Podcasts about if jesus

1. Tim taught about Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, explaining how radical his intentional choices to both be in Samaria, and to ask for water from the Samaritan woman were in his time. Tim said, “If Jesus is going to travel through Samaria, it's for theological and relational reason - not logistical ones.”What social divides and imaginary partitions exist in your social circles or environments that might serve as modern parallels to the taboos that divided the 1st century Judean & Samaritan children of Judaism? Spend some time thoughtfully considering and discussing the nuances of possible parallels. What's aligns? What's different? How do those things impact your experience of the divides you identified? Having identified & explored possible modern analogs to the enmity and division between the Jews & Samaritans of Jesus' time, consider now what possible analogs exist to the idea of Jesus' journey into Samaria, his exchange with the woman, and the days he ended up staying there with the Samaritan people. What might possible equivalents be in your own social spheres and world? What might it be like to cross into one of those areas or take some of those taboo steps? How do you feel about the idea? Where and why do you feel resistance? Where are there places of openness to the idea?2. Tim talked about some possible symbolic interpretations of the fact that the woman leaves her water jar at the well while she goes to tell the townspeople about Jesus and her encounter with him. One interpretation centered on the idea of the woman leaving behind the social structures and strictures that had abandoned her to a life that required her to make off-hour, solo trips to the well. Another interpretation centered around water and her thirst for love, community, belonging, safety, and so much more. “Her inner thirst for the good life,” Tim said. When you think of this scene as the woman, who has been outcast, leaving any number of symbolic things behind, what resonates most? Are there ways in which you feel or have felt at times that connecting with and receiving from Jesus enable you to leave behind some of your own burden? In those moments are you ever, like the woman, then impelled to share about the living water and how it's changing you?3. Tim's also spent some time addressing an inevitable question: why isn't God doing something about all the mess and chaos and injustice of the world? The answer John presents in this story, Tim said, is that he has done something. And that something was, in short, Jesus. How do you respond to the idea that when we might sometimes her the sentiment that, “God has a plan,” the truth as presented in this story, might be “we are the plan,” or even, “you are the plan?” What feelings and thoughts surface for you? Explore the idea, and spend a little time discussing its practical application and the reality of it in our world today. Tim said early in his sermon that this answer might be both comforting and unsettling. How is it for you?

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “There is a price to pay for speaking the truth. There is a bigger price for living a lie.”~Cornel West, philosopher, theologian and activist “Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.”~Mark Twain (1835-1910), from his 1897 travelogue Following the Equator “Amiable agnostics will talk cheerfully about ‘man's search for God.' To me, as I then was, they might as well have talked about the mouse's search for the cat.”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), writer, professor, and literary scholar “The Bible is the perpetual motion of the spirit, an ocean of meaning, its waves beating against man's abrupt and steep shortcomings, its echo reaching into the blind alleys of his wrestling with despair.”~Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972), Polish-born rabbi-theologian in God in Search of Man “The pharisee within usurps my true self whenever I prefer appearances to reality, whenever I am afraid of God, whenever I surrender the control of my soul to rules rather than risk living in union with Jesus, when I choose to look good and not be good, when I prefer appearances to reality.”~Brennan Manning (1934-2013), author and former priest “There is a vast difference between self-conviction and Holy Spirit-conviction. When God convicts, He gets specific with us about our sin… He uses specific Scriptures. And His kindness toward us leads to a hopeful conclusion of repentance and dependence. Self-conviction, and the conviction of the enemy, on the other hand, is wide-ranging, condemning, and defeatist. It leads back to self: ‘Try harder and do better' … It will lead us right back where we started – awash in guilt and condemnation.”~Christine Hoover, author and speaker “If Jesus is a wonderful Savior in every way except where we are the most hypocritical, then He is no Savior for us.”~Ray Ortlund, author and minister “God's righteousness compels him... to have to judge the guilty. But then he offers forgiveness and says ‘I will not judge you according to your works.' So... he sends his Son... so that now when he calls you his own... he has not compromised his righteousness.”~Jackie Hill Perry, poet, writer, and hip-hop artistSERMON PASSAGERomans 3:1-9 (ESV)Romans 2 17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.Romans 3 1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words,        and prevail when you are judged.” 5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. 9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin….

If Jesus preached some of His sermons today, we'd cancel Him. Think about that!He told a man to let the dead bury their own dead.He called religious leaders whitewashed tombs.He said you must hate your father and mother.And in one particular moment… He calls a desperate woman a dog.That doesn't sound very “He Gets Us,” does it?The problem is: We've created a version of Jesus who's endlessly affirming, never confrontational, and never uncomfortable. And when the real Jesus shows up in the Bible, we flinch.The issue isn't that Jesus is unloving. The issue is we don't understand love. And Matthew 15 is about to expose all of that.So let's get into it! 

Get the notes!Understanding the Foundations: An Introduction to 1 JohnAs we begin a new journey through the First Epistle of John, we must first lay a firm foundation. Before diving into a verse-by-verse exegesis, it is vital to understand the “why” and “who” behind this powerful letter. In our latest teaching at Let's Talk Scripture, we explore the apostolic authority of John and the urgent historical context that prompted this writing.The Apostle of Love and TruthThe evidence for the Apostle John's authorship is overwhelming. From the linguistic parallels with the Fourth Gospel to the intimate, eyewitness perspective of the “Word made flesh,” this epistle carries the weight of one who personally leaned on the breast of Jesus. John doesn't just teach theology; he testifies to what his own hands have handled.Combatting the Spirit of AntichristThe primary battleground of 1 John is the defense of the Incarnation. In the first century, a heresy known as Docetism (an early form of Gnosticism) began to infiltrate the church. These teachers claimed that because matter is evil, Jesus could not have possessed a physical body.John's response is definitive: If Jesus did not have a physical body, He could not die. If He did not die, our sins are not paid for. The physical death of Christ was “absolutely necessary and critical” to satisfy the wrath of God against sin.A Circular Journey of FaithUnlike a linear argument, 1 John is circular. It repeatedly returns to three foundational pillars:Truth: Maintaining a correct Christology (Jesus is God in the flesh).Love: The essential requirement of loving the brethren as a mark of true faith.Fellowship: Walking in the light by acknowledging our sin and relying on the Spirit.New Release: 1 John Comprehensive Lesson PackageTo help you, your small group, or your congregation dive deeper into these truths, we have released a complete 1 John Study Package. This resource is formatted for professional publication and is ready for immediate use in any teaching environment.What's Inside the Package?Publication-Style Outline: A comprehensive, numbered breakdown of the entire introductory lesson.Complete Bible Study Lesson: A detailed teaching manuscript following the NASB 1995 Updated Edition. Teacher &  Student Guides: Tailored resources with discussion prompts, key Greek terms, and reflection questions. Interactive Quiz &  Answer Sheet: A 10-question assessment with full theological explanations for every answer.Video Integration Notes: This entire package is meticulously timestamped to our “Introduction to 1 John” video, making it an ideal companion for digital learning or classroom settings.[Download the Complete 1 John Lesson Package Here]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations

There are some things which, if they are true, change everything. If Jesus rose from the dead, it would transform what we think of God and how we see ourselves. We could make sense of some of the deepest mysteries of our existence and enjoy real hope in our everyday lives. But can a rational person actually believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Join us as Mike Hood explains why the Resurrection is believable.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thirsty? This week, Jesus offers a drink that quenches forever. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy look at the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and discuss how Jesus satisfies our thirst, how he reaches across boundaries, and how this event mirrors some of the Bible's oldest stories.Father Peter's Vlog 10.8.19 (Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 6): Holy Land Pilgrimage PlaylistThemes and ApplicationWhy do you think John places this story right after Nicodemus? What contrasts between Nicodemus and Photini stand out to you?What boundaries does Jesus cross in this encounter? National? Ethnic? Religious? Gender? Moral? Social? Which of these feels most radical in our current context?The woman becomes the first evangelist in John's Gospel. What does her testimony teach us about how faith spreads?Personal ReflectionHave you ever felt like an outsider to a community, system, or church? What does Jesus' posture toward the Samaritan woman say into that experience?Jesus names the truth of the woman's life without condemnation. What would it be like to let Christ see your full story without defensiveness?Leonard Cohen wrote, “There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.” Where are the cracks in your life through which grace might be entering?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsIn the Orthodox tradition, the Samaritan woman is known as Saint Photini (The Enlightened One). How does viewing her as a saint change the way you read the story?If Jesus is the true “well” from whom living water flows, what does that imply about Christian unity across divisions?What would it look like for communities to reflect the ever-flowing nature of living water rather than building dams of exclusion?Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

Can you really talk to God like He's your Father? And what happens when He doesn't answer your prayers?   In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham dive deep into what it really means that Jesus tore the veil. From the Lord's Prayer and unanswered prayer to spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, this conversation unpacks how access to the Father changes everything.   But the team didn't stop there...they also tackles a pressing cultural question: If Jesus reigns as Lord, how should Christians think about rights, government, and public policy? Learn the difference between “freedom from” and “freedom to,” why language shapes belief, and how biblical wisdom helps us think beyond simplistic solutions.   This episode is about alignment: aligning your prayer life and your worldview under the authority of Christ.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why calling God “Father” was radically disruptive in the first century, and what it means for your prayer life today EIGHT specific biblical reasons God may not be answering your prayers Practical, step-by-step frameworks to deepen your daily prayer life What the Bible actually teaches about praying in tongues (without hype or denial) The difference between private, prophetic, and proof tongues in Scripture Why “Do not forbid speaking in tongues” and “Let all things be done in order” both matter How to connect your theology to public policy and cultural issues The difference between a biblical definition of rights and a progressive definition of rights

Read OnlineJesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Matthew 23:1–3Why do you do what you do? Even when our actions appear good, reverent, or charitable, they can be motivated by pride. The scribes and Pharisees struggled with this very sin. They often performed their acts of piety and charity not to glorify God but to win the praise of others. They were quick to judge others while failing to practice what they preached. This hypocrisy led many to view them with disdain. Therefore, Jesus' public rebukes of the religious leaders must have consoled those who had been mistreated under their leadership. His words provided both corrections and hope for those seeking authentic faith.Jesus condemns the religious leaders more than a dozen times throughout the Gospels, making them a significant aspect of His mission. Jesus came to bring both healing and truth, and confronting hypocrisy was necessary to restore justice within the community. But why did Jesus take such a firm stance against them? Wouldn't it have been easier to seek peace and unity through kindness, avoiding conflict and division?It's important to understand that true kindness is a fruit of charity. But for kindness to be truly charitable, it must always seek the good of the other. Charity is not merely about making people feel good; it is rooted in divine truth. If Jesus had simply said, “We should be nice to the scribes and Pharisees, no matter what,” this would not have been true charity. Jesus' rebukes sought to awaken the religious leaders from their spiritual blindness and protect the people from their harmful example. True charity often requires correction.In our own lives, we must also examine our motivations. Are our acts of piety and charity truly for the glory of God, or are they done to be seen and praised by others? When we embrace the Gospel, we must accept that we might sometimes hear uncomfortable truths. Genuine love does not shy away from correction but seeks the ultimate good of the other, even when it challenges us to change. Therefore, we must see ourselves as the scribes and Pharisees, needing rebuke and correction.Additionally, there are times when God uses us to correct others out of love. Parents do this for their children, guiding them with patience and tenderness so they may grow in virtue. In the same way, teachers are called to instruct their students, imparting knowledge and forming their character with care and wisdom. Spiritual directors, priests, and confessors gently guide souls on the path to holiness, helping them to discern areas of growth and sin, always in the light of God's mercy and truth.Reflect today on Jesus' charitable words to the scribes and Pharisees. First, hear Jesus' words spoken to you. Humble yourself so you are open to such loving rebukes. Allow yourself to become more aware of your pride and self-righteousness so that you can change. Also, be open to how God might want to use you to confront others charitably. While Jesus alone is the Judge, He sometimes uses us as instruments of His judgment for those open to hearing His voice through us. Humbly consider this role, allowing God to use you as He wills. Always speak with gentleness and love, imparting the hard truth another needs to hear, never with cruelty or harshness.My just Lord, Your just judgments flow from the unfathomable charity within Your Sacred Heart. You desire all men to be saved and to turn to You. Please humble me so that I never reject Your just judgments but receive them with joy so that I may repent and grow closer to You. I also place myself at Your service as an instrument of Your justice for others in accordance with Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus wakes lazarus by Robert Wilhelm Ekman  Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Jesus came to rule as King. And to purify His people. If Jesus is King… then I'm not. Every heart has a throne. Who's sitting on yours? Let's turn to Jesus and surrender our lives to Him.

Where did sickness come from? Is it God's will? Does Jesus still heal? Do our words matter? Should we expect God to move? In this series, Made Whole, we are going back to Scripture to answer foundational questions about healing. If sickness did not originate in God, then we can trust His heart. If Jesus reveals the Father, then we can look at His works. If life in Christ is abundant, then it is more than survival.

If Jesus saved you from the penalty of sin, why does sin still seem to have power in your life? That's the question at the heart of this session — and the answer changed everything for Pastor Mark Medley.Drawing from his own story of coming to faith out of a life of drugs, broken relationships, and bondage, Pastor Mark shares how some chains broke immediately when he met Jesus, while others held on. It wasn't until a mentor challenged him to memorize all of Romans chapter 6 that the truth began to sink in: the work of Jesus on the cross didn't just deal with the penalty of sin — it broke the power of sin over his life too.This session walks through Romans chapters 5 through 8, tracing Paul's argument from justification and grace all the way to freedom and life in the Spirit. You'll encounter Paul's repeated phrase "how much more" — the idea that wherever sin reached, the grace of God reached further. You'll hear the raw honesty of Romans 7, where Paul describes the inner war of wanting to do right but doing wrong. And you'll arrive at the triumphant declaration of Romans 8: there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.Pastor Mark ties it all together with a vivid illustration — just as the law of aerodynamic lift overcomes the law of gravity and gets a 747 off the ground, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus overcomes the law of sin and death. You don't have to stay pulled down. There's a greater law at work.This is part of the Foundations class at Trinity Community Church, taught by Pastor Kelly Kinder and Pastor Mark Medley.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

After the Parable of the Sower and Jesus' explanation to His disciples, a natural question came up. If Jesus is sowing good seed and it is a matter of the soil of our hearts taking in God's Word and the proclamation of the Kingdom, then how do we make sense of all the “bad seed” sown around us? The world doesn't look like a lot of good. In fact, it can often be more of a challenge to see the good through the difficult, unjust, and wickedness of the world.Jesus answered with a series of three parables: The Parables of the Weeds, Mustard Seed, and Leaven. Each one shows us something unique about the Kingdom of God. Each one tells us something we have to know about how God works and how God is at work, both at the time of Christ, and in our lives and world here and now.------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Threads⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Vimeo⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠Apple App Store⁠ | ⁠Google Play Store⁠

Chris Morgan teaching on Luke 9:57-62. Below are discussion questions from his teaching: What does “foxes have holes…” reveal about the kind of security Jesus does not promise?What is your current “let me first” with God?Where are you delaying obedience because the timing isn't convenient?Why does looking back affect our ability to move forward spiritually?If Jesus interrupted your plans this week, what would frustrate you most?Is your relationship with Christ decisive or constantly negotiating? Why would you say that?

Friday, 27 February 2026   Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. Matthew 17:13   “Then the disciples, they comprehended that He spoke to them concerning John the Immerser” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the three disciples that Elijah had come already. And yet, they didn't know him, and they did to him whatever they wished. He included the thought that they would likewise cause the Son of Man to suffer at their hands. Having said that, it next says, “Then the disciples, they comprehended.”   The word suniémi has already been seen eight times. It is a word that signifies “to put together.” They joined the facts that have been presented to them and have made a conclusion concerning what Jesus is saying, comprehending what they had not yet understood. What they comprehended is “that He spoke to them concerning John the Immerser.”   Jesus never said that the person on the mountain with Him and Moses was John the Baptist. Matthew clearly identifies him twice as Elijah. However, on the way down, their question was about the coming of Elijah according to the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 and 4:5, 6.   They could not understand how Elijah fit into the scenario if he was supposed to come before the coming of the whopping and fearful day of Yehovah. The voice from heaven told them to listen to Jesus. If Jesus was now the one to listen to, how could Elijah be the messenger to tell Israel to restore the hearts of the people?   John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, not as Elijah himself (John 1:21). Unless one believes that the book of Revelation has been fulfilled, as preterists do, which is a giant error in eschatology, the day of the Lord referenced by Malachi is still future.   Life application: To assume that all prophecy except the return of Christ is fulfilled is to dismiss a literal interpretation of a majority of the Bible, inclusive of both testaments. And this isn't just in plain, easy-to-understand prophecies and promises, but in typology as well.   It is true that typology can be easily manipulated or misinterpreted, but a proper evaluation of what is being presented leaves no doubt about what is coming. God is not through with Israel, and there is a time when they, as a nation, must (and will) choose to accept that Jesus is their long-rejected Messiah.   How anyone can read and misinterpret Romans 9-11 and think that God is done with Israel would be laughable if it were not so sad. One example from that dissertation says –   “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.'” Romans 11:25-27   A simple question to ask concerning Paul's words is, “Has the fullness of the Gentiles come in?” Obviously not! Another question that follows naturally is, “Does Paul here call the Gentiles either Israel or Jacob?” Obviously not! He calls them “Gentiles,” thus providing a clear and definite distinction between the two.   As Paul refers to turning away ungodliness from Jacob, something Elijah is prophesied to do in Malachi 4, and that is to occur only after the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, then it is as obvious as the nose on a preterist's face that there is yet a plan and purpose for Jacob, meaning Israel but stated as Jacob to make sure even the dullest sort can understand he is referring to the wayward nation of Israel.   Are they enemies of the gospel? Yes! (Romans 9:28). Are they still beloved for the sake of the fathers? Yes! (Romans 9:28). Are their gifts and calling irrevocable? Yes! (Romans 9:29). Israel, a people who are currently not God's people, will be His people again someday. This is what the Bible teaches.   God, despite their disobedience, will again be rich in mercy to them, demonstrating His goodness even to those who have completely walked away from Him, turning their hearts to every “god,” idol, and perversion known. Why? Because He is faithful even when we are unfaithful. Thank God for His merciful kindness to the people of the world.   Lord God, how can we not praise You for who You are and for all You have done for us, even us. Our hearts are wicked, our thoughts are perverse, our actions belie our profession again and again. And yet, because of Your covenanting with us through the blood of Jesus Christ, You remain rich in mercy to us. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In this message of our "Truth Bombs" series, we tackle the human tendency to rebel against authority—especially when that authority requires something from us. Whether it's grumbling at a referee from the sidelines or dismissing a doctor's tough advice, we often respect a title only until it challenges our own control.Drawing from Luke 20, we look at the moment religious leaders challenged Jesus' authority. Jesus responded by dropping a massive "truth bomb" regarding the identity of the Messiah. By quoting King David in Psalm 110, Jesus revealed that the Messiah isn't just a political hero or a distant descendant; He is Lord, existing above and before even the greatest kings.The core of this message challenges the modern trend of shrinking Jesus down to a "life coach," a motivational speaker, or a "wish-granter". As the source notes, "If Jesus is only helpful, then you'll stay in control. But if Jesus is Lord, that means that you are not". When we truly acknowledge Him as Lord, it moves us beyond "looking for tips" and into a life of total surrender and repentance.Key Takeaways from the Sermon:• The Problem with "Helpful" Jesus: Why viewing Jesus as merely a resource for your own goals keeps you in the driver's seat and misses the point of the Gospel.• Authority vs. Accountability: Understanding why we often "smile and nod" at Jesus' titles until He calls us to change our lives.• The Trap of Self-Righteousness: A look at the "teachers of the law" who valued religious showmanship over honest repentance.• The Religion of Recognition vs. The Lord Who Saves: Choosing between a faith based on our own achievements and a Savior who descended to wash feet and die for our sins.Ultimately, Jesus doesn't want to just "renew your mind"; He wants to blow up the lies in your heart so that He can take His rightful place as King of your life!

Share a commentStart with a brilliant agnostic surgeon, add a wife just as skeptical, and place them in a world where science felt sufficient and Scripture seemed suspect. Then introduce a disciplined promise: they'll examine the claims of Christianity with the same rigor they bring to medicine. What follows is a step-by-step rethinking of everything they assumed about origins, meaning, and truth.We walk through the evidence that first unsettled, then persuaded them. Patterns in biology and the cosmos reframed chance as an insufficient author; Psalm 19 gave voice to the sense that creation speaks continually. Archaeology undercut classroom myths by unearthing Hittites, Edomites, and cities like Petra, aligning the biblical record with the spade. Prophecy drew a line from ancient texts to a crucified Messiah, while John's portrait of the Logos made revelation feel personal, not abstract. And at the center stood the critical hinge: the resurrection. If Jesus truly rose, his words move from inspiring to binding. The fear-to-courage arc of the disciples, sealed by suffering and death, became difficult to dismiss as fiction.But evidence alone didn't make the difference. The turning point was discovering that Christianity is not a merit system; it is grace received, not goodness achieved. Verses from Titus, Timothy, Acts, and Romans reshaped assumptions about salvation and opened a path from belief to belonging. That path led Viggo and Joan to a costly coherence: turning down prestigious offers and sailing to Bangladesh to build a hospital, plant churches, and serve patients from royal families to the poorest neighbors. Along the way, they met people asking the same questions that launched their search: Where did we come from? Can God be known? Is forgiveness real?Join us for a story that blends rigorous inquiry with lived conviction, weaving themes of intelligent design, biblical reliability, the resurrection, and grace. If you're weighing big claims or wondering whether truth is worth the risk, this conversation offers clarity and courage. If it moves you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. What's the one question you want answered next?_____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

Share a commentStart with a brilliant agnostic surgeon, add a wife just as skeptical, and place them in a world where science felt sufficient and Scripture seemed suspect. Then introduce a disciplined promise: they'll examine the claims of Christianity with the same rigor they bring to medicine. What follows is a step-by-step rethinking of everything they assumed about origins, meaning, and truth.We walk through the evidence that first unsettled, then persuaded them. Patterns in biology and the cosmos reframed chance as an insufficient author; Psalm 19 gave voice to the sense that creation speaks continually. Archaeology undercut classroom myths by unearthing Hittites, Edomites, and cities like Petra, aligning the biblical record with the spade. Prophecy drew a line from ancient texts to a crucified Messiah, while John's portrait of the Logos made revelation feel personal, not abstract. And at the center stood the critical hinge: the resurrection. If Jesus truly rose, his words move from inspiring to binding. The fear-to-courage arc of the disciples, sealed by suffering and death, became difficult to dismiss as fiction.But evidence alone didn't make the difference. The turning point was discovering that Christianity is not a merit system; it is grace received, not goodness achieved. Verses from Titus, Timothy, Acts, and Romans reshaped assumptions about salvation and opened a path from belief to belonging. That path led Viggo and Joan to a costly coherence: turning down prestigious offers and sailing to Bangladesh to build a hospital, plant churches, and serve patients from royal families to the poorest neighbors. Along the way, they met people asking the same questions that launched their search: Where did we come from? Can God be known? Is forgiveness real?Join us for a story that blends rigorous inquiry with lived conviction, weaving themes of intelligent design, biblical reliability, the resurrection, and grace. If you're weighing big claims or wondering whether truth is worth the risk, this conversation offers clarity and courage. If it moves you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. What's the one question you want answered next?_____Stephen's latest book, Legacies of Light, Volume 2, is our gift for your special donation to our ministry. Follow this link for information or to donate:https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/legaciesSupport the show

Faith For Our Covenant Rights (1) (audio) David Eells 2/25/26 I want to talk to you today about some possible misconceptions some of God's people may have regarding receiving God's blessings and why some people don't receive them when they are prayed for.   Satan Reads Minds & Inserts Thoughts I was asked this question: Can you substantiate in Scripture where it is written that Satan can put thoughts into our minds? My answer was: In order for Satan to put thoughts into our minds, he would also have to be able to read our minds. I will try to explain this in a moment, but first, you might want to entertain another question: Can anyone substantiate with Scripture that Satan cannot put thoughts into our minds or read our minds? Since we can't do this, then we shouldn't believe it because it is not Scriptural. It says in (1Ch.28:9) ... The Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts... In the spirit realm, thoughts are audible to the mind of God and demons. God and demons can, in turn, impart the gift to read minds. I have read the thoughts of men by the power of the Holy Spirit. A man once asked me if I knew what he was thinking. At that moment the Holy Spirit gave it to me, and for several minutes the man was awed at the power of God. Also, when I first went to a full gospel Church I witnessed Christians attempting to exorcise a demon-possessed man who thought he was a woman. He also demonstrated the ability to read minds when the unbelieving Christians asked for a demonstration. He did say that it was easier to read the mind of one person there and pointed to the only person there who was not filled with the Spirit, even though he did not personally know anyone there. Familiar spirits or spirits of divination in magicians, wizards, mediums, etc., have demonstrated the power to read minds in front of audiences of people. We wrestle with principalities and powers in the mind. The Bible says in Eph.6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places].... 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We see here that with the renewed mind of the Word, our thoughts are guarded as with a helmet because we won't accept foreign thoughts. We learn to discern the illegal thoughts of the enemy. Then we are able to take back our thoughts (by repenting and agreeing with the Word) and we cast the enemy's thoughts down. 2Co.10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), (The principalities and powers hold the strongholds in the thoughts of the mind.) 5 casting down imaginations (thoughts and images), and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. We win the battle by rejecting the enemy's thoughts and replacing them with God's thoughts. We are at peace with God when we are full of His thoughts, and our minds are guarded from the demonic attacks that, if heeded, cause outward actions of sin. We are told in Php.4:6-7 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Satan is able to insert thoughts within our thoughts. Act.5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land? and also 1Ch.21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. Now, here we can use a little Holy Spirit reasoning. How could Satan insert his thoughts in the midst of our thoughts unless he knows the context of our thoughts? If you went into your computer to edit a paragraph, how could you do this if you couldn't read the original? How could you insert the right text unless you could read the context of the original thoughts? If you just inserted words anywhere without knowing the context, you would make a nonsensical statement, and anyone would know that someone inserted something that was out of place. So it is with us. If Satan or demons inserted something that didn't fit the context of our thoughts, then everyone would know that they are at work. They do their best work undercover, and they know it; they're crafty and work to deceive us. How would Satan be able to tempt us if he were so dysfunctional? We would know it was him immediately. How then would it be a temptation? Now, here is the really important thing. Our battle does not depend on whether the enemy can read our minds or not. It depends on what he can do about what we know. When we read the Book of Job, we can clearly see that God put restrictions on Satan's ambitions for Job. Satan has to obey God's rules of engagement even when he knows what we think. Satan admits he did not have the power to get at Job because of God's hedge around him, and the same is true of us. Job.1:9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught? 10 Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. It is not important for our thoughts to be hidden from the enemy when he can do nothing about them. And he can do nothing about our thoughts unless by them we give him permission, for we have authority over him. Luk.10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. 20 Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. It doesn't matter what the demons know that we know, for as sons of God we are their lords just as it was with Jesus. Joh.20:21 Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Mat.18:18 Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind (forbid) on earth shall be bound (forbidden) in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose (permit) on earth shall be loosed (permitted) in heaven. Our faith permits the sovereignty of God to be manifest through the Body of Christ and forbids Satan, no matter what he knows of our thoughts. Jesus' condition for receiving His benefits is plain: “As thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee” and “According to your faith be it done unto you” and “Thy faith hath made thee whole”. As we believe, God's benefits will be given. Unbelieving thoughts and actions forbid God's benefits to us because He has made a condition, and He cannot lie. Unbelief permits Satan to continue administering the curse. Mar.6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. So we see that even Jesus was forbidden to do mighty works for those who would not believe. Whether we know it or not, we are constantly forbidding or permitting Satan, demons, and God's angels by our thoughts, words, and actions. Since all authority in heaven and earth was given to Jesus and He, in turn delegated it to His disciples, where does Satan get his authority? He gets it from our unbelief, words, and disobedience. If the devil can convince you to listen and accept his thoughts of doubt, worry, fear, anger, etc., you won't be able to stand against him with faith. When we add to or take away from God's Word in thought and deed, this permits the curse by Satan and forbids God's blessings for us or through us. This is by God's design to motivate us to come into agreement with Him. It clearly says in Rev.22:18 I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book (19) and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. So, in coming into agreement with God, we forbid Satan to administer the curse to us. In order to win this battle, we have to cast down the thoughts of Satan that he sends our way, which would otherwise give him permission to destroy us. So again, 2Co.10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), 5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Here's another misconception. Many think that the reason God gives the gift of tongues is so that Satan cannot understand what we say to God, and his purposes will be thwarted. This is false. Satan and his fallen angels are much smarter than Christians give them credit for. They certainly know the “tongues of men and of angels,” or they couldn't communicate with one another and put their thoughts in our heads. 1Co.13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. When prophecy is uttered in one's own known language, the mind, doctrine, and desires are permitted to be involved in what is said, and the Word is polluted as it says in 1Cor.13:9 “for we know in part, and we prophesy in part”. In other words, the Prophecy can be part God and part man. However, the reason we speak with tongues is so that WE will not know what we are saying and will have no carnal reason to change it or add to it. In this way, it will be a pure Word given of the Spirit. The Bible says in Rom.8:26 And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity (We have problems sometimes and we don't see the things we need to see. We don't know ourselves as well as we may think we do.): for we know not how to pray as we ought; (It is so true! God gives us the gift of speaking in tongues because we don't know what we should pray, but the Spirit does know what to pray. The apostle Paul really appreciated this gift, and he said, 1Co.14:18 I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all.); Continuing in Rom.8:26 but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for [us] with groanings which cannot be uttered (that is by man); 27 and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. So once again, we gain wisdom concerning the work of the Holy Spirit in us in how to defeat the enemy.   Faith in Balance Another misconception some people may have is how they use faith for things that they don't understand are wrong; things that are not good for us or others. Mar.16:17 And these signs shall accompany them that believe... 18 they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Should we always eat what we want, drink what we want, and breathe what we want because we are not under the curse, according to Galatians 3:13? Possibly the key words here are “what we want,” not “what we need”. God said He would supply our every need. Some think that because we are not under the curse, we shouldn't tell people that certain things are poisonous to their bodies. Where is the balance here? No one should tempt God by taking poison on purpose when there is a choice. That is like the snake handlers who often die tempting God to prove who they are. Permit me to paraphrase the devil when he tempted Jesus: “Throw yourself off this temple, Jesus, because God said the angels would catch you”. His answer was, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God”. Like the angels' promise, God also said you are not under the curse. Does that mean you should put poison in your mouth on purpose when you have a choice not to? That would be tempting God in the exact same way. Notice the devil tempted Jesus to use His promise of protection and His deliverance from the curse to jump off the temple. He tempts you to use your promise of protection and eat known poisons for no purpose, or eat after your own lusts. There is no difference, unless that is all you have to eat, like the man who said to Elisha, “There is death in the pot,” because, in their foraging for food, poisonous gourds had been thrown in the pot. Since that is what they had to eat, he blessed it, and they ate it. When I lived in Pensacola, I drank the water there, I've driven my motorcycle through the chemtrails, and I ate whatever food was put before me because I needed to and was blessed. I knew an otherwise strong Christian who believed with all his heart that he could eat anything he wanted because he was not under the curse. I agreed with the principle, but not the way he was using it to justify his lustful eating habits. He was using the doctrine to eat in an unhealthy manner, and he was overweight and under-exercised. To make a long story short, he died with his arteries clogged and dying because of a lack of circulation. And he confessed constantly that it was all good and he wasn't under the curse. The Lord said we ask and don't receive because we want to consume it upon our lusts. The demons jumped on the seven sons of Sceva, who thought they had protection, but their own lives were not right with God, and so they were under the curse. The promise that ‘if you drink any deadly thing it will not harm you' is for those who have to drink the water they have and eat the food available to them, like when Moses blessed the bitter waters in the barren wilderness. When we are given poison secretly to kill us, as ‘the powers that be' are doing now, we are protected. When we know about it and have a choice between poison and pure, we should choose that which is pure. Of course, if you have something to prove, like the devil was tempting Jesus by saying, “If you are the Son of God,” prove who you are. Jesus had no such lust, and He proved it. There was another way down from that temple roof. Some religious people today would say to someone like him, “You don't have any faith”. But Who is the teacher here? The man who said there was death in the pot was not wrong. Now they had a choice to make: believe God if you need to eat or opt out if you don't believe. Many Christians don't truly believe that God will protect them from poison. Should we just let them die because they do not believe in God's promise? Is it all right to say to them, there is death in the pot? They would die and never have a chance to grow up and learn that they are not under the curse. The Lord said in Hosea 4:6 that His people would die for lack of understanding. Let us have mercy on them and tell them with grace and wisdom that fluoride, chemtrails, chemotherapy, and many drugs they take, etc., are poison. “Cursed is the man that trusteth in man.” But should they be forced to take them or deceived into taking them, they should believe they are not under the curse. Now we know serpents are also demons, but Paul did not take up that serpent on purpose. It bit him, but when it happened, he shook it off by faith and was none the worse in Acts 28:3. I knew a couple who believed they were not under the curse, but they were under a law of their own making, instead of grace through faith; they were under pride, Jezebel and worshiped a false Jesus. God didn't care what their doctrine was; He refused to answer and protect them. In short, walk in holiness and under the protection of God, but don't try to prove who you are in pride, don't put yourself under a law, and don't be competitive with others, for God will humble you. We are not looking to make or find the line in this balance for others; we just share Biblical principles to help them find balance. Let everyone find their own line in their conscience and according to the measure of their faith. We don't want to be caught making laws for others here. Those who truly trust in the Lord are covenant people.   Covenant People Have Rights through Faith Some time ago, I received an email from a brother who was following a man who taught his followers that we should heal everyone like Jesus did. I responded to him with the following: First of all, I am glad for all the people who get healed. By the grace of God, what this brother teaches is right. I have taught for over 55 years with multitudes saved, healed, delivered from demons, and provided for by many kinds of miracles, even physical creations, resurrections, etc.; many were by phone or online, etc. I have searched the scriptures diligently for over 50 years, and there are many that this brother does not consider and put into his puzzle. In his video, he says, “There are no verses that say a person's unbelief will stop them from getting healed.” He has not believed his Bible, throwing out all verses that do not agree with his theory, just like the people he criticizes. According to Jesus, both the minister should have faith AND the one being ministered to. Here are just a few scriptures that come to me quickly: Rom.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Mar.9:22 And oft-times it hath cast him both into the fire and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst! All things are possible to him that believeth. 24 Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 And when Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I command thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And having cried out, and torn him much, he came out: and the boy became as one dead; insomuch that the more part said, He is dead. But Jesus showed them not so. Mar.6:4 And Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages teaching. Luk.8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people for what cause she touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. 49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Teacher. 50 But Jesus hearing it, answered him, Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole. 51 And when he came to the house, he suffered not any man to enter in with him (none who disbelieve), save Peter, and John, and James, and the father of the maiden and her mother. Mat.8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And the servant was healed in that hour. Mat.9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to YOUR faith be it done unto you. Real faith puts us in covenant rights. Mat.21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. We cannot add to or take from God's Word under penalty of a curse (Revelation 22:18,19). So I told this brother who had been captured by a deceiving spirit, “You would do better to study where ALL the scripture is respected.” When Jesus went from town to town, He healed the people who came to Him. They came because they heard and believed He healed, or they would not have come. For this reason, Jesus rarely went to anyone to heal them. When He went to the pool of Siloam, He went to just one man and healed him because Father gave Him a word of knowledge. He healed no one else there. If Jesus wanted to heal everyone, why didn't He do it for all the rest lying around the pool, who were waiting for the waters to be troubled by the angel? Jesus can heal without faith in someone, but He doesn't have to because of the command for them to believe. This is the exception and not the rule. He requires faith, especially for those who know better. Babies get milk when they cry. Adults are expected to get it for themselves. So if you want to guarantee they have a right to healing, deliverance, and provision, preach the Gospel and see if they believe. This preacher did not do this and he mostly prayed to take pain away. He would ask specifically, “Does anyone have pain?” This may remove a symptom, which by nature, points people to the real disease that he is not dealing with.     Also, Jesus taught that if you don't forgive, you will not be forgiven. Addressing this man, I said, Your friend proved that in the video. When people forgave, they got their healing. He came to the wrong conclusion because he was not accepting all of the scriptures. I have seen the same thing for many years when people repent of willful disobedience, which always brings judgment; they get healed. Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, 27  but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. Jesus taught that when a person is forgiven, they can be delivered from the tormentors, which are demons that bring spirits of infirmity.   He demonstrated this in Mat.9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go up unto thy house. And Luk.5:24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he said unto him that was palsied), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go unto thy house. The clear proof that they were forgiven was that they got healed, as Jesus said. Jesus showed that you can give healing or deliverance to even a child of God, but he will not keep it if he doesn't become a disciple and fill his heart with the Word. Mat.12:43-45 But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation. Jesus said those who received these benefits from Him also lost them, and it's still true today. Your friend said that every time he prays, he will get healing, which is not true. As he was speaking, the Lord had me test him. He looked square into the camera, saying a person did not need faith; all they needed was his faith. He told the people to put their hands on their infirmity, and he would pray, so I did too. I put my hand on a small thing on myself that had not yet manifested. I was not believing when he prayed because he said it wasn't necessary. When he prayed, nothing happened to me, just like most of the people who watched that video. By the grace of God only, I have been praying for the sick, casting out demons and performing miracles of all kinds for about 55 years, and far less than 1% send me a testimony of their benefit, and most that are sent to us are not on our site. Here you can see that I have taught others to heal and see miracles of all kinds, and they, in turn, are teaching others. But we have to speak as Jesus did and the main condition is faith. I have also taught the real Gospel and the disciples have seen many saved. All the people your friend sends out to witness and heal have the same experience as you. Some are healed, and some are not, and they don't know why. They feel condemned because they haven't got enough faith. You say you believe this man is a Man-child. The Man-child will speak all of the Word and have all kinds of miracles like Jesus, not just the removal of pain, which he specializes in. Also, the Man-child will go to the covenant people and send disciples to the covenant people, just like Jesus the Man-child. History must repeat, or the Bible is wrong. When you speak the gospel FIRST to a person, and they believe it, they are a covenant believer, and they are entitled to healing, deliverance, and miracles. Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). They were the only ones who had the Covenant. The reason Jesus was healing all, which your group is not doing, is because He went to the people who had covenant rights of healing. Exo.15:26 and he said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his eyes, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon thee, which I have put upon the Egyptians: for I am Jehovah that healeth thee. Today, we offer healing, and if anyone believes the simple Gospel, they will receive. The Syrophoenician woman wanted healing for her daughter, but Jesus said, “It's not right to cast the children's bread to the dogs” (or unbelievers). She said, “But even the dogs get the crumbs that fall from the master's table”. Jesus said, “For this saying (of faith) go thy way; thy daughter is healed”. Jesus was bringing a New Covenant for all those who believe. They have a right to healing and deliverance. Also, notice the daughter had rights through the parents' faith. The centurion's servant had rights through his faith, as with Jairus' daughter. If they believe that they can heal everyone, why do they not go to the hospitals where the really sick people are and empty them? Taking pain away is one of the easiest things. Keep on preaching the Gospel, brother, but include all of the scriptures for more success. Read the free book on our site called The Real Good News. You will find many more scriptures there AND the real Gospel. Now, another area people may have a misunderstanding about is…   Repenting for Others and the Sins of the Parents I received this question from a sister and put my comments in red. She writes: I'm forwarding this to you as it is in line with your ministry. Personally, I have mixed emotions about it. On one hand, God said in the Old Testament that He no longer holds the sins of the Father against the children. My Reply: This is because for those who believe, Jesus broke the genetic curse of Adamic sin, which is passed on through the blood of parents. We had a woman in our assembly who adopted three babies from birth but didn't know the biological parents. As each child entered puberty, they started manifesting fornication, lying and stealing, and the mother was confused because she had raised them all to be Christians. She wanted to find out who the biological parents were and was able to because an HRS worker turned her back while she looked at their files. She went to see the mother and found out that she was just like the children with the same sins. Even though the parents did not raise these children, their sins were passed on through their blood. As we prayed for these children, God saved them and the genetic curse was broken. Now they do not suffer for the sins of their parents. Many Christians still suffer for the sins of their parents and need to believe the Gospel to be delivered. She continues: Eze.18:1 The word of Jehovah came unto me again, saying, 2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? 3 As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, ye shall not have [occasion] any more to use this proverb in Israel. My Reply: Those in true spiritual Israel are delivered from the sins of the parents by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus became a curse for us (Gal.3:13,14). She continues: Eze.18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. My Reply: “For each man shall bear his own burden” (Gal.6:5). She continues: That being so, then this admonition to repent of the sins of the Fathers before us, or we will be punished, seems contrary, although every generation has those who are prejudiced and mistreat others, for which they as individuals should repent. Is every generation of America going to have to repent for what their forefathers did? When does it end? My Reply: We can repent for the sins of our parents, which are genetically in us, but we cannot repent of their sins for them, as some say. Everyone has to repent for themselves. :o) A sister we know of thought this would work for the City of New Orleans, but God quickly told her that it would not. She continues: “We stopped over in New Orleans on July 2nd. We repented and interceded for that city. Afterwards as we turned to leave, the Lord spoke clearly to two of us. What He said to me was startling. He said, “I will destroy this city in a day!” Obviously, repenting for someone else doesn't work; two months later, the city was gone. (Hurricane Katrina)” My Reply: Some believe verses like this prove that to be a false doctrine. Neh.9:2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. This is for Christians who are separated from their nations. Our sins, which ARE the iniquities of our fathers in us, can be confessed and forsaken. She continues: Secondly, as one scripture verse points out, Psalm 130:3 If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? The idea that Nashville, Las Vegas, or New Orleans are more sinful than other places is possible, but if God wants to, He could pick any big city and would be able to find enough reasons to punish the people therein. However, from the Old Testament, I get the impression that, in spite of men's sinfulness, God is looking for reasons to spare people, such as for the sake of any righteous persons therein. When messages calling for repentance come through, I take them seriously because I don't want to take a chance of destruction coming. My Reply: “The wicked is a ransom for the righteous” Pro.21:18. When God judges the wicked, the righteous get the fear of God and repent like when God judged Egypt, and Israel came out from among them. God is gathering sinners into cities to give a demonstration for the righteous, who, like Lot, will come out from among them. The judging of the wicked is a ransom, which is the price God is willing to pay for the righteous to be free from bondage. Ten judgments fell on Egypt, and Israel tempted God 10 times in the wilderness.

Read OnlineWhile still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” Luke 11:29Today's Gospel takes place during the midpoint of Jesus' public ministry. By this time, He had healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, preached many powerful sermons, and changed many hearts. Despite that, many in the crowds did not believe in Him and demanded more signs.Additionally, the Pharisees were becoming increasingly hostile toward our Lord. In Luke's Gospel, they confront and criticize Jesus several times before this passage. In today's Gospel, Jesus addresses His rebuke to these Pharisees and the unbelieving crowds.If Jesus' generation was “an evil generation,” what would He say about our own? In many ways, we are becoming a global culture. While there are countless faithful followers of Christ worldwide, evil seems to be more pervasive today, perhaps more noticeable due to the ease of worldwide communication.Though Jesus delivered His sermons to specific people in His time, His words transcend time and are meant for every generation. When He says, “This generation is an evil generation…,” we must understand that He is also speaking to us today.When Jesus says His generation “seeks a sign,” He points out a common human temptation. Many approach the Gospel skeptically, demanding irrefutable proof that they should change their lives, believe in the Good News, and abandon sin. In today's world, some even glorify sin, treating virtue as outdated or foolish. This distorted outlook leads many to disregard the most important sign of all—Jesus' Death and Resurrection.Yet Jesus is clear: “…no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish prefigured Jesus' three days in the tomb. In other words, Jesus' Death and Resurrection is the one and only sign given to us. This is striking because so many fail to pay attention to this ultimate sign of salvation. In the end, we can only change ourselves and hope that our conversion becomes a witness to others.Do you believe in this sign? Do you believe that Jesus' Life, Death, and Resurrection is the sole path to salvation? Most likely, you do. But how deep is that belief?Though Jesus performed many miracles during His earthly ministry, He did so as a response to the faith already present in those around Him. Today, the same is true. Physical miracles mean little compared to the saving Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. They are merely reflections of the greatest miracle—eternal salvation. If you truly want to witness a miracle, turn to this supreme gift of grace and mercy. Believe with all your heart, and you will witness the transformation of your soul, which is the greatest miracle of all. Reflect today on Jesus' rebuke of the evil surrounding us, which demands proof but refuses to see the one sign that truly matters. The only proof Jesus offers is the grace that transforms us. When we discover and embrace this grace, we will know, believe, and be changed. Open your heart to the miracle of conversion that God desires to bestow upon you, and become a witness of Christ's greatest miracle for others to see. My miraculous Lord, though many in every age seek superficial signs, You offer the one true miracle that brings salvation—Your Life, Death, and Resurrection. Please help me to believe with unwavering faith, and protect me from the evil of this generation. Transform my heart so that I may be the fruit of the miracle You wish to give to the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jonah by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.   Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

In Week 7 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Matt Piland addresses a vital question: How do we actually live out the life God has called us to? Many of us treat our faith like a car loan—believing Jesus made the "down payment" on the cross, but that it's now our job to sustain the monthly payments through sheer willpower and "trying harder." Drawing from Galatians 5, Pastor Matt breaks down the difference between legalism and true freedom in Christ. Following Jesus isn't about a factory-style production of "being good"; it's about a garden-style growth that comes through the Holy Spirit. If you've been feeling spiritually exhausted by your own human effort, this message is a call to stop trying to maintain in the flesh what was only ever meant to be completed by the Holy Spirit.

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

Welcome or Surrender? The Difference Between Applause and Allegiance This message is for you if: You've ever felt spiritually moved — but wondered if that's enough. You attend church but want to know what real surrender actually looks like. You're wrestling with whether Jesus is just part of your life… or truly King of it. You've confused religious activity with genuine discipleship. You want your faith to endure beyond emotion — into real, steady trust. On Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted "Hosanna." They waved branches. They laid down cloaks. But by the time Jesus entered the temple, everything was quiet. In this Gospel Daily message, Pastor Josh Weidmann walks through Mark 11:1–11 and explores a sobering question: Is it possible to welcome Jesus emotionally — and still fail to receive Him as King? This sermon examines the Triumphal Entry, the meaning of "Hosanna," the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, and the tension between superficial faith and lifelong surrender. Discover the difference between enthusiasm and discipleship, religious routine and true worship, and why Palm Sunday still confronts us today. If you've ever wondered what real surrender looks like — not just in worship, but in your daily life — this message will challenge and clarify what it means to follow Jesus as King.   Show Notes Text: Mark 11:1–11 — The Triumphal Entry Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly, intentionally, and fully in control. The crowd welcomed Him with praise — but misunderstood His mission. It's possible to feel moved by Jesus and still miss what He truly wants. When Jesus entered the temple, the celebration gave way to silence. Sometimes the greatest danger isn't open rejection — but quiet neglect. Receiving Jesus as King is more than a moment of emotion. It's daily trust. Ongoing surrender. Steady worship. A surrendered life looks faithful in both joy and suffering. Gentle but personal question: If Jesus walked through your life today, would He find room prepared for Him?   Reflection Questions  Where in my life have I welcomed Jesus emotionally — but resisted surrendering control? If Jesus "surveyed" my priorities this week, what would reveal that He is truly King? What might reveal indifference? Do I follow Jesus for what I hope He will give me — or for who He truly is? What area of my schedule, relationships, finances, or ambitions have I not fully laid down before Him? What would it look like for my Monday to reflect the same devotion I express on Sunday?

If Jesus is exalted in heaven, how can He truly understand what you have gone through, and what does that mean for you right now? With Dr. Sam Storms.

“Why does life still feel fragile even when I'm doing everything to protect my peace?” If self-care, comfort, and avoiding stress were enough, wouldn't we feel stronger by now?This message wrestles with a quiet tension many of us feel: the more we try to eliminate difficulty, the less resilient we become. Avoidance may calm anxiety in the moment, but it often increases fear and fragility long term. So how do we actually grow through stress, hardship, and uncertainty?In Epistle of James 1:2–4, we're told to “consider it pure joy” when trials come—not because pain is good, but because tested faith produces endurance. James isn't preaching positive thinking. He's pointing to faith rooted in Jesus Christ—not as a life coach, but as Savior and Lord.If Jesus is only a teacher, trials are lessons to survive.If Jesus is King, troubles are tools in His hands.Real resilience doesn't come from inner strength or “doing hard things.” It grows through dependence on Christ—trusting Him not just to get us out of difficulty, but to carry us through it.If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or crushed by comfort, this conversation invites you to ask a different question:“How could this test grow my faith and endurance?”Watch, reflect, and explore what it might mean to build your life on something stronger than comfort.

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 3:12-17 (ESV)12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Sermon Outline1. When do we forgive?[13] … if one has a complaint against another…2. What does forgiveness look like?[13] … if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other…3. How can we forgive?[13] … if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.[2:13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.Prayer of ConfessionGracious God, we live in a world of broken relationships where we have been wronged against, and we have wronged others. Our offenses are not always accidental, but often intentional. Instead of mending what's been broken, we withhold forgiveness. We want others to pay for what they've done. Jesus, your grace is amazing because you gave us complete forgiveness before we uttered a word of confession. You bore the cost of our sin, and you did not make us pay. As you have forgiven us, may we forgive one another. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?Paul assumes that in the church there will be situations when people will hurt one another, and these won't be accidents. Have you witnessed or experienced any “complaints” in the church?How would you define and describe forgiveness?What do you find difficult and challenging about forgiveness?Paul uses the language of “forgiving each other” as though forgiveness will be ongoing. Have you had a situation where you've been challenged to forgive someone in an ongoing way?Paul shares that the basis for our ability to forgive others is because Jesus has forgiven us. How does this help you to forgive? How might you still struggle to forgive?If Jesus' forgiveness towards us was full and complete, how does that give you assurance and comfort? What if his forgiveness was partial? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 3:12-17 (ESV)12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Sermon Outline1. When do we forgive?[13] … if one has a complaint against another…2. What does forgiveness look like?[13] … if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other…3. How can we forgive?[13] … if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.[2:13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.Prayer of ConfessionGracious God, we live in a world of broken relationships where we have been wronged against, and we have wronged others. Our offenses are not always accidental, but often intentional. Instead of mending what's been broken, we withhold forgiveness. We want others to pay for what they've done. Jesus, your grace is amazing because you gave us complete forgiveness before we uttered a word of confession. You bore the cost of our sin, and you did not make us pay. As you have forgiven us, may we forgive one another. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?Paul assumes that in the church there will be situations when people will hurt one another, and these won't be accidents. Have you witnessed or experienced any “complaints” in the church?How would you define and describe forgiveness?What do you find difficult and challenging about forgiveness?Paul uses the language of “forgiving each other” as though forgiveness will be ongoing. Have you had a situation where you've been challenged to forgive someone in an ongoing way?Paul shares that the basis for our ability to forgive others is because Jesus has forgiven us. How does this help you to forgive? How might you still struggle to forgive?If Jesus' forgiveness towards us was full and complete, how does that give you assurance and comfort? What if his forgiveness was partial? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON? WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?HOW DO YOU GET SOMEONE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU?IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?Leveraging Conflict#1 Complaint in relationships: We are incompatible. Conflict is healthy.2 Corinthians 5:16a-So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. If Jesus can cause sinful man and holy God to be reunited, he can step into your marriage and heal it now!2 Corinthians 5:16b-Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.2 Corinthians 5:172 Corinthians 5:182 Corinthians 5:19a-God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. What would it look like to put Jesus at the center of your life/marriage/relationships?What will you do with the conflict in your life?

Did Jesus actually teach about Hell… or has that idea been misunderstood over time?In this episode of Last Christian Media, we carefully examine the words of Jesus recorded in the Gospels. Rather than relying on tradition, emotion, or modern reinterpretation, we go directly to Scripture and explore what Christ said about judgment, eternal consequences, repentance, and eternal life.This is thoughtful, faith-based biblical teaching presented from a conservative Evangelical Christian perspective. Our goal is clarity, not controversy. We walk through passages including the Sermon on the Mount, Luke 16, and Matthew 25 to understand what the red letters truly reveal. If Jesus spoke about Hell, why did He do so? And how does that connect to the Cross, grace, and salvation?This program is intended for biblical study, reflection, and discussion. It is not directed at any individual or group, but seeks to faithfully present Scripture in context.

Elon Musk recently said he agrees with the teachings of Jesus. That simple statement raises the biggest question any of us will ever face: Who is Jesus, really? Today, Todd Huff explores C.S. Lewis' famous “liar, lunatic, or Lord” argument from Mere Christianity and explains why Jesus didn't leave room for being labeled just a “great moral teacher.” This is more than theology — it's the foundation of freedom, morality, and the ideological battle shaping America today. If Jesus is who He claimed to be, everything changes. If He isn't, that changes everything too. Let's walk through the evidence and the choice before all of us.

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 02/19/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CA RM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Eastern Orthodox Quotes on Salvation Available on The CARM Website/ Can We Learn Things, Even From "Controversial" Bible Teachers?/ Why Can't Humans Have Been Made "Perfect?"/ A Caller is Searching for His Path/ Should Women Preach or Pastor is Away?/ If Jesus is God, How Can He Be At God's Right Hand?/ February 19, 2026

Elon Musk recently said he agrees with the teachings of Jesus. That simple statement raises the biggest question any of us will ever face: Who is Jesus, really? Today, Todd Huff explores C.S. Lewis' famous “liar, lunatic, or Lord” argument from Mere Christianity and explains why Jesus didn't leave room for being labeled just a “great moral teacher.” This is more than theology — it's the foundation of freedom, morality, and the ideological battle shaping America today. If Jesus is who He claimed to be, everything changes. If He isn't, that changes everything too. Let's walk through the evidence and the choice before all of us.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (02/18/26), Hank notes that today is Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the forty days of preparation for celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this time, Christians remember our sinfulness, we repent, we ask for God's forgiveness, and we recognize that God's forgiveness comes at an infinite price—the death of Jesus Christ on the cross on our behalf. Hank also discusses Clean Monday, which is part of the Eastern Church's observance of the Great Lent that will be observed this coming Monday.Hank also answers the following questions:Which historian was the first to mention the Gospels? Jason - Harrisburg, PA (6:24)If Jesus died on a Friday and rose on Sunday, isn't that just two days? Jason - Harrisburg, PA (7:12)Could you clarify your statement on the doctrine of 'once saved, always saved'? Jonathan - Calgary, AB (8:57)I've had someone question me about Christ being in the grave for three days; would you mind explaining that? Kurt - Spokane, WA (16:08)What would have happened if Adam and Eve had not eaten the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Keith - Kalamazoo, MI (18:57)I believe the Church misunderstands the timing of the day of preparation and Jesus' crucifixion. Tracy - Hayden, ID (21:59)

In this episode, Dudley and David Holland conclude their conversation by inviting us to reexamine bible prophecy through the lens of the gospel truth. Walking through Acts 2 and Psalm 110, they explain how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked not a postponement, but the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. If Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, then His reign has already begun.That reframes questions like who is the antichrist and what we should expect in the days ahead. Instead of fear or speculation, we are called to confidence in a finished work and a present kingdom. Psalm 110 declares a coronation, and the Holy Spirit empowers a people who live in light of that reality now. This is not hype about the end, but hope rooted in what Christ has already accomplished.Get Dudley's Weekly Word delivered right to your inbox every Friday! Click here to get access ➡️ https://dudleysweeklyword.com/opt-inFor more information and resources, visit https://kerygmaventures.com/podcast/ Follow and subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41N9SAP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LEIxeo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerygmaventures Watch our "Conversations At The Ranch" series: https://bit.ly/conversations-at-the-ranch Watch our “Dudley's Monthly Message” series: https://bit.ly/dudleys-monthly-message 

Because Christ suffered to save us, believers are called to think and live differently. In this passage, Peter moves from Christ's saving suffering to the believer's sanctifying suffering. If Jesus suffered in obedience to the Father, we must “arm ourselves” with that same mindset, choosing God's will over sin, even when it costs us. Peter reminds us that our former life of sinful passions is finished. We don't owe sin another hour. Instead, we now live under a new Master—the will of God. And when we refuse to join the world's patterns, we should expect misunderstanding, rejection, and even hostility. Our holiness will stand out. But we are not left without hope. God is the righteous Judge, and no injustice escapes Him. Though believers may suffer or even die physically, the gospel guarantees eternal life. Just as Christ was put to death in the flesh and made alive in the Spirit, so we share in His pattern of suffering now and glory to come. First Peter 4:1–6 calls Christians to decisive allegiance to Christ, living no longer for human passions, but for the will and glory of God. ________________________________________ Links to Sermon Notes & Answers: ➤Sermon Notes (Blank): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_f0a49705cadb439c93dd049de8b4adf3.pdf ➤Sermon Notes (Answers): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_fada543e541c48b08ba55b89728545e4.pdf ________________________________________ In this video: Review of previous sermons in series Main Points Application ________________________________________ Subscribe to this channel to catch weekly expositional sermons from the Bible. ________________________________________ Explore more sermons and information: https://www.sheridanhills.org/watch-new ________________________________________ Follow us: ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheridanhills/ ➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheridanhills01 ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanhills/

At the halfway point of the year, it's easy to feel like we're just trying to make it to the finish line. But this message is an invitation to do more than survive—to recenter. In Colossians 1:15–23, we're reminded of who Jesus really is: the One who created all things, the One who holds all things together, and the One who leads His church. If Jesus is truly the center, everything else—our stress, our opinions, our fears, our responsibilities—finds a better place. Pastor Tim speaks honestly about the emotional weight of our cultural moment, and how easy it is for Christians to get pulled into anxiety, outrage, and division. But the church is called to something different: unity in Christ, a deeper story, and a kingdom mission that doesn't rise and fall with the news cycle. This message also prepares us for Lent and the practices that form us: Sabbath, fasting, and prayer. Not as a way to earn God's love—but as a way to become more aware of it, and more grounded in it. If you feel off-center right now, this message is for you. May Jesus become central again—steady, present, and supreme.

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

Pastor Ty Neal 1 John 5:4-5 We cannot claim to know the end and goal of history. Therefore, the question of meaning in history has become meaningless. Rudolf Bultmann Revelation 5:8Revelation 5:9Hebrews 5:9Revelation 5:9-10John 10:11John 10:17-18Romans 6:23Matthew 20:28Revelation 5:9Revelation 5:10Ephesians 2:14-16 If Jesus is precious to you, you will not be able to keep your good news to yourself; you will be whispering it into your child's ear; you will be telling it to your husband; you will be earnestly

This week, we explore the culture Jesus calls His family to build, one marked by servant leadership, loving well, forgiveness, and interdependence, using the picture of a road trip with a clear destination and a very intentional way of traveling together. If Jesus defines the mission, He also defines the how, and this conversation invites families to shape a culture that reflects the Kingdom of God right at home.

In a world constantly defined by what we value—the greater job, the greater house, the greater thrill—what is truly worth chasing? Join us for our new series, "GREATER THAN," as we dive into the passionate, urgent argument of the Book of Hebrews: Jesus is greater than everything. Discover why the first-century church was tempted to drift away from the substance of Jesus for the shadows of religion, and learn the three massive claims about why Jesus is superior to all the old ways. He is the very radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being, and the one who effortlessly sustains the entire universe by His powerful word. If Jesus is the Final Word, the only one who can hold your life together, the most dangerous thing you can do is drift away from Him. Find out how to anchor your life in the "Greater Thing" and stop settling for the fragments of a lesser hope.

What if legacy isn't about building your name, but about lighting someone else's? We open Hebrews 12:1–2 and get honest about the dash between our birth and death—how it shrinks, how it weighs on us, and how Jesus reframes it into a race worth running. From a fourth-generation thread of well-worn Bibles to the living history of a church founded in 1845, we explore why remembering the “great cloud of witnesses” can turn discouragement into courage and isolation into purpose.We break the message into four moves: remember the witnesses who prove endurance is possible; remove the weight and the sin that secretly saps strength; run your race with steady habits rather than hype; and refocus on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before him. Along the way, we swap hustle for the easy yoke—learning how Christ shoulders the true pull while teaching us his pace. The goal is not a flawless sprint; it's a faithful finish.Then we press legacy into real life. Your flame is meant to ignite others—first at home with your spouse, kids, and grandkids, then outward with spiritual sons and daughters in your church, school, and city. Heritage becomes a trust when we invest in students, serve in kids' ministry, show up at local games, and carry the light to places our predecessors prayed for. If Jesus ran his race for others, so do we.Ready to trade heavy for holy and turn memory into mission? Listen, share it with someone who lit your path, and tell us whose faith you want to honor this week. If this encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on to a friend who needs a lighter yoke today.

Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the opposite extreme are those who believe grace excuses everything. Grace does cover all sin, but Scripture is clear: we are not to rely on grace as a license to continue in sin. “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Certainly not.” God hates sin because of what it does to us. None of us are perfect; all have fallen short. But God’s heart is always restoration, not destruction. When David sinned, he acknowledged his failure and chose to fall into the hands of God rather than the hands of men. He knew something we often forget: it is better to trust God’s mercy than man’s revenge. Given the choice between God and people, choose God every time. In our text, a woman caught in the very act of adultery is dragged before Jesus. This wasn’t about justice; it was a trap. If Jesus said, “Stone her,” they could accuse Him of being harsh and vengeful. If He let her go, they could accuse Him of being soft on sin. But Jesus did something entirely different. She expected to die. She braced for the first stone. But when she opened her eyes, the only one standing there was Jesus. If she had fallen into the hands of man, she would have been dead. But in the hands of mercy, she lived. Jesus extended grace, but He did not excuse the sin. He said, “Go, and sin no more.” Mercy and truth—together. So the question becomes: Who do you want judging you? We often think we want people to handle it, but people are quick to pick up stones. God, on the other hand, is quick to forgive, quick to restore, and slow to anger. Better to fall into the hands of God than the hands of man.

Many people carry a distorted vision of God—an abusive, vengeful figure waiting for us to fail so He can strike us down. When they stumble, they run from His presence, convinced judgment is coming. But nothing could be further from the truth. On the opposite extreme are those who believe grace excuses everything. Grace does cover all sin, but Scripture is clear: we are not to rely on grace as a license to continue in sin. “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Certainly not.” God hates sin because of what it does to us. None of us are perfect; all have fallen short. But God’s heart is always restoration, not destruction. When David sinned, he acknowledged his failure and chose to fall into the hands of God rather than the hands of men. He knew something we often forget: it is better to trust God’s mercy than man’s revenge. Given the choice between God and people, choose God every time. In our text, a woman caught in the very act of adultery is dragged before Jesus. This wasn’t about justice; it was a trap. If Jesus said, “Stone her,” they could accuse Him of being harsh and vengeful. If He let her go, they could accuse Him of being soft on sin. But Jesus did something entirely different. She expected to die. She braced for the first stone. But when she opened her eyes, the only one standing there was Jesus. If she had fallen into the hands of man, she would have been dead. But in the hands of mercy, she lived. Jesus extended grace, but He did not excuse the sin. He said, “Go, and sin no more.” Mercy and truth—together. So the question becomes: Who do you want judging you? We often think we want people to handle it, but people are quick to pick up stones. God, on the other hand, is quick to forgive, quick to restore, and slow to anger. Better to fall into the hands of God than the hands of man.

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

If Jesus is the king, when is the coronation? Peter had declared to Jesus, "You are the Christ (the Anointed, the coming King)." But then the King says some very strange things: "Tell no one," and, "I'm going to be rejected and killed. But the kingdom is coming." The death of the prince before He can ascend to the throne is not defeat... it's the plan. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02132026_0.mp3Scripture References: Mark 9

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 02/11/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CA RM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Hosea 11:12—Translation Difficulties from The Hebrew/ Matthew 4:6,7—Does this Temptation Indicate Jesus is God?/ Why Does The New Testament Call Jesus God at Times, and The Lord Jesus Christ at Other Times?/ Is There a Limited Number of Demons?/ Back to Jesus' Temptation Experience/ John 15 and Romans 11—Who Can be Cut-Off?/ If Jesus is God, How Could He "Learn?"/ Who are The "Hebrew Israelites?"/ Matt Briefly Discusses The Important Worldwide Roles of CARM's Missionaries/ February 11, 2026

If Jesus is the Christ... so what? As we've followed Mark's Gospel - and now would be a good time to remind ourselves that this is most likely Peter's Gospel - it's become clear that the Disciples' training has been leading up to this moment: "Who do you say that I am?" That will prove to be the defining question of their lives, our lives, and the course of the world. But, once we've answered that question in unison with Peter, what follows? Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS02112026_0.mp3Scripture References: Mark 8:29

God has not run out of mercy—not for you, not today.Tuesday, February 10 takes us into Titus 3:3–7, and Paul's words do what they're supposed to do: they humble you, wake you up, and pull you back to grace.In this episode, Pastor Anthony gives a simple but soul-rattling call: remember who you were… and live like you've been saved. Because it's dangerously easy to get “mature” in the faith and forget the pit God pulled you out of.Titus 3 doesn't romanticize the past—it names it: foolish, disobedient, led astray, enslaved to passions, drowning in envy, malice, and hatred. That's what we once were. But then the most beautiful word breaks the darkness:“But…”“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared…” He saved us.Not because we cleaned ourselves up. Not because we earned it. Not because we brought anything impressive to the table.He saved us according to His mercy—through the washing of regeneration, the renewing of the Holy Spirit, and the finished work of Jesus Christ. And He didn't just rescue us—He adopted us: justified by grace, made heirs, given the hope of eternal life.So today's challenge is clear: stop living like what you used to be. Live saved. If Jesus took the wrath for your sin and brought you into the Father's family, then let your life point back to Him—with gratitude, holiness, and bold joy.You were once enslaved. But He saved you. Go live like it today.

Bring Others With You | CLIMB Series — Finale“You won't find Jesus inside the tent of your comfort zone.”In the final message of the CLIMB series, Pastor CJ Witkoe calls the church beyond personal growth and spiritual endurance into something even bigger: mission. The climb was never meant to be solo. The summit was never meant to be private. If Jesus has changed your life, the invitation is clear—bring others with you.Drawing from Hebrews 13:10–14, this message reveals a powerful truth: Jesus suffered outside the camp—outside the systems of comfort, control, religion, and predictability—to make us holy by His blood. And if we want to truly follow Him, we must be willing to step outside the camp too.In this message, you'll discover: ⛰️ Why ministry and comfort zones don't coexist 

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO BECOME HUMAN? (CHRISTOLOGY 2)Last week, we began our journey through Hebrews by focusing on Christ's divine nature. In just four verses, we saw that Jesus is the agent, purpose, sustainer, and ruler of creation. He is fully God—uncreated, eternal, and the exact expression of God's nature. That was a lot of theology packed into a small space.Today we slow down and move to Christology part two: Jesus' human nature. This raises a crucial question for Christians then and now: Why did Jesus have to become human?The theological term for this is the incarnation—the central Christian belief that the eternal Son of God took on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. Importantly, Jesus did not stop being God when He came to earth. He retained His divine nature and added a fully human nature. This means Jesus is one person with two distinct natures: fully God and fully man. No other being in the universe exists like this.While on earth, Jesus didn't “turn off” His divine power. Instead, He chose not to exercise His divine attributes independently. He lived in complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. The early church called this mystery the hypostatic union. It's deep theology, but the book of Hebrews doesn't present it as abstract theory. It presents it as good news.Let's slow down and read our passage for the day:Hebrews 2:14–18 (NLT)Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying…From this passage, Hebrews gives us seven reasons Jesus had to become human.First, Jesus became human because we are human. Since God's children are flesh and blood, the Son also became flesh and blood. Only a human could represent the human race before God. To save humanity, the Savior had to belong to humanity. In God's courtroom of justice, Jesus stands as our representative—one who truly understands our condition.Second, Jesus became human so He could die. Death is the penalty for sin, established by God from the beginning. This is the great paradox of the gospel: the Author of life became mortal. If Jesus had remained only divine, He could not have died—and if He could not die, we could not overcome death. Hebrews later reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.Third, Jesus became human so He could break the power of the devil. Hebrews says that through death, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death. Satan once held the authority to accuse humanity and hold eternal separation over our heads. Notice the tense—had the power of death. Through the cross, that authority was broken.Fourth, Jesus became human to set us free from the fear of death. Death is still inevitable, but it no longer has the final word. In the ancient world, death was a constant companion, and fear of it shaped daily life. The Christian hope of resurrection transformed everything. As Paul later declared, “O death, where is your victory?” Christians don't have to live as slaves to fear anymore.Fifth, Jesus became human so He could be our high priest. A priest bridges the gap between a holy God and broken people. Jesus had to be made like us in every respect to fulfill this role. He is merciful toward our weakness and faithful toward God's holiness. Hebrews will return to this theme again and again.Sixth, Jesus became human so He could be our sacrifice. In the Old Testament, priests offered animals. In the New Covenant, the Priest is the sacrifice. This is the ultimate power move of grace: Jesus offered Himself to take away the...

If Jesus died for us when we were far from God, what does that mean for us now? And how should it shape the way we live? In this in-studio conversation, Rabbi Schneider and Dustin Roberts explore Romans as they talk about grace, confidence before God, identity in Christ, and what it really means to walk in newness of life. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner   **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate