Podcasts about in genesis

In this sermon series, we will look at the journey of Abraham and his family as they follow God's call and trust His promise. Along the way, we will grow in our understanding of God and His covenant promises and what it means to live by faith, especially when our circumstances are confusing or discouraging. In Genesis 39-41, we will see that God is with His people, God is working, and God is good.

People fail to keep their promises, but that's never true of God. It's never too difficult, distant, or expensive for God. He always keeps His promises. In Genesis 18:1-15, we're reminded of this truth. 

We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God.

We have all described ourselves as being out of breath. It is a common figure of speech to describe the feeling after physical exertion, perhaps due to strong fumes or smoke. The truth is that saying we are out of breath is an exaggeration because if we were truly unable to breathe, we would quickly die from lack of oxygen. In Genesis, God formed man from dust and breathed life into him. Man was the only of God's creations to have life breathed into them. All the others were spoken into existence. By doing this, God imparted Himself into his creation. In our text, Ezekiel has a vision of being taken into a valley of death. There, God asks him if the dead bones could live again. He describes the bones as dry, meaning they had been dead for a long time. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones, and he does. There was noise and a shaking, and the bones began to move and reconnect. The bones appeared like a body when it was over, but there was still no life. There are a lot of places in life with noise and movement, but it is still dead and lifeless. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again. When he did, breath returned to the bodies, and they stood again as a great army. Without the breath of God, we have nothing. Can these dry bones live? Is there hope for our situation? We must have more than noise and shaking; we must pursue the breath of God.

In Genesis, in chapter 2, God makes clear through Moses that not only was there gold in the beginning, but that gold was GOOD!This subject is important considering the world wide monetary reset in process. As Christians, it's important to understand that Gold has been a currency and store of value since "THE BEGINNING".Please SUBSCRIBE to our channel as a free way to support our efforts.Check out our community at www.StevenGarofalo.ComBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reason-for-truth--2774396/support.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/30/25), Hank answers the following questions:I am confused about Matthew 24:29, which talks about immediately after the tribulation, but in Matthew 24:31 refers to the trumpet call and the angels gathering the elect. Wouldn't this be the elect coming from heaven instead of Earth? James - Richmond, VA (0:48)How are we supposed to pray? What does it mean to pray “on Earth as it is in heaven”? Dawn - Layton, UT (5:06)In Genesis 6:1-4, are the “Sons of God” angels that had relations with the “daughters of men”? Oscar - Springdale, AR (8:48)I've struggled with sexual sin. A friend suggested that I am suffering from encounters with incubus and succubus demons. Are these real demonic beings? Darwin - St. Louis, MO (15:12)Is it ok to tithe to an organization instead of a church? Matt - Augusta, ME (17:55)Do you think that Scripture is designed in such a way that those who choose to reject it will find reason to do so? Joe - Robbinsville, NJ (21:06)Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church a cult, and do they line up with Galatians 1:7-9? Myron - Leland, NC (23:53)

Presented by Lauren Stibgen Have your dreams and ideas ever impacted you at work? Or maybe how much positive attention you receive from a boss? Either way, big ideas and favor from up top can often intimidate others, and it can sometimes leave you feeling easily dismissed, disposable by your peers. One of the greatest leaders in all of Israel's history had dreams of his greatness. His name was Joseph. One could argue he should have had a little more emotional intelligence than to share such a bold dream with his jealous brothers, but it was all part of God's plan to have Joseph save Israel. In Genesis 37 we learn Joseph was loved by Jacob more than any of his other brothers. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him (Genesis 37:4). On top of the favoritism shown to Joseph by his father, he shared his dreams which indicated that his brothers, mother, and father would one day bow down to him. In Genesis 37:11, we learn his brothers are jealous of him. Following these dreams, we learn Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers and bring back information on their well-being. This is when the jealousy gets the best of his brothers. First, they contemplate killing Joseph. Then, they find more benefit in selling him into slavery. Moreover, they faked his death and told poor Jacob he had died by an animal attack. The story of what happens to Joseph continues in Genesis 38-46. Being disposed of by his jealous brothers wasn't the end of his hardship. However, we see God had great plans for him. When the famine was bad, his brothers set out to Egypt for food. Joseph, now overseeing all of Pharoah's kingdom, saved his brothers and father from starvation. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance (Genesis 45:7). Clearly, God chose Joseph to be a leader. He placed dreams in Joseph's mind that perhaps gave him hope during some of the worst trials we could ever imagine. To his brothers, he was disposable. For God's plans, he was not. Being in leadership as a trusted advisor is a coveted position that can often lead to isolation and attack from peers and even subordinates. Jealousy and covetousness creep in and peers at work soon can work against you. This can lead to feelings of being thrown away or disposed of. In these times, trust that the Lord may be bringing you closer to him, and into a new position for his glory.

*** Hebrew, Not Greek*** - Referring to my concordance reference Have you ever reached a point where you quietly laugh—not out loud, but in your heart—at the idea that God could still do what He promised? Sarah did. In Genesis 18, when God promised Abraham a son, Sarah laughed in disbelief. But God responded not with anger—but with a gentle, powerful question: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” This video is for the weary, the cynical, and the ones afraid to hope again. God sees your doubt—but He also invites you to remember who He is.

In this sermon series, we will look at the journey of Abraham and his family as they follow God's call and trust His promise. Along the way, we will grow in our understanding of God and His covenant promises and what it means to live by faith, especially when our circumstances are confusing or discouraging. In Genesis 37-38, we will see that God is at work in our suffering and sin to accomplish His plan.

Due to technical difficulties this past Sunday, the first few minutes of the sermon were not recorded. To help catch you up to speed, here's a brief summary of what was missed at the beginning of the podcast."This morning, we begin a new series on relationships by focusing on friendship. Following our celebration of Jesus' resurrection last week, we're asking: if the resurrection truly transforms everything, how does it change our everyday lives and relationships right now? Over the next four weeks, we'll explore how the gospel—the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection—transforms our friendships, marriages, parenting, and neighboring. Today, we see that we were made for friendship. In Genesis 2, God creates Adam and places him in a good, flourishing garden, yet declares it “not good” for man to be alone. God's solution is to create Eve, emphasizing that humans are fundamentally relational beings, reflecting the relational nature of God himself, who exists eternally in community as Trinity. Friendship, therefore, is not an optional extra; it's central to human flourishing. Friendship is part of our design and necessary for true joy. However, the biblical story also shows that sin fractured both our relationship with God and with one another, introducing shame and conflict into our friendships. Yet, through the resurrection, Jesus offers restoration for these broken relationships."April 27, 2025 | Nick Harsh

In this sermon, Pastor Jess Miller introduces us to the book we will be studying in our series, A Journey Through Genesis. In the book of Genesis, God is making known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel (Psa. 103:7). Genesis is a book of beginnings, and without it, much of our Bibles would make little sense. In Genesis, we have not only the history of Israel, but church history, as we the church find our roots here.

In Genesis 7:1–3 God modifies his earlier instructions from 6:19–20. This simple modification highlights truths about God's character and about the priority of worship.Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

April 26, 2025 Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26Daily Lectionary: Exodus 19:1-25; Hebrews 13:1-21“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen. Adam really messed things up for us. He had the perfect life. He had dominion over everything. He had the perfect wife in Eve and the perfect relationship with God. Everything was perfect. God even declared it to be “Very Good” at the end of Genesis chapter 1. Yet, in Genesis chapter 3, we read about the Fall of man. It isn't Adam, though, who is doing the initial eating. It is Eve who is speaking to the serpent. It is Eve who takes from the tree. Adam gets the blame. Rightfully so, as it was Adam whom God spoke to about eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, not Eve. Adam was with Eve while the dialogue between the serpent and Eve transpired. He was questioning the validity of God's command regarding eating the forbidden fruit. Did God speak the truth when He said, “You will surely die?” Let's do a little beta-testing with Eve and see if she will die when she eats from the tree. She didn't die right there from Adam's perspective.  Man did die. Man lost the image of God. In Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve are confronted by God, and the curses are delivered to the serpent, to Eve, and to Adam. Adam's curse is death. You will die. Through Adam's selfish act of failing to be a faithful groom, death is ushered into all mankind. No longer did they have the image of God. Sin now separated them from their creator. On account of Adam, we will all die. Our hearts will stop beating. Our lungs will no longer receive air. Our minds will be silent. We will die. The consequence of sin is death.As Paul writes to the church at Corinth, he reminds them that their hope is not in their wisdom and understanding of the things of this world. He points the church back to Christ. In Christ, the world is reconciled to God. No longer are we separated but we are reunited with our creator through Jesus. In your Baptism, you have been reconciled to God. No longer does God look down upon us and see our sin and our deadliness. He sees Christ and His robe of righteousness over us. He sees all the works of Christ upon us. He sees us through Jesus. Sin still exists. Death is still coming upon us. In Christ, we are given the sure and certain hope that all is conquered. In our Baptisms, we are in Christ, and if we are in Christ, we are alive. His resurrection is our resurrection. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What these sacrifices promised From a God who sought to bless, Came at last a second Adam Priest and King of Righteousness; Son of God incarnate Savior, Son of Man both Christ and Lord, Who in naked shame would offer On the cross His blood outpoured. (LSB 572:3)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family — it’s a gift, a challenge, and sometimes a complicated mix of both. In today’s devotional, Aaron D’Anthony Brown reflects on the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37:3-4, unpacking how even the most dysfunctional family situations can be met with grace, wisdom, and faith. If you’ve ever wrestled with family tension, painful words, or unresolved conflict, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to help you navigate those tough relationships. ✨ Key Takeaways

The flood has passed. Noah and his family walk into a world washed clean. In Genesis 9, God speaks with grace and authority. He blesses Noah, reaffirms his first command for fruitfulness, and establishes a covenant with every living creature. The rainbow becomes a lasting sign of God's promise never to destroy the earth by flood again. Yet even in this new beginning, sin is not far away. Today we hear of God's mercy, human weakness, and a covenant that points forward to a greater promise still to come.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 9.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In “Dark Sayings,” I explore how internalized racism destroyed my mother's family. This psychological process, woven out of Hellenistic pluralism and anti-Scriptural platitudes about the so-called “Melting Pot,” reveals how systemic racism operates not only externally but within the immigrant's self-conception.Internalized racism is more insidious than the inferiority complex from which it stems. Eventually, the immigrant—the stranger in a foreign land—overcomes fear by adopting the personality of the oppressor.“You shouldn't give your children Arabic names, Marc.”“Stop listening to Arabic music, Marc.”“You need to assimilate into this culture, Marc.”“If you love the Middle East so much, Marc, why don't you live there?”The last one is my favorite. It reveals the speaker's true heart. They might as well say, “Go back to Africa, Marc.”My father is from Africa. Is Africa a punishment?Internalized racism explains why people from the West Bank see themselves as superior to people from Gaza. It's why Arab Christians often identify with white Western Christians against their Muslim brothers. It's why immigrants and minorities across backgrounds look up to those who marginalize them.This concept of “Stockholm Syndrome” reflects a fundamental truth about the human condition. The privileged and underprivileged who perpetuate internalized racism share something profoundly disturbing in common: both reject the God of Abraham, trusting not in him as King, but in themselves.Ironically, Pharaoh (or Caesar) is not their king, as they profess in John's Gospel, but merely their locum tenens — their temporary substitute. They view themselves as the true sovereigns. This explains their enthusiasm for elections; they delight in proclaiming their chosen figurehead by acclamation: creatus imperator.They “create” (creāre) him. They “make” him. They “elect” him. They “bring him into being” and then they control him—but they can't control the God who speaks out of the whirlwind.Providence, habibi, is rougher than a corncob. She'll slap you sideways even if you're careful.Though “internalized racism” isn't a Scriptural term, it's rooted in biblical notions of cowardice; in the absolute fear of the power of death and deep anxiety about what might happen if Jesus alienates the “wrong people” in Decapolis. God forbid he offend those “nice white people.” Very bad for business.Consider the disciples.What a bunch of cowardly, misguided fools. One almost wonders why Jesus didn't let his Father finish what he began with the storm at sea.Oops! I am starting to sound like Jonah. See, there are no good guys!This week, I discuss Luke 8:25.Show Notesβουλή (boulē) / מ-כ-ר (meem-kaf-resh) / م-ك-ر (mīm-kāf-rāʾ)Purposeful plan, will, counsel. يَمْكُرُ (yamkurū) to plan, scheme, plot. מכר (makar) to sell. For example, Joseph being sold by his brothers (מָכְרוּ māḵərū Genesis 37:28).“But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's plan (τὴν βουλὴν τοῦ θεοῦ tēn boulēn tou theou) for themselves, not having been baptized by John.” (Luke 7:30)“For thus says the Lord: ‘You have sold yourselves (נִמְכַּרְתֶּם nimkartem) for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.'” (Isaiah 52:3)“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the Lord, “Who execute a plan, but not mine, and make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, in order to add sin to sin.” (Isaiah 30:1)“And [remember] when those who did not believe made plans (يَمْكُرُ yamkuru) against you to restrain you, or kill you, or expel you. And they make plans (ۚ وَيَمْكُرُونَ wa yamkuruna), but God makes plans (وَيَمْكُرُ wa yamkuru) — and God is the best of planners (الْمَاكِرِينَ al-makirin).” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:30)πίστις (pistis) / אֱמֶת (ʾemet), from the root א-מ-ן (aleph-mem-nun), אָמֵן (ʾāmēn), and أمين (amīn)The root א-מ-ן (aleph-mem-nun) is functional with إيمان (īmān, “faith”) and آمن (āmana, “he trusted”), reflecting the biblical Hebrew concepts of trust, faithfulness, and reliability.Under the influence of Hellenism (Judaeo-Christianism), אֱמֶת (ʾemet) is misinterpreted by neoplatonists as “truth,” as if it were a philosophical abstraction. Here, the wisdom of George Carlin comes to mind:“I leave symbols to the symbol-minded.”The God of Abraham is not a “symbol,” let alone a pagan effigy—he is our trustworthy Master. Saying “amin” does not indicate agreement with an idea; it reflects placement of trust in the trustworthy Master.φοβέω (phobeō) / י-ר-א (yod-resh-aleph) / و-ر-ي (wāw–rāʼ–yāʼ)Fear, fearful, or feared. وَأَرَى (waʾara) — “to frighten someone.”“Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God ( יְרֵ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ yerēʾʹ ʾělō·hîmʹ ), since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”” (Genesis 22:10–14)In the Qur'an, وَأَرَى (waʾara) is linked to divine signs intended to cause fear. Concerning the Lukan reference, Abraham is shown (أَرَى arā) a terrifying thing:“And when he reached the age of striving with him, [Abraham] said: ‘O my son, indeed I see (أَرَى arā) in a dream that I am sacrificing you.” (Qur'an 37:102)In Genesis 22, Abraham also sees (וַיַּרְא wayyárʾ) the ram caught in the thicket, and “fears God” (ירא אלהים yirē ʾelohim) through his obedience.θαυμάζω (thaumazō) / ת-מ-ה (taw-meem-he)The disciples encountered God on Mount Zion, were filled with terror, panicked, and fled:“They saw it, then they were amazed (תָּמָ֑הוּ tā·māʹ·hû); They were terrified, they fled in alarm.” (Psalm 48:5)In Ecclesiastes, after a reminder to “fear God,” a warning: don't be shocked by institutional oppression. Corruption and injustice are standard and forever entrenched — officials monitor one another, but the system will always fail. “Reform” is a word found only on the lips of the self-righteous:“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to hear rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil….For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fea...

Look around at society today and it's easy to see the corruption of sin. Each day it feels like the world is going further and further off the rails. Violence is rising, truth is ignored, and faith seems like a relic. But what if I told you this was nothing new? When you see faithlessness and violence rising and believers experiencing mockery and increasing persecution, know that none of this is surprising to God. In Genesis 7 we continue the account of Noah and the flood. God promised a flood in judgment—and now it's raining. This isn't just ancient history. It's a wake-up call that sin and disobedience rightly draw God's wrath, but even amid judgement God shows grace.  The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 7.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In Genesis 18, God appears to Abraham and reveals His plan to bring about the birth of Isaac, even in the face of impossible circumstances. Abraham's hospitality and response to God's message show his deep faith, even as he questions God's plans. In this episode, Dr. John walks us through the encounter, highlighting the importance of trust in God's timing and the assurance that His promises will be fulfilled, even when it seems unlikely.Confident Faith: In this 4-week series on Genesis 18-25, Dr. John Neufeld looks at the life of Abraham and unpacks the topic of faith. How is faith formed? How does faith mature? And how can faith help us trust in what God has promised, even though we can't see it yet?

In Genesis 43, Jacob and his sons are forced into uncertainty as God leads them back to Egypt for food in the midst of the famine. We are going to enter into uncertainty with Jacob and his boys in chapter 43 and I want to show you two realities about this chapter:God will put you in Uncertain Circumstances (1-15)God is in control of Uncertain Circumstances (16-34)

A Sermon for Good Friday St. John 19 by William Klock Every year, reading the passion narratives over the course of Holy Week, I always find myself at some point, at least for a little while, pondering Pontius Pilate.  If we read the Jewish historians Philo and Josephus, they leave us with the impression that Pilate held the Jews and their religion in disdain and relished any opportunity they gave him to exercise his military authority.  But then we read about him in the Gospels and we see a tired and exasperated government official who seems to just want to keep the peace.  These people for whom he has no great love and even less patience have arrested Jesus.  They can't legally execute him themselves, so they drag him before Pilate.  On the one hand Pilate has no interest in crucifying Jesus.  He doesn't like these people and he doesn't want to do their dirty work.  But he's also finding the whole situation a pain in the neck.  He was there to keep Caesar's peace and the Jews weren't making it easy for him.  And so he had Jesus brought to him and he asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?”  And Jesus responded, “Are you asking because you're interested or because that's what you've heard people say about me?”  And Pilate responds, “Am I a Jew?  Why should I care if you're King of the Jews or not?  It's your skin on the line.  Your own people—your own priests!—arrested you and handed you over to me.  I'm giving you a chance to explain yourself.  So what do you have to say?” Jesus goes on to explain in those well-known (and often misunderstood words), “My kingdom is not from this world.  If it were, my disciples would have taken up arms to save me from the soldiers of the high priest.”  And Pilate, confused and getting annoyed asks, “So are you a king or not?”  And Jesus responded, “You're the one calling me a king.  I was born for this.  I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”  And we can hear the annoyance and the exasperation in Pilate's famous answer, “What is truth?”  And with that he went back out to address the Judeans.  He didn't understand what Jesus was saying, but that didn't mean Jesus was guilty.  Pilate went out and told them as much.  It was usual for the governor to free a Jewish prisoner at Passover, so Pilate offered them a choice: Jesus or Barabbas.  Barabbas was a monster.  Surely they'd choose Jesus, because they certainly didn't want Barabbas out of prison.  For that matter, Pilate didn't want Barabbas out of prison!  But, no, to Pilates' great surprise, they shouted out for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.  Pilate gave up.  He symbolically washed his hands and declared to the people, this is on you, not me.  And they took Jesus off to die. Just like Pilate, people have been stumbling over these words of Jesus for two thousand years.  People hear him say that his kingdom is not from or not of this world and they then say to us, “Well, then leave me alone.  Go worship in your church and leave the rest of us be.  Enjoy your pie in the sky when you die.”  Even Christians have misunderstood this to mean that we should disengage from the world.  But that's not it at all.  Jesus' kingdom may not be from this world, but it is most certainly for this world.  It's the only hope this world has.  It's what Jesus means when he tells us to pray “on earth as it is in heaven”—to look forward to, to hope for, and to pray for that day when God has set his creation to rights, when earth and heaven and God and man are back together as they—as we—should be.  As he created it all and us in the beginning.  This is what Jesus bore witness to and it's what we, forgiven and washed and filled with his Spirit are called not only to pray for but to witness to the world and the people around us.  It's that kingdom that comes not by the sword—which is the only kind of kingdom Pilate could think of.  Instead, it's the kingdom that comes by the love we saw last night as Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples and then washed their feet.  It's the kingdom that we see coming today, on Good Friday, as Jesus goes to the cross. On Good Friday, at the cross, all the great stories of the love of God come together in one place.  As John tells us the story of Good Friday, he brings all these other stories together.  There's Psalm 22 and Psalm 69 and there's Isaiah and Zechariah, and there's the Passover lamb whose bones were not broken and it all points us to the big story of the God of Israel and his people and his love for them—a love that was meant to be, through them, for everyone and for all of creation.  They were his agents for challenging the power of evil in the world, for being light in the darkness.  And, of course, as we read the Old Testament, we see that their story—not very surprisingly—their story got stuck in the very problem for which it was supposed to be an answer—the great problem of rebellion and sin.  And yet, Israel's failure was God's opportunity to announce his love once again.  He would be faithful to his people.  He would send his Messiah and his Messiah would fulfil his purposes for the world. Think of that bigger story.  Going back almost to the beginning we're told about the men of Babel and their tower.  They'd lost all knowledge of their creator.  They grasped at divinity themselves, reaching towards heaven.  God confused their languages.  There's that “What is truth?” question all the way back there!  And there, in the midst of deep darkness, just as the human race seems well and truly and utterly lost, God shows up to make himself known to Abraham and to announce that through Abraham and his family, he will make himself known to the world.  A glimmer of light in the darkness.  And then that family winds up enslaved in Egypt, so the Lord sends Moses to confront Pharaoh and to lead his people out of bondage—and Passover happens.  There are centuries of ups and downs for Israel, but each time things go bad, the Lord sends a deliverer.  And then finally he gives Israel a king—Saul—and the Philistines kill him.  So the Lord raises up the lowly shepherd, David, who establishes a great kingdom and the Lord promises him a future heir who will be God's own son and who will rule forever and ever.  And then more centuries of ups and downs, of faithfulness and failure—mostly failure—until Babylon brings Israel down in shame and takes her off into exile.  And when Israel is at her lowest, shamed and disgraced, that's when the Lord points to her through the Prophet and declares: Behold, my servant.  And he gives the Prophet Daniel, sitting in the shame of exile, a vision: the great empires rise from the sea, but over them all the Lord exalts the son of man as their judge. And, Brothers and Sisters, this story echoes all through our Good Friday Gospel today.  We see Rome, another of those imperial monsters rising from the sea.  And Rome does what Rome did best, brutally killing a rebel king.  John shows us Pilate as he brings Jesus out to the people the day before Passover and announced, “Behold your king!”  But those Sadducee priests didn't want a Messiah any more than they wanted a resurrection.  In fact, they didn't want a Messiah so much that they shouted out the unthinkable, “We have no king but Caesar!”  John shows us Babel and Egypt and Philistia and Babylon at their worst and then he shows us the seed of Abraham, the one greater than Moses, the son of David, the servant of the Lord and declares, “Behold the man!  Behold your king!” And yet, for all it seems that Rome and the Sadducees are out of control, they never really are.  As in Daniel's vision, the beasts rise from the sea and they rage, but the God of Israel never ceases to be sovereign.  Even in their evil, the beasts of empire serve his purpose.  So, ironically, it's Pilate the Roman governor, the man cynical of the very idea of truth, who in God's providence, declares the truth to the people as he announces to them, “Here is your king!”  Even as the priests protest his placard on the cross, Pilate again stands firm on the truth, insisting, “What I have written, I have written.”  John powerfully reminds us that even this cynical, self-serving servant of Caesar will serve the Lord's purposes.  Jesus had said to Pilate, “You have no authority over me unless it is given to you from above.”  So Rome does what Rome does best.  It mocks and it kills and yet, in doing that, it providentially serves God's purposes and proves the point that the God of Abraham and Moses and David does not fight the battle against evil with the weapons of the world, but with love.  Everyone that day thought that Caesar had won.  The devils were dancing with joy that Friday.  And yet Caesar and the priests and the devils all played right into God's hand.  As evil rose to its full height, as it was concentrated all in one place, God won the victory against it on Good Friday. At the cross, God's project to set his creation to rights is finally accomplished.  This why John opens his Gospel with those powerful echoes of Genesis.  In Genesis we read that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  John echoes those words as he tells us that in the beginning was the word and the word became flesh and dwelt amongst us—bringing heaven and earth back together.  All through John there are these creation themes.  There's light and darkness.  There's the seed that will bear fruit and multiply.  And now on Friday, the sixth day of the week, the day when God crowned his work of creation with the creation of man to rule his new world, John shows us Pilate bringing out Jesus, robed in purple and wearing a crown of thorns, and he declares to the people, “Behold the man!”  Jesus is the true image of God and the world is so mired in rebellion and sin that God's own people, confronted with the image of God in Jesus can only shout out, “Crucify him!”  The people who prayed for the return of the Lord to his temple, turned their eyes away when he did return and demanded his death.  They were so mired in darkness that they couldn't bear the light. And yet the love of God marched sovereignly on—to the cross.  At the end of the sixth day in Genesis, God finished his work and now on this sixth day in John's Gospel we hear Jesus announce that “It is finished” as he takes his last breath.  It was finished.  His work was accomplished.  Humanity was forgiven and creation was healed.  Evil had risen to its full height, giving the love of God the opportunity to rise even higher on the cross.  Of course, no one understood that on Friday.  It would take the resurrection, in which Jesus was vindicated by his Father, in which his victory was brought out into the light for everyone to see, it would take that before they would know and understand and believe.  But on the cross, as Jesus breathed his last and slumped, hanging on those nails, it was finished.  Once and for all.  A full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of Israel, for the sins of all of the nations—for the sins of the whole world.  A sacrifice that would finally heal the breach and bring an answer to our prayer: on earth as it is in heaven. And now, Brothers and Sisters, you and I stand gathered at the foot of the cross, confronted by the very image of God and by his amazing love.  Here is the man who represents what we were created to be in the beginning and what, if we will only commit ourselves to him, God will make us to be.  Here is our King, who has inaugurated his kingdom—this new creation, this world set to rights, a world founded on love—and not the world's idea of love, but the love defined by the story of God and his people and by Jesus' sacrificed for us on the cross.  Here we're confronted by the King and his kingdom and by a vision of the world set to rights.  What will we do?  We are so often stuck in the kingdom of Caesar.  We put our trust in Caesar's sword and in Caesar's coins—even in Caesar's gods.  Like those Sadducee priests who were so dead set on holding on to what they had, that they declared the unthinkable, that they declared the very thing they knew so well was false: “We have no king but Caesar.”  And John reminds us today that whatever power Caesar may have, has been given to him by God and to fulfil his purposes, not Caesar's.  Brothers and Sisters, let go of Caesar and take hold of Jesus.  Let go everything else and take hold of the love of God made manifest at the cross. Good Friday reminds us.  We look up to the cross and we see Jesus.  Behold the man.  Behold the king.  He is the image of God and as we look in his face we see the God who loved his people, who loved the world so much, that he gave his own son that we might be forgiven and set to rights and welcomed back into his fellowship—who sent his son not to condemn, but to save.  Here is the good shepherd who lays down his own life for his sheep out of love.  Here is the one who shows the greatest love we can ever know as he lays down his life for his friends.  Jesus, having loved his own who were in the world, loved them to the uttermost.  This love we see at the cross is the very love that shone so brightly out of the darkness at the very moment when we thought the light had been overcome.  This is the love that redeems and renews us, but even more important than that, this is the love that glorifies the God who is love. And so, Brothers and Sisters, this Good Friday, be transformed by this love.  Our brother and our king has given his life and by that love he gives us life and hope and a lens through which we should, more and more each day, see every part of our lives and every part of the world.  This is the love that forgives our sins and heals our hurts.  This is the love that is making creation new and that, one day, will wipe away our tears.  This is the love that we, as Jesus' people, manifest to the world.  This is the truth we witness for the sake of the world and to the glory of God.

April 18, 2025Today's Reading: John 19:17-30Daily Lectionary: Exodus 12:29-32; 13:1-16; Lamentations 5:1-22, Hebrews 6:1-20, Psalm 22“he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!'” (John 19:26b-27)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dying is very deadly. Dead is dark. The light of the world is no longer shining. Darkness has covered the world. The curtain in the temple is torn. The clothes of Christ have been divided up between the pagan Roman soldiers. The disciples have all fled but one. Peter has denied knowing the savior. Jesus hangs naked between two thieves in the local landfill with only one disciple and His mother nearby. He entrusts His mother to John and declares that His father has forsaken Him. He drinks and breathes His last. Dying is very deadly.His final words on the cross are comforting. His final words on the cross are words that draw our attention to the garden of Eden when God gave us the gift of marriage. In Genesis 2:24, God gives us the fundamental premise of marriage when He says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” From the cross, Christ separates himself from His earthly mother in John 19:26-27: “…he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!...” Christ has left His mother. In Matthew 27:46, Christ calls from the cross, “...My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ is separated from His Father. The son leaves His father and mother and holds fast to his wife. In the death of Christ, a marriage vow is fulfilled. The groom has loved His bride to the point that He dies for her. Scripture is fulfilled in the final sacrifice. When His side is pierced, blood and water pour from His side. In the first Adam, his wife comes from his side. Adam stands by as she eats from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Death is ushered in through their disobedience. The marks of the church in word and sacrament come from the side of the second Adam, Jesus, as water and blood pour out. He is bound to His bride, the church, in the fulfillment of Scripture. Where Adam failed to die for his bride, Christ has fulfilled the debt owed by us in His death on the cross.All our sins went to the cross on Good Friday. All our sins went to the tomb when He was buried. He who knew no sin became sin for us. Sin is buried. All your sins are covered in the blood of Christ. All your sins are atoned for in His deadly dying on the cross. All your sins went to the grave on Good Friday and were buried. The covenant is complete; the atonement for the sins of the world is finished.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Good Friday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

The fall didn't end at the garden gate. Sin followed humanity into the next generation, and its consequences turned deadly. In Genesis 4, we meet two brothers. One offers his best to the Lord in faith. The other offers his sacrifice unworthily. One is received. The other is warned to do good and seek to please God. And when that warning is ignored, the first human blood is spilled in anger. But this isn't just a story about jealousy or murder, it's about worship, faith, repentance, and the mercy of a God who still speaks to sinners. Even in judgment, He marks Cain. Not to punish, but to preserve (at least for a time).  The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 4.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Hosts Vincent Fernandez and Pastor Tim Hamilton Question Timestamps: Email (2:39) - What are your thoughts on Netflix casting Meryl Streep Aslan in the upcoming Narnia series? Email (6:05) - What would be a modern version of “washing each others' feet?” Email (9:37) - How do I know if God is telling me to do something? What if I don't want to do it? Colten, TX (16:24) - How do I humble myself and give glory to God for selfless things that I do? Is it sinful to think God isn't hearing my prayers? Michael, Facebook (22:53) - What does Acts 2:38 mean? Email (28:31) - Do you think God has an opinion about pineapple on pizza? Michelle, TX (33:35) - Will some Christians be left behind during the Rapture? TJ, FL (36:29) - How many children did Solomon have? Phil, NJ (39:51) - Is there any way to get assurance that my mother, who has dementia, really has accepted Jesus? Email (45:27) - Are we in sin for using instruments in our church worship services? Email (48:59) - In Genesis, it says we are “made in the image of God,” what does that mean? Michael, FL (52:52) - Where did the bunny and eggs come from relating to the celebration of Easter? Isn't it supposed to be about Jesus? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

Teacher: Josh Fortney. Today, we kick off our Easter series, Back to the Garden, a new series that begins in Eden and leads us toward the cross and the empty tomb. In Genesis, we see the world as it was meant to be—marked by peace, purpose, and an unbroken relationship with God. But the moment sin entered the story, everything fractured. We feel that same brokenness today—in our relationships, in our work, in our world. On Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus didn't come just to improve our lives—He came to restore what was lost. His journey into Jerusalem marked the beginning of restoration. This week, we'll see how the ache we carry is actually a longing to return to the Garden—a longing that only Jesus can fulfill. Join us as we look back at what we were made for, confront the reality of where we are, and look forward with hope to what Jesus came to restore. Enjoyed the message? Rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Want more information about CityBridge Community Church? DM us @citybridgecc or email us at info@citybridgechurch.org. You can grab the Sermon Notes from this message here: https://www.citybridgechurch.org/messages Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear next week's message by subscribing to your favorite podcast app.

In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins with a simple but profound sentence. Most English translations of the Bible begin with ten words and end with ten words. In Genesis 1:1, we are told: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the final verse of the book of Revelation the Bible concludes: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen (Rev. 22:21). What these two verses tell me is this: We are alive and are here today because of God and by His grace. In Psalm 23, we discover that it is by the grace of God that I am brought into the fold of His sheep, and it is for His glory that He has done so. The invitation to be included as one of His sheep has nothing to do with my performance and everything to do with His grace and glory, as John Piper put it: God is the beginning and God is the end of all my righteousness. The path of righteousness has his grace as its starting point (for he leads me into it) and it has his glory as its destination (because his leading is for his names sake).[1] What happens in the in-between is the messy part. After He finds us, it is His goodness and faithfulness that keeps us with no intention of letting go. The 23rd Psalm sounds like a pilgrimage because it is. Remember that there are five images in this Psalm. We looked at the first image, which was: The Abundant Life (vv. 2-3a). God lets and makes me lay down in green pastures in that He causes me to do so. How does He cause me to lay down in green pastures? He does so by removing all that prevents me from doing so. I was made to lay down in green pastures by waters of rest, but without the Good Shepherd we blindly go astray; according to the prophet Isaiah we were both hopeless and helpless: All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way... (Isaiah 53:6). The next four images are as follows: 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) It is to the Secure Life that we now turn our attention. What is it that makes His guiding in paths of righteousness for His namesake that brings security to those who belong to Him? Where Does the Shepherd Lead? Where does the Shepherd lead and how does where He is leading relate to our security? For starters, it is in the nature of His guiding that brings His sheep security: He guides me in paths of righteousness. The nature of His guiding is that it does not end and that it is ongoing; it is not a onetime event where the sheep are guided by Him such as a prayer that is said or a decision that was made. So, what are the paths of righteousness that He guides me into? We are given an answer through the nature of Davids prayers like the one we find in Psalm 5, Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me (v. 8). The answer to Davids prayer is Psalm 23:3, and those paths of righteousness are descripted for us in scores of verses in both the Old and New Testament. One such passage in the Old Testament is Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. The paths of righteousness according to Psalm 1 includes delighting in the Law of Yahweh and meditating on His Law day and night. The Law of the Lord is the Word of the Lord. That which you delight in is where you desire to spend your time. If you delight in a particular person you will want to spend time with that person. If you have a hobby or job that you delight in, you will look for ways to spend time participating in that hobby or job that you delight in. The evidence that you delight in the Law is seen in the amount of time you spend in the Law. The one who delights in the Law of the Lord will thrive in the kinds of ways we were meant for. God wants you to thrive and considering the fact that it is His image we bear, thriving must include our Creator. Later in the Psalms, David wrote: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Ps. 119:105). Jesus said something similar to Psalm 1:1-3 and 119:105; He said, If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31). The Greek word used for continue is menō, which, as you may recall from last Sundays sermon, can be translated abide. If you abide, if you remain, if you continue in My word... you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. The Greek word for know is ginōskō, which is the kind of knowledge that is much more than head knowledge. Jesus said, If you remain, if you continue, if you abide in my word, you will really know [ginōskō] the truth, and the truth will set your free. Let me say it a different way so that you get what is being said here: If you take up residence in the word of the Good Shepherd, you are truly His sheep, and by listening to His voice, you will live! Listen, the Shepherds guiding does not happen apart from our abiding! I am not sure if you will find this as cool as I do, but going back to John 10 where Jesus identifies as the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, He uses the same Greek word for know that He used in John 8:31. In John 10:14-16, I am the good shepherd, and I know [ginōskō] My own, and My own know [ginōskō] Me, just as the Father knows [ginōskō] Me and I know [ginōskō] the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. Okay, so why does any of this matter and how does Psalm 1:1-3, John 8:31-32, and John 10:14-16 help you understand the 23rd Psalm better? So here we go: You cannot be led in the paths of righteousness if your knowledge of the Good Shepherd is only about filling your head without your heart being engaged. I will say it another way: If you are not abiding in the Lord of the 23rd Psalm then you are not finding in Him what you need. If you do not find in Him what you need, then you will not find in Him the green pastures and waters of rest that you were made for. If you do not find in the Good Shepherd the green pastures and waters of rest you that were made for, then you will find that the paths of righteousness that He guides His sheep on as displeasing instead of delightful. Jesus is the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, and it is He who causes me to lie down in green pastures because He is the green pastures that will never leave me hungry. It is He who leads me to waters of refreshment because He is the Living Water who satisfies the thirsty soul. Jesus restores the soul because He makes all things new! As the great Shepherd of your soul, Jesus guides those who abide in Him in paths of righteousness. There is no guiding apart from abiding in Lordof the 23rd Psalm! Why Does the Shepherd Lead? So, why does He do it? Why does the Good Shepherd guide his sheep in the paths of righteousness? He does it for the sake of His name! What does that even mean? It means that He rescued you from the condemnation of your sins, He gives Himself to you as the Great Shepherd of your soul to meet your need for Him, He provides the green pastures and quiet waters for your good, He renews and restores your soul, and He delivered you from your crooked paths of this world and set you on the straight path of righteousness that only Jesus can provide. God did it all, and He did it by putting His reputation on the line! Our story is summed up in one verse from the prophet Isaiah: All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all To fall on Him (Isa. 53:6). To fall on who you ask? Ah... I am so glad you asked! The sins of us all... fell upon Jesus who is the Lamb, the Lion, and the great Shepherd of our souls! This is why the apostle Peter wrote: ...and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls (1 Pet. 2:24-25). In response to all that Jesus accomplished, Paul wrote those glorious words that ought to thrill every soul that belongs to His flock: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things (Rom. 8:31-32)? And He does so for His namesake! This is why, when you read Ephesians 1:3-14 regarding how and why God saved you from your sins that we are given three answers: The Father chose us before the foundation of the world and made us sons and daughters through His Son, and why did He do it that way? He did it, to the praise of the glory of His grace... (1:4-6). The Son redeemed us through His blood and now we have the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Why did He do it that way? He did it, to the praise of His glory (1:7-12). The Holy Spirit made our redemption and salvation a guarantee by sealing us as Gods own possession. Why did He do it that way? He did it, to the praise of His glory (1:13-14). He chose his lambs for the sake of His name, He redeemed his lambs for the sake of His name, and He marked His lambs as His treasured possession by His Holy Spirit for the sake of His name! Listen, if the Lord is your shepherd, it is only because you have turned to Jesus for the salvation of our soul: Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other (Isa. 45:22). Listen to what Jesus said concerning all who hear His voice and come to Him for salvation: My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Fathers hand. I and the Father are one (John 10:27-30). Psalm 23:2 is a picture of the secure life because of who it is that causes us to lie down in green pastures, leads us to inexhaustible and quiet waters, restores and renews our soul, and leads us in the paths of righteousness. The Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the God of Isaiah 46:9-11, Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure; Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man of My purpose from a distant country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, I will certainly do it. This is why Romans 8:1 is for you Christian: Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. Conclusion So, let me say something you may need to hear. Just because you belong to the Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm, does not mean that you will not struggle with sin. Just because you are abiding in Jesus and love Him truly, does not mean that you will never be tempted by the enemys lies of greener pastures and more satisfying waters. The enemy is a dragon and a thief who comes, only to steal and kill and destroy... Jesus, the Great and Good Shepherd, has come so that we would have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). There are no greener pastures or quieter waters than what can be found and experienced in Jesus. The danger for some is that the less that you listen to His voice, the less you will delight in His Word and the less frequent you will want to abide in Him. Permit me to close with a warning from David Gibson: Life is a journey, not a viewing gallery; we are always on the move, always traveling, and were going with either Jesuss paths or a different shepherds paths. Maybe its what youre consuming online. Maybe its the choices you are making with your money or your time. Two degrees of divergence this year might mean a miles divergence next year. Take time to consider the road you are walking, who is leading you, and where that path might end. In my experience I have found that wrong steps in life are nearly always the outworking of a prior neglect of listening to Jesus speak in the Bible. When devotion to hearing his voice begins to dwindle, then eventually, inevitably, departure from his paths begins to follow.[2] There is no greener pasture outside of Jesus, for He alone is the Lord of the 23rd Psalm. Amen. [1] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 174. [2] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 49.

We often gravitate toward the flashiest option, but the story of Jesus' triumphal entry challenges us to think differently. In Genesis 35–36, we see two lines: one from Jacob, whose kings would come slowly but endure, and one from Esau, whose kings came quickly but faded. Jesus, the true King, comes from Jacob's line. Not with military might, but humbly riding on a donkey. Will we follow the fast and flashy kingdom, or the humble King who brings lasting peace? The post Genesis 35-36 – Two Roads To A King appeared first on Island Pond Baptist Church.

In Genesis 35 we have the “and back again” portion of Jacob's journey. He comes back to where he started. Jacob's journey back to Bethel marks the end of a larger story that had begun two decades ago. Everything that happened in between is now culminating in this place as God speaks to Jacob. At long last Jacob keeps his promise and God reaffirmed his covenant to him, changing his name from Jacob to Israel. This signifies the initial stages of a kingdom over which God will rule.

In Genesis 35 we have the “and back again” portion of Jacob’s journey. He comes back to where he started. Jacob’s journey back to Bethel marks the end of a […]

This past Sunday, we continued pt. 3 in the Create series with Eric's teaching on "The Image of God". In Genesis 1:26-27, we learn that humans are made in God's image and likeness. The Hebrew terms for "image" (Tzelem) and "likeness" (Demut) show that while we're not divine like God, we do resemble Him in qualities like reason, creativity, relational capacity, moral awareness, and the ability to make decisions. Every person, regardless of background, has inherent worth because of this divine likeness—something that's central to the Christian worldview.Given that humanity is created in God's image, humans share in God's creative nature. Artists, musicians, writers, and creators are reflecting God's creativity when they create works that bring beauty, truth, and life into the world. Through creativity, people are invited to reflect the nature of the Creator, engaging in acts of imagination and innovation that also speak to God's beauty and order.“Artists in the last century have been functioning in society to reveal brokenness; in this century, can they lead the way toward reconnection, reconciliation and reintegration?”-Makoto Fujimura, Culture Care For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

In Genesis 50, we see the final chapter of two lives—Jacob and Joseph—but not the end of their story. When Jacob dies in Egypt, Joseph honors his father's dying wish: to be buried in the land of Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Leah. This act of faith signals something profound—Jacob didn't want his bones to remain in Egypt, the land of temporary provision. He wanted to rest in the land God had promised—a land tied to covenant, kingdom, and resurrection hope. Later in the chapter, Joseph makes a similar request: "God will surely come to your aid, and you must carry my bones up from this place" (Genesis 50:25). Though he had power and position in Egypt, Joseph didn't see Egypt as home. He believed God's promises and looked forward to a greater inheritance. This isn't just about geography. It's a prophetic declaration: the people of God were never meant to settle for Egypt—a symbol of the world and temporary comfort. The patriarchs were looking forward to a better country (Hebrews 11:13–16), and their burial decisions reflected that hope. The Cave of Machpelah in Canaan served as a signpost of faith: It was the first piece of the promised land legally owned by Abraham. It symbolized a physical, future resurrection in the land God promised. It was a down payment on the coming Kingdom of God. The question we must ask today is this: Where are you putting your "bones"? Are you investing your life in Egypt—the temporary pleasures and securities of this world—or in the unshakable promises of God's Kingdom? Just like Joseph, we may live in Egypt now—but our hearts, our hope, and even our legacy should be rooted in the land of promise.

In Genesis 50, we see the final chapter of two lives—Jacob and Joseph—but not the end of their story. When Jacob dies in Egypt, Joseph honors his father's dying wish: to be buried in the land of Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Leah. This act of faith signals something profound—Jacob didn't want his bones to remain in Egypt, the land of temporary provision. He wanted to rest in the land God had promised—a land tied to covenant, kingdom, and resurrection hope. Later in the chapter, Joseph makes a similar request: "God will surely come to your aid, and you must carry my bones up from this place" (Genesis 50:25). Though he had power and position in Egypt, Joseph didn't see Egypt as home. He believed God's promises and looked forward to a greater inheritance. This isn't just about geography. It's a prophetic declaration: the people of God were never meant to settle for Egypt—a symbol of the world and temporary comfort. The patriarchs were looking forward to a better country (Hebrews 11:13–16), and their burial decisions reflected that hope. The Cave of Machpelah in Canaan served as a signpost of faith: It was the first piece of the promised land legally owned by Abraham. It symbolized a physical, future resurrection in the land God promised. It was a down payment on the coming Kingdom of God. The question we must ask today is this: Where are you putting your "bones"? Are you investing your life in Egypt—the temporary pleasures and securities of this world—or in the unshakable promises of God's Kingdom? Just like Joseph, we may live in Egypt now—but our hearts, our hope, and even our legacy should be rooted in the land of promise.

Our world revolves around “the performance plan.” If we work hard enough, perform well enough, and impress the powers that be sufficiently enough...we'll make the cut. It's not surprising, then, that “the performance plan” shows up in the realm of religion as well. Religion could be defined as: a system of beliefs, rituals, and behaviors by which a person can be made right with God. It is an attempt to make the ultimate cut.This “performance plan” approach is what Paul is warning about in Philippians 3. “Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh…” (vs.2-3)In order to understand what Paul is talking about, we have to go back to the story of Abraham found in Genesis 17. There God makes a covenant with Abraham. In essence, “I will be your God and you and the descendants I give you will be my people.” Then God chose circumcision as the outward sign of this covenant. Circumcision became the symbol of man's need to be cleansed from sin at the most basic point of his identity. But from the very beginning, this outward act was secondary to something of far greater importance: an inward belief. In Genesis 15:6 we read that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Faith came first – then the symbolic action.  The problem is that all too quickly the Jewish people came to believe that to get right with God all a man had to do was to be circumcised, bypassing the heart change altogether.But making the cut and getting on God's team has never been a matter of performance. It is a matter of turning to Him in faith, confessing your sinfulness and receiving His forgiveness.  In the N.T. this became clearer. Jesus came to replace the old system, giving His life to offer access to not only God's team but to God's very family. And He offered that to one and all as a free gift received by faith.Enter the Apostle Paul – or Saul as he was formerly known. He had not only been taught this misunderstood performance plan, he had become its greatest proponent.  In fact, he was so committed to it that he had sought to snuff out the Jesus movement.   And then one day, he encountered Jesus who offered Him grace, forgiving him and freeing him from the need to perform. Paul never got over that and devoted the rest of his life to sharing this good news.He would go from town to town, planting communities of Jesus-followers. After getting these churches grounded, Paul would head off to a new city to continue spreading the gospel. Now, many of these new believers were Gentiles – uncircumcised non-Jews. And after Paul left, often a group of people called “Judaizers” would come in behind him and tell these young non-Jewish believers that in order to truly be saved, they had to become Jews. More specifically, they had to be circumcised. In other words, faith alone wasn't enough. They had to jump through the hoops of the performance plan. When Paul heard about this, he came unglued! This is what he was confronting in Phil. 3:2. He says, “Do you want to compare performance? My pedigree, degrees, and zeal are second to none. Yet all of that is utter garbage because it didn't deal with my heart. Only Jesus can do that.”Are you still depending on the performance plan to be made right with God? Text: Philippians 3:2-9 Originally recorded on October 26, 2008, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In Genesis 22:20-24; 25:1-6, 12-18 there are a number of genealogies recorded. Many see genealogies and skip them thinking they are unimportant. The genealogies of Genesis have a theological purpose. Here we see that the genealogies highlight the surprising ways the promises of God are fulfilled which points to their greater fulfillment in Christ.

In Genesis 1, God created light and brought the world out of darkness. Jesus described himself in a similar way. As the Light of the World, he wants to enter our brokenness and set things right—even in a dark world where his healing light is not always welcome.

In Genesis 1, God created light and brought the world out of darkness. Jesus described himself in a similar way. As the Light of the World, he wants to enter our brokenness and set things right—even in a dark world where his healing light is not always welcome.

Christians sometimes feel like they're having travel delay. We know that the Lord has a plan for our lives and a destination we're aimed at. But it seems like we're never going to get there — to the home God has promised. In Genesis 28 & 33, we see Jacob being sent away and then returning to Canaan. And his journey teaches us that through the grace of Christ, we are not only forgiven for trying to make this world our home, but we're taught to lift our hearts to heaven until the Lord brings us there.

In Genesis 14, we find a story about war ⚔️ and rescue

EPISODE 520 - Vincent Valkier - Author of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror storiesBook: Digital Soul is a collection of three short stories bookended by two novellas that seeks to examine humanity's rapidly changing relationship with technology and the hidden dangers and costs associated with technological evolution. The opening novella is set in the recent past, and the successive stories move forward in time and are set in the present, near future, far future, and very far future.In Raven, the first novella, a high school senior has lost his faith and struggles to find his new spiritual identity. He becomes instantly drawn to a new classmate, only to discover that she may not actually exist. She leads him to an abandoned house, the site of a terrible tragedy, which may also serve as a key to another world. But is the higher power that world represents good or evil?In Missing Links, a video from a college party spread without a girl's consent has dire consequences for both the victim and the group of friends responsible.In White Knight, two game developers explore their nearly completed virtual world. However, some of the game's characters are behaving erratically and seem to have developed consciousness, leading to a schism between the two designers.In The Broken Man, a game show in the future releases a murderer into the house of unwitting contestants, who must fight to survive. One contestant's forced participation makes him unsure which is more important to him: his love for his spouse, or the fame and glory his victory will bring.In Genesis, the final novella, a journalist interviews a scientist whose discovery unlocked untapped knowledge about the brain and mental illness. The interview reveals the unforeseen consequences and horrible costs when the initial discovery evolved into a key to immortality.https://vincentvalkier.com/___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

In Genesis 2, we see that marriage was God's good idea for blessing and multiplying humanity.

In Genesis 22:1-19, and particularly verses 15-19, we see the confirmation of the climactic promise made to Abraham: the blessing of the nations. Here at the end of the Abrahamic narrative, at the climactic point of the climactic narrative we are told that the nations will be blessed, but with one new addition: it will be in Abraham's singular seed that this will happen. This singular seed is Christ, the Savior of the world, in whom all the nations of the earth are blessed.

In Genesis 34, there is hard story to read. Today, Brett walks through Genesis 34 sharing observations and applications from it looking at what it looks like to live far from God. Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

In a world that glorifies limitlessness, we find ourselves overwhelmed by endless information, constant connectivity, and the pressure to do it all. But what if the problem isn't that we have limits—what if the problem is that we keep resisting them? In Genesis 2 & 3, we are reminded that true freedom isn't found in limitlessness, but in trusting the One who designed us with limits for our good.Catch the sermon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or bridge.tv/sermons.Support the show

In Genesis, God asked Abraham to go to Mount Moriah to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham obeyed God and took Isaac up the mountain. On the way, Isaac kept asking his father what they would be sacrificing. When it became clear what was happening, Isaac obeyed his fathereven though he was probably very frightened. Are you like Isaac, willing to be a sacrifice for God? In this message, Jill helps us understand God as our Jehovah-Jireh, our provider, so we can learn to be committed to God's plan. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29

There is profound significance in covenant relationships and God's design for human sexuality. In Genesis, we see how men and women were created to reflect God's image together and rule side by side. When sin enteres the scene and disrupts this harmony, it leads to power imbalances and the exploitation of one another. The seventh commandment is a challenge to examine our hearts, recognizing that lust goes beyond physical acts to include how we regard others in our minds. In this week's Sunday message in Brooklyn, Pastor Amy Perez invites us to consider how we can honor God's design for sexuality and relationships in our own lives, whether married or single.

It is beauty that moves the human soul. Whether through a piece of art, sound, or the vastness of the night sky, we are drawn toward creation, toward wonder, toward something beyond ourselves. It is curiosity. It is innovation. It is communion. Beauty is directly connected to our existence. Before we know God as provider, healer, comforter, savior…In Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created…”. He introduces himself first as “Creator”.What God does next is perhaps his most adventurous and riskiest creation, the introduction of Human Choice. Our ability to create came from Him, what we create is on the other side of choice. It is because of this we decide what we bring into this world and what it reflects.There is too much sickness in this world to not create beautyThere is too much mental illness in this world to not create and innovateThere is too much war in this world to not create beautyThere is way too much corruption in this world to not createThere is too much meaninglessness in this world to not create beautyThere is too much hopelessness in this world to not createThere is too much brokenness in the world around us to not create and innovateOur Culture is too broken to not create, innovate or bring beauty in this world. Beauty created the world, Beauty can save the world.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

Welcome back to the kitchen table. It's easier to spot a lie when we know the truth inside and out. The more time we spend with God, the more we recognize when something doesn't align with his word. In Genesis 3, the serpent's deception began with a simple question: “Did God actually say…?” That same tactic is still used today—whispers of doubt that make us question what we know to be true.Lies steal our identity. They layer in doubt, insecurity, and shame. They make us second-guess our values, shifting our foundation if we're not anchored in God's truth. But Psalm 19:7-8 reminds us that the word of the Lord is perfect.When we become experts in scripture, we are equipped to stand firm. We don't have to wonder if we're being deceived—we can confidently recognize the enemy's lies and replace them with the truth.Learning the Art of Gospel Discipline ConversationsThis 4-week private podcast and workbook course teaches you how to approach discipline with a framework that goes beyond correcting behavior. Learn to help your children understand their motivations, practice self-reflection, and incorporate prayer and blessings into your discipline moments.Learn more and sign up here.Connect with Bethany hereFollow her on Instagram @bethanykimseyPurchase the Warrior Mama's Prayer Journal https://bethanykimsey.co/products/a-warrior-mamas-prayer-journal

(Ephesians 2:4-7) God's perfect salvation takes care of your past, your present, and your future! The eternal Son of God has worked for our salvation. He continues to work at this very moment, and He will finish His work in us! Salvation is more than an event - it is God's perfect work in his children. (0959250307) ----more----  Salvation by Grace Through Faith Will you permit me one more day? Just one more day to talk to you about what the Bible says about salvation? Honestly, I'm just having a good time in the word of God, having a good time talking to you about what it means to be saved. Because I know what Jesus Christ has done for me, and I'm starting to see more and more of what God says about this in scripture. And it's thrilling. It's thrilling to talk about. I hope you'll talk about it to someone else. I hope you'll get so excited. You'll wanna pass this along and share it with others. What does the Bible say about salvation? The last time we talked, I read you from Ephesians chapter two, verse eight and nine, famous verses, "For by grace you saved through faith. And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." And we learn that it's all of grace and it's a gift. It's received by simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But let's return to Ephesians two, to the verses that precede those verses. The Bible says in Ephesians two, verse four, "But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith, he loved us even when we were dead in sins, have quickened us together with Christ By grace, you're saved. And it raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus that in the ages to come, he might show the exceeding riches of his grace and his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." Do you hear again, the past, present, and future tenses? One of the things I want you to see is that we think in time, but God who's eternal is not in time. He's working in our lives in a way that is continual, that there's no end to. He began his work of redemption in the very beginning of time. In Genesis chapter three, that's where we started our study. He promised Messiah was coming. All of scriptures, really the story of redemption. And when the Lord Jesus Christ came, he paid for the send debt of every man. When you come to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, that work of salvation begins in your life. And there's so many things connected to that.  Key Bible Terms About Salvation There's so many Bible words that you should study. For example, a substitution. Did you know when Jesus died on the cross? He took your place. He literally died for your sins, and he died as you. That's part of the doctrine of salvation. What about redemption? Redemption is to pay a price, to buy something back by paying a price. Did you know that's what he did for you when he died on the cross? He redeemed you with his own precious blood. How about the Bible word propitiation. He is the propitiation for our sin. That's a big word. What does it mean? It means to satisfy. Did you know when Jesus Christ paid the sin, debt on the cross? He satisfied a holy God. He satisfied the justice of God so that you could go free, so that you could be saved. What about the word reconciliation? It means that Jesus Christ took a holy God in one hand and sinful humanity in the other, and made a way to bring the two together. He reconciled us to God. When you come to the Lord Jesus and you take Him as your savior, what happens? How about this Bible word regeneration? It means new birth. Remember, Jesus said, you must be born again. To be regenerated is to be redeemed, made new. He doesn't make you a little better. He makes you a totally new person. He gives you a new nature. He comes to live inside of you himself. How about the word justification? Someone said that means just as if I'd never sin. Oh, it's better than that. No, it's not just that he deals with a negative. He declares you righteous. He puts his righteousness on your account. So now it's not just as if you had never sinned, it's just as if you had never even been a sinner. Did you know when you receive Jesus as your savior, all of his righteousness goes on your record. So when God looks at you, he no longer sees you as a sinner, though you have a sin nature, he no longer sees you as a sinner. He sees you as his own son. How about this word, the word adoption. We've been adopted, made part of the family of God. We've been given the spirit of adoption. Isn't that glorious? It means the Holy Spirit brings us into the family conversation. That's what we have in prayer. That's how we can come boldly to God and pray because we've been given that spirit. I'm just simply saying all of these words reveal great truth about what happened at Calvary and what happens in us when we receive the Lord Jesus as our personal savior.How about this word? It's a little scary to some people. Sanctification. Did you know sanctification is in the Bible? It's found 31 times in the New Testament. It has to do with God setting us apart setting us apart to himself. Did you know that started on the day you got saved on that day, you were saved on that day. The Lord Jesus Christ set you apart from the penalty of sin. That means God's never gonna turn his back on you. Never gonna pour out his wrath on you, never gonna send you to hell. Positionally, you are saved. You have been set apart to God. You are now viewed as holy. You are viewed as one with Jesus Christ. He dealt with a penalty of your sin, but sanctification is still going on in your life. That's what I mean when I say salvation is continuing in me. I have been saved from the penalty of sin, but I'm being saved today from the power of sin. God is working in me right now, continuing to sanctify, continuing to work in me, to set me apart to himself to get wicked things out of my heart and out of my mind and out of my life. Jesus Christ died on the cross so that I could be saved, but he sits to the right hand of the Father at this moment praying for me. Do you know why he's doing that? Because I need this continual work of sanctification done in my life. And someday, oh yes, someday He's gonna perfect it.  The Future of Salvation When the Lord Jesus comes back and I go to be with him, I'm gonna be saved on that day from the very presence of sin. I'm looking forward to that day. How about you? You won't have this sinful world to live in. You won't have the devil to deal with. You won't have sinful flesh, and those old sin, nature urges to contend with and battle with every day. Isn't that gonna be glorious? You see your salvation, you've received it completely. There's some things that you've not yet fully realized. For example, your body's not yet saved. Have you figured that out yet? You're still dealing with that old body, aren't you? But you're going to receive a new body someday, and you're going to be with the one who saved you. The Lord Jesus Christ has already bought and paid for all of this, and someday it's going to be complete. Isn't that gonna be wonderful? And then we're gonna spend all of eternity with the one who saved us. Worshiping him, serving him, and just enjoying him forever. I have been saved. I am being saved, and I shall be saved. Listen to Ephesians two again, but God who is rich in mercy for his great love where they loved us, even when we were dead and sins of quickened us together with Christ, by grace, you are saved and have raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. That's where I'm at right now. I'm living here on earth, but spiritually speaking, I'm seated with Jesus Christ at the right hand of the Father. I have access to all of heaven's resources. I have access to God himself through the Lord Jesus Christ. That's present tense, but there's more to come. Verse seven says that in the ages to come, he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness tortoise through Christ Jesus, friends, the Lord Jesus Christ is going to perfect everything he set in motion in your life. That's why salvation truly is so great. Only God could do something so wonderful in the lives of such sinners.  Personal Salvation I'd like to challenge you as we conclude this study about what the Bible says about salvation today. Don't let it be academic. Oh, make it personal. Would you do two things today in application? Number one, would you take a moment when this broadcast is done and just sit quietly somewhere and just thank the Lord. Just thank him for saving you. Thank you, Jesus, for not letting me go to hell. If it wasn't for Jesus, we'd all be in hell or on our way there. Praise God for salvation. But number two, don't keep it to yourself. Tell somebody else today how you came to know the Lord Jesus as your personal savior, what he means to you now that you're saved what you have to look forward to and how they too can know the only savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Repeating what other people have said about the Bible is not enough. Outro and Resources We must know the biblical reason behind what we believe. We hope you will visit us at etj.bible to access our Library of Bible teaching resources, including book-by-book studies of scripture. You'll also find studies to watch, listen to, or read. We are so grateful for those who pray for us, who share the biblical content and for those who invest to help us advance this ministry worldwide. Again, thank you for listening, and we hope you'll join us next time on enjoying the Journey.