Podcasts about hope in christ jesus

Season 5There is a difference between hope in Christ Jesus and false hope. Hope in Christ is a sure thing.

Read Online“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” Mark 6:50Fear is one of the most paralyzing and painful experiences in life. There are many things we can fear, but most often, the cause of our fear is the evil one trying to deter us from faith and hope in Christ Jesus.This line above is taken from the story of Jesus walking on the water toward the Apostles during the fourth watch of the night as they were rowing against the wind and being tossed by the waves. When they saw Jesus walking on the water, they were terrified. But when Jesus spoke to them and got into the boat, the wind immediately died down, and the Apostles remained there “completely astounded.” The boat on the stormy sea has traditionally been understood to represent our journey through this life. There are countless ways that the evil one, the flesh and the world fight against us. In this story, Jesus sees their trouble from the shore and walks toward them to come to their aid. His reason for walking towards them is His compassionate Heart.Often in times of fear in life, we lose sight of Jesus. We turn in on ourselves and focus on the cause of our fear. But our goal must be to turn from the cause of fear in life and look for Jesus Who is always compassionate and is always walking toward us in the midst of our fear and struggle.Reflect, today, upon whatever it is that causes you the most fear and anxiety in life. What is it that leads you to interior confusion and struggle? Once you identify the source, turn your eyes from that to our Lord. See Him walking toward you in the midst of whatever you struggle with, saying to you, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”Lord, once again I turn to Your most compassionate Heart. Help me to lift my eyes toward You and to turn away from the sources of my anxiety and fear in life. Fill me with faith and hope in You and give me the courage I need to put all my trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Jesus Walks Water, via publicdomainpictures.net

Mtr. Sarah encourages us to be present in the here and now, proclaiming the goodness of God's love and our hope in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 6:15 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. Abraham looked to the character of God to fulfill what He promised until the day he died. That's what faith looks like. As we all know, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Abraham. He had his weak moments, like we all do. We know there was a time when Abraham didn't wait patiently. It was when he was unbelieving and took his eyes off of God's character and word. In the hardness of his heart, he decided not to wait upon the Lord. He thought he could bring about the blessing and multiplication of his seed in his own strength and means. We know how that turned out. It didn't go well.  But that didn't stop God from being faithful to Abraham. The promise wasn't based on Abe's faithfulness but on God's own character, upon God's faithfulness. At some point in the journey, Abraham became patient. The Genesis account tells us that he had to wait another 14 years after the birth of Ishmael to receive the child of promise, Isaac. So Abraham obtained the promised child, but he died without seeing the promised multiplication fulfilled. It is still being fulfilled and won't be completed until every person in view when God made the promise comes to faith in Christ.  The author's intention was to encourage his readers to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and the faithfulness of God like Abraham did. Also, he was encouraging them to patiently endure to the end of their lives to receive the reward promised in Christ to those who seek Him diligently through Jesus. He had told them what it meant to seek Him, it was to continually draw near to the throne of grace through the storms of life. It was to hold fast to the gospel hope in Christ Jesus.  The Holy Spirit inspired the author to write those words with us in view today. God's inspired word is timeless, living, and active. It shows where God is working as the word is read or heard. It's happening right this moment as we listen to or read these words. The Spirit is encouraging us to inherit the promises through faith and patience, just like Abraham did. God has given us another day to glorify Him by showing our love for His name by trusting Him and loving with Jesus. One day at a time. Besides the final day, this is the only day for sure that we know we have to show our love for His name. May we live at the throne of grace today, receiving the faith and patience we need until we inherit the promises with Abraham.

Series: Chaos to CovenantTitle: "How is there judgment and hope?"Scripture: Genesis 3:15-24Romans 5:15-19; Numbers 21:4-9Bottom line: Even in the face of God's curses and judgment of humanity, there is hope for us in King Jesus.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER OUTLINESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDINTRODUCTIONHurricane Helene wreaked havoc on our state and nation this past week. We want to pause and pray right now for those who are still dealing with that aftermath.Why do we have hurricanes anyway? And earthquakes, meteorites, tsunamis, floods, droughts, and pandemics? We have them because of The Fall.CONTEXTAdam and Eve have been created and married. They are in a blissful garden of existence where they have all that they need and their Creator, the Lord God, spends time walking and talking with them everyday. They have no relational distress with God or each other or creation. They are experiencing perfect peace and joy. And yet they find themselves capable of being tempted to forget that God is good and doubt his trustworthiness.They give into the temptation to doubt God's goodness and trustworthiness and disobey God's single, clear command. They fall from grace and we have the first--the original--sin. This sin has far reaching consequences too including Hurricane Helene.SERMON Q. What do I want them to know?A. Sin has consequences including God's judgment. But it does sometimes come with God's grace too.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because we should remember that there's always hope in Christ Jesus.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Embrace the judgment but lean into the grace and point others to it.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. So we don't despair and give up when we're tempted to.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Turn from your ways to the Lord asking for him to show you the way to that hope found only in Jesus Christ. Tell others how they can also find this hope.NOTE the chiasm here in vv. 11-19:Sin of Adam (9-11)Sin of Eve (12)Sin of Serpent (13)Judgment of Serpent (14-15) But also the hope of his defeat prophesied (protoevangelion = first gospel)Judgment of Eve (16)Judgment of Adam (17-19)What's at the focal point is: Sin, death and Satan will be defeated by Eve's offspring. Why not Adam's? Because her offspring is Jesus and he was born of a virgin, not of Adam or his seed.`CONCLUSIONBottom line: Even in the face of God's curse and judgment of humanity, there is hope in King Jesus.““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:InvitationWhat is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.PrayNOTESSynonyms for enmitynoun a world free from enmity between nations and races:HOSTILITY, animosity, antagonism, friction, antipathy, animus, opposition, dissension, rivalry, feud, conflict, discord, contention;My first question:I have a question about Adam and Eve in the Bible. I am seminary trained so talk to me as if I have some knowledge about the Bible. My question is why did God remove Adam and Eve from the garden?"God's removal of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:22-24 is primarily to prevent them from accessing the Tree of Life after their disobedience. After Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they gained the knowledge of good and evil, which was not meant for them. Their newfound awareness brought sin and separation from God into the world.Genesis 3:22 states, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—" God immediately expels them from Eden to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life and thus living eternally in their fallen state.So, the expulsion from Eden serves a dual purpose:1. As a consequence of their disobedience (i.e., sin), they are removed from the place of God's direct presence and blessing.2. It is also an act of mercy, ensuring they do not live forever in a corrupted state.In a theological sense, this introduces the concept of death as a limitation, but also as part of God's redemptive plan, allowing for eventual resurrection and redemption rather than eternal life in a fallen condition." -ChatGPTMy second question: But if Adam and eve stay in the garden and eat from the tree of life and while there repent and believe, would they still live forever in a corrupted state? I seems to me that they would be forgiven?"That's an interesting theological question, and you're right to focus on the dynamic tension between the Tree of Life, repentance, and the consequences of sin.Here's the key theological consideration: **repentance and belief** are indeed central to forgiveness in the biblical narrative, but there's more to the situation in Genesis than just forgiveness. The Garden of Eden is not simply about access to eternal life but also about the state in which that life would be lived. 1. **The Nature of the Tree of Life and Eternal Life**: In Genesis 3:22, God's concern is not just about forgiveness but about the state in which humanity would live eternally. The Tree of Life represents the ability to live forever, but in the context of the narrative, eternal life in a corrupted state would be a disaster. Imagine living forever with the ongoing effects of sin—physical, emotional, and spiritual decay. Even if Adam and Eve repented and believed, they would still be living in a world now subject to the curse of sin (pain, toil, suffering, and eventual death as outlined in Genesis 3:16-19). So the problem isn't just moral guilt but the entire reality of living in a world where sin has entered. God's removal of them from the garden was not simply about preventing eternal life—it was about preventing eternal life **in a corrupted world**. Repentance alone doesn't reverse the cosmic consequences of sin. The entire creation needed restoration (Romans 8:20-22).2. **The Larger Redemptive Plan**: While forgiveness is essential, so is the **plan of redemption** that goes beyond forgiveness to full restoration. For instance, the ultimate goal of the biblical narrative isn't just the forgiveness of individual sins, but the **renewal of all creation**. This is why Christ's work includes not just forgiveness but also the promise of **resurrection** and **new creation** (Revelation 21-22). Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Life after sinning might grant them eternal life, but not in the transformed, glorified state God intends for His people.3. **Why Death is Necessary**: In God's redemptive plan, death became a necessary part of undoing the effects of sin. God allowed death to enter the world not merely as punishment but also as part of the plan that ultimately leads to resurrection. Paul speaks of death as the last enemy to be defeated (1 Corinthians 15:26), but through Christ, death becomes the gateway to new life. Had Adam and Eve eaten from the Tree of Life while in their fallen state, they might have bypassed death, but they would have missed out on the full restoration that comes through death and resurrection.4. **The Typology of Christ and the Tree of Life**: Theologically, Christ is often seen as the fulfillment of the Tree of Life. In the new creation, those who believe in Him will once again have access to the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:14). This shows that eternal life comes not just through forgiveness but through transformation. Christ doesn't just forgive; He renews all things, including the body and the entire creation. Adam and Eve, even if they had repented and believed in the garden, would still need this fuller redemptive work to be fully restored to God's ultimate intention for humanity.In summary, even if Adam and Eve had repented and believed, staying in the garden and eating from the Tree of Life would have meant eternal life in a fallen state. Forgiveness alone would not have solved the problem of the corruption of their nature and the curse on creation. God's plan required not just forgiveness but the eventual defeat of death and the renewal of all creation, something that could only be achieved through Christ's redemptive work. The removal from Eden, then, can be seen as a merciful act, preserving them for a future, greater restoration." -ChatGPTFrom Wilmington's Bible Handbook:It's primeval history (universal world history) of the world (universe) made up of 5 stories with the same structure. (1-11)The FallCainSons of God marrying daughters of manThe FloodTower of BabelThey all follow this 4-fold pattern:Sin: the sin is describedSpeech: There is a speech by God announcing the penalty for the sinGrace: God brings grace to the situation to ease the misery due to sinPunishment: God punishes the sinPatriarchal history (12-50) or the history of Israel's founding fathers. It continues to reveal the many graces of God based on the gracious promise God made to and through Abraham in Genesis 12:3.Notes from Bible Project Videos1-11 God and the world12:3 Hinge verse12-50 God and Abraham's family"Blessing" is a key word hereChoice: Tree of knowledge of good and evilTrust God's definition of good and evil, orSeize autonomy and define good and evil for themselves?Serpent (against God) tells a different story. He lies when he tells them that if they eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that they will be like God. Because they already are like God (made in his image).The PatternSee D. J. A. Clines, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, No. 38 (1976), pp. 487, 488. Clines explains that Gerhard Von Rad initially observed a pattern of sin, mitigation, and punishment. Then Claus Westermann discerned another element, that of divine speech. Though he did not include it in the pattern, Clines does. Thus the following chart:I. II. III. IV. SINSPEECHGRACEPUNISHMENTFALL3:63:14-193:213:22-24CAIN4:84:10-124:154:16SONS OF GOD6:26:36:8, 18ff7:6-24FLOOD6:5, 11f6:7, 13-216:8, 18ff11:8BABEL11:411:6f10:1-3211:8Preach the Word, Genesis, Kent Hughes, chapter 1, note 3, p. 625Hamilton puts it this way:"God acts and speaks; man rebels; God punishes; God protects and reconciles." P. 201GOD ACTS & SPEAKS MAN REBELS GOD PUNISHES GOD PROTECTS & RECONCILESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWho is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?OUTLINESOUTLINE (GENESIS 3:1-24) by H. WillmingtonThis section describes the corruption of all things.I. THE TRANSGRESSION OF ADAM (3:1-24)A. Adam's disobedience (3:1-6)1. The treachery (3:1-5)a. Satan begins by casting doubt on God's Word (3:1-3): "Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?"b. Satan concludes by denying God's Word (3:4-5): "'You won't die!' The serpent hissed...'You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.'"2. The tragedy (3:6): Both Eve and Adam disobey God and eat of the forbidden tree.B. Adam's deceit (3:7-8): He attempts to cover his nakedness by making clothes from fig leaves. He then hides among the trees.C. Adam's despair (3:9-11): He acknowledges his fear and nakedness before God.D. Adam's defense (3:12-19): Adam blames Eve, but Eve blames the serpent.E. Adam's discipline (3:14-19): God sets up his divine court in Eden and imposes the following sentences:1. Upon the serpent (3:14-15): to be the most cursed of all creatures and to crawl on its belly, eating dust. Also, his head will be crushed by the offspring of the woman.2. Upon the woman (3:16): to suffer pain in childbirth and to be ruled by her husband.3. Upon the man (3:17-19): to endure wearisome labor as he grows food from unproductive soil and to eventually die physically.4. Upon nature (3:18): to be infested with thorns and this-tles.F. Adam's deliverance (3:15, 20-21)1. The promise (3:15): Someday a Savior will defeat Satan, the serpent!2. The provision (3:20-21): After Adam names his wife Eve, God clothes both of them with animal skins.DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in Genesis, by BethancourtThe Genesis Record, by Henry MorrisThe Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.com“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)Claude.ai

Sunday, 26 May 2024   When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. Acts 27:39     A more literal rendering would be, “And when day came, they knew not the land. And they noticed a certain bay having a shore, unto which they determined to drive out the ship, if they were able” (CG).   In the previous verse, the sailors filled themselves with food and then lightened the ship by throwing out the wheat. It next says, “And when day came, they knew not the land.” What they knew was coming because of having taken soundings and possibility through other nautical clues has now come to pass. They had finally come near land after being lost at sea for two full weeks.   With land in sight, they would need to search for some suitable location to drive the ship ashore. Probably with minimal ability to steer because of having cast so much of the tackle overboard, this would not be a simple procedure, but it was still possible. In observing the land, it next says, “And they noticed a certain bay having a shore.”   The word translated as “shore” is the same as that used in Matthew 13 and John 21. It is simply a coast with a sandy or pebbled beach rather than rocks. On this shore in Acts 27, there is a spot in Malta now known as St. Paul's Bay. It is where this is believed to have taken place. It is about seven miles from the great harbor now known as Valletta, which is the capital of Malta.   The sailors, if experienced enough, would have probably known the great harbor, but at this time they had no idea what the spot ahead of them was. However, it had a bay with a beach, and so they decided that it would be a good spot to run the ship aground. Therefore, it next says of this shore, “unto which they determined to drive out the ship, if they were able.”   The word used here, which speaks of running the ship aground is exótheó. This is its second and last use in the New Testament. Its first use was in Acts 7:45 under a completely different context when Stephen spoke of driving out the inhabitants of Canaan. Here, they intend to drive out the life of the ship by thrusting it upon the shores of Malta.   Life application: In Ecclesiastes 3:1, Solomon says –   To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.   When early settlers came to Florida, they left where they lived, cutting down trees suitable for their mission ahead. They then constructed rafts or boats from the logs which they proceeded to sail down the waterways of America until they arrived at whatever location they had set out for.   From there, they disassembled their raft or barge and dragged the wood to where they intended to homestead, using that wood to build their homes. Some of these older houses have many different species of northern wood totally foreign to Florida in them.   Today, those older homes are sold and restored or sold and torn down. The smart laborers, however, will save these unusual woods for other uses.   As for those on the ship, it was used as their means of livelihood until it was used as a means of simply staying alive. From there, it was determined that it was to be driven out of the sea and onto the shores of Malta. After that, it would be scrapped, and its parts repurposed for other things.   The point is that we cannot get too tied down to the things of this world. The uses that we have set for things in our lives change. The need for various possessions often ends. As Solomon says later in Ecclesiastes 3:6 –   “A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away.”   Let us use the things of this world according to our needs, but we should not let them take over our lives and consume us. There is a time for us to depart from all things according to the necessary season. If we remember to thank God for what we possess, and to then thank God for the changes that come, we should be content in whatever our situation is.   “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13   Lord God, may we recognize that this world is not our home and that the things we possess and enjoy are just temporary trinkets and baubles that will pass away. The only thing we can truly hold onto is our hope in Christ Jesus. And what a hope it is – certain and trustworthy. Thank You for the precious hope we possess. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

John 3:17 (KJV) “17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”   In this service Reverend Lindsay preaches a powerful message “God sent Not His son to condemn the world”. Oftentimes humanity may feel insecure because of our sin, however there is hope in Christ Jesus that came to save us all. Jesus is the solution for our sin. Use the love of God to enter into a better version of yourself. God is a righteous judge so had to exchange the blood of Christ for our sin. Come as you are to the God's throne but don't stay as you are, allow our savior Jesus to transform us. The Spirit of condemnation is not of God, the Holy Spirit offers conviction to know something is wrong but have hope in forgiveness.   The sin in you is not greater than the SON in you.

Episode 33 of Season 3 is a prayerful reflection on Romans 5:1-5 where Paul encourages believes to rejoice in hope, even in the face of suffering, in light of our eternal hope in Christ Jesus, and because of what trials produce in us in the present. Connect with me at Mick@MickRMurray.com // feel free to share, subscribe, rate, and/or comment Background tracks (licensed via Musicbed): - Tape Meditation IV by Async Ross - Before Your Eyes by Max LL - Being by Roary

This morning we begin our annual theme!  The focus for 2024 will be the power of our hope in Christ Jesus!  Life outside of Christ is hopeless!  Life in Christ, as we walk by faith and not by sight, is filled with hope and love!  In light of this truth we will begin this year… Read more

December 31, 2023 - My Most Favorite Verse There is both promise and hope in the last words our Lord Jesus says to his disciples the night before he dies. Promise of tough times, promise of hardship and trials. Promise of victory. Hope in Christ Jesus, not in the world or in ourselves. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” ~John 16:33 Jesus has come to this place where we experience the ups and downs of life, and he has won. He's conquered. And we share in his victory. We don't have to worry about winning; Christ has already won! And his victory belongs to us! That sounds like a good message to hear on the last day of the year. For more information on GCR, visit our website at www.gcrchurch.com or download our app.

As we close out the year on Revitalize and Replant, we want to encourage you to seek the Lord in the work of revitalization. Christ will build His church. Your identity is in Christ, not in your ministry. We have confident hope in Christ Jesus. The Lord's grace is sufficient for you in ministry. Only eternity will reveal the fruit of your labor. His strength is perfect, even when we feel like we have no strength. The church that you lead is not the church that will be there for all eternity.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 Do you see what I see in this season? I see hopeless situations turning around for the better. I see people finding strength in their darkest moments. So now is a time to reflect on the incredible gift that God has given humanity in Christ Jesus. In him, we find hope - a hope that transcends our circumstances and brings light into even the darkest moments. This hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation based on the promises of God. Through Christ, we are offered healing - healing for our brokenness, our pain, and our wounds. He offers renewal - a fresh start, a new beginning, and the opportunity to leave behind old patterns and embrace abundant life. Isaiah 9:6 says, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." John 3:16 encapsulates this message of hope, showing us that God's love for humanity is so deep that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. So, as we celebrate Christmas, let's fix our eyes on this incredible gift of hope in Christ Jesus. Let it fill us with encouragement and strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead. Let's remember that through Christ, we have access to true hope, profound healing, and genuine renewal. This season echoes with the promise of new beginnings and restoration - it's an invitation to experience God's love in a tangible way. So, let's open our hearts to receive this gift anew and share it with those around us. Amen. John 3:15 says, "That whosoever believeth in Jesus should not perish, but have eternal life." Amen. Prayer for Today! I pray that the loving hands of God reach down and touch your heart, turning your hopeless situation into one filled with hope and possibility in Jesus' name. Amen. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastor-divineo/support

Preached by Morris Beene.

Title: PERSEVERING BY FAITH & HOPE IN CHRIST JESUS! (Part 11): “True Biblical-Christian Discipleship: Trusting Jesus” Speaker: Pastor Mark Wilcoxson, with a reading of Holy Scripture and prayer by Esther Henry Scripture Reference: John 3:25-36 View Text: New International VersionView Text: English Standard Version Length: 42:24 min.MP3 File Size: 29.8 MB Listen to Sermon: Download/Play […]

Title: PERSEVERING BY FAITH & HOPE IN CHRIST JESUS! (Part 10): “True Biblical-Christian Discipleship: Obeying Jesus” Speaker: Pastor Mark Wilcoxson, with a reading of Holy Scripture and prayer by Kate Craton Scripture Reference: John 3:16-30 View Text: New International VersionView Text: English Standard Version Length: 43:17 min.MP3 File Size: 29.7 MB Listen to Sermon: Download/Play […]

Title: PERSEVERING BY FAITH & HOPE IN CHRIST JESUS! (Part 9): “True Biblical-Christian Discipleship: Believing Jesus” Speaker: Pastor Mark Wilcoxson, with a reading of Holy Scripture and prayer by Abby Wilcoxson Scripture Reference: John 3:16-21 View Text: New International VersionView Text: English Standard Version Length: 48:11 min.MP3 File Size: 33.0 MB Listen to Sermon: Download/Play […]

Title: PERSEVERING BY FAITH & HOPE IN CHRIST JESUS! (Part 8): “True Biblical-Christian Discipleship: Hearing Jesus” Speaker: Pastor Mark Wilcoxson, with a reading of Holy Scripture and prayer by Elder Neil Scripture Reference: John 2:23-3:15 View Text: New International VersionView Text: English Standard Version Length: 50:24 min.MP3 File Size: 34.6 MB Listen to Sermon: Download/Play […]

We have a living hope in Christ Jesus. --Pastor Tim Rice, speaking at Christian Fellowship Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on 9-10-2023.

We have a living hope in Christ Jesus. --Pastor Tim Rice, speaking at Christian Fellowship Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on 9-10-2023.

Title: PERSEVERING BY FAITH & HOPE IN CHRIST JESUS! (Part 2): “Predestined to Conform to the Image of Jesus Christ” Speaker: Pastor Mark Wilcoxson, with a reading of Holy Scripture and prayer by Ruth Rennie Scripture Reference: Romans 8:1-4, 22-30 View Text: New International VersionView Text: English Standard Version Length: 42:51 min.MP3 File Size: 29.4 […]

Title: PERSEVERING BY FAITH & HOPE IN CHRIST JESUS! (Part 1): “Groaning Inwardly: Together, in Hope, by the Spirit” Speaker: Pastor Mark Wilcoxson, with a reading of Holy Scripture and prayer by Ron Hooker Scripture Reference: Romans 8:18-25 View Text: New International VersionView Text: English Standard Version Length: 47:15 min.MP3 File Size: 32.4 MB Listen […]

The weak minded unbelievers in this world have been blinded by the god of this world, but there is hope. There is hope in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. 

Join us as we close our our podcast season on The End:  A Revelation Study.  Today, at the table of Origin we will discuss the closing chapters of Revelation as God is making all things new.  We will once again visit the options that God has given for us to choose.  Try to imagine what a world without evil will be like.  A place of perpetual life and peace.  We have this hope in Christ Jesus.  Origin is a group of women from different decades of life meeting around a table of friendship and discussion. We are three, ReGina Johnston, Kyli Rose and Jina McAfee, talking about God's original plan regarding current events. Come join us each season at the Origin table. The conversation is always on-going and open to all who would be friends. Thanks for joining us at the table of Origin. Please give us a five-star rating and email any comments or questions to us at www.facebook.com/OriginPodcastGlobal. Listen to us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 Are you waiting on God? Put your hope in his Word! It's easy to put our hope in people, but what happens when they let us down? We can be left feeling disappointed and hopeless. For example, a doctor may not be able to heal us, a teacher may not be able to help us learn and pass, a spouse may not be able to make us happy, and an employer may not be able to give us a job or promotion, or friends may let us down. However, when we put our hope in Christ, we can be sure that we will await confidently and be found without shame. When we put our hope in God's Word, we can trust that he will keep his promises. We can also be assured that he is always faithful. God is always there for us, even when we are waiting. In the Bible, there are many examples of people who waited on God. One of my favorites is the story of Joseph. While waiting for God to bring his dream to reality, He was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. He was accused by his master's wife and sent to prison. He spent many years in prison but never gave up on God. When he was finally released, he became the Prime Minister of Egypt. Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." One of the most difficult things about waiting is that it can be hard to see the end from the beginning. However, when we hope in Christ Jesus through God's Word, we can maintain confidence, knowing we will not be disgraced. We can trust that he is working behind the scenes, preparing a way for us. Psalm 46 tells us that God is our refuge and strength. He is with us always, even when we are waiting. Therefore, our hope in God's Word is a source of comfort and guidance in difficult times. The Bible is also a source of hope because it tells us that God will come through for us in the end. We can trust in his promises, and we should pray for his help and guidance. God's words are always there for us as peace, light, healing, comfort, counseling, guidance, and inspiration even when waiting. Amen. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Prayer: Hear me, Oh LORD, for your loving kindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of your tender mercies (Psalm 69:16). Psalm 118:16; As the right hand of the Lord is exalted and performs mighty things, I declare, I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of breakthrough from the Lord in Jesus' name. Amen. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pastor-divineo/support

There is nothing too broken that Jesus can't fix. He has what you are looking for.

Christ Jesus is on His way coming!!!  You can reach out to us on gospel2020project@gmail.com Visit the following links to subscribe and connect with us! Telegram link https://t.me/rhapsodyfm Google Podcast link https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9yaGFwc29keS5yZWN Apple Podcast link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/word-of-life-podcast/id1507564447   To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). Every Christian is called into the ministry of reconciliation. That means we're called to be soul winners. And in carrying out our ministry of reconciliation, we're not alone. The Lord is working with us—confirming the Word with signs following. We're His witnesses to the world that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. He sent us to the whole world, to let them know that God isn't counting their trespasses against them. There's no one on earth today who's suffering or would go to hell because of his or her sins. Why? Jesus already paid the full penalty for sin for everyone. Does that excuse sin? Emphatically no! But it's important for us to see from God's perspective and put things in their right places. Did you know that Jesus went to hell? He did on our behalf because our sins were laid on Him. He suffered that no man would ever need to suffer. The only reason anyone would be condemned and go to hell is for the ignorance and rejection of salvation in Jesus Christ. Then, they'd face judgment, because they didn't receive what was paid for them—the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus—that's the reason for hell and the lake of fire. But it's not God's will that any should perish and go to hell. That's why He sent us to tell them who Jesus is and what He's done for them. They can only know, believe, and receive eternal life if we take the message to them: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent…” (Romans 10:13-15). We're His sent ones. Jesus said in John 20:21, “…Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Hallelujah! We bear His message of love, salvation and righteousness. CONFESSION Today, through me, the light of God shines ever so brightly, delivering men from darkness into light and from the power of Satan unto God. I'm committed to preaching the Gospel, that men may embrace life and righteousness and the blessed hope in Christ Jesus. Amen. FURTHER STUDY: 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. Mark 16:15-16 (KJV) 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Acts 9:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 35-36 2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN 2 Corinthians 6:11-18 & Isaiah 7 To give towards sponsoring free copies please kindly click the below link  https://buy.stripe.com/bIYcOj8vQepC3eM6op

Dr. Denise Wilkins affectionately known as Ms. Denise was born in Montclair, New Jersey, and was raised in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Her painful childhood, caused her to spiral out of control and to fall into a world of rebellion.  As the Bible describes, rebellion is as a type of witchcraft.  Witchcraft is strategically designed to destroy you.  At 34, home alone, crying, ready to give up, she began to commit suicide. Just before she took the pills she had an encounter with an angel of the Lord who saved her. His audible voice spoke to her and said, ”There are no failures in God!” This undeniable mark of God in 1991 was the day that began the most AMAZING spiritual journey of her life.Dr. Wilkins affectionately known as Ms. Denise, has been coaching, organizing and speaking since 1996.  She laid a foundation with her community work as the founder of Jesus the Spiritual Connection  Christian Outreach Network, today referred to as THE NETWORK.   As a woman of faith she co-labored along with local Pastor's, other community leaders and local gospel artist throughout the inner-city streets of the Washington, DC, (DMV) area. They provided neighborhood concerts that offered food, clothing, toys and giveaways with a message of hope in Christ Jesus.  After the 911 attacks on the Pentagon, Ms Denise continued her street ministry but was offered a position as a Counselor/Outreach Worker for a FEMA Funded program, Project Resilience. The Project Resilience program was run by the Mental Health Department of Alexandria, Virginia.  In 2002, under the auspice of the Mental Health Dept. she established what she now calls, "Black Lights Performing Arts Company" (BLPAC) and CHOICES Motivational Services (CMS). Each program was a huge success in the city. She ran her programs in middle and high schools, as well as other youth facilities such as Detention centers, aged out foster care programs, recreational facilities and anywhere else she was called upon to speak to the youth and their families.  Her work with the City received high honors from the Directors of Mental Health, City Council and the Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Bill Euille, at the time.   Ms Denise was recognized with the "Performing the World 2 Organization, which is an internationally developed group of Psychologist.  They were amazed by her use of drama as a therapy with positive youth involvement never seen before in the history of the City of Alexandria. Ms Denise is an innovator, trailblazer, and trendsetter whose plethora of creative arts projects and programs change lives. When the FEMA Funded program closed, Ms. Denise continued running The NETWORK full time until 2010 where she laid her work down with the murder of her youngest son, Justin. In 2012, she pulled her vision out and began to build the new foundation.  By 2014, she established the organization Justin L Davis Foundation (JLDF) as a 501(c)3 non-profit. Here target audience is adult women, male and female youth and young adults and their families.                                                in 2017, Miss Denise moved to the Houston Texas area where she is currently running a community project. In 2019, she was offered an honorary doctorate degree in ministry from Juliana King University. Ms. Denise is also a writer, director, and producer. She is a licensed minister, certified youth and adult coach and speaker for the Justin L. Davis Foundation. In 2020, she became an author of her first book, "Born Into Dysfunction to be Remade"  In closing, after the loss of her youngest son, she rose out of the ashes to turn her "PAIN into PURPOSE." With a God given youth vision leading her way, she pushes forward.  Without a doubt Ms. Denise believes that the seed of depression Justin suffered and died from, fell into God's rich soil, and with all that she has experienced, God can use her to bear much fruit.Ms Denise believes that these are perilous times and it calls for a different plan of action. We are in the last days and God is doing a new thing. He is calling Christian leaders to lay down isms and schisms and pick up the power of God's love, to show the world His FORM of UNITY.  Let's Work Together and Change the World for our Youth. www.msdenisespeaks.today

"And with great power, the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all." Acts 4:33 The empty tomb was proof that Jesus had risen from the dead. And as Jesus had predicted, He appeared to His disciples several times over the next 40 days. "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31). The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith as Christian. Through faith in the resurrection, we are saved and our hope restored. This is why I am so grateful for this opportunity of living in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. People who believe in Jesus Christ can see him for themselves, and they know that he is alive because they have experienced the power of his love as Jesus has already come back to life. He died to forgive our sins, and now he's alive in heaven. When we follow Jesus, we will continue to experience His love and compassion for others. We can also be assured of a future filled with hope, joy, peace, progress, and possibilities. John 20:31 says, "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." Whatever you are going through in your business, career, marital life, or relationship, know God is with you. He will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore, I encourage you to Hold on to your faith and hope in Christ Jesus because you will laugh last. The trials and tests you are facing right now will make you stronger and better equipped for the future. In the meantime, find peace in Him and allow Him to carry your load. We all go through tough times. Times when it feels like things will never get better. When you don't know how to make it through the day, let alone the week or month. During those tough times, it's important to remember that "this too will pass." No matter how bad things seem, remember that your redeemer lives. As Jesus comes out of the grave, I believe you will come out of that failed business, ministry, marriage, career, and every disappointment at the edge of a breakthrough in Jesus' name. So hold on to that hope and don't give up. Things may be tough right now, but they will get better. Amen. Romans 16:20 says, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for all the blessings in my life. Lord Almighty God, grant me strength to stand strong in my faith. I pray, may God allow the sun of favor to shine on you and turn everything around for your good in the next 72 hours in Jesus' name. Amen. https://youtu.be/91asgfcyUrA https://maglife.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/divine-ojelade/support

It is not enough just to say that we have faith. We must ask ourselves, what do we believe in and why do we believe in them? The Bible speaks of the fundamentals or the doctrines of faith, in other words, the pillars or the bedrock of our blessed hope in Christ Jesus. These beliefs ground us, establish us, and allow us to walk in the ways of God. All the ways of God are the truth!

In this episode, Father Ryan speaks about his experience with a bus load of Yooper pilgrims to the 48th March for Life in Washington, D.C.  Many of the speakers told their stories of how abortion affected their lives, and how they found mercy and a future of hope in Christ Jesus.

Your Hope will Not be Cut Off! "For the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed." Psalm 9:18 The reality is that there are negative Hope and positive Hope in life. However, we must remember that God's hope is better than any hope we may have and can never be cut off. Hope in God's word is how we find the strength to stand up against all the odds and make the best out of every situation. Hope is how we find peace and joy in life because God has given us this gift of hope. He gave us the ability to see through our troubles and make a difference in the world. When there are multitudes of challenges, and things seem difficult, believe there is hope. There is hope for every living man or woman who trusts in God even though they fail or make mistakes. Challenges and life issues are inevitable; no man is born to live a problem-free life. We are all going to face one or two difficulties, but only the ones who trust in the Lord will overcome them. I have been through many troubles and struggles in my life, but God always delivered me. And I am sure, He will do the same thing for you in Jesus' name. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." God's grace and mercy will save you from all your troubles. In as much as you are alive, you have the hope to take in the life of Christ; this is very vital. The book of John 16:33 says, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me, you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.". It is the life of Christ that brings every other hope of being in our life. Don't allow the devil to make use of your mistakes to get at you by using men's voices to say, "you can't be successful in your endeavors," as a result of your previous flops. Forget about the past failures and mistakes; get up and pursue after that which God lay ahead of you. As much as you have God on your side and trust Him, you will surely excel. All other life issues are just part of life's trials; don't ever give up. There is hope. "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Christ Jesus." John 14:1. "For there is hope for a tree if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease." Job 14:7 Prayer: Oh! Lord, I thank you for assuring me of hope in Christ Jesus. I am thankful for your faithfulness. Father, revive all my lost expectations and possessions in Jesus' name. In the name of Jesus, deliver me from all hopelessness and despair and bring me to the light of truth. Amen! https://maglife.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/divine-ojelade/support

Free booklet with any Mark Shaw book purchase available at FocusPublishing.com here Understanding Temptation: The War Within Your Heart Dr. Mark E. Shaw teaches on Temptation from James 1. Addiction counseling is about a sinful heart desire, not a disease that overtakes a person. "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12) "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." (James 1:13-14) Each person's desires are different according to their preferences. Is alcohol the problem? No, the Word tells us it's our own heart desire. "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1:15-18) AW Tozer Quote: "The widest thing in the universe is not space; it is the potential capacity of the human heart...." (AW Tozer's The Root of Righteousness, p.63) 11:05 About the sad last day of John Belushi's life. There is hope in Christ Jesus and nothing else. Death is closer than when we think. Find more training through The Addiction Connection's wide selection of video and audio courses here: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-counselor-training/ "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16-17) Dr. Mark E. Shaw is the Founder of The Addiction Connection and serves his local church as the Director of Counseling at Grace Fellowship Church in Florence Kentucky. Join us there for The Addiction Connection's 2021 Leadership Summit. [1] Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one-half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Lord God, how good it is to know that our hope in Christ Jesus is grounded in the certainty of those who beheld Him after His resurrection. It is a well-documented set of events that happened at various times and in various places, and which included a great number of first-hand witnesses. Thank You for the surety we possess as we continue in the faith we profess. Amen.

Dr. Michael Easley moves forward in the book of Philippians. Paul stresses that believers in Jesus Christ should have "joy no matter what." In great humility, Paul levels the playing field as equates himself to a bondservant of Christ. Because of our hope in Christ Jesus, believers can smile at the future, no matter what.

Taught by: Suff. Bishop Avery Dumas III New Grace Apostolic Temple 2898 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 www.newgrace.org Giving info Cash App: $NewGraceTemple Pay Pal: PayPal@newgrace.org Our Bookstore: https://bookstore.newgrace.org/

Put your hope in Christ Jesus cuz he will never fail --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marvin-waitman/support

On Season 1 Episode 19 of Dialégomai: The PĒØPŁËŠ Conversation, hosts Travis and Kyra Gold biblically unpack Christian endurance.As believers we see throughout Scripture, a call to endure, to stand firm, to maintain faith during the trying times of life. But what does it mean to endure? In this compelling conversation, Travis and Kyra Gold, kick things off by giving us the biblical definition of endurance. They examine how endurance is taught in Scripture, how endurance is given by God, and how our endurance is the fruit of hope in Christ Jesus our Lord, defining what it means to have biblical hope while delving into the certitude that comes with hope in Christ.Continuing in the conversation, they explain what it means to endure for the sake of the elect and discuss what it means that endurance is a necessity.Ending on a note of biblical encouragement about suffering, they discuss how suffering produces endurance and endurance, character. If you feel led to support this podcast, we humbly invite you to check us out at buymeacoffee.com/dialegomai For accessibility information, Q&A submissions or to get in touch, please email dialegomai@forthepeopleschurch.org For more information about For The PĒØPŁËŠ Church, please visit forthepeopleschurch.org! Instagram: @dialegomai @forthepeopleschurch @travisandkyraSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dialegomai)

We persevere because we have hope in Christ Jesus.

0 (2s): Christmas every month. And if you're getting in the holiday spirit, welcome to Harvest Church my name is Cheryl and I'm so glad you're here. Yeah. Feel free to stand if you're able and during Us hello to everyone on campus and those watching at home, we're so glad that you are worshiping with us together this morning. Let's just take some time to go into his presence and prayer and just welcome him. And we do welcome you today. As we make room in our hearts and help us to sit still all of the noise in our hearts. 0 (42s): So we can hear your voice this morning. We want to hear from you. Jesus. We want to learn from you want to come in and do your prisons. There's a boldness in our hearts, Thanksgiving, the, this morning, you know that sometimes we think we have to like have ourselves all like cleaned up and perfect to come into God's presence. But I was reminded that he came as a baby into a stinky manger, surrounded by animals and a noisy chaotic barn. 0 (1m 22s): And that's our savior. He comes into the mess into the chaos and his presence is here. Love is available for you in the midst of whatever's going on in your heart and life right now. And so father, we just say, come and have your way in this place. We've come to adore you. Praise the Lord. 0 (1m 48s): 1 (11m 56s): . 1 (12m 43s): 2 (16m 52s): Praise you this morning. It gives us great joy to worship you by your Holy spirit. Thank you Lord, for giving us your gift, give to the Holy spirit. We pray that you would fill us, continue to lead us thankful for this place to gather place, to be safe. 2 (17m 34s): And in the shadow of your wings, worship you in jesus' name. Amen. 1 (17m 45s): Thank you 2 (17m 45s): Guys for singing coming this morning. Let's all take a little 3 (17m 50s): Time to love one another fellowship with one another. We'll you're back here with announcements, the pinnacle of the day, just momentarily. 4 (18m 3s): All right. Good morning. Go ahead and find a seat. That'd be great. All right. One a welcome, everyone. Those of you that are gathered in the sanctuary in the loft, in the patio, I want to welcome everyone. That's viewing online as well, and also want to let you know, we do have a new venue that we've just opened up recently, and it's a mask only venue, and it's in the parsonage. So if, if you, or you know, someone that's inclined to you, you still want to be around other people that are wearing masks and things. 4 (18m 43s): You can venture up to the parsonage. And that's what that is dedicated for up there. And so again, if, if it's your first time to Harvest, Church, we're really happy you're here today. Maybe you've been visiting a few times. If you make your way up to the information center, we have a gift for you. So go ahead and head up there, introduce yourself. And then also, if you would like you can fill out a communication card. We want to be really diligent about communicating with everyone, all the things that are going on, changes that are happening. We sent out a weekly email update to make sure that everybody knows exactly what's happening here at Harvest Church and I'm okay. I got a F did you hear what Jim folk had said a moment ago about the announcements being the pinnacle of the, of the service? 4 (19m 26s): Did you guys catch that? That's true. And one of the announcements that I have for you is there's a men's breakfast that's planned. So men would love to have you show up this next Saturday. So Saturday the 12th show up here at Church and eight o'clock. We're going to gather in the loft, which is the building right behind us here. We're going to have breakfast together. We're going to have just a fun time of fellowship there's you don't need to sign up. You don't need to bring any money. How good is that? Just show up and be hungry. And we're going to have a great time of fellowship with the men. So with that, there's a men's retreat. That's also planned. The men's retreat is scheduled for January 8th and ninth, and it's going to be held up at the granite Ridge camp. 4 (20m 9s): It's up in Creston. So just North of us a little bit, you need to get signed up though. So the deadline to sign up for the men's retreat is what is it? December 15th. Okay, there you got it. December 15th is the deadline. So guys would encourage you to get signed up for the men's retreat. You can sign up at the info center, or you can go on our Church app, go online, or you can go directly to granite Ridge camp ground, and you can sign up that way as well. So guys would love to have him be a part of that. So every year in the village, there's a parade and there's this whole big hoopla thing that happens Christmas. It's not happening tonight because of the shutdown and stuff. 4 (20m 52s): So one of the things that happens during, during the parade and, and those events typically is the tree. The tree in front of the sanctuary is the village Christmas tree. And so we're still going to have a little bit of a get together tonight, a ceremony, if you want to call it that, where we're going to, here's what we're going to do. We are going to have some caroling. We're going to have a nativity reading, and we're going to have the lighting of the Christmas tree right up front here. It's going to be at six o'clock tonight. Love to have you bring the whole family. It's going to be outside. So it's probably going to be cold. So dress warmly, guaranteed. Not to snow though. I will let you know about that. So come on out tonight, it would be really great to have the whole family gathered together. 4 (21m 32s): So for Christmas, we are collecting some donations for some food baskets that we're putting together through our pantry ministry. So if you would like to donate some items, you can go up to the info center and they'll let you know what items we're going to be collecting. Or if you get our weekly email, the list is in there as well. And you can bring the items and they're due. When are they do? They are due next Sunday, which is December 13th. So if you'd like be a part of that, you can bring them by the office as well. And we'll go ahead and collect those. We've been announcing that we're doing a coat drive. In addition, the coat drive actually has been canceled because of the event that they were going to do to hand, hand the coats out to the needy in our community. 4 (22m 16s): It's been canceled. So if you have some codes that you've been collecting, you could go ahead and take them to the thrift store. Just give them to somebody on your own. That'd be fine. So the last thing I want to share with you, probably the most important of all there is a new year's Eve young professionals, pajama party and game night. Okay. So I asked this question to one of the planners. What is the age group for a young professional? So they told me 20 to 40. All right. Pretty pretty broad age. This again, this is a 5 (22m 50s): New year's Eve. Yup. 4 (22m 52s): Professionals, pajama party, and game night, you guys need to get signed up and it's going to be from six to nine is can mean the loft it's going to have a taco truck is going to be catered with a taco truck. So there is a price involved it's 10 bucks. And if you want to sign up, you can do it on the app, go online and, and, and all that good stuff. But one last thing, I was cleaning out one of my closets in my house this week, and I found my son's dinosaur one Z say a head to toe one Z pajama suit. So I announced it at first service as well. So if you want the dinosaur one Z, you gotta let me know. It's it's, it's, it's a F it's free to the first person who wants the onesy, but okay. 4 (23m 36s): You're, you're older than 40. I'm sorry, sir. Okay. 5 (23m 42s): I will not 4 (23m 43s): Be wearing the dinosaur suit, but thank you for asking. All right. So with that, I'm going to invite Dave to come up and he's going to be in first Thessalonians chapter two. So if you want to go ahead and turn in your Bible to first Thessalonians chapter two, that'd be great. Let's welcome, Dave. 6 (23m 58s): 7 (24m 9s): There we go. You know, and at times like this, that we're facing now, it's, it's easy to feel afflicted, you know, it's with COVID and shutdowns and, and being told that we shouldn't be gathering together and, and that we shouldn't be connecting with each other and that, and it just, and the fact that it's been going on for nine months now just kind of feels oppressing. And, and, but yet this is nothing like what the Church and Tesla Annika felt that we're Paul is writing to hear. 7 (24m 49s): And, and this time I'm going to cover quite a bit of ground today, because most of what this is, is narrative. I'm starting with the chapter two verse 17, and I'm going to preach all the way through chapters three. And I hope to be done by three o'clock. But the, but the whole thing in here is looking at it being it's mostly narrative, but there's still some, some great stuff in here. Paul Paul is very personal in this letter, if you read it. And there is, there's just a ton of narrative. There's some teaching, but it's mostly, he S he's writing words of comfort. 7 (25m 30s): He's writing words of, of hope. He's writing words, just telling him how he's feeling and how he's hoping they're doing. Whereas Romans is very theological. And first Corinthians and Galatians are very much dealing with problems and the church. This is so personal. And we really see a lot in here about Paul and about the Thessaloniki. And Church Paul is he's got deep affection for the people there. And, and, and, and Paul's affection for them is, is just mirroring. God's love for them. And, but in the midst of this, what he's so concerned about, and this is what persecution is, what Afflictions, they might be enduring. 7 (26m 17s): The things that they're experiencing as a followers of Jesus in a very, very intolerant situation. A very, very matter of fact, antagonistic situation. If you remember, Paul was driven out of Fessel, Anika, they, they had, when they couldn't find him, they pulled somebody else who was in the Church out and they, they beat him up and they took him before the, and made them pay a huge bail to get out and all of this while they investigated. And, and the Church said, DePaul, better scoop need to get out. And so they left, but so we see Paul's affection. 7 (26m 59s): We see their affliction, which we all face. We face the same kinds of Afflictions today. And, but through that, we see God's Affirmation that we are loved. We are cared for even when things are hard. And We, we might ask the question, where is God, when we're going through this, and he's right there with you, and he loves you and nothing can separate you from his love. So I'm going to break this passage up into three parts. The first part is going to be starting with a, in chapter two. And I'm just reading the starting at verse 17 and reading through the end of the chapter, please stand let's let's pray before we get started with this. 7 (27m 48s): And we'll go from there, Laura, God, I thank you so much that you are God, that you are the Lord of all that you love, the creation that you have made, and you especially love mankind 6 (28m 8s): Because 7 (28m 8s): You made us in your image and likeness. You set us up to be the caretakers of what you have made the stewards of, of your kingdom, of your creation, the stewards of all that you have set apart that we might have dominion, and then we spit in your eye. So God today we come to you as broken. We come to you as those who don't deserve to receive your love, but nonetheless are loved through Jesus Christ. 7 (28m 52s): Come speak to our hearts today, Lord, come speak and, and, and we desire Lord God, to be transformed by your word at living and active word that is sharper than any two-edged sword to divide soul and spirit joints and marrow. And to reveal the intentions of our hearts 6 (29m 18s): Come 7 (29m 19s): Revealed the intentions of our hearts today, Lord, and shape us more into the image of Jesus. God use me as your vessel here to speak your truth. And I pray Jesus, that you would have your way with what is spoken here and with what received here. And I know from all the years, I've preached that there are so many who hear something that I didn't say because you were speaking. So say to our hearts, what it is that you know, We to here, fill us with your spirit and the joy that comes from knowing we are loved in your name. 7 (30m 7s): We pray. Amen. And amen. So today I'm calling this a CA I say, I always used to just give one word titles are very, you know, very brief phrase, but Steve does these long ones. So, so I got to come up with something has lots of words in it, but that really highlights what it is we're talking about here. And, and so today's sermon, I'm calling God's Affection Overcomes Our Afflictions and Gives Us Affirmation That we are His God's affection. Overcomes Our Afflictions and Gives Us Affirmation that we are His. So peer, we see this, this first piece, this Affection of that Paul has for the Thessaloniki sins that is mirroring God's love. 7 (30m 55s): So I'm going to read verses 17 through 20 here of chapter two. This is God's word. Since we were torn away from you brothers for a short time in person, not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you. I Paul, again and again, but Satan hindered us for what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus. It is coming. Is it not you for you are our glory and joy. 7 (31m 35s): It's talking to you folks. Paul is writing this, but the Holy spirit is speaking to you. You remember from acts 17. As I mentioned before, Paul was, was driven out of vessel, Anika by jealous and, and wicked men who were threatened by the message of the gospel and jealous of the following that Paul was getting, they were the, wanted to be the arbiters of the truth. They wanted to be the ones who determined what was right and what was wrong. And then those who were idolaters were just livid and, and trying to drive them away because they were cutting into their profits. 7 (32m 17s): But this is what he was referring to. And he said he was torn away from them. It was like a That in the Greek. It literally means T he was orphaned from them. Just like if a conquering force would come in and they would rip the children out of the parent's arms and cause those children to become orphans, because then the parents would just sense this great loss. And the children would be who was whose, where are my parents what's going on with them? Or they might even see them cut down in front of them. And so the children automatically become orphans than hauled off into slavery. This is what Paul was feeling. I feel as if I've been orphaned from you, I am so cut off. 7 (32m 58s): I'm so taken away from you. And he feels that this, this deep love that he has for them, this deep concern that he has for them is just tearing it as hard, because he's concerned about what they're facing. This is Paul, the Pharisee of farracies, as he says, in his pedigree and one of the other epistles. And, you know, as to the law, I was blameless. I was, I sat at the feet of Gamaliel. I was the one, he was the greatest teacher and to sit at his feet was to be the greatest pupil. This is Paul, he's the Hebrew of Hebrews and lover of everything, Hebrew and hater of everything Gentile until God got ahold of him and God transformed his heart, that he might show his love through Paul, to those that around him. 7 (33m 51s): And he had this special affection for the Fessel onions. There is Are next to His except the message of his gospel and God's demonstration of its power. Through Paul, they caused, they caused him to love them with a deep and abiding love through Paul came. He had come through Apollonia and Hierapolis I think is the town from Philippi had been run out of Philippi, went through two towns to get to festival. And nothing happened in those two towns. And it wasn't like he just was passing through. I'm sure everywhere, every place he went, Paul tried to share the gospel, but there was nothing there, nothing recorded about what, what happened in those cities. 7 (34m 37s): But when he got to Fessel and ICA, he went and he reasoned in the synagogue and he reasoned there and people were being transformed. People were coming to faith in Jesus. People were receiving the gospel with their whole heart, and it was started taking effect until the point that people got jealous, their religious folks got jealous. And so all of this stuff started going on and, and all this persecution and, and Paul so loved them that he said, you are my glory and my joy, because I'm going to present. You say, these are the ones you gave me. God, isn't a great, they stayed strong. 7 (35m 17s): Isn't it great. They loved you. Isn't it great. They just hold fast to Jesus. Isn't this super. And thank you that I got to be part of their coming to faith in you. That's Paul's love for them. And it's the same Affection God has for you as his dearly beloved child. See, when he removed you from the kingdom of darkness and adapted, you adapted you to be his own. He did. So because he loves you. If he does and says he chose you from before the foundation of the war, 6 (35m 59s): Isn't that amazing. 7 (36m 5s): And he does. So because he loves you and wants you to know that he loves you. You see the, the Affection here. We think about God's unconditional love. God's love. God's so loved the world and this overarching love. But sometimes that can feel kind of distant. Sometimes that can feel like we're really, God loves us, but he's kind of out there, but there's a real affection here. Something that that's so close and that love that you have for your children. You get that little baby and hold him in your arms for the first time. 7 (36m 44s): When, when, gosh, I remember that when our girls were born, kind of, cause I'm getting old, but I do remember much more recently when our grandsons were born. And when our first grandson was born, Cyrus is 13. And we met him when he was about 45 minutes old. And, and I held him and I just looked at this little one that I had not seen or ever met before anticipated is coming, but, but just had never seen him. And I had so much love for this little one that I just put my eyes on for the first time. 7 (37m 25s): And what was really great about that is I had none of the responsibility for him, but, but I had this little one that I just so deeply loved. And that's the way Paul felt about the Thessaloniki as they were his children in the Lord. And they, he loved them deeply and was so concerned about all that we're going through. See God took you out of that kingdom of darkness. He wants you to know that you are loved. And Paul writes in Romans, Romans eight, 15, he says for you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you've received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry Abba father, he says, God is, is our loving father who loves to pick us up. 7 (38m 17s): And dandle, Us on his knees and, and hold us clothes. That's the affection that we're seeing here. And he says, you're not slave subject to God's whim. You're not those who are forced to do things outside of your will, but he loves you so that you want to love him back. You want to do what he wants. He wraps you in his arms of loving care and his passion for you is 8 (38m 44s): Deep. You know, even 7 (38m 47s): To Israel, the prophet, Jeremiah spoke and remember Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, Jeremiah didn't have a whole lot of good stuff to say about God's people other than what could be if they would repent. But he preached to them a lot about just how they are falling away, how they're neglecting, God how they are turning their backs on him and following after idols. But it's what does he say to them? God speaks to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 31, three and says, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you. 7 (39m 27s): See, he still loves us. Even when we mess up, he still is faithful to us, even when we are desperately in need of discipline. 8 (39m 37s): And he does 7 (39m 37s): Discipline us if he loved, because we are 8 (39m 40s): Loved. See, 7 (39m 42s): Paul reminds them that even though they're physically separated, his heart will never leave them 8 (39m 49s): Because he loves them. So his heart 7 (39m 52s): We'll never leave the Fest Slovenians and neither physical distance nor Satan's hindrances. He's remember, he says, Satan hindered me from coming to you can, they CA, nothing can keep Paul from loving them and desiring their good and their wellbeing. 8 (40m 9s): That's that's 7 (40m 10s): What Paul is so concerned about that they would, 8 (40m 13s): That they would find 7 (40m 16s): Good of life. They would find the best of life or not. And I'm not talking about stuff and, you know, comfort and that sort of thing. Talking about their relationship with Jesus, their relationship with knowing him and standing with him and knowing that we're going to spend eternity with him. 8 (40m 35s): Sorry. 7 (40m 35s): Note here about Satan's hindrances. This is a little excursus we're going to set over to this side. You can put it in your hip pocket. We could probably spend several weeks talking about Satan's hindrances, but just, I want you to know, and I want you to hold onto this. 8 (40m 51s): Satan 7 (40m 52s): Can only hinder us with God's permission. 8 (40m 57s): We tend 7 (40m 57s): To give him far more power than he deserves. It is not two equal forces fighting one another. This isn't yin and yang. This isn't, you know, one pit it against the other and hopes that the scales are gonna fall on God's side. 8 (41m 15s): Okay? No, 7 (41m 18s): God is in control and Satan can do nothing that is not allowed by God. 8 (41m 26s): And if he allows it, it's so 7 (41m 29s): Holy to accomplish his divine purpose and his divine plan in your life and in his kingdom. And it's as true today as it was in the first century and has been from the beginning, remember Jobe, Satan couldn't do anything to job that God didn't allow. And he said, you can go this far and no farther and Satan, didn't not because he's obedient, but because that's all he can do Is Martin Luther. The great reformer once said after all he is God's devil. And so Satan's hindrance of Paul here was allowed by God for the Thessaloniki and Christians ultimate good. 7 (42m 15s): And for Paul's good. And his hindrance is hindrances towards us is for our good, 6 (42m 25s): Remember 7 (42m 26s): All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to their purposes. That's why in everything you can give. Thanks because God is using everything for your advancement and just the same way he was doing for the Fessel Aloni church here. And Paul was busy being mother hen. I'm so worried about you. I don't want you to fail. I don't want you to fall. See Afflictions can't diminish. God's love for us. His his deep abiding affection. It cannot eliminate it. Can't delete it. Paul says this in again in Romans chapter eight, this, this passage is so familiar to all of us, but think about it in the context that when we face hardships, this is His, God what God does. 7 (43m 19s): What shall we say then to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him graciously give us all things who shall bring any charge against God's elect it's God who justifies, who is to condemn Christ. Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us, who shall separate us from the love of Christ, shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword as it is written for your sake, we are being killed all day long, were regarded as sheep to be slaughtered for God's sake because it's accomplishing his purpose. 7 (44m 9s): Knowing all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us for, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord, hallelujah. Those Afflictions come to make us stronger. So the next thing we need to look at is the Afflictions of the Thessaloniki and Church as they pertain to our lives today. So let's look then, and now at chapter three, verse one, we're going to read the first five verses. 7 (44m 49s): Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind it, Athens alone. And we sent Timothy our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ to establish and exhort you and your faith that no one be moved by these Afflictions for you yourself. Know that we're destined for this for when we were with you. We kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction just as it has come to pass and justice. You know, for this reason when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith for fear that somehow the tempter attempted you and our labor would be in vain. Paul says, I know what you're going through because it's the same thing. 7 (45m 31s): I was going. 6 (45m 31s): 7 (45m 39s): Bullying violence, persecution of all kinds. And Paul wanted to make sure that none of these new believers were moved is the word he uses here and moved by these affections. And you know, when you can imagine moved to, you know, taken off of, off of base and knocked off a center, moved sideways, move backwards or forwards or up or down, but somehow or another, not standing firm. And this word moved really kind of has three levels to it in the Greek. And first, the first level is kind of be seduced to compromise, seduced, to compromise your beliefs. 7 (46m 19s): seduced to step away and may be not commit so much only commit this much instead of everything, Just to refer to it as having just enough, Jesus got just enough Jesus to be saved. That's all I need. That's all I'm going to worry about. And then I'm going to live, just live in my life. I think one way we really see that happening in the church today in America is we're seduced to think that, 6 (46m 59s): Well, 7 (46m 59s): We can go to church when we can get there. And I always joke about it and say, unless we get a better offer, but it's, it's not that as much as this world has us so busy and so concerned about other things and creature comforts and schedules and all that kind of thing that we kind of think that, well, you know, we can't make it this week, cause this has come up, but Church will always be there. It'll be there next week, this to the point where in our culture today and evangelical Christianity, the pillars of the faith make it the Church twice a month, 15 years ago, it was 60% of the time. 7 (47m 44s): It's down to less than 50% of the time now. And we're seduced into thinking, well, that's okay. The second level of that is where to be per perturbed or agitated into confusion. We start, you know, darts start coming in and saying, well, I was telling selling, did God really say, is this really true? Or can things like the, I CA, I can't remember his first name Dawkins. He's a famous atheist. Is it Richard Dawkins? I was thinking Richard Dawkins was, you know, a family feud, but state, well there's Stephen Hawking, but then there's somebody Richard Dawkins Are yeah. 7 (48m 33s): Well, whatever, whoever he is, this famous atheist who I can't remember, his name tries to yeah. Tries to tell us that faith is foolishness that trusting in God is believing in the fairytales. You know, and that's, that's a, that's a pretty good job. And then, you know, lays out all of what he calls evidence. And it gets to the point where we can kind of say, Oh, you know, and we get agitated. And it says, well, I know the scripture says this, but all the, the evidence here seems to be pointing towards that and what am I going to do with this? 7 (49m 15s): And it shakes us. And then the third level of this is literally, it means to be the way it was described in my lexicon is to be wrought upon, which means to be put in the fire and hammered on an Advil to reshape us into something different. And I think that's kind of what you see. You go to places like China and North Korea, where they send you to reeducation camps. If you become a Christian 8 (49m 40s): And shaped into something else. 7 (49m 44s): So you, because of Paul's affection for them, he was deeply concerned that the persecution they would face would be driving them away from their faith and that they would have walked away due to incessant opposition. You know, at time where you just say, I'm just not going to put up with this anymore. Heck with it and leave it behind. And I'm tired of this hard road Lynn and I will often say to each other, and boy, I just hate that. I have to take the high road all the time. And I just want to take the low road for once. You know? And, but no, you get tired of that. And it would be so easy to walk away, but Paul had warned them that they would be facing this kind of thing. 7 (50m 30s): Verse three of this passage, this is for you yourselves know that we are destined for this. It's going to happen. This is not the kind of verse that you have printed on a magnet and put on your refrigerator. This promise, no, it's, we're destined for this. When we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction just as it has come to pass. And just as you know, See persecution of the church is four told in the new Testament, Jesus himself, and in John chapter 15, you know, they're on their way to the, the garden of gets Semini. They've left the upper room. They're on the way to the gardener gets Semini where Jesus is going to pray and then be betrayed. 7 (51m 14s): And Jesus says to them, if the world hates, you know, that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you're not of the world, but I chose you out of the world. Therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you? A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute 6 (51m 39s): You 7 (51m 42s): Again. Another verse we don't put on the refrigerator at home, You know, we've been so blessed to live in a country where we're free to follow Jesus and public who publicly worship. That's a great blessing. Unfortunately, that blessing as becomes a means of weakening the resolve for orthodoxy among those who followed Jesus. Grace has become easy. Grace has become cheap. 6 (52m 19s): Okay? 7 (52m 19s): I wish I had taken up the time to look at the quote of the definition of cheap grace that Dietrich Bonhoeffer Bonhoeffer gave in one of his books where he talks about, you know, it's, it's the crown without a cross it's Jesus without repentance. It's, it's all of these things because, and we get at that and then we have no foundation and no strength to stand. I would say in modern day, American culture, we've been moved by That seductive pers persecution and affliction we faced. 7 (52m 59s): And we're starting to get some of those jabs coming in, but it's not, we're not being on the put on the Advil yet. And we might be, 6 (53m 12s): Yeah, 7 (53m 12s): We don't want that to happen. Folks. If we want to see our country turnaround, if we want to see people changed by God, we want to see revival come in. Then we have to go with what God spoke to Solomon. When he was dedicating the temple. If my people who are called by my name, humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. You know, we forget about the turning from our wicked ways part. We like to leave that one out, humble, humble myself. 7 (53m 53s): And while maybe I'll pray. How's that I'll pray and seek God's face. I just love being with Jesus. Don't tell me anything about sin. Don't tell me anything about repentance. Don't say anything about humbling myself, but God I'm praying. So fix it. No, it's it's it's it's that recognition that we don't deserve. God's love. We don't deserve God's ability to save, but acknowledging the love that he has 2 (54m 27s): For us, 7 (54m 29s): You might still face persecution. Even if we do this, even if we follow that admonition from God, but you'll receive an affirmation that you are 2 (54m 43s): Loved, 7 (54m 45s): That God will care for you, that God will sustain you. That God will uphold you. That God will give you the strength to face, whatever it is that comes your way, he will give you the grace that is necessary to face the trials and tribulations. Even to the point of martyrdom, he will give you the grace for that. If you have to face it, he will give you the strength. In the moment. God told Israel when they were coming through the desert desert as your day. So shall your strength be whatever it is you have to face. God will give you the strength for it. 7 (55m 26s): And remember that these Afflictions are actually beneficial to your faith because they help us to appreciate and comprehend the truth of God's word more fully. Ken Martin Luther said the devil and temptations also do give occasion unto us somewhat to learn and understand the scriptures by experience and practice without trials and temptations. We should never understand anything thereof. No, not. Although we diligently read and heard the same, because when you experience those difficulties, when you experience those hardships, when you experience persecution, when you experience sickness, when you experienced trials, when you experience the bad things that can come from the world at you, it opens the door to the scriptures to appreciate God's promises. 7 (56m 22s): It opens doors to the scriptures. So I can S I can look at that and say, Oh God, yes. Now I understand what this is, and I'm going to hold onto you. I'm going to hold fast to you. I'm going to stick with you and God. I know I can't do that in my own strength. Give me the power of your Holy spirit. Let that be enlivened. Inmate. Let it be quickened in my heart that I might stand with you, that I might hold fast to you. That I might remain unchanged and be faithful, no matter what it is that I face. See. So as we live our lives and the promise of God's affection, that he shows toward us and the certainty that we will face affliction in this life. 7 (57m 13s): And if, for no other reason that we live in a fallen and sinful world, It's hold fast to the Affirmation of God. That he's pleased with us when we hold fast to him and, and know that he, 8 (57m 34s): He keeps us as we stick with him. 7 (57m 41s): So let's look at this last section here 8 (57m 45s): Told you 7 (57m 45s): I'd be done by three. 8 (57m 49s): This is brief. Okay. 7 (57m 51s): But now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us. As we long to see you for this reason brothers and all our distress and affliction, we have been comforted about you through your faith for now. We live, if you are standing fast and God Paul felt as if he was dying, because he wasn't sure about 8 (58m 21s): Awesome. 7 (58m 25s): What Thanksgiving can we return to God for you for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day, that we may see you face to face and supply. What is lacking in your faith. Now may Are God and father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound and love for one another. And for all, as we do for you so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before Are God and father at the coming of our Lord Jesus, with all his saints, Paul's almost giddy because they're standing firm. 7 (59m 8s): He felt like there was so much left for him to teach them when he, when he had to leave, but they're standing firm and the faith that they've had, and he had sent Timothy back and they had preached more to them and they saw great 8 (59m 24s): Results 7 (59m 25s): On the part of the festival Ionians to, to stand firm in their faith. And so Paul's joy, overflows, and even more love for them. He wants to go back and see them again. He wants that all the more to be with them and knowing that they could have come to hate him because of the message that they gave him and that he gave them, I should say. And the persecution that followed that transforming method message, they could have come to despise Paul, that look what he brought on Us but no, they love it 8 (59m 57s): Of Paul, because look what he gave to us 7 (1h 0m 2s): Brought the message of the gospel. He brought the message of hope in Christ Jesus, and they held fast to the gospel, just like the 12 disciples did in John six, when the rest of the crowds deserted him, remember in John six, Jesus is talking about, if you want to, any part in me, you have to eat my flesh. You have to drink my blood and to the Jews, that was an abomination. And they left. This is a hard saying, and they left and it says, starting in verse 66, after this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the 12, do you want to go away as well? 7 (1h 0m 44s): And Simon, Peter answered him Lord to whom 8 (1h 0m 47s): Shall we go? You have the word 7 (1h 0m 50s): Words of eternal life. And we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy one. 8 (1h 0m 56s): God 7 (1h 0m 59s): I see Paul bringing the message of the gospel, the message of Jesus Christ gave the Thessalonians the very words of eternal life. Every time you share the gospel with someone, you're giving them the very words of eternal life. And this is the joy that we bring to God. When we stand in the face of persecution, when we continually draw our strength for him to withstand Satan's on the slot, 8 (1h 1m 27s): Whether 7 (1h 1m 27s): It's subtle or an obvious jab or a full-out frontal assault, God affirms his deep love for us. 8 (1h 1m 35s): Always, always. Yeah. 7 (1h 1m 39s): Whether the conditions of our lives are smooth sailing or in the middle of a hurricane, 8 (1h 1m 46s): God is 7 (1h 1m 47s): Still with us affirming his love and his promise that he'll never leave us or forsake us stands most strongly when we're clinging to him in the midst of our Afflictions, 8 (1h 1m 60s): He even, 7 (1h 2m 0s): And pronounces a blessing on us in the midst of their trials. Look at the verses 11 through 13 here, once again, now my Are God and father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you one so that Paul can come in and share with them. And they, because he loves them and wants to see them face to face. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before Are God and father at the coming of our Lord Jesus, with all his saints, see God will cause us to be into increase and abound and love for him for Are brothers and sisters in the church for our community. 7 (1h 2m 43s): And even for the world that brings our Afflictions upon us. God will cause us to love him. And he'll establish our hearts blameless in a holiness before him keeping us steadfast to either the end of our lives or until Christ returns. Whichever happens first, You have the assurance that God has genuine affection towards you today. 8 (1h 3m 13s): Are you walking with Jesus? 7 (1h 3m 16s): If you Are, he does have genuine affection for you. He loves you and loves to be with you and loves to fellowship with you. If you don't know Jesus, 8 (1h 3m 31s): He's as close as the mention of his name. He's right here. 7 (1h 3m 37s): Say, Jesus. I want to know you. I don't know. I want to know what this assurance of your love is. I want to know that you have affection for me. And even when I go through difficult times and affliction, you give me an affirmation that I am yours. That's what's available to you in Christ. Jesus. You come to him and say, Lord, I know I'm a sinner. And, and I can't do this on my own. 8 (1h 3m 58s): I need you. That's what's set before you right now. 7 (1h 4m 5s): God does have affection toward you. And if you're facing difficulties and hardships and trials and persecution of any kind, even so he will never stop loving you. If you're saying right now, where is God? He's right there. Because if he wasn't with you right now, you think you're going through difficulty. Now, if God wasn't with you, I can't even begin to 8 (1h 4m 31s): Imagine 7 (1h 4m 36s): What are the Afflictions that you're facing at the moment? Is it That clever seduction? Did God really say, is it kind of an obvious jab? You're getting poked. Your faith is getting poked. Your faith is getting challenged. Are you on the Advil? Somebody trying to reshape you and take you away from being shaped like Jesus, 8 (1h 5m 5s): God still with you. Nonetheless 7 (1h 5m 8s): Affirming his love for you, affirming that you belong to him and that nothing can pluck you out of his hand. 8 (1h 5m 19s): Have you opened your eyes, 7 (1h 5m 20s): Heart to receive the blessing of that? Affirmation because sometimes we get to the point where we feel well, I'm not worthy. God well, you're right. We're not. But he says, I love you anyway. I love you anyway, because of Jesus. When I look at you, I see Jesus. When I look at you, I see the righteousness of God poured out all over you. I see you as if you had never even had a sin nature, let alone committed a sin. I see you as Adam and Eve in the garden before the fall. That's the way Jesus looks at. Are God. The father looks at you because of what Jesus did for you. 8 (1h 5m 60s): He loves you and he's offering it to you. You're the Apple of his eye. 7 (1h 6m 11s): And he has established you as a joint heir of his kingdom 8 (1h 6m 16s): And with our big brother, Jesus, let's pray 7 (1h 6m 25s): Lord our God. I thank you. I thank you for your love. I thank you for your care. That never stops. That even when we don't see you working, even when we can't feel your presence, even when it seems like you're a million miles away, you still love Us and you're still here in those times, help us to stand on there. The faith that you have given us that marvelous gift of saving faith in Jesus and God. I pray that when we face affliction, that we would cry out to you, knowing that you will hold us fast. That even if we face all the way up to martyrdom, you will give us the grace and the strength necessary to face whatever trials come before us and help us never to be so overcome by the world. 7 (1h 7m 17s): And so it feels so afflicted in that we get tired of it and say, forget it. I'm walking away. Keep us close, help us to keep our eyes on you and for any here today, Lord who need to know you just give them the assurance that they are loved as they turn to you and repentance that you indeed will make them your own to the praise of your glory in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. 2 (1h 7m 54s): Stan. 0 (1h 11m 22s): 2 (1h 17m 48s): We can never deserve it. You never forsake us. It gives us peace. During these times to know that you are trustworthy, that your word will come to pass. And then we have no reason to fear. Pray that you'd be with each one of us, give everyone here strength that each one would have with the peace that only comes from knowing you being filled with your spirit. 2 (1h 18m 34s): Praise, the Lord Jesus name. Amen. 3 (1h 18m 43s): Yeah, guys, for coming to church, 2 (1h 18m 47s): It's an amazing thing. 3 (1h 18m 51s): Amen. And if anybody needs a prayer come forward, we'll have people up here that can pray with you. Have a great week.

This is the second week of Advent and Andy shares a message of Hope, speaking from experience and digging into the scripture he shares how we can have hope in our lives and encourage others to hope in Christ Jesus.

kthus Daily Word | Ptr. Jovin Lim, Ikthus Dumaguete Many people today are filled with fear, worries, and anxiousness. Today, Pastor Jovin shares with us Three Keys on how to remain positive in these challenging times. May we stay positive as we anchor our hope in Christ Jesus.

What does it mean to hope? We have the ASSURANCE of hope in Christ Jesus.

It's easy to become overwhelmed by the tragedies in the world around us and the circumstances of home. But, there is hope in Christ Jesus the Lord!

How can we boast about tomorrow when we don't even know what tomorrow will bring? I think the pandemic and quarantine has made this a reality for a lot of us. But there is SO much hope in Christ Jesus and what He is going to in us TODAY! In this episode, we jump right into this topic with Proverbs 27. Thanks for joining me on this journey through the book of Proverbs!! I hope you'll connect with me on social media and subscribe to the podcast for more episodes :) @jamiegraceh --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thejamiegracepodcast/message

Exposit/Topical teaching on Lamentation CH 3:32-41 regarding God's mercy, our often anguish, and our true hope in Christ Jesus. Taught by Assistant Pastor Mac at Calvary Chapel in Kaneohe Hawaii.- Those wishing to give to Calvary Chapel Kaneohe, please visit https://calvarychapelkaneohe.com/donate/

God says His is doing a new thing in your Life! (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:19) ‬‬- Something that has not occurred yet, some unheard of and wonderful event or blessing in your life, that shall far surpass all that He has formerly done, according to the working of his mighty power that is superabundant above, all that you can even ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)God is always doing something new in your life. God has been moving time, space in advance and people position them for such a time as this showed he is in control of all the events Divine Providence And causing them to come to pass in his perfect timing, to provide the need and the help that is required. God's care of you demonstrates his great love for you in being your Helper, Protector and Provider. (Hebrews 13:6, Philippians 4:19)He Reminds you that just as the former things he foretold came to pass, that the New Thing He is doing for you will come to pass. The evidence is that God's word is not return to him void, but it accomplishes the things He says. (Isaiah 55:11) the certainty that you have an God keeping his promise is the evidence that what he has done in the past, he will do again. It is proof that he alone is God, and this is the basis on which he calls upon you to believe he is doing Something New, Just as He said that it also will come to pass. (Isaiah 42:9)Listen, God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. What God Has said, He will Do It! What He has spoken, He Will not make it good! (Numbers‬ ‭23:19‬)What the LORD said to Moses, He says to you, “Has My Arm been shortened or Lost Its Power? Now you will see whether what I say will happen to you or not. (Numbers‬ ‭11:23)Blessed be the Lord, Who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all His good promise which He promised through Moses His servant. (1 Kings ‭8:56‬)God's Hand is Not Shortened at ALL, that it cannot redeem your life and do a New Thing. I AM Omnipotent, ALL Powerful to deliver. Behold, at My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a desert. (Isaiah‬ ‭50:2‬)‬ ‭Most Assuredly, God is doing a New Thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? God has the Power to make a way in your wilderness and flowing rivers in the desert of your Life. (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:19)‬ ‬Remember God is always doing something new in your life.God has in advanced, pre-planned and specified new things for your life, giving you a future and a hope in Christ Jesus. (Jeremiah 29:11). New Things He has Kept Hidden in reserve for you which you have yet not known. (Isaiah‬ ‭48:6‬) They are brand new, not things from the past. So you cannot say, ‘We knew that all the time!' “Yes, I tell you He has things that are entirely new, things you never heard of before. (Isaiah‬ ‭48:7-8)‬ Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. ‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭42:9‬ )‭‭Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a New Creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬)‬‬As a born again believer you placed your faith in an all powerful, loving Savior Who has your very best in mind– ALWAYS. YOU HAVE PLACED YOUR FAITH IN HIM already to receive all the good God has for you. (1 Corinthians 2:12) walk in all the blessings God has promised you.One of those promises is God Is Doing Something New in Your Life. Your Life in Christ Is New Every Morning. It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His tender compassions fail not. [Mal. 3:6.] They are new every morning; great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness. (Isa. 33:2)‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23‬ God is Always Doing Something New in your Life. Behold, Now it Springs forth; Perceive and Know He is Working Always for your Best. He Even Makes a Way in the Wilderness and Rivers in the Desert. Nothing is to Hard for Him!-Isa 43:19, Jn 5:17, Jer 32:17Do Not Recoil from the Unfamiliar, Thank God He is Always With you, Guiding you and Helping you in All the Affairs of Life. He Wishes Above All Things you may Prosper in Every way and that your Body may Keep Well, even as your Soul Keep Well and prospers.-Ps 118:28, 3 John 1:2Take the time to determine whether God is speaking to you. Listen for his general quad voice. His presence in you produces a peace that surpasses all understanding, calm sure heart and mind so that you can know with certainty that he is the one who is Pointing You in the direction you need to go.Remember God never abandons. He never leaves you nor forsakes you. (Hebrews 11:5, Joshua 1:5) He is holding your right hand to all the decisions and the new he's directing you to. And because he is at your right hand you will not be moved from the past he direction. (Psalms 16:8)The temptation of the enemy is to get you to criticize the changes in clean to the from me. Trust the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, who is guarding your heart and mind in making the decision you need to make in life. (Philippians 4:7)When God is Doing a New Thing in your Life, you may Experience a Newness that Feels Uncomfortably. Resist the Temptation to Criticize the Changes and Hang On to the Familiar. Instead Thank God for Giving you His Best!-Isa 48:6, Rom 9:20, 2 Sam 22:33, Ps 105:1God is Always Continually with you, He Holds you by your Right Hand. He Guides you with His Counsel, He Instructs you and Teaches you in the Way you should go; with His Eye upon you. For God is your God Forever and Ever.-Josh 1:5, 9; Ps 73:23-24, Ps 48:14, Ps 32:8Your Life was Hidden with Christ in God, when you were Born Again. You were Resurrected from your Fallen State to the Person God Made you to be, His Holy New Creation in Christ Jesus to Do God's Good Works that He has for you to Do.-Col 3:3, Jn 3:5, Rom 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Eph 2:10

MAKE A joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands! O COME, let sing to the Lord; the Rock of your salvation! (Psalm ‭95:1)‬Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭95:2-3‬) Know and recognize, and understand that the Lord is God! (Psalm 100:2-3)‬It is He Who has made you, not youself and You are His! You are His chid and a sheep of His pasture. The Good Shepherd Who risked and layed down His Own Life for you. The Good Shepherd; Whom you know and recognize (John ‭10:11,14) ‬as a Member of His Own Body. (1Cor 12:27)Who in His love He chose you, actually picked you out for Himself as His own in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, consecrated and set apart for Him and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. (Ephesians ‭1:4‬) For you are God's Own Workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 2:10) born anew of the Spirit of God, (John 3:5-7) The Spirit of Adoption (Gal 4:5-6) that Cries Daddy God! The Spirit of God Himself thus testifies together with your own spirit, assuring you that you are the child of God.(Romans ‭8:15-16)‬ You are the child of God! (1 John 3:1) to do those good works which God planned beforehand for you to do, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, thatyiu should walk in them, living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for you to live. (Ephesians ‭2:10‬)He formed your inward parts; He knotted you together in your mother's Womb. Confess and Praise Him, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made by His Hand; Marvelous and Wonderful are His works, And that my soul knows very well. (Psalm ‭139:14)‬Your frame was not hidden from Him when you were being formed in secret skillfully wrought, intricately and curiously wrought in the depths, the lowest parts of the earth.(Psalm ‭139:15‬)His eyes saw my unformed substance, and in His book all the days of your life were written before one day ever took shape, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm ‭139:16)‬ Therefore Come Boldly and Confidently into the LORD's Presence. Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving and His Courts with Praise! Be Thankful and say so to Him, Bless and Affectionately Praise His Name! For the LORD is Good; His Mercy is Everlasting, His Faithfulness and Truth Endure to All Generations.(Ephesians 3:12, Psalms 100:4-5)Be Joyful in the LORD; Rejoice in His Deliverance. After All, You are The Body of Christ, a Member of God's Household, His child, Holy and Blameless and Acceptable Before Him in Love, with His Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. (Psalms 35:9, Ephesians 2:19, Romans 14:17)Because of Christ Jesus Finished Work on the Cross, you have a Glorous Future and Hope in Christ Jesus that is Guaranteed by God Forever, Who Stamped you with the Seal of the Holy Spirit. (Col 1:20, 27; Jer 29:11; Eph 1:14)Continually Give Thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has Delivered and Drawn you Out of the Dominion of darkness and Transferred you into the Kingdom of His Son He Loves, in Whom you have Redemption by His Blood, the Forgiveness of your sins. (Col 1:3,12-14)Rejoice in the LORD and again i say Rejoice; be Joyful in the Victorious God of your Salvation! The LORD God is your Strength, your Personal Bravery, and your Invincible Army; The Sovereign LORD is your Strength and Salvation. He Makes you Surefooted in Life's Path.-Hab 3:18-19When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up. In the multitude of my anxious thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul! (Psalm ‭94:18-19‬)Rejoice in the Lord always, delight, gladden yourself in Him; again I say, Rejoice! (Philippians ‭4:4‬) Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.‭‭(Psalm‬ ‭37:4‬)‬He makes you to ride on the high places of the earth, and you feed on His promises for you and His Faithfulness (2 Tim 2:13) your father; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. (Isaiah ‭58:14‬) And Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken. All came to pass.‭‭(Joshua‬ ‭21:45‬) The Word of God which lives and abides forever. (I Peter‬ ‭1:23‬)Reoice in the LORD When you are Weak, for the LORD is your Strength, when Overwhelmed You are My Helper, when I am Sick You are My Healer, when I am Distressed You are my Comforter. When I was Lost, you Found me and When I was Dead You Saved me. THANK YOU! LORD!

Your Faith on Trial. 1 Pet. 1:6-7; We have been called to a living hope in Christ Jesus. Elected and chosen of God to do great things in Him.