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Acts 4:1-121 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him?You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

In this week's sermon, Dion van Breda teaches on why Believers need to be courageous in living and sharing their faith. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected,    which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4: 5 - 12 NIV)

Ministers ought never to despair of the salvation of any sinner. To despair of any one, is just the way to make him despair of himself. Many have been ruined in this way, probably. We ought to expect sinners to repent,- and treat them accordingly. Who shall limit the Holy One of Israel-- It took me long to learn the lesson, but I have learnt never to give up a sinner. We must urge the duty of an immediate faith and repentance, as the Bible does so continually- but we should be careful to enjoin this duty in such a manner that, if it is not immediately done, the individual shall not be led or left to cease seeking God. Many a sinner turns back, when just at the door of heaven.

On this episode of the Marc Cox Morning Show. Marc & Kim welcomes: Jon Schweppe, Nicole Murray, Genevieve Wood, Trey Yingst, and Taylor Riggs. We also have Kim on a Whim and  In Other News with Ethan. Topics for today include:  * The Vice Presidential Debate that took place last night. * Iran has begun to bomb Israel * It seems Waltz got shook during the debate * The long shore men strike Thanks for listening and make sure to visit 971talk.com for all the latest news.

There are so many times when the Bible could have said (but did not) “Jesus the Jew.” Or described the Disciples as Jews, but did not. The Gospel according to Saint John never once equated Jesus Christ nor the disciples with the Jews; the Jews are terminally anti-Christ in the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. Behold, Jesus the Galilean, Jesus of Nazareth: “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen.” Mark 16:6 “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?” Acts 1:11 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” Mark 14:70 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Luke 22:59 “ But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.” Luke 23:5-7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? Acts 2:7 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:11 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Matthew 27:55 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. Matthew 28:16 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Mark 1:24 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. Luke 2:39 [caption id="attachment_9926" align="alignright" width="520"] Screenshot[/caption] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, Luke 4:16 “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Luke 4:34 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Luke 18:37 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. Luke 24:19 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. John 1:46 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.). John 18:5 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. John 18:7 —> Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. John 19:19 [But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. John 19:15] —> “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. Acts 2:22 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Acts 4:10 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” Acts 6:14 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts 10:38 “‘Who are you, Lord?' I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. Acts 22:8 “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Acts 26:9   Fritz Berggren, PhD bloodandfaith.com July 5, 2024, A.D.

First Full Day Of Ramp Metering. Trump Hush Money trial. Joe Biden reverses course and is now sending weapons to Israel It's time to walk away from the United Nations. Today on the Marketplace: Your Vampire Slaying Kit! The New York Times is just as disgusting and worthless as you imagined See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Full Day Of Ramp Metering. Trump Hush Money trial. Joe Biden reverses course and is now sending weapons to Israel It's time to walk away from the United Nations. Today on the Marketplace: Your Vampire Slaying Kit! The New York Times is just as disgusting and worthless as you imagined. NYC Mayor Eric Adams says we should hire illegal immigrants to be life guards because they are excellent swimmers/ NYC Mayor Eric Adams says we should hire illegal immigrants to be life guards because they are excellent swimmers. RFK favors late term abortion, and is still doing well in the polls? Blinken is in Kyiv playing guitarJoe Biden dismissing polling. KJP responds to Peter Doocey. Burritos and Tacos ruled as sandwiches. Unites for St. Jude, Host Joey Mulinaro joins the show/ Markets up on less than expected Inflation number. Biden challenges Trump to two debates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Acts 4:1-13, Peter and John are brought before the Jewish religious leaders for teaching about Jesus and performing a miraculous healing. The leaders are disturbed by their actions and begin to question them. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly defends their actions, declaring that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ. He emphasises that salvation is found only in Jesus. The leaders, recognising the boldness of Peter and John, are astonished because they were uneducated men, yet they spoke with power and authority. They realise that they had been with Jesus. 'The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 'The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.' (Acts 4.1-13, NIV)

"Prayer is how we write history before it happens." - Mark Batterson How many of us believe in the power of prayer? 
Do we actually pray like it? James 5:16 //  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)  //  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. “The greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered because they go unasked.” - Mark Batterson Following Jesus was never meant to be safe. 3 Dangerous Prayers Acts 4:8-10  //  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Acts 4:13  //  When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Idiōtai - Ordinary Acts 4:29  //  Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 1. Lord, make me bold. Acts 4:30-31  //  Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Boldness triggers spiritual opposition Boldness is often the prerequisite for a miracle 2. Lord, search me. Psalms 139:23-24  //  Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT)  //  “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” What have I rationalized? Psalm 51:10  // Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 3. Lord, break my heart. We cannot fix what we cannot see. Jeremiah 8:18, 21  //  My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken... 21 I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief. It's better to hurt with a purpose than to exist without one. ASAP vs ALAIT

Acts 4:1-22 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem.  6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family.  7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!  9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,  10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.  15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.  17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.  22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.   Don't compromise your calling. Be courageous, consistent, and compassionate.

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Acts 4:5-135 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem… 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”                          13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Gods goodness and grace repeatedly overrules His fairness.[1] I read a version of that statement in a commentary on Malachi in preparation for this sermon. The story of Esau and Jacob reveals how true that statement really is. This is also one of the reasons Jacob and Esau are used as an example throughout Scripture in the way their story is used in Malachi to highlight Gods prerogative to love whom He wills. When God told Abraham that he would bless him, He promised that through his descendants, a child would be born who would bless the nations. To Abraham and Sarah was born Isaac. After Isaac and Rebecca were married, they wanted children together, but for some time Rebekah could not get pregnant; out of desperation Isaac prayed that God would allow his wife to become pregnant, so this is how God answered: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:2123). God blessed Isaac and Rebekah with Esau and Jacob. God told Isaac and Rebecca specifically that the child whom God would choose in the same way that He chose Abraham and Isaac would not be the older son, but the younger. When Rachel gave birth to her two babies, we are told: The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esaus heel, so his name was called Jacob (vv. 25-26). Jacob literally means heel grabber. Yet, regardless of what God said of Jacob, Isaac favored Esau more while Rebecca favored Jacob; in fact, we are told in Genesis 25:28, Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. The sad thing about the way Isaac and Rebekah treated their sons is that Esau grew up to be a willful, proud, self-centered man who exercised little self-control, while Jacob grew up to be a self-centered deceiver and manipulator. We see Esaus lack of self-control and the manipulative skill of Jacob in the last paragraph of Genesis 25; one day Esau was hungry and exhausted so he asked Jacob for some of what he was cooking that day: Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted! (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, Sell me your birthright now. Esau said, I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me? Jacob said, Swear to me now. So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright (Gen. 25:2934). Esau cared more about his stomach than he did his identity in Abraham; he was willing to trade in what was eternal for what was temporarya bowl of stew! Jacob was no better, for he manipulated his brother in a moment of weakness. Jacobs lying, deceiving, manipulating character reached its climax when he and his mother conspired together to deceive Isaac after he planned to give Esau the blessing of the firstborn, even though God said it would be Jacob who would receive it: When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, My son; and he answered, Here I am. He said, Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die. (Genesis 27:14) After Esau went out as instructed by his father, Rebekah pulled Jacob aside and plotted against both her son and husband by telling Isaac to do the following: Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies. Because Esau was so hairy, Rebekah told Jacob to cover his arms and neck with the skins of the goats so that his nearly blind father would think it was Esau he was blessing (see Gen. 27:5-13). So, Jacob did as his mother instructed, deceived his father into blessing him while Esau was hunting, and Esau hated his brother for it and even planned to murder Jacob after their father died (see Gen. 27:30-45). Anyone who reads Jacob and Esaus story will discover that Jacob was a deeply flawed man, and that Gods love of complacency had nothing to do with his moral character. Why Did God Love Jacob? What was it that inspired God to choose Jacob over Esau? Was there something about him that God liked more than Esau? Was it because Esau was a mans man and Jacob wasnt? Did God look down the corridors of time and see how he would grow tenderhearted towards God or that he would have a wrestling match with Jacob all night because the heel grabber wanted Gods blessing more than anything else? Did God choose Jacob over Esau because He thought Esau was too difficult, and that Jacob was easier to work with? The answer is no to all of these questions. What we know of Jacobs life is that it would mirror the life of the Hebrew people throughout the ages. When we compare Jacobs life with what we know of Esaus, Jacob looks worse morally. Most of Jacobs life is characterized by a lack of trust and a compulsion to use deception to get what he wanted. Jacob deceived his father and lied to him to his face in order to rob his older brother of what culturally belonged to the firstborn. However, before he lied to his father, he conned Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of stew. The birthright was something Jacob wanted all along, although God had told his parents that he was to receive the blessing instead of Esau, he took matters into his own hands to get what was only Gods to give. Jacob would spend a lifetime living with the consequences of his own actions. What were the consequences of Jacobs sins? Although he received the blessing from Isaac, he was driven from his home and forced to live in exile away from his family with his uncle Laban because his brother wanted to kill him. One of the reasons Jacob lived with his uncle is because his parents told him to seek a wife from one of his daughters. When Laban learned that his nephew had come to see him, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house (Gen. 29:13). Jacob stayed with his uncle for a month and fell in love with Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban (v. 18). Why did Jacob love Rachel? We are told why in Genesis 29:16-18, Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. I am not sure exactly what is meant by Leahs eyes being weak; some commentators think that she was cross-eyed, others think that they were sunken, baggy, or even bulging. I think that compared to Rachel; Leah was average while Rachel was gorgeous. Laban recognized the difference in his daughters by the names he had given to them; the Hebrew meaning for Leah can mean wild cow or gazelle while the Hebrew meaning for Rachel is ewe or lamb, which was more of a term of endearment? Leah was average at best, and Rachel was beautiful; Jacob wanted Rachel and would do anything to have her. Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in order to have Rachels hand in marriage, then when he finished his seven-year commitment to spend a lifetime with what he hoped would be the love of his life, Laban threw a wedding party, and gave Jacob his older daughter Leah when it was dark and her face was veiled. Listen to what happened: So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didnt I? Why have you deceived me (Gen. 29:2225, NIV)? What was Labans excuse for deceiving Jacob? This is what he said: It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years (vv. 26-27). Laban manipulated Jacob to serve another seven years of free labor for Rachels hand in marriage. So did the three live happily ever after? Hardly! After only a week of being married to Leah, Rachel was given to Jacob and so we are told: Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years (Gen. 29:30, NIV). The deceiving heel-grabber was deceived, and for the rest of his life Leah and Rachel would fight for Jacobs attention. Right after we are told that Jacob received Rachel and loved her more than Leah, we hear the broken heart of Leah in the verses that follow and the two words used in Malachi 1:2-3; listen carefully: When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me. She conceived again and bore a son, and said, Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also. And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons. Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise the Lord. Therefore she called his name Judah. (Genesis 29:3135) Isnt it interesting that Leah used the same word for love and hate that Malachi used to remind a used-up, beat-up, ragtag Israel that he loved them! Leah would go on to have three more sons, but notice that although Leah was hated by her father, her husband, and even her younger sister, God loved her, God saw her, and God blessed her. He didnt just bless her with children, of the seven biological children she mothered, Levi would become the father of the priestly tribe in Israel and Judah would become the father of the tribe where the line of the kings would come through leading ultimately to Jesus! But wait, there is more! Malachi specifically addresses the former exiles at the beginning of his book as Israel, but in Gods explanation for how he has loved Israel, Jacobs birth name is used: Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. The question remains unanswered. Why did God love Jacob? The best answer we have is the one that is repeated of Gods redeemed throughout the pages of Holy Scripture; it may not be satisfactory to you, but it will have to do! Here is the answer he gave to Jacobs descendants the Twelve Tribes of Israel: It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt (Deut. 7:78). The reason why Malachi uses Jacobs birth name, in my opinion, is because the exiles were aware of Jacobs jaded past as a very flawed man. Malachi identifies the exiles whom God preserved through both the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, all with the second name that Yahweh gave to Jacob, which was Israel. How Did God Love Jacob? Between the day Jacob deceived his father into giving him the birthright and his reunion and reconciliation with Esau was about twenty years. For twenty years, Jacob lived in exile, in fear that Esau would one day kill him. Within those twenty years 14 years were spent as an indentured servantsome may even interpret his years under Laban as a type of slavery. Jacob was deceived into a covenant with Leah he never wanted to be in and robbed of the life he was promised with Rachel. There are two very significant events in Jacobs life that will help you feel the weight of Malachis words: I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. The first event happened just after Jacob was sent into exile where God spoke to him through a dream in the midst of his failure, fear, and loneliness: And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it. And he was afraid and said, How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. (Gen. 28:1217) Just before Jacob entered into a difficult 20-year detour from the life he thought he would have as a result of his fathers blessing, God reminded him of something that he would hold close to his heart throughout the years, and that something was the faithfulness of God and the assurance of his promises. There was no way Jacob could have known that he would be the victim of a master manipulator such as himself for a good part of his 20 years with his uncle. He planned for one wife, but was deceived into marrying the older daughter of Laban who would long for the kind of delight of her husband that her younger sister took for granted. Although Jacob did eventually get the woman he wanted, he would have to live with the dysfunction of his family until the day of his death. Leading up to his second and most significant encounter with God, He spoke to Jacob and told him to, Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you (31:3), but to do that Jacob would need to break free from his bondage to Laban. The other problem in going back to the land promised to him, Jacob would need to encounter the brother he spent a lifetime hiding from out of fear. After Jacob is freed from the tyranny of his uncle and just before he encounters his brother, Jacob encounters a man while alone and fearful and entered into a wrestling match that lasted all night and into the morning hours (see Gen. 32:22-32). Jacob would not let the man go unless the man blessed him. The man then asked Jacob: What is your name? (v. 27) The heel-grabber answered: I am Jacob. Here is what happened next: Then the man said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed. Then Jacob asked him, Please tell me your name. But he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered. The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. (Gen. 32:2831) Jacob wrestled with a man who was also God, and the two things he walked way with is a limp that would forever remind him of the other thing, and that other thing is that he received a new name. The name Jacob received was Israel, which literally means: He strives with God. Jacob received a new identity as a result of having a face-to-face encounter with God who appeared to him as man! As a changed man, Israel was able to meet his brother and was reconciled to him. Conclusion So, how did God love Jacob? God pursued Jacob, found him, disciplined him, and wounded him deeply for the purpose of using him greatly before he could enter what was promised to him. Sound familiar? Jacobs story reminds me of something we read in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament: Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Heb. 12:37) How did God love Israel? Throughout her history as a nation, her sins that were many and great, and in her exile God remained faithful to his promises to her, He was with her in the midst of her suffering, and He was sustaining Her through it all. However, Israel did not get away without a limp, but even the limp was evidence that He loved her. Just as Jacobs exile and suffering was not the end of his story, so Israels exile and suffering was not the end of her story. Esaus descendants were Edomites. During Israels exile and suffering Edom allied themselves with Babylon for the destruction of Jerusalem, but this was not the end of Edoms story, for her destruction would eventually come. Edoms comfort and security was only for a season, just as Israels suffering and exile was only for a season. Because of the promises of Yahweh and His faithfulness to Israel a redeemer would eventually be born through the tribe of Judah, and redemption would be made available beyond the borders of Israel to all the nations! Just as God proved his love and faithfulness to a heel-grabber like Jacob, he will bless the nations through Israel: Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel! The promised seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was born to a young teenage girl by the name of Mary, who was a descendant of Abraham. To Mary was given the following promise: behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end (Luke 1:3133). Jesus was born, he then lived a life in perfect obedience to the Law of God, died for our sins on a cross, was buried, and then rose from the grave on the third day. Because of Jesus, the Christian can look beyond the sufferings of this world and claim with the apostle Paul: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Rom. 8:18). How can we say that? Because of the truth of Romans 8:28-32, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:2832) Listen, just as it was true of Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. You have been given a new identity that is wrapped up with the same Man who wrestled with Jacob and gave him a limp to remind him of who he was and to whom he belonged. Your name is wrapped up in that Man the God-Man who is the Lord Jesus Christ! Whatever form you limp comes in, you can claim with absolute confidence what every Christ-redeemed saint has been able to say before you: Who shall bring any charge against Gods elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who diedmore than that, who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:3339) Amen. Group Questions: Ask your group members to take turns reading Genesis 28:1-10 and have them answer the following questions: a. What significance do you think there is in the women Jacob and Esau married? b. Why do you think Isaac told Jacob not to marry from the Canaanite women? c. Ishmael was Abrahams firstborn son (see Genesis 25:13), but not the son of promise like Isaac; why do you think Esau decided to marry a daughter from Ishmaels descendants? d. Do you find it ironic that Esau, in an effort to gain the approval of his parents, married a descendant of the firstborn son of Abraham that God passed over in favor of Isaac? Jacob was sent into exile away from his home, family, and the land promised to him to live with Laban; during his time in exile God visited with Jacob through a dream. Read Genesis 28:10-22 and discuss the following: a. What parallels do you see with Jacobs story and the story of Israel in Malachis day? b. Based on what you know of Jacobs story in the Bible, did God keep his promise to Jacob even though he was once exiled from his home, family, and land due to his own sins against Esau, his father, and ultimately against God? Read Genesis 33:1-11. What did Jacob attribute his prosperity to? What did Esau attribute his prosperity to? How does the example of Gods love and faithfulness to His promises in Jacobs life assure Israel in Malachis day that their exile would not be the end of their story? Read Romans 8:18-39 and discuss the following questions as a group: a. How do you know that your sufferings are not the end of your story? b. According to verses 28-30, how do you know that God is working all things (even the bad things) out for your good? c. Paul states that God, did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all (v. 32). According to John 3:16, why did he do that for you? What significance does Malachi 1:1-5 have for you as a Christian who is experiencing Gods love of complacency through Jesus Christ? [1] Iain M. Doguid; Matthew P. Harmon. Reformed Expository Commentary: Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing; 2018), p. 104.

Gods goodness and grace repeatedly overrules His fairness.[1] I read a version of that statement in a commentary on Malachi in preparation for this sermon. The story of Esau and Jacob reveals how true that statement really is. This is also one of the reasons Jacob and Esau are used as an example throughout Scripture in the way their story is used in Malachi to highlight Gods prerogative to love whom He wills. When God told Abraham that he would bless him, He promised that through his descendants, a child would be born who would bless the nations. To Abraham and Sarah was born Isaac. After Isaac and Rebecca were married, they wanted children together, but for some time Rebekah could not get pregnant; out of desperation Isaac prayed that God would allow his wife to become pregnant, so this is how God answered: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:2123). God blessed Isaac and Rebekah with Esau and Jacob. God told Isaac and Rebecca specifically that the child whom God would choose in the same way that He chose Abraham and Isaac would not be the older son, but the younger. When Rachel gave birth to her two babies, we are told: The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esaus heel, so his name was called Jacob (vv. 25-26). Jacob literally means heel grabber. Yet, regardless of what God said of Jacob, Isaac favored Esau more while Rebecca favored Jacob; in fact, we are told in Genesis 25:28, Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. The sad thing about the way Isaac and Rebekah treated their sons is that Esau grew up to be a willful, proud, self-centered man who exercised little self-control, while Jacob grew up to be a self-centered deceiver and manipulator. We see Esaus lack of self-control and the manipulative skill of Jacob in the last paragraph of Genesis 25; one day Esau was hungry and exhausted so he asked Jacob for some of what he was cooking that day: Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted! (Therefore his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, Sell me your birthright now. Esau said, I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me? Jacob said, Swear to me now. So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright (Gen. 25:2934). Esau cared more about his stomach than he did his identity in Abraham; he was willing to trade in what was eternal for what was temporarya bowl of stew! Jacob was no better, for he manipulated his brother in a moment of weakness. Jacobs lying, deceiving, manipulating character reached its climax when he and his mother conspired together to deceive Isaac after he planned to give Esau the blessing of the firstborn, even though God said it would be Jacob who would receive it: When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, My son; and he answered, Here I am. He said, Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die. (Genesis 27:14) After Esau went out as instructed by his father, Rebekah pulled Jacob aside and plotted against both her son and husband by telling Isaac to do the following: Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies. Because Esau was so hairy, Rebekah told Jacob to cover his arms and neck with the skins of the goats so that his nearly blind father would think it was Esau he was blessing (see Gen. 27:5-13). So, Jacob did as his mother instructed, deceived his father into blessing him while Esau was hunting, and Esau hated his brother for it and even planned to murder Jacob after their father died (see Gen. 27:30-45). Anyone who reads Jacob and Esaus story will discover that Jacob was a deeply flawed man, and that Gods love of complacency had nothing to do with his moral character. Why Did God Love Jacob? What was it that inspired God to choose Jacob over Esau? Was there something about him that God liked more than Esau? Was it because Esau was a mans man and Jacob wasnt? Did God look down the corridors of time and see how he would grow tenderhearted towards God or that he would have a wrestling match with Jacob all night because the heel grabber wanted Gods blessing more than anything else? Did God choose Jacob over Esau because He thought Esau was too difficult, and that Jacob was easier to work with? The answer is no to all of these questions. What we know of Jacobs life is that it would mirror the life of the Hebrew people throughout the ages. When we compare Jacobs life with what we know of Esaus, Jacob looks worse morally. Most of Jacobs life is characterized by a lack of trust and a compulsion to use deception to get what he wanted. Jacob deceived his father and lied to him to his face in order to rob his older brother of what culturally belonged to the firstborn. However, before he lied to his father, he conned Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of stew. The birthright was something Jacob wanted all along, although God had told his parents that he was to receive the blessing instead of Esau, he took matters into his own hands to get what was only Gods to give. Jacob would spend a lifetime living with the consequences of his own actions. What were the consequences of Jacobs sins? Although he received the blessing from Isaac, he was driven from his home and forced to live in exile away from his family with his uncle Laban because his brother wanted to kill him. One of the reasons Jacob lived with his uncle is because his parents told him to seek a wife from one of his daughters. When Laban learned that his nephew had come to see him, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house (Gen. 29:13). Jacob stayed with his uncle for a month and fell in love with Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban (v. 18). Why did Jacob love Rachel? We are told why in Genesis 29:16-18, Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. I am not sure exactly what is meant by Leahs eyes being weak; some commentators think that she was cross-eyed, others think that they were sunken, baggy, or even bulging. I think that compared to Rachel; Leah was average while Rachel was gorgeous. Laban recognized the difference in his daughters by the names he had given to them; the Hebrew meaning for Leah can mean wild cow or gazelle while the Hebrew meaning for Rachel is ewe or lamb, which was more of a term of endearment? Leah was average at best, and Rachel was beautiful; Jacob wanted Rachel and would do anything to have her. Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years in order to have Rachels hand in marriage, then when he finished his seven-year commitment to spend a lifetime with what he hoped would be the love of his life, Laban threw a wedding party, and gave Jacob his older daughter Leah when it was dark and her face was veiled. Listen to what happened: So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didnt I? Why have you deceived me (Gen. 29:2225, NIV)? What was Labans excuse for deceiving Jacob? This is what he said: It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years (vv. 26-27). Laban manipulated Jacob to serve another seven years of free labor for Rachels hand in marriage. So did the three live happily ever after? Hardly! After only a week of being married to Leah, Rachel was given to Jacob and so we are told: Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years (Gen. 29:30, NIV). The deceiving heel-grabber was deceived, and for the rest of his life Leah and Rachel would fight for Jacobs attention. Right after we are told that Jacob received Rachel and loved her more than Leah, we hear the broken heart of Leah in the verses that follow and the two words used in Malachi 1:2-3; listen carefully: When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me. She conceived again and bore a son, and said, Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also. And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons. Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise the Lord. Therefore she called his name Judah. (Genesis 29:3135) Isnt it interesting that Leah used the same word for love and hate that Malachi used to remind a used-up, beat-up, ragtag Israel that he loved them! Leah would go on to have three more sons, but notice that although Leah was hated by her father, her husband, and even her younger sister, God loved her, God saw her, and God blessed her. He didnt just bless her with children, of the seven biological children she mothered, Levi would become the father of the priestly tribe in Israel and Judah would become the father of the tribe where the line of the kings would come through leading ultimately to Jesus! But wait, there is more! Malachi specifically addresses the former exiles at the beginning of his book as Israel, but in Gods explanation for how he has loved Israel, Jacobs birth name is used: Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. The question remains unanswered. Why did God love Jacob? The best answer we have is the one that is repeated of Gods redeemed throughout the pages of Holy Scripture; it may not be satisfactory to you, but it will have to do! Here is the answer he gave to Jacobs descendants the Twelve Tribes of Israel: It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt (Deut. 7:78). The reason why Malachi uses Jacobs birth name, in my opinion, is because the exiles were aware of Jacobs jaded past as a very flawed man. Malachi identifies the exiles whom God preserved through both the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, all with the second name that Yahweh gave to Jacob, which was Israel. How Did God Love Jacob? Between the day Jacob deceived his father into giving him the birthright and his reunion and reconciliation with Esau was about twenty years. For twenty years, Jacob lived in exile, in fear that Esau would one day kill him. Within those twenty years 14 years were spent as an indentured servantsome may even interpret his years under Laban as a type of slavery. Jacob was deceived into a covenant with Leah he never wanted to be in and robbed of the life he was promised with Rachel. There are two very significant events in Jacobs life that will help you feel the weight of Malachis words: I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. The first event happened just after Jacob was sent into exile where God spoke to him through a dream in the midst of his failure, fear, and loneliness: And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it. And he was afraid and said, How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. (Gen. 28:1217) Just before Jacob entered into a difficult 20-year detour from the life he thought he would have as a result of his fathers blessing, God reminded him of something that he would hold close to his heart throughout the years, and that something was the faithfulness of God and the assurance of his promises. There was no way Jacob could have known that he would be the victim of a master manipulator such as himself for a good part of his 20 years with his uncle. He planned for one wife, but was deceived into marrying the older daughter of Laban who would long for the kind of delight of her husband that her younger sister took for granted. Although Jacob did eventually get the woman he wanted, he would have to live with the dysfunction of his family until the day of his death. Leading up to his second and most significant encounter with God, He spoke to Jacob and told him to, Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you (31:3), but to do that Jacob would need to break free from his bondage to Laban. The other problem in going back to the land promised to him, Jacob would need to encounter the brother he spent a lifetime hiding from out of fear. After Jacob is freed from the tyranny of his uncle and just before he encounters his brother, Jacob encounters a man while alone and fearful and entered into a wrestling match that lasted all night and into the morning hours (see Gen. 32:22-32). Jacob would not let the man go unless the man blessed him. The man then asked Jacob: What is your name? (v. 27) The heel-grabber answered: I am Jacob. Here is what happened next: Then the man said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed. Then Jacob asked him, Please tell me your name. But he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered. The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. (Gen. 32:2831) Jacob wrestled with a man who was also God, and the two things he walked way with is a limp that would forever remind him of the other thing, and that other thing is that he received a new name. The name Jacob received was Israel, which literally means: He strives with God. Jacob received a new identity as a result of having a face-to-face encounter with God who appeared to him as man! As a changed man, Israel was able to meet his brother and was reconciled to him. Conclusion So, how did God love Jacob? God pursued Jacob, found him, disciplined him, and wounded him deeply for the purpose of using him greatly before he could enter what was promised to him. Sound familiar? Jacobs story reminds me of something we read in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament: Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Heb. 12:37) How did God love Israel? Throughout her history as a nation, her sins that were many and great, and in her exile God remained faithful to his promises to her, He was with her in the midst of her suffering, and He was sustaining Her through it all. However, Israel did not get away without a limp, but even the limp was evidence that He loved her. Just as Jacobs exile and suffering was not the end of his story, so Israels exile and suffering was not the end of her story. Esaus descendants were Edomites. During Israels exile and suffering Edom allied themselves with Babylon for the destruction of Jerusalem, but this was not the end of Edoms story, for her destruction would eventually come. Edoms comfort and security was only for a season, just as Israels suffering and exile was only for a season. Because of the promises of Yahweh and His faithfulness to Israel a redeemer would eventually be born through the tribe of Judah, and redemption would be made available beyond the borders of Israel to all the nations! Just as God proved his love and faithfulness to a heel-grabber like Jacob, he will bless the nations through Israel: Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel! The promised seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was born to a young teenage girl by the name of Mary, who was a descendant of Abraham. To Mary was given the following promise: behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end (Luke 1:3133). Jesus was born, he then lived a life in perfect obedience to the Law of God, died for our sins on a cross, was buried, and then rose from the grave on the third day. Because of Jesus, the Christian can look beyond the sufferings of this world and claim with the apostle Paul: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Rom. 8:18). How can we say that? Because of the truth of Romans 8:28-32, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:2832) Listen, just as it was true of Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. You have been given a new identity that is wrapped up with the same Man who wrestled with Jacob and gave him a limp to remind him of who he was and to whom he belonged. Your name is wrapped up in that Man the God-Man who is the Lord Jesus Christ! Whatever form you limp comes in, you can claim with absolute confidence what every Christ-redeemed saint has been able to say before you: Who shall bring any charge against Gods elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who diedmore than that, who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:3339) Amen. Group Questions: Ask your group members to take turns reading Genesis 28:1-10 and have them answer the following questions: a. What significance do you think there is in the women Jacob and Esau married? b. Why do you think Isaac told Jacob not to marry from the Canaanite women? c. Ishmael was Abrahams firstborn son (see Genesis 25:13), but not the son of promise like Isaac; why do you think Esau decided to marry a daughter from Ishmaels descendants? d. Do you find it ironic that Esau, in an effort to gain the approval of his parents, married a descendant of the firstborn son of Abraham that God passed over in favor of Isaac? Jacob was sent into exile away from his home, family, and the land promised to him to live with Laban; during his time in exile God visited with Jacob through a dream. Read Genesis 28:10-22 and discuss the following: a. What parallels do you see with Jacobs story and the story of Israel in Malachis day? b. Based on what you know of Jacobs story in the Bible, did God keep his promise to Jacob even though he was once exiled from his home, family, and land due to his own sins against Esau, his father, and ultimately against God? Read Genesis 33:1-11. What did Jacob attribute his prosperity to? What did Esau attribute his prosperity to? How does the example of Gods love and faithfulness to His promises in Jacobs life assure Israel in Malachis day that their exile would not be the end of their story? Read Romans 8:18-39 and discuss the following questions as a group: a. How do you know that your sufferings are not the end of your story? b. According to verses 28-30, how do you know that God is working all things (even the bad things) out for your good? c. Paul states that God, did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all (v. 32). According to John 3:16, why did he do that for you? What significance does Malachi 1:1-5 have for you as a Christian who is experiencing Gods love of complacency through Jesus Christ? [1] Iain M. Doguid; Matthew P. Harmon. Reformed Expository Commentary: Zephaniah, Haggai, Malachi (Phillipsburg, NJ: PR Publishing; 2018), p. 104.

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'[a] 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Acts 4:1-12 New International Version (NIV) Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected,     which has become the cornerstone.'[a] 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar 3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Peter Speaks to the Onlookers 11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.'[a] 24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.'[b] 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'[c] 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. The Believers Pray 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.[d]'[e] 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Current Events and News from a Christian Perspective Today on the Newscast The Slow Death of America The Incredibly Fast Rise of China Israel, Israel, Israel: It's All About Israel JD Williams is a Member of the US Press Association ID# 802085263. TL Farley is a Bible Teacher and the Author of 3 Books including Blast Off Rapiemur in its 5th Edition. Certain images and News Clips provided and used by permission of various News Organizations Worldwide often including Getty Images, CNN News, Al Jazeera, the AP, Fox News, The Watchman Newscast and other Smaller News Organizations Worldwide

Current Events and News from a Christian Perspective Today on the Newscast The Slow Death of America The Incredibly Fast Rise of China Israel, Israel, Israel: It's All About Israel JD Williams is a Member of the US Press Association ID# 802085263. TL Farley is a Bible Teacher and the Author of 3 Books including Blast Off Rapiemur in its 5th Edition. Certain images and News Clips provided and used by permission of various News Organizations Worldwide often including Getty Images, CNN News, Al Jazeera, the AP, Fox News, The Watchman Newscast and other Smaller News Organizations Worldwide

'The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ' Acts 4:1-13 https://my.bible.com/bible/111/ACT.4.1-13

'The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ' Acts 4:1-13 https://my.bible.com/bible/111/ACT.4.1-13

Teaching NotesI keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8We have two goals. Unshakeable Faith – Disciple every Westsider to grow in Faith and Generosity. Unshakeable Love – Advance Jesus' kingdom through our faithful stewardship We are striving for 100% Engagement Acts 1 - Unshakeable Mission. Acts 2 - Unshakeable Community Acts 4 - Unshakeable Boldness Healing (Acts 3:1-10) The Challenge & Response (Acts 4:1-22) “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected,     which has become the cornerstone.'Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:8-13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13“Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20Prayer Support (Acts 4:23-31) “…enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29) Acts 4:32-37 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:32-35Acts 29 We have been with Jesus What is right in God's eyes We can't stop Our apologetic is our love driven by our generosity Sunday Set ListWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereHouse of the Lord- Phil WickhamIf the Lord Builds the House- Hope DarstO Praise The Name (Anastasis)- HillsongWFC SpeedwayI Speak Jesus- Charity GayleMercy- Elevation WorshipHere Again- Elevation WorshipBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Canary Cry News Talk #552 - 10.26.2022 - Recorded Live to Tape CYBORGANICS - KIaus Dies, Octobot, 33 Russians, Monkey Gof, Ice Kingdom A Podcast that Deconstructs Mainstream Media News from a Biblical Worldview. Harvard: Index of MSM Ownership (Harvard.edu) SHOW NOTES HELLO, RUN DOWN CYBORG Klaus Has Died…Krippendorff who shaped cybernetics and advertising (Philly Inquirer)  Clip: An engineer produces a torch-like prosthetic for his lost eye (Interesting Engineering) → Cyborganics history (Advanced Science) → Daniel 2:43 (Crumbling of Roman Empire)   DAY JINGLE/PERSONAL/EXEC.   FLIPPY This spooky robot uses inflatable tentacles to grab delicate items (PopSci)   UKRAINE/RUSSIA/SATANIST/33 *Report, 33 Russian Officers Aiming Missiles at Ukraine, War Crimes Possible (Kyiv Report) → → 33 Amazon's ‘Fallout' Series From ‘Westworld' Creators, Vault 33 (Variety) *Desperate Putin portrays Ukraine and the West as ‘Satanic' (Times UK)   BEAST SYSTEM/HAARP HAARP to begin largest set of experiments at its new observatory (Geophysical Institute)    PARTY TIME BREAK 1: TREASURE   UFO/SPACE NASA Announces UAP Research Team to Examine Mysterious Sightings (Inverse)   BBB Flying taxis, robot avatars, holograms, Saudi Arabia pushes ahead with sci-fi city vision (CNBC)   MONKEYPOX Gov lab in Maryland plans to create MORE deadly hybrid monkeypox strain (DailyMail)    BREAK 3: TALENT   ANTARCTICA Ardern's Antarctica flight turns back amid bad weather (DW) Jacinda Ardern lands in Antarctica for Scott Base visit (RNZ) → Young amateur radio operator selected for expedition to Antarctica (Telengana Today)   BREAK 4: TIME END   This Episode was Produced By: Executive Producers Gravemind**   Producers Sir MORV Knight of the Burning Chariots, Sir LX Protocol V2 Knight of the Berrean Protocol, Sir Casey the Shield Knight, Dame Gail, Sir Scott Knight of Truth, Runksmash, Sir Darrin Knight of the Hungry Panda's   Audio Production BrotherG   Visual Art Dame Allie of the Skillet Nation Sir Dove Knight of Rusbeltia Jared C   Microfiction Runksmash - Chris ducks into the Import Shop to try escaping the cameras and screens, and nonchalantly tries looking at the Yee-shoes and Akon neck ties but a speaker begins blaring something about a super spreader, he has no choice but to run from the city.   CLIP PRODUCER Emsworth, FaeLivrin, Epsilon   TIMESTAPERS Jackie U, Jade Bouncerson, Christine C, Pocojoyo, Joelle S   SOCIAL MEDIA DOERS Dame MissG of the OV and Deep Rivers   LINKS HELP JAM   ADDITIONAL STORIES → Who are Rishi Sunak's parents? PM's second-generation Indian Punjabi GP father and pharmacist mother made 'sacrifices to send him to £42,000-a-year college' and inspired him to make a 'positive difference' (DailyMail)  → Inspirational rise to the most powerful office in the land: Rishi Sunak's grandparents came here with next to nothing. But hard work and education changed everything, writes GUY ADAMS (DailyMail)  New British PM has called Jerusalem Israel's ‘historic capital,' vowed to fight BDS (Times of Israel)  It's Robo-Rishi: New PM's 'robot' wave is likened to 'character in a PS2 game' or a 'window wiper' by perplexed Twitter users after he enters No10 (DailyMail)  Meet the 7 Men Who Will Rule China (Epoch Times) (Archive)  Starlink signals can be reverse-engineered to work like GPS—whether SpaceX likes it or not (MIT) (Archive)  Joe Biden gets lost in his own garden: More worrying footage shows president ask 'where do we go?' and look confused after tree planting event for White House groundskeeper (DailyMail)  Biden calls Kamala Harris a ‘great president' in yet another gaffe (NY Post)  → U.S.-Saudi Relations Buckle, Driven by Animosity Between Biden and Mohammed bin Salman (WSJ) (Archive)  White House urging Americans to get shot to "avoid a spooky Thanksgiving" (Twitter)  US Navy apparently gearing up to use drone swarms in the future (Interesting Engineering) → → 33 Amazon's ‘Fallout' Series From ‘Westworld' Creators, Vault 33 (Variety) How Cold War II Could Turn Into World War III (Bloomberg) (Archive)  Russian troops being trained to fight in radioactive conditions, Moscow claims (Yahoo) 

The devotion for today, Monday, September 19, 2022 was written by Thomas Riggs and is narrated by Metsy Rose.Today's Words of Inspiration come from Acts 4:8-11Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is“‘the stone you builders rejected,    which has become the cornerstone.'Support the show

Adam Duritz has waited decades to play in Israel, a place that he loves, said the Counting Crows frontman in this Times Will Tell podcast ahead of his band's Wednesday night show in Ra'anana, outside Tel Aviv. Duritz visited Israel several times in his teens, hiking through Sinai, working on a kibbutz and later learning Torah in Jerusalem, a "powerful place" for him, he says. Yet Duritz hadn't returned to Israel since then, as he built his career and band, waiting for the right opportunity to make it back to Israel and perform here. The lead singer of the California-founded band, known for hits such as "Mr. Jones," "Round Here," and "Accidentally In Love," credited the physical work he learned on the kibbutz as the foundation for the landscaping and construction jobs that he later did to support himself while building his musical career. He also spoke about his own struggles with religion and faith, and how those issues showed up in his music. The following transcript has been very lightly edited. The Times of Israel: Welcome Adam Duritz to the Times Will Tell, we are very honored to have you with us, and we appreciate you squeezing us into what I know is a busy schedule ahead of your Wednesday night performance in Ra'anana. Adam Duritz: I know I am. I'm very excited to play some place we've never played before. The Times of Israel: It's hard to believe. There's been a lot of preview interviews with you mentioning that you came here and you worked on the kibbutz when you were 18 and you came back to Jerusalem and did a little studying in the holy city. But it has been quite a few decades since you've been in Israel, correct? Adam Duritz: Four, I would think about. Four, yeah. It's been a really long time. The Times of Israel: Are you planning on traveling around for the next couple of days? Are you going to lay low and hang out at the beach? Adam Duritz: Well, I'd like to get a chance to travel around. I really want to go back to Jerusalem because that was someplace I really loved when I was a kid. But I don't really know. It depends on what kind of press and stuff they have us doing. That's the only thing that's going to take up the time. Except for our A gear, has all been in a locker in Liverpool for a year now. So we kind of have to go through that and make sure we have to do some pre-rehearsal with the band and the crew to make sure all the equipment gears. The Times of Israel: It got sent over for a concert that got canceled. And now you're basically doing the tour that you meant to do a while back. Adam Duritz: Because of Covid, I decided to leave it over there rather than bring it back on the risk that we would be able to reschedule the tour. I left it over there because especially nowadays, all the expenses for bands' prices haven't gone up at all, but the expenses are all doubled or tripled freight, airlines, flights, hotels, freight for your gear. All that is double or triple what it was. So I didn't want to waste the money by bringing it all back. There's a lot of things I'd like to do and hopefully I'll get to do some of them. But part of touring is realizing that the gig is everything. The Times of Israel: How is this tour going? I know that you were touring the US and now you're in Europe and you hopped over to Israel, and you have a lot of tour dates all over Europe. What does it feel like to be touring again? Adam Duritz: It's cool. I mean, this is the first gig of the European tour, so we haven't done that part yet. But the shows in America, we did a whole tour last summer and we've been playing gigs off and on this year. It's all been really cool. It's nice to be back playing. The Times of Israel: You've mentioned in a few interviews that it's been 30 years since your first album and that you feel, I guess, a sense of privilege that you guys are still together and that you perform these huge shows, [with] fans that are really excited to see you. Adam Duritz: Not so much that we're still together, but that people are still coming out to see us. You always worry about that because the shelf life of a band is very short, but especially after two years lay off, you really wonder whether things are going to pass you by. But we're still here. The Times of Israel: What was it like getting back onto those stages, getting back together, working together, performing together? Adam Duritz: Well, the same as it's always been. I mean, it's just performing. It's nice to play, you know, I think when you're in a band that was the longest I've ever gone without playing that period during Covid. In my entire adult life, I've never gone that long between gigs, so it was very strange. The Times of Israel: That must be incredibly strange. There are certain songs that are so familiar, so popular, that make people happy. "Mr Jones," "Big Yellow Taxi," "Roundhere." What is it like when you play these songs that you know are beloved by your fans, but that you have to keep on churning out all the time? What is it like to play those songs over again, knowing that your crowd wants to hear them, but knowing that maybe there's other things that you want to focus on more, or maybe not. Maybe those are the songs you always want to bring to your audience. Adam Duritz: If I want to play something else, I would just play it. There's nothing that has to get played every night. The only song that we play every night is "A Long December." And that's because for some reason, that's the only song I never ever get sick of. I don't think there's ever been a night where I didn't want to play that song. I don't know why that is, but I'm never tired of it. Everything else, if there's a night where I don't want to play it, I'm not going to play it. Because I think it would suck to play songs that you don't want to play. The Times of Israel: Really? You would do that to the audience? You would do that to the fans? Not play "Mr. Jones," for instance. Adam Duritz: Yeah, there's been lots of nights where we didn't play "Mr. Jones." I love that song. I love "Mr. Jones," but I want to keep loving "Mr. Jones." I don't want to hate the song. And I would think the quickest way to hating your own music is to play it on nights when you don't want to play it. The Times of Israel: Interesting, given that you've had this long-standing connection to Israel that it took so long to get back here. Adam Duritz: Bands want to go everywhere, but you can't go anywhere unless you have a promoter making you an offer that makes sense. The fact is, there's probably nowhere in the world we don't really want to go. But you just can't go until promoter gives you the right kind of offer. And I don't know that we've had those in the past. This offer was really good. The moment I heard it, I said, absolutely, let's do it. It's taking care of a lot of our European tour because some of the other gigs in Europe are smaller, not as well paying some of them. This is a great gig. I'd like to be able to come back here every few years because to go to a new country and find out that you have an audience where you can go right and play a 6,000-seat arena right off the bat, that's fantastic. I mean, not an arena, an amphitheater. So I don't know about the past, but I don't really remember offers from Israel. The only thing I say is, as soon as I heard this offer, I said, absolutely, let's do it. Okay. I love it here. The Times of Israel: I know it's always a little bit of a pain to come to Israel because of the fact that you have to ship everything over here and then ship it back to Europe. You're not playing in the countries that surround Israel, you're not going to Egypt, you're not going to Jordan, not going to Syria or Lebanon. You didn't get hit with any boycotts or sanctions, you didn't get hit with any criticism of coming to play in Israel. Adam Duritz: No. The only place I really heard about it were in the interviews. But, I mean, I will say that I've been pretty isolated this year because I haven't been out and about very much. Also, we're not exactly the center of the culture right now, so maybe it would be different in that situation, I don't know. But also, like, I'm a Jew. I understand the long tradition of, like, everything is the Jew's fault. I don't really buy it. The Times of Israel: So, talk about that a little bit. Now that you brought it up, what is it like to come back here and to bring the Counting Crows, to bring your people, to bring your band, to bring your bandmates to this place that you connected with a long time ago? What does that feel like? Adam Duritz: It feels pretty cool. It's a really long time ago for me, but there's some pretty powerful memories. I just think for the band, in a lot of ways, you expect your career to be shrinking. You expect to play less and less places every year, so a year where you can come and play, more places to go, someplace new for the first time. I don't think any of the guys in our band, except for me, have been here before, which is pretty rare. This tour,  we actually have three cities we've never played, Helsinki and Warsaw and Tel Aviv. And that's kind of great. It's the opposite direction you expect things to go in the later years of your career. So that always makes me really happy, especially if, considering how big the crowd could be here for us, it's someplace we could come back to. The Times of Israel: Can you share a memory? Adam Duritz: I mean, I was a kid, I went through the Sinai. It was still part of Israel back then. I spent a lot of time in Jerusalem. It was very powerful for me, that city, especially the Old City. I worked on a kibbutz for a little while, working in the apple orchard. I dug crap out of a grain silo. I really enjoyed the work. And it's funny because it kind of prepared me in some ways, because that kind of physical work is what I ended up doing to support myself all the years when I was in the band, at first and in different bands, I was a landscaper and I did construction work. And I think one of the reasons I knew that I was okay doing that kind of work is that I had done it. I had done it over here. I'd gotten up really early in the morning and done hard work all day, and that's kind of how I ended up supporting myself in the early days before the band was successful. But the first place I really did a lot of that was on the kibbutz here. Adam Duritz: I went back again a couple of years later when I was 18 and pretty much just spent time in Jerusalem in that time. A lot of it was also that I was a kid and I liked getting wasted and there was no drinking age over here, and I thoroughly appreciated that at the time. The Times of Israel: I don't know if this is too much of a stretch, but are there any of those early moments and early memories that made their way into your music at any point? Or is there any connection there between what you experienced and what you later started creating? Adam Duritz: Well, I think there's a lot of places where my struggle with religion and faith shows up in my music, and that certainly was a part of my time here. The Times of Israel: It's a pretty common theme coming to Israel, coming to Jerusalem, struggling with where you are in terms of faith. And of course, now you're here for work and you're here to perform and to give interviews and to maybe see a little bit of this country that you haven't seen in a while. But do you find that it tugs at you in a certain way or is that sort of in your past? Adam Duritz: Well, there are things about the country that tug at me a lot, like just the history and what part it plays in my own history. Being a Jew, that's a pretty powerful thing for any Jew. Being here is a very, what's the word? Intoxicating in that way. Israel is a heavy liquor for Jews, I would say. But no, the religion doesn't tug at me. I'm past believing things like that. The Times of Israel: Yeah, but the place, the scenery, what you're seeing outside your window, what you see when you drive from the airport, those kinds of things, the people on the street. Adam Duritz: The street, well, not as much from the airport to Tel Aviv, but just the knowledge of what it is and my memories, especially of Jerusalem, maybe if I went over to Jaffa, to the older parts of town. It's incredibly beautiful out the window, looking at the beach, but between me and the beach is a construction zone. I guess they're putting in a rapid transit system. I remember when they did that in LA. That always tears up for a bit. Yeah, I guess it's just like also, it's a country full of Jews, as opposed to being one in a crowd as you are in the rest of the world. In the rest of the world, you're one in a crowd and here you are, the crowd. That's a unique thing. The Times of Israel: Are you brushing up on any Hebrew for the show? Are we going to hear any? Adam Duritz: Yeah, if people are talking, I'll say, sheket. I remember sheket. I remember ken and lo. I remember shalom, which means aloha. I don't remember most of my Hebrew. I could sort of speak it back then, but yeah, I don't remember very much of it now. The Times of Israel: The crowd loves it when some beloved singer comes their way and throws a little shalom and a little sheket b'vakasha (please be quiet). I think they'll be happy on Wednesday night to hear that as well. Where are you in terms of new songs? In terms of new work? I know Covid, as we keep on saying, has been such a struggle for bands. Sometimes it's great for being inspired, and sometimes it has made it really difficult. Where is Counting Crows in terms of new music? Are we going to hear any? Adam Duritz: Well, I had written a second suite, but I threw it out. I sang on my friend's record and he sent me their record before it came out. They're this band called Gang of Youth. They have a new record called "Angel in Real Time." And when I listened to it, it was so good that for the first time, literally the first time in my entire career, I thought, oh, these songs aren't good enough, and I threw them out. So I have to rework.I mean, I'm reworking some of it, but his record was so much better, and that's not good enough. The Times of Israel: Okay, but the point is that you're working, we're going to hear more new music. You guys are going to keep on going for hopefully a very long time. Adam Duritz: The chances of us finding other jobs are pretty slim, so yeah. The Times of Israel: Well, you said landscape and construction. There's always something to fall back on. Right. Adam Duritz: I'm not falling back to that on that. I'll stick with my job. I loved it at the time, but I'm glad I like my new job better. The Times of Israel: The new job that you've been carrying out for a while, happily, for quite a few decades. Excellent. Well, we really thank you for being with us, Adam Duritz, it's great to have you here in Israel and looking forward to hearing you on stage on Wednesday night and hoping you have a great trip and that you get to do a few things and see a few places that you want to see while you're here. Adam Duritz: Absolutely. I hope so. But the main thing I really wanted to do was play here, so one way or another, I'll get it all. I really wanted to play here. Times Will Tell podcasts are available for download on iTunes, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, PlayerFM or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz at the band's September 14 show in Ra'anana, Israel (Courtesy Shlomi Pinto)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The devotion for today, Monday, September 12, 2022 was written by Thomas Riggs and is narrated by Beth Wilson.Today's Words of Inspiration come from Acts 4:8-11:Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'Support the show

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:1-13

Lectio Divina is the divine or sacred reading of Scripture. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with his Word. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by where he leads you.   Once you've listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, then head over to the next episode and catch the interview with Pastor Reece Woodruff to hear where the Lord led him.   Reece is a pastor at Christ Freedom Church – a three-year-old church in Lewisville Texas. He is also a graduate of DTS and an insightful teacher of God's word.    If you would like to go deeper into the life of Peter, this series coincides with lesson 8 of Jodie's Bible study: Journey: A Study of Peter for Stumbling Toward Jesus's Extravagant Grace.   You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download your free Lectio Divina Guided journal here.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Acts 4:8-13, printed below, in the NIV.   Acts 4:8-13   8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Reece is a pastor at Christ Freedom Church – a three-year-old church in Lewisville Texas. He is also a graduate of DTS and an insightful teacher of God's word.    Take a few minutes to meditate on Acts 4:8-13 and then listen in on this interview to hear where God led Reece.   Some highlights from our conversation: Reece helps us understand why the men are astonished by Peter's courage. We discuss how understanding where our hope truly lies should give us courage. We talk about the radical grace and mercy that was extended to Peter And we talk about how Reece knew he was called to vocational ministry.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Acts 4:8-13 in the NIV.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Acts 4:8-13, printed below, in the NIV.   Acts 4:8-13   8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  

'The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. ' Acts 4:1-22 https://my.bible.com/bible/111/ACT.4.1-22

'The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. ' Acts 4:1-22 https://my.bible.com/bible/111/ACT.4.1-22

Acts 4: 5-12 (niv) 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:1–13 NIV 4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'[a] 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:5-13

Acts 4:1-22 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 1. Sometimes God will use “bad news” to get the “good news” out.(Acts 4:1-4) 2. Believers can live with confidence that God will help us to be courageous witnesses in times of trouble.(Acts 4:5-22) Challenge: God has called us to be faithful and bold witnesses of the gospel for Him. He will guide us and strengthen us through the Holy Spirit. His desire is that we become willing witnesses in the spread of the gospel even when we face persecution. Are you relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you be bold and courageous in your witness for Jesus? Supporting Texts:Luke 21:12-19, 2 Timothy 3:10-17, Matthew 5:10-12

An event happened at the Gate Beautiful that was even more beautiful than its setting. A 40-year-old crippled man was healed. The religious leaders overlooked the miracle because Peter and John's message of Jesus and His resurrection didn't fit in their neat little religious box. They were distraught! 7They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, 10then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Peter and John knew the inherent power that is in the name of Jesus! They had seen Jesus' miracles! They understood that while they had no power to heal, Jesus does. They understood that they had been delegated authority as children of God, to use the name of Jesus. And when they used the name of Jesus a man that had never walked was healed. The 7 sons of Sceva tried to use the name, but they were not believers, so it back-fired on them. Jesus still heals. There is power in His name. Jesus still saves and delivers.  Everything Jesus was His name still is. David Hughart As believers, when we grasp the reality of the power in the name of Jesus, we will see the miracles we were meant to see!

Acts 1:3 NIV 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 2:22-24 NIV 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:31-32 NIV 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Acts 3:15 NIV 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. Acts 4:2 NIV 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 4:10 NIV 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 NIV Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:14-17 NIV 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Matthew 28:11-15 NIV 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.   “I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.” -Chuck Colson   “A person who rejects Christ may choose to say that I do not accept it, he may not choose to say there is not enough evidence.” "Either the men of Galilee were men of superlative wisdom, and extensive knowledge and experience, and of deeper skill in the arts of deception than any and all others, before them or after them, or they have truly stated astonishing things which they saw and heard." "According to the laws of legal evidence used in courts of law, there is more evidence for the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ than for just about any other event in history." -Dr. Simon Greenleaf, "The Testimony of the Evangelists. Examined by the Rules of Evidence, 1874 2 Timothy 1:9-10 NIV 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  

then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”Acts 4:10-12 -

A Promise of People, Protection, and PresenceOur sermon text this morning is Zechariah chapter 2. You'll find that on page 943.This is the third vision given to Zechariah. The first vision was the rider on the red horse among the myrtle trees… and the other horses patrolling the earth. That vision was about God's all-knowing and all-present nature. Even though the situation in Jerusalem was discouraging, God was still in control. He would again prosper Jerusalem.The second vision was about four horns. They signified the kingdoms of the world opposed to God. But if you remember, God raised up four of his own horns that defeated these enemies. Even though it appeared hopeless to his people in Jerusalem, God will prevail.This third vision is about Jerusalem. And it answers the question, how will Jerusalem and God's people prosper once again? The answer is surprising. The answer is actually right behind me on our Zechariah banner.Let's now turn our attention to God's Word.Reading of Zechariah 2PrayerSome of you will know of John Piper. He's a well-known pastor and author. He's a great Gospel witness. He's also unmatched in his passion and seemingly endless energy. He's written over 60 books. He speaks at countless conferences. His emphasis on missions and the Scriptures and God's sovereignty and the Gospel has impacted so many - myself included.You would think that pastor Piper jumps out of bed at 5am every morning, ready to take on what God has for him that day.Well, he wrote this: “There are mornings when I wake up feeling fragile. Vulnerable. It's often vague. No single threat. No one weakness. Just an amorphous sense that something is going to go wrong and I will be responsible.” He writes that this has been a common occurrence for him over his 50 years of ministry. Sometimes it's fear, or expectations, or criticism. He wrote this about one particular morning. “I woke up feeling emotionally fragile. Weak. Vulnerable. I prayed: ‘Lord help me. I'm not even sure how to pray.'” We feel the same at times – not sure how to pray. Piper continued, “An hour later I was reading in Zechariah, seeking the help I had cried out for. It came.” What did Piper read in Zechariah? He read from Zechariah 2. That “Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls” and that “the Lord will be a wall of fire all around,” and that “He will be the glory in her midst.” He read our text this morning. You see, Zechariah 2 is a soothing balm to our troubled souls. In a way, when we read Zechariah 2, it's like God transports us from our difficult situations and places us in a heavenly city, with God's people, in his protection. And he's there with us. We feel his glory and presence.That's what I want you to take away this morning. The promise of Zechariah 2 for you. God's promise is this: The promise of his people, his protection, and his presence. And my hope is that you'll be able to go back to this chapter when you need a reminder of these promises. Really, these three promises here are intermixed throughout this chapter. On the back of your bulletin, I included the verses that relate to each, so you can see how they overlap. We'll take them in that order. People, protection, and presence. That's the order that they are introduced to us. Verse 4 “Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people” Then verse 5, “I will be to her a wall of fire.” That's the protection. And the second part of verse 5: “I will be the glory in her midst.” Presence. Great promises for us.The promise of people (Zechariah 2:4, 6, 7, 11a, 12)So first, the promise of people. Let me begin by describing the vision. Zechariah saw this man. And he had a measuring line. That's something an architect would use to plan out something to be built. And Zechariah called out to him, “where are you going?” “I'm going to measure Jerusalem” He was saying to Zechariah, Jerusalem needs to be rebuilt.And remember from chapter 1. God promised that Jerusalem would be rebuilt. In a sense, this chapter tells us what that means. But right when this architect was going to measure the city, something happened! Two angels appear. And the second angel said to the first. “Run, say to that young man.” Something was so urgent that the young man mentioned needed to hear it. Now, who was the young man? Well, there are 2 possibilities. He's either the man measuring Jerusalem… or he's Zechariah himself. I'm not sure, which but I lean toward the young man being Zechariah. For one, the word for “young man” in Hebrew is different than the word for “man” used earlier. And we know that Zechariah was young at this point. But also, the angel who was told to run to the young man… he's the same angel who talked to Zechariah in the first vision. In other words, that's the angel's role – talk to Zechariah. But either way, I don't think it changes the message. It's a corrective message. Really, it's a radical message.It's like the angel was saying… “Wait, wait, wait… young man, you think that God's is promising Jerusalem to be physically rebuilt. No, no, no! You've missed the promise. The promise is a spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem. Yes, the physical walls of the city need rebuilding, but the promise goes way beyond that. It's a promise of people.”Let's take a step back for a moment. A couple of weeks ago we talked about these kind of visions in the Bible. One thing I mentioned was this: these visions have a near term fulfillment but also a spiritual or heavenly fulfillment. And this is where we need to understand the significance of Jerusalem.Of course, our natural tendency is to understand Jerusalem as the earthly city. That's how Zechariah and his generation saw it. Jerusalem was the physical place in Judah, situated next to Mount Zion. They returned from the city of Babylon to the city Jerusalem. And Jerusalem was in shambles. The wall were a wreck - huge boulders strewn about. The temple was half built. The land was unfertile. Deep down they wanted the physical city and temple rebuilt to its glory days. That's what they thought they needed.I'm guilty. I dream about us having our own property and a beautiful new church building and sanctuary. With real rooms. A roof that doesn't leak. A place that we can call ours. I probably shouldn't tell you this. When we were raising funds to start, one day I bought a lottery ticket. I thought, “wouldn't it be great to start a church with a nice new building.” But I've been convicted this week. That's not what the church is. Yes, facilities help facilitate, but the church is the people of living Lord. That's who we are.That's what Jerusalem signifies. It's pointing to both a spiritual and a heavenly promise. A spiritual promise of people and a heavenly promise of people. Our call to worship this morning from Hebrews 12 and our New Testament reading from Revelation 21 – they both point to that spiritual and heavenly promise. “You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” That's Hebrews 12. And in Revelation 21. All the measurements of the heavenly Jerusalem relate to the number 12 - a number indicting God's people. 12 tribes of Israel, 12 disciples. 144 is mentioned… which is 12 times 12.You see, the promise of verses 4 and 5 is a promise of a people. And this is fulfilled first in the church here on earth. Us, here and now. We're spiritual Jerusalem. And it's also fulfilled, second, in heaven. Heavenly Jerusalem – the new Jerusalem. When all God's people will be gathered together.And the wonderful thing is how Jerusalem will be inhabited. Verse 4. “villages without walls because of the multitude of people.” In other words, physical walls will not be able to contain the people. There would be too many - an abundance of God's people.And where will these people come from? Well, for one, God was calling the Israelites back. Verses 6 and 7 explicitly call them back. “Up, up, flee from the land of the north…” and verse 7, “Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.” God had scattered his people Judah, because of their sin. But now he was calling them to return from Babylon. He was calling his people back.But this call for them to return was not primarily a call to return to Jerusalem the city or Mount Zion the hill. No, think back to Chapter 1 – God said to them… “Return to….” What? “Return to me!” God did not say to them “return to Jerusalem or return to Zion.” No, “return to me.” It's a spiritual call for his people to return. But the other thing is this… the Jewish people were not the only people God was calling to be a part of spiritual Jerusalem. This is the amazing thing about this first promise. Verse 11, “And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people.” This would have been staggering to hear. The nations. The very people who overthrew Israel and Judah. Many of them would be included in this city without walls.Beloved, that us. Or most of us. There may be some here who have Jewish heritage, but for the rest of us, we're the nations. We've been called to God. We are the ones who are identified as “my people” there in verse 11. Do you see how this city can't have walls? There's no room! This is the church. People from all over. From every tribe and language and people group.What a remarkable picture given to Zechariah and his generation. They had reached a low point – a hopeless discouragement. They had put their hope in earthly places and physical walls. But God blew all that up in this third vision. A city of spiritual flourishing, abounding in people who the Lord calls his own.As the church, we're part of the fulfillment of this vision. And we also have that future heavenly fulfillment to look forward to. Where we'll be united with all of God's people from all generations from all over the world.The promise of people.The promise of protection (Zechariah 2:5a, 8, 9)Next, the promise of protection.The message of the angel continued, verse 5: “I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord”The walls of a city represented protection from enemies. The walls were their line of defense. There were no rockets or planes or drones that could attack from above. Of course not. No, the walls defended them from enemy attacks. For Zechariah's generation in Jerusalem, the ruin of Jerusalem's walls weighed heavy on them. Even if they did rebuild the temple and other buildings, what could stop another kingdom from destroying it all again? But even if the walls of Jerusalem could be rebuilt, which they would be in Nehemiah's day, even that wouldn't stop enemies from conquering the city. Physical walls didn't stop Babylon.They had an overwhelming sense of vulnerability. Not unlike our feeling of vulnerability – personally and as the church.But God says, “I will be to her a wall of fire all around.” What a vision! Picture in your mind what that would look like. A huge wall of fire circling God's people. It's like the WandaVision wall around the city of Westview. Some of you will know what I'm talking about.This wall of fire is a wall that could not be toppled. A wall that could expand as more people arrived. A wall that could not be overcome by the enemies of faith. The idea of fire as a protection is not a new theme in the Bible. Think of the Israelites. When they fled from slavery in Egypt, a pillar of smoke and fire followed and protected them. This promise of protection was what they needed to hear. If you jump down to verses 8 and 9, you'll see that part of the Lord's protection is defeating the enemies of God's people. Those who plundered them, will themselves be plundered. That's what those verses basically say. But remember, the enemies were not the nations in general. No, remember, many of the nations will become God's people. Babylon here represents spiritual enemies. Just like Jerusalem, Babylon has a physical and spiritual representation in the Bible. Babylon represents the worldly city and all that is in it opposed to God. God will defeat Babylon.That's why God's called them to flee from Babylon. Why? God was going to destroy it. And if you were in Babylon, you too would be destroyed. But here was the problem. The city of Babylon was comfortable. The Israelites who remained in Babylon probably heard about the troubles in Jerusalem. They didn't want to go. They had their own houses, a beautiful river with gardens, plenty of shelter and food. Their kids were integrated into the culture.It's easy to be pulled into the worldly comforts and philosophies and morality of the world. It's easy to think about the things you are called to give up – your earthly idols, like maybe your reputation or your possessions if your love for them is above God. It's easy to think of Christianity as a “crutch” as some people have called it – something only for needy people. Well, there's a warning here as much as there is a promise. God calls you back to him. If you don't, you will be part of the verse 9 destruction. But God calls you. He says, “escape” and “flee” …and if you do, God will receive you into his city. You will be protected by the heavenly wall of fire. That is God's promise for you.The promise of protection.The promise of presence (Zechariah 2:5b, 10, 11b)Next, the third promise here. The promise of presence.“I will be the glory in her midst.” It's not that God will just gather his people together in spiritual Jerusalem, his church. It's not that God will also protect his people, no, he will also be with them.Or as it says in Revelation 21 of heavenly Jerusalem. “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light.”God's presence. What more could we ask for than his glory in our midst? The overwhelming presence of God in all his splendor and honor… the fullness of his being with his truth and mercy and power and greatness and His holiness and righteousness and grace. That is his resplendent glory. There's no need for light, for he will be our light. He is our light.Three times in this chapter, we're promised that God will dwell in our midst. Verses 5, 10 and 11. In verse 10, “sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst.” “Sing and rejoice.” That is, of course, what we do in our worship as spiritual Jerusalem – his church on earth, now. But it's also what we will be doing in heavenly Jerusalem – worshiping and praising him all day and night. All in the presence of his resplendent glory.One year before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, God's glory left the temple. Zechariah's parent's generation had defiled the temple. They had defiled themselves, had broken God's commands over and over. The shepherds of Israel had failed… The prophet Ezekiel recorded God's glory and presence leaving the temple. It was a sight to behold… a sad one. The temple was filled with the cloud of God's presence. The court of the temple with the brightness of the glory of God. And we're told, these glorious cherubim – angels with wings, and these wheels… like globes of precious gems and metals and with faces. Multiple cherubs and wheels all moving in coordination and all ascending away from the temple and Jerusalem. The cherubim with their wings, and the glory of God above them all, they ascended. First above the city… then the mountains. God's presence sadly departed.Zechariah generation not only wanted the city and temple rebuilt, but they wanted God's glory to return. So this promise that God would return with his glory would have been a deep encouragement to them. What they learned, though, is that this promise is for the new Jerusalem, not the old city. It's for the Jerusalem with walls of fire and people from all over. It's a promise for them, yes, that he would be present with them as his people, but not in the way they had thought. That promise has been and will be fulfilled for us. God is with us. We have his presence here and now. We experience his glory in our worship and we look forward at the same time to that future unveiled glory in eternity.The promise of presence.ConclusionAt this point, you're probably wondering, “when is he going to talk about Jesus.”Well, now's a good time. You see, what brings all of these promises together is Christ. They all point towards him.Look one more time at Zechariah 2. Just glance down at the chapter. The second half of the chapter starting in verse 6 is given by the Lord himself. All throughout, it's clear that the Lord is speaking and declaring these truths. Notice, multiple times it says, “declares the Lord” or “Thus says the Lord” But there's something you may have missed. Three times, the Lord also speaks as the sent one. In other words, he's speaking as the Lord but also as the sent one from the Lord. Verses 8, 9 and 11. These words given here in the second half of Zechariah 2 are the words of Christ. It's the “[Lord's] glory who sent me” verse 8. And in verse 9, after God's enemies are defeated it says, “then you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent me.” And finally verse 11, after the nations are described as joined to the Lord, it says, “I will dwell in your midst and you shall know that the Lord of hosts as sent me to you.” These promises of people, and protection, and presence are captured here by the sent one himself, Jesus, our Lord.And isn't that true?• The promise of people is fulfilled in Christ – salvation is for all people. It's no longer about a nation – Israel – It's a call to all nations. • And the promise of protection is fulfilled in Christ. Jesus defeated the world – Babylon, and he defeated death and the devil – all on the cross. So the wall of fire is the protection and assurance that the Gospel brings us.• And last, the promise of presence is fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is “Immanuel, God with us.” He's come down from heaven to us and for us. He's ever present with his people by faith. We are in him. And as it says in Revelation – the lamp of the new Jerusalem is the Lamb of God. That is Jesus – the sacrificial lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. You see, it's the glory of God in Christ who fulfills the promise of God's presence for us.What great promises for Zechariah's day and for us in our day.John Piper wrote this to explain how Zechariah 2 encourages his soul: “…if [the promise] is true for the vulnerable villages of Jerusalem, it is true for me a child of God… All the promises are yes to me in Christ… God will be a ‘wall of fire all around' me. Yes. He will. He has been. And he will be.”And where does this amazing imagery and the promises leave us? It leaves us with verse 13. “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”May we draw strength and be silent before the Lord for his amazing presence and protection for his people.

Psalm 118 was a liturgy in Jesus's Day as part of the celebration of Passover. Written centuries beforehand, it foretells the story of that final Passover during which Jesus's death and resurrection would change the word's story forever. New Testament authors quoted Psalm 118 as the turning point in world history. But Psalm 118 goes beyond that. It summons you and me to enter this wonderful story too.  Luke 24:27 NIV And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:44 NIV He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Psalm 118:22–24 ESV 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.  23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.  24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Matthew 21:42 NIV Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.'”? Ephesians 2:19–22 NIV 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Acts 3:1–3 NIV 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Acts 3:6–10 NIV 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:19–21 NIV 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 4:1–2 NIV 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 4:8–12 NIV 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:23–28 NIV 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their

Psalm 118 was a liturgy in Jesus's Day as part of the celebration of Passover. Written centuries beforehand, it foretells the story of that final Passover during which Jesus's death and resurrection would change the word's story forever. New Testament authors quoted Psalm 118 as the turning point in world history. But Psalm 118 goes beyond that. It summons you and me to enter this wonderful story too.  Luke 24:27 NIV And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:44 NIV He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Psalm 118:22–24 ESV 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.  23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.  24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Matthew 21:42 NIV Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.'”? Ephesians 2:19–22 NIV 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Acts 3:1–3 NIV 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Acts 3:6–10 NIV 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:19–21 NIV 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 4:1–2 NIV 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. Acts 4:8–12 NIV 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:23–28 NIV 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their

Sis Hazel shares with us what it means to anchor our faith in Christ alone and what it means that He is the cornerstone of our salvation. Acts 4 1The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Demons don't like to be homeless. On Friday we began looking at unclean spirits, and how Jesus dealt with them. We can see from Luke's Gospel and elsewhere that they look for vacancies - any vacancies. They're always "house hunting," if you will, and that makes them more dangerous than we may have realized. The Lord was warning us, and the nation of Israel: It's one thing to cast out the devil - it's another to keep him out. We'll hear how, as we conclude Pastor Jim's sermon, Demons and Unclean Spirits. Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS08162021_0.mp3Scripture References: Luke 11:14-26

Partakers Bible Thought 11 August 2021 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:8-12) “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:12-13) I wonder what you know or think about the word “Salvation”. Salvation means a rescue or having been saved! As humans, from the time we are born, we inherit a sinful nature and are alienated from God. But God has seen fit to offer a way back into relationship with Him, so that we may no longer be alienated from Him! This offer of relationship is a result of Jesus, who was both fully God and fully man, dying on the cross. Salvation is for all people of all time and of every nation. As a Christian, you have accepted the offer and you have salvation. Great! Fantastic! So what? What are you as a Christian to do with your Salvation? Who decides who is saved? Come and discover more about Salvation and its significance for your life today, by listening to the podcast! Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file ~ You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'[a] 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. The Believers Pray 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.[b]'[c] 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Psalm 2 1 Why do the nations conspire[a] and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron[b]; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. (Acts 4:1-22) www.liteburden.com

Pastor Sutton preaches from Acts 4:8-12 on April 28. 2019. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:5-22 (NIV)5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is“‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'[a]12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.Footnotes:Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22

Acts 4:5-22 (NIV)5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is“‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'[a]12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.Footnotes:Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22

Acts 4:5-22 (NIV)5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is“‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'[a]12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.Footnotes:Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22