Podcasts about his spirit

What if experiencing God's closeness wasn't rare, but constant? What if freedom from sin didn't come from trying harder, but from being so satisfied in Christ that sin simply lost its appeal? In this message from Pepperdine University, Francis Chan calls us beyond hype and emotional moments to a faith that truly abides - a life rooted in Jesus, shaped by His Word, and empowered by His Spirit. This is about a relationship that doesn't fade when the gathering ends, but grows deeper over time. This isn't behavior modification. It's transformation from the inside out. When the Holy Spirit fills a life, something real begins to change. Desires shift. Conviction deepens. Freedom becomes tangible. And what starts as a spark can become a fire that lasts for decades.

On today's episode of The Last Days Podcast Pastor Todd continues our series here at The River Tri-Cities Church, The Leading of the Holy Spirit. God is always speaking and has a plan for every single day of our lives, especially our relationships!He has given us His Spirit to not only live on the inside of us, but to lead us into ALL truth. Throughout these teachings Pastor Todd is going to share on how we can be lead by the Holy Spirit, hear His voice clearly, and know that God is with us and empowering us to do His will here on Earth! Make sure you are subscribed and keep up with us on social media.NEW EPISODES every Monday & Friday @ Noon.https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverOfTriCities/https://www.youtube.com/@TheRiverofTriCitiesChurchhttps://www.instagram.com/rivertcchurch/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/thelastdayspodcast/?hl=en

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Joel's prophecy concerning  GOD pouring out HIS Spirit on all mankind and how this was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.  Scripture References: John 14:23; Joel 2:28; Genesis 15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Joel 2:18-28; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Acts 2 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S NEW PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

Let's be serious, this is the starting point of your year. Our lives won't move in the direction God wants unless we align it with God's will. And to start, we need to stay committed in renewing our mind; guarding our minds the same way we clock in for work or study for an exam, if you're a student. In March, we are going to explore the mind and most importantly, the mind from a biblical perspective, how to renew it, its role in our relationships and livelihood. How we can have the most healthy mind so we can live a more healthy, peaceful and fulfilling life. Protecting our focus and being aware of our appointed time is also pertaining to how we take care of our mental health. So stay tuned for the next couple of weeks as we dig in and learn from this theme. I thank God in advance for the fruit that will come from our exploration with the help of His Spirit. Meditated scripture: Philippians 2:5. Suggested scripture: Romans 12:2Suggested scriptures: read the book of Esther in its entirety, Habakuk 1-2, Daniel 9-10, Micah 2:13, Amos 9:13-14. To support this podcast and our ministry, you're welcome to give via:  CashApp: $JLPNetwork  PayPal: paypal.me/JLPNetwork WebsiteIf you've been listening to our podcast ove the years and have been blessed by our content and want to book a one-on-one session with me, visit our website, JLPNetwork.comI can't wait to partner with you and seeing you flourish in singlehood/ in relationships!Shop EmunahCulture's New Merch

As Jesus continues talking with his disciples, he's preparing them for life without him, but life with His Spirit. What does it look like to be a disciple? Join us as we dig deep into the first half of John 15.

Stay the Course, Being Steady in the Lord in the Mist of a Volatile World • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give We are living in a time when everything around us seems to be shaking. Nations are shaking, economies are shaking, families are under pressure, and even within the visible church there is instability and compromise. Headlines change by the hour, but the Word of God has not changed. The Lord is raising up a people who will not be driven by fear, trends, or the latest crisis, but who will stay the course and remain steady in Him even when the world is volatile. God is not surprised by this hour. He has already prepared a path for His people. He has given us His Spirit, His Word, and His promises so that we can stand firm, endure, and even flourish when others are losing hope. 1. Steadfast when everything is shaking First, God calls us to be steadfast and unmovable. He does not want a fearful, fragile church, but a steadfast people who know whom they have believed. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 2. Running with patience, eyes on Jesus To stay the course in a volatile world, we must run the race God has set before us with patience and with a clear focus on Jesus Himself. Hebrews 12:1 2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 3. Guarding your heart and mind with peace In a volatile world, anxiety comes knocking each day. But the Lord has given us a way to walk in supernatural peace in the middle of chaos. Philippians 4:6 7 “Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee.” 4. God is our refuge when the earth trembles There are times when the shaking is not just emotional or personal, but global. Even then, God promises to be our refuge and strength. Psalm 46:1 3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” 5. Trials that refine instead of destroy Some of the volatility we face is not just out there in the world, it is in the form of personal trials. But in the kingdom, trials are not just random attacks. God uses them to refine, mature, and strengthen us. James 1:2 4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” 6. Not troubled by the signs of the times The Lord even spoke about the volatility of the last days. He told us about wars, rumors of wars, and shaking, yet He also told us how to posture our hearts. Matthew 24:6 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars see that ye be not troubled for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”   7. Planted, not blown around In a volatile world, many people are tossed like leaves in the wind. But the righteous are called to be planted like trees by rivers of water. Psalm 1:1 3 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Colossians 1:23 “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven whereof I Paul am made a minister.” We are living in a volatile world. There are shaking events, confusing voices, and real pressures on every side. Yet in this very hour, God is calling His people to stay the course. To be steadfast and unmovable. To keep our eyes on Jesus. To trade anxiety for prayer and thanksgiving. To let His peace guard our hearts and minds. To refuse to waste our trials and instead allow them to refine us. To endure to the end. To delight in His Word until we are like trees planted by rivers of living water. To stay steady in the Lord in this kind of world is not something we can do in our own strength. We need the Holy Spirit. We need the Word of God dwelling richly in us. We need fellowship with other believers who are also set on finishing well. So today, ask yourself, where have I been shaken. Where have I let fear, offense, or weariness push me off course. Where have I been listening more to the world than to the Word. Bring those areas back to the feet of Jesus. Surrender again. Say from your heart, “Lord, I choose to stay the course. Make me steadfast. Guard my mind with Your peace. Plant me deep in Your Word. Help me endure and finish my race well.” As you do, the same God who steadied Joseph in a foreign land, Daniel in a hostile empire, and the early church in a time of persecution will steady you in this generation. The world may be volatile, but your God is not. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in Him you can stand firm until the very end.

You were never meant to navigate life alone. God has provided divine help—His Spirit, His Word, and His presence—to guide, strengthen, and sustain you in every season. Discover the confidence and peace that come from recognizing the help already available to you.Be encouraged to rely fully on God's nearness and live with renewed assurance that you are supported, equipped, and never on your own.

Message Take Aways:1. King Ahab trusted in the deceptive words of false prophets rather than seeking the truth of God's word—“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” Romans 1:282. King Ahab rejected the declaration of God's word delivered by Micaiah, who warned the king of his coming judgement—“They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 7:123. King Ahab suffered destruction because of his proud refusal to heed God's warnings—“He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Proverbs 29:1

February 22 2026 The book of Acts shows us that the Holy Spirit is still actively guiding ordinary believers to share the message of Jesus in everyday moments. In Acts 8, we see how God used Philip's willingness to follow the Spirit's prompting to reach one person, reminding us that God's mission often unfolds through simple obedience and intentional conversations. It challenges us to reflect on how the Holy Spirit might be leading us to take our own next step—whether that means placing our trust in Jesus, stepping out to share our faith, or following Him in obedience through baptism. About this Sermon Series: The book of Acts tells the story of how the exalted Christ sends His Spirit to empower His people to continue His work in the world. Through the Spirit's power, ordinary believers boldly proclaim the gospel, witness miraculous works, and form vibrant communities that embody God's welcome to all people. Acts traces how the church's witness, energized by the Spirit, extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, revealing Christ's ongoing work through His people and the Spirit's leading in every new challenge and opportunity.

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'” Genesis 12:1-3 The Busses are joined by their longtime friend and favorite worship leader, Claren McQueen, to give a seek-peek into the message he will bring on Israel night at Convention 2026, which happens to be during Pentecost/Shavuot! Claren spent many years living in Israel and his understanding of Israel's role in God's plan increased exponentially during that time. Claren addresses the rise of anti-Semitism within Christianity, and explains how seeing God's promises to Israel fulfilled is directly linked to the outpouring of His Spirit on ALL nations!EMAIL: feedback@globaloutpouring.orgWEBSITE: https://globaloutpouring.net Related Links:Convention 2026: May 21-24, 2026Claren's Israel Service Message—Convention 2023 (YouTube)The Handmaiden's Song—Album by Maurice Sklar and Claren and Nancy McQueen (Apple Music)Podcast Episode 259: “Following the Leading of the Holy Spirit” with Claren and Nancy McQueenPodcast Episode 165: “Israel–The Key to God's Purpose in the Earth” with Claren McQueenPodcast Episode 130: “Summoned to Jerusalem” with Claren and Nancy McQueenPodcast Episode 127: “Walking through the Door of Worship into His Presence” with Claren and Nancy McQueenPodcast Episode 63: “Enjoy Your Life Every Moment” with Claren McQueen CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

A – About: This passage focuses on King Saul's growing jealousy and repeated attempts to kill David, despite promising not to harm him. God sovereignly protects David through Jonathan, Michal, and ultimately by overpowering Saul and his messengers through His Spirit. B – Best Verse: "But the Spirit of God was upon him also…" (1 Samuel 19:23) — showing that God ultimately controls even the king's actions. C – Called to Do: We are called to trust God's sovereignty rather than grasp for power, to reject jealousy and pride, and to serve under Christ our true King with humility and faith.

In this message, Pastor Jeff Davis reminds us that worship is not something we initiate - it's our response to what God has already done. Every promise of God is “Yes” in Christ, and because of His finished work, we can stand firm, sealed and secured by His Spirit. This sermon challenges us to receive the gift of salvation by faith, to praise God with our worship, and to elevate Christ daily by denying ourselves and following Him. When we decrease and He increases, our lives become a reflection of His glory. Listen to this sermon to be encouraged to praise because the only adequate response to God's work, is our worship!

"Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" The manna that sustained Israel in the wilderness becomes the object of complaint. The people weep for the meat of Egypt, and Moses buckles under the burden of leadership. God responds with quail and with His Spirit poured out on seventy elders. In this chapter, we see both the ugliness of ingratitude and the generosity of God who shares His Spirit with His servants.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 11.  To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway.  In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people.  These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Follow - Pt 8 - Being with Jesus isn't something we can do in isolation. Jesus left us more than His Word and His Spirit. He also left us His body, the Church. Here's a story in which the entire Body of Christ gets invested in helping Peter in a moment of crisis. It's also essentially the end of Peter being the main character of the book of Acts. But not the end of what God would do in and through him.

In Romans 2:11–29, Paul continues developing his argument by stressing that “God shows no favoritism.” Having established that God judges impartially, he now addresses a specific confidence many of his fellow Jews held — reliance on the Law and on the outward sign of circumcision. Paul affirms the privilege of having God's Law, yet he makes clear that possession of it is not the same as obedience to it. Hearing the Law does not justify anyone; doing it is what matters.He confronts the inconsistency of teaching others while failing to practice the same truths. Boasting in the Law while breaking it dishonors God and undermines the very covenant identity it claims to uphold. Circumcision, the visible mark of belonging to God's people, is valuable only if it reflects an obedient heart. Otherwise, it becomes empty symbolism. In a striking reversal, Paul explains that genuine faithfulness — even among Gentiles who do not possess the written Law — demonstrates that God's standards reach deeper than external markers.This section climaxes with a profound redefinition of what it means to belong to God. True Jewishness, Paul says, is not merely outward or physical; it is inward. Real circumcision is a matter of the heart, brought about by the Spirit, not simply by adherence to the written code.As Romans unfolds, this passage calls us beyond religious identity and external performance. It challenges us to examine whether our faith is merely outward or truly transforming within. God's approval does not rest on heritage, rituals, or knowledge alone, but on a heart renewed by His Spirit — one that lives in humble obedience before Him.Connect with us!Missioncity.church

In this message, Ps. Brian unpacks Acts 2 and shows why Pentecost is not just a historical moment, but a power we can trust today. Rooted in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Pentecost reveals how the exalted Christ pours out His Spirit and remains actively present in the world. From the cross that removes guilt, to the resurrection that defeats death, to the ascension that establishes Christ's lordship, Pentecost brings God home to His people. It marks the birth of the Church and the moment mission moves from human resolve to divine power. In a world filled with competing voices and fragile authority, this message reveals an authority we can trust and a transforming power even the sceptic can see.

We find ourselves in a pivotal moment in the book of Acts where a crowd witnesses something extraordinary and asks two profound questions that frame our entire spiritual journey: 'What does this mean?' and 'What shall we do?' These aren't just historical questions from curious onlookers at Pentecost. They're the very questions we must wrestle with when God moves in our lives. The sermon Peter delivers cuts through religious confusion and cultural noise to reveal a simple yet transformative truth: Jesus came, lived, died, and rose again so that we might have fullness of life through the Holy Spirit. But here's where it gets personal for us. We live in the space between what God has done and what we're called to do now. This is the 'already and not yet' of the kingdom. The danger isn't that God is absent in our lives. The danger is that we misunderstand His presence in the liminal spaces, the in-between moments. We settle for spiritual curiosity without spiritual clarity. We witness miracles, feel conviction, experience God's providence, yet we drift from the meaning of the message. We start making our own meaning instead of surrendering to the gospel. Peter's response to the confused crowd is both ancient and urgent: repent, confess, commit, and receive the Holy Spirit. This isn't about adding religious activities to our lives. It's about centering our entire existence on Jesus and allowing His Spirit to fill us with dreams, visions, and prophetic words that transform not just us, but our neighborhoods, workplaces, and cities. The normal Christian life isn't maintenance or manifesting. It's revelation.

Send a textWhat if the way we talk about salvation quietly turns grace into a paycheck and the Holy Spirit into a tenant who can move out without notice? We take that claim head-on, tracing the logic that says God elects based on foreseen faith and showing why it collapses into a gospel of wages. If God chooses you because of what you will do, grace becomes debt. And if the Spirit is God, He does not indwell in error and depart in regret. Assurance isn't spiritual arrogance; it is the fruit of God's promise to finish what He starts.From there we step into Job 18 and sit with Bildad's accusation. Yes, schemes often snare the schemer—Haman's gallows make the point—but Job isn't Haman. His suffering unfolds under heaven's hidden counsel, opposed by Satan and permitted by God for purposes no friend could see. We explore how true statements become false when ripped from context, and how theology without compassion wounds the people we mean to help. The result is a call to discernment: hold fast to doctrine, but let love set the tone and timing.Along the way, our panel shares candid reflections on humility, new faith, and the ache of unmet vocational hopes. We pray for better work, steadier courage, and a posture that resists the scribes' trap—expert words without a shepherd's heart. We connect Job's integrity to the greater pattern seen at the cross: what looks like defeat can be providence at work. If your story feels misread or your trial feels endless, let this conversation ground you in the God who seals by His Spirit and keeps by His grace.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who's wrestling with assurance, and leave a review so others can find these conversations. Your voice helps us keep the table open for thoughtful, grace-filled faith.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

The Church did not begin with a plan. It began with a prayer. In this series through the Book of Acts, we follow the earliest followers of Jesus, ordinary people transformed by His love, united by His mission, and empowered by His Spirit. This is the story of how the Church was established and how the movement continues through us today.

In this study we will take a look at the women within the Bible. We will look at each one of them and see how their story influences our lives today.In this first study we will start with EveI will begin in Chapter 3 verse 5.We finished up in our study with the serpent assuring Eve that she will not die! This would be Satan's second utterance! A Contradiction of Yahweh's Word in chapter 2:17. Take note the fact that Satan emphasizes his statement with the word ‘surely'. Satan tries to be like Yahweh. 5   opened = were opened [to wickedness] the knowledge attained is neither of happiness, wisdom or power, but of consciousness of sin and its conflict with the will of Yahweh. Next come shame, fear and the attempt to hide.7   Knew = they knew before, but their knowledge now received a new meaning. Adam becomes “naked” by losing something of Yahweh's glorious likeness. Could Romans 8:3 refer to this? “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, Yahweh sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Naked = “ay-ram” from 6191, nudity; 6191 = “aw-ram” to be [or make] bare, but used only in a derivate sense [through the idea of perhaps of smoothness] to be cunning [usually in a bad sense]8  voice = “kole, kole”  meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound: crackling of footstepsIn the Hebrew text we see the Hebrew word ‘eth'. Which is the letters Alph and Tav.Aleph = The original pictograph for this letter is a picture of an ox head representing strength and power from the work performed by the animal. This pictograph also represents a chief or other leader. When two oxen are yoked together for pulling a wagon or plow, one is the older and more experienced one who leads the other. Tav = The Ancient picture is a type of "mark", probably of two sticks crossed to mark a place similar to the Egyptian hieroglyph of, a picture of two crossed sticks. This letter has the meanings of mark, sign or signature.By placing this Hebrew word ‘eth' within this verse, shows us that it is no doubt Yahweh who is calling them.Cool of the day is literally “the breeze of the day.”cool = “ruach” spirit. Since Yahweh is a Spirit, could it be possible that they may have heard the movement of His Spirit going through the garden? 9  where art thou = the first question in the Old Testament come from Yahweh to the sinner, whereas in the New Testament, the first question of the seeking sinner, “Where is He?” Matthew 2:210    I was afraid, because I was naked = See the immediate consequences of sin. 1) Shame, because of the ingratitude marked in the rebellion, and because that in aiming to be like Yahweh they were now sunk into a state of the greatest wretchedness. 2) Fear, because they saw they had been deceived by Satan, and were exposed to that death and punishment from which he had promised them an exemption.11 Hast thou eaten? = An opportunity is given Adam for full confessions and expression of repentance. A sin unconfessed and unrepented is a sin constantly committed.12  the man = eth-ha-adahamthe woman = showing the true nature of a sinful man, always passing the buckthou gavest = Boy, Adam is really showing his colors or nakedness. Now he is passing the buck to the one that created him!Join me as we go Chapter by Chapter, Verse by Verse, Unraveling the Words of Yahweh!Have any questions? Feel free to email me; keitner2024@outlook.com 

Explore Joel 2's promise of restoration: God removes judgment, restores what sin destroyed, pours out His Spirit, and saves all who call on His name—finding hope in Christ's mercy today.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5 February 15, 2026 AM.Paul desires a heavenly body and is fully confident that God's eternal purpose for that very thing will be fulfilled because God has given us His Spirit as a guarantee.

In this episode, Jesus tells his disciples when he sends them out that they may be persecuted for the good news they share, but that His Spirit will be with them and even give them the words to say!

Speaker: Rob BerrethScripture: Matthew 5:1–6Episode Overview:In this sermon on Matthew 5:1–6, we enter the opening words of the Beatitudes and discover a pathway that begins with spiritual poverty and leads to deep, lasting joy. Jesus declares that the kingdom belongs not to the self-sufficient, but to those who know their need. From being poor in spirit to mourning sin, from meekness to a hunger for righteousness, Christ reveals both the pardon He freely gives and the progress He graciously produces. This message invites us to receive the riches of Christ and to walk in the transforming work of His Spirit.Key Highlights:• Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3)The kingdom is given—not earned. Spiritual bankruptcy becomes the doorway to divine abundance. Jesus offers Himself as the righteousness we lack.• Blessed Are Those Who Mourn (Matthew 5:4)Honest grief over sin is not despair but the beginning of comfort. God meets repentant hearts not with condemnation, but with compassion.• Blessed Are the Meek (Matthew 5:5)Meekness is strength under God's direction. Those who are humbled by grace become teachable, responsive, and ready to inherit what God promises.• Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)The Christian life is not only about being pardoned but about longing to grow. Christ satisfies those who desire to become more like Him.• Pardon and ProgressJesus does not merely forgive—He forms. The One who removes our burden also reshapes our hearts.Call to Action:Take time this week to sit quietly before the Lord. Ask Him to show you where you need to acknowledge spiritual poverty, where you need to grieve sin honestly, and where He is inviting you to hunger for greater righteousness. Don't try to fix everything at once. Let the Spirit gently direct you toward one area where growth is needed. Receive Christ's grace there—and walk forward in obedience, trusting that the One who pardons also empowers.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

All around us marriages are struggling and divorce is occurring at an alarming rate. And that includes Christian marriages. But God has given us everything we need to succeed in the marital relationship in His Word and by His Spirit. Today on a Daily Walk pastor John Randall unveils God's heart for your marriage through a study of First Peter chapter three. We'll take notice of the structure in the home that God has come up with and as you'll soon see many have strayed away from it. This passage has a great deal to communicate to husbands and wives, and over the course of the next two programs we'll take a good look at it together. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1368/29?v=20251111

February 15, 2026 God doesn't waste our pain. He uses our suffering to display His grace and purpose. Through Stephen's story, we see that when we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can stand with courage even in opposition, trusting that God is near in our suffering and working through it to grow His Church. What looks like loss or tragedy can actually become part of God's bigger plan to shape us into Christ and spread the gospel. About this Sermon Series: The book of Acts tells the story of how the exalted Christ sends His Spirit to empower His people to continue His work in the world. Through the Spirit's power, ordinary believers boldly proclaim the gospel, witness miraculous works, and form vibrant communities that embody God's welcome to all people. Acts traces how the church's witness, energized by the Spirit, extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, revealing Christ's ongoing work through His people and the Spirit's leading in every new challenge and opportunity.

Title: Marvel NotSpeaker: Pastor Sascha BramaoDate: 4th January 2026Location: Wellington, New Zealand This episode explores the repeated biblical phrase “marvel not” and why Jesus used it when declaring the necessity of being born again. Rather than reacting with doubt or surprise, Christ calls for faith and obedience. The promise of new life was never a last-minute idea—it was declared through the prophets and fulfilled through the new covenant. From Jeremiah and Ezekiel to the words of Jesus in John, the message is consistent: God would cleanse, transform, and place His Spirit within His people. The discussion connects the new birth—through water baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit—with the fruit of the Spirit and the promise of resurrection life. It also addresses the reality of coming judgment, urging believers to aim for the first resurrection. The call is clear: don’t hesitate at what Jesus said. Respond, be changed, and walk in the power of the Spirit. Key Takeaways “Marvel not” means don’t doubt—respond in faith to Christ’s instruction. The new covenant promised a new heart and God’s Spirit within. There is a resurrection to life and a resurrection to judgment—prepare now. Reference Scriptures John 3:7 Jeremiah 31:31–34 Ezekiel 36:24–27 John 1:6–13 Galatians 5:22–23 1 John 3:13 John 15:18–27 John 5:24–29 Revelation 20:4–15 Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2026 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Book of Numbers reveals God's sovereign presence at the heart of Israel's communal life, both in encampment and journey, where the tabernacle—symbolizing God's throne room—serves as the central axis around which the nation is organized. Through the meticulous arrangement of the tribes, the designated roles of the Levites, and the structured marches led by the cloud of God's presence, the text emphasizes that holiness, obedience, and divine guidance define God's people. The parallel with Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim-chariot underscores that when Israel remains faithful, God dwells among them visibly and tangibly; but when they rebel, His glory departs, only to return when repentance and obedience are restored. This dynamic illustrates that the true mark of God's people is not merely ritual or doctrine, but the living, moving presence of God among them, calling for continual responsiveness to His Spirit. Ultimately, the narrative calls believers to align their lives with God's leading, to walk in step with His Spirit, and to recognize that His presence is the foundation of a faithful community.

Spiritual danger isn’t always obvious. Just like something hidden in plain sight, the greatest threats to our faith are often unseen. Scripture reminds us that we have a real enemy who prowls like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. While we may not physically see spiritual warfare, it is very real. This devotional calls us to awareness—not fear. We are not left defenseless. God has equipped us with spiritual armor and given us His Word, His Spirit, and the advocacy of Jesus Christ. When the enemy whispers lies, Jesus stands as our Advocate, declaring us forgiven and redeemed. When accusations try to overwhelm us, Christ’s finished work silences them. Spiritual attacks can come through suffering, discouragement, temptation, doubt, or isolation. That’s why we are urged to stay alert and sober-minded. But vigilance doesn’t mean panic—it means standing firm in faith. The Lion of Judah has already triumphed over the prowling lion. We walk through life aware of the battle, but confident in the victory. God promises that after we have suffered for a little while, He Himself will restore, strengthen, and make us steadfast. We are protected, not because we are strong, but because He is. Main Takeaways Spiritual warfare is real, even when it is unseen. The enemy seeks to discourage, accuse, and weaken believers. God provides spiritual armor and calls us to stand firm in faith. Jesus is our Advocate, silencing the enemy’s accusations. God promises restoration, strength, and steadfastness after seasons of trial. Today’s Bible Verse “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11, NIV). Your Daily Prayer Prayer excerpt for listeners: “Help me to stand firm in my trust in You, Lord, and to fight with Your Word against the lies of the enemy.” Listen to the full prayer here, or read the full devotional and complete prayer by visiting the links below. Discover more daily encouragement and faith-based podcasts: LifeAudio.com – Christian podcasts and devotionals Crosswalk.com – Articles, devotionals, and Bible study resources This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many people assume their spiritual journey ends the moment they say, “I believe.” But just as wedding vows begin a marriage—not finish it—so salvation is the starting line of a lifelong, living relationship with Jesus.In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to the apostle Paul as a striking example: a man with an impressive religious résumé who came to see every achievement as “garbage” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8–9). Why? Because genuine love for Jesus never settles into complacency. It longs for more.You'll hear why spiritual growth often begins with a simple, honest confession:“Lord, my love for You feels shallow—change me.”Dr. Youssef reminds us that Jesus longs to:nourish your mind with Truth,fill your heart with His love,lift your imagination to eternal priorities, andshape your will through surrender to His Spirit.But it starts with a holy dissatisfaction—an ache that refuses mediocrity and chooses to seek God with the whole heart.Scripture for today's devotional:“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).Press play—and ask God to deepen your hunger for Jesus today. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What if the church was never an afterthought — but a mystery hidden in the heart of God for centuries?In Part 1 of our brand-new 6-part series through the book of Ephesians, listen as Pastor Daniel Hayworth walks through the entire first chapter and reveals why Paul planted a church in one of the most wicked cities in the Roman Empire — and what that means for your faith today.Hear how God chose you before the foundation of the world, adopted you into His family, and sealed you with His Spirit — and why that changes everything about how you face a dark culture.You'll Learn:✅ Why Ephesus was a pagan stronghold and what that means for us today✅ The 8 spiritual blessings every believer receives in Christ✅ How God's hidden mystery defeated Satan's plan✅ Why biblical unity is the church's real strength✅ The doctrine of substitution and your new identity in ChristPerfect for your morning commute or workout — this is the series you don't want to miss. Subscribe now and start every week anchored in God's Word.

Have we settled in this world, or are we asking God to remove the sin? Are we complacent or victorious through His Spirit? Unite with God to gain victory!

The Vanity of Life Under the Sun Without the Son, Pt. 2The Vanity of Worldly WisdomEcclesiastes 1:12-18 | King's Chapel Live StreamWe live in an age overflowing with information. Knowledge is everywhere. Technology is advancing rapidly. Artificial intelligence can process more data than any human mind ever could. And yet the deepest questions of the human heart remain unanswered.In Ecclesiastes 1, Solomon explores the limits of worldly wisdom. He pursued knowledge, understanding, and insight, only to discover that wisdom under the sun cannot restore what has been lost or heal what has been broken.In this message, we consider how modern forms of wisdom, including artificial intelligence, still fall short. Worldly wisdom cannot recover our lost relationship with God. It cannot repair the damage of sin. It cannot satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. No amount of information can replace redemption.This sermon also offers practical guidance for living wisely in a technological age. Be aware, but do not be afraid. Use tools, but do not depend on them for what only God can provide. Artificial systems may process knowledge, but only the living God transforms hearts.As we continue our Ecclesiastes series, we are reminded that true wisdom is not found merely in accumulated knowledge. It is found in reverence for God, trust in His Word, and dependence on His Spirit.Connect with King's Chapel in Longwood, FL - ▶️ www.kingschapelfl.com▶️ https://www.facebook.com/KingsChapelfl▶️ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelfl/For the GLORY of our Great GodFor the GOOD of our NeighborEcclesiastes 1 sermon, vanity of wisdom, biblical view of artificial intelligence, meaning of life Bible, King's Chapel Longwood FL, limits of worldly wisdom, AI and Christianity sermon, wisdom under the sun, purpose in Christ

Send a textEach week Pastor Mark takes time to go deeper and talk about the week's message!  If you have questions you'd like him to answer or hear more about please send those in by texting us at the link in the show notes!You can also view video of this podcast and our Sunday sermons by visiting our YouTube channel!https://www.youtube.com/@lifehousemotWhat if the thing holding you back isn't a lack of calling, but a lack of confidence in God's justice and timing? We open Zechariah 6 and sit with a people who returned from exile, rebuilt for a while, then stalled for sixteen long years. Into that weariness comes a startling vision: four war chariots bursting between bronze mountains, strong horses impatient to run. It's not a movie trailer. It's God saying, “I see. I repay. Now rise.” That promise reframes our hurts and our hesitations. When the Lord sets His Spirit at rest where oppressors once rested easy, we can forgive, stand up, and get back to work.From there we turn to a crown of silver and gold set on Joshua the high priest, a signpost to the Branch who unites what history could not: priest and king in one person. Only in Christ do power and purity meet without corruption. He bears many crowns, builds the true temple, and brings a council of peace that doesn't flinch at truth. That picture isn't abstract. It's a working blueprint. Crowns displayed in the temple became a daily reminder for a tired people that their King would reign and their labor mattered. For us, it's courage on Monday morning: show up, serve, speak life, and trust the One who builds through nail-scarred hands.We get practical about moving from stuck to sent: naming church hurt without letting it define us, leaving vengeance to God so forgiveness has room to breathe, and taking the next clear step—mentoring a student, joining a prayer team, leading a simple study, or sharing your story with a neighbor. Those far off will come and help build; in Christ, that's our story too. We were far, now near—not just to rest, but to raise beams together. If you've been waiting for perfect conditions, consider this your nudge. Be patient with God's timing, but be ready like the horses—eager, focused, and aimed at good work.If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: what's the next step you're taking this week?New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.com Join us Sundays at 9 & 11 AM Intro music by Joey Blair

Today's Promise: Ezekiel 36:26-27 Discover the life-changing promise of a new heart in Christ in today's episode. Based on Ezekiel 36:26–27, this message reminds you that God doesn't simply repair your old heart; He replaces it with a new one. This new heart is alive to Him and filled with His Spirit. Learn how this new spiritual heart shapes your thoughts, words, and actions, and why guarding it is essential to your walk with God.   If you've felt your passion fading or your heart growing cold, this episode offers hope and renewal. Be encouraged that God is continually at work, softening your heart and drawing you back into close fellowship with Him. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can once again hear His voice and walk in joyful obedience.   Take a moment to reflect, pray, and declare the truth that, in Jesus, you have a new heart, and that God is faithfully strengthening it every day.

On today's episode of The Last Days Podcast Pastor Todd continues our series here at The River Tri-Cities Church, The Leading of the Holy Spirit. God is always speaking and has a plan for every single day of our lives. He has given us His Spirit to not only live on the inside of us, but to lead us into ALL truth. Throughout these teachings Pastor Todd is going to share on how we can be lead by the Holy Spirit, hear His voice clearly, and know that God is with us and empowering us to do His will here on Earth! Make sure you are subscribed and keep up with us on social media.NEW EPISODES every Monday & Friday @ Noon.https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverOfTriCities/https://www.youtube.com/@TheRiverofTriCitiesChurchhttps://www.instagram.com/rivertcchurch/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/thelastdayspodcast/?hl=en

You're Not Called to Survive This Hour, You're Called to Overcome It • Sunday Service To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org There's a lie circulating in the body of Christ right now. It sounds humble. It sounds cautious. But it's unbelief dressed up in church language. The lie says: “Just hang on.” The lie says: “It's going to get darker and darker.” The lie says: “The devil is running wild and we're barely making it.” That is not the Gospel. Jesus did not shed His blood so you could limp into heaven barely alive. He did not rise from the dead so you could be tormented, confused, defeated, and spiritually fragile. You are not called to survive this hour. You are called to dominate it in the Spirit. Let's go to the Word. 1. You Were Created to Overcome, Not Coexist With Defeat 1 John 4:4 (NKJV) “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 2. You Were Given Authority, Not a Victim Card Luke 10:19 (NKJV) “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” 3. You Are Not Called to Fear the Last Days There's so much fear preaching right now. Charts. Timelines. Panic. But Jesus never told us to fear the last days. Luke 21:28 (NKJV) “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 4. The Righteous Are Bold Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV) “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” 5. You Were Not Redeemed to Live in Bondage Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” 6. Faith Is the Victory 1 John 5:4 (NKJV) “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 7. You Have Resurrection Power Inside You Romans 8:11 (NKJV) “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” 8. You Are More Than a Conqueror Romans 8:37 (NKJV) “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” 9. The Kingdom Is Advancing Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” 10. The Gospel Is the Power of God Romans 1:16 (NKJV) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” The answer to cultural chaos is not clever arguments. It's the Gospel. The Gospel carries power. Power to save. Power to heal. Power to deliver. Power to transform. When you preach Christ crucified and risen, heaven backs it. This is not the hour to shrink. This is not the hour to blend in. This is not the hour to whisper. It's the hour to believe the Bible again. Stop rehearsing what the enemy is doing. Start declaring what Jesus has done. You are not weak. You are not barely making it. You are not called to survive. You are filled with the Spirit of God. You carry authority in the name of Jesus. You are more than a conqueror.

Send us a messageSo much is happening as the Prophetic Word of God unfolds before our very eyes, that it is difficult to know what to address first.  But one thing is certain - the Watchmen on the Wall have been stationed to sound the alarm, with Holy Spirit discernment being the mandate of the day.God's  Holy Remnant  -  those who have been born again of His Spirit - are paying attention and being readied by the Power of His Word, and yet the world is oblivious,  as well as many professed Christians who carry that title in name only.And while these complacent ones go about doing the things they've always done – just as in the Days of Noah - the Beast System of the Antichrist is rising with everything being put in place to usher in the Man of Lawlessness.He will rule as Satan's emissary during the Tribulation Period, and everyone who has not been taken into safety in the Rapture of God's redeemed ones, will be left to endure a time of suffering that Lord Jesus said has not been since the beginning of the world until now, and shall never be again. (Matthew 24:21)It is time to awaken. It is time to choose. Life or death? Please choose Life!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/

It's possible to hear the Word of God without allowing it to transform our hearts. In this message from Romans, we're invited to move beyond surface-level faith and make room for the Holy Spirit to shape us from the inside out. Scripture reminds us that spiritual maturity isn't about information or appearance, but about obedience, humility, and a heart changed by grace. Pastor Miriam Wamer challenges us to slow down, receive God's Word deeply, and allow His Spirit to produce lasting fruit in our lives.

"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"

What if the Christian life isn't about trying harder to earn God's love, but about living from the security of already being His beloved child? This exploration of Ephesians 5 turns our typical understanding upside down: we don't imitate God to become His children—we imitate Him because we already are. The passage reminds us that before we did anything good or bad, God chose us, predestined us for adoption, and sealed us with His Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. This isn't just theological theory; it's the foundation for how we live. When we grasp that our truest identity is 'beloved child of God,' everything changes. We're called to walk in three transformative ways: in love that leads to sacrificial action, in light that exposes and refuses darkness, and in wisdom that pursues God through His Word and His people. The beauty here is that even when we stumble and fail to live up to this calling, our status never changes. Like the prodigal son, we're always welcomed back with open arms—not as servants trying to earn our way, but as children who never stopped being loved. This is the gospel: identity leads to action, not the other way around.

Our Election in Christ (7)  (audio) David Eells – 2/15/26 I'm going to continue speaking today about election and talk about the children and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that giveth life; … (Joh.6:63). In the Book of Romans, we found out that before Jacob and Esau were even born, Jacob was called God's elect. (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. Well, just as I'm sure you have questions, I had some questions, too, when I got this far in my revelation about election and predestination. What about the children? What about the babies? What about the doctrine of an “age of reason” that the Church has had for so many years? They say every child goes to be with the Lord, if they die before they reach the “age of reason,” and after that age, then they become accountable. Then it becomes their responsibility to accept the Lord and walk with the Lord. And so on. To me, that doctrine seemed contrary to election, according to everything I understood. I really wanted to know for myself, so I began to do some research. I decided to seek out how all of this fits together about children and election, but I want to remind you that both Jacob and Esau went past the stage of childhood; Jacob went on to manifest as a vessel of honor, and Esau as a vessel of dishonor. Neither one of them died as a child or as a baby. Let me share with you what I discovered. We know that, according to election, there are sons of God and sons of the devil, based on what God makes out of the clay and what a person becomes in their life (Romans 9:21). But, according to nature, I'd like to show you another teaching: (Heb.12:9) Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of [our] spirits, and live? Some translations add in the word “our” to “Father of spirits” in this verse, but the word “our” is not in the ancient manuscripts of the Nestle's or Received Text, and there's no numeric pattern for that word to be there. He's the “Father of spirits,” as He's called elsewhere in the Bible. You may be questioning, “So is God the Father of our spirits or is He the Father of every spirit?” The answer can be found here: (Num.16:22) And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? And another place says in (Num.27:16) Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation. That gives us two witnesses that He's “God of the spirits of all flesh.” When God breathed into Adam the breath, or the spirit, of life, the spirit that He gave Adam was a fresh, clean human spirit (Genesis 2:7), and I believe God gives everyone a fresh, clean human spirit. Now I want you to look at something that you may find surprising. Once you understand election and God's predestination of the elect, you can see how there are sons of God and there are sons of the devil. We've seen that the “wheat” are the sons of God and the “tares” are the sons of the devil. The wheat and the tares were sown in the earth, and in the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24,36-43), the earth was the hearts of men. Universally, the hearts of men are that “earth” in which God sows His seed and in which the devil sows his seed. But what about that heart before it manifested the seed of God or the seed of the devil? When Paul preached to the pagans at the Areopagus, he told them, (Act.17:24) The God that made the world and all [things] (The word “things” is not in the original; it was added by the translators.) therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; (25) neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all [things]. Again, the word “things” is not in the original. “He giveth to all life, and breath.” The word there for “breath” is the Greek word pneuma, and it's the same word translated as “spirit” in other places in the New Testament. The words “breath” and “spirit” both come from the same word pneuma, which is where we get our word for “air.” As we read on down, we're going to see if this word “all” really means “all” because this word “all” has to be judged by its context in the rest of the Scripture. We read again this text without “things.” (Act.17:25) Neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all; (26) and he made of one every nation of men (God made all men) to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined [their] appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation (Everybody came from Adam according to (Act 17:26) and he made of one every nation of men… And, Eve is called the “mother of all living” in Genesis 3:20, so we know that everybody came from Adam and Eve, contrary to some doctrines of men.); (27) that they should seek God, if happily they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us (That shows each person on this earth is individually responsible for seeking God, but not everybody will do that and they are going to be held responsible.): (28) for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Paul is agreeing with what those pagans were saying about us receiving our being in God. He's saying that it's true. (Act.17:28) For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. “We are also His offspring.” You know, Christians like to correct this theology and say, “For we are all children of God.” That's not true because we are not all children of God, but we are all His offspring in a way. Then Paul goes on to say, (29) Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. (30) The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: (31) inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Well, how are we all the “offspring of God”? (Joh.1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All [things] were made through him (He's talking about people, not things, which is not in the numeric pattern. The Greek word there is the adjective pas, and it simply means “all, the whole, every kind of.”); and without him was not anything made that hath been made. So the Word made everything; He made Adam. We can read a confirmation of this here: (Col.1:16) For in him were all [things] created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him. Everything was created through Jesus and for Jesus. He is the first-born of the creation of God. This is talking about from the very beginning of all creation. It all came to be because it was created through Christ. (Joh.1:4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And over in Proverbs it says, (Pro.20:27) The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all his innermost parts. The Father created all things through Christ, and Christ was the medium through which the Father used to create all things and all men as in these texts. It was Jesus, the Son of God Who created all things and breathed into Adam. (Gen.2:7) And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Or the “spirit.” The Hebrew word there is neshamah and is translated as both “breath” and “spirit” in the Old Testament.); and man became a living soul. The Bible says that the first man, Adam, was a natural being. (1Co.15:44) It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual [body]. (45) So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (46) Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual. (47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven. (48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. His natural man came from the earth, but his spirit came from God. God breathed into Adam, and the breath, the Spirit, came out of God and went into man. Some theologians like to argue that the “breath of life” is the “breath of lives.” I'm not sure about that, but we know that in the loins of Adam, in the seed of Adam, was all mankind (1 Corinthians 15:21-22). And God breathed into Adam a fresh, clean, pure Spirit to be the spirit of man, but it wasn't long after this that instead of following after his spirit, man followed his flesh and corrupted himself on the earth. (Gen.6:12) And God saw the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. (17) And I, behold, I do bring the flood of waters upon this earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is in the earth shall die. Adam started out innocent before God, but in following his flesh, he got further and further away from God, and Adam's children got further and further away from God, until God had to destroy them. Truly, nothing has changed; we're in the same position today. God gives the natural child a fresh, clean spirit, which is the breath of life that He breathes into them. With this spirit, they have an opportunity to follow their spirit, and your conscience is a part of your spirit, so when you're following your conscience, you are following your spirit. We have to choose. You can follow your conscience, or you can follow your flesh, and as we know, everybody follows after their flesh. (Joh.1:5) And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. This sounds very much like what Peter said: (2Pe.1:19) And we have the word of prophecy [made] more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp (We've learned that the “lamp” is the “spirit of man,” according to Proverbs 20:27.) shining in a dark place (The “dark place” is your soul, which is your mind, will and emotions.), until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts. In the beginning, God gave Adam a “lamp” and it shined forth into his human nature, but Adam's offspring, who all started out the same way, began to follow after their flesh more and more, which corrupted their soul and eventually corrupted their spirit. If we follow after the flesh, the soul is going to be corrupted, and then when we follow our corrupted soul, our spirit will eventually be corrupted. Everybody starts out with a fresh, clean spirit, but they also start out with the corrupt nature that was passed down to them through their parents. “The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” The last Adam, or Jesus, is the one who gives us a new spirit when we are born again and become a new creation. (2Co.5:17) Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. Jesus is the second Adam; He is the Father of a new, born-again creation because the first creation corrupted itself. Except for one thing, babies start out in the place of Adam because they are given a fresh, clean spirit from God, one that's not corrupted. However, their soul is corrupted because their parents passed on their blood. (Lev.17:11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason of the life. That gives the child a lot to overcome. The Bible says of God, (Exo.34:6) And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth, (7) keeping lovingkindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin; and that will by no means clear [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation. So we see that the sins of the parents are also passed down to the children from one generation to another generation and on and on. So, live holy. (Joh.1:6) There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. (7) The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. (8) He was not the light, but [came] that he might bear witness of the light. (9) There was the true light, [even the light] which lighteth every man, coming into the world. This should be turned around because the numeric pattern proves that the sequence is wrong. What it actually says is, “The true light was, which coming into the world, lighteth every man.” Jesus is the true light that “lighteth every man.” (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God. As far as the new creation, Jesus' spirit is that new spirit that comes into every man as their lamp to show them the way. It shines in the dark place of their soul in order to dispel the darkness. You can see the same pattern repeated with babies. Like Adam at the beginning of creation, Jesus breathes into them the spirit of life, and they start out innocent when they are born, but they don't stay that way long. And the Bible doesn't teach that it has anything to do with some so-called “age of reason”; theologians have come up with that doctrine. What the Bible does say is, (Isa.53:6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.... Well, in order to go astray, you had to have been with God in the first place. (Rom.3:9) What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin (Of course, the Greeks weren't under the Old Covenant. Paul is talking about the New Covenant.); (10) as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; (11) There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God (He's talking about the Jews and the Gentiles.); (12) They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one. They all turned aside. Jews and Gentiles all turned aside. That means, in some way, they started out with God. In some way, babies start out with God. (Psa.58:3) The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. This says they start going astray from the time they are born, but at birth, they are with God. They go astray because they follow their fallen nature, instead of following after their fresh, clean spirit, which was given from God. They go astray following after their flesh and become more and more corrupt. If you have a clean spirit, but you follow after the flesh, your soul will die. (Job.36:8) And if they be bound in fetters, And be taken in the cords of afflictions; (9) Then he showeth them their work, And their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly. (10) He openeth also their ear to instruction, And commandeth that they return from iniquity. (11) If they hearken and serve [him], They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures. (12) But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge. (13) But they that are godless in heart lay up anger: They cry not for help when he bindeth them. (14) They die in youth.... “Their soul dieth” is what it literally says in the original Hebrew and your Bible should have a footnote explaining this. Strong's concordance is based on the Received Text and uses noar, which is a different Hebrew word altogether. (14) They die in soul, And their life [perisheth] among the unclean. (15) He delivereth the afflicted by their affliction, And openeth their ear in oppression. (16) Yea, he would have allured thee out of distress Into a broad place, where there is no straitness; And that which is set on thy table would be full of fatness. (17) But thou art full of the judgment of the wicked: Judgment and justice take hold [on thee.] (18) For let not wrath stir thee up against chastisements; Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn thee aside. Therefore, if a person were to listen to the Lord and follow after the Lord, their soul wouldn't die, but the natural process of degeneration sets in as soon as a person is born. They begin to go astray by following after their flesh, but the point is that they don't start out that way; they start out with the Lord. I don't think responsibility has anything to do with reaching an “age of reason.” I think that responsibility has more to do with the degeneration of the spirit than it does with reason. Children who are raised up with Godly parents, parents who discipline them and teach them the truth, don't become as corrupt as quickly as other children. Their conscience doesn't become as defiled as that of other children because discipline is a motivation to do what is right. It's a motivation to obey your conscience and obey your spirit, and not obey your flesh. If a child is raised with discipline, they don't become corrupted as quickly as a child who is not raised with discipline. Little children go bad and become evil very quickly without any discipline, and that's why I don't think that there is any particular age called the “age of reason,” where God imputes responsibility. It's not an age that makes you accountable; it's truth that makes you accountable. The more truth you go against, the more your conscience is defiled. The Bible is very plain: (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. That doesn't mention any particular age. “To him it is sin,” but where there was no law or, in other words, when they didn't know that what they were doing was sin, then sin was not imputed to them. (Rom.5:13) For until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Being held responsible has to do with knowledge; knowledge determines whether God imputes iniquity to you or whether He doesn't impute iniquity to you. Yet, knowledge must be incorporated to bear fruit. I believe that whether a child is raised with discipline or whether they're not raised with discipline, they end up in the same place. Eventually, what happens is that their soul and spirit become corrupt. At that time, they need to be born again. I can't say if there's any particular age for that because the Bible doesn't teach it. But somewhere during that time, I believe that a person whose spirit becomes corrupt must be born again; their spirit must be born again. Adam was pure before God when he was in his innocence, even though he was not born again. That was the natural birth that he had. It was when Adam got away from his innocence that he fell. God gave Adam a clean spirit and He gave Adam only one law, but still Adam failed. He followed the flesh and he fell away. Now there is a place of innocence from childhood on up because of ignorance. Let me show you that in the story of Abijah, the son of Jeroboam. Jeroboam was a wicked king over the northern 10 tribes, and he led Israel into apostasy. God had prophesied to him that he was going to be King over Israel (1 Kings 11:29-37; 12:20), but he led Israel in the wrong way (1 Kings 12:26-33; 13:33,34). When Jeroboam's son was sick, he asked his wife to disguise herself and go to the prophet Ahijah to see what was going to happen to their son. God spoke to Ahijah the prophet, who was blind, and told him that Jeroboam's wife was coming, and God gave Ahijah a word of prophecy for her. (1Ki.14:7) Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel: Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, (8) and rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee; and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes, (9) but hast done evil above all that were before thee, and hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: (10) therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every man-child, him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweepeth away dung, till it be all gone. (11) Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the birds of the heavens eat: for the Lord hath spoken it. (12) Arise thou therefore, get thee to thy house: [and] when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die. (13) And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him; for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. Here, this child's parents were some of the most wicked in all of Israel, yet there was something good in this child toward the Lord. I believe the Lord was saying that the child's spirit was still good. Do you remember what happened when the disciples wanted to know who was the greatest? (Mat.18:1) In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (2) And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them, (3) and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. (4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. What was Jesus talking about? Jesus was showing the disciples how a little child is submissive. In every case in the Gospels, it says “little child” (Mark 10:15; Luke 9:47) because, as you know, some older children are not submissive and trusting of their father; they're not clean on the inside. Another place of innocence is a child who is killed by abortion or dies from miscarriage. (Ecc.6:3) If a man beget a hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul be not filled with good, and moreover he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth (In other words, speaking of a miscarriage.) is better than he. So a man can live a full life, but not live in the goodness of the Lord, and not be a vessel of honor. This is saying it's better to have been born dead. (4) For it cometh in vanity, and departeth in darkness, and the name thereof is covered with darkness; (5) moreover it hath not seen the sun nor known it; this hath rest rather than the other: (6) yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet enjoy no good, do not all go to one place? He's talking about death here, not about going to the same place in Sheol, because this man went to Hades and the child went to Abraham's Bosom, but they both went to Sheol (Luke 16:22-26). This shows us that God at least considers innocency among children or babies. Abijah was a small child and God did not impute iniquity to this small child. That leads me to believe the further we get away from birth, the more dangerous it becomes because we become more responsible as we acquire knowledge. Innocency is not based on some “age of accountability” or “age of reason,” as theologians have told us, because you can't find that in the Bible. Saints, God imputes iniquity with knowledge. (Jas.4:17) To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. God showed His election through Jacob, who manifested a vessel of honor, and Esau, who manifested a vessel of dishonor. This is what they were elected to do. Although every child is born with a fresh, clean spirit, they also receive the nature of their parents, and so they have a choice to make. They can choose to follow after their spirit, or they can choose to follow after the nature of their parents. As we've seen, everyone chooses to go the way of the flesh, and then their soul becomes corrupt, and eventually their spirit becomes corrupt. When the spirit becomes corrupt, that child has to be born again to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. I haven't found that there is any particular age at which the spirit becomes corrupt for all mature differently. Some children are raised with discipline and are more conscientious, while others are raised with no discipline, and they become very corrupt, very quickly, but I do believe that when the spirit dies, that person is responsible before God, and they must be born again. Yes, we are given a fresh, clean spirit from God when we are born, but that spirit dies from following after the flesh, and it becomes corrupt. This is what I'm calling “death” here. It's not a physical lack of existence but the spirit becoming corrupt. When that happens, then we are held responsible. Jesus was the one who breathed into Adam the breath of life, and as the Scriptures tell us, (Joh.1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. (4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (Col.1:16) For in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him; (17) and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. God the Father created everything through Christ. There is nothing created that wasn't created through Christ. Jesus breathed into Adam the breath of life, but the whole race of Adam fell and became corrupt. Then Jesus, the second Adam (1Corinthians 15:47), breathed again; He breathed His spirit of life into His new creation. And, did you know that you still don't have to follow your spirit after being born again? You can, once again, choose to follow your flesh. A born-again person has the opportunity to follow their spirit and go with God, or they can follow their fallen nature and go the way of the rest of creation. We were given a fresh, clean human spirit from God, like Christ's human spirit, but we have a fallen soul because “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” That means after we are born again, we must overcome the disadvantage of the fallen nature that was passed on to us through our parents. The apostle Paul explains to us about his battle against the fallen nature that was passed on to him. He says, (Rom.7:23) I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. (24) Wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? He wanted power over the body of death. Paul was a Christian, and he wanted to serve God. Do you know what God did to give Christians power over the body of death? He gave them the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, a person doesn't have that power. I'll prove this to you: (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: (8) and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God (that's the Holy Spirit) dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ (that's your born-again spirit), he is none of his. Christ was man in that He had a human spirit, soul, and body. He was God in that the Holy Spirit dwelt in His spirit. (1:3) Concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, (4) who was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness. This in turn affected His DNA. When we are born again, our human spirit is born again. The Holy Spirit comes to do three things. Jesus said, (Joh.16:14) He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare [it] unto you. First, the Holy Spirit comes to give us the Spirit of Christ, which is our born-again spirit, our fresh, clean spirit. Second, as we follow the Holy Spirit, our soul becomes born again. If we bear fruit in the realm of the soul, we will receive a born-again body. This is the manifestation of Christ in you, spirit, soul and body. Even if you have the Spirit of Christ, if you don't have the Holy Spirit, you don't have power over the body. (Rom.8:9) But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. If you don't have the Spirit of Christ in you, or, in other words, if you don't have a born-again human spirit, you don't belong to Him because Jesus had a born-again human spirit. (10) And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin (That's the situation Paul was in.); but the spirit is life because of righteousness. Before the disciples received the Holy Spirit, even though they had received their born-again spirit, they didn't have the greater power over the flesh. As Jesus said to them, (Mat.26:41) … The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Did they have a born-again human spirit? Yes. Jesus told His disciples, (Joh.15:3) Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. You can't be clean without a born-again spirit, and they had a reborn spirit through the Word that was spoken into them. Paul says, “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness.” So here you have a born-again person who is born-again in their spirit, but they don't have the greater power over their body, “the body of death.” Paul was crying out, “Who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Christians didn't have the greater power over their “body of death” until they received the Holy Spirit. (Rom.8:11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you (that's the Holy Spirit), he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you. People think this is talking about the resurrection of the dead, but Paul said, “shall give life also to your mortal bodies.” That's talking about this physical body. Where you had death in your mortal body and had no greater power over it, God gave you life through His Spirit that dwells in you. Paul is talking about two different spirits here. Most religions I've experienced teach that when you are born again, that's when you receive the Holy Spirit. Even the Pentecostal denominations say, “When you are born again, you receive the Holy Spirit, but when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, you receive more of it.” Again, that's not what the Bible teaches. You can't find a place in the New Testament where the Christians didn't go on to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit as soon as they found out about it. It was never supposed to be optional, the way it is today. I'm not saying that a person is lost if they don't have the Holy Spirit because Paul said a person belonged to God if they had the spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9); they just didn't have the greater power without having the Holy Spirit of God. As a matter of fact, back in the Old Testament, we can find the same New Covenant promise of receiving the Holy Spirit, and one of the clearest places to see it is in Ezekiel. (Eze.36:24) For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. (25) And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean.... This is what Jesus did with His disciples. He told them, (Joh.15:3) Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. God gave them a born-again spirit through the Word. He said in (6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. He spoke life into them. (Eze.36:25) And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. (26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you (Theologians put a lowercase “s” here and I believe they're right. The word “spirit” here should be a lowercase “s” because it's talking about your human spirit.); and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my Spirit (They capitalized “Spirit” here, and they're right again. This is talking about the Holy Spirit.) within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.... The Holy Spirit is power from God. (Act.1:8) But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the power to be a witness by walking as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). (2Co.3:2) Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men; (3) being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh. You see, it's how you live your life, not just what you say, that makes you a witness. (Eze.36:27) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep mine ordinances, and do them. (28) And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. As soon as the Church started, the baptism of the Holy Spirit came right along with baptism in water. How did the Church go so far astray as to think that people can live the Christian life without everything that God provided? It was never meant to be that way. We are commanded to be full of the spirit of God. (Eph.5:15) Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; (16) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (17) Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (18) And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; (19) speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. If you obey the corrupt nature that's been passed on to you genetically through your parents, you will begin to fall into corruption: first flesh, then soul, then spirit. The “death” is continually taking place because the more corrupt you become, the more dead you become. It's a spiritual death, not a physical death, but it ends in physical death because our spirit is our connection with the Holy Spirit. When our spirit is given to us at birth, it's clean and pure. In Hebrews (10:22,26,27; 11:15-17), the Bible talks about “defiling” your conscience. Your conscience is a part of your spirit, and it tells you right from wrong, but the more you disobey and ignore your conscience, it will become more and more quiet. Eventually, if we don't listen to our spirit, we come to the place where we don't hear it anymore, and that means we come to the place where we aren't led by it anymore. As a child grows up, they become more and more corrupt because they follow their flesh. I believe that the corruption process may be slower if you raise up a child in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6; 23:13,14), but still they are going to fall into corruption. They will need to be born again because they don't have the Holy Spirit to empower them to follow their human spirit. The devil wants to take possession of our soul, which is our mind, will, and emotions, and he does this through our flesh. God wants to take possession of our souls, but the way He takes possession is through our spirit. So here we are with our soul, or in other words, our natural life, our nature, in the middle. We've been given a spirit, and we've been given flesh. As a born-again Christian, we have a decision to make: Are we going to follow the flesh and die, or are we going to follow the Spirit and live? If we follow the Spirit, we're following God. If we follow the flesh, we're following the devil. When a child is born, they don't have the spirit of God, so they don't have the ability to make a choice. They always follow the flesh, and they always die in their soul but less so with good parenting. When I say “die,” I'm talking about spiritual death while you are alive because you are held accountable when you know to do good. (Jas.4:17) To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Sin is imputed when you know what's right and what's wrong. (Rom.5:13) For until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. The older a child gets, the quieter their conscience becomes because they get more and more used to disobeying and rebelling against it. And so they come to the place where they must be born again. Jesus is not saying that a little child must be born again. A little child doesn't have to be born again to enter the Kingdom because their spirit is not dead yet, but the older they become, the more corrupt their soul becomes, and then the more corrupt their spirit becomes until they must be born again in order to see the Kingdom of Heaven. A little child is very open to God. Their spirit is still alive. You can talk to them about God, and they understand, and they easily receive what you teach them, but if you don't teach them anything, they don't have that strength. We have to train our spirit to take the sword of the Spirit. (Eph.6:13) Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, (15) and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The Word of God is our sword, Saints. Without the Word of God, your spirit is defenseless. You need to educate your spirit by putting the Word of God in there. When I was a little child in the Catholic Church, they told me certain things were wrong that weren't wrong, and so if I did them, my conscience smote me. Even when I was a little child, my conscience told me when I was doing wrong. The Bible tells us that this is true, and we are never supposed to go against our conscience but rather educate it. (Rom.13:5) Wherefore [ye] must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. And here's another example: (1Co.10:25) Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience' sake, (26) for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. (27) If one of them that believe not biddeth you [to a feast,] and ye are disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience' sake. (28) But if any man say unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience' sake: (29) conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience? (30) If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? (31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (32) Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: (33) even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of the many, that they may be saved. When I became born again, I had to re-educate my conscience according to the Word of God in order to have the sword of the Spirit. The sword belongs to the Spirit; it doesn't belong to the flesh. The Word of God empowers your spirit to win the battle against your flesh and the devil. (Eph.6:12) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood (This is referring to fighting with physical weapons against physical enemies.), but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. Did you know that it's possible to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit but still not obey the Holy Spirit? Just because you have the Holy Spirit doesn't profit you. What matters is that you are walking in faith and obeying the Holy Spirit because, if you are not walking in faith, you're not going to get anywhere. People who are filled with the Holy Spirit walk closer to God. They have more faith, and they have power over the flesh. Jesus said, (Act.1:8) But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. But you can offend the Holy Spirit and become reprobate, or rejected, by the Holy Spirit. (Eph.4:30) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. How do you “grieve” the Holy Spirit? (Heb.6:4) For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, (6) and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (7) For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected (This is the Greek word adokimos and it means “failing to pass the test; unapproved; counterfeit”; or, in other words, “reprobated.”) and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. You grieve the Holy Spirit by not doing His works and therefore you don't bear any fruit. The ultimate end of this is reprobation. (Tit.1:15) To the pure all things are pure: but to them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. (16) They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Did you know that just because you are filled with the Holy Spirit doesn't mean you are going to stay filled with the Holy Spirit? I know this is contrary to what many Pentecostal denominations teach, but if you look in the Book of Acts, you'll see that the same people who were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost were later filled again with the Holy Spirit. (Act.2:4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. So they were filled with the Holy Spirit and then after Peter and John were released from prison, they prayed, (4:31) And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, (30) while thy stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus. (31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness. The same people were refilled with the Holy Spirit. You ask, “David, why would somebody need to be filled with the Spirit more than once?” Jesus gives us the answer. He said, (Joh.7:38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. (39) But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive. The power of the Holy Spirit flows out and is used up as we minister according to the command of Jesus. Notice, it's a river, not a pond. (Mat.10:7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give. I'm not saying that the Holy Spirit ever leaves you completely; I'm saying that it takes staying in fellowship with God to stay filled with the Holy Spirit. It's not just a one-time thing, like some Pentecostals believe. We just read, (Act.4:31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. How can you be filled twice, unless you've been emptied once? If Jesus taught that out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of the Spirit,” then this power is imparted to the need around you. It has to come out, and then it has to be replenished. The point is that we have to maintain our relationship with God because, if we don't, we won't stay filled with the Holy Spirit. Even so, the gifts of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). He won't take the gifts back. For instance, He won't necessarily take speaking in tongues back, but you may speak in tongues and yet not be filled with the Holy Spirit. A person has to stay filled with the Holy Spirit, as the Bible clearly teaches in Acts. The people who were preaching in Acts 2 were the same people who were filled with the Holy Spirit again in Acts 4. Personally, I believe you have the capacity to receive more of the Spirit when you are full of the Word of God. Jesus said, (Joh.6:63) It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life. Therefore, if you receive more of His Word, you will receive more of His Spirit. That's why Jesus breathed on the disciples and in (20:22) … saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit, even though it wasn't manifested until Pentecost, when the rushing mighty wind came.” Most Pentecostal denominations believe that having the Holy Spirit makes you a shoo-in for the Kingdom of Heaven, but having the Holy Spirit doesn't make you immune to sin. Having the Holy Spirit is not what saves you. Some have the Spirit but don't serve Him.  Obeying the Holy Spirit is what saves you from sin. (Rom.8:11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Life came out of Jesus. Life came out of His Words when He spoke. Life came out of Him when He laid hands on people. Life came out of His garment and healed the woman who touched Him. Life was in Him and that life was imparted to others, but that's not the case with a person who's not filled with the Holy Spirit. It's more difficult to walk with God, without being filled with the Holy Spirit. From the Book of Acts, you can see that the very foundation of Christianity is to repent, receive a born-again spirit, and then be filled with the Holy Spirit. The typology of the Temple in the Old Covenant makes this very clear. We are supposed to be temples “not made with hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1; Acts 7:47-49) or, in other words, without the works of man. (1Co.6:19) Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; (20) for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body. When Solomon built the Temple, it represented the house “made without hands,” so there couldn't be the sound of tools, symbolizing man's works, while they were building it (1 Kings 6:7). After the Temple was built and they had sanctified it (1 Kings 8:1-9; 2 Chronicles 5:1-10), it still didn't have the Spirit of God in it. But when they had the dedication of the Temple, the Spirit of God came in the form of the Glory Cloud and dwelt in the Temple (1 Kings 8:10,11; 2 Chronicles 5:13,14). You see, the Temple was designed for the Holy Spirit to dwell in. What good was the Temple without the Spirit? I think in this regard, a lot of people are going to fall away because they will not obey the Scriptures and receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the power to do what you have to do. There were times when I just didn't think the Holy Spirit was there, but right when it was necessary, the power showed up and completely awed me. And no matter what situation we find ourselves in, the Holy Spirit can manifest Himself in us and enable us to walk as Jesus walked. The Lord also pointed out to me that it was Judah who dwelt in Zion. The name Judah means “praise,” and so Judah identifies the Spirit-filled people, the full-Gospel people. The name Judah separates us from the rest of Christianity, who haven't received the Holy Spirit. The northern 10 tribes of Israel went further astray and “missed the boat” many more times than the tribe of Judah. The northern 10 tribes worshipped the false “Christ,” the two golden calves which they set up. I believe that the Lord showed me this is a type for our day. The northern 10 tribes represent the non-Spirit-filled groups, and Judah represents the Spirit-filled groups, the ones who inhabit Zion. Zion was the city that escaped when Babylon conquered the people of God. A modern-day example of this is the Armenian genocide. The word “genocide” was first coined by historian Raphael Lemkin in 1943 to describe the systematic murder of the Armenians by the Ottomans. Only the Spirit-filled Christians escaped. They fled when they were warned because they believed in prophecy and they believed the prophets God sent to them, but many, many non-Spirit-filled Christians were killed. Some estimates are that as many as 1.5 million lost their lives in that holocaust. The Happiest People on Earth by Demos Shakarian, and John and Elizabeth Sherrill, published by Guideposts Magazine in 1975, tells the story of Demos Shakarian. His grandfather left Armenia for America when the Russian prophet Klubniken foretold that an “unspeakable tragedy” was coming to Armenia. Well, people, now the same thing is getting ready to happen in America, where most of the people who call themselves “Christian” have not yet been filled with the Spirit of God, and they're not giving any heed to all the prophetic warnings that another holocaust is coming. The Spirit of God makes you respect prophets and prophecies. The Spirit of God opens your eyes to dreams, visions, revelations, and the deeper things of the Spirit. We've seen that when the disciples needed more power from God to stand up to and endure the persecution they were receiving, they came together and prayed, and God filled them again with the Holy Spirit. Not only does every Christian need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, but we also need to be continually baptized in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

On today's episode of The Last Days Podcast Pastor Katie continues our series here at The River Tri-Cities Church, The Leading of the Holy Spirit. God is always speaking and has a plan for every single day of our lives. He has given us His Spirit to not only live on the inside of us, but to lead us into ALL truth. Throughout these teachings Pastor Todd is going to share on how we can be lead by the Holy Spirit, hear His voice clearly, and know that God is with us and empowering us to do His will here on Earth! Make sure you are subscribed and keep up with us on social media.NEW EPISODES every Monday & Friday @ Noon.https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverOfTriCities/https://www.youtube.com/@TheRiverofTriCitiesChurchhttps://www.instagram.com/rivertcchurch/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/thelastdayspodcast/?hl=en

God has given us all we need to live under His protection: faith, truth, salvation, His very word and His Spirit. We are well equipped to stand firm on this earth, pushing back the darkness in the protection and power of His Name.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Elizabeth Ames-McCrimmon, Michelle DeChant and Adam Maddock

God calls His people to speak as “oracles of God” (1 Pt. 4:11). In other words, we are to speak as if God is speaking through us—words of truth, words of faith, words of love, words that are powerfully anointed of His Spirit, and on the highest level, words that are prophetic in nature. This mandate is given to all believers; those who fulfill it become world-changers and history-makers. Ministry website: www.shreveministries.org Comparative religion website: www.thetruelight.net The “Catholic Project” website: www.toCatholicswithlove.org Video channel: www.YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries All audio-podcasts are shared in a video format on our YouTube channel.Get Mike Shreve's book revealing the spiritual identity of the sons and daughters of God: WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in ChristMike Shreve's other podcast Revealing the True Light—a study on comparative religion subjects, as well as mysterious or controversial biblical subjects: https://www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/revealingthetruelightOffice phone: 423-478-2843

Join us each Wednesday night during February for a time of worship and prayer. Together, we will rest in God's presence, learning to seek Him and be shaped by His Spirit.

This week, Pastor John continued our Established sermon series with a message from 1 Samuel 3. He reminded us that God is always speaking to His people through His Word, His Spirit, and His work, often most clearly in moments of darkness. As we position ourselves with surrendered and attentive hearts, God establishes those who are willing to listen and respond.

Send us a textIn this episode of More Than a Song, we use Tim Timmons' song “Christ In Me” as a launching point to explore what Scripture teaches about the indwelling Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, and the tension we experience when our lives don't always align with what we say we believe.We'll dig into what it means to suppress the truth, why Paul says this leads to being “futile in our thinking,” and how setting our minds on the Spirit changes everything — from our thoughts to our actions to our worship.Key PointsWhat it means to believe something intellectually but not live like it's trueHypocrisy vs. life in the SpiritThe promise and presence of the Holy SpiritFruit of the Spirit as evidence, not effortSuppressing truth and the cost of futile thinkingAllowing Truth to resurface — like a beach ball underwaterHow setting our minds on the Spirit leads to life and peaceScriptures ReferencedJohn 14–16Acts 2Romans 1:18–22; 29–31Romans 2:1Romans 8:5–11Galatians 5:17; 22–23Ephesians 1:13–14Philippians 4:8Matthew 5:21–22BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)Read & Keep on Reading: Read Romans 1–8 in context and note the contrast between suppressing truth and life in the Spirit.Turn Scripture Into Prayer: Thank God for His Spirit dwelling in you and producing His fruit through you.Compare & Contrast: Look at Galatians 5 and identify the difference between striving in the flesh and keeping in step with the Spirit.Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics - New Release TodayTim Timmons shares the heart behind the song "Christ In Me" and shares the song live on Essential Worship Song Sessions - YouTubeBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead John 14-16 and highlight every time Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit and make note of how He describes Him. Head over to Romans 1 and 8 (better yet, read Romans 1-8) and examine what it looks like to suppress truth and the results, and contrast that to what life in the Spirit looks like. Finally, spend some time in Galatians 5 to see what keeping in step with the Spirit looks like—what life looks like when following the Spirit's leading rather than suppressing Him. It should change your prayers, your praise, your thinking, and your life. What if we lived like we believed that the Spirit of Christ dwelled within us?Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 7–9; Acts 15 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In this powerful episode, Heather invites us on a journey through Leviticus 7–9 and Acts 15, exploring the weighty requirements of Old Testament law and the freeing grace found in Jesus. As we gather from around the world, Heather reminds us that the Scriptures ultimately point us to Christ—the true source of life. Together, we witness the complex rituals and sacrifices that marked Israel's worship, and then pivot to the liberating message of Acts: salvation is not about meeting an impossible set of demands, but about receiving the undeserved grace of Jesus. Heather draws a beautiful distinction between the heavy yoke of the law and the easy yoke that Christ offers, challenging us to lay down the burdens we create for ourselves and rest in His completed work. This episode also includes a time for prayer, reflection, and encouragement for the journey ahead. Whether you carry the weight of ancient law or your own modern expectations, today's episode offers a fresh invitation to surrender to the love, peace, and freedom found in Jesus alone. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Did you feel the weight of it? The heavy yoke of Leviticus? The requirements of the law were elaborate and complex. The details were exacting, right down to putting blood on the right ear, thumb, and right big toe of the priest. It was a heavy yoke with staggering specificity. They put themselves in peril if they got it wrong. Yet in Acts today, Paul and Barnabas are preaching a different message. A gospel of good news, not a heavy yoke. All the demands of the Law of Moses are fulfilled in Jesus. He is the sacrificial lamb, the high priest, our advocate, and our temple. Jesus is the reality behind all the shadow play of the Law of Moses. The pressures of the law are lethal if they are misunderstood or misapplied. We are to trust in Jesus, who has made us right with God, not the heavy yoke of the Book of Leviticus, and not all our attempts at fulfilling the law's demands. This heavy yoke was more than anyone could carry, then or now. Essentially, Peter says in Acts, let's not put the book of Leviticus on the backs of these Gentile converts and tell them to fulfill it when neither we nor our ancestors could carry it. We know that the only one who has ever been able to bear the weight of it is the Lord Jesus himself. Salvation and being made right with God comes only by grace through the faith of Jesus. Jesus alone carried that heavy yoke. We can't do it. No one ever has. And God is proclaiming that gift of life and hope, the easy yoke, to Gentiles too. It's not Jesus plus circumcision, Jesus plus Levitical law, or Jesus plus Moses. It's just Jesus. His undeserved grace is it. That's how we are made right with God. By walking in His Spirit, we are released into the goodness of this good news. You and I may not have the Levitical laws around our neck. It's not the Levitical laws that make it hard for us to receive God's grace. When we read Leviticus, most of us probably think it's just a little weird. But we do create our own morally equivalent barriers that make it hard to live and experience God's grace and strength. We come up with things like: if I were just a better mom, made more money, got my temper under control, if I was more moral, read my Bible more, went to church more, gave more, then I'm sure God would love me more. It's not the Book of Leviticus you are trying to carry. It's the Book of Heather, or Carol, or Andrew, or Hunter. Just insert your name. We create our own morally equivalent books that make it hard for us to receive the good news of the gospel. When the church of Antioch got the letter delivered by Barsabbas and Silas, it brought the believers great joy as they read it. It said, "Take off your yoke." That's why they were joyous. They were freed from that burden that they could not carry. You don't have to shoulder the book of Leviticus, or the book that you have written for yourself. You can rejoice because Christ Jesus has done everything necessary for you to live the life that he intends for you to live, in the strength that he alone can p TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In 1848, engineer Charles Ellet Jr. puzzled over how to begin the process of constructing the first bridge over the Niagara Falls gorge. How would they get a cable across the river? Prompted by a dream, Charles decided to host a kite-flying contest: whomever could land a kite on the other side would receive five dollars. It was won by American teenager Homan Walsh when his kite landed on the Canadian side of the river. Homan’s kite string was secured to a tree and used to pull a light cord back across the river. Progressively heavier cords were pulled back and forth until heavy wire cable was in place. This was the small beginning of the construction of the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge. The bridge’s challenges and inauspicious beginnings mirror those faced by those working to rebuild God’s temple after returning from captivity in Babylon. An angel awakened the prophet Zechariah with a message that nothing would thwart God’s work—it would all be accomplished “by [His] Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Some of those who’d seen the temple in its previous glory were fearful that the rebuilt version would pale in comparison (Ezra 3:12). The angel encouraged Zechariah that they shouldn’t “despise the day of small things” because God would “rejoice” in seeing the work begun (v. 10). Even though the tasks God has appointed to us may seem insignificant, we can be encouraged knowing He uses small things—like kite strings—to accomplish His great works.