Podcasts about his son

My plane had just landed in a Midwestern city during a record breaking cold spell and the pilot welcomed us to the city with a temperature reading that made you want to divert the fight to Florida. Well, at least I had checked the weather channel and I was able to anticipate the ice age, so I had the appropriate coat, scarf, gloves and layers. As I was waiting for my suitcase in the baggage claim area, I heard someone yell, "Grab those pineapples." Excuse me? Well sure enough there were two couples just returning from Hawaii with beautiful live flowers around their necks, and they were wearing short sleeve shirts and, of course, carrying their box of pineapples. Well, when I hit the wind outside, I was cold, but I was prepared. I can't imagine what happened to the Luau bunch! When they woke up that morning they probably just said, "Well, it's warm here. I'll just dress for where I am." They were totally unprepared for where they were going! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Dressing for Your Final Destination." Now Jesus actually told about a man who was very prepared for where he was, but totally unprepared for where he was going. Maybe like you. Luke 12:16-20, our word for today from the Word of God, Jesus told them this parable, "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do, I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones and there I will store all my grain and my goods and I will say to myself you have many good things laid up for many years, take life easy, eat, drink and be merry.' But God said to him, 'You fool, this very night your life will be demanded from you, then who will get what you have prepared for yourself!'" Here's a man who was really dressed for where he was, he had it all, he had his earth security well planned out. But he forgot about where he would be spending most of his future - in eternity. He was totally unprepared to meet God. Someday your heart's going to beat for the last time, and in that unpredictable moment eternity will begin for you. And at that point it won't matter what your title was, or your income, or your religion, or your achievements. All that's going to matter is whether or not you have a personal love relationship with God. A relationship that can, according to the Bible, only be accessed through God's Son, Jesus Christ. Why? Because no one can make it to heaven with sin. See, God was supposed to run your life and mine, but over and over we've said, "No, I'll do it, God." The Bible says, "All of us have sinned and we've fallen short of the glory of God." In this parable, "I will" three times. That man God called a fool, he just said, "I will, I will, I will." Because of that, God is out of our reach, but we're not out of His. God says this is love, and this is the Bible speaking. "Not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" in the most incredible act of love you'll ever hear about. The God we defied sacrificed His one and only Son to carry our death penalty for the sinning we did. And now your eternal destination, heaven or hell, depends totally on what you do with the man who died for your sin, Jesus Christ. You can reject Him, you can ignore Him, or you can reach out to Him and say, "Lord I'm not ready for eternity but I want to be. I'm facing the fact I've gone my way instead of yours over and over again. Right now I'm putting all my trust in You and Your death on that cross for me to remove the sin between God and me, and to open the door to eternal life for me. I want to invite you to go to our website because it's there to help you be sure you have begun a relationship with Him. It's ANewStory.com. Maybe you've been so focused on where you are now, that you've neglected your forever. Yeah you're one heartbeat away from eternity. Isn't it time you got ready for where you're going to be for a very long time?

Galatians : Anchored in the Gospel | Law & AdoptionSunday, February 22, 2026 Peter SmithGalatians 3.15-4.7This text shows a comparison between what the law can do and what God has done for us through His Son. The apostle Paul helps the reader to see that an adoption has occurred because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, we are no longer slaves or law-keepers, but we are sons and daughters of the living God. The law could never do that for law breakers. But Jesus kept the law for us and paid the price for us to be adopted into the family of God as full members of the family!

At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Think about the magnitude of your direct and personal access to God that your prayers give you, through Jesus, if you will only pray. Before Jesus, ordinary people did not have direct access to God, through the Throne Room of God, with a direct personal relationship with God. In Old Testament times, people would come to the priests; and the priest would offer up a sacrifice on behalf of the people. The priests, and not the people, were communing directly with God. On Good Friday and at Jesus death on the cross, the “Temple Veil” was torn from top to bottom (i.e. “Temple Vail” was a large, very thick, and very heavy barrier that divided that portion of the Temple accessible by those wishing to sacrifice for prayer and the “Holy of Holies” where the only the High Priest could meet with God and pray on behalf of the people of God.). At Jesus Resurrection, no longer was an intermediary (e.g., a Priest) required for direct prayer with God by the people in Christ (i.e. Jesus Followers).  Because Jesus created a New Covenant relationship with His followers, now your prayers are in direct communion with God, the Creator of the Universe. Everyone, who is in Christ, may have access to the Throne Room of God in the name of Jesus. What a privilege this direct access to God is for those who are in Christ. The author of Hebrews, in Hebrews 4:16, tells Jesus Followers that, because of the Gospel, you have direct access to God's “throne of Grace” for your needs: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.".   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 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): Philippians 4:1-13; John 15:9-10; Revelation 4:1-2; Psalms 69c:25-36. 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 Part 5 – The Holy Spirit” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Essentials Part 5 – The Holy Spirit MESSAGE SUMMARY: In this powerful message, we're reminded of the essential role of the Holy Spirit in our Christian faith. The Holy Spirit isn't just a concept, but a divine person - equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ. We learn that the Spirit was active in Jesus' life, from His conception to His resurrection, and continues to work in believers today. The message challenges us to consider: does the Holy Spirit have us? Are we allowing Him to lead our lives? By understanding the Spirit's work in convicting us of sin, regenerating our hearts, and producing spiritual fruit, we're encouraged to yield ourselves more fully to His guidance. This teaching invites us to reflect on how we might be grieving or quenching the Spirit in our lives, urging us to confess our sins and live in alignment with God's will. As we contemplate these truths, we're called to a deeper, more Spirit-filled walk with 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 RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Genesis 1:2 (alluded to); Psalm 139:7-10; Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Hebrews 9:14 (mentioned but not quoted); John 4:24 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “At Jesus' Crucifixion and Death, the “Temple Veil” Was Torn; After Jesus Easter Resurrection, You Now Pray Directly with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Introduction: Introduction: What Should I Do If I'm Not Content? (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) I should recognize THAT MY CALLING IS A GIFT. (1 Cor 7:17) 1 Timothy 6:6 - But godliness with contentment is great gain, I should resolve to OBEY NO MATTER WHAT. (1 Cor 7:18-19) John 14:23-24 - Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me. 1 John 5:3 - For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. I should remember WHO I AM IN CHRIST. (1 Cor 7:20-23) Philippians 4:11-13 - Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I should rejoice THAT GOD IS WITH ME. (1 Cor 7:24) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 00:36-00:40Please open your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:41-00:451 Corinthians chapter 7, verses 17 through 24.00:47-00:53Have you ever stopped to consider how much of your life is beyond your control?00:55-00:57And some of you are thinking, no, because that sounds very depressing.00:57-01:00It doesn't sound very fun at all.01:00-01:02And I get that, but just go with me for a second.01:03-01:07Did you have any control over when you came into this world?01:08-01:17You had no say on who your parents were, how much money they had, what hospital you were born at, what doctors delivered you.01:18-01:21Did you have any control over your genetic makeup and DNA?01:23-01:32You had zero input into what you would look like, what inherent talents you would possess, and what natural personality you would receive.01:33-01:35Are you able to control the weather?01:36-01:39Are you able to keep snow storms and frigid temperatures away?01:41-01:44If you're able to do that, you have failed us these past two months.01:44-01:47What have you been doing if you're able to control those things?01:47-01:48Where were you last night?01:50-01:54Are you able to control every single situation that pops up in your life?01:55-01:59Are you able to keep all forms of pain and suffering away?02:00-02:06I assume not because if you're able to do that, you'd be a billionaire right now because you sold your secret methods to others.02:08-02:11So much of your life is beyond your control.02:13-02:18Discontentment comes when you fail to acknowledge and submit to this basic truth.02:19-02:27And at its core, dissatisfaction, discontentment, is you not being happy with what God has given to you.02:28-02:34you being dissatisfied with who the Lord is and the life he has entrusted to you.02:36-02:41So many of your problems come from trying to control the uncontrollable.02:42-02:50Guys in the room like me who are under six feet tall, I'm sorry, those exercises, those stretches will not add any inches to your height.02:50-02:52Those height-boosting shoes aren't fooling anybody.02:54-02:56We're just gonna have to enjoy the view from down here.02:58-03:03So many of your frustrations find their root in trying to stop the inevitable.03:05-03:09Ladies, I'm sorry to say it, please don't pelt me with tomatoes and other produce.03:11-03:15You're going to get older, and there is going to be signs of aging.03:16-03:19Okay, good. (laughs) No produce, phew.03:20-03:22It's impossible to avoid.03:23-03:29Instead of resisting this, accept that your meaning is not bound up what you look like on the outside.03:30-03:32What truly matters is what you look like on the inside.03:34-03:39So many of your disappointments come from an unwillingness to accept your limitations.03:40-03:50And I'm sorry to burst your bubble, I'm sorry to ruin all the lessons you learned from Disney movies growing up, but you cannot be whoever you wanna be and do whatever you wanna do.03:52-03:54I see some of you not agreeing with me internally.03:55-05:21I'm sorry, but it's not every boy's future athlete. It's not in every girl's future to be a famous celebrity or singer. There are things that you are good at and you should work on honing those natural talents and abilities. But there are other things that you stink at and no matter how hard you try you'll never rise above mediocrity when it comes to those activities. At this point you may be thinking, "Taylor, this is my favorite sermon so far. Are you saying that I have no control over my life at all? I'm actually not saying that. You do have some control over your life, but you do not have as much control as you would like. You cannot control the life you receive from the Lord, but you can't control what you do with the life you receive from the Lord. You cannot control the calling that you are given from the hand of God, but you can control if you are discontent or content with the calling you have received from the hand of God. Which best describes you in this season of life? Discontent or content? Dissatisfied or satisfied? Unfulfilled or or fulfilled.05:23-05:28I don't think it would take much introspection for some of you to realize that you are not content right now.05:29-05:31That you lack true joy.05:33-05:37That you wake up with a sense of dread that you have to be you.05:38-05:40And that you have to deal with what's in front of you.05:42-05:44You feel like your life is stuck in limbo.05:44-05:47You feel like things will never get better.05:47-05:50feel like things will never improve.05:52-05:55You may be wondering, what should I do if I'm not content?05:56-05:59What should I do if I'm not content?06:01-06:11We're towards the beginning of the Q and A section of 1 Corinthians and that is the exact question that the Apostle Paul answers for us in 1 Corinthians chapter seven, verses 17 through 24.06:12-06:25And just like the Corinthians, you need to be reminded that true contentment is not found in your circumstances, which are always changing, true contentment is found in Jesus Christ, who never changes.06:28-06:30Let's go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His help.06:30-06:37Please pray for me, that I'll faithfully proclaim God's word, and I will pray for you, that you will faithfully receive God's word.06:41-06:49Father, we thank you for yet another opportunity to worship you together, sit under your word together as your people.06:49-06:52Lord, this is a subject that touches every single one of us.06:53-06:58There isn't a single person in this room who isn't struggling with a sense of discontentment on some level.06:59-07:02I pray you'd use your word to comfort us.07:03-07:06You would use your word to challenge us.07:07-07:10You would use your word to point us to Christ.07:11-07:14We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.07:16-07:21The first Corinthians 7 is mainly about marriage and singleness.07:21-07:29Two weeks ago, Pastor Jeff preached on two gifts, the gift of sex and marriage and the gift of contentment and singleness.07:30-07:34And last week, you heard four sermons for the price of one.07:36-07:41If you are single and you want to stay single and remain single.07:42-07:46If you are single and do not want to remain single, get married.07:47-07:50If you are a Christian couple, stay married.07:52-07:56If you are married to an unbeliever while you are a believer, stay in that marriage.07:57-08:01Do not cut and run once you become a Christian.08:01-08:06God may use you to save your unbelieving spouse.08:07-08:11You can only control yourself in that situation.08:12-08:14You can control if you stay.08:14-08:19If that unbelieving spouse chooses to leave you, that is on him or her.08:20-08:22You cannot control what they do.08:22-08:25You can only control what you do.08:26-08:28And this kind of marital situation is hard.08:28-08:29I don't wanna sugarcoat it.08:29-08:32It's not easy or simple on any level.08:32-08:37It's painful, but according to this text, that will be used by God for his purposes.08:38-08:43No matter your relational status, it is not your job to figure out what God is up to.08:44-08:49It's your job to submit to the life that God has given to you.08:50-08:56It's your job to play the cards you've been dealt instead of throwing them down and walking away from the table.08:57-09:02This principle for marriage and singleness applies to every other area of life as well.09:02-09:08your social status, your family, your finances, your career, and the list goes on and on.09:09-09:18In verses 17 through 24, Paul jumps off the main highway of marriage and singleness to explore a much needed detour.09:19-09:23So let's return to our main question for this morning that sums up this detour.09:23-09:26What should I do if I'm not content?09:27-09:30What should I do if I'm not content?09:31-09:35Firstly, I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:36-09:39I should recognize that my calling is a gift.09:44-09:47Let's read chapter seven, verse 17.09:47-09:55The apostle Paul writes, "Only let each person lead the life "the Lord has assigned to him "and to which God has called him.09:56-10:02"This is my rule in all the churches." Do you have house rules in your family?10:04-10:07Do you have expectations that are to be followed?10:08-10:19No Nerf gun bullets to the face, no running with scissors, bedtime is at 8 p.m. sharp, only kind and respectful words will be spoken in this family.10:20-10:27In this verse, the Apostle Paul makes it crystal clear that he has a house rule for the Corinthian church and every other church as well.10:28-10:32He establishes an expectation as for each person in all the churches.10:34-10:36Are you a person in the church?10:37-10:38Then this verse applies to you.10:39-10:43Paul gives no wiggle room, he gives you no excuse, he gives you no hall pass.10:44-10:49If you were a Christian, you were expected to obey what the apostle Paul has to say.10:50-10:51And what does he have to say?10:53-10:55Be faithful where God has placed you.10:56-11:00Be faithful where God has placed you.11:01-11:06Instead of constantly daydreaming about what's next, focus on what's in front of you.11:08-11:10Is that hard for anybody else besides me?11:12-11:16It's so tempting for life to become a series of what's next.11:17-11:20You and I can think, oh man, this current season of life stinks.11:20-11:23I can't wait for the next thing 'cause it's gonna be so much better.11:25-11:28When you're in middle school, what are you looking forward to?11:30-11:35High school, you're excited to get out of those years of early puberty and Axe body spray.11:36-11:37You can't wait.11:39-11:41When you're in high school, what are you anxious for?11:42-11:45Getting out of high school and going to the workforce or college.11:45-11:49Once you're in the workforce or college, what are you looking forward to?11:51-11:53Meeting that special someone?11:56-11:59And then once you meet that special someone, what are you anxious for?12:01-12:02Marriage and children.12:03-12:17And then once you're married and you have kids, or one kid, two kids, three kids, four kids, five kids for even some of you, when you're in the midst of the hardship of parenting, what are you anxious for?12:19-12:20Getting them out of the house.12:21-12:21Thank you, Andrew.12:22-12:23You're very excited to say that.12:25-12:29For your kids to mature, to get older, and to get out of the house, as Andrew Colburn would say.12:30-12:33You're excited for the house to be quiet.12:35-12:37But once the house is quiet, what are you anxious for?12:39-12:45For the loud noises to come back in the form of grandkids, to finally reach that retirement you've been working so hard for.12:45-12:47You don't want to set your alarm anymore.12:48-12:52But then once you're retired, you're thinking, What's next?12:52-12:54What is going to be my final chapter?12:56-12:59So much of my life can be spent on wishing it away.13:00-13:05And so much of your life can be spent on wishing it away.13:06-13:12Instead of being present in the moment, you and I can be fixated, I'm pressing the fast forward button so we can just get on with it already.13:14-13:17Because satisfaction must come when you climb that next ladder.13:18-13:19But then it doesn't.13:20-13:23So you keep climbing and you keep being disappointed.13:24-13:28The grass must be greener once you ascend that next hill, but then it isn't.13:29-13:34You keep walking up and down each hill, hoping for what won't be there.13:36-13:41The next thing has to be more fulfilling than this current season of life.13:42-13:49It won't be, because if you're not content with what you have right now, you will not be content with what you have then.13:51-13:58It's never been more challenging in the history of the world to be fully present than it is in 2026.13:59-14:06You and I have a device in our pockets that are gateways to discontentment and thanklessness.14:08-14:14You're constantly bombarded with videos and images of people's lives that seem better than your own.14:15-14:18"Oh, if only I could have that SUV or that minivan.14:18-14:20If only I could have a house that nice.14:21-14:24If only I could have that remodeled kitchen or bathroom.14:25-14:28If only I could afford that dream vacation.14:29-14:32If only my husband was as handy as that guy on that reel.14:34-14:38If only my wife was as supportive as that woman on that account.14:40-14:43If only my kids were that well behaved.14:44-14:49If only I didn't live in a place that was gray and overcast and snowy for what seems six months of the year.14:50-14:53If only, if only, if only, if only.14:55-14:56If only is a thief of joy.14:57-15:00If only is a recipe for discontentment.15:01-15:07If only obscures the reality that your life and the calling given to you from God are precious gifts.15:10-15:15To be clear, I'm not saying that it's wrong to consider the future, that it's wrong to plan ahead.15:15-15:20It's wise to think over, pray over, and make career moves.15:21-15:26It's a good thing to save for retirement and wanna leave something for your kids and grandkids.15:27-15:30It's not a bad thing to move or want a bigger space for your family.15:31-15:41Godly ambition can be a good thing, but there is a very thin line between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:43-15:46Godly ambition and ungodly discontentment.15:48-15:49What's the difference?15:50-15:52Godly ambition looks like this.15:52-15:55God, thank you for all the good gifts that you've given to me.15:55-16:03Help me to invest my talents, my resources, my efforts into your kingdom for the sake of my family and for the sake of your glory.16:05-16:08Well, ungodly discontentment looks like this.16:09-16:12God, what you've given me is not good enough.16:12-16:14I need more.16:16-16:21Godly ambition is a life of open-handedness to the Lord.16:22-16:27Everything that you have belongs to Him, and everything you do is for His sake.16:28-16:33While ungodly discontentment is a life of pointing the finger of blame at God.16:34-16:39Everything that you have is yours, and everything you do is for your sake.16:39-16:40Do you see the difference?16:42-16:52In this verse, Paul is telling you enough of ungodly discontentment, enough of bitterness and resentment, enough of being thankless.16:52-16:55Stop being faithless and start being faithful.16:56-17:01No matter your circumstance, no matter your station in life, you can honor Christ.17:03-17:06What life has the Lord assigned to you?17:08-17:12What calling has God given you in this season of life?17:13-17:19Are you a teenager or a college student who's tired of taking tests, writing papers, and sitting in a classroom?17:21-17:24Recognize that your calling as a student is a gift from God.17:26-17:33Give your studies 100% of your effort because you are not working for your parents, you're not working for your teachers or your professors.17:33-17:34Who are you working for?17:36-17:37You are working for Christ.17:38-17:40You're working for the Lord himself.17:42-17:45Are you a mom whose life feels like Groundhog's Day?17:46-17:52Every single day feels the exact same, it's just the same thing over and over and over again.17:54-17:58Recognize that your calling as a mother is a gift from God.17:59-18:05Be faithful and pour into your children, point them to Jesus Christ every single chance that you get.18:05-18:13you'll never be able to press the rewind button and see your kids at the age they are now, even though you'll desperately want to.18:14-18:17Be faithful with this opportunity that God has given to you.18:19-18:21Are you in a job that you hate?18:23-18:27Are you in a job that is thankless and unfulfilling?18:28-18:34Recognize that that calling is a gift from God, even when it seems like a curse.18:35-18:37Don't be lazy, don't just skate by.18:38-18:45Outwork every single person at work, at the office, until that next opportunity arises.18:46-18:51Share the gospel, be faithful in showing your coworkers who Jesus Christ is.18:52-19:02I wish I had the time and ability to address all of your specific circumstances, but I don't really need to, because this principle from Paul applies to every single one of you.19:03-19:09Whatever you do and wherever you are, recognize your calling is a gift from God.19:10-19:13Be content, be thankful, be faithful.19:15-19:21Because Paul says elsewhere, godliness with contentment is great gain.19:23-19:30Discontentment always leads to loss, while contentment always leads to gain.19:32-19:33What should I do if I'm not content?19:34-19:37Secondly, I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:38-19:40I should resolve to obey no matter what.19:46-19:54After Paul commands the Corinthians to be faithful and content, he provides a real life example of what it looks like to be faithful and content.19:55-19:56Let's read verse 18.19:57-20:00Was anyone at the time of his call circumcised?20:00-20:03Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision.20:03-20:06Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised?20:07-20:09Let him not seek circumcision.20:10-20:11I know what you're thinking.20:12-20:15Oh dear, this is not the direction I expected this passage to take.20:15-20:17How is Pastor Taylor gonna apply this to my life?20:18-20:19How is he gonna explain this?20:19-20:25Well, I'm gonna take a page out of Pastor Jeff's book and not be explicit, but be straightforward.20:26-20:30In Paul's day, circumcision was not a medical issue.20:31-20:34It was a societal and religious issue.20:35-20:40Under the old covenant, the Israelites were commanded to circumcise their baby boys on the eighth day.20:41-20:51And circumcision was an outward sign that these boys were to be set apart for God and different than the pagan nations surrounding them.20:52-20:54And this outward sign is no longer needed.20:54-21:01this side of the cross and the empty tomb and the new covenant, we are not expected or commanded to carry out circumcision.21:03-21:12In this verse, Paul is addressing two sets of men in Corinth, those who are already circumcised and those who are not circumcised.21:13-21:16He has a very similar message for both groups.21:16-21:22If you're circumcised, don't try to remove the marks of your circumcision to blend in with the Gentiles.21:24-21:28I have no desire to get into the details of what that exactly means.21:28-21:38Let me just say that 2,000 years ago, Jewish Christian men had the option to have a surgery to undo what was done to them as infants.21:39-21:42And you may be thinking, why in the world would they wanna do that?21:42-21:43That sounds horrible.21:44-21:47We have to remember that Corinth was a Roman city.21:48-21:52It was filled with anti-Semitism, with hatred of Jews.21:52-21:57So Christian men would be tempted to make this change to blend in.21:58-22:08To use a modern day example, this would be like moving to Cleveland and to add insult to injury, you trade in all of your Steeler stuff for Cleveland Browns memorabilia.22:10-22:11Why do you do that?22:12-22:13'Cause you don't wanna be ridiculed.22:13-22:14You don't wanna be made fun of.22:14-22:17You wanna blend in in this new place that you live.22:18-22:21You make an external change to please other people.22:22-22:27And that was the temptation for Jewish Christians in Corinth.22:28-22:34On the other hand, Paul calls those who were uncircumcised to not seek circumcision because that would be pointless.22:35-22:42Back then there was a group called the Judaizers who believed that you had to be circumcised as a man to be saved.22:42-22:46But that totally goes against the message of Paul and the other apostles.22:47-22:52Paul is saying in this verse, if you were a Jewish Christian, Don't try to be like a Gentile Christian.22:53-22:56If you're a Gentile Christian, don't try to be Jewish.22:56-22:59That's a waste of time because you're both on equal footing.22:59-23:01You're both one in Christ.23:04-23:06And Paul explains this in even more detail in verse 19.23:07-23:21He says, "For neither circumcision counts for anything "nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God." that you're faithful.23:22-23:26An uncircumcision does not prove that you're unfaithful.23:27-23:32What matters, according to this text, heartfelt obedience to the Lord's commands.23:34-23:38God isn't after external religious rituals that cannot change you.23:38-23:42He is after an inward change that leads to an outward change.23:42-23:47God doesn't want you just to look the part and pretend that you have true faith.23:47-23:50He wants you to act the part and live out your faith.23:51-23:58And the test of true faith is that you are willing to obey God no matter what.23:58-24:09You are willing to obey Him even when life is hard, even when life isn't going the way you want it to, even when the world is telling you to do the exact opposite.24:10-24:16The Roman world pressured Jewish Christians to blend in while God commanded them to stand out.24:17-24:45The Judaizers pressured Gentile Christians to follow the ceremonial law that they could blend in with them while God called them to a deeper level of obedience and submission. Who should the Jewish Christians obey? The Romans and Corinth or God? God. Who should the Gentile Christians obey? The Judaizers or God?24:46-24:47You guys can do a lot better.24:47-24:49I'm giving you one more chance for this third one.24:50-24:54Who should you obey, this sinful culture or God?24:55-24:56Much better.24:58-24:59Here's the thing.24:59-25:04It's so challenging to obey God and his word when you are discontent.25:06-25:06Why is that?25:08-25:14When you are discontent, you can believe that God isn't holding up his end of the bargain, so why should you?25:16-25:20You can view your relationship with God as an exchange of goods and services.25:21-25:33God gives you material wealth, he gives you good health, he gives you easy weeks with the least amount of road bumps possible, and in exchange, you obey him with joy in your heart and a smile on your face.25:36-25:54But when your health takes a bad turn, when you get a pay decrease, when you receive a pink slip, when you experience the hardest week of your life, you feel betrayed by the Lord, and you no longer wanna give Him what He has owed.25:55-26:02You feel like Charlie Brown, when he went to kick the football at the last minute, it's pulled away by Lucy, and he has a somersault into his back.26:02-26:08You just feel totally dejected, totally betrayed.26:11-26:13You just want to take your ball and go home.26:16-26:23But friends, it is in those moments when you come face to face with the real motivation for your obedience to the Lord.26:24-26:28Do you obey Him because of who He is?26:30-26:32Or do you obey Him for what you can get from Him?26:33-26:37Do you listen to Him because you desire to twist His arm into giving you what you want?26:38-26:43Or do you listen to Him no matter what.26:45-26:48Do you follow his instructions because you love him?26:50-26:52Or do you follow his instructions to use him?26:55-26:57The Lord sees right through your exterior.26:58-27:03He sees right through the polished outside you can have, and he sees your motivations.27:06-27:08Like the Corinthians, you can focus on the wrong thing.27:10-27:18You can focus on the outside instead of the heart, instead of the obedience that God is calling you to.27:19-27:26You can come to church, you can participate in small group but still live in blatant disobedience behind closed doors.27:27-27:29You can say the right things but not do the right things.27:30-27:32You can talk the talk but not walk the walk.27:33-27:34Is that you today?27:36-27:37Am I describing you at all?27:38-27:40If I am, it's time to stop faking.27:41-27:42It's time to own up to your sin.27:42-27:49It's time to come to grips with your discontentment and your warped rationale for obeying or disobeying the Lord.27:50-27:55It's time to keep God's commandments no matter what, no matter what life throws your way.27:57-27:58This isn't my opinion.27:58-28:00This is God's authoritative word.28:01-28:05Listen to what Jesus says about this in John 14, 23 through 24.28:06-28:10He says, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.28:11-28:17Whoever does not love me does not keep my word." Could it be any clearer than that?28:21-28:37The apostle John ups the ante in 1 John 5, 3, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome." Your love for God is not proven by checking all the Christian boxes.28:38-28:43Your love for God is not proven by having all the correct theological answers.28:44-28:47Your love for God is not proven by your feelings.28:48-28:51Your love for God is proven by your obedience.28:53-28:54It's an objective test.28:55-28:59And obedience, no matter what, is hard, but it's rewarding.29:00-29:08Obedience no matter what will take everything that you have, but it will give you more than you could possibly imagine.29:10-29:13Obedience no matter what is costly, but it's not impossible.29:16-29:18What should I do if I'm not content?29:19-29:22Number three, I should remember who I am in Christ.29:22-29:26I should remember who I am in Christ.29:30-29:35So, Paul gives another practical example of faithfulness and contentment in action.29:36-29:44He moves on from a controversial and uncomfortable topic to an even more controversial and uncomfortable topic, slavery.29:45-29:47Let's read verses 20 through 21.29:48-29:50Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.29:51-29:52Were you a bond servant when called?29:53-29:54Don't be concerned about it.29:55-29:59But if you gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.30:00-30:11I could spend half this sermon talking to you about how slavery 2,000 years ago looked a lot different than it did in America, and how it looks across the world today.30:11-30:27I could deliver a long and boring lecture about indentured servitude, which is the truth that in the first century, many people willingly sold themselves into slavery to pay off debts, to manage households, to have a successful business.30:30-30:37I can tell you that 50% of the Roman Empire were slaves, and most of the time manual labor was not a part of the deal.30:38-30:44I keep going and going and going, but I'm not going to preach my homework because it doesn't affect the meaning of this text.30:44-30:51Paul is in no way trying to celebrate or endorse slavery in this passage or anywhere else in his letters at all.30:52-30:55Paul is not a fan of slavery on any level.30:56-30:57Is that clear to everyone?30:58-30:58Okay, good.30:59-31:04In fact, Paul even says, if you have an opportunity to gain your freedom, take it.31:05-31:06Grab a hold of it.31:06-31:07Enjoy your freedom.31:09-31:17But he also offers a very blunt reality to those Corinthian Christians who are slaves but will not receive their freedom anytime soon.31:18-31:20He says, don't worry about it.31:22-31:23Don't be concerned about it.31:24-31:25Remain where you are.31:27-31:29How could Paul say something like that?31:29-31:31It sounds so cold and unfeeling.31:34-31:34Well, not really.31:36-31:41Paul was never willing to call people to something that he wasn't willing to do himself.31:43-31:48Sure, Paul wasn't a slave, but he was a prisoner for a decent chunk of his life.31:48-31:51Did Paul resist that God-given assignment?31:52-31:56Did he waste his time complaining and hatching elaborate escape plans?31:57-32:02No, he remained in the position that God called him to with humility and contentment.32:04-32:04I'll prove it to you.32:04-32:11Listen to Philippians 4, 11 through 13, the most out of context taken passage in the history of the Bible.32:12-32:13And most people totally do not understand.32:14-32:17Paul wrote this while he was a prisoner.32:17-32:22I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.32:23-32:28I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound in any and every circumstance.32:28-32:33I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.32:34-32:35What's the secret, Paul?32:36-32:40I can do all things through him who strengthens me.32:41-32:44I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.32:46-32:48Paul practiced what he preached.32:48-32:50He led by example.32:50-32:57He learned through experience that Jesus was all he needed because there were many times when Jesus was all that he had.33:01-33:04If that doesn't convince you, check out Paul's rationale for remaining as a slave.33:04-33:11In verses 22 through 23, he says, "For he who was called to the Lord as a bondservant is a freed man of the Lord.33:12-33:47Likewise, he who was free when called a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price. Do not become bondservants of men. So what's Paul's rationale here for remaining as a slave? If you are a Christian slave, remember that you are free in Christ. Because of Christ's death on the cross, this victorious resurrection, you have been forgiven, you have been redeemed, you have been ransomed from the slave market of sin, you've been set free from the power and penalty of sin.33:47-33:52Your sinful debt has been paid in full and you owe nothing.33:56-34:06And if you're a Christian who is not enslaved to an earthly master, don't look down on your Christian brother or sister who is enslaved to an earthly master.34:07-34:13Because even though you may not have a earthly master in this life, you have a heavenly master that you are enslaved to.34:13-34:16You are enslaved to Jesus Christ.34:17-34:21Your life is to be in service of him and what he has called you to do.34:21-34:24So don't be high and mighty because you are a slave.34:27-34:30He says to both groups, you were bought with a price.34:31-34:34You were bought with the precious blood of Jesus.34:36-34:40You have immense value because God says that you do.34:41-34:47God would not spend the most valuable resource in existence on that which is worthless in his eyes.34:49-34:51Again, you have worth because God says that you do.34:53-34:58In light of this, Paul commands the Corinthians to not become bondservants of men.34:59-34:59What does that mean?35:00-35:05Don't become enshackled to the thoughts and opinions of others.35:05-35:10How other people view you has no bearing on how God views you.35:10-35:17Your man-given identity in the world does not affect your God-given identity in Christ.35:17-35:24The opinion of others matters very little in comparison to the authoritative opinion of the creator of the universe.35:27-35:30Maybe you feel down about yourself right now.35:31-35:35You feel like your contribution to this church is negligible.35:36-35:40You're envious of those who seem to have a lot of talents 'cause you don't think you're good at anything.35:42-35:46You're envious of those who have a lot of confidence because you have no confidence.35:48-35:50You're embarrassed to tell people what you do for a living.35:51-35:54You're even embarrassed to invite people over to your small house.35:56-35:58Or maybe you're on the other side of the spectrum.35:59-36:00You have a very high view of yourself.36:01-36:04You feed on the praise and affirmation of others.36:04-36:06You're buying into your own press.36:08-36:12Do you know who can both lift you up and bring you back down to earth at the same time?36:14-36:14Dogs.36:17-36:18Some of you were surprised by that.36:18-36:20Brian thought something different I was gonna say.36:21-36:23If you have a dog, you know exactly what I mean.36:24-36:27My dog Murdoch has no regard for my appearance.36:28-36:31He couldn't care less if I'm skinny or overweight.36:32-36:34He couldn't care less if I'm up 20 pounds or down 30 pounds.36:36-36:39Murdoch has no regard for the money in my account.36:41-36:46If I were to list my many successes to him, he wouldn't be impressed at all.36:47-36:52If I were to list my many, many, many more failures, he wouldn't judge me or look down on me.36:54-36:59Whether this sermon tanks or succeeds, Murdoch will treat me the same exact way when I get home.37:00-37:06He'll run up to me with that goofy grin on his face, with his tail wagging and pawing at me for attention.37:07-37:09Murdoch's love for me has not changed from day to day.37:10-37:12His love is firm and fixed.37:13-37:16Murdoch shows no partiality or preferential treatment.37:18-37:22Do you know who else doesn't show partiality or preferential treatment?37:23-37:23The Lord.37:24-37:27God does not play favorites with his children.37:28-37:34He loves low-status Christians just as much as believers who are viewed as successful and accomplished.37:34-37:39He cherishes women who cannot have biological children just as much as women who can.37:41-37:49God's view of you does not depend upon your status and popularity, God's view of you depends upon His Son and what He has done for you.37:52-37:57If you don't feel content right now, stop looking at your circumstances.37:57-38:05Start looking at the cross of Christ where God's love for you was displayed in the most graphic and conclusive way possible.38:08-38:11Stop thinking about who you are in the eyes of the world.38:11-38:13Think about who you are in the eyes of God.38:14-38:25Consider who you are in Christ, loved, cherished, adopted, free from the power of sin forever and bound to Jesus Christ forever.38:28-38:29What should I do if I'm not content?38:30-38:34Finally, I should rejoice that God is with me.38:35-38:37I should rejoice that God is with me.38:42-38:47Paul makes one final appeal, to be faithful where God has placed you.38:47-38:48Let's read verse 24.38:50-38:58So brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there, let him remain with God.39:00-39:03What's the motivation for remaining where you are?39:03-39:07What's the motivation for being faithful where God has placed you?39:08-39:12That same God is with you wherever you go.39:12-39:16No matter what job you have, God is with you.39:16-39:19No matter your financial struggles, God is with you.39:20-39:24No matter your relational status, God is with you there.39:25-39:28And he will never leave you or forsake you.39:30-39:33Have you ever had to go on a walk with a fast walker?39:34-39:37Or go on a hike with someone that you cannot keep up with?39:37-39:46No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you lengthen your stride, there is always way ahead of you and you are lagging so far behind.39:49-39:52So often that's how we feel when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.39:53-39:57Like he's an infinite amount of steps in front of us and we'll never be able to catch up.39:57-39:58It just feels hopeless.39:59-40:00He's always gonna feel so distant.40:00-40:03He's always gonna feel so far away.40:05-40:06Is that actually true?40:08-40:11God is in step with you the entire time.40:11-40:19He is right there with you, comforting you, encouraging you, calling you to keep it up instead of giving up.40:20-40:22Do you feel discontent?40:24-40:26Do you feel alone?40:27-40:29Do you feel like no one cares about you?40:29-40:31No one sees the struggles that you're going through?40:33-40:38It's my hope this morning that you will believe in God's nearness like never before.40:39-40:45It is my prayer that you will believe in God's presence even when he feels far away.40:48-40:53You may be discontent this morning because the content of your life is so shallow.40:54-41:00You are discontent because you do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.41:01-41:09You are trusting in the provision of this world, which never satisfies, instead the provision of Christ, which eternally satisfies.41:10-41:22You will never experience true and lasting fulfillment until you turn from your sin and and you turn to Jesus Christ, who will satisfy you both now and forever.41:24-41:29He won't give you all that you want, but he will give you all that you need.41:31-41:35On the other hand, you may know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but you're still discontent.41:37-41:38And why is that?41:40-41:44Because you were expecting what God never promised in the first place.41:45-41:55You're forgetting that Jesus Christ didn't come to this earth to suffer, die, and rise again to give you more of the stuff of this world that will just be taken away from you when you die.41:56-42:07Jesus Christ came and did all those things to give you that which can never be taken away from you, to give you that which will be even more satisfying and enjoyable when you stand in his presence.42:09-42:20Until that day, be faithful, no matter your location, no matter your calling, no matter your limitations, live the life that God has assigned to you.42:20-42:26Enjoy every single moment he gives you as a precious gift.42:27-42:33God didn't save you from your sins so you could lead a successful life in the eyes of the world.42:34-42:42God saved you so that you would faithfully do what he's called you to do in every single season of life.42:43-42:44Let's pray.42:47-43:00Father, we come to you as your people and we admit that we can be discontent, that we grumble, we complain both internally and externally, we grumble in our minds and we grumble with our mouths.43:01-43:12Lord, help us to remember how truly blessed we are in Christ that we have been forgiven, we have been redeemed, we have been adopted into your family and we are bound for heaven.43:13-43:19And when life is hard, help us to remember that it's through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of heaven.43:19-43:22It shouldn't be a surprising thing that we go through fiery trials.43:24-43:27Lord, it should be a constant reminder of how much we need you.43:29-43:32It should be a constant reminder that we can't live this life on our own.43:34-43:37I'll lift up those who do not know you this morning.43:38-43:44May they not be able to leave this room until they place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.43:45-43:53And for those of us who do know and love you, but are struggling with discontentment, Father, help us not to leave this room until we talk to someone else about this.43:54-43:57Until we ask someone else for prayer, we ask someone else for encouragement.43:57-44:05Help us to be the body of Christ this morning, not just individuals coming and then leaving, but a family who is here for one another.44:06-44:09We ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 7:17-24What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is the difference between godly ambition and ungodly discontentment?What are you the most discontent with right now? How can you take steps to address this dissatisfaction in your heart?What is your calling and assignment from the Lord in this season of life? How can you be faithful where He has placed you?BreakoutPray for one another.

Romans 8 exposes the stark reality that there is no neutral ground between humanity and God: the fleshly mind is hostile to Him because it refuses His law, and a life set on the world ends in death. Those who remain “in the flesh” are not merely unwilling but unable to please God—religious effort, morality, and good intentions cannot change that verdict. Hope breaks in with the gospel “but”: believers are no longer in the flesh if the Spirit of God dwells in them, because the Spirit regenerates, indwells, seals, and guarantees future redemption—even the resurrection of the body. This indwelling is the ground of real assurance, guarding against false confidence built on bad doctrine or self-deceived professions, and producing a life that is no longer ruled by sin. Finally, Paul frames the Christian identity as adopted sonship: led by the Spirit, freed from bondage and fear, we cry “Abba, Father,” not because of our works, but because God has united us to His Son and brought us into His family.

Understandthis clearly: Satan did not quote God's Word completely. And he did not quoteit correctly or in its proper context. My friend, Satan is not afraid when youquote Scripture—especially if you do not understand it. He is not intimidatedwhen you use verses out of context, perhaps just to make yourself feel betterabout what you are doing. Overthe years, as a pastor, I have seen many people do exactly that when they wereconfronted with some sin in their life. They would say, “It must be okay,because the Bible says….” I'll never forget in my early days as a pastor I wasasked to meet with a family late one night and talk to the wife who wascommitting adultery. When we lovingly confronted her, she actually said, “Godsaid in the Bible that you're supposed to love everybody. I love my husband,and I love this other person too.” Wow! You almost can't imagine how cansomeone quote Scripture out of context like that and come up with such aconclusion? But it literally happened. That is why we must learn to use theWord of God carefully, rightly, and accurately. Thatis also why Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show yourselfapproved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” That is veryimportant. Again, Paul says in Ephesians 6:17, “the sword of the Spirit, whichis the Word of God.” Make sure you rightly know it and correctly apply it! Thereis something else very powerful in this verse. When Paul speaks of “the swordof the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” he is referring to a specific wordfor a specific battle. This is an important point to understand.InEphesians 6:17, Paul does not use the Greek word logos, which oftenrefers to the Word of God in general. Instead, he uses the word rhema,which refers to a specific saying, a particular word spoken for a particularsituation. Why is that important? Because when Satan attacks you, you do notjust need general Bible knowledge. You need specific truth for specific lies. Forexample, when Satan says, “God doesn't love you,” you can answer with Romans5:8: “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yetsinners, Christ died for us.” Or you might answer with 1 John 4:9–10: “Inthis the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His onlybegotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love,not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be thepropitiation for our sins.” Quote that Scripture back when the devil saysGod does not love you. WhenSatan says, “You've gone too far,” answer with 1 John 1:9: “If we confessour sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us fromall unrighteousness.” When Satan says, “You're not really saved,” answerwith John 10:28, where Jesus said, “I give unto them eternal life, and theyshall never perish.”Yoursalvation is not based on what you do. It is based on what Jesus has alreadydone for you. Onepassage that I memorized as a brand-new Christian, when Satan attacked me withthat very lie, was Romans 8:35–39. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Who shallseparate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, orpersecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for theslaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him wholoved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels norprincipalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor heightnor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from thelove of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Myfriend, make sure you use a specific Word to answer a specific attack ofSatan. When you do, you are taking up the sword of the Spirit exactly as Godintended—and He will protect you in that moment.

It's Thursday, February 19th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark British preacher challenges buffer zones around abortion mills A preacher in Britain is challenging the country's abortion buffer zones which effectively censor the Bible. Officials arrested, charged, and convicted Stephen Green for holding a sign with a Bible verse near an abortion mill in 2023. The verse was Psalm 139:13 which says, “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb.” Green stated, “As a Christian, I should be able to preach freely all over the land. Psalm 139 is about how we all belong to God from conception. Buffer zones and this conviction [are] a direct attack on the Bible and free speech.” Elon Musk endorsed new conservative political party in England Billionaire Elon Musk endorsed a new conservative political party in Britain last week. On Friday, Member of Parliament Rupert Lowe launched the Restore Britain Party. Musk shared the launch video on X which has received nearly 40 million views.  The party is devoted to ending mass immigration and the creeping Islamification of Britain. Rupert Lowe also stated the party will openly recognize the country's Christian heritage.  Listen. LOWE: “Restore Britain will openly recognize the Christian heritage that shaped this country's moral and civic foundation. (applause) Duty, restraint, forgiveness and, most importantly, fairness. These values created a high trust society. “Restore Britain will end the creeping Islamification of Britain. (applause)  Unfettered immigration from Islamic countries will end. (applause) Britain is a Christian country, and under Restore Britain government, it will remain a Christian country.” (applause) Church of England votes against blessing homosexual couples Last week, the Church of England  voted against proposals to allow blessing services for homosexual couples. The General Synod did not shut the door on the issue though, voting to investigate it in the future.  The move keeps the church from performing marriage services and blessing services for people living in unnatural relations. However, the Church of England's rules already allow blessing prayers within regular Sunday services for such couples.  Proverbs 25:26 says, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” Franklin Graham preached in world's southernmost city Evangelist Franklin Graham  preached in Ushuaia, Argentina. It's known as the southernmost city in the world. Listen. GRAHAM: “What makes Ushuaia so special are the people. We love the people. If you can't remember anything else tonight, remember this: God loves you. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our sins. We deserve death. We're guilty of sin. “Bartimaeus had no hope. There are many of you here tonight. You have no hope. Now, Bartimaeus cried at the right time. Jesus was passing by. The Bible says that ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but he should have everlasting life.' “Will you invite Christ into your heart? Will you trust Him? Come. Come to Jesus.” Hundreds of people turned to Christ through the evangelistic outreach event. Graham wrote on X, “We give God the glory for each one who responded to the invitation to repent of their sins and put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.” Eighty-two percent of South Americans identify as Roman Catholic, but evangelicalism has been growing in recent decades.    Graham also plans to visit Peru next month. 21 states challenge mail-order abortion kill pills In the United States, 21 states and 60 members of Congress are challenging mail-order abortion drugs. Louisiana initiated the case, challenging a Biden-era rule from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The rule removed the in-person dispensing requirement for the abortion drug mifepristone.  Erik Baptist with Alliance Defending Freedom stated, “The Biden FDA's unlawful authorization of mail-order abortion drugs was meant to be a loophole around states that choose to protect life.” 41-year-old mother Olympic bobsledder wins gold (audio Olympic theme song) American Olympic bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor  won her first gold medal on Monday. The 41-year-old mother triumphed in the women's monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.  She is now the oldest gold medalist in an individual Olympic event. After the victory, she said this on Instagram: “The moment we prayed for. Glory to God.” Norway has won the most gold medals Nearly 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics.  So far, Norway has won the most gold medals and the most medals overall. In the medal count, Norway is followed by Italy and the U.S. A podium finish can mean big prize money for athletes. A gold medalist from the U.S. can win $38,000. Athletes from Singapore can make the most for winning an individual event at $792,000.   Christian missionaries sharing Christ & Bibles in Olympic crowds And finally, Evangelicals are sharing the Gospel at the Winter Olympic Games this year. Hundreds of Southern Baptists alongside International Mission Board missionaries are joining the crowds to share Christ and distribute Bibles. Karen Herfurth is in Italy with a group from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama. She said, “This is a chance for Southern Baptists to reach more people and impact more lives! We may never know the difference this makes until we are in Heaven.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, February 19th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Thursday, 19 February 2026   While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5   “Yet he speaking, you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them. And you behold! Voice – from the cloud, saying, ‘This, He is My Son, the Beloved in whom I approved! You hear – Him!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter said to Jesus that it was good for them to be there and that he and the others would build tabernacles for Him, Moses, and Elijah. Matthew next records, “Yet he speaking.”   Peter was in the process of what was essentially an idol-fest. He was star-struck with the audience gathered with Jesus. However, his thoughts were misdirected and unsuited for the situation. Remember what he himself had proclaimed just a short while before –   “You, You are the Christ, the Son of God, the living.” Matthew 16:16   Therefore, his words were cut off as he spoke, and “you behold! Cloud – lustrous, it overshadowed them.”   Two new words are seen here. The first is nephelé, cloudiness, or concretely, a cloud. It is from nephos, a cloud. The second new word is the verb episkiazó, to overshadow. It is from epi, upon or over, and skia, a shadow.   Saying that this cloud was lustrous may be because of the brilliant light radiating from Jesus, like when one is in fog and shines a light. The light is gathered into all of the fog particles, and the entire area turns lustrous.   If a cloud overshadowed them, even a regular cloud, this would be the result. This appears to be what is conveyed in the thought because of what continues to transpire. Next, it says, “And you behold!”   The excitement rushing from Matthew's pen is palpable as he introduces a second thought in a row this way. The inspired word of the Lord is asking us to really pay heed to what is being conveyed. First, the group was overshadowed, blocking out Moses and Elijah. Understanding this, it continues with, “Voice – from the cloud.”   Within the cloud itself is a voice. Like the burning bush on Mount Horeb, there was a physical demonstration of the presence, and yet, there is a concealing of the Source of the voice at the same time. Thus, the One speaking can only be understood by what He states, not by actually seeing Him. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘This, He is My Son.'”   The voice, being derived from eternity itself, calls out who He is, God the Father. As He is in the eternal state, the words were prepared from before the creation of a single atom to occur at this moment. Having indicated who Jesus is in relation to Him, He continues with, “the Beloved in whom I approved!”   The words are repeated from Matthew 3:17 when Jesus was baptized –   “This, He is, My Son – the Beloved in whom I approved!”   God had ordained Jesus to initiate His ministry. He was pleased with Him at that time. Now, after Jesus has told His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, and be killed, meaning His ministry was on its downward trajectory, the Father affirms His relationship with Him. Because of His pleasure in His Son, He next calls out, “You hear – Him!”   The point that the Father was making was that they were no longer to look to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) for their spiritual guidance. They were to listen to Jesus, the Fulfiller of everything spoken of in the Law and Prophets. It is an admonition from God that has not changed since then –    “Eyeballing unto the ‘the faith Pioneer and Perfecter,' Jesus” Hebrews 12:2 (CG).   This is the directive from God for all people, meaning to focus on Jesus. Nothing else will do. All else will lead to a sad end.   Life application: Although there are innumerable doctrines set forth in Scripture, the main point of doctrine for one's life conduct in the presence of God is understanding the matter of law versus grace and being obedient to the latter.   The Bible's first recorded words of God speaking to man are words of grace versus law. From that point on, because Adam disobeyed the law he was given, the violation of that law has been the source of every problem that mankind has ever faced. Adam failed to understand that he had been given grace. In Genesis 2:17, it said –   “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.”   Adam was given everything, though he had done nothing to earn it. God lavished upon the man His goodness in a variety of tastes, textures, and physical sensations as he experienced each new fruit. At the same time, and in the same sentence, the Lord gave Adam law –   “...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.”   This set forth a choice that has been set forth again for the people of the world. Will we choose to trust God and accept His grace, or will we ignore that, choose law, and perish apart from the grace? It is what Paul calls “a different gospel, which is not another” in Galatians 1.   God, in His words concerning Jesus, is setting forth that choice by telling the disciples, and thus us, because the words are recorded in Scripture, that we are to focus on the grace. That grace could only come through the crucifixion of Christ. When we return to the law, we crucify again for ourselves the Son of God. In this, we put Him to open shame. May we never presume to have such an attitude.   Lord God, thank You for the grace that is poured out on us through the giving of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.  

LESSON 49God's Voice Speaks To Me All Through The Day.It is quite possible to listen to God's Voice all through the day without interrupting your regular activities in any way. The part of your mind in which truth abides is in constant communication with God, whether you are aware of it or not. It is the other part of your mind that functions in the world and obeys the world's laws. It is this part that is constantly distracted, disorganized and highly uncertain.The part that is listening to the Voice for God is calm, always at rest and wholly certain. It is really the only part there is. The other part is a wild illusion, frantic and distraught, but without reality of any kind. Try today not to listen to it. Try to identify with the part of your mind where stillness and peace reign forever. Try to hear God's Voice call to you lovingly, reminding you that your Creator has not forgotten His Son.We will need at least four five-minute practice periods today, and more if possible. We will try actually to hear God's Voice reminding you of Him and of your Self. We will approach this happiest and holiest of thoughts with confidence, knowing that in doing so we are joining our will with the Will of God. He wants you to hear His Voice. He gave It to you to be heard.Listen in deep silence. Be very still and open your mind. Go past all the raucous shrieks and sick imaginings that cover your real thoughts and obscure your eternal link with God. Sink deep into the peace that waits for you beyond the frantic, riotous thoughts and sights and sounds of this insane world. You do not live here. We are trying to reach your real home. We are trying to reach the place where you are truly welcome. We are trying to reach God.Do not forget to repeat today's idea very frequently. Do so with your eyes open when necessary, but closed when possible. And be sure to sit quietly and repeat the idea for today whenever you can, closing your eyes on the world, and realizing that you are inviting God's Voice to speak to you.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

LESSON 49God's Voice Speaks To Me All Through The Day.It is quite possible to listen to God's Voice all through the day without interrupting your regular activities in any way. The part of your mind in which truth abides is in constant communication with God, whether you are aware of it or not. It is the other part of your mind that functions in the world and obeys the world's laws. It is this part that is constantly distracted, disorganized and highly uncertain.The part that is listening to the Voice for God is calm, always at rest and wholly certain. It is really the only part there is. The other part is a wild illusion, frantic and distraught, but without reality of any kind. Try today not to listen to it. Try to identify with the part of your mind where stillness and peace reign forever. Try to hear God's Voice call to you lovingly, reminding you that your Creator has not forgotten His Son.We will need at least four five-minute practice periods today, and more if possible. We will try actually to hear God's Voice reminding you of Him and of your Self. We will approach this happiest and holiest of thoughts with confidence, knowing that in doing so we are joining our will with the Will of God. He wants you to hear His Voice. He gave It to you to be heard.Listen in deep silence. Be very still and open your mind. Go past all the raucous shrieks and sick imaginings that cover your real thoughts and obscure your eternal link with God. Sink deep into the peace that waits for you beyond the frantic, riotous thoughts and sights and sounds of this insane world. You do not live here. We are trying to reach your real home. We are trying to reach the place where you are truly welcome. We are trying to reach God.Do not forget to repeat today's idea very frequently. Do so with your eyes open when necessary, but closed when possible. And be sure to sit quietly and repeat the idea for today whenever you can, closing your eyes on the world, and realizing that you are inviting God's Voice to speak to you.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Luke 1:17 and Ephesians 2:2 both use the same word Disobedience. It is not a good word. It describes people who refuse to turn towards God, His Word, His Son. Please make sure and examine your heart to make sure this is not reflected by you towards God or people who represent Him.

First, God the Father had this little book. Then He gave it to His Son, Jesus Christ, who alone could open it. And then He gave it to an angel, who gave it to John who was supposed to eat it. Discover what's behind this curious book as we come to the end of the Great Tribulation.

Why do you exist? Why did God save you? Why did God save you from your sin? Why are you a part of the faith family at First Baptist Church? Why are you here? In our message today, the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5 that we have been reconciled to reconcile. We have a purpose in this life, and it is to proclaim the life-transforming gospel of the Lord Jesus from our neighborhoods to the nations. We are God's Plan A to take the good news that God wants to reconcile people to Himself through His Son.   No matter who you are or what you've done, God has a plan for your life. And that plan is to know Him, and ultimately to make Him known. Join with us today as we see that we are reconciled to reconcile.    ---    Have you ever felt powerless? I have, and it's a horrible feeling. I'm used to being able typically to figure out the challenges that come my way. Sometimes, though, nothing seems to work. As we walk together through 2 Corinthians, we're going to see what true power really looks like. We're going to see in various ways that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, and we're going to see why Paul would say “when I am weak, then I am strong.”    Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49563122 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

In this final message based on Frank Viola's "Hang On, Let Go: What to Do When Your Dreams Are Shattered and Life Is Falling Apart" (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Momentum, 2021) Pastor Dan reminds us the crisis you're walking through isn't meant to destroy you—it's meant to transform you. God isn't trying to get you back to "normal." Normal is what got you here. He's the Architect of your crisis, and He's been working toward an "End Result" all along: making Jesus first in every area of your life. Romans 8:28-30 isn't just a comfort verse—it's your roadmap. The "good" God is working toward isn't a better job or easier circumstances. It's conforming you to the image of His Son. Version 1.0 of you relied on self-control and panic. Version 2.0 reflects the character and peace of Jesus. You can't move forward while clutching the past. Philippians 3:13-14 calls us to forget what lies behind and strain toward what's ahead. The prize isn't a problem-free life—it's Christ in you, the hope of glory. This week, ask yourself: "If Jesus is truly first in this situation, what's my very next move?"  

When Jesus Asked You: “Whom do you say that I am?”, Did You Answer Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”?  MESSAGE SUMMARY: The stories of the New Testament tell us that Jesus was no ordinary man. The Apostle John, in John 1:1-5, points out that Jesus, the Word, was the Creator of the Universe: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.". John tells us that Jesus had authority over nature, over creation, and over life itself, and he tells us that Jesus was the life-giver that came to earth for us. In John 20:26-29, Jesus asked the Apostle Thomas a fundamental question that Jesus asks you today– “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me?'”: “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”. When Jesus has asked you: “Whom do you say that I am?”, and how did you answer? Did you tell Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”? Have you, in your life, become a Jesus Follower? If not, why not?   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): John 1:1-18; Isaiah 7:2-14; Matthew 1:21-24; Psalms 67:1-7. 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 Part 4 – One God, Not Three” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

"In Galatians 4:1–7, the Apostle Paul unfolds one of the most glorious truths of the gospel: God sent His Son and His Spirit so that sinners would no longer be slaves, but sons—and heirs of all that God has promised.This sermon explores how justification by faith necessarily leads to adoption. God does not merely declare believers righteous; he declares them his own children. Everyone who is justified in Christ is also adopted in Christ. To deny justification by faith, therefore, is not only to deny how sinners are forgiven, but to deny the freedom, intimacy, and inheritance of the children of God.Paul explains this reality through the metaphor of an underage heir—one who is truly an heir, yet lives under guardianship until the time appointed by the father. Before Christ came, God's people lived under the law in this way. But apart from Christ, Gentiles were not heirs at all—they were slaves, bound under the “elementary principles of the world,” enslaved to false religion and the power of sin.Into this bondage, God acted. In the fullness of time, the Father sent His eternal Son—born of woman, born under the law—to redeem those under the law so that we might receive adoption as sons. Christ placed himself under the law, not for his own sake, but for ours, accomplishing the obedience we could never render. He became the Son of Man so that sons of men might become sons of God—by grace.And God did not stop there. Having made us sons through Christ, he sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. This Spirit testifies to our adoption, crying out “Abba, Father,” granting assurance, intimacy, and confidence before God. The Spirit confirms what the Son has accomplished: you belong to God.The conclusion is unmistakable: if you are in Christ, you are no longer a slave—you are a son. And if a son, then an heir through God. This is the glory of the gospel: redemption, adoption, and inheritance, all given freely by grace through faith in Christ alone.#Galatians #Adoption #JustificationByFaith #SonsOfGod #UnionWithChrist #GospelFreedom #HeirsOfGod #TrinitarianSalvation #GraceAlone #FaithAlone #ChristAlone #ReformedTheology #BiblicalTheology"

Essentials Part 4 – One God, Not Three MESSAGE SUMMARY: In our exploration of the Trinity, we delve into one of Christianity's most profound mysteries. While the word 'Trinity' doesn't appear in the Bible, it's a concept deeply rooted in Scripture. We learn that God is one in unity, not plurality, yet reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This understanding challenges us to embrace the complexity of God's nature. The Old Testament gives us glimpses of this triune nature, even as it emphasizes monotheism. In the New Testament, we see Jesus baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, solidifying this trinitarian view. As we contemplate this, we're invited to marvel at God's vastness and intimacy simultaneously. How might this understanding of God as three-in-one impact our daily walk of faith and our approach to worship?   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): Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Matthew 12:31; Ephesians 4:30-32; Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:26. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “When Jesus Asked You: “Whom do you say that I am?”, Did You Answer Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”?”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Wesley Wright Lighthouse Bible Church Sunday, February 15, 2026 Judgment Day 2Co 5:9-12 "Only God can judge me" is a common retort from the unbelieving word. They are correct technically, but often don't know it - God will judge the world via His Son. Jesus Christ is the Judge of the world. Joh 5:17-23; Acts 17:24-31; 2Ti 4:1 We and all people should expect a judgment: Heb 9:24-28 We discussed the believer's fate at the point of death last week. How do we square their entry into heaven with the coming judgment mentioned in 2Co 5:10? The judgment we read about in 2Co 5:10 isn't the judgment of sin. Sin was judged in full at the cross, so we believers have nothing to fear in the... for full notes: http://www.lbible.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=1776

We must believe in the testimony that God has given to us about His Son, and we can be certain that Jesus is God's Son because God has provided witnesses that testify to eternal life in His Son.

In former times, God spoke in a variety of ways and through many different means, but once Jesus came, God spoke to us through His Son. And Jesus has given us everything we need.

Was the Flood an Act of Mercy? by Autumn Dickson Noah's ark is one of the most classic bible stories. Even when you're not Christian, many people are aware of the story and what it means. I read these verses in the last post for this week, and I'm going to read them again with a new angle. Genesis 7:19-20, 23 19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. 20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. 23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. The Lord destroyed everything. Oftentimes, this is rightfully seen as an act of justice. According to the Come Follow Me manual, the flood was also an act of mercy. I love that justice and mercy often come together, and I want to expand upon that. Here is a quote from the Come Follow Me manual. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “corruption had reached an agency-destroying point that spirits could not, in justice, be sent here.” During Noah's time, the world had become so dark and devastating that bringing new children into the world would have been wrong. When you study child abuse and neglect, this makes complete sense. There comes a point when you are so traumatized that trauma is all you can offer others. And if there are no healthy adults to save the children, then society will just get darker and darker until it destroys itself anyway. Perhaps God destroyed the evil, but they would have destroyed themselves anyway. Because of His decisions, He was also able to save many of the spirits that would have gone down and been destroyed alongside the rest. Now this was an extremely large scale event, but that's what makes it such an easy example to observe. Here is another scriptural example on a slightly smaller scale. In The Book of Mormon, Nephi is teaching his brothers and trying to get them to repent, but they hate the things of God. Here is a verse that shows some of Nephi's pleadings. 1 Nephi 17:45 Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder. The Lord had to be severe to reach them. We see this over and over and over again throughout scripture. Paul the apostle, Alma the Younger, the Israelites all throughout the Old Testament. You will see this theme all throughout Come Follow Me this year. The Lord is willing to do what's necessary in order to reach us, but there is an important, adjacent understanding that goes hand in hand with this. Jeffrey R. Holland taught, “Justice is not the work of an offended tyrant. It is the loving labor of a Father who is trying to get His children safely home.” I LOVE this quote. He is not an offended tyrant. God is a loving Father, and He is wise enough to know how to reach His children. He's not trying to punish us into submission. He's trying to get through to us. In 1 Peter, we learn that Christ went and preached to those in prison, specifically to the disobedient from the times of Noah. I wonder if they were finally ready to listen. I wonder if the flood and spirit prison reached them so that they were ready to live their life in a manner that brought happiness. I wonder if they are friends with Noah now. If they have repented, then I know this. They are grateful for the Lord and His wisdom in raining down justice and reaching them. All of God's decisions are based on love for His children, the seemingly severe and the softly spoken answer. He chooses the option that will most powerfully reach us. We've seen this on a large scale like with Noah and the flood, we've seen it on a smaller scale with Laman and Lemual. What does it mean for your own life? We have to be careful not to take this principle beyond its proper bounds. The principle is this: God will use tragedy to reach us if it's necessary because He loves us. The principle is not this: If you're experiencing something tragic, it is because God is using tragedy to punish you or because you really need to repent. Tragedy does not equate to wickedness, but it can be a tool that God uses sometimes. It just depends. I testify that all of God's decisions are based on love. I testify that suffering in mortal life is not the worst thing that can happen to a person. I testify that death is not the worst thing that can happen to a person. I testify that God is wise enough to do what it takes to reach us, and I testify that He sent His Son to wash us, heal us, and suffer with us so that He could succor us when we're prepared to accept that loving kindness. I testify that God uses justice to be merciful in our lives. 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 – Genesis 6–11; Moses 8 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

I thought she was the cutest little thing in junior high. She didn't think I was the cutest little thing in junior high, though. See, I decided to make an all-or-nothing play for her. I went downtown and I spent all my allowance money on this necklace for her; the finest rhinestones you have ever seen. Then I wrote this eloquently mushy note to go with it and I sealed them both in an envelope which I proceeded to hand her one day as she passed by my desk in study hall. The next day, she passed by my desk again, and I looked down and there was a familiar looking envelope with the note and the necklace in it. Ouch! I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Loving God Back." I'll tell you, it hurts to spend a lot on someone you care about and basically have them not care. It's a feeling Jesus Christ knows all too well. In fact, without even knowing it, you may have been responding to His love that way. That love, and the response Jesus should get from us, is clearly described in 1 John 4:10, and then verse 19, our word for today from the Word of God. Here's what it says, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." And what a sacrifice - the sinless Son of God taking the filth of your sin and mine so we could be forgiven. God's one and only Son, the Prince of Heaven, abandoned by Father God because He was carrying your sin and mine. The One angels worship, with nails driven angrily through His hands and feet, a spear thrust into His side, absorbing your hell so you would never have to go there. Amazing love - unspeakable love - love which demands a verdict from you and me. Will you give yourself to the man who gave His life for you? Or will you, however politely or religiously, withhold your life from Him? 1 John 4:19 explains the only response worthy of the sacrifice. "We love Him because He first loved us." As actor-director Mel Gibson immersed himself in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus in preparation for his movie, "The Passion of the Christ," here's how he described its impact. "The full horror of what Jesus suffered didn't really strike me. But when you finally see it and understand what He went through, it makes you feel not only compassion, but also a debt. You want to repay Him for the enormity of His sacrifice. You want to love Him in return." It's possible to appreciate Jesus' death on the cross, to respect Him for doing it, even to be grateful for it and still miss the only response that really matters to Him - the only response that makes what He did for you on the cross really yours. The incredible Bible verse that says, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son" says He did that so that, "whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "Believe" means you grab Jesus like He's your only hope. You're abandoning every other hope you might have clung to for getting to God. You say to Jesus, "I cannot resist this love, not any longer. Your death for me is my only hope of being forgiven and going to heaven. So Jesus, I'm giving you what you paid for. You paid for my life and my future and my eternity. Jesus, I'm Yours." If you want that, I want to help you be sure you've got it and that's why our website is there. So I urge you, at your first opportunity, to visit me there at ANewStory.com. Come and be sure that you belong to Jesus from this day on. After all God's Son gave for you, I can assure you of this, God is never going to forget what you do with His Son.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Friday morning, the 13th of February, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in Psalms 34:19:”Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Then we go to 1 Corinthians 10:13:”No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” At the moment, in our beloved South Africa, we are facing many trials and tribulations, but God has a word for you and for me today. He says, ”Do not be afraid.”Folks, I am a farmer, I will die a farmer. My wife says you can put me in a three-piece suit and I'll still look like a farmer, and I take that as a great compliment. But seriously, many farmers in our nation have been under the whip extreme. I'm talking about the drought, which in some areas has already broken, praise be to God, and I'm talking about the foot-and-mouth epidemic, which is raging right at our very doorsteps, but the Lord has promised us that he will make a way out.Now what I want to say to you, and I'm not just talking to farmers - I'm talking to wives, children, students, I'm talking to school teachers, I'm talking to doctors, I'm talking to professional sportsmen - It doesn't matter what you're going through as long as you do not give up.No man having put his hand to the plough (come on farmers know that) and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of Heaven - Luke 9:62. We need to press forward. You say to me, ”Angus, I can't anymore.” You can and you must. Why am I bringing this message to you today? Because I am getting letters from the public who are saying, ”I am at the end of my tether. I can't anymore.” I'm telling you that you can and you must, and you will, and you will look back on this time in years to come and you will remember, these were the times when the Lord was the closest to you.Last of all, do not turn your back on God. Do not blame God for anything. Thank Him for His Son, Jesus Christ, who has been through temptations and pain and suffering like none of us even understand, and He came through, and by the way, He's coming back soon one of these days to take us to be with Him in Paradise forever, but until that time, let us press on. Jesus bless you and goodbye.

Taking up the helmet of salvation and putting it on means thatwe are having confidence that we are God's children. We are in His family. Yousee the helmet protects us from the biggest lie of the devil that we are notsafe in Jesus Christ. Listen carefully. One of Satan's most crippling attacksis to make believers feel insecure. Their insecurity produces paralysis. If aChristian thinks, "I might not be saved," then they stop movingforward. Whatwe're talking about is the assurance of our salvation. If we don't have theassurance of our salvation, we stop serving the Lord. We stop praying boldly.We stop living with joy in our lives. We become fearful, anxious and unstablein our walk with God. This is so important. This thing of assurance ofsalvation. Why do we lose our assurance of our salvation? Because the assuranceof our salvation is the joy we are experiencing when we know that we are savedand safe! In1 John chapter 1, John is talking about the eternal life that was manifest tohim. He wrote: “We have seen, we bear witness, we declare to you thateternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us”. Why? Johnsaw Jesus personally for three and a half years and walked and talked with Him.He goes on to write: "That which we have seen and heard, we declare toyou that you also may have fellowship with us. Truly, our fellowship is withthe Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write to you thatyour joy may be full."  Myfriend, what John is writing about in the book of First John is how we can haveassurance of our salvation. Here's the fact. Either we have been saved or we'venot been saved. That's why assurance of salvation deals with these two issues. Inthis epistle John gives three series of tests. The test of obedience, the testof love, and the test of truth. I really encourage you to read the Epistle ofFirst John if you're dealing with doubt and saying to yourself: "I'm notsure I'm saved. I wonder did I ever get saved? I prayed a prayer when I was achild, but now, I don't know that I've ever truly been born again. Yes, I gotbaptized, but I don't know that Jesus is my savior. I don't have that assuranceof salvation." Johngives three series of tests, as I said, and the tests have to do first with sonship.Are you really a son of the Father? You really in the family? Secondly, thereis the test of fellowship. You can be saved and lose fellowship with God. Thefollowing verses in 1 John 1:5-10 have to do with that. They basically say thatif we have fellowship with Him, we walk in the light as He is in the light. Ifwe sin, we can lose that fellowship. But if we confess our sin, He is faithfuland just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Then welove Him. We walk in His truth and we keep His commandments. We're obedient.  Thedevil doesn't want you to have the assurance of your salvation even when you'resaved. So that's why John writes in 1 John 5:11-13 “And this is thetestimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Hewho has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not havelife. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son ofGod, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue tobelieve in the name of the Son of God.” My friend, your eternal life is notin who you are and what you do and what you can do for God. Your eternal lifeis in Jesus Christ.  Jesustells us in John 10:28-29: “And I give them eternal life and they shallnever perish neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand”. Romans8:38-39 also assures us: “For I'm persuaded that neither death nor life norany other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of Godthat's in Christ Jesus our Lord”. My friend, this is the helmet, this isthe settled truth. I belong to Christ. I'm kept by Christ and I'll be broughthome by Christ today.

IntroductionThe Canons of Dort is a theologically rich document that addresses critical questions about God's sovereignty and human free will. While it can unfortunately fuel argumentative "cage phase" theology, its true purpose is far more pastoral: to provide genuine consolation in knowing that God desires, chooses, and gives life to His people. This teaching isn't meant to create theological elites obsessed with debate, but rather to lead believers toward Scripture, submission to God's Word, and ultimately to His glory. The Canons address two extremes. The two extremes are hyper-Calvinism and Arminianism. Both of these extremes rob believers of assurance and leave them chasing their tails without real spiritual progress. Significant Observation - The Tension Between God's Universal Call and Particular WorkThe Canons of Dort do not aim to divide the church but to address real theological problems with precision. The challenge is that the Canons desire to remain helpful rather than overwhelming people with details. It reminds us that theological work should be done "with a view to the glory of God's name, holiness of life, and comfort of anxious souls.” Our temptation is to make a name for ourselves or win arguments.This creates an important tension visible in John 3: there's clearly a universal, sincere call in John 3:16 where God loves the world and offers eternal life to "whoever believes.” This has to be read in light of verses 1-15. John 3:1-15 makes it explicit that one will not respond to the Gospel without being born again. This is why Nicodemus struggles with the reality that one must be "born of the Spirit" to even see the kingdom. Both truths stand: the general call is real, and the particular application of Christ's work to God's people is also real. Like Nicodemus, an intelligent Pharisee who knew the Torah by heart, we must wrestle honestly with how these fit together. We must submit to Scripture (ministerial reasoning) rather than forcing Scripture into our philosophical boxes (magisterial reasoning). The complexity is real, and we're called to accept both truths even when we can't fully reconcile them with human logic.A Significant Freedom - The Spirit Works Like the WindWhen Christ tells Nicodemus that the Spirit "blows where it wills" like the wind, He's making a crucial point: we cannot control, predict, or harness God's work. The Greek/Hebrew word for wind and spirit is the same (pneuma), creating an intentional wordplay. Just as we don't fully understand or control the wind despite our scientific advances, we cannot determine when or how the Spirit will work in regeneration. We cannot control the wind. We cannot control the Spirit. This is both humbling and liberating for ministers and believers alike. We cannot twist God's hand or guarantee results through the perfect methodology or sermon. God normally works through the preaching of the gospel in the context of the church, but even this has exceptions. We immediately think of the thief on the cross, who likely never attended synagogue, given his lifestyle. The reference to being "born of water and the Spirit" points back to Old Testament promises in Ezekiel 36:27-28 and Jeremiah 31:31 about God giving His people new hearts. Christ rebukes Nicodemus as a "teacher of Israel" for not recognizing these prophetic promises. Christ is not primarily using water to teach about baptism, forcing God's hand, but about the Messiah as the one who confirms the new age. Christ is confirming the covenantal promises as predicted by Ezekiel. So, he is upset because Nicodemus should know this prophecy. He should see that Christ is the confirmation of God's promises. A Significant Consolation - Our Hope Rests in Christ, Not OurselvesHere's where the pastoral beauty of the Canons shines through. God's call in passages like John 3:16 and Matthew 11:28 ("Come to me, all you who are weary") is absolutely sincere. Christ is issuing a genuine invitation to all people to believe in Christ. We cannot know how many will be saved, and we shouldn't limit God's work. The call goes out to everyone.Yet there's profound consolation in knowing that when we do bow the knee to Christ, it's because we've been born from above by the Spirit. In moments of struggle, doubt, and anguish, we do not hope in the strength of our faith or our ability to persevere. Our confidence rests in Christ, in His Spirit, and in His power to uphold us until the end. God doesn't just dangle an unattainable carrot; He guarantees that the seed of the woman will enter His rest. When Christ teaches Nicodemus that His people will truly respond in faith through the Spirit's power, then we can be assured that we believe in Christ's power and not our own. Our confidence should never be in ourselves. ConclusionThe Canons of Dordt is honest in that it paints an unflattering picture of humanity: we're wretches who hate God and don't want to turn to Him. But it simultaneously reveals God's astounding mercy. God restrains sin, publishes the gospel, gives His Son, and calls all to believe in Christ. The assurance is simple yet profound: if you take hold of Christ by faith, He is your Redeemer and Savior. You have life in Him. Your sins are taken away in Him. We're not believing in our faith or in ourselves. We believe in Christ, who is the source of hope and gives the gift of faith. This is the "yes and amen" from the Canons: our ultimate consolation is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us walk in him believing we will overcome by His Power.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we explore the sobering reality of end‑time apostasy—and why its warning matters for us today. Scripture tells us that in the last days, deception, compromise, and spiritual drift will grow. But this message is not one of fear or condemnation. It is a message of love—God's loving invitation for us to examine our hearts with honesty and humility.Have we allowed into our churches and homes the very things God calls abomination? Have we exchanged holiness for comfort, or obedience for convenience? Today, we're challenged to look inward and ask the most important question of all: Do we possess genuine faith?True faith in Jesus Christ brings transformation. It produces obedience, reverence, and a changed life. It turns us away from sin—not because we are perfect, but because the Holy Spirit is at work within us.Join us as we open God's Word and hear His “love note” to us—a reminder that He calls us not to empty religion, but to a true, living relationship with His Son. This episode urges us to return to the foundations of faith, pursue holiness, and walk in the light of God's truth.The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

“He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever.” — John 14:16 Great Father revealed Himself to believers of old before the coming of His Son, and was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son in His own proper person, […]

Our Election in Christ (6)  (audio) David Eells – 2/11/26 I'm going to continue where we left off last time about election and the manifestation of those He foreknew. There are some objections to election and predestination. The one I hear the most from people is that God loves the world. (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. Well, 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 here. The condition 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 come to the Son and have eternal life. If God did love the whole world, then He could have used a much better method for revealing His Son to the world; instead, God didn't make it easy for the world to receive that revelation. First of all, 99.9999% or more of the world has never seen His Son or the miracles that He has done. And the world is so contrary to the Son that it seems that if the Father really loved the whole world, He would make it easier for the world to receive this revelation and understanding. Jesus' teachings and principles are so contrary to the world that you have to go against everything that you are in order to follow Him. That's not natural, but then God's salvation isn't natural; it's supernatural. It says all through the Word that God limits His love to those who are His own. For instance, (Joh.13:1) Now before the feast of the passover, Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto his Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them unto the end. A good reason for God to love the world is that His own are in the world, but notice in the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43), Jesus Himself said that not everybody in the world is His own. Jesus was the sower, and He told us that the devil was the one who sowed the tares. (Mat.13:36) Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field. (37) And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (38) and the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil [one]; (39) and the enemy that sowed them is the devil. Jesus didn't claim the tares as His own, and, I might add, that a tare can never become wheat, nor can wheat ever become a tare because a wheat is a wheat and a tare is a tare. They are two different seeds, and that's true of everyone in the world; they are one seed or the other. They are either a child of God or a son of the devil. 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 (So 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 who include us. We are included in this group. So at the time Jesus made this statement, there were people who 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.1:3) Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ: (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 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. (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 Jacob, or Israel, because these are the people who have been given the gift of faith to come to Him and believe on Him. (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. God put His love upon those whom He chose in Christ before the foundation of the world. They are the elect among the called, and they will love God. You see, when Wisdom says, “I love them that love me,” that is conditional love. (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 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 God 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, (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. Let me show you more proof that Christ died to redeem us and not the world. (Mat.20:28) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Notice that it doesn't say “all,” it says “many.” Who are the “many” this is talking about? (1Co.15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. We know that all of us have been in Adam. Everyone born naturally is in Adam, but all of us who have been born spiritually are in Christ and if a person abides in Christ, Scripture says, (1Jn.3:9) Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. And that's where eternal life is; it's in the Son. (5:12) He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life. A person who abides in Christ is that seed who was chosen from before the foundation of the world. A person who abides in Christ is the one whom God loves, the one whom God sent Jesus to ransom. A “ransom” is “the payment demanded for the release of someone from captivity” or, in other words, it's the price paid to deliver a prisoner from bondage. (Isa.53:1) Who hath believed our message? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? (4) Surely he hath borne our griefs (The Hebrew there is “our sicknesses.”), and carried our sorrows (The Hebrew there is “our pain.”); yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Notice, Isaiah says “our.” This is not for the world. This is for us; this is for those who are in Covenant with God. (Isa.53:8) By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who [among them] Considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people (It doesn't say that He was cut off for the transgression of the whole world or, let me say, all the people in the world. It says, “for the transgression of my people.”) to whom the stroke [was due]? (11) He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many (Again, it's not “all”; it's “many.”); and he shall bear their iniquities. So He only bore the iniquities of those whom He justified. (12) Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Now I want you to look at this next verse one more time 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 here, to work “all things together for good,” 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 able 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. They are His people by election, not by manifestation. (Eph.1:1) And you [did he make alive,] when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins, (2) wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; (3) among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. That means when we were in the world, by our nature we looked just like the next sinner. Remember, the only difference between Jacob and Esau was election. (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. It has to do with God choosing the elect to be in Christ before the foundation of the world. The only people Jesus is coming to save are His people, as the Bible says, over and over and over. (Mat.1:23) Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us. One time, when I read that, I felt the Holy Spirit remind me about what the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary: (Luk.1:28) And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored (This is the Greek word charitoo, and it means “endued with grace.”), the Lord [is] with thee. Folks, this means, “God is with us.” The Lord is with those who have God's grace. You see, “Immanuel,” or “God with us,” is not talking about God physically walking among the worldly people; it's talking about God being with us. He was with Mary because she was given grace, and God is with us because we were given grace, which is the “unmerited favor of God.” (Luk.1:68) Blessed [be] the Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people. People tell me, “That was just for the Jews, David.” Well, how many of the Jews received Him? How many of the Jews received redemption? It was only a very few. No, God's people are scattered throughout the world, and they are His people according to election because even before they were born, He chose them. Jesus brought redemption for His people. And He not only brought redemption, but He brought (Luk.1:71) Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. If salvation is for everybody, who would have an enemy? Salvation can't be for everybody if it is to deliver us from our enemies. (74) To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear. (77) To give knowledge of salvation unto his people In the remission of their sins. Jesus said, (Mat.5:44) But I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you. Jesus was talking about people being our enemies, and Paul said this, too: (Rom.12:14) Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. I want to show you a prophecy that many people discount because it was given by the High Priest Caiaphas, but they moved in prophecy in the Old Testament, just like God's New Testament people move in prophecy. (Joh.11:49) But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, (50) nor do ye take account that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (51) Now this he said not of himself: but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation (That was obviously a true prophecy; where he went wrong was that he thought he was the one who was supposed to carry it out because of his jealousy.); (52) and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad. Who were these children of God who were scattered abroad? Was it Israel? Maybe a very small portion of them were Jews, if you consider the day of Pentecost was when Jews from all nations were gathered together (Acts 2:1-14). However, the prophecy I'm thinking about is where Jesus said, (Joh.10:16) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd. So Jesus is speaking of the Gentiles in this verse. Jesus died in order to gather together the Gentile children of God into one flock with the believing Jewish children of God. They were always children of God because, according to election, if you are a child of God, you are always a child of God. You were never a son of the devil. Never. The Bible never says that you were a son of the devil and converted to be a child of God. The Bible teaches there are two seeds: one is a wheat and the other is a tare. God sowed His Word in this carnal vessel, and that's the one whom He loves. (Joh.3:13) And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, [even] the Son of man, [who is in heaven.] Some versions add “who is in heaven,” but it doesn't belong there, according to the numeric pattern, and it's not in any of the ancient manuscripts. That's because Jesus was standing right there in front of them, so “who is in heaven” doesn't make sense. The only one who ascended into Heaven is the Son of God who descended out of Heaven and those in whom the Son of God lives will go to heaven. He's both the sower who sows the seed, which is the Word, and He is also the seed of God. What the Word is creating in us is what God loves. God doesn't love the flesh; the flesh is the enemy of God. (Rom.8:7) Because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be. God doesn't love the carnal man. He loves what's been born from above, born from Heaven and will go to Heaven. Another verse that helps us to understand this is (Joh.17:18) As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. What does that mean? Isaiah says the same thing: (Isa.9:1) But there shall be no gloom to her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations (or gentiles). (2) The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (3) Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (4) For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian. (5) For all the armor of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall be for burning, for fuel of fire. (6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (The Hebrew says literally, “The Father of Eternity.”), Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. He says that the Father sent the Son into the world. You see, God foreknew us, and what we are becoming is the Word of God that came down out of Heaven. One reason God foreknew us is because the Word came out of God Himself. We are born of God, as the Bible says (John 1:13; 3:5; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:4; 1 Peter 1:23, etc.), because your new man came out of God Himself, and that's who God loves. Your new man is the Word, which is the nature of Christ, and your new man has been born of God Himself. So, in that way, we've been sent. Jesus was sent from the Father and we've been sent, too. No, not the carnal man, but we, the spiritual man, have been sent of God into this world. The more of the Word we get into us, the more we come to know the Father. (Rom.11:25) For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in; (26) and so all Israel shall be saved.... The completeness of God's people includes “the fulness of the Gentiles.” Jesus said, (Joh.6:37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me.... I'm not saying “once saved, always saved” because there are many who will fall away. (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. You see, we have to prove who we are by walking in obedience to Christ. We have to prove that we are part of those who are called “all Israel.” We have to prove that we are of the promised seed (Galatians 3:16) who is beloved of God. It may not seem reasonable, but there are many Scriptures in the Bible to back this up, such as, (1Jn.2:4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; (5) but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him: (6) he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked. 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. (Isa.28:9) Whom will he teach knowledge? and whom will he make to understand the message? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts? (10) For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, there a little. 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. (Rom.9:14) What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. (15) For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. (16) So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy. Without enough understanding, we are liable to say what they said to Paul: (19) … Why doth he still find fault? For who withstandeth his will? And Paul would give us the same reply he gave back then: (20) Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus? (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? God permits people to believe that He sent His Son to the whole world until they can gain the understanding that God sent His Son only for all New Testament spiritual Israel, just as in the Old Testament God revealed Himself only to natural Israel (Psalm 127:20). (Pro.25:2) It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. God has hidden many revelations in His Word, but those who are honest and obedient to the Word will find those revelations. God has hidden His revelations on purpose so that He can reveal them to whom He wants to reveal them. God promised (Rev.2:17) To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna.... The people who will ultimately get the revelation of the hidden manna will be those who overcome. I've been asked, “David, can't you just give the revelation to someone?” Sure, you can give it to someone, but they'll lose it. I've shared the hidden manna with people who, because of sin, couldn't hang on to it. You see, God permits childish revelation. It's like what Paul said: (1Co.13:11) 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. (12) For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known. He's talking about maturity. (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. He's talking about growing up and changing your thinking. When your children were young, you didn't go into deep detail. You taught them very simply because that's all they could receive at the time. God is that way with us. When we first enter into the Kingdom, God allows us to believe some things that are not fully true, but they may be a foundation for deeper understanding later on. The scripture, John 3:16, is correct and very perfect, but what you think about it might not be perfect. Yes, “God so loved the world,” but if “God so loved” everybody in “the world,” that would mean He loves the tares that the devil sows in the world. What we've seen instead is that God only loves those who love Him. And those who love Him are those whom He foreknew from before the foundation of the world.

Growing In God Podcast Program Number: GIG #288 Title: What Does Scripture Say About Us?   Web Description: Are you confident that you always believe that God means what He says? What about when you read a Bible verse that tells you to be like Christ? If we are honest, we would admit that we have trouble accepting Scriptures about God's divine nature in us and what He expects us to be. Rather than skipping over such Scriptures, we should work at embracing them and applying them with all our hearts.   Show Notes: There are certain Scriptures that we find very difficult to take literally, especially when they challenge how we think about ourselves. When we read in John 17:23 that the Father loves us with the same love He had for Yeshua (Jesus), we tend to stop and ask, "Did He really mean that?" After all, how could God love us in our sinfulness with the same love He had for His Son? But God does mean what He says about us. God is bringing many sons to glory, loving them just as He loved Christ, who was the first born of many brethren.   When Yeshua was born, He could do nothing as a baby that He would do as a grown man. But He was already the Son of God, Savior, and Lord at His birth. He grew up to fulfill the purpose God sent Him to the earth to fulfill. And when we are born in Christ, He implants His divinity in us. Then our growth and maturity in Christ comes from this nature of Christ already within us. Just as Christ grew up into the fullness of the Father, according to Ephesians 4 we are to grow up into the fullness of Christ. Yet we resist accepting that about ourselves. Many even consider it heresy to say that we can be like Christ.   These Scriptures about who we are in God need to get through to us. We cannot simply skip over them or find other ways to interpret them because we have a hard time accepting what they say we are. We need to clearly see the purpose that God has for us and His equipping that matures us into who we are to be as full-grown members of the Body of Christ. That is why we have begun a project with the Fellow Workers. We are building a list of Scriptures that confront us about who we are and what God has put us on this earth to be. Join us in finding these Scriptures, meditating on them, and planting them in our hearts until they bear fruit in our lives.   Key Verses:   •       John 17:23. "You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." •       Romans 8:29. "He would be the firstborn among many brethren." •       Ephesians 4:11–13. "He gave … for the equipping of the saints … until we all attain … to the fullness of Christ." •       Luke 2:52. "Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." •       Hebrews 2:10. "It was fitting for Him, … in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation." •       John 14:5–18. "The Father abiding in Me does His works."   Quotes:   •       "It's that constant reality that is manifested in the now that we are what God brought us here to be. Is that maturing? Is it perfecting? Yes. But get out of the idea that you're becoming something different or that you need to become something different than what you are." •       "Our mind kind of blocks and parries this off so that we don't let it really hit us like it needs to hit us—that the Father is in Christ and the Father is in us and Christ is in us and we are one." •       "He wants us to be equipped. I think it's part of our relationship with one another because somewhere, in us and around us, abide these apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, brothers and sisters, and that which is bringing forth this process of maturing."   Takeaways:   1.    God has chosen to be in this time just as He sent Christ to be in His time. So we need to find and come into connection with the reality of who we are and what our purpose is in this earth. And the Scriptures play an important role in that. 2.    When we encounter a Scripture that seems too wonderful to believe about ourselves, we tend to interpret it in a way that lets us not take it at face value. 3.    We must get out of this idea that we are working toward something or that we are doing a job out of dedication. Our work of service comes out of the divinity of the Father and of the Son that God has installed within us. 4.    We need to be looking through the Scriptures and finding verses that confront us with the reality of who we are—that Christ and the Father are in us—and come to grips with what that means.

When did God begin to love His people? He didn't. His perfect love has no beginning and no end. Today, R.C. Sproul explains that we experience God's redeeming love by being included in the eternal love of the Father for His Son. Get R.C. Sproul's Loved by God video teaching series on DVD with your donation. You'll also receive digital access to all 11 messages and the study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4607/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the digital teaching series and study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Get Renewing Your Mind in your inbox each day so you never miss an episode. Sign up for the daily email: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/email   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Elijah had accidentally ripped a ten-dollar bill while playing with his friends. But instead of admonishing him, his father offered to exchange the torn bill with a fresh one from his wallet. “Why would you do that?” Elijah asked, confused. “For one, you’re my son,” his father explained. “It’s also a reminder of what Jesus did for us. Because Jesus came and gave His life in exchange for ours, we can now live new lives.” Every human life is valuable to God because He created each of us. But our sinful nature—“the body ruled by sin” (Romans 6:6)—keeps us from living a life worthy of God’s holiness. So God, in His great love for us, willingly gave up His Son to pay the price of our sin. Our old self was put to death, and in exchange, He offers us a new one—“no longer . . . slaves to sin” (v. 6). When we accept God’s offer of new life, we can be assured that even though we were sinful and broken—“corrupted by its deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22), we are now being perfected “to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24). Elijah’s father was willing to offer him something of his own because he loves him. But the even better offer is the one that God extends to us, the redemption of our lives. When we accept His offer of new life, we are not the same as we were before.

God Sees a Jesus Follower as Being “In Christ”; Therefore, God Sees a Jesus Follower as His Son or Daughter MESSAGE SUMMARY: As Followers of Jesus, you are "In Christ" -- God looks at you, as a Jesus Follower, and He sees Jesus in you. Throughout the Epistles we find: "In Christ" or "In Him". In Galatians 3:14, Paul tells you that your faith in Jesus makes you “In Christ” and a recipient of God's Covenant with Abraham: “so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.". Also, Paul goes even further, in Galatians 3:25-28, to tell you that, through your faith in Jesus, you no longer need any kind of intermediary because you are “In Christ” and you have a personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe: “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”. When God sees you, “In Christ" as a Jesus Follower, He sees Jesus, the Son. Therefore, God sees you as His son or daughter.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Romans 3:21-26; Romans 6:5-11; Romans 6:22-23; Psalms 63:1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part 3 – Incomplete Finished Work”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Tuesday, 10 February 2026   Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24   “Then Jesus, He said to His disciples, ‘If any, he desires to come after Me, let him disown himself, and he took his cross, and he follows Me'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus turned and said to Peter to get behind Him because Peter was an offense to Him. Peter was being mindful of the things of men rather than God. Matthew next records, “Then Jesus, He said to His disciples.”   Mark and Luke add more detail. Mark says, “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also.” Luke apparently confirms this, saying, “Then He said to them all.” There is no contradiction. Matthew is focusing on the disciples. What Jesus says is, “If any, he desires to come after Me.”   Many translations say, “If any man will come after me...” Unless you are using the word to mean “desire,” which it doesn't always mean, the thought is insufficient. The word theló signifies a determined intent, such as want, desire, etc. To say, “If any man will,” might include those who do, but don't desire to do so.   Jesus is referring to those who voluntarily follow in His footsteps. Of them, He continues, “let him disown himself.”   It is a new word, aparneomai, to deny utterly or disown. It is an intensification of arneomai, to deny. There is a sense of an utter refusal to identify with the original source involved. In essence, “I once followed this path. It was my general walk of life. However, I am now following Jesus' path and utterly reject the one I once followed.”   There is a break from the old to take up the new. In this new path, He next says, “and he took his cross, and he follows Me.”   Notice how Jesus doesn't say, “And he takes up My cross and follows Me.” This is similar to Matthew 10:38 –   “And who not, he receives his cross, and he follows after Me, not he is worthy of Me” (CG).   In both instances, Jesus instructs His hearers to receive their cross, not His. This, then, is the beginning and fundamental error of ten thousand commentaries and sermons over the years. Does what Jesus just said square with these words –   “The allusion is, to Christ's bearing his own cross, and Simeon's carrying it after him, which afterwards came to pass.” John Gill, et. al.   It is true that Jesus has alluded to His suffering and death, but that is future. He is not asking them to pick up His cross at all. They have a cross to bear in following Him at this time. Whatever burden He bears, they should be willing to follow Him. They have no idea that He will die on a cross, and when it happened, they were utterly dejected and confused. In fact –   “Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?' 19 And He said to them, ‘What things?' So they said to Him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.'” Luke 24:18-21   These disciples, indicative of all of them, failed to understand anything at all about Jesus' cross. When Jesus tells them to pick up their cross, He is telling them that whatever burdens they have on His path, even if it results in death, is a path they must choose. This is why Jesus rebuked Peter over His appeal concerning the things He would suffer.   In the new dispensation, the dispensation of grace, which began after Jesus' completed work, we are not instructed to take up our cross at all. That is failed sermon speak. What does Paul say? In Galatians 6, the answer is seen –   “For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.” Galatians 6:13-15   Jesus was on a trek to fulfill the law and die in fulfillment of it. Those who followed Him were to see this, understand that this was what had to take place (as He explicitly told them), and to take up their own cross, following Him.   With Jesus' work complete, we now accept peace with God through His cross.   Life application: The dispensational model is correct. God is working in certain ways at certain times to reveal and complete His plan of redemption. The problem is that even dispensationalist teachers and preachers fail to keep the boxes straight.   We do not have a cross to bear in the sense that people speak of when they evaluate Matthew 16:24. Rather, we have a cross to accept, revel in, and boast about, meaning the cross of Jesus Christ. Pay attention to what Jesus says in the context in which He says it.   Consider the full scope of what He is referring to, including the stunned reaction of those who saw Christ crucified and thought, “We had a failed hope.” Then consider the victory of what really transpired. Jesus Christ did redeem Israel. He also redeemed all of Adam's fallen seed who are willing to come to Him through His cross.   We don't have to give up this life to obtain it, except in the sense that we are converted to a new life in Christ positionally. We can continue as plumbers, executives, store clerks, or whatever other profession we find ourselves in. We can continue to live in our homes, remain married to our spouses, and so on.   Revel in the new life you have been given, even as you continue to live out your current life in the presence of God who sent His Son to redeem you unto Himself. Yes, revel in the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord.   Lord God Almighty, You are great and greatly to be praised. All glory, honor, and majesty belong to You, forever and ever. Thank You for Jesus Christ and His cross. May that always be our boast. To Your glory, amen.

In an age of technology booms and information-sharing, it's amazing how lonely we have become. Everything and everyone is connected, but does all that online connection ever leave you feeling disconnected in real life? Do you feel alone?If you do, you are listening at the right time this week as we are reminded that God's timing is always perfect.Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”Did you catch that? Here, God is talking about and to the individual. He is talking to you. And guess what? He has made you beautiful, a truly unique creation. God has also placed you at the right place in history, right where you are.God made you in His image. His Son, Jesus, went to the cross for you. If you still feel alone after all that, go back and read our verse for today. Read it again and again.Our God loves you so very much. His Word says so directly, again and again. Let that be the backdrop for your day-to-day. Can I get an amen?Let's pray.Lord, thank you for loving each of us infinitely. Thank you for saving us. 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, 9 February 2026   But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16:23   “And, having turned, He said to Peter, ‘You withdraw behind Me, Satan! Snare, you are, to Me. For you think not these of God but these of men'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Peter, without proper thought, admonished Jesus for His words concerning His destiny in Jerusalem. Because of his words, it now says of Jesus, “And, having turned.”   We can only speculate what this means. Was Jesus not directly facing Peter until he spoke, but after hearing his words, Jesus turned toward him? Did Jesus turn towards the disciples to allow them to clearly hear what He was going to say, or did Jesus turn His back to Peter, while speaking as a sign of contempt and admonishment?   The latter seems the most likely. Peter would probably have been facing Jesus. With his words contradicting what Jesus said, Jesus probably turned around with His back now to Peter. With this symbolic act accomplished, the next words would have full effect: “He said to Peter, ‘You withdraw behind Me, Satan!'”   The turning, then, would be a metaphor for the words themselves, confirming His words as an object lesson to Peter. It is the same thought, with the added object lesson, that Jesus said to Satan in Matthew 4:10, “You withdraw Satan!” Peter has taken over the bidding of Satan in his unwitting attempt to frustrate God's plans for man's redemption.   This would be what Luke was referring to in Luke 4:13 –   “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”   The devil took full advantage of Peter's overzealous and unintelligent utterance to tempt Jesus. But Jesus was already prepared to defend the Father's will by standing against such an appeal. With His object lesson and admonishment accomplished, Jesus continues, saying, “Snare, you are, to Me.”   The word skandalon has already been seen. It signifies a trap-stick that is used to snare an animal. It is quite often translated as a stumbling block. Jesus is saying that Peter's words are Satan's attempt to trip Jesus up, causing Him to falter through sin.   Once one is in a snare, he is entrapped. Sinning, which it would be for Jesus by denying the Father's will for Him, would be the result if He were so ensnared. But Jesus prevailed over this. His words continue, saying, “For you think not these of God but these of men.”   Peter had just been told that because of his proclamation, revealed to him by the Father, he would possess the keys to the kingdom of heaven. And yet, he still had an earthly view of God's plans. He was a work in progress, something that continued on long after Jesus had completed His earthly ministry.   Life application: Paul uses the same term, skandalon, when referring to the crucifixion of Jesus in 1 Corinthians 1:23 and Galatians 5:11. His crucifixion is the basis for the gospel of salvation. In fact, in 1 Corinthians, he directly makes the connection –   “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block [skandalon] and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:20-25   A trap is something that is hidden and unnoticed. If someone knew he would be trapped, he would simply avoid the thing. However, people overlook what they don't see. This is what the gospel is like. It is so simple and unassuming that people miss its significance. But in denying the efficacy of the cross, people deny the only means of restoration with God.   The world has many different ways of confusing the issue. The term “all paths lead to God” may sound good, but it isn't a very well-thought-out sentiment. Religions, by their very definition, are contradictory to other religions. It would be a ridiculously inept Creator who would send His Son to the cross to die for the sins of the world, but who would then accept people into His list of saved people who denied the very thing He had done.   Maligning Jesus, spitting on His cross, etc., are the same as spitting on God who sent His Son to die. Use wisdom as you hear people's ideas about God, heaven, restoration, etc. It is so easy to be misled by catchphrases, fine-sounding arguments, and appeals to emotion. But such things normally have nothing to do with the reality of what God has done.   Lord God, help us not to be a hindrance to others as they seek the truth of the gospel. Unlike Peter in his admonishment of Jesus, we need to stop and consider things carefully, and then present them in a manner that will glorify You through right instruction concerning Jesus and His complete work. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

I believe the book of Revelation is intentionally shaped by the rhythm of the seven Jewish feasts, with deep echoes of the Exodus and Israels wilderness journey woven throughout its visions. We have already seen how this works in chapter 1, where the imagery echoes Passover. Passover marked Israels deliverance from slavery through the blood of a substituteand in Revelation 1:1216, that substitute is revealed in all His risen glory. Jesus stands among His churches as the victorious Lamb who was slain and now lives forever. Because of His sacrifice, the Christian belongs to God. If you have been redeemed by Almighty God through His Son, what is there to fear? Jesus Himself answers that question: Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades (Rev. 1:1718). Our confidence is not rooted in our circumstances, but in the One who has conquered death itself. As we move into Revelation 23 and read the seven letters to the churches, the dominant echo is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed Passover. This feast called Gods redeemed people to live holy lives, set apart for Him (Lev. 11:4445; 1 Pet. 1:1617). Israel removed all leaven from their homes as a visible reminder that they belonged to the Lord and were no longer to live under the old patterns of corruption. That same call still comes to us today: You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Cor. 6:1920). Each of the seven churches faced real and pressing challenges in their own dayand what they struggled with are many of the same things we struggle with today, just dressed differently. While we will look at each church individually, here is a brief snapshot of what we will encounter: The church in Ephesus had lost its first love. The church in Smyrna was about to suffer tribulation for ten days. The church in Pergamum struggled with faithfulness to sound doctrine. The church in Thyatira tolerated a false teacher within the congregation. The church in Sardis was spiritually lethargic and nearly dead. The church in Philadelphia faithfully clung to the word of God. The church in Laodicea was lukewarm and missionally useless. In every one of these churches, there was the danger of leavensin quietly working its way through the house. And the call of Christ was to remove it: through renewed love for Jesus and for one another, faithful endurance in suffering, a commitment to truth, intolerance for evil, vigilance against spiritual apathy, unflinching obedience to Christ, and a wholehearted devotion to the mission of God. About forty years before Revelation was written, Paul wrote about Gods expectation for His church: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:1-2). Revelation 1 is about the One who makes our salvation possible. Revelation 2-3 addresses the kind of people He calls us to be. So, when we come to Revelation 4, we encounter the One on the throne who is holy, holy, holy! The City of Ephesus When the gospel came to Ephesus, it was a wealthy and influential trading city, best known for the Temple of Artemis (also called Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The citys economy, culture, and moral life centered on the worship of this goddess. Artemis worship was deeply sexualized and demonic, marked by ritual immorality and idolatry (1 Cor. 10:20). Ephesus was a place where spiritual darkness was not hiddenit was celebrated, institutionalized, and profitable. Into this city, the gospel came with unmistakable power, as it always does in Gods timing and in His way. What we read in the epistle to the Romans was experienced in Ephesus: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... (Rom. 1:16). When the apostle Paul preached Christ in Ephesus, lives were transformed, and the worship of Artemis was directly challenged. So disruptive was the gospel that those who profited from idolatry feared economic collapse, admitting that Paul had persuaded many that gods made with hands are not gods at all (Acts 19:26). Paul spent over two years there, and in this spiritually hostile environment, God birthed a faithful churchthe same church later addressed by Christ Himself in Revelation 2. What makes Jesus words to Ephesus so sobering is not the citys darkness but the fact that a church born in such devotion, perseverance, and truth would later be warned: You have abandoned the love you had at first (2:4). So what happened? To answer that question, we need to first recognize the many things Jesus praises the church for. What the Ephesian Church Was Doing Right The Ephesian church was commended for many things by Jesus such as their toil, patient endurance, and intolerance for evil. Heraclitus, a native of Ephesus and philosopher, spoke with open contempt of his citys moral corruptionso severe that later writers summarized his viewby saying no one could live in Ephesus without weeping.1 The fact that the church was able to endure for forty years in a city known for its sexual promiscuity and demonized idolatrous worship, while holding on to biblical orthodoxy, is staggering! Because of their orthodoxy and fidelity to the Word of God, the church was intolerant of evil, refused to ignore false teachers, and shared Jesuss hatred of the Nicolaitans. Forty years earlier, Paul warned the elders of the Ephesian church: I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears (Acts. 20:29-31). This is what the church did well, and Jesus praised them for it. Now, notice what Jesus does not say to the church in Ephesus. He does not say they were being too orthodox. He does not say they were too truthful, or that their intolerance of evil, false teachers, and the works of the Nicolaitans was too extreme. Jesus does not tell the church to dial it back but instead celebrates these as examples of what they were doing well. What the church did well was refusing to yield to the pressures from their city to conform. Before we look at what the church got wrong, we need to address who the Nicolaitans were and why Jesus hated their teaching. From what we know, the Nicolaitans were a heretical Christian sect associated with the teaching of Balaam (Rev. 2:14-15). They taught that the grace of God permitted freedom to engage in the kinds of things their pagan neighbors enjoyed, such as sexual immorality and full participation in pagan temple feasts. Why? Because grace covered it all. We will come back to Balaam when we look at the church in Pergamum, but for now what you need to know is that Balaam is known for his false teaching that served to seduce the men of Israel to engage in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab that also resulted in the worship of their gods in place of obedience and worship of Yahweh (see Num. 25). The Nicolaitans did not deny Jesus, they just reinterpreted what obedience to Jesus really meant, in that you could both be loyal to Jesus and actively pursue and participate in the kinds of things the Word of God commands the people of God to flee from. The Ephesian church was rightfully commended for their hatred and intolerance of the works of the Nicolaitans because Jesus shares their hatred for the same reasons. Listen carefully. Jesus does not merely disagree with teachings of the Nicolaitans He hates them. He hates any belief that suggests a person can remain loyal to Him while willfully embracing the very sins He died to free us from. The cross was not a license to make peace with sin; it was Gods declaration of war against it. To claim Christ while pursuing what nailed Him to the tree is not freedomit is self-deception. Christ did not die to make sin safe, but to make His people holy. 1 Richard D. Phillips, Revelation, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing, 2017), 91. What the Ephesian Church Got Wrong So what was it that the church in Ephesus lost? Well, we know it wasnt the churchs orthodoxy. It was the love they had at first. What love did they have at first? I believe the love the church lost was a combination of their love for Jesus and others. I believe this because of what the apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians and what Jesus said the church needed to do to regain the love they had lost. First, lets look at Jesus criticism in verses 4-5, But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. The way back to regain what they had lost was to first remember where they had fallen or had lost sight of their love, then to repent by doing the works they had done at first. What were the works they had done at first? We are given a few clues in Ephesians about the church from what Paul says at the beginning and the end of his epistle to the Ephesians. 1st Clue: For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers... (Eph. 1:15-16) 2nd Clue: Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Eph. 6:24) I believe that the love the Ephesian church lost had to do with the love they had for Jesus and for one another. The New Living Translation captures this in their translation of Revelation 2:4, But I have this complaint against you. You dont love me or each other as you did at first! When a group of religious leaders asked Jesus to identify the most important commandment, His response was clear: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:3739). Genuine love for God leads to love for othersyou cannot claim to love God while refusing to love those who bear His image. As our love for God grows, it overflows into love for those around us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you find this hard to accept, consider the words of the apostle John: If someone says, I love God, but hates his brother, that person is a liar; for anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20). I believe the Ephesian church, first known for their faith in Jesus and their incorruptible love for Him, became the catalyst that fostered in them a love for one another, which they were known for in the early days of the churchs existence. Their love infused their faith in Jesus, and their love for all the saints was the cocktail God used to push back evil and transform lives! What Revelation 2:1-4 teaches us is that Jesus wants our obedience, but He also wants our hearts! In fact, if Jesus has your heart, He will have your obedience. Conclusion I believe the Ephesian church is listed first among the seven churches because of the danger we face when what we believe and what we do are no longer tethered to a living love for Jesus and His people. Listen carefully. Rather than criticizing the Ephesian church for its zeal for the truth of Gods Word, Jesus praised them for it. Orthodoxy is essential to the spiritual health of both Christians and the church as a whole. When believers abandon orthodoxy, spirituality does not become freer or deeperit becomes hollow and lifeless. So do their churches. But love keeps orthodoxy from hardening into something Jesus also hated. When truth is severed from love, orthodoxy collapses into legalism. And legalism is not holiness; it is a corruption of orthopraxyright living. Christian, we are called to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy. Scripture commands us: As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Pet. 1:1416). But the way we pursue holiness is not through cold precision or moral superiority. It is through the kind of love the Ephesian church once hadand then lost. This is the first of seven ways Christ calls His people to cleanse His house of leaven. What is that love? Scripture defines it plainly: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth Love never ends (1 Cor. 13:48). This is the love Jesus spoke of that must be true of His followers: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). We live in a nation deeply fracturedso fractured that many believe we are in a cold civil war. Civil conversation between the left and the right is nearly impossible. But it must not be that way in the church Jesus redeemed from the world. Our love for Christ must overflow into genuine love for one anotherstrong enough to allow disagreement without division, conviction without contempt, and truth without hatred. Let me take this one step further. If you love the Jesus who died to ransom people from every tribe, language, people, and nation, then you must be liberated from the partisan blindness that grips both the left and the right. Christian, you belong to another kingdom. Your allegiance is not to a political ideology but to King Jesus. Please hear me: the world will not see, hear, or receive the gospel from the left or the rightbut only from Jesus Christ Himself. By Gods design, His gospel is not entrusted to government but to His church. The mess in the White House, ournation, and the world is evidence that what people need is the One who makes the Gospel the Gospelnamely, Jesus! If you cannot see thatif you cannot believe that while still calling yourself a Christianthen you are in danger of the very thing that threatened the church in Ephesus. You have lost your first love. So I leave you with the same words Jesus spoke to them: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

“Why are you crying?” The question was asked by a volunteer for a Christian relief ministry helping those whose homes had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The woman (who had burst into tears in the previous moment) replied, “I’m not crying because I lost everything. I’m crying because love just showed up.” God’s heart shows itself in His desire that we help those in need. When Moses gave the people of Israel God’s instructions before they entered the land He’d promised them, he told them, “Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted” toward the poor. “Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Their hearts toward the poor were to reflect God’s own: “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart” (15:10). Whether in disaster situations or everyday life, when we give to those in need out of the blessings God has kindly given us, we make evident the love of His Son, who came “to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). In fact, God promises He “will bless” those who share His unselfishness with others (Deuteronomy 15:10), both in this life and the next (see Luke 14:14). We can’t see God yet, but others may catch a glimpse of Him when we emulate His compassion for them. May His love show up as kindness through us today.

Jesus Followers Are the Enemy's {devil's} Target to Mess You Up and To Destroy Your Relationship with God MESSAGE SUMMARY:  The enemy {the evil one, the devil} is always at work seeking to destroy the fruit of the Lord's field and your life. In John10:10, Jesus tells us: “The thief {enemy} comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter tells you more about your enemy who is always with you: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil {enemy} prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”. Continue to remember that the enemy is always attempting to mess you up and to destroy your witness. Also, the enemy is always attempting to destroy your relationship with God and to get you to reject God. The enemy does his evil in subtle ways, but his purpose is clear -- the enemy wants you off the right path. The enemy is always at work, and he never sleeps.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). 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): John10:10-18;1 Peter 5:8-11; Ephesians 4:26-32; Psalms 50b:13-23. 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 Part 3 – Incomplete Finished Work” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

LESSON 39My Holiness Is My Salvation.If guilt is hell, what is its opposite? Like the text for which this workbook was written, the ideas used for the exercises are very simple, very clear and totally unambiguous. We are not concerned with intellectual feats nor logical toys. We are dealing only in the very obvious, which has been overlooked in the clouds of complexity in which you think you think.If guilt is hell, what is its opposite? This is not difficult, surely. The hesitation you may feel in answering is not due to the ambiguity of the question. But do you believe that guilt is hell? If you did, you would see at once how direct and simple the text is, and you would not need a workbook at all. No one needs practice to gain what is already his.We have already said that your holiness is the salvation of the world. What about your own salvation? You cannot give what you do not have. A savior must be saved. How else can he teach salvation? Today's exercises will apply to you, recognizing that your salvation is crucial to the salvation of the world. As you apply the exercises to your world, the whole world stands to benefit.Your holiness is the answer to every question that was ever asked, is being asked now, or will be asked in the future. Your holiness means the end of guilt, and therefore the end of hell. Your holiness is the salvation of the world, and your own. How could you to whom your holiness belongs be excluded from it? God does not know unholiness. Can it be He does not know His Son?A full five minutes are urged for the four longer practice periods for today, and longer and more frequent practice sessions are encouraged. If you want to exceed the minimum requirements, more rather than longer sessions are recommended, although both are suggested.Begin the practice periods as usual, by repeating today's idea to yourself. Then, with closed eyes, search out your unloving thoughts in whatever form they appear; uneasiness, depression, anger, fear, worry, attack, insecurity and so on. Whatever form they take, they are unloving and therefore fearful. And so it is from them that you need to be saved.Specific situations, events or personalities you associate with unloving thoughts of any kind are suitable subjects for today's exercises. It is imperative for your salvationthat you see them differently. And it is your blessing on them that will save you and give you vision.Slowly, without conscious selection and without undue emphasis on any one in particular, search your mind for every thought that stands between you and your salvation.Apply the idea for today to each of them in this way:My unloving thoughts about _______ are keeping me in hell.My holiness is my salvation.You may find these practice periods easier if you intersperse them with several short periods during which you merely repeat today's idea to yourself slowly a few times. You may also find it helpful to include a few short intervals in which you just relax and do not seem to be thinking of anything. Sustained concentration is very difficult at first. It will become much easier as your mind becomes more disciplined and less distractible.Meanwhile, you should feel free to introduce variety into the exercise periods in whatever form appeals to you. Do not, however, change the idea itself as you vary the method of applying it. However you elect to use it, the idea should be stated so that its meaning is the fact that your holiness is your salvation. End each practice period by repeating the idea in its original form once more, and adding:If guilt is hell, what is its opposite?In the shorter applications, which should be made some three or four times an hour and more if possible, you may ask yourself this question, repeat today's idea, and preferably both. If temptations arise, a particularly helpful form of the idea is:My holiness is my salvation from this.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

Essentials Part 3 – Incomplete Finished Work MESSAGE SUMMARY: Today, we delve into the profound mystery of the Trinity - One God, not three. We explore the eternal nature of God the Son, Jesus Christ, as revealed in John 1:1. The message walks us through Jesus' earthly ministry, from His incarnation to His ascension, reminding us of His ultimate role as King of Kings. We're challenged to reflect on how this understanding of Christ's divinity and sovereignty impacts our daily walk with Him. The Holy Spirit's role is also highlighted, emphasizing how He empowers us to commune with God and hear His voice amidst life's challenges. This message invites us to deepen our appreciation of the Trinity and how each person - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - works in perfect unity for our salvation and spiritual growth.   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 1:11; Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:11-16; Genesis 1:2; John 4:24; John 14:16. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Are the Enemy's {devil's} Target to Mess You Up and To Destroy Your Relationship with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Romans 10:14-17 — In his sermon on Romans 10:14–17 titled “The Preacher's Message (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about the great joy believers have within the gospel. Reading from this Scripture passage, he reminds the listener of the basics of the good news and how it should inspire Christians. He says that preaching is God's chief appointed role for sharing the gospel to the congregation and unbelievers. Because of this responsibility, it's important for preachers to integrate the good news into their message. Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers this suggestion with a warning to the congregation: do not grow tired of hearing the gospel. It is easy for Christians to forget the amazing power bestowed by God to those who believe. Dr. Lloyd-Jones takes an opportunity to remind Christians of what they have in Christ. He says that God gave His Son for the forgiveness of sins simply because He is rich in mercy and grace, as seen in Ephesians 2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds upon the daily intercession Christ takes for Christians at the right hand of the Father. He goes on to describe the groaning of the Holy Spirit that prays when believers don't know what to pray for. With these incredible privileges, Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes with a call to obey the gospel and take joy in the promises within. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Born Again: New Life from Above – John 3:1–21In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane dive into John 3:1–21, the iconic conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. What does it truly mean to be born again? Together, they unpack the difference between religious knowledge and spiritual rebirth, the role of the Spirit in new life, and the radical love of God revealed through Jesus. This passage invites us out of striving and into surrender—where belief leads to transformation and darkness gives way to lightJohn 3:3 – “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”John 3:5 – “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”John 3:15 - "Whoever believes in him [Jesus] should not perish but have eternal life."John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…”John 3:17 – “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world…”John 3:19–21 – Light vs. darkness—what we choose reveals what we believe.____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Website: www.janewwilliams.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

“GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right and of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4 “Hebrews is basically a book that encourages [exhorts] discouraged Christians to continue on strong with Jesus in light of the complete superiority of who He is and what He did for us.”- David Guzik. The messenger vs. the message “Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14. “GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” the message > the messengerChrist is not another messenger. He is the message“GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” Hebrews 1:1-2. “The Bible is the record of the different places and different ways by which God has spoken to man. In the book of Genesis, we find God speaking to man by angels; they were the messengers…then God began to speak through anointed men such as Moses and Joshua…. Then God spoke to them through priests…then as time progressed God raised up prophets…But God's final revelation was given to man through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to bring man the final, the ultimate message of God. The ultimate understanding of God. So, all that man is to know about God can be discovered in and through Jesus Christ. This revelation is superior than all of the other revelations. His revelation through the Son is superior than the revelation through the angels.”- Chuck Smith.“39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39“It isn't so much that Jesus brought a message from the Father; He is a message from the Father. He has revealed something no other prophet could”- David Guzik. “(Jesus)who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Hebrews 1:3-4“He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over-all creation.16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:15-18. Preeminent: surpassing all others; having the highest rank, importance or excellence. Gnosticism: salvation comes through special, hidden knowledge.Agnostic: without knowledge. Who Jesus is:#1 Heir (“Heir of all things” Heb 1:2) #2 Creator (“he made the worlds” Heb 1:2) #3 Revealer (“the brightness of his glory and express image of His person” Heb 1:3) #4 Sustainer (“upholding all things” Heb 1:3) #5 Ruler (“of His power” Heb 1:3) #6 Redeemer (“He had by Himself purged our sins” Heb 1:3)#7 Supreme (“sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Heb 1:3-4)“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 “9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” Philippians 2:9.Jesus' names: Second Adam (1 Cor 15:45)Advocate (1 John 2:1)Almighty (Rev 1:8)Alpha and Omega (Rev 1:8)Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)Bread of life (John 6:32)Christ (Luke 9:20)Cornerstone (Ps 188:22)Creator (John 1:3)First and Last (Rev 1:12)Good Shepard (John 10:11)Great High Priest (Heb 4:24)Holy One (Acts 3:14)I am (John 8:58)Immanuel (Is 7:14)Jehovah (Is 26:4)King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15)Lamb (Rev 13:8)Light of the world (John 8:12)Lion of Judah (Rev 5:5)Lord of Lords (1 Tim 6:15)Man of Sorrows (Is 53:3)Mediator (1 Tim 2:5)Messiah (Dan 9:25)Mighty God (Is 9:6)Prince of Peace (Is 9:6)Redeemer (Job 19:25)Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)Rock (1 Cor 10:4)Root of David (Rev 22:16)Savior (Luke 2:11)Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32)True Vine (John 15:1)Truth (John 1:14)Word (John 1:1)“Jesus' supreme status is demonstrated by a supreme name, which is not merely a title, but a description of His nature and character”- David Guzik. “What do you think about the Christ?” Matthew 22:42. Hebrews invites us to see the fullness of the message found in Jesus

Jack Phillips was a senior radioman on the maiden voyage of the ill-fated Titanic. On that fatal night when two-thirds of her passengers and crew would die, Phillips actually received a message from a ship called the Masaba. That ship was reporting on a major ice field ahead and the message gave the coordinates where the Titanic could expect to encounter those icebergs. It was the place where just two hours later, the Titanic would, in fact, hit one of those icebergs. The message with the warning of what was ahead - would you believe it - didn't get delivered. Jack Phillips was really busy at the time - a lot of radio traffic - and he stuck the message on a spindle to be delivered sometime later, and it never was. That one decision would cost the lives of 1,500 people and the life of the radioman himself. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Deadly Silence." Life-saving information never delivered. That is a tragedy that has been repeated countless times, as followers of Jesus Christ fail to deliver the life-saving message God has given to them. The message of how His Son's death on the cross paid the penalty for our sin and made the way for our sin to be forgiven so we could go to heaven. But if those who know it never tell those who don't, lives are going to be lost forever. That is the deadly silence. If you belong to Jesus, you may not fully realize the reason you are where you are and the incredibly important role you play in the plans of God and in the eternal destiny of people you know. There's a story in the Bible that wonderfully illustrates your position in the lives of your family, your coworkers, and your neighbors. It's found in 2 Kings 5:1-3, and it's our word for today from the Word of God. The Bible says: "Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. Naaman was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy." Okay, highly successful, very famous leader suddenly facing something bigger than he is - the fatal disease of leprosy. The story continues: "Now bands from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, 'If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria (that was Elijah) he would cure him of his leprosy.'" Ultimately, General Naaman acts on that information. His body is healed and he opens his heart to Jehovah God. Someone close to him knew how he could be saved and she took the risk to point him to the only person who could help. Humanly speaking, she was working there because of something bad that had happened to her; she was captured by enemy soldiers. But she came to understand that she had been divinely positioned where she was to save a life there. So have you. God, not circumstances, has positioned you where you are so you can help save the lives of the people there by pointing them to your Jesus; the only one who can save them. Like the girl working as a servant in the home of a very important man, it's a risk to tell them how they can be cured of the cancer of sin and how they can live forever. You won't take that risk if you're thinking about yourself. You will take the risk if you realize that the greatest risk of all is that they will die without the information that could have helped them go to heaven with you. We can't be this close to them for so long and never tell them the life-saving information we know. Pray each day that God will give you natural opportunities to share what you know about Jesus. Ask God to show you how to approach each person, and even ask Him to give you the words to say. He's promised He would. Living a Christlike life in front of them is very important, but it's not enough. They'll never guess that Jesus died for them just cause you're a good person. You'll have to tell them that. You have the message that can save their life. To leave that message undelivered is unthinkable.

It used to be a lot simpler to take out the garbage. The only decision we had to make that day was to take it to the curb. Not so much anymore! Now you've got to make sure you don't put out any grass clippings or limbs with your regular trash. We recycle everything! And those items are supposed to be separated. When we lived in the Metropolitan New York area their rules about garbage disposal were even more complicated. My friend Craig had recently moved there and wasn't familiar with the regulations. He let his garbage pile up for the first few weeks with odoriferous results. He finally found the instructions on handling trash and he told me, "It wasn't that I didn't want to get rid of that garbage, I just didn't know how to." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Saying Goodbye to the Garbage in Your Life." Some of us face a quandary similar to my friend's, only with the emotional and spiritual garbage of our lives. Things we've done that we wish we could undo. Things we hope no one ever finds out about. The guilty memories that keep replaying in our brain. Not to mention the pain we carry inside. We want to get rid of our garbage, we just don't know how to, and it continues to pile up in our soul. Well, there is a designated dumping ground for our lifetime of garbage. It's on a skull shaped hill with a rugged cross at the top. Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 1 Peter 2:24. Speaking of Jesus, it says, "'He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.'" See, all the guilt of all the sins that you and I have ever done, God's Son absorbed when He was dying on that cross paying our death penalty for our sin. In Isaiah 53, God graphically describes this dumping of all our sin garbage on His Son. It says, "He carried our sorrows, He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him." Just think! Every lie we've ever told, every angry, hurting word we've ever spoken, Jesus carried it on that cross. Every lustful thought, every immoral act, every adulterous act, every act of violence or selfishness, Jesus the sinless Son of God absorbed it into His soul on that cross. Why? In the words of the Bible, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son." And today this Jesus invites you to bring the accumulated garbage of your life to the cross where he died to forgive it. Jesus said of those who nailed Him to that tree, "Father, forgive them." If He could forgive that, there's nothing you've done that He cannot and will not forgive! But you have to come to Jesus willing to admit that you're a sinner, willing to tell Him that you're putting all your trust in Him to erase your sin from God's book and to give you life forever. You can trade in your guilt for His forgiveness. You can trade in your pain for His healing. You can trade in death for eternal life when you ask the One who died for you to be your own Savior. Have you ever done that? If you're not sure you have; if you're ready to finally be forgiven and clean, let me encourage you to go to our website where we have laid out very simply how you can begin your personal love relationship with Jesus Christ. Go to ANewStory.com. There is no reason to deal with the garbage of your life again. Not when Jesus Christ has shown you what to do with it. Bring all of that garbage of all of your life to Skull Hill where it was already dealt with by Jesus, and leave it there.

We have fantastic extra content for you that you will love on our Patreon Website / 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 week's episode Kerry discusses Enoch's preaching, anlife in the time of Enoch, the giants in the land, and other things about Enoch's sermon. He and others discuss why the Book of Moses has so much more about Christ in it than the Old Testament, and how we should benefit from that. Kerry helps define Zion and what those definitions have to do with us. Then he and Phillip Allred explore Enoch's experience in building Zion and what that means for us and how we should be becoming a Zion person, people and Church today. Kerry then delves into what we can learn about the nature of God and His Son through Enoch's experience with Jehovah, and how that helps us understand what God is doing for us. 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.

Do you want everything God has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ? Then it's time to make the decision to live by faith! In this series, Dr. Jerry Savelle teaches how to receive faith, where to apply it, and how to use it in your everyday life. Gain a deeper revelation of God's glory and understand what He expects from you and me. We pray that you will make the decision to live by faith, seek first the kingdom of God—not things, but God Himself—and yield to His wonderful will, receiving the blessing of God with open arms.

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?