Podcasts about if jesus

If Jesus wrote a letter to your home church, what might He say? Today, Ron takes us to the book of Revelation, and to the first of seven letters to the seven churches in First Century Asia Minor. First on the list is the church at Ephesus, for which Jesus had both praise and criticism. As you follow along today, see if you find any similarities between the church at Ephesus, and the church you attend at home.  

The resurrection isn’t just a story—it’s the event that launched a movement and changed everything. If Jesus really rose from the dead, his resurrection has real implications for your life, your faith, and your future. In this Easter message, we talk about this event, why we celebrate it, and why it is the anchor for everything we believe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The resurrection isn’t just a story—it’s the event that launched a movement and changed everything. If Jesus really rose from the dead, his resurrection has real implications for your life, your faith, and your future. In this Easter message, we talk about this event, why we celebrate it, and why it is the anchor for everything we believe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Jesus is who He says He is, and did what He said He would do then it deserves our all. In this Easter message, discover how Jesus' resurrection can change your story.

Letting God Be Lord Over Your Finances, which Are His but He Entrusted to You, Will Liberate Your Life! MESSAGE SUMMARY:  We are so focused on earning money and other financially driven life activities so that it is easy for money and finances to become our god. Making finances “our god” violates the Second Commandment. If Jesus is Lord over all Creation, as we are told in Psalms 24:1, then: “The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”; therefore, everything that has been entrusted to you is God's. In James 5:1-3, the author of the Book of James provides insight into someone who does NOT make God the Lord of their finances: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”. Therefore, let God Be Lord over your finances, which really are His finances.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Psalms 24:1-10; James 5:1-6; Psalms 25:1-22; Psalms 45:1-17. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Send us a textThis week, millions of Christians reflect on Jesus — especially during the Easter season. But for Jehovah's Witnesses, that relationship is framed in a very different way.In this episode of The Critical Thought, we illustrate how that belief system actually works — through a unique skit, a real-life experience from a former elder, and some critical questions every Jehovah's Witness should be asking.

For Holy Week, Lead Pastor Kris McDaniel is walking us through the events of the last week of Jesus' life. Today, Kris reflects on Judas's betrayal of Jesus.How much is Jesus' life worth? If Jesus was betrayed by sinful men, then he knows what it is like to be in agony and loneliness. Listen in as Kris teaches us about failure and mercy.Today's Scripture: Matthew 26:1-5; 14-25To find out more about Holy Week at Trinity, visit atltrinity.org/lent.

If Jesus said in the Lord's prayer: “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us”, then do you think that forgiveness is important in your marriage? We all need it, but are you living it? Dr. Randy helps you understand the giving and receiving of forgiveness in your marriage, on […]

[Luke 24:1] But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.The women came to ____________, but God came to ____________.[Luke 24:2-5] They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. [3] So they went in, but they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. [4] As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. [5] The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?The stone wasn't rolled away to let Jesus ___________, it was moved so we could ____________ in.[Luke 24:11-12] But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn't believe it. [12] However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.The resurrection is God's declaration that your ________________ is not the ____________.[John 20:19] That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you," he said.Your ____________ isn't stronger than Jesus' ____________.What happened in the ____________ didn't stay in ____________.[Matthew 28:2] Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.Jesus didn't ____________ death, He ____________ it.[Colossians 2:15] In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.If Jesus could defeat ____________ he could also defeat ____________.

Jesus is the head and we are the body.  If Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world, then our Kingdom should not be of this world.  The world's kingdom focuses on power, authoritarian rule, money, prestige, and other things however, Jesus said His Kingdom is based on truth.

What did Jesus mean, “The Truth will set you free?” Free from what?  The 8th chapter of John today contains aspects of the teachings of Jesus that we have to think around and put into context to get the correct meaning.The critics of Jesus were usually those whose thought processes were mechanical.  They thought they had him cornered, if he said the Mosaic law should be observed and she should be stoned they would probably have done so, or got others to, and then blamed Jesus before the Roman authorities because the Jews had no right to put anyone to death – that is why they brought Jesus before Pilate.. See John 18 v.31.If Jesus has said something different, they would have denounced him before the people for not upholding the law!   His reaction confounded them – and after he said “Let him who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” [v.7] they slunk away from Jesus, no one was without sin among them.Only Jesus was without sin – and he said to her, “Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?  She said, ‘No one Lord'  And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'” [v.10,11]  Notice how she addresses Jesus as “Lord”!  She saw him as far more than a “teacher” which is how the Jews addressed him.Jesus speaks to all who come to him – in the same words as he spoke to the woman – whatever our failures have been, and the closer we come to “the light of the world” the more we are aware of those failures – but we also learn the truth of his words, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” [v.12] and all the “darkness” in our character will be obliterated, indeed Christ will then be “formed in you.” [Gal. 4 v.19]Jesus went on to tell them, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” [v.31,32[    The key action on our part is to “abide” in the word of Jesus.  John uses the Gk word for ‘abide' more than 40 times in his gospel and the translators render it variously as ‘continue', ‘dwell'  ‘remaining' etc. Are you abiding in his word? Is the word ‘abiding' in you?  If the answer is ‘Yes' – you have been set free!Jesus made the point, “ … I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin” – it has become part of their character.  But “if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed” [v.36]   He told the religious leaders, “…you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you.” [v.37]   May it have found a place in us – in you – or will soon do so. Remember Jesus said, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God.” [v.47] – and as we read – we “hear.”

Jesus performed countless miracles and changed lives—but where were those people when He was suffering? We explore this thought-provoking question and what it reveals about human nature, gratitude, and the loneliness of the Cross. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 42:42 – Where were the followers, especially those who received the miracles? 44:37 – If Jesus knew he was God and was going to heaven, why was he so distressed in the Garden of Gethsemane?

In fact, your story is one of your greatest ministry tools. I meet people who feel they have nothing to offer the Lord. In their minds, they feel incapable of serving in some ministry. Yet, every one of us has a story. It's a God story. It's a story of how we met Jesus, the circumstances of your salvation, and how Jesus has changed your life.Main Points:1. If you have never sat down and written out your spiritual testimony in chronological order when you do, you'll be amazed at how God has been working in your life.  No testimony is boring.  Your story is unique and fascinating, and whenever you tell it, it will be relevant, and potentially life-changing for the listener.2. Your story is simply an account of how God has changed your life.  If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then surely He has done miraculous things for you.  People are looking for evidence that God exists and that He is personally involved in people's lives.  You can't make God appear on the spot to prove His existence, but you can certainly point straight to Him by talking about how He has worked in your life.3. It's true the Holy Spirit moves us and leads us in our conversations about Christ.  But it's our responsibility to use what the Lord gives us in the best possible way.  We prepare for important meetings – we need to prepare to give an account of our faith as well.Today's Scripture Verses:“And with great power, the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33 ESV)Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Daily Dose of Hope April 14, 2025 Day 1 of Week 3   Scripture - Mark 6:1-13   Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, We give you glory for the beginning of Holy Week.  Prepare our hearts as we move toward Easter Sunday.  Lord, right now, help us put aside the distractions of our lives and focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, help us gather our scattered thoughts and remember to be still and know that you are God...Come Holy Spirit, and speak to us today.  We love you, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we start Mark 6 where we will discuss Jesus' lack of miracles in Nazareth and the sending out of the disciples.   Let's start with what happened in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth.  It starts out well enough.  He teaches in the synagogue and the people were amazed.  It makes me think of Mark 1 when the people were surprised at how Jesus taught with authority, unlike the teachers of the law.  But then these hometown residents begin to ask questions: Isn't this Jesus who lives around the corner?  Isn't he a carpenter?  Isn't this Mary's son, whose sisters are here with us?  Basically, who does he think he is?  We know his background.  We know he isn't anything special.   Jesus makes the statement that a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown.  Notice the double negative; I'm not sure why it is worded this way but I am sure Jesus has a reason; he is making a point.  A prophet is honored except where he is known well.  All over the region people were hearing and believing Jesus' message.  He was doing all kinds of miracles.  But when he begins to do the same in Nazareth, he is met with contempt.  This means that Jesus' extended family, his family friends, and those who knew him best refused to believe in him.  I would imagine how this must have been heart-breaking for Jesus.    Because of their lack of faith, the Scripture states he was only able to do a few miracles.  Let's touch briefly on the connection between miracles and faith.  As we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus' healing authority is strongly connected to the faith of the individual being healed.  Last week, we read about the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years and Jesus said her faith had made her well.  In Mark 10, we will read about blind man in Jericho who asked Jesus to heal his sight, and Jesus specifically said to the man that his faith had healed him.    At the same time, we know that faith is not a prerequisite for miracles.  If Jesus wants to do a miracle, he is God so he can do a miracle.  He doesn't need the faith of others to do it. Think of the feeding of the 5,000 – the disciples doubted and Jesus still performed a miracle of abundance.  Jesus later walks on water without the faith of those around him.    Matthew's Gospel uses different language (Matthew 13), saying that Jesus did not do many miracles in Nazareth because of their lack of faith.  This leads me to surmise that Jesus chose not to do miracles in his hometown.  He could have forced the issue but he decided not to.  He didn't have anything to prove to these people.    While the Nazareth hometown folks are unbelieving, the next portion of the narrative shows that many other people were believing.  The mission would continue regardless of the Nazareth naysayers.  Jesus sends out his disciples, armed with his power and authority.  They go from village to village preaching and doing miracles.  They were to live simply and accept hospitality where it was offered.  Where it wasn't offered, they were not to get upset but keep moving.  The end result was repentance and all kinds of healing.    I can't help but thinking that just as Jesus sent out the twelve to preach the Gospel and perform miracles, he sends us out as well.  If we know Jesus, he has empowered us to continue his mission.  So often, we shy away from this.  Maybe we worry about rejection; we aren't really that great at shaking the dust off our feet.  Maybe we worry about our own needs.  We don't live simply, nor do we often make the time to do this kind of work.    Are you continuing the mission of Jesus?  Take a moment and pray about this.  How might Jesus be calling you to do more?  How is Jesus sending you out?  So often, we cling to the comfort of the Gospel but neglect the challenge of it.    Let's close today with Matthew 16:24-26, Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text MessagePalm Sunday presents us with a profound theological question that goes beyond waving branches and shouted hosannas: Was Jesus Christ a political revolutionary? Through Pope Benedict XVI's illuminating work "Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week," we untangle this complex debate that has shaped Christian understanding for decades.Liberation theology, which emerged from Latin America during times of socioeconomic inequality, portrays Jesus as a champion of the oppressed who directly challenged Roman rule and religious elites. The imagery is compelling – a humble teacher riding a donkey into Jerusalem while crowds cheer, seemingly fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy about a king who would liberate the people. For communities suffering under oppression, this revolutionary Jesus offers a powerful model for social action.But Benedict presents a fundamentally different perspective. Without minimizing Jesus's concern for justice, he argues that viewing Christ primarily as a political revolutionary profoundly misunderstands His divine mission. The donkey wasn't a subversive jab at Roman imperialism but revealed a kingdom "not of this world" based on God's peace rather than worldly power. Similarly, the temple cleansing wasn't inciting class struggle but restoring God's sacred presence. Throughout his ministry – from the temptations in the desert to the Sermon on the Mount – Jesus consistently rejected violence as His path.This distinction matters deeply. If Jesus is merely a social reformer, Christianity becomes just another ideology rather than a transformative encounter with the living God. While liberation theology admirably emphasizes justice, Benedict warns it risks missing Christ's deeper spiritual purpose. On this Palm Sunday, we're invited to unite faith and action without reducing the Son of God to human political categories. Join us as we explore how properly understanding Jesus's entry into Jerusalem transforms our approach to both faith and justice today. How might your view of Christ's mission shape your own spiritual journey?Key Points from the Episode:• Liberation theology emerged from Latin America, interpreting Jesus through a lens of social and political liberation• Pope Benedict's three-volume series on Jesus Christ is respected across Christian denominations for its theological depth• Benedict argues Jesus deliberately rejected the zealot approach of violent revolution• The symbolism of riding a donkey fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy but represented God's peace, not political subversion• The temple cleansing was about restoring God's presence, not instigating class struggle• Framing Jesus as merely a social reformer risks reducing the Church to an NGO rather than the body of Christ• While liberation theology's commitment to justice is admirable, it can miss Christ's deeper spiritual missionKeep fighting the good fight and get your mojo on.Other resources: Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly

Introduction: John 19:28-30 - After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. What the Cross Proves About God's Love for You. (Romans 5:6-11) God's Love for You is an Unconditional Love. (Romans 5:6-8) God's Love for You is a Rescuing Love. (Romans 5:9) God's Love for You is a Committed Love. (Romans 5:10) John 1:12 – But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Philippians 1:6 – And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Audio Transcript Open up your Bibles with me, please, to the book of Romans in chapter 5.You know, there's that old saying, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish," right?I was thinking a lot about that concept this week, and I realized that's really true, like,in everything, isn't it?Like, have you ever taken an airplane flight?What determines if it's a good flight?How you land, right?And I was thinking about that also.Have you ever watched a movie that you're like, "Oh, this movie is so good," and thenit has this completely idiotic ending?Have you ever seen a movie like that?Do you walk away saying that was a good movie?No.Do you say, "Oh, that movie was terrible," because it didn't finish well?And I don't think we ever feel this as deeply as we do being Pittsburgh sports fans.Heavens to Mercutroy, how many pirate games have I sat through?I'm like, "Oh, this is awesome," and then we blow it into night thinning, and we say,"Oh, that game was terrible," or all penguin fans, how many times?Oh, this is such a good game, and then we lose it over time.Like, oh.But you know, the Son of God came to do some work, and He finished perfectly.John 19, Jesus on the cross, says after this, "Jesus knowing that all was now finished,said," to fulfill the Scripture, "I thirst."A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a Hissabranch and held it to His mouth.When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished," and He bowed Hishead and gave up His Spirit.And in this four-week series, we're going to be answering the question, "What is finished?"Jesus cried out, "It is finished!""What is?"Well, today, today we are going to be looking at the glorious reality that the work of reconciliationis finished.The relationship with God is restored.Would you bow your heads, please?And I'm going to ask you, just take a moment and pray for me.I was telling Pastor Taylor in my office before we came in here, "Man, I can't possiblycommunicate the gravity of this passage."You always feel that, but sometimes you feel it a lot more.And today we're going to be looking at the love of God.And I feel so inadequate to communicate it the way it needs to, but we're going to takea swing at it.All right?I may, I'll pray for you.Father in heaven, we're about to go after a topic that hits us in the heart, probablymore than anything.So we talk about your great love.So once again, we just pray against any preconceived notions any of us might have going into this.And we would honestly just take a look at what your word actually says.Father, transform us as only you can.We pray in Jesus' name.And all of God's people said, "Amen, amen.It is finished.The relationship with God is restored."We started this last week that the Bible says in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, God wasdemonstrating some things.He was showing us some things.He was, a better word, proving some things.And in Romans 3.25, we saw that God demonstrated His righteousness.Jesus died to fulfill the demands of God's law.The guilt is gone.So here, in this passage, just look at verse 8.It says, "But God shows," again, better word, "proves," but God shows His love for us.And that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.You see, it's this love of God He tells us in verses 10 and 11 that reconciled us.The relationship is restored.Look, this is one of the greatest doctrines in all of God's Word, because God is not somecold-detached judge.And you would wrongly take that away from Romans chapter 3 to say, "Well, God's justthis judge, and we're guilty."Okay, and He did this judicial thing, and He pardoned us, but He's not this cold judgein the sense of now God's looking down from heaven saying, "Turn or burn, I don't care."Right?Get right or get left.Look, I made provision, accept Jesus or don't, makes no difference to me whatsoever.The glorious truth of God's Word, it's that He loves you.I mean He actually, really, infinitely loves you.And last week we talked about one of the greatest struggles we have as people is strugglingwith guilt.Am I really forgiven?But you know, there's another question that we struggle with as people, and it's thisone.Does God really love me?Does God really love me?Oh yeah, I know John 3.16.Everybody knows John 3.16.For God so loved the world.But maybe that's just like a general statement about God's disposition towards people asa whole.But does He love me?You know, there are two things that make people question God's love.And one is the awareness of my sin.Some people question God's love because you're like, "You know what, I just feel unworthy."The other thing that makes you question God's love is going through hardship.You're like, "If God really loved me, why would He let this allow this cause this horribletrial in my life to happen?"But this is the question on the table today.Am I loved by God?In other words, am I accepted by God?Is God on my side?Will that ever change?Well, I got some great news for you.God settled all of this with the death of Jesus Christ.So on your outline, the relationship is restored and we're focusing on the cross as we headinto resurrection day next Sunday.And good Friday this Friday, we're focused on the cross.Today what the cross proves about God's love for you.Does God love me?Look at the cross.That answers all of it.Let's unpack that a little bit.Number one, the Bible tells us that God's love for you is an unconditional love.It's an unconditional love.You know, I get a pause here.People say, especially in circles like ours, they're like, "Well, you know, it's not aboutreligion.It's about what?Relationship."Oh, you travel in those circles.It's not about religion.It's about relationship.And okay, that's true.But you know, technically, technically.God has a relationship with Jesus.The question is, do you have a good relationship with Him?Or do you have a bad relationship with Him?Because biblically, there's no neutral.It's not like there's these on fire, born-again, Bible-believing Christians,and these evil, wicked, nasty, violent, hurtful people who hate God,and somewhere in the middle is just that really nice person.Not a Christian, but not...There's no neutral.And in this passage, you're going to see that unsaved people, people alienated from God,are described in four ways.They're described as weak in verse 6, as ungodly in verse 6,as sinners in verse 8, and as enemies in verse 10.And we have to understand that going in.Looking at these four, weak means you're powerless to save yourself.There is not a thing you can do to get right with God on your own.You're weak.You're ungodly.You are nothing like God intended you to be by birth.You're a sinner.That means in the eyes of God, you are rebellious.And in verse 10, as I said, He uses the word "enemy."And that means you're hostile towards God.But really, this enemy concept, it's really a two-way street.As you see, by nature, we resent God's authority.I don't want somebody telling me what to do.I don't want somebody telling me the things that I want to do are wrong, so that's hostilitytowards God.But you know, it goes the other way, too.God has a holy hatred of sin.So we could say that we have a wicked opposition towards God, and God has a holy oppositiontowards us.It's a dual opposition.So something major has to happen if there's going to be any kind of reconciliation betweenthese two parties that have such hostility towards one another.Something huge has to happen.Look at verse 6.It says, "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."Let's not fly through this too quickly, shall we?Can we just pause for a moment and as much as we can try to get the weight of God's lovein this statement?He said, "Christ died for the ungodly."Who does that?Who dies for rebellious, wicked, evil people?Who does that?It's a shocking statement.But Paul illustrates, look at verses 7 and 8, how he illustrates this incredible truth.He says, "For one will scarcely die for a righteous person, that perhaps for a good person onewould dare even to die."But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.I love Paul's illustration.Look at verse 7 again.He says, "One will scarcely die for a righteous person."What does he mean by a righteous person?Well, a righteous person is just like somebody who's upright and a good, holy person, butmaybe you sort of have a detached relationship from them.Like for example, your favorite preacher that you listen to on a podcast.Maybe there's somebody that you follow their podcast, you listen to them and they're preachingreally blesses you, but you don't know that guy, right?That's Paul's point here, is like your favorite podcast preacher, besides me, but your favoritepodcast preacher, I had to clarify that, but you're like, "Jeff, you're not even in thetop 15."Moving on.That favorite podcast preacher of yours, if you had an opportunity to die so that hecould live, would you do that?Probably not.That's why he says scarcely.There might be one or two of you, like, "Yeah, I would do it."But Paul's like, "That's pretty scarce that somebody would die for a good person."You don't really know.But then he dials it up a notch, he goes, "Perhaps for a good person one would dare even todie."And now he's talking about maybe that holy, upright, good Christian person that we knowand love.All right?So if I were to ask, "Okay, forget about your podcast guy, would you die for Pastor Taylor?"You're like, "Wow, that really ups the ante.I would really strongly consider that one."And now we get the weight of verse 8 when he says, "But God, but God on the other handshows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."See Paul says maybe somebody would die for a good man, but no one would die for an evilman.But that's exactly how God showed His love for you.God loved you when you were a wuze.You're like a what?A wuze.I just made that word up.W-S-E, a weak, ungodly, sinful enemy.That's just in the text.I just paraphrased it.God loved you as a wuze.And God didn't say, "Look, when you get your act together, then we'll talk about salvation."God didn't say, "When you start living a certain way, then I'm going to love you."It says, "While we were still sinners, what God says is, 'Look, I love you.I sent my son to die for you.'You come to me and then we'll get your act together."See God knows you better than you know yourself.And He loves you at your worst.So that's where Paul starts.God's love for you is unconditional.Secondly, what does the cross prove about God's love for you?God's love for you is a rescuing love.It's a rescuing love.Look at verse 9.He says, "Since therefore we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall webe saved by Him from the wrath of God."I love this.You're going to see this a couple of times in this passage.Much more.Much more.What he's saying is, "If Jesus' death could do this, then much more Jesus' life can dothis."So here, Jesus' blood justified has made us righteous before God, which is...I tried so hard to think of a way to describe that and I wrote down, "Infinitely enormous."I don't know.If Jesus' blood could make us righteous before God, which is infinitely enormous, even waybigger, He says, "We will be saved from the wrath of God."And that is a profound thing in the cross of Jesus Christ that God was saving you fromHimself.He was saving you from His own wrath.But you know as a pastor, bless you as a pastor, oftentimes I hear people say, in wanting toargue, certain doctrines people will say, "You know, you're talking about God's wrath.A loving God wouldn't send someone to hell."Look, I believe that God is love and a loving God wouldn't send somebody to hell.Have you ever heard that?Pastor Taylor, I'm sure you've heard that a lot.A loving God wouldn't send someone to hell?Well, there's a lot of problems with that statement.One, it ignores what the Bible actually says about hell.You know, Jesus talked about hell more than anybody.Something like twice as much as He talked about heaven.So not only does it ignore what the Bible actually says about hell, it also ignores God's holiness.A holy God can't tolerate sin.So help me understand, if you're somebody that doesn't believe in hell, if you're somebodythat still subscribes to the loving God wouldn't send somebody to hell, are you saying thatsomebody can live their entire life rejecting their Creator, living in flagrant sin and rebellion,they want nothing to do with God, and they want nothing to do with God's gifts, and somedaywhen they die, God's going to be like, "Hey, that's okay.Come on into heaven.Let me show you around."Like, how does that work?By the way, an unsaved person would be miserable in heaven.Do you know that?An unsaved person would be absolutely miserable in heaven.You're like, "Why?"Now, that unsaved person has spent their life saying, "I don't want anything to do withGod, God's truth, God's people, worship.I don't want anything to do with that."You know what heaven is?God, His truth, His people, and worship, that would be absolutely miserable to spend ineternity.What the God you want nothing to do with.So you're ignoring God's holiness when you're selecting which doctrine you want to adhereto.Oh, and here's one.A loving God would send someone to hell.I like to quickly remind people that God's love is not in question.What more could God have possibly done to save you?The Bible says, Romans chapter 8, "God spared not his own son.God was willing to kill his son so that you could be saved."I wouldn't do that.If your salvation meant that I had to kill my son, you'd all be gone to hell.And I wouldn't think twice about it.What more could God have possibly done to demonstrate His love than by giving the most precious thingthat exists, the life of His Son.So don't please, don't come at me with this, a loving God wouldn't send someone to hell.God's love is not in question here.But church, if we brush off God's wrath, we're also brushing off the impact of the cross.We're brushing off the impact of the cross as minimizing the greatest act of God's love.But let's get real personal.Like I said at the beginning, one of the biggest reasons we doubt God's love is because weendure hardship.And I'm not going to ask you to raise your hand.But I imagine it would be high 90% of you.If I said raise your hand if you've ever questioned God's love because of a trial that you'regoing through.I bet most of those hands would go up.And I just want to lovingly encourage you.When we get in that mindset where we're doubting God's love and a hardship, what we're assumingis the way that God shows love is keeping me from trials.We've already attached that love language to God when His Word does not.And we think, okay, so God shows me love by making my life easy and trouble free.So if God doesn't do that, then He must not love me.Well, we studied the book of Job last fall.If we learned anything, it's that God loves me through hardship.No, no, no, no.God loves me with hardships.God shows the greatness of His love by meeting our greatest need, which is to be rescuedfrom sin and hell.And if that's all God's love ever did for you, is to rescue you from hell.If that was all He ever did, you should be eternally grateful.Like the goofy guy in the infomercial.But wait, there's more.And number three, write this down.God's love for you is a committed love.What does the cross prove about God's love?Well, it proves it's unconditional and it proves it's rescuing.And thirdly, it proves that God's love for you is a committed love.Look at verse 10.For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much morenow that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.Very similar to verse 9 with the much more thing, but there's a different emphasis here.In verse 9, He says we will be saved from His coming wrath.And here He's saying God will keep us saved in the meantime.In other words, He's saying if God could reconcile us by the death of His Son, much more He cankeep us saved by the life of His Son.Remember to put it another way, if God loved you when you were His enemy, how do you thinkHe's going to love you now that you're His child?That's why He uses that word here.That's the word of the day.Reconciled.This in verse 10, telling us this, God is committed to a restored relationship withyou.How committed?How committed is God?How committed?He adopted you as His child.Talk to somebody here that's adopted someone and ask that parent of the adopted kid, "Howcommitted are you?"They're committed.John 1.12 says, "But to all who did receive Jesus, who believed in His name, He gave theright to become children of God."In Christ, we are God's children and He is our heavenly Father.And as you parents know, your kids will always be your kids and nothing can ever change that.No matter how bad your kids are, no matter what bad thing they've done, nothing will everchange that kid from being your kid.When we planted this church back in 2011, we were meeting at Marshall Middle School,which is right beside Covenant Community Church.I was friends with Pastor John Price, who was a pastor there.He invited our church over to, they had a church picnic on their property.He said, "Hey, why don't you guys come over and invite your church, come over, we'regoing to get the bouncy houses and have a big thing, have a bunch of kids.And why don't you bring your family over and like to introduce you, kind of like welcometo the neighborhood kind of thing."I'm like, "Oh, that sounds like a great time."Well, so our family went and Aaron and I were in the pavilion talking to some of these wonderfulpeople at this church.And our kids were much littler at the time.And all of a sudden, I hear Cade's voice.He says, "Hey, Dad!Dad!Dad!"I look over.Cade and Owen are standing in the yard in the green space in Covenant Community withtheir pants around their ankles, urinating on the lawn.And I look over and Cade hollers, "Look, Dad!We made a P-cross!"And these dear sweet people we were talking to said, "Are those your children?"I said, "I've never seen those kids!"Somebody really needs to rein them in, you know what I'm saying?You know, as badly as I wanted to put them on eBay that day.I didn't.And Cade will tell you, grab him, he'll tell you something I've told him over and overthroughout his life.He says, "Look, I love you on your best day and on your worst.And I've told him nothing will ever change that because you're my son."And it's the same with God's kids.You've been adopted.And you know, I've been reading the Bible for a long time.There is zero Biblical language about being unadopted.We touched on this last week, you know, people often ask, "Can I lose my salvation?"And the answer to that question is, "Well, you know, if I could lose my salvation, thenI definitely would.But thankfully, it's not up to me.Because what Paul's teaching here is it's not really about how tightly I'm holdingon to Jesus.It's how tightly he's holding on to me.So if you've ever struggled with, "Can I lose my salvation?"Here's a great verse.You're going to help me out here.Philippians 1-6, can we get that on the screen?Let's do a little Bible study here, shall we?Paul says, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring itto completion at the day of Jesus Christ."That means to the very end.All right, so help me out here.Did God begin a good work in you?Well, if you're a follower of Jesus, then the answer to that is, "Yes."Okay, next question."If God began a good work in you, is he going to finish it?"Yeah, he is.Oh, one more question.Are you sure?Paul said he was.I am sure of this.That when Jesus starts something, he finishes it.True of the cross and the atonement.True of his death.Yes, true of that, but also true of adopting you and raising you and getting you to thefinish line of heaven.If God didn't save you and say, "You know what, kid, good luck, you're on your own,don't mess this up, I hope to see you in heaven."Paul makes it very clear here that God's love for you is a committed love.We have the worship team.Join us back up here.Church, God loves you.As we said and can't emphasize enough, that is not in question.He showed us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.We are rescued from His wrath.He is committed to keeping us all the way to heaven.The real question that we have to ask is not does God love us, but do you love God?God demonstrated His love for you.Are you willing to demonstrate your love for Him?You're like, "How do I do that?"Well, let's look at what the passage says.Look at verse 11.He says more than that.Which is a hilarious statement.More than all of this.He says, "We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have nowreceived reconciliation."I just want to ask you, church, will you rejoice?Rejoicing is the natural emotional result of being reconciled.And your worship should be an overflow of love and joy and gratitude for Jesus Christ,for all He is, and for all He's done, and for all He's promised that He will do.Let your worship be an expression of love.Would you stand and lift up your voices and demonstrate love for Jesus Christ? Small Group DiscussionRead Romans 5:6-11What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Have you ever questioned God's love for you? Why? What is God's response, based on this passage?What 4 words are used to describe lost people in this passage? How does this speak to the idea that “deep down, man is basically good”?Read John 1:12 and Philippians 1:6. What do these verses teach us about God's love being a committed love?BreakoutPray for one another.

 Audio recordingSermon manuscript:When we use the word “peace” we often think of calmness, tranquility, the lack of fighting. There are different ways to achieve such a condition. For example, a graveyard is quite peaceful in its own way. Even though there are many people in close proximity, there is little fighting. There is also little love, little joy, but there is a kind of stillness and calmness. Another way calmness can be achieved is through the establishment of such severe law and order that everyone becomes too scared to step out of line. Totalitarian governments come up with punishments and displays of power that intimidate the people they rule over. Almost all of the great empires of history have used these tactics.   The Roman government, for example, once crushed a slave revolt and sent a powerful message afterwards. They crucified 6,000 captured slaves along the Appian Way. For 120 miles one person after another hung there dead on crosses. The message was clear: Don't mess with those in power. It worked. People were frightened. There was a kind of peace. This is one way you could understand the events of Holy Week that we have entered into today with Palm Sunday. The Jewish leaders wanted a kind of peace. Jesus had been disturbing their peace. So they solved a problem. Jesus had been getting too popular. He had raised Lazarus from the dead. Upon entering Jerusalem he went to the temple and made quite a scene. He flipped over tables and let animals loose. The Jewish leaders wanted to know who had given him such authority. Jesus was obviously out of control. He needed to be dealt with. The usual measures of getting dirt on someone wouldn't work with him. Nor could they turn the people against him. The people loved him more than they loved the Jewish leaders. There was only one sensible course to take, and they took it. They arrested him in the middle of the night. They immediately convicted him in their kangaroo court. They applied pressure to Pontius Pilate. By the time the people of Jerusalem were hardly finished with their breakfast Jesus was already nailed to the cross! It was already too late. Efficiency like that would make any dictator tip his beret with respect. For some of us, though, this kind of thing really makes our blood boil. It was so unjust! The leaders were supposed to be the best of the people, but in fact they were the worst. They were vain. They were vindictive. They were cowards. They purposely engaged Jesus in an unfair fight. They didn't dispute with him in the open. It was all arranged behind closed doors. Their dirty deeds were done with the cover of darkness. Some of us might like to take our clubs and swords and give them a taste of their own medicine. This might have been how Peter felt. We've been studying Peter in our Adult Bible Study. When the Jewish leaders came to arrest Jesus in the middle of the night, Peter took out his sword and cut off the right ear of the high priest's servant. I can't help it: a part of me says, “Hurray for Peter!” At least one of those scoundrels felt a little pain! But that sets me at odds with Jesus himself. Perhaps you remember how Jesus rebuked Peter. He told him to put away his sword. He said, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me to drink?” He also said, “All who take the sword shall perish by the sword.” Indeed, that is how it goes. History tells this story over and over. The story goes like this: The oppressors oppress until those they oppresse rise up and take away their power. But without fail, those who were formerly oppressed, when it's their turn, also oppress whomever they can take advantage of. They, then, become the target until one day a knife is found sticking out of their backs. The situation is always unstable because hatred is just below the surface. Power is maintained only with the utmost vigilance. Knowing that they hate you, you must strike first, before they strike you. It's kill or be killed. “Whoever takes the sword, perishes by the sword.” The best peace to be hoped for is the peace of the graveyard. If all goes well you eliminate your opponents before they eliminate you. Then you live happily ever after. That was the Jewish leaders' theory of peace, and they dealt with Jesus accordingly. However, this theory did not originate with them. It is much older. It goes back all the way to the gray mists of the earliest recorded history. The first human being born in the natural way was named Cain. He had a brother named Abel. One day Cain became annoyed with his brother Abel. Abel was disturbing his peace. So Cain bashed his head in, and reestablished the peace. Problem solved. No more Abel; no more annoyance. He lived happily ever after… Except he didn't. Maybe you remember the story. He thought that he would live happily ever after, but in fact he was haunted for the rest of his life by the dirty deeds he did in secret. This is some kind of peace, but it leaves much to be desired. Is there another kind of peace? Most do not believe so. Jesus says, “Broad is the gate and easy is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter thereby. Narrow is the gate and hard is the way that leads to eternal life, and few there are who find it.” Most people believe what simply comes naturally to all of us: We will be better off if we are in control. We will be richer if we take what someone else has. We will be happier if we eliminate those who annoy us. Kill or be killed. This world is made up of winners and losers. See to it that you are like the Jewish leaders, who obviously won, instead of like Jesus, who obviously lost. But did he? That is the question! This is why the resurrection is so important. If Jesus rose from the dead, then he was right and his ways are best. If he did not rise from the dead, then the Jewish leaders were right. The message would be: Let no scruples get in the way of your ambitions. If Abel didn't want to get killed, he should have killed Cain before Cain killed him. If Jesus didn't want to get arrested and killed, he should have dismissed Judas long ago, armed his supporters, and stormed the chief priest's palace. The strategy is not hard to understand. Do whatever is beneficial to you, and don't do whatever might be beneficial to others. What is hard to understand and to learn is Jesus's peace. To learn Jesus's peace you have to change your mind, which is what the word “repent” means. You have to think so differently that the Bible speaks of this change as being born again, or that we must be crucified with Christ and raised with him. So much must change that it is beyond our powers. Faith is a miracle worked by the Holy Spirit. But what comes at the end is worth it. What comes at the end is peace. Jesus spoke about this peace in those chapters in John that we talked about during our midweek series. Jesus said, “In me you have peace. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart: I have overcome the world.” Again, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Those are words of quiet confidence. Although he knows that is death is but hours away, he is not like a drowning rat, desperate to survive. Jesus said, “You trust in God. Trust also in me.” Trust in Jesus because his resurrection happened. The resurrection and judgment that is coming at the end of this world is real too. This is what all those who live only for their own ambitions deliberately ignore. The resurrection is coming! When that happens, those who appeared to have won will lose. Those who appeared to have lost will win. “The first shall be last, and the last shall be first. There is nothing that is secret that won't be revealed, and there is nothing that is hidden that won't be exposed.” These are clear teachings of Jesus. Now if you are like me, then you probably have your own dirty deeds done in darkness, the exposure of which would bring about intense embarrassment or perhaps even fear. To you I say, “Do not be afraid so long as your peace is in Jesus.” Your peace in Jesus will be stronger than your sins. Jesus's righteousness speaks louder than our failings. But don't go on thinking that your dirty deeds of darkness will get you ahead in life. They won't. They harm you; they don't bless you. Even if you managed to gain the whole world by unrighteousness, the time would come when you would regret it—even if you somehow managed to make it into heaven. Change your mind; change your ways. Light, truth, life, and all other good things come from Jesus. Repent and believe the good news that Jesus has overcome the world, and his peace will reign forever and ever!

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 1 John's gospel starts “in the beginning.” Jesus was the Word in heaven who made all things. After creation, He becomes the Light from heaven to illuminate our hearts. Jesus is the grace of God revealed to bring the Father's favor. He is the Lamb of God who would die to “take away the sins of the world.” He is the Christ prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift man has ever been given. John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, saying he has seen the Spirit fall on Him and that Jesus will be the One who baptizes others in the Holy Spirit. Jesus then begins his public ministry by calling into service four men from Galilee: Peter, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael.  Most scholars contend that John's Letter is the last inspired gospel. He brings a different perspective and unique details to Christ's ministry. The central point of his letter is belief. We must believe Jesus is the Creator. We must embrace Him as God's Light and grace, and as the sacrificial Lamb sent to save us from our sins. The evidence from John the Baptist, the Old Testament prophets, and the Holy Spirit falling on Him testify to Christ's identity. We must see Him as Nathanael did: with amazement and humility. Starting with simple trusting faith, Jesus takes Nathanael on an incredible journey and shows him many wonderful things. He will do likewise in our lives if we choose to follow Him.    Glorious Father, we praise Your Name for Your beautiful grace. Thank You for taking all the blessings You seek to give us and placing them in Your Son. If we will pursue Him, loving and obeying Him, we will be forgiven and saved forever. Great God, we ask you to take us on a journey like the four men who followed Jesus. Overwhelm us with Christ's glory. Then take us places we have never been, show us things we cannot imagine, and use us in ways we never thought possible. Lord, we believe. Show us how to follow Jesus.   Thought Questions: -       Is Jesus your Creator? Is He God's greatest gift to bring grace and hope into your life? Why are those questions important? -       John the Baptist was a great prophet, but he always redirected glory to Jesus. How do you direct all glory to Christ? -       If Jesus showed up today and said, “Follow Me”, would you go? How is He already calling you to do that in your life?

Return of the Man-Child (7)  (audio) David Eells – 4/9/25  History happened once in the letter, and it is happening again in the Spirit. We've noticed a repetition of history on a larger scale in every type and shadow that we have looked at. The first revelation was according to the letter, but the way it is being fulfilled in our day is in the Spirit. Last time, we saw that Christ had been anointed with the power of the former rain, and we know that Jesus did not do a miracle or a sign or a wonder until after He had received this anointing of the former rain. It was power! I don't think a lot of people realize that when God gives you power, He tests you to see if you are going to use that power according to His Will or take it for your own use. In other words, you could abuse power and authority. Jesus was being tried here. The Bible says, He hath been in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin (Heb.4:15).  We'll continue our study in Matthew. (Mat.4:1) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. So He had just been anointed with the power of the Holy Spirit to do all the wondrous works, and now He is being led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted of the devil. There is a purpose in temptation; there is a need for temptation, the Bible tells us. (Jas.1:2) Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; (3) knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. (4) And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. Temptation is a way to perfection, or as it's sometimes translated in the Scriptures, “maturity.” (Jas.1:12) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] promised to them that love Him. Even Abraham was tempted or tried. (Heb.11:17) By faith Abraham, being tried … The word there is peirazo, the same word for “tempted.” And the same word occurs again further down in the text, in verse 37 – “they were tempted.” So Abraham was tempted   Does God tempt anybody? No, He does not. Temptation comes quite naturally to us because of our old carnal nature. (Jas.1:13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: (14) but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. God tempts no man, but He does bring us through the trial to be tempted, so we can make a decision as to whether we're going to walk in the flesh or whether we're going to walk in the Spirit. The Bible says, if we walk in the light, as He is in the light … the blood of Jesus … cleanseth us of all sin (1Jn.1:7). Being tempted is a method by which you can have more of God because when you walk in the light or, in other words, when you walk after the Spirit, the Holy Spirit cleanses you of the very sin nature that you don't want anymore.   Temptation is God's method for giving you more of God and less of you. (Heb.11:17) By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promise was offering up his only begotten [son;] (18) [even he] to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called: (19) accounting that God [is] able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back. Abraham was tried and God said, Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me (Gen.22:12). Will God do these things with us? Will He try us? Yes, He will. First of all, when Jesus received power, He had to be tried before He started His ministry. I think everybody is tried. If God gives you a gift or power or authority, you are going to be tried to see if you're going to abuse what you've been given.  I'd like us to note the very next thing He speaks about. (Mat.4:2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. (3) And the tempter came … What does fasting have to do with a trial? Remember, I'm not taking anything away from the letter. Jesus was fasting in the letter; He was physically fasting, denying Himself food. So far, we've seen that there is a spiritual manifestation now in the New Testament for the people who walk in the steps of Jesus. We are not doing away with the letter. We're still talking about literal fasting. But there is also a spiritual fast, and if you keep this spiritual fast, no matter how much the devil tempts you, you will win every time. Isaiah speaks about this spiritual fast.   Let me point out some things to you. (Isa.58:3) Wherefore have we fasted, [say they,] and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find [your own] pleasure, and exact all your labors. In other words, there is selfishness in there – selfish desire and ambition. The old man is not only living, he is thriving in the midst of their fast. You can refrain from eating food and still be a big sinner, but you cannot do a spiritual fast and walk in sin. I will point that out to you. (Isa.58:4) Behold, ye fast for strife and contention, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye fast not this day so as to make your voice to be heard on high. (5) Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? He is being rather critical of a natural fast that has no spiritual component, no spiritual focus.  Then Isaiah speaks about another kind of fasting. (Isa.58:6) Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke … What is “wickedness” and what is “the yoke”? It is the old man. Remember when the three Hebrews went into the fire and the only thing that burned up was their bonds (Daniel 3)? What do you think that means? It means the wood, hay and stubble, the old man, was burned up. That's what binds us; that's the “wickedness” and “the yoke” right there. Jesus came with the Isaiah 61 anointing to open the prison for those who were bound and to set the captives free. How does He do that? The old man has to die here. (Isa.58:6) Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? So there is a fast that breaks every yoke. God is about to tell you about His fast, not just their natural fast. They were failing to do anything but sin in the midst of their fast. (Isa.58:7) Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry … It is not just refraining from eating it; it is giving it to somebody who needs it. It is denying yourself.  First of all, a physical fast is to deny your physical self food. A spiritual fast is to deny your self food because “self” is a spiritual entity. It is a sinful, carnal entity, and if you do not feed “self”, “self” dies. How many of you know that you can refrain from feeding your body and still feed “self”? That's what God is talking to them about here. He is saying, “Okay, you are fasting, but it is not doing you any good whatsoever. Let me tell you about My fast.” It is a fast that actually does away with the bondage to the old man. It's not enough to not eat it; give it to somebody else. Deny your “self”; don't feed self. Instead, give.   (Isa.58:7) Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? We all like our privacy and our peace, but it is also a sacrifice to bring people into your house. For years, we have had people in need in and out of our house. It is a big sacrifice. You have to give up a part of you; you have to bend toward their needs. You have to resist your flesh, and that's a big temptation, especially if people come to live with you for very long. But the Lord is saying, “Deny yourself; don't feed the old man. Do something for the Kingdom here.”  Now let me say that there are a few verses in here that speak about the fast, and all the rest of the verses in this text are promises to those who do fast. Here is one promise: (Isa.58:8) Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy healing shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall by thy rearward. (9) Then shalt thou call, and the Lord will answer (That is an awesome promise!); thou shalt cry, and he will say, Here I am. (And then here is a part of the fast:) If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking wickedly. Now that is a fast! It is denying feeding “self”. Self wants its way; self wants you to give it the reins and let it run. You have to pull back and say, “No. I deny self. I will not feed “self” today. I will not feed the flesh today.” Anytime you give the flesh its way, you are feeding it. When you are denying it, it is dying. Jesus said, Whosoever doth not bear his own cross (which is to die on), and come after me, cannot be my disciple (Luk.14:27). A fast is taking up your cross. It is not really something we should ever stop. In a literal fast, you have to stop, and it may not gain you anything. But it's good if you use it as a means to an end in the Kingdom. For instance, when you give your bread to someone else, it's good.  As we read on, we see another part of this fast. (Isa.58:10) And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry (In other words, in what your soul desires, make sure you are meeting someone else's need.), and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noonday; (11) and the Lord will guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in dry places, and make strong thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (12) And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations (Well, that's what we need today, folks; we need to go back and restore again the foundation that is fallen.); and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. Here's another part of the fast: (Isa.58:13) If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day … Now we know that the Sabbath is not a day anymore, according to Hebrews 4. It is a sabbatismos, a continual ceasing from your works, which are the works of the old man, and entering the rest. In other words, it's denying the flesh; it's not feeding the old man. That is what the Sabbath is.  (Isa.58:13) If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, [and] the holy of the Lord honorable; and shalt honor it, not doing thine own ways (again, not feeding self), nor finding thine own pleasure (instead, attempting to please the Lord, meeting the brethren's needs and sacrificing yourself, etc.), nor speaking [thine own] words. That's an important one right there because the tongue [is] a restless evil (Jas.3:8), and the tongue can no man tame (8). Only the Lord can tame it if you give Him faith. (Isa.58:14) Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will make thee to ride upon the high places of the earth; and I will feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. That is an awesome promise of God's spiritual fast! There definitely has to be a fulfillment in the Spirit, and we can look at Jesus or the Man-child ministry as showing us how to do a spiritual fast.   I believe that the Man-Child ministry's corporate body is going to be tried in this question about power and authority, and I do not think that they are all going to overcome it. I have seen dreams and visions about this. But I believe that if we do this spiritual fast, we cannot fail. If you do what the spiritual fast calls for – if you do not feed your old man, if you deny yourself in the midst of trial – then you're not going to listen to Satan, and you're going to be an overcomer. As you read the Book of Revelation, all of the promises to the churches are for overcomers. There is no promise to people who are not overcoming. What are they overcoming? They're overcoming self and temptation because they're overcoming self. Notice that God is not necessarily doing away with the natural fast. He is saying, “Look, if you don't eat food, give it to somebody who needs it.”  I want to share a revelation with you about fasting. It says the exact same thing about the spiritual fast, and it was given to Hermas, who wrote The Shepherd of Hermas, which you can read on our site. At the end of the first century, the Shepherd came to Hermas and gave him revelations in the way of visions to give to the Church, which was just about to go into great tribulation, as we are in our day. In fact, they were going to face the Beast and the Harlot of their day and many of them were going to lose their lives. The Lord gave them an exhortation through Hermas. That exhortation was then sent throughout the early Church, and he gave them a revelation on fasting. Notice its similarity to what we just studied. Let's begin in similitude 5, chapter 54. (My comments are in parentheses.)  While I was fasting and sitting on a certain mountain, thanking the Lord for all that He had done for me, I saw the Shepherd (the Shepherd here is the Lord) sitting beside me and saying these things to me: “Why have you come here so early?” “Because, sir,” I said, “I am on guard duty.” “What,” said he, “is the guard?” “I am fasting, sir,” I said. “But what,” said he, “is this fast that you are keeping?” “Sir,” I said, “I am fasting just as I have been accustomed to do.” “You do not know how to fast to God,” he said, “and this useless fast that you are keeping for Him is not a fast.” (He called this fast “useless.” I'm sure Hermas was refraining from eating food, but the Lord called it a “useless fast.”) “Why, sir,” I said, “do you say this?” “I am telling you,” he said, “that this is not a fast you are keeping, but I will teach you what an acceptable and a complete fast to the Lord is.” “Yes, sir,” said I. “You will make me happy if I may know the fast acceptable to God.” “Listen,” said he. “God does not wish such a futile fast as this, for by fasting in this way, you do nothing for righteousness, (It can be, as we just saw in Isaiah 58, that they were fasting diligently, but getting nowhere and doing nothing but feeding the flesh because they were leaving selfish ambition alive.) but fast to God in this way: Do nothing evil in your life. (He is talking about a spiritual fast here. In other words, do not feed the flesh.) But serve the Lord with a clean heart, keeping His commandments, following His orders. (Again, do not feed the flesh. The commandments of God crucify the flesh; they do not permit it to live. That's why there is so much emphasis on ear-tickling doctrines out there, because they all permit the old man to live. If you obey God, the old man dies. It's like you're starving him. You're not giving him what he wants, so he dies.) And let no evil desire arise in your heart. (Do not listen to him; do not feed him; do not let him live.) Believe in God, because if you do these things and fear Him and abstain from every evil deed (in other words, not feeding the flesh), you will live to God. And if you do these things, you will complete a fast that is great and acceptable to the Lord.”  Wow! That is a spiritual fast! He didn't touch on the physical fast, but in one of the next chapters, he does talk a little bit about the physical fast and how it can tie into the spiritual fast. You can see here the spiritual fast, which was the most important. You can fast for the rest of your life for selfish ambition, and you will not do anything for the Kingdom. Your sacrifice is worthless before God. But, if you do a spiritual fast, you are going to grow in God. I am not denying that you can mix this with a physical fast, but if you do a spiritual fast, you will conquer the devil every time. The only thing in you that he can use to conquer you is your flesh, so if you do not feed your flesh, your flesh is not going to be able to conquer you. Let me go to chapter 56.  I said to him, “Sir, I do not understand these parables, nor could I comprehend them unless you interpret them to me.” “I will interpret everything to you,” he said, “and whatsoever I tell you, I will explain. Keep the commandments of the Lord and you will be pleasing to Him and be enrolled in the number of those who keep His commandments. If you do something good beyond the commandment of God, you will gain greater glory for yourself. (This is an important issue here. You can go beyond what God commands and God will give you good credit for that.) And you will be more honored before God than you would have been. If then, while keeping the commandments of God, you add also to those services, you will rejoice, and you will keep them according to my commandment.” I said to him, “Sir, whatever you command me I will follow, for I know that you are with me.” “I will be with you,” he said, “because you have such zeal for doing good, and I will be with all,” said he, “who have the same zeal. This fast,” he said, “is very good, if you keep the commandments of the Lord. So observe this fast which you are going to keep in this way: First of all, guard against every evil word and every evil desire. (Do not feed “self” and do not give “self” permission or the right to give in to evil thoughts or evil words. Otherwise, you are wasting your fast.) And cleanse your heart of all the vanities of this world. (In other words, there are a lot of things in the world that have no point in the Kingdom. The Bible says to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race (Heb.12:1). And the sin? Some weights are not sin, but they hold us back. They themselves are not sin, but they keep us from doing things that are important in the Kingdom.)  (Many people do not take the Great Commission seriously. They figure they hired their preacher to do that, so they just live their lives the way they want to all week long and then at the end of the week, they go to church and call that “service.” No, actually we're called to be disciples of Jesus Christ and we're called to keep and to do the Great Commission and do the works of Jesus. (Joh.14:12) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. We are called to do His works, and if the Church had been doing that all along, just think how much of the world would have been taken into the Church by now. The Lord says to avoid the vanities of this world, which are not necessarily sin, but have this uselessness. There are so many things that Christians do that are useless. If you are really devoted to God, your hobbies ought to be His hobbies. Your loves ought to be His loves. You ought to be doing the things that are pleasing to your Father. Even as a child, Jesus said (Luk.2:49) Knew ye not that I must be in my Father's house? In other words, “be about my Father's work”? That's right; that's what we are here for.)   If you observe these things, this fast will be complete. And here is what you will do: When you have finished the above-mentioned, on that day when you are fasting, (Now he is talking about a physical fast.) you will taste nothing except bread and water, and you will be aware of the cost of your food you would have eaten on that day which you are going to keep. Having set it aside, you will give it to a widow, or an orphan, or someone else in need. And in this way, you will be humble-minded, so that from your humility, the one who receives may fill his soul and pray to the Lord for you. (So, here's a way that a physical fast can actually be a spiritual fast in denying yourself and then furthering the Kingdom, by not only refraining from eating, but giving it or the monetary equivalent to someone who needs it, or through sacrifice.) If then you complete the fast in this way, as I command you, your sacrifice will be acceptable to God. And this fast will be recorded, and the service done in this way is good and joyous and acceptable to the Lord. This is the way you shall observe these things with your children and all your house. If you observe them, you will be blessed, and as many as hear them and keep them will be blessed, and whatever they ask of the Lord they will receive.”  That is very interesting because Isaiah 58:7 basically says that, too, “to deal thy bread to the hungry,” give that which you would have eaten to the hungry. Then Isaiah goes on to talk about the same principle, but in many other ways that are dealing with “self”, such as using something that you would consider yours to meet the need of someone else. In this way, a physical fast can be a spiritual fast. I dare say that a lot of people who fast are sometimes too miserable to even pray and take advantage of their fast. Have you ever caught yourself doing that? I used to fast regularly and I still do, but I would catch myself and say, “Wait a minute! I'm not taking advantage of this sacrifice here. I need to be fasting and praying.” So I would remember and go back to praying and making my fast count for something. I was always giving, and a person who fasts should use it to further the Kingdom and bless God's people. Now, if you do that and the devil tempts you and you keep on fasting and denying self in order to let your Spirit man live, there is no way the devil can beat you.  If you look at the Book of Matthew, you see that Jesus received this great power from God and He was going to be tried by the devil to see if He was going to use that power wisely. (Mat.4:2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. (3) And the tempter came and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. What kind of temptation is this? First of all, with “If thou art the Son of God,” the devil was tempting Jesus to believe that He was not Who He was supposed to be, and that is the Son of God. He was tempting Jesus to use His power to feed His flesh. Look at it in the Spirit, not just in the letter.   In what way can you use your power to feed your flesh? Well, for example, you could be in the prosperity doctrine. You can use your power and authority to live high above the average means of the people around you, to consume upon your flesh the things that would be detrimental to your spiritual health. (1Ti.6:9) But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. Many people fall away, according to Paul in 1st Timothy, because of their lusting after the things of the world. They use God's power and even their bodily efforts, which is again using God's power because ye were bought with a price (1Co.6:20), to live after the lusts of their flesh.  Now let's look at the next temptation. (Mat.4:5) Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set him on the pinnacle of the temple, (6) and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone. (7) Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God. What is the devil tempting Him with here? He's tempting Jesus with proving to others Who He is. Why do we have to prove to others who we are? Isn't that really something that should just be left up to God? There are people who abuse the power and authority that the Lord has given them to make themselves great in the sight of other people. That is a temptation, especially if you have power.   I see it today in people exercising power in such a way as to put on a show. You've seen it; you've seen the wave of the hand and half the audience falls down. What's the purpose of that? Who is getting the glory for that? When did Jesus ever do such a thing? Even when He healed someone and they were entering the town, He said, Go to thy house unto thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee (Mar.5:19), not “Remember me when you tell the story.” How many times did He disappear like the Lone Ranger after He did a good deed? That was because He was not looking for the credit for it. You do not have to prove who you are to anybody. As a matter of fact, it's better if you are pretty quiet about it. If you did not deny yourself or fast spiritually, if you did not deny the flesh its right to prove who it was, then to glory in the things done would just cause your flesh to grow.  Here is another temptation. (Mat.4:8) Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) and he said unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (11) Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him. What kind of a temptation is that? Well, the glory of the authority over the world. When we receive power from God, there is a temptation to use it to gain the glory of this authority. In these days, there are many people who run around calling themselves apostles or prophets or giving themselves great titles, none of which the early disciples did or used. But they do that in order to profit “self” and glory in the authority that they have. They count the numbers of people in their churches so they can glory about how big their church is. They talk about how many churches are under their authority or how many men are under their authority. They use power and authority to glory and to build “self”. Jesus was being tempted to see if He would abuse authority and power. Of course, God knew the outcome, but you still have to go through the temptation. It has to be proven. That was the whole gist of this temptation, from beginning to end.  I believe that the Man-child ministry will go through the exact same testing, and those people who are making somebody of themselves, taking advantage of other people because of their authority, plundering the flock because of their position, will not be qualified to be in the Man-child ministry. When you look at Jesus, when you look at His disciples, you see humble people. You see people who did not plunder the flock for the sake of themselves, to live high on the hog. You don't see fancy-dressed people who take positions of authority or who glorify self. Jesus and His disciples denied “self” in order to meet the needs of others; love caused them to pass up many of the things in the world that people take for granted. They didn't have time for the world or vanity because their ambition and their hobby was God's people, meeting their needs and serving them.   The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve. If Jesus did that, how much more should we? Glory to God! We are going to be tried. Everybody who is called to this latter rain ministry of restoring the Church will be tried and it's a fairly small number who will remain in the Man-child. We will be tested and tried to see if we will abuse that power. If we do, we will not be qualified. But Jesus overcame and, therefore, God sent Him to the Church. You say, “Well, why wouldn't He be qualified? He was the Son of God.” But when He came, He had to be made in all things like unto His brethren, and He came as a Spirit-filled Man in order to do the works of the Spirit and to be used of God. He could have come in all the omnipotence of God, but He didn't. Jesus became tired; He got weak; He had to eat. He came as a Spirit-filled Man and laid aside His omnipotence and, in some cases, omniscience, because He said that God knew things that He did not know and could not reveal in order to come and be as a man.  We know that He was God in flesh, but did you know that your spiritual man, “Christ in you,” is also God in flesh? Christ is God wherever He is, and He is God in you, in your heart. Before we can be trusted to be used of the Lord, we are going to be tried to see if we're going to be abusive of His power or authority. It doesn't matter if you are in the Man-child ministry or not. You are going to be tried, and if you fail, that does not mean you will not keep on being a minister or a preacher or having your title or your church; you just will not be doing it in God. There were lots of ministers around when Jesus came, but they were a bunch of apostates. In fact, He said, All that came before me are thieves and robbers (Joh.10:8). They had stolen the position that they had over the flock, and they were plundering the flock.   But Jesus had the kind of authority from God that they did not have. They had natural authority that was given to them, given to their title, given to their position. But Jesus' authority came only from God, and it came in the form of meeting the needs of God's people, of serving God's people and feeding them spiritually, of delivering them from demons and healing their bodies. I do not care what kind of ministry you have. You are going to be tried to see if the position of authority over God's people you have is abused or if the power that God gives you to use your supernatural gifts is abused. If it's abused for the purpose of aggrandizing yourself, then you are not qualified to do this for God. You might continue on in religion, and they may still give you a position and a salary, but you are not doing it in God.  We see that Jesus has overcome and it was obvious that anybody who took this position in the world to glory was worshipping Satan, not God. (Mat.4:10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God … The word “worship” is proskuneo and it means “to kiss toward.” It is an act of love toward God. If you love God, you're not going to aggrandize “self” and you're going to keep His commandments. You're going to be humble. You're going to know that you can do nothing without Him and that it is all by grace, and you're going to know that you don't deserve this position any more than anybody else does. It was given to you by grace. You cannot take it for granted.  (Mat.4:11) Then the devil leaveth him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (12) Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee. Here is Jesus coming right out of His temptation and going to Galilee. Luke tells you some things that are not told to us in Matthew, so I would like to look at that. (Luk.4:14) And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about. Fame is something you need to be careful of. A lot of people fail when it comes to fame and they will lose their humility and begin to abuse their position and power. (Luk.4:15) And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. This did not last long, but as soon as He was anointed and was tried and had overcome, God sent Him to the people of God. Where were they? They were in the synagogues, which were very apostate, as Jesus made clear to them. I am sure He was extremely graceful for a short while, but there were teachings He had to get out to them because He had an extremely short ministry. So He had to get around to some of these hard things. Well, in the beginning He was “glorified of all” and I can tell you He had to have been very weak to the weak (1 Corinthians 9:22) in order to get away with some of those teachings, being Who He was and having the power that He had, with the authority that He had. For Him to be accepted among these apostate synagogues, He had to be weak to the weak. I tell you, the first sermon when He was not as graceful, they wanted to kill Him.  (Luk.4:16) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. (17) And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written, (18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, (19) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (20) And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down: and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. They were saying, “What's your point here, Jesus? What are you getting at?” (21) And he began to say unto them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears. Uh-oh. They believed that this text was written about the Messiah, and now Jesus is taking credit for being the Messiah, in a subtle way.  I think they're finally getting the point here; they're looking at Him and wondering. (Luk.4:22) And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph's son? “Wait a minute now; we know this guy. We watched him grow up. He's nothing special. He's human like we are.” They were probably thinking all these things. (Luk.4:23) And he said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in thine own country. (24) And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country. (25) But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; (26) and unto none of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. (He had to even go to a Gentile, didn't he?) (27) And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. Wow! They're really getting mad now, aren't they? (28) And they were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things; (29) and they rose up, and cast him forth out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. (30) But he passing through the midst of them went his way. There is no doubt this was supernatural. When you're on the edge of a hill and there's a crowd behind you that wants to kill you, how are you going to pass through the midst of them, unless it's supernatural? That's what I think happened here.  At any rate, the honeymoon was over, as they say. Jesus was basically telling them who He was and what He was sent to do. And they thought instead that He was glorifying Himself, but in this case, He was telling the absolute truth because He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). He was pointing out to them, “There are a lot of Gentiles out there more righteous than you are.” Of course, that's still true today, and the opposite is still true for the Church. There are a lot of Jews out there more righteous than some Gentile Church folks. That's why God is going to turn back to the Jews once again at the end of the gathering of all the last Gentiles. But the honeymoon was over, and now they wanted to kill Jesus because He told them the truth, and the ministry that's coming is going to be the same way. There is going to come a time when the Man-child ministry will be weak to the weak and they will go into the apostate churches because now it's the Christians who are the lost sheep of the house of Israel, circumcised in heart and not in flesh (Romans 2:28-29). He called those believers the Israel of God (Gal.6:16) because they were sons of Abraham through faith.  So this time, the Man-child is going to go to the apostate church that is not willing to know the truth, not willing to know that Jesus is once again in their midst. You know, when Jesus sent out His disciples, He said, He that receiveth you receiveth me (Mat.10:40). Those disciples had Jesus in them because He had spoken His Word into their hearts and recreated His life in them. They were called “Christians.” They were anointed to go and serve, to teach, and to heal the sick and cast out demons. Jesus was in them. It will be the same with the last days' disciples of the Lord, who are going to go forth with the authority and the power of Jesus to do these things. But their teaching and even their very lives are going to be rebuked by the apostate church, especially by the apostate leaders. They're going to want to kill them, but they're not going to be able to do that with the Man-child ministry. It's not going to be possible. They will pass right through their midst and the apostates will not be able to kill them because their time is not yet (John 7:6). We will come a little later to the crucifixion and how that applies to the Man-child ministry, but for now, it suffices to know that these people are going to be hated by the Church, just exactly the way Jesus was hated by the Jews.  There was a first-fruits company that came out from among them and followed Jesus. John the Baptist pointed them out and said, He that hath the bride is the bridegroom (Joh.3:29). They followed Jesus, but they were in the minority. The rest of the Jews really loved their religion and respected their religious leaders, for whom Jesus had absolutely no respect because they were in total apostasy. And in these days, it's again going to be just as we've studied. Before the David ministry can come, the Saul ministry has to lose its life on Mount Gilboa to the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1-6), meaning the old man has to put them to death. They were twice dead, plucked up by the roots (Jud.12). There will once again be a great falling away in our day of the Saul ministry, to make room for the Davidic Man-child ministry.   They are falling away as they are plundering the sheep and stumbling in everything we saw that the devil tempted Jesus in. They're falling right into temptation and they're loving and serving the devil; they're worshipping the devil and they don't even know it. They're living high on the hog, taking advantage of their position, glorying in the authority that has been given to them by the world. Remember, the devil said, “I'll give you all this if you just worship me.” He had this dominion, and it was under his authority to give it. It is under his authority, actually, to “prosper” people if they will serve the devil to obtain it. If you are prospering in the world while your brother is not and you are not paying any attention to him, misusing your position to aggrandize yourself, then you are worshipping the devil. It does not matter if you call him Jesus; you are still worshipping the devil.  So the Man-child ministry is coming to leadership. Remember what Jesus said as the Man-child of His day: (Joh.10:8) All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. Wow! There was a group who recognized Jesus when He came. They recognized integrity, sacrifice, and humility. The rest of them were all fawning over the apostate leadership, totally submitting to them and respecting them because they had no eyes to see nor ears to hear. This is where we are heading again. History is going to repeat on a larger scale this time. We know that the Man-child ministry is what it is because Jesus lives in their hearts. He is the One Who is doing the works! Even Jesus gave credit to the Father for doing the works in Him, and these people will give credit to the Lord for doing the works through them. Everything they have is by grace. The apostle Paul said, But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1Co.15:10). Amen. 

In this episode, Christine Caine explores the fascinating truth that even Jesus had to grow in wisdom. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, Christine unpacks how Jesus, though fully God and fully man, embraced a process of growth and development. If Jesus needed to grow in wisdom, how much more do we? Christine challenges us to adopt a growth mindset, continually seeking God's wisdom through His Word and in daily life. If you've ever felt stuck or thought you've "arrived" spiritually, this episode will inspire you to keep growing, keep learning, and keep pursuing God's wisdom. Get your free Episode Reflection Guide at ChristineCaine.com/Podcast. + + + + + Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you. Learn more about The Chosen HERE.

Let's talk about royalty—but not the kind you read about in tabloids. I'm talking about the kind that reigns in righteousness and power for eternity. God never wanted His people to be ruled by flawed human kings. But they begged: “Give us a king like the other nations!” And God said, “You're rejecting me as your King...but fine—don't say I didn't warn you.”Enter Saul—tall, impressive, charismatic… and tragically flawed. Disobedient. Prideful. A poster child for royalty without righteousness. He started strong, but ended his life on his own sword. Why? Because disobedience always destroys destiny. That's a word for some of you men—you can't lead well if you don't submit well.Then came David, the man after God's own heart. He was better. But he still fell. Adultery. Murder. A broken home. His life is a reminder that God uses flawed people—not because they're perfect, but because they trust Him. If you've messed up, there's still redemption in Jesus.

If Jesus was God, why did He call God 'My God?' How can Jesus be God, and separate from God, at the same time?

In a follow-up to our first message on a invitation to rest found in Matthew 11:28-30, Pastor Nate Galloway breaks down what it looks like, practically, to take steps toward rest. "Until Jesus is enough, we will never find rest." This powerful statement begs the question: "If Jesus was all you had, would He be enough for you?"

We kick off a new series about why Jesus had to die. This week's discussion questions are below: April 6 Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think the question “If God can do anything, why did Jesus have to die?” is such a powerful or challenging one? 2. Dallas Willard suggests that God's goal is to create a community of free, loving beings. How does that help explain why God allows our current world with its suffering and sin? 3. How does redefining omnipotence as “limitless power to live out God's unchanging character and promises” help us understand why God couldn't simply “snap his fingers” and remove sin? 4. Can you think of something that sounds logical in theory (like the “rock God can't lift” question), but breaks down when applied to a personal God? Why do abstract puzzles fall short in describing God? 5. Why does sin require death as a consequence? How does the “electricity” analogy help explain what sin does to our relationship with God? 6. What role did animal sacrifice play in the Old Testament? How was it a foreshadowing of Jesus' death? 7. How is Jesus described as the ultimate “Paschal lamb”? Why is the timing of his death (at Passover) important? 8. How would you define sin in your own words after hearing this sermon? Has your definition shifted? 9. Why do you think some people ask, “If Jesus forgave me, why can't I just sin as much as I want?” How would you respond to that? 10. In what ways does sin still carry consequences, even if it's forgiven? 11. The sermon describes God's commands not as arbitrary rules but as paths to joy. Do you find that view helpful? Why or why not? 12. What might it look like for you to grow into being a “person of peace and an agent of love like Jesus”?

The second verse in the 23rd Psalm is a peculiar one for those of us not accustomed to the undeveloped lands of the Bible. When you read of green pastures and quiet waters you most likely think of Goshen County, WY which produces more beef cattle than any other Wyoming county in our state. When I read Psalm 23, I think of the New Jersey Highlands consisting of lots of green and lots of water. But the green pastures that David had in mind was a dry and rocky set of rolling hills with tough grass sparsely scattered throughout. The grass was so sparsely scattered, that if one of the sheep wandered off, he would most likely starve to death if any of the predators in the region didnt find him first, and depending on the season, water was even more difficult to find. Because sheep are the most helpless of animals; they are not just dependent on the shepherd but are in absolute need of a shepherd for survival. Sometime ago there was a story out of Istanbul that reported the death of four sheep. Their shepherds reportedly neglected their flock by leaving the sheep to roam free so that they could eat breakfast. The sheep followed their leader right off a cliff; one by one, four hundred of them fell nearly 50 feet to their deaths. The loss of sheep was estimated to be $74,000. In the ancient world, shepherding was the least respected of occupations and required the full attention of the shepherd all the time. If a family had sheep, the youngest son was expected to serve as a shepherd. Because David was the youngest of eight sons, his job was to shepherd the sheep for his father Jesse. When David wrote this psalm, he wrote from his own experience, and like all other shepherds, David lived with the sheep. To appreciate this Psalm, we need to understand why it is structured the way that it is. There are five images that include the critical role of the shepherd as he leads, guides, and provides for his sheep; each Sunday, we will consider one of the five images we are given. So that you know where we are going, I will list them for you here: Image #1: The Abundant Life (vv. 2-3a) Image #2: The Secure Life (v. 3b) Image #3: The Hard Life (v. 4) Image #4: The Victorious Life (v. 5) Image #5: The Everlasting Life (v. 6) Today we will consider the first image, which is where the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm is ultimately leading His sheep, and that is the abundant life. What is the Way to the Abundant Life? For a sheep to lie down four things need to happen: They need to be free of fear, friction, flies, and hunger. Phillip Keller spent eight years as a shepherd before he became a pastor, in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, he wrote of what it takes to get sheep to lie down: It is almost impossible for sheep to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.[1] It is only the shepherd who can provide the kind of trust, peace, deliverance, and pasture that the sheep need. Yet, of the five images in this Psalm, David begins with the one about rest. The first thing that we receive from Yahweh as our Shepherd, is rest. How does He provide us with rest? According to the NASB2020, He lets me lie down in green pastures... He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul... The Hebrew word for lets is the Hebrew word rbṣ and most translations translate this word as make. If you are using the NIV, the ESV, or an older version of the NASB, Psalm 23:2 reads something like this: He makes me lie down in green pastures... So which is it? Does Jesus, as our good Shepherd make us lie down or does He, let us lie down in green pastures? The Hebrew word for lets is both causative and imperfect so literally it can be translated, He causes me to lie down in green pastures... So, why does all matter? Our Shepherd removes from His sheep every agitation and threat that would keep us from the kind of rest we were made for and the rest that we need. However, the presence of Jesus in our lives not only causes us to lie down, but He also takes us to quiet waters; in Hebrew, quiet waters is literally waters of rest. Where the quiet waters are, so there is life for all that surrounds those waters, and where there are green pastures and still waters in the dry and rocky climate of a cursed world, there is renewal. What kind of renewal you ask? The kind that restores the soul of the sheep. The Hebrew word used for restores means to turn back or return. The place that the Psalmist is describing is the place where those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6) will be filled and refreshed by resting in the Shepherd of the 23rdPsalm. It is Jesus who said, Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). It is the Lord of the 23rd Psalm who said: I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty (John 6:35). The Good Shepherd said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). According to Psalm 23, the Christian life begins with rest, and the kind of rest we receive is the abundant life that can only come through Jesus. But what is the abundant life? Is it prosperity in the worlds eyes? Is it the pain free life? What is the abundant life that Jesus came so that we, as His sheep, would have? What Kind of Abundant Life Does the Shepherd Provide? The abundant life is a life rooted in Jesus. The abundant life comes out of the abiding life. So, what is the abiding life you ask? Jesus told us what the abiding life is in John 6:54-56, The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him (John 6:5456). The Greek word for remain is menō. If you are using the ESV or an older version of the NASB, you will see the word abide instead of remain. To remain or abide is to rest in Jesus and to rest in Him is to take up residence in the life of Christ. How does one do that? You do it by taking into your mind, heart, and soul all that Jesus is and all that he taught and commanded us to do. The same Greek word is used in John 15:5, I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. So what does it mean to have the abundant life? Does the abundant life mean that you have a pain free life? If the abundant life means that the Shepherds will for you is to be comfortable with little to no suffering in this life, then what do you do with our Shepherds words to his sheep: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b)? The New Living Translation is closer to Jesus point: Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. If the green pastures and quite waters do not include the kind of agitation and trouble that suffering brings, then what do you do with Jesus warning to his disciples: You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, other relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all people because of My name. And yet not a hair of your head will perish (Luke 21:1618). If the green pastures and quiet waters that the Jesus leads his people to does not include suffering and even death, then what do you say to the fathers, the mothers, the children, and the friends of the 70 Christians who were taken from their village at 4am on the morning on February 13th of this year by a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State? They were taken by force to a Protestant church where they were slaughtered with machetes and hammers; those 70 Christians were our brothers and sisters in the faith. They heard the call of Jesus and followed Him (see John 10:14-16), yet when their bodies were discovered, each of them was also beheaded. Where are the green pastures and quiet waters of those 70 beheaded Christians from the Congo if the 23rd Psalm is also for them? Those 70 beheaded brothers and sisters are now included among the martyred saints described in Revelation 6:9-11, When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth? And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also. (Rev. 6:911) Those 70 Christians among the masses in heaven who are asking the question: How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth? Notice the answer they received: rest for a little while longer, until the number of your fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who are to be killed even as you have been killed, is complete (v. 11). There will be more who will be massacred, butchered, and slaughtered in the name of the Good Shepherd, but that is not the end of their story! In March another 47 Christians from the Congo were martyred for following Jesus, and to date 287 Christians have been killed for their faith since Christmas of 2024. So, where was their green pasture? Where were the quiet waters for those followers of the Good Shepherd? We are given an answer in Revelation 7:9-17. We are told that right now all 287 of those who died for their faith in the Congo sing, and they are joined with other brothers and sisters who followed the Good Shepherd to their deaths, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages. Today, they shout triumphantly: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Rev. 7:9ff.). But that is not all that we are told, for what they have is infinitely more precious than the comfort and safety we all hope to have in this life. I want to show you something from Revelation 7:13-17 that will help make sense of what is promised to us in the 23rd Psalm: Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from? 14I said to him, My lord, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Do you see the answer for where the green pastures and quiet waters are for those who suffer, especially for those who suffer for their faith in the Good Shepherd? God currently shelters the scores of martyred Christians with His presence according to Revelation 7:15, but do you see what verses 16-17 say and how familiar it sounds to Psalm 23? Lets look at these verses again: They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. The reason why these Christians, and every other Christian in heaven no longer hungers or thirsts is because they are in the presence of the Lamb who is their shepherd. The sun no longer beats down on them with its scorching heat because they have been delivered from the wilderness of a cursed world! The Lamb is the spring of water of life, and it is because of the triumph of the Lamb that every tear will be wiped from their eyes. Conclusion Listen, the 70 who were beheaded, those who suffer in this life, and every other Christian who belongs to the Good Shepherd had the green pastures and quiet waters during their life on earth because they had Jesus, and they found that their hunger and thirst for righteousness was satisfied in Him. Although the 70 Christians from the Congo lost their lives, they did not lose what belonged to them, for they have what is promised to every Christian in the 23rd Psalm because they have the Lamb who is their Shepherd. Psalm 23 is not some cute passage for coffee mugs, t-shirts, and memorial cards! It is so much more. If Jesus is your shepherd, you have all that you need in Him. If you have Jesus, then you have the green pastures and quiet waters promised to all whose Lord is their shepherd. My question for you dear friend, is this: Who is the Lamb of God to you? If Jesus is your shepherd, then in what ways are you abiding in Him? How can you expect to experience the kinds of green pastures and quiet waters promised in Psalm 23 if you are not going to Jesus to satisfy the kind of hunger and thirst that only He can satisfy? [1] James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 141: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005), 209.

If Jesus was so loving, kind, and good, why was He crucified? What does His rejection say about human nature—and about us today?

Pastor Rick explains why the word of victory from Jesus is the single most important phrase in your life. If Jesus hadn't said it, there would be no hope of eternal life with God. As Jesus died on the cross, he said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30 NLT). This is Christianity in a nutshell.

If Jesus forgave us of our sins and reconciled the world to himself, then why are we holding others outside of grace by holding onto grudges and unforgiveness?

When Jesus was on the cross, he spoke seven words that define love in action. They hold the keys for finding fulfillment in your life, career, and relationships. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches this seven-part series, The Seven Greatest Words of Love. Before Jesus died on the cross, he shouted, It is finished! (John 19:30 NLT). The Roman soldiers and religious leaders thought that meant the Son of God really was finished. In this message series, Pastor Rick teaches about the work Jesus completed on that day and how God is at work in your life today. Pastor Rick explains why the word of victory from Jesus is the single most important phrase in your life. If Jesus hadn't said it, there would be no hope of eternal life with God. As Jesus died on the cross, he said, It is finished! (John 19:30 NLT). This is Christianity in a nutshell. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

Filled and led- Jesus lived most of His life on earth in obscurity. Is there anything from those "forgotten years" we can learn? If Jesus was God what was the point of His baptism? There is no temptation we will face that the Spirit cannot help us overcome.

If Jesus were not God, He would not be able to tell His disciples, If you have seen me you have seen the Father.

How do we reconcile the seemingly harsh God in the Old Testament with the love and grace of Jesus in the New Testament? What about our response to those who seem to promote violence, slavery, war, human sacrifices or misogynistic values throughout the Old Testament? We've heard Christians even ask the question, “If Jesus truly fulfilled the law, why do we still need to study and preach from the Old Testament at all?” Join host Andrew Marcus this week as he sits down with one of the world's most renowned theologians, Dr. Wayne Grudem, to walk through some of these questions about the Old Testament. 

“Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:15–16 NLT) First Kings 18 tells the story of the prophet Elijah’s challenge to the false prophets of Baal. Elijah would build one altar and place a sacrifice on it. The prophets of Baal would build another altar and place a sacrifice on it. The deity who sent fire to consume his sacrifice would be declared the God of Israel. The prophets of Baal went first—and failed. They couldn’t get their god to send fire, primarily due to the fact that their god didn’t exist. But here’s an interesting detail that reveals something important about the real God. When Elijah’s turn came, he instructed his servants to pour twelve large jars of water over his sacrifice and altar. Every jug of water they poured made it less and less likely that anything but a miracle—the work of God Himself—would fulfill the requirements of the contest. God wanted everyone to know that when fire consumed everything on and around Elijah’s altar, it was because of Him. The same principle can be seen in the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus. Each one is like one of Elijah’s jars of water. It makes it less and less likely that anything but a miracle could fulfill them all. God wanted everyone to know that when the Messiah came and fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, it was because of Him. And that puts the ball in our court. When we study Scripture and see Jesus’ miraculous fulfillment of prophecies made hundreds of years before His birth, we’re faced with a decision. Jesus proved Himself to be the Messiah, the Savior. We can’t treat that like a historical curiosity. We have to make it personal. We have to let it impact our lives. We have to answer deep within our soul the question Jesus asked Peter in Matthew 16: “Who do you say I am?” (NLT). Jesus wants us to trust in Him for salvation. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). Jesus wants us to be like Him. The apostle Paul wrote, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29 NLT). Jesus wants us to put Him first in our lives. He said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33 NLT). Jesus wants us to tell others about Him. Psalm 96:2–3 says, “Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does” (NLT). If Jesus is who the Bible claims He is, there’s no risk in any of those pursuits. And Jesus certainly proved that He is who the Bible claims He is. Maybe you’re afraid to stand up for Jesus Christ. You’re afraid that it could hurt your career or a relationship or something else. But there comes a moment when you have to stand for what you know is true. You may be criticized and might even lose something important to you. But whatever you lose, God will make it up to you. He will bless you for standing for what is right. Reflection question: Who do you say Jesus is, and how does that impact your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trapped – Week #2 – March 30, 2025 Patient Not Tolerant Judges 6:15-24 God is patient, He is not tolerant If Jesus is doing a work in our life, eventually it will be undeniable “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and […]

All Family Pharmacy https://allfamilypharmacy.com/HermanBe prepared for when you need medicine the most. Don't go to urgent care YUCK. Use code HERMAN10 to save 10% on your order. Alan's Soaps https://www.alansartisansoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/toddEnter promo code TODD to get 10% off any order.Bonefrog https://bonefrogcoffee.com/toddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.Bulwark Capital Bulwark Capital Management (bulwarkcapitalmgmt.com)Get a second opinion on the health of your retirement portfolio today. Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review go to KnowYourRiskRadio.com today.Renue Healthcare https://renue.healthcare/toddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddThe DOGE Team Speaks. No Burning Down Teslas is NOT Like Jesus Turning Over Tables; If Jesus was fake, why do you need to lie about Him?Episode Links:The public can go to the Doge Website to see for themselves what is being found.  There is maximum transparency.@DOGE: We're changing the culture — the federal government can't pass an audit! If this was a private business, we'd all be fired.Well, Elon just went there. "The D.C. Circuit is notorious for having a very far left bias." "When you look at the people closest to some of these judges, where are they working? Are they working at these ngos? They're the ones getting this money." "Does that seem like a system that lacks corruption? Sounds like corruption to me.Elon Musk becomes deeply moved, and deadly serious, when Bret Baier asks him why he called Sen. Mark Kelly a "Traitor" for pushing to send more US aid and weapons to Ukrain CNN: "The bottom line is, the percentage of Americans who say we're on the right track is through the roof.My interviews with attendees at the Bernie Sanders / AOC rally in Denver, Colorado. Jasmine Crocket says that Republicans need to be "punched" and that Ted Cruz "has to be knocked over the head, like, hard."The owner of the Tesla that was vandalized in Wichita, Kansas is a wheelchair-bound disabled woman who is now stuck with thousands of dollars worth of damage to repair. Democrats did this to a disabled woman. Democrat leadership incited this.Why is Jasmine Crockett talking like a hood rat? She wasn't raised this way...total phoney. AOC Is A Political Actor. Did You Know Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Was Elected Thanks To A Casting Call Put Out By Democrats?This is what passes for a review of Christianity on TikTokWhat Does God's Word Say?Matthew 21:12-13Jesus at the Temple12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,'but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'”

In today's episode, we're wrapping up our conversations through the book A Sharp Compassion. If Jesus was willing to risk offending people, should we seek to offend people like Jesus did? How should we think about hard words and hard conversations? And does Jesus offer us wisdom for knowing when to risk offense? We'll explore how Christians and ministers should think about their own words of offense. 

Thursday, March 27, 2025Episode 23: Do You Want to Be Well?Introduction:I invite you to reflect on the question Jesus posed to the man at the pool of Bethesda: "Do you want to be well?". Join me as I guide you through a moment of spiritual reflection and growth.Scripture Reading:John 5: 6, 8Meditation:Find a quiet space free from distractions and focus on your breathing, inviting the presence of God, centering your hearts to hear God's word.Reflection Prompts:1. In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually unwell or in need of healing?2. How long have you been striving to address these areas on your own, without fully surrendering them to Jesus?3. If Jesus were to command you to rise, take up your mat, and walk, what changes would you need to make in your life? Are you ready to embrace these changes?I invite you to join me daily in this sacred journey of Lent. I encourage you to embrace the transformative power of God's grace in your life.The best way you can support this podcast is by taking a few moments to RATE & REVIEW on your podcast app. This will ensure this podcast is visible to more listeners.Also, if you desire additional faithful inspiration beyond this podcast, follow me on Instagram @_bythewell. There, we can continue our journey together, sharing reflections, thoughts, and moments of spiritual connection.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_bythewell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Note: Each episode of "Seasons By the Well: Lenten Reflections and Meditations" will follow a similar format, providing daily reflections, guided meditations, and opportunities for personal growth throughout the Lenten season.

Bible Reading: John 15:9-17; 1 John 1:1-3"It seems like so many of the guys just want to play basketball all the time," complained Mason one afternoon. "Clayton and I always did stuff together, but now he spends more time with other kids than with me!" As Mom started to speak, Mason reached into his backpack and changed the subject. "I got an A on my math test!" he announced with a grin. "Since I did so well, can I have an extra half-hour of TV tonight? There's a quiz show that's fun to watch.""All right," said Mom. "But first do your homework--and your Bible reading too. We all agreed to read and think about a few verses each day, remember?""Okay, Mom," said Mason as he hurried off.Soon Mason returned to the family room and turned on the TV. "Is all your work done already?" asked Mom. "Bible reading too?"Mason frowned. "Well, um…I'll read it later," he said.Mom turned the TV off. "That wasn't the agreement." "But, Mom, reading the Bible is…" Mason hesitated. "It's kinda boring."Mom sat on the couch beside Mason. "Are you happy when Clayton goes off to play with other guys instead of spending time with you?" she asked."No," said Mason. "Of course not.""Friends want to spend time together, doing things or just talking. We call that having fellowship with one another," Mom explained. "We should also have fellowship with Jesus. We should spend time with Him--talking with Him and listening to what He says to us.""I guess so," Mason replied. "But won't Jesus know I'm sort of bored?"Mom smiled. "If Jesus were standing here and wanted to tell you something, would you want to hear it?" Mason nodded. "Well, He has something to say to you, and He speaks through His Word," said Mom. "The Bible is His story, and reading it is one of the best ways to spend time with Jesus and learn more about Him. Try reading it with that in mind. You might discover it's not so boring after all." She glanced at the clock. "Let's look at our Bible verses together. Then I'll fix some popcorn for us to munch on while we watch the quiz show." –Jennifer Dorsey How About You?Do you have time to watch TV, play video games, hang out with friends, and go online? What about Jesus--do you have time for Him? He says those who trust in Him are His friends--and friends spend time together. Tell Him about what's going on in your life, and listen to Him by reading His Word and thinking about what it says. Spend time with Him every day and enjoy fellowship with Him. Today's Key Verse:We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (NIV) (1 John 1:3 )Today's Key Thought:Treat Jesus as a friend

Mary, blessed among women- Unlike Zacharias, Mary had faith that something miraculous was going to take place according to Gabriel. The Bible clearly teaches the virgin birth. If Jesus wasn't born of a virgin, that has serious theological implications.

Tuesday, 25 March 2025   And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Matthew 8:29   “And, you behold! They croaked, saying, ‘What – us and You – Jesus, Son of God. You came here to us before torment time?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus had arrived on the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee. Upon arrival, it mentioned that He had met two men possessed by demons who were very fierce. This was so much the case that nobody could pass by their way. However, Jesus is now near them, and the demons recognize Him. This begins to be seen in Matthew's next words, which say, “And, you behold! They croaked.”   This is a new word, krazó. It is an onomatopoetic term for the raven's cry. There are various sounds a raven is noted for, such as a kraaa, a croak, short repeated shrills, knocking sounds, squeaking, and swooshing of their wings. The easiest way to describe them is a croak. As for what they croaked out, they were “saying, ‘What – us and You – Jesus, Son of God.'”   It is a Hebrew form of speaking that is found in the Old Testament, such as in David's words to some of his men –   “And says, the king, ‘What to me and to you, sons Zeruiah? If he will make light, and for Yehovah said to him, “Make light of David,” and who says, “Why done thus?”'” 1 Samuel 16:10 (CG).   The demons, therefore, are croaking out a desire to know why Jesus has come and what business He has with them. They seem surprised, but they also note that Jesus is the Son of God, thus acknowledging His deity and that He has every right to be wherever He wants at whatever time He desires.   So far in Matthew, Jesus has only been directly called the Son of God by the Traducer in Matthew 4:3 and 4:6. This is now the first time He is called this in front of others. However, chronologically, He was called this earlier, as recorded in John 1 by John the Baptist (John 1:34) and Nathanael (John 1:49).   In this same account, as recorded by Luke, Legion calls Him “Son of the Most High God” (Luke 8:28). As is clear, they understood Him to be God incarnate, not just a man who is called a son of God as occurs elsewhere in both testaments. This is all the more certain based on their next words which call out, “You came here to us before torment time?”   They use a new word, kairos, which signifies a particular time. Another common word for time in Greek is chronos, which is time that continues to move forward (think of a chronometer), whereas kairos speaks of a particular time such as a season, a set time, an opportune moment, etc.   The demons acknowledge that there is a torment time coming when the demons will be punished, and more, they understand that Jesus is the One who will mete out the punishment. This is not something a regular man will be in charge of. The words leave no doubt about their knowledge that Jesus is the incarnate Lord God.   Life application: Hebrews 2 says that God has not put the world to come in subjection to angels. Instead, He has given that authority to the Son. If Jesus were an angel (meaning a created being) then it would not be referring to Him. The same logic applies to evaluating this verse in Matthew.   God has given authority to the Son to punish both the fallen angels and the humans who fail to come to God through Him. This is seen in Matthew 25:41 –   “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'”   The demons (fallen angels) in Matthew 8 have a place prepared for them, along with the devil. As the judgment of all beings is not granted to angels (meaning created beings), then it logically follows that Jesus is not an angel. However, this is the doctrine of the Jehovah's Witnesses. They claim that Jesus is the archangel Michael.   It is true that the same word in both Hebrew and Greek, which is translated as “angel,” can simply mean a messenger, and this is what both John the Baptist and Jesus are called in Malachi 3:1. But context determines the meaning and the context is that the Messenger of Malachi 3:1 is the Lord, Yehovah.   Care needs to be taken when evaluating Scripture. Be certain to take all things you are taught with a grain of salt until you have verified them yourself. The deity of Jesus Christ is key to a right relationship with God. Any gospel message that is presented, and which denies this fundamental precept, it is a false gospel. Jesus is the Lord God.   Glorious God, thank You for sending Jesus to redeem us from sin. We know that You united with humanity in the Person of Jesus, and we hail You for what You have done. May we never deny the truth that Jesus is our Lord God! Amen.  

If Jesus was born of a virgin and had no human father, yet was fully human and male, where did His Y chromosome come from? Discover how this scientific question illuminates the miracle of the Incarnation.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast0:18 Today's question: Where did Jesus get His Y chromosome?0:46 Three realities to understand this question0:52 Reality #1: What is a Y chromosome?1:26 The biological necessity of Y chromosomes in males1:55 Reality #2: Jesus was fully human and male2:34 Reality #3: Jesus was born of a virgin2:39 Matthew 1:18 - The virgin conception2:58 Matthew 1:22-23 - Fulfillment of prophecy3:11 The biological dilemma explained3:50 Answer: The miracle of the virgin birth4:22 Comparison to Adam's creation4:51 Greater miracles of the Incarnation5:06 The ultimate purpose: salvation for sinnersKEY POINTS:- Y chromosomes are genetic material that determines maleness and are passed from father to son- As a biological male, Jesus must have had a Y chromosome- Scripture clearly teaches Jesus had no human father (Matthew 1:18-23)- The Y chromosome was miraculously provided by God as part of the virgin birth- This miracle parallels God's creation of Adam, who also had no biological parents- The greater miracle is not the biological aspect but that God took on human flesh- The ultimate purpose of the Incarnation was salvation for undeserving sinnersSubmit your questions for future episodes to markedbyGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Matthew 1:18 - "The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way: when his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit."Matthew 1:22-23 - "This took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.'"

Christianity rises and falls on the truth of the resurrection. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, Christianity is false. But how can a reasonable, sane, human being actually believe someone rose from the dead? Dead people don't come back to life, right? How are we to believe that Jesus really rose from the dead, unless He reveals Himself to us? That's what we'll explore as we look at the resurrection through the eyes of Thomas.

March 23, 2025 | Jesus is...God | Colossians 1:15-20In this episode, Pastor Todd Kaunitz kicks off a powerful new series called Jesus Is…, where we delve deep into understanding the true nature of Jesus. Drawing from Colossians 1:15-20, Pastor Todd explains how Jesus is not just a moral teacher or spiritual leader, but the very manifestation of God Himself.Through vivid illustrations and biblical insights, Pastor Todd unpacks the profound truth that Jesus is the Creator of all things — the visible image of the invisible God. He is the ultimate authority in the Church, and the Savior who reconciles all things to Himself through His death on the cross.This episode challenges you to reflect on the most important question you can answer: Who do you say Jesus is? With powerful insights into the deity of Christ, Pastor Todd urges us to fully surrender every part of our lives to Jesus.Key Takeaways:Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God.He is the Creator and sustainer of all things.Jesus is the authority of the Church and the Savior of the world.If Jesus is God, we must surrender everything to Him.Do you know JESUS?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT through giving: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠⁠

In today's teaching, Pastor JD says this could be the year we go home. If Jesus came back today, would you be ready? If you have not said 'yes' to Jesus, don't wait another day. Admit your need for a Savior, believe in Jesus, and confess your sins. If you've already said 'yes' to Jesus, share that Good News with others!

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 10 Jesus selects seventy disciples and sends them out to work miracles and proclaim the kingdom of God. He instructs them to bless those who listen and move on from those who do not. Judgment is reserved for those who refuse to repent. As joyous as their works are, the greater blessing is having their names recorded in heaven. A lawyer then tests Jesus by asking Him what he must do to be saved. Jesus answers by quoting Moses concerning loving God and loving your neighbor. To illustrate, Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan, who serves someone in need, even at a significant personal cost. The chapter concludes with Martha being busy and worried about so many things, while Mary chooses the better part: to sit and listen to Jesus.  Jesus often does His work through His people. We are His disciples, and sharing His love and power is our primary work. It can be discouraging when people do not listen. But that is not our focus. We, like the seventy, seek to teach all and pray the gospel falls on soft hearts. Success in ministry is exciting, but our work is never as great as our names being recorded in heaven! Our primary objective is to love God fully and to always love our neighbor. Like the good Samaritan, we show Christ in how we love those who may not love us. To help develop this service, we need as much time at Jesus' feet as we can get.  Benevolent Father, thank You for initiating a kingdom and a mission that invites us to participate. We praise You for sending Jesus to show us the way. And we praise You for calling us to be like Him. Give us opportunities to share the gospel. Keep us encouraged along the way. Help us deepen our love for you and others and demonstrate that in worshiping you and serving anyone in need. Father, like Martha, we can get distracted. While that may not be evil, it is dangerous. Show us how to fix our eyes on Jesus and listen to Him.  -       If Jesus called you with 69 others and sent you out to work on His behalf, would you go? How can you demonstrate that now? -       Why is it so easy to pass people by who are in need? Is there a risk of becoming like the priest and the Levite who walked right by? -       Martha was a faithful servant. But she lost sight of what mattered most. Do you ever get that way, and how do you regain your focus on Jesus?

Patrick tackles an array of engaging topics, from the theological significance of Jesus' unfiltered temple moment to whether Mary opens the gates of heaven. He discusses data privacy—highlighting how data brokers have a keen eye on individual habits—and even shares listener stories to bridge gaps in spiritual misconceptions. Plus, Patrick touches on the charismatic gifts beyond religious figures. Patrick responds to an email from Dennis who makes some false claims about what’s been said on the show (01:07) Rhonda - Was no one allowed to enter heaven until Jesus died on the Cross? (04:52) Kim - Because of the fall of Adam and Eve there had to be a blood sacrifice. Did Jesus do it because he had to, or out of love? (09:03) Jim - What are your thoughts on the Garabandal apparitions? (20:35) Steve - When we say the Rosary, what are the promises of Christ we are praying for? (25:32) Mike - Is my analogy of a smudge for Purgatory and using a spray bottle to wipe it off be a good analogy for Purgatory and Confession? (29:29) Christopher - I am reformed Baptist. You referred to people who don't venerate Our Lady as 'Flat Earthers. I want to defend our view. (34:24) Devin (12-years-old) - If Jesus wants us to love our enemies, why did he destroy merchandise of sellers outside of the Temple? (40:44) Sharlin – My Church had a healing service with a Catholic mystic performing a healing service. (43:33)

Joe explains one of the best evidences for Christianity being true by examining the parallels between Psalm 22 and The Passion. Transcript: Joe: Welcome back to Shamlesss Popery. I’m Joe Heschmeyer. I want to talk about one of the most powerful lines in the whole Bible and how it’s connected to what I think might be the most incredible prophetic and detailed Old Testament account of the crucifixion. It’s the line where Jesus cries out from the cross, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Now, those words by themselves are terrifying in their implications. If Jesus is the ...

Losing a loved one comes with grief, questions, longing… it can be overwhelming. But Jesus is with us through it all. Pastor Greg Laurie shares the powerful story of Jesus bringing comfort to Mary and Martha after the loss of Lazarus. Notes: Focus verse: John 11 Death interrupts our plans, our dreams, and our everyday lives.Death is harsh and final and real. ​“And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.”1Corinthians 15:26 (NLT) Mary and Martha were devastated by the unexpected death of their brother, Lazarus. ​Read John 11:1–3 ​#1 Life is filled with pain, sorrow, and the death of loved ones. The unexpected death of a friend or co-worker often reminds us of our own mortality. ​#2 God loves us even when we suffer. Mary and Martha provide us with an excellent example of what to do in a crisis. We should always bring our troubles to Jesus. #1 When the Israelites turned against Moses,“…he cried out to the Lord,…”Exodus 15:25 #2 When Hezekiah received a threatening letter,“…[he] went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.”Isaiah 37:14 #3 When John the Baptist was beheaded, his disciples,“…went and told Jesus.”Matthew 14:12 “God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble.”Psalm 46:1 Read John 11:4–7 When hardship, tragedy, and even death hit in our lives, we might ask the same thing,“If Jesus really loved me, why did He let this happen?” Jesus was looking at the big picture. ​Jesus waited. Read John 11:20–26 ​Death is not the end. It is a transition from this life to the afterlife.Death does not have the final word, Christ does. “Where were you, Lord?” Mary and Martha brought their doubts to Jesus. There is nothing wrong with asking God, “Why?” We live on promises not explanations. ​"And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"John 11:26 Read John 11:32–36 #3 Jesus weeps with us in our times of pain. Jesus was God and man. As a man He felt our pain and sorrows.Isaiah 53:3–4 ​Hebrews 2:17–18 ​Read John 11:33, 38 Jesus was angry with death itself. Jesus thanked his Father for hearing His prayer and then raised Lazarus from the dead.John 11:43–44 #4 God can be glorified through human suffering and bring good out of bad. Sometimes God will be glorified through the removal of the affliction.Other times He will be glorified through the enduring of the affliction. We develop hope through hardship.Romans 5:3–4 Our faith is real, and it will sustain us in our hour of need. The tomb is not the entrance to death, but to life. ​Jesus defeated death at the cross of Calvary.Death died when Christ rose.--- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Losing a loved one comes with grief, questions, longing… it can be overwhelming. But Jesus is with us through it all. Pastor Greg Laurie shares the powerful story of Jesus bringing comfort to Mary and Martha after the loss of Lazarus. Notes: Focus verse: John 11 Death interrupts our plans, our dreams, and our everyday lives.Death is harsh and final and real. ​“And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.”1Corinthians 15:26 (NLT) Mary and Martha were devastated by the unexpected death of their brother, Lazarus. ​Read John 11:1–3 ​#1 Life is filled with pain, sorrow, and the death of loved ones. The unexpected death of a friend or co-worker often reminds us of our own mortality. ​#2 God loves us even when we suffer. Mary and Martha provide us with an excellent example of what to do in a crisis. We should always bring our troubles to Jesus. #1 When the Israelites turned against Moses,“…he cried out to the Lord,…”Exodus 15:25 #2 When Hezekiah received a threatening letter,“…[he] went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.”Isaiah 37:14 #3 When John the Baptist was beheaded, his disciples,“…went and told Jesus.”Matthew 14:12 “God is our refuge and strength,A very present help in trouble.”Psalm 46:1 Read John 11:4–7 When hardship, tragedy, and even death hit in our lives, we might ask the same thing,“If Jesus really loved me, why did He let this happen?” Jesus was looking at the big picture. ​Jesus waited. Read John 11:20–26 ​Death is not the end. It is a transition from this life to the afterlife.Death does not have the final word, Christ does. “Where were you, Lord?” Mary and Martha brought their doubts to Jesus. There is nothing wrong with asking God, “Why?” We live on promises not explanations. ​"And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"John 11:26 Read John 11:32–36 #3 Jesus weeps with us in our times of pain. Jesus was God and man. As a man He felt our pain and sorrows.Isaiah 53:3–4 ​Hebrews 2:17–18 ​Read John 11:33, 38 Jesus was angry with death itself. Jesus thanked his Father for hearing His prayer and then raised Lazarus from the dead.John 11:43–44 #4 God can be glorified through human suffering and bring good out of bad. Sometimes God will be glorified through the removal of the affliction.Other times He will be glorified through the enduring of the affliction. We develop hope through hardship.Romans 5:3–4 Our faith is real, and it will sustain us in our hour of need. The tomb is not the entrance to death, but to life. ​Jesus defeated death at the cross of Calvary.Death died when Christ rose.--- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the Amen Podcast, where we believe that the gospel changes everything. Today's message explores Matthew 22:41-46, where Jesus challenges the Pharisees with a profound question about his identity.Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:41-46Now, while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus, asked them a question, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said to him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How is it then, that David in the spirit calls him Lord, saying, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet?' If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.The Big Revelation: Jesus is More Than You ThinkI was watching surfing with my son Leon recently. He had a sudden interest in it, partly because he wanted to connect with something I enjoy, but also because he's spent enough time in the water himself to understand the scale of those waves.When you don't surf or go to the ocean much, every wave looks the same. It all blends together - same guy, same wave, over and over. But the closer you get to surfing, the bigger the experience becomes.It's the same with the Lord. The closer you get to God, the bigger He gets to you.The Pharisees were far from God, even though Jesus—God Himself—stood right before them. This distance is evident in their approach to Jesus with questions meant to trap Him.A Question That Silenced the Religious LeadersThroughout Holy Week, Jesus faced continual challenges from His enemies. After answering their questions perfectly, Jesus turns the tables. He asks them: "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?"They quickly answered "Son of David," as any Jewish person would. This wasn't wrong - Matthew's gospel begins by identifying Jesus as "the Son of David, the son of Abraham" to connect Him to messianic prophecy.But Jesus pushes deeper: "How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls him Lord?" quoting Psalm 110:1. Jesus points out a paradox they couldn't resolve: Why would David call his own descendant "Lord"?The Pharisees had no answer. They couldn't reconcile how the Messiah could be both David's son (his descendant) and David's Lord (his superior).The Big Problem Behind Our Small ProblemsThe Pharisees missed something crucial: They thought the Messiah would be merely a national leader who would free them from Rome. They saw their biggest problem as Roman occupation.But Jesus reveals that the Messiah's role is much bigger—universal, not just national. Their actual problem wasn't Rome but sin and death. This required a Messiah greater than they imagined—not just the Son of David but the Son of God.When God appears bigger to us, our problems don't necessarily get smaller. Instead, we realize that our true problem—sin and death—is actually much larger than our daily concerns. But this realization gives us peace because we have a Savior big enough to handle our greatest problem.The Waves of Sin and DeathThink about surfing again. From the beach, waves might look manageable. But as you paddle out and get closer, you realize their true size and power. The closer Jesus got to the cross, the more real His suffering became. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood as the "wave" of our sin loomed before Him.Yet Jesus paddled toward that wave willingly, holding nothing back. The crushing weight of sin and death—our biggest problem—overwhelmed Him completely. But three days later, He rose from the dead, defeating what was previously undefeatable.If Jesus conquered sin and death—our greatest problem—then why do we let smaller problems defeat us? When we see God as truly big, we recognize how holy He is and how sinful we are. But we also see that if Christ defeated our biggest problem, then no matter how overwhelming our daily challenges seem, they're nothing compared to what Jesus has already overcome for us.Living in Light of the ResurrectionThis perspective change comes from spending time with God—praying, reading Scripture, attending church, and surrounding yourself with believers. Don't let small problems consume you when your biggest problem has already been solved.What scares you about your problems? Maybe it's taxes, and you worry: "What if they take all my money?" But dig deeper, and the fear is really: "What if I'm not going to be all right?" which ultimately points to fear of death.Or with relationships: when someone breaks up with you, what you feel isn't just rejection—it's as if you're going to die. These "small" problems mask our ultimate fear of sin and death.But once you realize Jesus has taken care of sin and death, you can face any challenge with confidence. If Christ is with you through your problems, and He has already handled your biggest problem, then you can handle whatever comes your way.After the Amen: ApplicationLokelani's Amen: We often worry about the wrong things—small problems instead of the big one. What's freeing is living in confidence knowing that the answer to my biggest problem is settled. Why am I consumed by smaller worries when Jesus has already answered my greatest need?Alex's Amen: My small problem that feels big is fear that people will discover "I'm not that awesome" and leave me. This fear is really about sin winning in my life. But sin won't win—it's already been defeated. And I'll never be alone because the One who loves me most will never leave or forsake me.That's how the gospel changes everything in our lives. We make small problems the big problem when they're not. But Christ is bigger than we think, and our biggest problem has already been answered.Do you want to be encouraged throughout your week? Subscribe to Amen Podcast on Substack, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @amenepodcast and visit amenepodcast.com to support our ministry.Until next time, go out and be the church! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com