. The difference between righteous anger and sinful wrath. Humanity's true problem: enmity with God, not merely social conflict. Jesus as the original Peacemaker who secured peace through the cross. Salvation as reconciliation, not self-improvement or religion. The ministry of reconciliation entrusted to every believer. Why peacemaking requires truth, courage, discernment, and humility. When confrontation is necessary—and when wisdom calls for withdrawal. Representing Christ in conflict without compromising the gospel. Next Steps: Ask God to examine your heart and reveal where anger, pride, or fear may be hindering your witness. Thank Him for making peace with you through Christ. Then pray for wisdom to know when to speak, when to confront, and when to step back—always with the goal of reconciliation. This week, intentionally represent Jesus as a peacemaker in one difficult conversation, workplace interaction, or family relationship.

The other day, I got a gift from someone, and I wasn't expecting it. They gave me a large sum of money, and I felt so unworthy of it. They did it all out of love! In today's message, Pastor Ken says we're nothing without the mercy of God. He sent His Son to die for your sins. He loves you and wants a relationship with you. The only way that happens is through the blood of Jesus! He takes away all the sins of the world and gives you access to God that you couldn't have without Him. Rest in God's mercy today!

Jesus Followers' Righteousness Will Flow, with the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, from Their Heart Through Their Personal Relationship with Jesus MESSAGE SUMMARY:  You are called, as a Christian, to live a life that is deeply righteous and not shallow, superficial, or hypocritical. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.". Your righteousness, as a Jesus Follower, should flow from your heart and from being in communion with the Holy Spirit. You should allow the Holy Spirit to create a clean heart and a pure heart within you. The righteousness of a clean heart is the righteousness that Jesus wants of His followers, as the Psalmist tells us in Psalms 51:10-12: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.            Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 5:6; Matthew 5:10; Psalms 112:1-6; Psalms 39:1-13. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part1 – People of the Book” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Essentials Part 1 – People of the Book MESSAGE SUMMARY: In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound importance of Scripture in our lives as believers. The central theme revolves around 2 Timothy 3:16, emphasizing that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. We're challenged to consider our relationship with the Bible - is it merely a collection of religious writings, or do we view it as sacred, authoritative, and life-changing? The message encourages us to see the Bible as more than just a book, but as the living Word of God that can transform our lives. We're urged to not only read and study Scripture but to apply it daily, allowing it to shape our decisions, actions, and character. This overview reminds us that as 'people of the book,' we have a responsibility to engage deeply with God's Word, not just hearing it, but becoming doers who act on its truths. In a world bombarding us with messages, how are we counteracting this with the life-giving words of Scripture?   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 FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 3:20; John 1:12; Colossians 1:15; Matthew 5:17-19 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers' Righteousness Will Flow, with the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, from Their Heart Through Their Personal Relationship with Jesus”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Introduction: In a church dispute? Remember your Relationship… (1 Corinthians 6:1-11) To OTHER BELIEVERS: we RECONCILE. (1 Cor 6:1-5) 1 Corinthians 5:12 – For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? To THE WORLD: we REPRESENT. (1 Cor 6:6-8) To SIN: we RENOUNCE. (1 Cor 6:9-10) Genesis 2:16–17 – And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Titus 2:11–12 – For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, To JESUS CHRIST: we are RENEWED. (1 Cor 6:11) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Well, good morning.Wherever you are today, welcome.My name is Justin.I'm one of the elders here at Harvest.And as we get started, I would just like to ask that you would pray for me to faithfully and clearly communicate God's word,and I will pray for you to have hearts to receive it.Amen.Well, today we're going to be talking about dealing with disputes, disagreements, beef, as the kids say.Did the kids still say beef, Pastor Jeff?Okay, confirmed.I too was young once, but as a college student, one thing my roommates and I never had beef over was where to order pizza.Listen, four guys in an apartment, that's a big decision.But we found our place, Piazza's Pizza, home to the largest pizza that I've ever seen, the big Piazza.It was the best price to food ratio in the city.The box was so big, it didn't even fit through the door.You had to tilt it just to get it inside.It would feed all of us for a whole weekend.And actually one of those weekends, a few of my friends from home came up to visit.And so, of course, we wanted to treat them to a big Piazza.But there was a dispute.My roommates and I tried to explain to them how enormous this pizza was.But my friends kept insisting, "Look, we need to order two."And we're like, "Guys, you haven't seen this pizza."And they're like, "Guys, you don't know how hungry we are. We need at least two."Okay?So eventually we gave up and we ordered two big Piazza's.And, you know, after dinner, I couldn't believe it, but we actually finished half of one.And that's when the real dispute started.Because we tried to tell them we just needed one.But the problem is, according to them, we didn't eat our share.Because they insisted we needed two.So then wild claims started flying around both sides about how many slices each side ate.And this morning, I'd actually like to present you with some evidenceso you can draw your own conclusions.Exhibit A, this is the big Piazza.And even that, I tell you, the photo doesn't do it justice.But I added some analysis to this photo because one member of the oppositionhas repeatedly stated that he alone consumed 25 slices.Exhibit B, this is his claim.And I'm telling you, I was there that night.If he ate that much pizza in one sitting,we were going to spend the night in Rochester General Hospital.Okay?Church.It was crazy.Now, we are close to the 20th anniversary of that meal.And the battle is still raging on.As far as I'm aware, this is the longest-running dispute I've ever been a part of.Debating it step-by-step, recounting what happened.And of course, laughter.Because this dispute, though still being disputed,it didn't threaten our friendships.It's a silly dispute, but I share it with you because the way that we handle disputes,that often depends on our relationship to the other side, true or false.When we are in a dispute, our relationship to the personor our relationship to the situation, that determines our response.Best friends can accuse each other of pizza malpractice for decades and be totally fine.But for real disputes, think about it.Which ones are the hardest to resolve?The ones within a family,or with a close friend, or someone you looked up to.It's far more difficult to deal with offense from someone that you know deeplythan from someone that you don't know at all.An argument that escalates, a disagreement grows into something much more,most of us have been there.And that can even happen here, within the church family.How do we deal with those disputes?Well, if you have your Bibles, you can open them to 1 Corinthians chapter 6,where we're going to dig into that.We deal with disputes because we're going after a church unified and purified, amen.And last week, Pastor Jeff taught how to get purified when there's sin in the church,when someone claims Christ yet is living in unrepentant sin,and they refuse help, they want their sin to be accepted.What do you do with that person?The Bible says, "Let him who has done this be removed from among you."You might think, "Harsh, that doesn't sound like a thing a church should do."Well, if you missed it, read 1 Corinthians chapter 5 and listen to the sermon online.You'll find out that's what the church must do.Now, this week, we read Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,discussing disputes within the church.And just like arguments about pizza,we have to remember the relationships involved.So, on your outline today,in a church dispute, remember your relationship.Number one, to other believers, we reconcile.So, 1 Corinthians 6, are you there?Let's read the first verse.It says, "When one of you has a grievance against another,does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?"So, Paul is calling out the Corinthians for dragging their disputes out into the court system.He says, "Church, why are you going before unrighteous corrupt courts for this?"But please understand in this passage,Paul is talking about civil cases, not criminal cases.This is not about someone breaking the law and being charged with a crime, okay?This is about a private dispute between two parties,and they just can't figure it out.So, they end up taking each other to court over something trivial.Now, we see trivial lawsuits today, don't we?Have you ever seen those courtroom shows where they give you the rundown upfront?He's here suing for a $67 cell phone bill.You hired a lawyer and got on a plane to Los Angeles over $67.You're going to take someone to court over that.Same idea.You'll see the trivial part as we pick up in verse 2.It says, "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?Do you not know that we are to judge angels?How much more than matters pertaining to this life?So, if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?I say this to your shame.Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers?We'll pause there for a moment.Paul is saying we should be able to resolve these disputes internally.He's saying we are called to judge.If that sounds familiar, we saw it in 1 Corinthians 5,where verse 12 says, "For what have I to do with judging outsiders?Is it not those inside the church who you are to judge?"Not judging motives, because we can't see the heart,but we are required to judge actions.We judge the fruit.Now, what does Paul mean with this "saints" meaning believers?What does he mean with this "judging the world and angels" business?Well, he's referring to the concept of the children of God reigning with Jesus Christ in his victory.True.But we're not even going to get into all that, because Paul is using it for irony.Like, "Oh, you who will judge the world, you who will judge angels,why are you taking all your disputes to small claims court?"That's what they were doing.And actually, it was even worse than that.Because history tells us that in Paul's day, civil courts were completely corrupt.You couldn't even bring a case against someone who had a higher social standing than you.And when a case did make it to the courts, judges and juries would expect a kickbackfor a verdict in your favor,either a payment or something to help them with their standing.So the church in Corinth was not only suing each other,they were using the legal system to abuse or shake down fellow Christians of lower status.It's childish.And parents know you train young children to resolve their disputes themselves,but it takes a lot of training.Use your words.Talk it out.How would you feel if she said that to you?But until they mature, what's most often the outcome?Running to mom or dad to make a ruling.And sure, parents do need to step in sometimes,but more often than not, it's a dispute that could have been resolvedwith a conversation and some humility.But they're kids.They don't have the required patience or wisdom just yet.Paul is saying the church should be mature enough to use wisdom to resolve things internallyinstead of using lawsuits.But even if we avoid the courthouse, we can still struggle with disputes as a church.If a church member offends you intentionally or unintentionally,you don't sue them, but how do you react?Do you let it go?Or if it's just too much to let it go, do you talk to them about it?Or do you just avoid them?Or how many churches have gone through gigantic disputes over decisions like the carpet coloror chairs versus pews or the volume level during worship?Is stuff like that worth disunity with your brothers and sisters?Now, 1 Corinthians 6 doesn't outline practical steps that we should follow instead,but we know them from other places in Scripture.Matthew 18, for example, tells us to go first to the person directly,and if they don't listen, bring some others.And if they still don't listen, bring it before the church.That's the general path things should run,and some situations point us to other Scripture too.But the charge in these verses is to judge wisely.But these Matthew 18 conversations or conversations going to someone for counsel,they cannot be about gossip.That's just as destructive as a lawsuit.These conversations must be done with one goal in mind, reconciliation.As believers, we ask for forgiveness and forgive each other in order to be reconciled.That's who we are. That's what God's family does.By His grace, some of us grew up in God-fearing homes that demonstrated that's how a family works.But many of us either grew up in or we've seen family situations where that's not the case,where there is no repentance, no forgiveness, no reconciliation.Some might think, "Yeah, I've seen bitterness and I've seen grudges in a family,but reconciliation, forgiving one another, I've never seen a family like that."And that's why as a church, we must show the world that in Christ we are different.We have to show them what God's family is like, which is why, number two on your outline,in a church dispute, remember your relationship, number two, to the world we represent.So as believers, what does our relationship to the world have to do with our disputes?Well, rewind to the end of verse five.It says, "Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,but brother goes to law against brother?" And that before unbelievers?Before unbelievers. That's similar to what we saw back in verse one, before the unrighteous.We talked about the Corinthians lacking godly wisdom, but there's another problem.Taking all these disputes out into the world, what does that do to our witness?If the city of Corinth always saw the church in scandal or suing each other,what did that communicate to them about the gospel message?We have to remember that part of our relationship to the world is that Jesus called us to represent him to the world.Represent Jesus to the world.Now, listen, I'm not saying we should be concerned about image in the sense that we are marketing church,and reality is another thing.No, our concern is authentically following Jesus.We want people to see what it looks like to be transformed by Christ and living in a Christ-centered community.It's not about projecting some image, it's about our identity.Our witness is being like Jesus and telling people about him.So, infighting, legal battles, manipulation, that's what everybody else does.God's people are called to be different.If we act like the world, we've already lost.Just like it says in verse 7, it says, "To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you."Why not rather suffer wrong?Why not rather be defrauded?But you yourselves wrong and defraud, even your own brothers.Now, again, let me emphasize that we are not talking about criminal cases.But Paul is saying it would be better to just lose your money in the dispute than sue your church brother over these petty issues.Or again, maybe you're not actually going to court, but you still might need to suffer wrong.What do I mean?Have you ever been in a dispute where maybe you're 10% wrong and the other person is 90% wrong?Sometimes we still want to justify ourselves and bang the table about how less wrong we were.What about humbling yourself?What about taking the hit and saying, "You know, you're right. I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?"Our natural reaction is, "Why should I humble myself when they're wrong too?"Because of who we represent.Jesus is our example of humility, and we are that example to those around us.So to claim Christ and act like Paul describes here is a failure in our job as representatives.And you know, I talked a little bit about pizza earlier, but do you know what else I like?Frozen bananas.Well, I should be specific. Chocolate covered frozen bananas. Delicious.One time I went into an ice cream shop where I had gotten one before, but I didn't see any in the case in the front.So I thought, "Oh, they might have some in the back in the freezer."So I asked the woman working, "Do you have any frozen bananas?"And my friends who were there still quote her answer to me because she said, "Does it look like we have any frozen bananas?"Okay. I said, "Thank you." And I walked out without any dessert.Now, do you think the owner of the ice cream shop felt like she represented the store well that day?No. Just like employees represent their workplace as a body of believers, we represent Christ.If you claim Christ, you are his representative, period.In a world where everyone's flying off the handle at every disagreement, screaming or storming out of every issue,imagine the witness of a church that works through things together in love,using the highest authority of our life, God's word, to untangle the issue.No, it's not always easy. But the world will look and say, "What's going on over there? I want to be a part of that."But we have to step back and review for a moment because I don't want anyone to walk away with the wrong idea.So far, we've talked about resolving disputes in-house, not dragging disagreements to the court, and how we are presenting ourselves to the world.Those concepts could be sinfully twisted into an excuse to cover up sin.Now, we don't need to review all the sickening things that have been covered up by churches all over the world.Sinful men have tried to hide their sin, tried to hide abuse by saying things like, "Let's keep this in-house."No, they are wrong.This passage is not about covering things up or ignoring sin. Abuse in court or otherwise is sin.Covering up sin is sin. A forced reconciliation is a false reconciliation.Ignoring sin for the sake of the church's witness is a false witness.If someone's sinful act is a criminal act, then the correct response is to hand them over to the authorities.And that's God's idea, not mine. See Romans 13.I just want to be crystal clear.Paul, just like in chapter 5, is calling for the opposite of a cover up.He's calling us to recognize and remove flagrant, unrepentant sin.And that distinction is important because we all sin.It's not like, "Oh, I was coveting my friend's car yesterday."And last week, I had a lustful thought.Guess I have to leave Harvest Bible Chapel.No, of course all of us struggle with sin, but we commit that as a family,we're here to walk with each other in becoming purified by our Lord.We need each other's support and encouragement as each one of us turns away from our sin daily to become more like Jesus Christ.In fact, in him, we must renounce any relationship that we have to sin.Point number three on your outline today.In a church dispute, remember your relationship number three to sin.We renounce.Let's pick up in verse nine.It says, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?Do not be deceived.Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves,nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers,will inherit the kingdom of God."Now, reading this after the previous section can seem jarring.Paul is talking about disputes, the courts,and then he drops into this list of sins for which someone will not enter heaven.Now, understand that Paul is talking about a lifestyle of unrepentant, continual sin.Committing one of these sins or any sin in isolationdoes not automatically banish a person from heavenif that person repents of their sin and believes in the work of Jesus for their forgiveness.But why does the connection here to verses one to eight?Well, two things.First, verse one asked if believers dare take their case before the unrighteous.And then here it says, "Do you not know that the unrighteouswill inherit the kingdom of God?"Sorry, the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.Paul is saying, "Church, you should resolve your disputesinstead of bringing them before people who are living in reckless sin for them to decide."You're like, "Don't worry, I keep beef out of the legal system."Okay, well, do you bring your church disputes before unbelieving friends or family?Do you complain about the church or people in the church at work or on social media?That is bringing your case before the unrighteous for them to judge.Now, as for the second connection, recall the underhanded dealings of these civil courts.People in the church were using their influence and status to manipulate other Christians via lawsuitsto take advantage of their own brothers for their gain.That sin belongs in this list, too.See, this isn't a random list of sinfulness.This list is about not being content and reaching out of bounds to get more.And really, that goes all the way back to the first sin, doesn't it?Back in Genesis, God told Adam,"And the Lord God commanded the man saying, 'You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat,for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.'"But Adam and Eve ultimately were not content with that.And so they reached outside the bounds that God created.That's the same root as every sin in this list.God says that sexual intimacy is between one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage.But people say, "I'm not content with that."Be it adultery, homosexuality, or any form of sexual immorality,instead of receiving God's gift as he intended,they reached outside God's design to take something else, or idolatry.God says we should worship Him and only Him.But people say, "I'm not content with that."They worship money, success, celebrity.They reach outside of what they know in their heart to worship anything but God.What about drunkards or revilers, people who abuse alcohol or verbally abuse others?God set a boundary around drunkenness and a boundary on our speech,but they say, "I'm not content with that.I will drink how I want and I'll say what I want."Or thieves, the greedy, swindlers, whatever they have, they say, "I'm not content with that.I want more and I'm willing to reach out and take it, even if it means stealing from my own family."And that's where the Corinthian church was, reaching out of bounds to take from their brothers and sisters.Paul says their sin is the same as these.And if you live a life of unrepentant, habitual sin, a life reaching out of bounds,you will not inherit the kingdom of God.So church, we have to ask ourselves, what should our relationship be to sin?Titus chapter 2 verse 11 says, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age."We must renounce sin.That's our relationship, not embracing it, not excusing it, but rejecting it, turning away, running away.How do we do that?Well, praise the Lord, we are about to read some of the most incredible words in Scripture on that topic.Our last point today, you must remember your relationship, number four, to Jesus Christ.We are renewed.1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 11, it says, "And such were some of you, but you were washed, you were sanctified,you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.And such were some of you."Some translations say, "And this is what some of you used to be."Paul is saying, "You used to do these things, but God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment for your sin upon Himself."He bore that sin in His death on the cross and then conquering death rose again in victory.And this verse applies to anyone who will repent and believe in Him as their Savior.Now, you might think that stuff that you used to do is too much to overcome.You're afraid Jesus knows who you were.Well, Jesus knows your whole story and He still invites you into a relationship with Him.He wants to release you from your sin and bring you true contentment.So repent and believe.As it says here, "If you believe, you were washed clean.Sin from your past, present, and future has been washed away in the name of Jesus."You were sanctified, meaning you were set apart as holy and you are being made holy.God is shaping you into what He already calls you.And you were justified, meaning the charges of sin against you have been dropped.You're innocent.That lifestyle of unrepentant sin, that's who you used to be.You are made new.In a dispute, you must remember your relationship with Jesus Christ because that relationship determines all other relationships.But some might think, "If I have that relationship with Christ and if I'm made new, why do I still sin?Why do we still have disputes and disagreements and fights?"I read one scholar put it this way.Imagine, I know this is going to be hard to believe, that you were caught in a snowstorm.It shouldn't be too hard.You're covered in snow, totally freezing, and you feel like you might not make it.But somehow, you crawl and you make it back to your house and you get inside.The room is warm.Maybe fireplace is going.You're saved.But even though you're safe standing in the warmth,it's going to take some time for the ice in your pockets to thaw out.You see the picture.You are secure in Christ, but not all of your sin has melted away yet.That won't be totally complete until we reach heaven.Until then, through our relationship with Christ, we are safe indoors being justifiedand we're thawing out being sanctified at the same time.So as we close, I hope you see how and why the church must deal with disputes in a godly way.We should be able to handle that stuff through Jesus.Next time you're in a dispute, step back and remember, this is my brother or sister in Christ.My goal is to be reconciled with them.Remember that we are representing Christ to the world.The way that we interact should reflect our Lord, showing the world that Jesus works.Remember that we've renounced sin and we lovingly help each other do that.We don't manipulate others.We don't reach out of bounds grabbing for more.That's not who we are.Because who are we?Remember that in Jesus, we are a people renewed.We don't serve sin or our selfish desires anymore.Together, unified and purified, we serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Let's pray together.Lord God, I thank you for your word.God, I thank you for the church.And I pray God that when we face disputes, we would face them with godly wisdom and character, love and patience, God,that we may be reconciled, that we may be a light into the world around us.We pray and ask for your mercy, God, upon us now and we ask for you to guide us in these matters.Let us be a church unified and purified for your glory, Lord God.In Jesus' name, amen.Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 6:1-11What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How should disputes within the church family be resolved? How does that process differ for disputes with unbelievers?How and why must the church faithfully guard its witness to the world?Paul says those listed in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 will not inherit the kingdom of God. What does he mean by that?If we are made new in Jesus Christ, why do we still struggle with sin? How can we come alongside each other as believers in that struggle?BreakoutPray for one another.

Send us a textWhat if the six promises of Daniel 9:24 aren't hanging over the future but were nailed down at Calvary? We take a hard look at the text and walk through Hebrews 9, Romans 5–6, Colossians 2, and Ephesians 2 to ask whether Scripture itself says the work is finished. Our aim is simple: test the claim that Jesus, as mediator of the New Covenant, accomplished the end of sins, made reconciliation for iniquity, brought in everlasting righteousness, sealed vision and prophecy, and was anointed as the Most Holy.We start with the cross as the decisive act. Hebrews says Christ appeared once to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself, and Romans says He died unto sin once. That means the end of sins is not a future pause in human behavior, but the present end of sin's condemning power for all who believe. From there we trace reconciliation: while enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. Add Colossians' declaration that all trespasses are forgiven and the record of debt is canceled, and the picture sharpens—this isn't a plan on layaway. It's already purchased.Then we tackle everlasting righteousness. Paul announces a righteousness revealed now apart from the law, credits believers as righteous through the obedience of the One, and locates this grace in union with the risen Christ. If righteousness is ours now, what future week are we still waiting for? We also address “sealing up vision and prophecy,” centering fulfillment on Jesus' own words that everything written in Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms concerning Him must be fulfilled. God has spoken to us by His Son, the telos of revelation and the anchor of our assurance.Finally, we consider the anointing of the Most Holy. Jesus reads Isaiah 61, “He has anointed Me,” and Hebrews shows Him entering the true holy place with His own blood. The greater temple is here, and no brick‑and‑mortar project can eclipse the holiness of the Son. Along the way we challenge the assumption of a future seven‑year tribulation, not to provoke for its own sake, but to preserve the glory and sufficiency of the cross. If the gospel did what Scripture says it did, speculation gives way to certainty, and worship deepens.If this conversation sharpened your thinking, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review telling us where you stand on Daniel 9.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Blaise Pascal famously said there’s an “infinite abyss” inside us that only an infinite God can fill. “You have made us for yourself, O Lord,” Augustine prayed, “and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” As David put it, like thirsty people in the desert, our whole being “longs” for God (Psalm 63:1). Surprisingly, however, it isn’t only humans that experience longing. God does too. While the infinite God of the universe needs nothing outside Himself to be fulfilled, the Bible says He “longs” to have us back when we stray (James 4:4-5), and repeatedly says He wants a people to call His own (Exodus 6:7; Hebrews 8:10). For thousands of years this longing has fueled God’s missionary endeavors: sending prophets to win back His straying people and ultimately sending His Son to find His lost sheep (Isaiah 30:18; Luke 19:10). The good news is that in the end, this longing will be fulfilled: “They will be his people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3). God and human beings will dwell together (v. 2). Humans long for God and no substitute will satisfy. God longs for humans and no substitute will do. So no wonder there’s rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents (Luke 15:7). When we run to God’s open arms, everyone is fulfilled.

What is your “why?” Why do you live, work, love? You might have a very clear “why.” You might have a multi-faceted answer. For many of us, our “why” is many things—many desires and longings. Can I tell you something that's true? The God of the universe—the One true, supreme, creator God—sent His Son to the earth. He lived a perfect life. He died a painful death on a cross. But He is more powerful than death. And He is alive! And He did this for you. You are His “why.” Every human being on the planet is His “why.” The Son of God came. He gave. He poured out. He served— He laid down His life. Maybe today, He should become your “why.” Always remember, there is hope with God. "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Luke 19:10 radio.hopewithgod.com

God made it possible for us to simply respond to His offer of salvation that was made free to us by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. It's not something we dabble in and get out of, it is what we give our whole lives to and never look back.

Galatians 1:11-13, 15-24 - For I would have you know, brothers, that the Gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. … But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.

Our daughter-in-law grew up in the desert. So, the first time she saw the ocean, and the seashells that are all over the beach at low tide, she said, "Can you keep them?" She did! I mean, the good news is, "Yes, you can." And we've loved collecting seashells when we've had opportunity to spend time along the coast. Some of those shells make it to the shore totally intact. Others, well you know, are broken, sometimes by the surf, sometimes by seagulls who've peck them open to get at their yummy tenants. Occasionally, I've found a particularly striking treasure, though, like the conch shell that I picked up a few years ago. It was badly broken. But inside there was some amazing beauty - beautiful swirls in white and blue and pearl, and it made an incredible design to behold. Outside, that shell was just like rough and plain - just another shell - but not on the inside. I never would have seen its unforgettable beauty if it hadn't been broken. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Beauty From Brokenness." God displays some of His most beautiful creations through broken things. Maybe broken is a word that in some way describes you right now. Then it's possible He could show folks some of His beauty through you. As hard as that might be for you to believe right now, you need to hear what your Creator has promised to broken people in our word for today from the Word of God. It's in Isaiah 61, beginning with verse 1. Speaking of Jesus, the Bible says, "The Sovereign Lord has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...to comfort all those who mourn...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." God says that, through His Son, He wants to unleash in your soul healing for the pain of your past, and a freedom from the darkness that has brought you down. He wants to turn what's been something ugly into something beautiful and something life-giving. He goes on to say of the broken people He touches that "they will be called oaks of righteousness...for the display of His splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated...All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed." So, God says He wants to do a powerful restoring, hope-giving work in broken people, so He can use them to do a powerful, hope-giving work for Him in a broken world. I know He does that. I've seen it in a team of young Native Americans who have lived the despair of the highest rates of alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual abuse, and suicide on this continent. They are broken! But with Christ now in their lives, they go on our On Eagles' Wings team to the heart of North America's reservations telling their hope stories. And a generation that hasn't listened to anyone, that's written off Jesus as the white man's God, listens to them. And they have led literally thousands of Native Americans to Christ, because the light shines more brightly through broken vessels...a broken vessel like you and me. They will listen to you because of your scars. They can see through your wounds the amazing beauty of a joy and a hope that only a Savior like Jesus can give. If you'll turn away from your despair, and maybe your bitterness, anger, self-pity, and give your brokenness to Him, He can do that miracle for you. The songwriter was right when he said this, "All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife. But He made something beautiful of my life."

God made it possible for us to simply respond to His offer of salvation that was made free to us by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. It's not something we dabble in and get out of, it is what we give our whole lives to and never look back. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/640/29?v=20251111

Tuesday January 20, 2026II Week After Epiphany Today's Episode | From New Beginnings to New LifeToday's readings center on God's gift of life and His call to grow into spiritual maturity. In Genesis 9:1–7, God reaffirms the sacred value of human life after the flood, blessing Noah and his family with a fresh beginning and reminding humanity that every life bears His image. Hebrews 5:7–14 challenges us to move beyond spiritual infancy, learning obedience through trust and growing into maturity as we practice discernment and faithfulness. And in John 3:16–21, the heart of the gospel shines clearly: God so loved the world that He gave His Son—not to condemn, but to save—inviting all who believe to step out of darkness and into the light.This episode calls us to embrace the life God gives, grow deeper in our faith, and respond to His love with lives shaped by truth, obedience, and hope.

Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Let's look at the words "God" and "created." in this verse in Hebrew the word used for God is a plural noun and created is a singular verb. What day did God create the world? It says God created everything in 6 days and He rested on the 7th day, the Sabbath, and that is Saturday. Which means the first day of creation was on Sunday. What was the day of the week that God began a new creation?  That was on the day Jesus arose from the grave. The Bible tells us this was on the first day of the week, on a Sunday. Jesus' closest friend, John, begins his gospel this way: "In the beginning  was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Psalm 33:6 "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."  In Genesis 1 we read over and over, "And God said…" God brought everything into being through His Word and the Bible describes Jesus as that Word, the Living Word. John 1:3 tells us "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."  Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. Hard to comprehend, but true. John goes on in verse 14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  Let's look at these words from that verse, "made his dwelling" in Hebrew it is one word. Tabernacles. Jesus, the Word became flesh and tabernacles among us. Not simply in the spirit, but in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.  Colossians 1:15-17 "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." The only way we can be held together in this fallen world is in Jesus Christ, the Savior of us all. The only way to face the future and the difficulties of life in a fallen world is through the power of His Son who has redeemed us and through His Holy Spirit who strengthens, guides and directs us. Our God is an awesome God! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

God's unfathomable redeeming love is demonstrated in the gift of His Son. Preached on January 18, 2026

Jesus' baptism and genealogy revealed the Father's pleasure in His Son. In Christ, we can rest in the Father's delight, knowing our identity is secure in belonging to Him.

Jesus' baptism and genealogy revealed the Father's pleasure in His Son. In Christ, we can rest in the Father's delight, knowing our identity is secure in belonging to Him.

Jesus Followers Have a Personal Relationship with the Creator of the Universe So Pray, Listen, and Be Patient for God's Call MESSAGE SUMMARY: No interaction with the Holy Spirit is too small for you or for God, and no Spiritual outcomes are too big for you or for God. Jesus illustrates, in the “Parable of the Mustard Seed", that big things come from small beginnings. The selection, by Jesus, of His initial twelve Apostles, led to the growth of Christianity from twelve followers to more than two billion Christians. So, when God gives you a vision or He puts on your heart to start a ministry or to visit the home bound; and you think the Spirit's is so small or inconsequential, just remember small beginnings lead to significant outcomes through the Lord. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissions and promises His support to His Apostles and to us; therefore, how can any call, from the Holy Spirit, be too inconsequential or unsupported for us to embrace: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Pray, listen, and be patient. After all, you have a personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe!     TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 20:1-16; Philippians 2:21-30; Matthew 25:34-46; Psalms 37b:11-20 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “It's About Time: Part 2 – Overstressed, Overloaded, and Maxed Out Lives” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

It's About Time: Part 2 – Overstressed, Overloaded, and Maxed Out Lives MESSAGE SUMMARY: Following Jesus brings peace into our lives even though we may face great trials and tribulations. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”. However, when observing the lives of modern-day Christians, we don't find many of their lives saturated with peace. God has given each of us a capacity for our lives with His expectations for living as Jesus described in John 10:10: “. . . I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.". The difference between what would be considered our lives' capacity and our lives being filled to overflowing is our lives' margin. God desires to bless us and to have our lives filled with His presence through the Holy Spirit. Often, technology and the other worthwhile benefits of this age bring the stresses of time, making wimps of us in the management of time in our lives. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God tells us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:". As we manage the elements and demands of time in our lives, we must manage time for ourselves and our kids. Kids spell love as “time” – be present in their lives, mentally and emotionally. Indifference can be interpreted as a lack of genuine affection and esteem. Also, we need “God time”, a time to nurture and deepen our relationship with Jesus. Without margin, we have built our life-foundations on sand and not on the rock of Jesus' teachings. Ways we can build margin back into our lives is by: 1) having a weekly Sabbath; building back into our lives a time alone with God every day; 3) expecting that the unexpected will happen; 4) learning to say “no”; 5) using technology wisely; 6) pruning our activity branches; 7) prioritizing our calendars; and 8) giving thanks to God.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 1:35; John15:1-11; 1 Theologians 5:16-17. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Have a Personal Relationship with the Creator of the Universe So Pray, Listen, and Be Patient for God's Call”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

What are you really seeking in life? Success? Comfort? Or something deeper?In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus promises: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." But the question isn't just IF we're seeking—it's WHAT we're seeking and HOW we're pursuing it.Are we seeking Jesus as the true Ruler of our hearts, or just looking for someone to give us what we want? God isn't a genie in a bottle. He calls us to seek Him diligently, persistently, and wholeheartedly—not for what He can give us, but for who He is. When we seek Him with all our heart, Jeremiah 29:13 promises we WILL find Him.The incredible truth? Your pursuit is not in vain. No matter where you are or what you've done, God is with you. He sees you as so valuable that He sent His Son to die for you. So ask yourself honestly: What are you seeking today?

Ephesians 5:1-21Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, asChrist also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrificeto God for a sweet-smelling aroma.Today we are looking at Ephesians 5:1-2, where the Apostle Paul gives us theclear admonition to walk in love. Also in in these two verses, Paul also givesus several reasons why we should walk in love. First, he tells us in verse 1 to“be imitators of God as dear children.” As the children of God, we areto be reflectors of who He is. God is love, and therefore we should reflectthat love—the love God has for us and for the world around us. Themost quoted verse in the Bible, one we all know so well, tells us: “For Godso loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” God is a lovingGod, and because He is love, He is also a God who gives. As His children, weare called to love and to give of ourselves sacrificially for His glory. Ilove the phrase Paul uses here, “as dear children.” Sometranslations say, “as beloved children.” Remember, at least twicein the Gospel of Matthew, the Father speaks from heaven and declares His lovefor His Son. At the baptism of Jesus in Matthew chapter 3, and again on theMount of Transfiguration in Matthew chapter 17, God says, “This is Mybeloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Nowthink about this—we too are His beloved children. 1 John 3:1–3, tells us, “Beholdwhat manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be calledchildren of God.” In Romans chapter 8, we are told that we cry out, “Abba,Father.” We have an intimate, personal relationship with our Father inheaven. Because of that relationship, and as proof of it, we should desire toshow forth His love to the world around us as imitators of God and as Hisbeloved children. Ialso think about what Jesus prayed in John 17:23. He said, “I in them, andYou in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may knowthat You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”Jesus prayed and said, “Father, just as You have loved Me, You love them.”Can you imagine that? Jesus is the beloved Son of God, and He tells us that theFather loves us in the same way He loves Him. How much does God love you? Heloves you with the same love He has for His beloved Son—whom He gave as asacrifice for the sins of the world. So,we see several reasons here for walking in love. We are children of God. Weshare in His nature, and His nature is love. We are beloved children who desireto please our Father in heaven. We cry out, “Abba, Father.” And then we see athird reason in verse 2: “Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Thisphrase, “a sweet-smelling aroma,” is very meaningful. Our reflection ofChrist's love is pleasing to God—it rises as a sweet fragrance before Him. Inthe book of Leviticus, chapters 1 through 3 describe the three sweet savorofferings: the burnt offering, the meal offering, and the peace offering. Theburnt offering pictures Christ's complete devotion to God. The meal offeringreflects His perfect character. The peace offering shows Christ making peacebetween sinful man and a holy God. Thesin offering and the trespass offering, found in Leviticus chapters 4 and 5,are not sweet savor offerings. Why? Because sin is not sweet or beautiful. Sinis what put Christ on the cross. Sin is what condemned us and would send us toa devil's hell apart from Christ.  Oh,my friend, today let us remember who we are. We are dear children ofGod—beloved children—loved with an unimaginable, unconditional, selfless love.Therefore, let us walk in love as “His beloved children” Godbless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

Send us a textGuest: Todd Friel, host Wretched TV and Radio ProgramsThere are many fiery situations in the world right now. In Iran, millions have been on the streets protesting with thousands killed by the Shia Islamist regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is on the brink of being ousted due to economic decline and repressive rule. This situation has significant ramifications for stability in the Middle East and even the end times.Here in my home state of Minnesota, violent confrontations continue against ICE agents by protesters and paid agitators and rioters, as agents search for and arrest illegal immigrants. President Trump has stated he is considering employing the Insurrection Act to use military force to quell the obstruction and violence which has been incited by MN Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.There are other fires—in Venezuela after the U.S. captured their Communist narco-terrorist president Nicolas Maduro; in England and Australia which are threatening and arresting their own citizens for social media content against Islam; in Ukraine where the intractable, deadly war with Russia continues.And yet all these fires at home and abroad are far less significant and lasting than what the Bible describes as the “unquenchable fire” of hell.Hell is an issue that is almost unspeakable, and rightly so, because of the horror of what it is—eternal conscious torment for all who have rejected God by not believing in His Son's substitutionary death and resurrection on the sinner's behalf. In fact, the final destination for non-believers is described this way in Revelation 20: “if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”Because hell is so horrific and never ending, there are many who question God's character in sending people there. They say, “I know sin offends the holy God, but punishment for eternity in hell is disproportionate to the crime.”Kirk Cameron, actor and Christian influencer and author, who has worked and associated with many sound Christians like Ray Comfort, Ken Ham, and John MacArthur, announced on his podcast recently that he no longer believes that hell is eternal conscious torment but rather that an unbeliever is eventually annihilated. In other words, unbelievers do go to hell for punishment but at some point they go out of existence.This is certainly not the first time the eternality of hell has been challenged and it won't be the last. Todd Friel, pastor of Alpharetta Bible Church in Georgia and host of Wretched, which produces radio and TV programs, joins us this weekend to examine what the Bible teaches about hell. Is hell being eternal an important doctrine to stand firm on? Is there a biblical basis that unbelievers are annihilated in hell, in light of what Jesus said in John 10, “fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell”?We hope you join us for this important discussion.

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. SUMMARY This conversation centers on holding a right spirit before God, especially when dealing with people who challenge, irritate, or disagree with us. The speakers emphasize that spiritual maturity is not about reacting from human nature but about remaining open, humble, broken, and led by the Spirit. Rather than relying on personal discernment or strong opinions, believers are called to listen, take matters to the Lord, and respond from love. God's corrective work—though often uncomfortable—is an expression of His love, shaping His sons and daughters into His nature. True oneness, family, and spiritual growth flow from maintaining a right spirit before Him. SHOW NOTES • God often speaks through people who rub us the wrong way • Keeping a right spirit is a continual surrender to the Lord • Not everything spoken needs to be received—hold it before God • Break bonds with human reactions; stay connected in the Spirit • Strong opinions do not equal spiritual truth • Ask the Holy Spirit what to take and what to leave • Authority comes from recognizing the spirit behind words • Humility, brokenness, and sensitivity are essential • Trust the voice of the Lord over personal discernment • Love without buying into disagreement • God's love includes chiseling and shaping His workmanship • Trials refine the spirit and form Christ's nature in us • We are the reward of Christ's suffering • True fellowship produces oneness, inclusion, and spiritual flow KEY QUOTES “The end result is I'm wrong, and He's right.” “You have to be able to speak through anyone to me.” “If it's from the Lord, the Lord's gonna minister to you something from it.” “Break your bonds on a human level.” “Keep your spirit open and right before the Lord—that's the key.” “I don't want to rely on discernment; I want to rely on the voice of the Lord.” “God's love is not human.” “He's gonna get the chisel out again.” “We are the reward of His sufferings.” “Love them and be one with the Lord on earth.” SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES Psalm 51:17 — A broken and contrite heart God will not despise Matthew 7:1–5 — Removing the beam from our own eye Ephesians 4:14–15 — Not tossed by every wind of doctrine John 10:27 — “My sheep hear My voice” Romans 8:29 — Being conformed to the image of His Son

Pastor Leitu describe the enemy's desire to disrupt and destroy our testimony as believers, but at the same time, God wants to mature us to be like His Son, Jesus.

Pastor Leitu describes the enemy's desire to disrupt and destroy our testimony as believers, but at the same time, God wants to mature us to be like His Son, Jesus.Social MediaProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgMobile & TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appChurch Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.comX:  https://x.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag

Paultells us we must be imitators of God as dear children. That phrase is veryimportant. It is only possible to put off bitterness, malice, anger, andunforgiveness because we are dear children of God. Over the years in mycounseling sessions I have hear many people say, “You don't understand whatso-and-so did to me. You don't understand what happened years ago. There is noway I can forgive or love that person.” And humanly speaking, that may be true.But now that you have been born into God's family, you are called to imitateGod. And God is love. Weespecially read this truth in the book of 1 John, where Scripture reminds usthat God is love. That becomes the foundation for our walk. Remember yesterdaywe mentioned that as believers, Paul gives us three clear instructions in thischapter about how we are to walk. We are to: Walk in love (v. 2), walk aschildren of light (v. 8), and to walk carefully and wisely (v. 15). When we walkin this way, we display to the world around us that there is somethingdifferent about us. That difference is not our personality or our strength—itis the supernatural, divine, godly life of Christ living in us. We live thisway only because Christ is in us and we are children of God. Overthe years, I have seen this truth played out many times at weddings, funerals,and family gatherings. These are moments when families, whether in sorrow or ingreat joy, should be coming together in unity. Yet it is heartbreaking to seethe animosity, hatred, and bitterness that sometimes surface. I have heardpeople say, “If they are going to be there, I'm not going.”  If that person is part of the service, Iwon't be.” “I'm not attending the wedding because so-and-so will be there.” Myfriend, that does not display the heart of God's love. Howdo we overcome that? Peter gives us the answer in 2 Peter 1:2-4: “Grace andpeace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, asHis divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which havebeen given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through theseyou may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption thatis in the world through lust”. He reminds us that we have been called byGod's glory and virtue, and that we have been given exceedingly great andprecious promises, so that through these we may become partakers of the divinenature!  Myfriend, if you are in Christ, you are a partaker of the divine nature. And Godis love. Because of that, we understand that love covers a multitude of sins.In 1 Peter 4:7–10 we read: “But the end of all things is at hand; thereforebe serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent lovefor one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." Be hospitableto one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister itto one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Read1 John 4:7–11, where we are reminded once again that: “He who does not lovedoes not know God, for God is love. In these verses, we are told that Goddemonstrated His love by sending His only begotten Son into the world, that wemight live through Him. This is love—not that we loved God, but that He lovedus and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins”. And then comesthe clear application: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to loveone another.” Thinkon those words today. And may the Lord use these thoughts to encourage you towalk in love—to walk in love as Christ has loved us, and to love oneanother in Christ Jesus. Godbless you. And may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

One of the temporary after effects of my wife's bout with hepatitis years ago was some memory loss. Now, I forget a lot of things and I don't have an excuse. Well, for a while, my wife had a great excuse for forgetting some things, because that memory loss had some real effects. Like the day she left the pot of water on the stove to boil. She promptly moved away from the kitchen and forgot all about it. She told me she even forgot about it after she smelled something burning. So, she went all through the house; checked the dryer, checked the furnace. "What in the world is that burning smell?" Well, when she finally decided to check the kitchen, you can probably guess what the scene was. Oh yeah, there was no more water left in that pot; it had boiled dry. The burner was red hot; the pan had become part of the burner. It was bonded to the burner. It literally had to be broken off. Yeah, she needed some heat to do her job, but not that much heat! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Not More Than You Can Bear." By the way, lest you be too concerned, that was a temporary memory loss, and she got it all back. Let's look at our word for today from the Word of God. Because it's a promise for people who are in the oven, you might say, who are suffering in some intense heat right now. 1 Corinthians 10:13. Listen to these familiar words: "No temptation (or testing it could be translated) has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted (or tested) beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted (or tested), He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." Don't you love the promise of those words, "Not beyond what you can bear"? Those are words with your name on them maybe today because of what you're having to bear today. God promises He will not take you beyond what you can handle. I've always found potters to be intriguing. When we go to colonial villages I always enjoy watching them. I saw an interview with a potter, and she talked about how they take this formless lump of clay. And with their skilled hands on that wheel, they're able to make it into something beautiful and useful, and then the oven. They cook that piece of pottery that they've molded. They cook it at temperatures of up to 2,200 degrees to make sure that the shaping will last. It actually takes extreme heat to make the beauty and the usefulness permanent. The interviewer said, "Well, is it possible to get the oven too hot for the pottery?" She said, "Oh, yeah. For example, if you get it up to say 3,000 degrees it will just melt down." But then she said, "The potter always knows the melting point." So does yours. God's bottom line in Romans 8:29 - "He has predestined that you would be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus." He wants you to be like Jesus, so He uses the heat in your life to burn off the junk that might otherwise never come off. And God has been building in you lately a new love, a new patience, new purity, a new hunger for His word, new faith to trust Him, new character. But if it's never tested, it won't last. You have to take that new you into some intense heat for it to become tough and permanent. If the new you can get through this heat, you'll have a powerful new confidence in God's work in you. Right now, maybe all you know is it's just really hot. Well, you have a guarantee from the Master Potter, "not beyond what you can bear." Oh, He might take you to the edge, but He'll never allow you to go over. God will let the heat make you stronger, but He'll never leave His masterpiece in the oven too long.

In Week 2 of Gospel Blueprint, Pastor Gregg walks us through Romans 1:18–32 to confront the darkness that makes the gospel so powerful. Paul shows us that God's wrath is not reckless anger, but holy justice flowing from love — because God opposes what destroys what He loves.We look at how humanity suppresses truth, exchanges God for idols, and how sin doesn't just stay private — it reshapes hearts, minds, and culture. But this passage doesn't end in despair. Before God gives sinners over, He gives His Son over. Jesus took the wrath we deserved so we could receive the grace we don't deserve Keep up with Creekside Church!Instagram: creeksidechurchnpWebsite: www.creekside.church

Growing In God Podcast Program Number: GIG #284 Web Description: Do you ever struggle to believe that God truly loves you? Are you ever discouraged by the lack of unity among Christians? According to John 17, the glory we have received from Christ is the answer to those problems. His glory means that the Father loves us with the same love He has for Christ, and together we have the same oneness that Christ and the Father have. This is our reality. Let us live in it today.   Show Notes: Religion tends to put everything in the past or in the future. And when we are conditioned by that in our minds, it limits what we can believe. It makes our faith head knowledge, as if it is only something we are supposed to be educated about. But we are not supposed to merely understand the Scriptures. And we are not supposed to lock them up in the past or the future. We are supposed to walk in them in our daily lives.   According to John 17, Yeshua (Jesus) said, "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them." That means His glory has already been given to us. That is not head knowledge. Nor is it off in the future. It is ours to possess now because we have this glory from the Father for a purpose, which needs to be a reality. Yeshua prayed that we would be one, and that does not happen because we try to work it up. Our oneness in the Body of Christ happens because of His glory.   His glory brings our oneness, and by that the world will know that the Father has sent Christ. But there is another aspect that the world will see in us, which we often overlook. Because of the glory that we possess in Christ, the world will know that the Father loves us just as He has loved His Son. Is it real to us as Christians that God loves us with the exact same love He has for Christ? It should be. Let us absorb this Scripture until it is more than something we accept mentally. Let us learn how to live in the glory of Christ.   Key Verses:   •       John 17:20–26. "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them." •       John 14:6. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." •       2 Corinthians 5:19. "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself." •       Philippians 2:13. "It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." •       Ephesians 3:18–19. "Be able to … know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge."   Quotes:   •       "We have the glory of Christ given to us now to live in now." •       "Living daily in the glory that the Father gave to Christ would change many things. But one of the things that would change is the fact that it would bring oneness to me and those that are walking with God surrounding myself and really with all who believe." •       "The Father's good pleasure is that you know how much He loves you, and that you come to the revelation that as He loves His Son, so He loves you. And that's really why the Son was sent."   Takeaways:   1.    It needs to be real to us that the glory the Father gave Christ is the glory Christ has given to us. 2.    It needs to be real to us that we already possess His glory, and we can live in it today. 3.    It needs to be real to us that our oneness with others in Christ is because of His glory. 4.    It needs to be real to us that the Father loves us with the very same love that He has for His Son.

“Mom — I broke something! I'm so sorry!”Benjamin had slipped on the wet bathroom floor and managed to take down the shower curtain and the curtain rod in one fell swoop.His mom's concern wasn't the state of the shower curtain, but whether the broken something was an arm or leg. Thankfully, her son wasn't hurt, and fixing the curtain was a lot easier than mending a broken bone. A reassuring hug from Mom was all the boy needed to mend his hurt pride.None of us are perfect, whether we're 8 years old or 80. Slips and trips happen in life, and beyond accidental mishaps, we also slip up and sin, making choices that disappoint the Lord, and send us on a detour from the path He has planned for us. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”God loves us dearly, and while our sin makes Him sad, He is ready and willing to forgive us; we only need to ask Him to. God's love for us is so deep He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins because He knew we'd need forgiveness. That's amazing grace!Let's pray.Lord, you love us through our imperfections. Thank you for the incredible gift of your forgiveness. 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.

Monday January 12, 2016I Week After EpiphanyToday's readings invite us to slow down and marvel at the God who creates, speaks, and comes near.In Genesis 2:4–25, we see the intimacy of God's creation—forming humanity with care, breathing life into Adam, and establishing relationship as central to His design. Humanity is not an accident but a deliberate act of love, placed in a world meant for stewardship, communion, and trust.In Hebrews 1:1–14, we are reminded that the God who once spoke through prophets has now spoken fully through His Son. Jesus is the radiance of God's glory, the exact imprint of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word and reigning above all.And in John 1:1–18, the eternal Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. The Creator steps into creation, bringing light into darkness, grace upon grace, and making the unseen God known.Together, these passages call us to worship the Word who made us, redeemed us, and still invites us into life with Him.

Our second Sunday in Genesis continues our journey through the creation narrative. This week, we look at God's creation of the natural world: the sun, moon, and stars, the waters and land, and all living creatures in between. It's here in these first verses of Genesis that we see God's sovereignty and power on full display: nothing is outside of His handiwork or control. How might we draw comfort and courage from the knowledge that God is in control? How might we draw near to Him, and how has He drawn near to us in His Son? Kevin walks us through these questions and more in Genesis 1:1-25.

God's unfathomable redeeming love is demonstrated in the gift of His Son. Preached on January 11, 2026.

When I applied to college, I applied to a lot of schools and only got accepted into two. This was most likely because of my grades in High School, but I do feel like God was pointing me to a place where I could grow in Him the most. In today's message, Pastor Ken says you're accepted by God, and you're free from the bondage of sin through His Son's blood. It's because of Jesus that you're free. God loved you so much that He sent His Son as a sacrifice so you could have eternity with Him! 

We have fantastic extra content for you that you will love on our Patreon Website https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU . Please join us there so that you can participate in our in-depth lessons. This week we will address questions many people have about the creation and show how it all focuses on God and His Son. In this weeks episode Kerry visits with Brad Wilcox and Mike Goodman and Mark Matthews about elements of the creation story that edify us when properly understood. He also talks about the term Help Meet and what it really means. You will be amazed at the power in the term when you understand it correctly. We are grateful for our executive producers, P. Franzen, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

We have fantastic extra content for you that you will love on our Patreon Website https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU . Please join us there so that you can participate in our in-depth lessons. This week we will address questions many people have about the creation and show how it all focuses on God and His Son. In this weeks episode Kerry examines in detail the first part of the text of Genesis 1. He particularly explores the symbolism behind the words used for creation and shows how the order of creation makes sense, fixes the problems on non-creation and chaos, and accomplishes God's purposes. He will help you make sense of terms and symbols that may have eluded you before. We are grateful for our executive producers, P. Franzen, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this series First And Best we are invited to see generosity as an act of worship that flows from gratitude, not obligation, recognizing that we can never outgive God. Our giving is a response to the greatest act of generosity ever shown, God giving us His Son through Jesus' death and resurrection.

To Be a Jesus Follower, You Must First Enter the Only Door to God's Kingdom and that Door is Jesus – the Door to Eternal Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: In John 14:6, Jesus says: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one come to the Father but through me.”. In Luke 13:23-25, Jesus is asked a pivotal question; and Jesus responded: “And someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?' And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.'”. It is not that Jesus does not want all to be saved, it is just that the “gate”, to our Salvation and Eternal Life, is “narrow” and difficult to enter. We enter Eternal Life through Jesus and Jesus alone, and so many miss this fundamental tenant of our Christian faith; and they miss knowing Jesus – Jesus is the door, the narrow door. Neither Islam, nor Hinduism, nor just “my personal religion” is the door – Jesus is the only door.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). 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): John 14:6; Mathew 3:1-3; John 4:1-5; Psalms 33a:1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “It's About Time: Part 1 – Rebuilding Emotional Reserves” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

How did the gospel travel from Jerusalem to your life today?In this series, Pastor Clayton reveals the heart of God's mission: the Father's love that sent the Son so the world could be saved. John 3:16 shows us that salvation is not an accident—it's the result of God's intentional, sacrificial love for a world in darkness.This message explores the Father's love, the Son's sacrifice, and our invitation to believe and be sent. Jesus was lifted up not for praise, but to take on sin and judgment so that everyone who believes can have eternal life. The gospel is both a rescue and a mission—meant to be received and shared.Scriptures Referenced:- John 3:13–21- Numbers 21:4–9- John 20:21Keywords:John 3:16 explained, why Jesus was sent, God's love for the world, gospel message, eternal life, Christian mission, faith in Jesus, Bible sermon, salvation, evangelismGod loved the world enough to send His Son. The question is how we will respond—to hide from the light or step into it and live sent.Subscribe for more sermons and biblical teachingShare this message with someone who needs hope

How did the gospel travel from Jerusalem to your life today?In this series, Pastor Clayton reveals the heart of God's mission: the Father's love that sent the Son so the world could be saved. John 3:16 shows us that salvation is not an accident—it's the result of God's intentional, sacrificial love for a world in darkness.This message explores the Father's love, the Son's sacrifice, and our invitation to believe and be sent. Jesus was lifted up not for praise, but to take on sin and judgment so that everyone who believes can have eternal life. The gospel is both a rescue and a mission—meant to be received and shared.Scriptures Referenced:- John 3:13–21- Numbers 21:4–9- John 20:21Keywords:John 3:16 explained, why Jesus was sent, God's love for the world, gospel message, eternal life, Christian mission, faith in Jesus, Bible sermon, salvation, evangelismGod loved the world enough to send His Son. The question is how we will respond—to hide from the light or step into it and live sent.Subscribe for more sermons and biblical teachingShare this message with someone who needs hope

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 20-22; Luke 8 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter guides us through Genesis 20–22 and Luke 8, continuing our one-year journey through the Bible. But this isn't just about reading Scripture—it's about letting the living Word transform us from the inside out. As we witness the faith and testing of Abraham, the miraculous provision of God, and the powerful teachings and healings of Jesus, we're invited to see the goodness and faithfulness of God in fresh ways. Hunter reflects deeply on Abraham's incredible journey—his obedience, trust, and understanding of God's unique character as a provider, not a demander of senseless sacrifice. We're reminded that God meets us in our darkest and most barren places, and He is not like the other gods of the world. Instead, He is a God of life, love, and redemption. The episode closes with heartfelt prayers, seeking God's guidance, provision, and peace for ourselves, our families, and the world. Join us as we open our hearts to be changed by the Word, walking together in faith, hope, and the knowledge that we are deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Unthinkable. Something unthinkable is being asked of Abraham. He is being asked to offer his one and only son, the son that he loves, as a sacrifice on the mountain. It is a test of obedience that, at first glance, seems unimaginable. But perhaps, in Abraham's world, it was not altogether unthinkable. The cultures surrounding him, and indeed, cultures throughout history, have at times required the blood of a human to appease or manipulate their gods. Abraham would have known these stories and expectations. But he also knew something else—the God who called him, who promised him a son even in extreme old age, who reminded him of blessings as countless as the stars. This God who walked with Abraham in his darkest, most barren moments was not like any of the others. Abraham had learned to walk with and trust God, and he believed that this God was not bloodthirsty or capricious, nor distant or angry and waiting to pounce. Abraham believed God was good—the God who meets us in our need, our shame, our barren places, the God who provides. On that mountain, God makes Himself known as Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. He is not a God who requires us to atone by our own blood, or by the blood of those we love. No, God has a different way. Instead, it is He who provides the offering. The Father does not kill His Son—instead, the Son offers Himself, and is killed by humanity. Through His offering, He overcomes evil, wins the victory for us, conquering sin and darkness, and making a way for us to live. Abraham reasoned that, even if Isaac died, God was able to revive him—because Abraham knew, at the core, that God is good and can be trusted with our very lives. That knowledge—the character of God—changes everything. God comes to us in our lowest, most hopeless places, and brings resurrection, new life. On Mount Moriah, and then on the cross, God Himself provides what we cannot. He gives us victory, healing, hope. My prayer today is that my eyes would open to see as Abraham saw: the character of our God who provides, who is trustworthy, who is good. That I would walk with Him and know the freedom, the life, and the joy of being loved and provided for by Him. And that is my prayer for my family—for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that is my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

When I had to go for a new passport, it meant I had to dig out a document that I don't look at very often - my birth certificate. I had to prove to the State Department that I exist! Of course, I have to be careful with my birth certificate - one that's been around that long is about to disintegrate. It's interesting that when you have to produce the most authoritative proof of who you are, what do they ask for? Your birth certificate! And mine, like yours, clearly identifies who you are and exactly when and where you were born. I was a little nervous before I went for my passport because we had just moved and I couldn't find my birth certificate for a little while! That's very bad news! I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "A Birth Certificate for Heaven." One thing that birth certificate demonstrates for sure - your life. Your relationship with your parents has a definite beginning. You know, you celebrate that day every year. Birth, of course, is a clear, definite thing - into your family...into God's family too. Tragically, a lot of people can't remember a beginning to their personal relationship with God - often because there hasn't been one. And without a "birth certificate" on file in heaven, one that marks the beginning of your belonging to your Heavenly Father, you are in real danger. Eternal danger if that doesn't change. Our word for today from the Word of God talks about how a person gets born into God's family. John 1:12 says, "To all who received Him (that's Jesus), to those who believed in His name, (God) gave the right to become the children of God." Now, God likens our beginning with Him to birth into His family. That's why Jesus would say just two chapters later, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). There's a conscious, deliberate choice that begins your God-relationship. It's what our word for today calls "receiving" Jesus Christ, "believing" in Him. It's describing a moment when you consciously open up your heart for Jesus Christ to come in, when you tell Him you are putting your total trust in Him to remove that wall of sin between you and God and to give you a relationship with Him. The reason we don't have that love relationship is because we've taken a life that God was supposed to run and we've run it ourselves. That "sin" has cut us off from a God whose sinless and perfect. And no religious ceremony can remove that sin - not baptism, not church attendance, not confirmation, not church membership, not all the good things you do. In fact, the Bible explicitly says, "It is by grace you have been saved" - listen to this - "not by works" (Ephesians 2:8-9). It couldn't be any clearer. Our only hope is that Jesus paid for the sin that we could only pay for with an eternity in hell. So when you put your total trust in Him and welcome Him into your life, every sin is forgiven and God records your birth into His family. Actually, God doesn't have birth certificates - He has what the Bible calls the "book of life." And your name is entered in it the moment you come to Jesus. Revelation 20:15 says that on Judgment Day, "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." My prayer is that if you have not begun your personal relationship with Jesus, that you'll do it today, so your name can be entered in God's Book of Life in indelible ink. He doesn't intend for anybody; He never wanted anybody to suffer that judgment. That's why He sent His Son to take the judgment for us on the cross. This is your day to reach out and take what He died to give you. Tell Him you want what He died on the cross for - to forgive your sin, to change your life, to take you to heaven with Him. If you don't know there's been a time when you gave yourself to Him, there probably hasn't been. Let me encourage you as an action step to go to our website ANewStory.com. And there you're going to find the information that will help you know for sure that you belong to Him. You need to know that you've been born spiritually. And you can today. God is waiting right now for you to reach out to Jesus, so He can enter your name in His Book of Life.

In Similitude; Becoming Full of Grace and Truth by Autumn Dickson Before we jump straight into the Old Testament and the Creation story, we have an opportunity to read in Moses and Abraham. There are many truths that were restored through these works, and there are many truths we already know that are echoed. In Moses this week, we read about a vision that Moses was given on the top of a high mountain where Heavenly Father was speaking to him. Here is a verse from that vision. Moses 1:6 And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all. There are a couple of phrases in here that are powerful, especially when put together. Let's start with this one: “…and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth…” The Savior holds grace and truth within Him; He is full of it. Let's talk about both individually. Under Topics and Questions on the church website, we read this: “Grace is a gift from Heavenly Father given through His Son, Jesus Christ. The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to enabling power and spiritual healing offered through the mercy and love of Jesus Christ.” Christ is full of the enabling power and spiritual healing, and He offers it in mercy and love. There are a couple of other truths that we learn in that same topic page. Overcoming physical and spiritual death are part of the grace that He offers. He helps us do things we would not be able to do on our own. He strengthens us. He helps us return to live with God. He helps us every day. The Savior is also full of truth. He knows things as they are. There are two different perspectives with which we can look at this idea of Christ being full of truth. One, we know that He is currently full of truth. He knows all things. He is omnipotent. When He tells us to do something, He knows what He is talking about. However, there is also another perspective. Christ may have all knowledge now, but it didn't start out that way when He started His mortal journey on earth. On earth, He came as a baby and forgot everything. He had to learn truth through the power of the Spirit as He grew. He did not know everything on earth. Otherwise, He could not have remained on earth (Moses 1:5). So we know that Christ didn't know everything while He was here, but He knew all of the most important truths and lived perfectly according to those truths. There is another phrase in the first verse that we read that I want to utilize to add another layer here. “…Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten…” To be in the similitude of someone is to resemble them, not so much in looks, but in how one chooses to live one's life. Moses was like Christ, even if he was not perfectly like Christ. Moses was likewise full of grace and truth. When we are baptized, we promise to take the Savior's name upon and become like Him. Essentially, we promised to be in a similitude of the Only Begotten. When people look at us, they should see something that roughly resembles the Savior. We can also be full of grace and truth. We may be full of grace and truth in a different way than Christ, but we can be full of it too. Let's go back through our paragraphs about how Christ is full of grace and how He is full of truth, and let's look at the parallels in our own lives. 1. We can be full of grace. We can offer the enabling power and spiritual healing with mercy and love. No, we cannot offer it in the same way that Christ can, but we can help with it. When you sin and harm your spirit, another person can't go in and fix it. However, another person can take you to the doctor. As I was growing up, I had a shame problem. I took guilt beyond its helpful, proper boundaries and tried to beat myself into submission in the gospel. Not a great way to approach the gospel. I remember being on my mission, and my companion and I came in later than we were supposed to. We didn't set out to be disobedient, but we did make that mistake and it could have been prevented with a bit more effort on our part. I remember telling my companion that I didn't feel guilty and that I felt bad about not feeling guilty. With no hesitation she simply responded, “Maybe Heavenly Father knows you don't need to feel guilty in order to do better.” And she was definitely right. Coming in late happened once on my mission. Making me feel guilty wasn't going to change that. It wouldn't have served me. It was such a simple, nonchalant thing for her to say, but it changed my life. I had experienced a lot of self-inflicted spiritual damage in the name of trying to force myself to do better. Attacking myself and berating myself over mistakes didn't draw me closer to Christ or help me be better. Ironically, it did the opposite. My companion did not spiritually heal me. She is not the one who could take away those feelings or pay the price for them. Rather, she took me to the doctor. The grace she offered me was not her own, but she was still full of it. Overcoming physical death is a little different. We're not sure how resurrection looks or how that comes to pass. Do we get to help with that process through the power of Jesus Christ in the same way that we help with ordinances like baptism? Even if we don't, we can still point others towards Christ and hope for the resurrection. Overcoming spiritual death is similar to offering healing; it is a part of healing. It's not our power, but we can take people to the doctor. His power can be offered through us. We can help others do things they would not be able to do on their own. We can strengthen others. We can help others return to live with God. We can help others every day. 2. We can be full of truth. Eventually, we are going to progress to the extent that we know all things. That will take a long time. Until then, we can know all of the most important truths. We can be so full of truth that we live our lives differently than we would otherwise. My dad used to frequently echo the truth taught by Boyd K. Packer that doctrine changes behavior faster than a study of behavior changes behavior. When we see and know things as they are, we change accordingly and we feel differently. “As they are” is a really key phrase here. I've learned to see things as they are a lot more clearly since I became a mother. Let me give some examples. My third child, KJ, is obsessed with our youngest baby. She is constantly running over to Vivian and rolling her over so she can hold her down and cuddle her. Vivian is less than impressed now that she can walk. I swear I sound like a broken record all day, “KJ, let her go. KJ, let her go.” There was one time that KJ did it where Vivian got hurt. Vivian’s leg got stuck at a bad angle while KJ was trying to roll her over, and Vivian started crying pretty hard. KJ felt so bad she could hardly stand it. She ran and hid on the stairs. After making sure Vivian was okay, I called KJ over to me. KJ couldn't even look at me. She was trying to swallow back tears, and her chin kept trembling. It was rather cute on her four year old face. I remember feeling that way before when I accidentally hurt my dog when I was younger. I could hardly bear to even look at my dog the whole day because it hurt so bad. As I sat and thought about how that felt, the Spirit taught me something, and I was able to teach it to KJ. I told KJ, “The bad feeling is actually a good sign. It means you're a good person because you would never want to hurt Vivian. If you weren't feeling bad, then that would be a bad sign. Feeling bad just means you love her so much.” I guess the Spirit testified of that truth to her, and she brightened immediately and ran after Vivian again. Being full of truth is more than being able to recite that God judges us by our hearts. It's understanding how God's judgment works and being able to thwart Satan when he tries to mix us up. It is understanding the knowledge. It is applying the knowledge to any given situation and acting accordingly. If we want to be full of the truth like the Savior, it's more than just reciting what the Savior said. It's understanding what He said and seeing things as they really are. I testify that the Savior is full of grace and truth, and I testify that one of His purposes is to help us become so as well. This is done line upon line, with each practice taking us closer and closer. It's about taking our hearts with us into those actions, rather than going through the motions of the gospel. I likewise testify that the Savior is trying to fill us with grace and truth because He loves us and knows it will make us happier. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Moses 1; Abraham 3 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.