Podcasts about Israelites

We are called to always respect God and live in a way that manifests the fear of the Lord before him. And this is important, because if we're going to hear from God and serve God and be found faithful before God, we need to demonstrate a reverence for him in everything that we do. And we're going to see that the Philistines and the Israelites did not demonstrate this proper reverence for the Lord, and because of that, on the day that the Philistines returned the ark of the Lord to Israel, we see that it turned into a day of judgment. To donate please visit us at:https://loveisrael.org/donate/Checks may be sent to:LoveIsrael.org6355 N Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953Feel free to download our MyBibleStudy App on telephone https://get.theapp.co/yjjqwe don't know how long we can post the teachings on YT https://www.instagram.com/mybiblestudyofficial/ To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1256/29

In these dark times, we must fight evil with the most powerful weapons we have.The Rosary is foremost among them.Join the Great Rosary Campaign today at: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com.The Great Rosary Campaign is a yearlong mission for the conversion of cultural leaders. We will announce a weekly call to pray every Sunday for specific fallen-away Catholics and non-Catholics.THIS WEEK of the Great Rosary Campaign, we will pray for the conversion of Andrew and Spencer Klavan, a father and son political commentator duo.The SUGGESTED PENANCE this week is a 24 hour water fast, adjusted for your state in life.Countless Saints and Popes have told us that the Rosary is incredibly powerful for three things in particular:Keeping the FaithMoral renovationConversions of non-CatholicsThe Great Rosary Campaign is also based on several biblical themes and principles.First, PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN. “Pray for one another…” (Jas. 5:16). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).Second, PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:43-44).Third, PRAY FOR ALL MEN, PARTICULARLY LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, or kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).Fourth, GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE ARK. When the ancient Israelites came to Jericho, God didn't tell them to besiege the city. Instead, He told them to march around it with the Ark of the Covenant seven times, and on the seventh the walls would fall. We will now "march" in prayer for seven days with the New Ark of the Covenant, Our Lady, through the Rosary. We pray in hope that on the seventh day, a day especially devoted to Our Lady (Saturday), extraordinary graces of conversion will be given to those we are praying for.Fifth, EVANGELISM AND APOLOGETICS = LOVE + ARGUMENTS + PRAYER + PENANCE. Ultimately it is God who reveals Himself to a soul, and empowers them to say "yes" to Him by His grace. He chooses to use us, but He does not have to. We must remember that as we evangelize and defend the Faith, our arguments will be fruitless unless informed by love (charity), and reinforced by prayer and penance.Sixth, RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL. “Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).Sign up to take part in the Great Rosary Campaign today: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com

In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into Parshas Devarim, the opening portion of the Book of Deuteronomy, which serves as a review (Mishneh Torah) of the Torah's teachings, encapsulating Moses' final remarks to the Jewish people. Rabbi Wolbe focuses on the first verse (Deuteronomy 1:1), which lists seemingly extraneous locations—such as the wilderness, Arava, and Dizahav—where Moses spoke to the Israelites. Quoting Rashi, he explains that these are veiled critiques of the Jewish people's past sins, including the complaints after Egypt, the Midianite women, the spies, the manna, Korach's rebellion, and the Golden Calf. Moses delivers these critiques gently to avoid direct confrontation, reflecting the Torah's sensitivity to prevent embarrassment.Rabbi Wolbe ties this to the upcoming month of Elul, a time for introspection and gentle self-critique, and shares his grandfather's advice to young husbands to avoid critiquing their wives for three years to preserve their relationship. He references a Talmudic teaching from Yevamot 65b, which mandates offering constructive criticism only when it will be accepted, and withholding it otherwise, emphasizing that effective critique requires knowing the recipient well and prioritizing their growth over personal catharsis. Rabbi Wolbe recounts a story about Rabbi Yaakov Galinsky visiting Rabbi Hetskel Levenstein during shiva, where Levenstein lamented that no one offered him introspective critique about his wife's passing, unlike the sages who lovingly prompted Rav Huna to reflect on his loss of 400 barrels of wine (Tractate Berachot 5b). This underscores the value of constructive feedback from trusted friends. Rabbi Wolbe encourages embracing criticism as a path to self-improvement, as taught in Ethics of the Fathers (6:6), and warns against arrogance that rejects critique. He concludes by urging listeners to use gentle, loving critique to foster personal growth and prepare for Rosh Hashanah, wishing all a meaningful Shabbos._____________This episode (Ep 7.40) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Bamidbar is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on August 15, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on August 17, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Deuteronomy, #Critique, #Moshe, #Relationships, #PersonalGrowth, #Humility, #Arrogance,  #Introspection, #Self-Reflection, #ConstructiveCriticism ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into Parshas Devarim, the opening portion of the Book of Deuteronomy, which serves as a review (Mishneh Torah) of the Torah's teachings, encapsulating Moses' final remarks to the Jewish people. Rabbi Wolbe focuses on the first verse (Deuteronomy 1:1), which lists seemingly extraneous locations—such as the wilderness, Arava, and Dizahav—where Moses spoke to the Israelites. Quoting Rashi, he explains that these are veiled critiques of the Jewish people's past sins, including the complaints after Egypt, the Midianite women, the spies, the manna, Korach's rebellion, and the Golden Calf. Moses delivers these critiques gently to avoid direct confrontation, reflecting the Torah's sensitivity to prevent embarrassment. Rabbi Wolbe ties this to the upcoming month of Elul, a time for introspection and gentle self-critique, and shares his grandfather's advice to young husbands to avoid critiquing their wives for three years to preserve their relationship. He references a Talmudic teaching from Yevamot 65b, which mandates offering constructive criticism only when it will be accepted, and withholding it otherwise, emphasizing that effective critique requires knowing the recipient well and prioritizing their growth over personal catharsis. Rabbi Wolbe recounts a story about Rabbi Yaakov Galinsky visiting Rabbi Hetskel Levenstein during shiva, where Levenstein lamented that no one offered him introspective critique about his wife's passing, unlike the sages who lovingly prompted Rav Huna to reflect on his loss of 400 barrels of wine (Tractate Berachot 5b). This underscores the value of constructive feedback from trusted friends. Rabbi Wolbe encourages embracing criticism as a path to self-improvement, as taught in Ethics of the Fathers (6:6), and warns against arrogance that rejects critique. He concludes by urging listeners to use gentle, loving critique to foster personal growth and prepare for Rosh Hashanah, wishing all a meaningful Shabbos._____________This episode (Ep 7.40) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Bamidbar is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Studios (C) to an online TORCHzoom.com audience on August 15, 2025, in Passaic, New Jersey.Released as Podcast on August 17, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Deuteronomy, #Critique, #Moshe, #Relationships, #PersonalGrowth, #Humility, #Arrogance,  #Introspection, #Self-Reflection, #ConstructiveCriticism ★ Support this podcast ★

Exodus 32:1-35 // Ben BeasleyThis sermon explores the tragic episode of the golden calf, when the Israelites, in Moses' absence, fashioned and worshiped an idol. We will examine God's response to this act of disobedience and the crucial role Moses played in pleading for the people, highlighting the consequences of idolatry and the power of intercession.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49476347PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new25.08.17

In the book of Judges, the Israelites ignored God's instruction, and as a result, they fell into their enemies' hands. Learn how God was as much in control of His people's capture as He was of their deliverance. Listen to Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29

“In the west, people will respect the name of the Lord; in the east, they will glorify him. For he will come like a raging flood tide driven by the breath of the Lord.” (Isaiah 59:19 NLT) I remember reading a story about a battle between General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. General Lee was, of course, the head of the Confederate forces. He was known for his brilliant military tactics and his ability to do a lot with a little. He did not have the organization or the manpower of the Union army, but he was able to move and position his troops effectively and foil his enemies on a number of occasions. His exploits had become so legendary that the Union soldiers were terrified of him. One night, some Union soldiers were standing around the campfire talking about General Lee. They said, “What if General Lee does this? What are we going to do?” General Grant was standing a few feet away. He walked over to the soldiers and said, “Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command, and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do.” Sometimes I see the same thing happening in the church: “Oh, the devil is doing this. The devil is doing that. Did you hear about this wicked thing that happened?” The media is partially to blame. Often in books, movies, and TV shows, the devil is portrayed as an all-powerful being who inspires terror in everyone who crosses his path. Call it dramatic license. Or, better yet, call it fiction. The apostle Peter warns us to “Stay alert” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) to the devil’s scheming, not because he’s all-powerful or terrifying, but because he’s wily. He prefers to work in secret so that we’re not even aware of what he’s doing. If it’s an all-powerful being who inspires fear in His enemies that you’re looking for, you need to glance behind you (spiritually speaking) to the One who has your back. Look at the majesty in the words of Isaiah 59:19: “In the west, people will respect the name of the Lord; in the east, they will glorify him. For he will come like a raging flood tide driven by the breath of the Lord” (NLT). This is an image of God’s intervening on behalf of His people. A raging flood tide overwhelms everything in its path. Likewise, God’s power is unstoppable. That’s why I think we should stop worrying so much about what the devil will do and instead let him worry about what we Christians will do. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses reassured the Israelites with these words: “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (NLT). That’s a promise all God’s people can claim. Let the devil tremble. Reflection question: When have you seen the power of God at work in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are the terms of the covenant the Lord commanded Moses to make with the Israelites in Moab, in addition to the covenant he had made with them at Horeb. Moses summoned all the Israelites and said to them: Your eyes have seen all that the Lord did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials and to all his land. With your own eyes you saw those great trials, those signs and great wonders. But to this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear. Yet the Lord says, During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the Lord your God.Deuteronomy 29:1-6Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Tonight we are pleased to continue our study on the book of Deuteronomy, which teaches us to know God, love God and obey God. Filling in for Ronald L. Dart, with part sixteen of this fascinating series, is our good friend, Richard Crow.

Welcome to Day 2695 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2695 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 80:7-13 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2695 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2695 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Vine from Egypt – A Garden Left to Ruin - A Trek Through Psalm 80:7-13 Today, we continue our deeply moving trek through Psalm 80 in the New Living Translation, encompassing verses 7 through 13. In our last conversation, we heard a desperate communal lament from the psalmist, Asaph. We felt the anguish of a people crying out to God as their Shepherd, questioning, "How long, O Lord God of Heaven's Armies, will you be angry with our prayers?" (Psalm 80:4). We saw the bitter reality of their lives: feeding on sorrow and drinking tears by the cupful, becoming the public "scorn of our neighbors." Their primary plea was for God to "restore us" and to "smile on us and save us" (Psalm 80:3). Now, as we move into this next section, the psalmist continues this prayer for restoration, but he does so through a magnificent and poignant agricultural metaphor. He portrays Israel as a vine, one that God Himself rescued, planted, and tenderly cared for, a vine that once flourished and covered the earth. He then contrasts that glorious past with the vine's present state of ruin and desecration, all to intensify his plea for God, the divine Gardener, to return and care for His vineyard once again. This metaphor would have resonated deeply with the ancient Israelites, a people whose identity and heritage were intrinsically linked to the land and its fruitfulness. It's a powerful picture of a relationship that has fallen into disrepair, and the desperate hope for its renewal. So, let's immerse ourselves in this beautiful and heartbreaking metaphor of a vine planted by God. A Glorious Vine Planted by God (Reads Psalm 80:7-11 NLT) Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us. You brought a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it here. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade; the mighty cedars with its branches. The vine spread its branches west to the Mediterranean Sea and east to the Euphrates River. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins this section by reiterating the central plea, a refrain that will run throughout the psalm: "Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us." This repetition serves to reinforce the gravity and single-mindedness of their desire for a complete reversal of their fortunes. They are begging for God's favor to return, for Him to turn His face back to them, for they know that in His smile is their salvation. The psalmist then introduces the magnificent vine metaphor, recounting...

We explore Saul's first major test as Israel's newly anointed king. The siege of the coty of Jabesh-gilead puts Saul's leadership to the test, revealing his potential as a decisive and godly leader. Filled with the Spirit of God, Saul rallies the Israelites to a stunning victory, solidifying his kingship. We delve into the historical and spiritual significance of this battle, examining how Saul's actions reflect his obedience and reliance on God. Samuel's subsequent speech serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of following God's commandments for both the people and their king.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Surrender! That was the prophet Jeremiah's message to the people of Judah. God was going to use Babylon to judge His people, and the Israelites' disobedience meant nothing could stop the disaster to come. But in one of their darkest moments, God made a new promise to His people. This week we'll begin our series analyzing this New Covenant that ... Read More The post Understanding the New Covenant, Part 1 of 3 | August 16, 2025 appeared first on The Friends of Israel Today Radio.

In this week's parsha, Moses warns the Israelites about the greatest spiritual danger they'll face: not hunger or enemies, but comfort. As they prepare to enter a land flowing with milk and honey, he tells them to remember who gave it to them. Eat, be satisfied, bless, but don't forget. Because forgetting leads to pride, and pride leads to thinking you did it all yourself. This warning feels just as urgent today, in a world where abundance is only a click away. When everything is easy, where is the sacrifice that once bound us to God? When the blessings pile up, how do we keep our hearts connected to the Source of it all? Tune in to find out.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    The tithe, which literally means "a tenth," was a central part of the giving system for the Israelites in the Old Testament.However, the requirements were more complex than simply a single 10% tithe. Most scholars believe the Israelites were commanded to give three different tithes, totaling more than 10%. The three main tithes were: The Levite Tithe: This was an annual tithe of one-tenth (10%) of all agricultural produce and livestock. This tithe was given to the Levites, who, because they had no land of their own, were responsible for the work of the tabernacle and later the temple. The Levites, in turn, gave a tenth of what they received to the priests. (Numbers 18:21-28; Leviticus 27:30-32). The Festival Tithe: This was a second annual tithe of 10% that was to be used by the Israelites themselves to celebrate the yearly feasts in Jerusalem. They were to spend this tithe on food and drink, including "cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish," to celebrate before the Lord. (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). The Poor Tithe: Every third and sixth year of the seven-year cycle, a third tithe was collected and stored in local towns. This tithe was for the support of the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows in the community.(Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Deuteronomy 26:12). When combined, these requirements mean that the Israelites were giving a total of approximately 23.3% of their income every year (10% to the Levites + 10% for festivals + 3.3% for the poor on average over the three-year cycle). This was a significant financial commitment and was in addition to other offerings and sacrifices they were commanded to make. It's also important to note that these tithes were primarily based on agricultural produce and livestock, not on monetary income. The problem is it all starts in the heart with the foundation of “what is the least I can give”.  Can I give only 10%? Can I hate my brother just a little for ripping me off? Can I lust over a woman if she is dressed provocative and Im not married? Can I make business plans on my own without getting clearance from God?  All of these questions are resoundingly a “all or nothing”. I don't know how my wife would feel if I asked her how much do I actually have to be married to you?  The reason God demands all in is because we can't do ALL without him. The OT was based on the law and rules… we can keep rules… not that we want to, but we can. Heck we will even make up more rules… But when God demands all or nothing… it leaves us realizing we can't do life, eternity, spirituality or love in all things without him. There are no other options than total reliance on God. And that my friend is a good thing! 

Part of God's unchanging nature is that He is sovereign and does things His way. In Isaiah 55, we read that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. In other words, He's infinitely more powerful than we are, especially when it comes to perspective.  We read in the Old Testament that sometimes other nations mocked the Israelites when they were exiled from their homeland. Really, they were mocking God because it was said that maybe He couldn't keep His promises. After all this, after the Assyrians and Babylonians conquered Israel, neighboring pagan nations remembered that God had promised to give the land to the Israelites. But did that mean God had lied, and was in reality no more powerful than man? No, not at all.                                                 Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” In fact, God tells us clearly that He does exactly what He wants, when He wants. We see this in Isaiah 46. When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, but they were then confronted at the Red Sea by Pharaoh's army—did that mean God had lied when He promised to lead them out of slavery? Of course not. In fact, it was then He performed one of history's greatest miracles. In Psalm 16:10, we read that God would not allow your holy one to rot in the grave, and this is a reference to Jesus. Yet, when Jesus died on the cross, many assumed that God had either lied or was powerless to stop Jesus from being entombed. We know how that story ended, and the triumph of life over death. God did raise Jesus from the dead. His body did not decay in the grave. So, it's a matter of perspective, then. Humans, with their limited understanding, think from time to time that God cannot keep His promises, but He keeps them all the time. All promises fulfilled—100% of the time. He cannot lie. Let's pray. Father God, you alone are powerful and you are our strength. You are perfect in all of your ways and have demonstrated that time after time. Help us let others see that—those who might doubt you. In Jesus' name, amen.  Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Finding strength against life's giants requires a shift in perspective, as demonstrated by David's encounter with Goliath. While the Israelite army saw an insurmountable threat, David saw an opportunity to demonstrate God's power. His courage wasn't spontaneous but built through private victories and unseen faithfulness while tending sheep. David ran toward his battle with confidence not in his own abilities but in the God he served. This teaches us that our legacy isn't built on moments of success but on moments of faith, and that our testimonies of God's faithfulness become powerful weapons against future challenges.

# Miracles Week 11: The Power, Passion, and Purpose of Jesus In the final sermon of our series on miracles, we explore the profound significance of two pivotal miracles in the Bible: the Exodus and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. These events are examined through the lens of three benchmarks: **Power**, **Passion**, and **Purpose**. ## The Miracle of the Exodus - **Power**: The Exodus is a testament to God's almighty power. Only the Almighty could part the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Egyptian bondage on dry ground. - **Passion**: This miracle reveals God's passion for freedom. He heard the cries of the Israelites and delivered them from slavery, demonstrating His deep care for His people. - **Purpose**: God's purpose was to lead His people to a land of peace and harmony, a vision for mankind that highlights His intent for human flourishing. ## The Miracle of Raising Lazarus Our focus shifts to the New Testament and the miracle of raising Lazarus, recorded in **John 11**. - **Background**: Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, falls gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send for Jesus, hoping for a miracle. However, Jesus delays His visit until Lazarus is dead, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of His power. - **Power**: Jesus' ability to raise Lazarus after four days in the tomb is a powerful testament to His mastery over death. This miracle shows that Jesus' power extends beyond healing to resurrecting life itself. - **Passion**: Jesus weeps at Lazarus' tomb, illustrating His deep sorrow over the effects of sin and death on humanity. His tears reflect His compassion and His mission to overcome the devastation caused by sin. - **Purpose**: The raising of Lazarus reveals Jesus as the "resurrection and the life" (**John 11:25**). It underscores the hope and victory over death that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him. ## The Role of the Believers An often overlooked aspect of this miracle is the involvement of the community. After Lazarus emerges from the tomb, Jesus instructs those present to "take off the grave clothes and let him go" (**John 11:44**). This act symbolizes the role of the community in helping individuals shed the remnants of their old life and embrace the new life Jesus offers. - **Community Involvement**: Just as Lazarus needed help to remove his grave clothes, believers today need the support of the church community to overcome the "grave clothes" of sin and old habits. - **Privilege and Responsibility**: Participating in another's journey to freedom is a significant privilege and responsibility for believers. It is a call to actively engage in the work of healing and transformation within the community. ## Conclusion The miracles of the Exodus and the raising of Lazarus highlight God's immense power, His compassionate heart, and His divine purpose for humanity. They remind us that through faith in Jesus, we can experience new life and freedom from the bondage of sin. As believers, we are called to support one another in this journey, helping each other to fully embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers. These miracles are not just historical events; they are living testimonies of God's enduring power and love, inviting us to participate in His redemptive work today.

Recording from Campus Days, April 2025: After God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, they spent forty years in the wilderness, circling the same mountain again and again. Have you ever felt stuck like that—going in circles and making no real progress? In this powerful message, you'll be encouraged to rise up and pursue the God-given dreams in your heart (Deut. 2:24). Now is the time to move forward, renew your mind, stir up your faith, and step into your promised land.

Welcome to Day 2693 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2693 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 780:1-6 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2693 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2693 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Shepherd's Hidden Face – A Cry for Restoration - A Trek Through Psalm 80:1-6 Today, we begin a powerful and deeply moving trek through Psalm 80 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its opening verses, 1 through 6. Psalm 80 is a communal lament, a desperate and repeated cry for God to restore His people. Like the lament psalms we've recently explored, such as Psalms 74 and 79, it is steeped in national tragedy and the anguish of God's apparent absence. However, this psalm is unique in its focus on God's identity as a Shepherd and its use of agricultural and shepherding metaphors to articulate the nation's pain and their fervent desire for revival. The psalmist pleads for God, the Shepherd of Israel, to remember His flock, to turn His face back to them, and to act with His saving power. This psalm gives voice to that difficult, often-long season of suffering when God's anger feels prolonged, and our pleas seem to go unanswered. It's a prayer for a fresh start, a powerful yearning for divine intervention to reverse a season of national turmoil and public disgrace. So, let's immerse ourselves in this desperate plea for divine restoration, feeling the weight of a people crying out from the wilderness of God's silence. The Shepherd's Call to Action (Reads Psalm 80:1-3 NLT) Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead the descendants of Joseph like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your glory and power! Stir up your mighty power! Come to our rescue and save us. Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm begins with a tender and intimate plea to God as the Shepherd: "Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead the descendants of Joseph like a flock." This imagery is both ancient and deeply personal to the Israelite people. God is not just a distant king; He is a caring Shepherd, and Israel is His flock. This echoes the portrayal of God's leadership in Psalm 78, where "he led his own people like sheep through the wilderness." It's an appeal to God's paternal, protective, and nurturing nature. The psalmist specifically mentions "the descendants of Joseph," which refers to the prominent tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Given their significance, this might suggest the lament comes from the Northern Kingdom, or it could be a general plea for the entire nation, with Joseph representing all of Israel. Regardless, the appeal is to God's faithfulness as their leader, a plea for Him to remember His flock and return to His shepherding duties. The plea for God to act is filled with anticipation and

We explore the dramatic events surrounding Israel's demand for a king. We begin with the Philistines capturing the ark of the covenant and experiencing divine retribution until they return it to Israel. Samuel leads a spiritual revival, urging the Israelites to turn away from idols and serve Yahweh alone. However, as Samuel ages, his corrupt sons take over as judges, prompting the Israelites to demand a king to rule over them like other nations. Despite Samuel's warnings about the consequences, the people insist, and God instructs Samuel to grant their request.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

To take God's name in vain is much more than simply using it as a curse word. Blaspheme is a symptom of something bigger. ‘In vain' means 'to empty.' So, we're called, not to empty God's name of its fullness, but rather to fill it with the fullness of God's nature and His work. By His name, God has made Himself known: He revealed Himself to the Israelites as ‘The great I am', the one and only true God, the 'Beginning and the End'. And, in the person of Jesus, he has fully revealed himself to the whole world. His name is Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Lord. When we fill God's name with the fullness of His nature, we see Him more clearly, giving Him His rightful status and place in our lives and the world. To fill God's name with its fullness is also to acknowledge the unique work Jesus has done in making us right with God, beckoning us into God's presence. When we don't empty God's name of its nature and work, our prayer and worship lives are transformed. We approach God with confidence, not in our own name but in Jesus' name, knowing He is the great God, whose name is above all other names, who can do anything for us his children. By Ed Flint

As the nation of Israel makes their way through the wilderness, they come across some trouble. Lack of food and water make the people a bit testy. On top of that, they have a new enemy that has decided to attack them at their weakest spot. And in each instance, God continually provides for them. On this episode of Bible Backdrop, find out some of the details regarding the Israelites journey to Mount Sinai. What was important about the springs of Marah? What were the manna and quail like? Why did the Amalekites attack the Israelites? If you are enjoying Bible Backdrop, please tell a friend and have them subscribe. You can also get in touch with the show with the e-mail in the episode. Thanks for listening!

The radical break of Moses and Israel from the Egyptian Imperial system is the foundation upon which Christianity was built. The radical actions of Moses and the Israelites can hardly be overstated. In liberating his people, he guides his community through a Spiritual maturation process of order, disorder, and reordering. These three steps are guideposts for the prophetic decolonization that we see in the ministry of Jesus and what ought to be the ministry of the church. www.TheLoftLA.org

Submit to the Yoke of Jesus Christ Is it possible that what we perceive as bondage is actually obedience in the eyes of God? Servant Marcia Carty delves into this powerful question, urging listeners to consider where their faith truly lies. Using the prophetic words of Jeremiah, she examines the story of the Israelites who, due to their idolatry and disobedience, were forced into submission under King Nebuchadnezzar. While this seemed like a curse, God called Nebuchadnezzar His "servant," revealing that in the midst of this trial lay the path to salvation and blessing. In this message, you'll learn: -- The importance of discerning between God's prophets and those who speak only what people want to hear. -- How the hardness of heart and violence in our world today are a sign that we are living in a time similar to the days of Noah. -- Why the blessings of God are often found in the places of submission and obedience that we naturally want to avoid. -- The divine purpose behind being subject to governing authorities, even when we don't agree with them. -- That putting on the "armor of light" is an act of submission to the will of God, and it is our best defense against the darkness in the world. Scriptures for Further Study -- Jeremiah 26 -- Jeremiah 27 -- John 13 -- John 16 -- Romans 13 +++++++ We have begun building a new website which you can see here: https://www.noahdays.org/

It's not often talked about in our culture today, but we can experience both God's intervention in our lives and the consequences of our sin. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the anointing of King Saul over Israel in the book of 1 Samuel. He shares how the Israelites chose complaints over godliness, and how Samuel was obedient to the Lord even through rejection. The history of Israel teaches us many lessons, and in this chapter, we get to reflect on the condition of our hearts—so let's practice repentance and strive to honor God daily.

THE PASSING of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha was spectacular: A fiery chariot pulled by horses of fire in a whirlwind carried Elijah off to heaven. The whirlwind was a theophany, an appearance by God Himself. The chariot, as Sharon noted, was believed to be the vehicle that carried human spirits to the netherworld—but in this case, Elijah was carried off to heaven. We discuss the location of the event, the plains of Moab across from Jericho, and why that has supernatural significance. For one thing, it's where Moses was buried after his death, and it's probably not coincidental that Moses and Elijah are the two who joined Jesus on Mount Hermon, the “Canaanite Olympus,” for the Transfiguration. The place from which Elijah was caught up was below the ruins of Sodom, at the southern end of the Jordan River called the Valley of the Travelers by Ezekiel. “Travelers” was a term used by the Canaanites for the spirits of the Rephaim, which were venerated by the pagan neighbors of the Israelites. It's also the Valley of Siddim, where the armies of Sodom, Gomorrah and their allies fought the kings of Mesopotamia (Genesis 14). Siddim can also be rendered shedim, which is a Hebrew word meaning “demons”--in other words, the Valley of Demons. In other words, God carried off Elijah from a place that had been notorious for demonic activity for about a thousand years by the time of Elijah and Elisha. We also discuss the final days of the son of King Ahab, Ahaziah, who turned to Baal-zebub (“Lord of Flies”) for healing instead of God. Big mistake! Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. NOTE: If you'e going to Israel with us in October, you'll need to apply for a visa online before you travel. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.50). Log on here: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

Some Christians are like the wandering Israelites—moving but going nowhere. Just going to church isn't enough. We ought to take God's Word at face value and run toward all He promises us! There's so much God can do in and through us if we get out of the spiritual wilderness of besetting sin, discouragement, and contempt. Let's make a new beginning today—no more wilderness, only Jesus!

Vivian Bricker challenges us to take inventory of the things we may have unknowingly placed above God. Drawing from Exodus 32, she explores how even good things—like careers, relationships, or personal goals—can become modern-day idols if they consume our attention and affection. With personal reflection and biblical truth, this devotional reminds us that true worship belongs to God alone, and that letting go of false gods leads us back into alignment with His purpose. ✨ Highlights How modern-day idols aren’t golden calves, but often good things misprioritized Why worry and anxiety can subtly become false gods in our lives The spiritual cost of putting anything above God, even unintentionally A biblical reflection on Exodus 32 and God’s response to Israel’s disobedience Encouragement to surrender idols and return to wholehearted devotion

Unity changes everything. It invites the Holy Spirit in, strengthens us in battle, and keeps us moving forward together. In Part 5 of Pastor Troy's series This Side of Jordan, we look at the moment the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and the lessons it holds for us today.Pastor Troy unpacks three essentials for victory: consecration, courage, and unity. Learn why we must set ourselves apart for God, stand strong against the pull of the world, and fight for one another's breakthroughs. We'll also explore how to build memorials that honor God for future generations and how to recognize the difference between good and bad compromise.This message is a challenge and a call to link arms, break barriers, and cross into God's promises together!

Fr. Hezekias and Annie explore what it means to be truly prepared for Christ's return, examining the courage of the Israelites on Passover night, Jesus' striking parable of the master who serves his faithful servants, and Abraham's radical faith journey.

God does His best work in what we think is ________________.[2 Chronicles 33:7-9] Manasseh even took a carved idol he had made and set it up in God's Temple, the very place where God had told David and his son Solomon: "My name will be honored forever in this Temple and in Jerusalem--the city I have chosen from among all the tribes of Israel. [8] If the Israelites will be careful to obey my commands--all the laws, decrees, and regulations given through Moses--I will not send them into exile from this land that I set aside for your ancestors." [9] But Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the LORD had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land.Sometimes transformation begins when everything else ________________ ________________.[2 Chronicles 33:11-13] So the LORD sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. [12] But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. [13] And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request. So the LORD brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God!Rock bottom is often where _____________________ begins.[2 Corinthians 5:17] This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun![Romans 7:18-19] And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. [19] I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.Change requires ___________________.[1 John 1:9] But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.God transforms the person who ____________________.[Ephesians 4:22-24] throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. [23] Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. [24] Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy.You weren't meant to transform ________________.

John 10:10 TPTBut I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!'We've been learning how God instructed the Israelites to take their promised land, so we can know how to also take our promise.Our job is to simply by faith possess it and step into it.1 Timothy 6:12 AMPFight the good fight of the faith

John 10:10 TPTBut I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow!'We've been learning how God instructed the Israelites to take their promised land, so we can know how to also take our promise.Our job is to simply by faith possess it and step into it.1 Timothy 6:12 AMPFight the good fight of the faith

Exodus 13:17-2217 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.”20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Exodus 32:1-35 // Ben BeasleyThis sermon explores the tragic episode of the golden calf, when the Israelites, in Moses' absence, fashioned and worshiped an idol. We will examine God's response to this act of disobedience and the crucial role Moses played in pleading for the people, highlighting the consequences of idolatry and the power of intercession.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49473392PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new25.08.10

THE PASSING of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha was spectacular: A fiery chariot pulled by horses of fire in a whirlwind carried the elder prophet to heaven.The whirlwind was a theophany, an appearance by God Himself. The chariot, as Sharon noted, was believed to be the vehicle that carried human spirits to the netherworld—but in this case, Elijah was carried off to heaven. We discuss the location of the event, the plains of Moab across from Jericho, and why that has supernatural significance. For one thing, it's where Moses was buried after his death, and it's probably not coincidental that Moses and Elijah are the two who joined Jesus on Mount Hermon, the “Canaanite Olympus,” for the Transfiguration. The place from which Elijah was caught up was below the ruins of Sodom, at the southern end of the Jordan River called the Valley of the Travelers by Ezekiel. “Travelers” was a term used by the Canaanites for the spirits of the Rephaim, which were venerated by the pagan neighbors of the Israelites. It's also the Valley of Siddim, where the armies of Sodom, Gomorrah and their allies fought the kings of Mesopotamia (Genesis 14). Siddim can also be rendered shedim, which is a Hebrew word meaning “demons.”In other words, God carried off Elijah from a place that had been notorious for demonic activity for about a thousand years by the time of Elijah and Elisha.

A Sermon for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity Matthew 7:15-21 by William Klock In 597 b.c. the Babylonians conquered Judah.  The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, ordered the deportation of the ruling elite of Jerusalem.  That meant King Jehoiachin, most of the royal family, and thousands of others including many of the priests.  That included Ezekiel.  He had been born into one of the important priestly families.  He was twenty-five years old.  Had everything gone as expected, had everything gone to plan, he would have been ordained a priest at the age of thirty and gone on to serve before the presence of the Lord in the temple.  Instead, with the rest of those Jewish exiles, he sat down by the rivers of Babylon and wept as he remembered Zion—as one of the psalmists put it.  And he wondered how he and his people could ever sing the Lord's song in a strange land. And then, on Ezekiel's thirtieth birthday, he had a vision.  He saw the Lord enthroned in glory and the Lord commissioned him.  Instead of being a priest, the Lord ordained Ezekiel a prophet—a prophet to the exiles and to the people of Judah.  Ezekiel was to announce to his people why they had been defeated and carried off into exile.  He was to accuse his people of their idolatry and of their unfaithfulness to the Lord's covenant.  And he was also to announce that the Lord's judgement on Judah had only just begun.  And so Ezekiel's ministry began with a series of acted out prophecies.  He acted out the coming destruction of Jerusalem with miniatures.  He lay on his side for a year, acting the part of the scapegoat, while eating food cooked over human waste.  He cut off his hair with a sword.  Again, to announce the coming judgement on Jerusalem.  And all for nought.  The Lord told him that no one would listen and they didn't—because Israel's heart was hardened against the Lord. But just because the people wouldn't listen didn't mean Ezekiel's job as a prophet was done.  The Lord gave him another vision, this time of the temple in Jerusalem.  He saw his people worshipping idols in the temple court and then he saw the Lord's glory—the cloud that rested on the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies—he saw that cloud of glory depart from the temple.  And the Lord announced to him that the temple would be destroyed.  Again, because of Israel's idolatry and lack of covenant faithfulness.  Ezekiel accused his people of being like a rebellious wife and like a rampaging lion.  He described Israel and Judah as two shameless and reprobate prostitute sisters.  And he dragged his people into the divine courtroom and put them on trial before the Lord.  They could beg for mercy all they wanted, but the time for mercy had passed.  God's goodness and faithfulness demanded that he judge his people.  For centuries he had shown them his patient mercy, but now is was time for justice.  And that's when word reached Ezekiel that Jerusalem had fallen, the temple had been destroyed, and that the Lord's judgement had come on Judah. But that wasn't the end of Ezekiel's ministry.  The Lord would not leave his people in judgement forever.  If being faithful to his word meant judgement on their unfaithfulness, it also meant restoring them and making them faithful.  And so Ezekiel's prophetic messaged shifted from judgement to hope.  Through him the Lord promised the restoration of his people under a new king, under a David-like messiah.  And the Lord promised to breathe his Spirit into his people to take away their heart of stone and to give them a heart of flesh.  He gave Ezekiel a vision of a valley of dry bones and commanded the prophet to speak his word over those bones.  And the word of the Lord brought them back to life.  It was a promise of new creation.  But the wicked pagan nations still stood in the way of that new creation.  And so the Lord also gave Ezekiel a series of visions in which he defeated the nations.  And then, finally, Ezekiel had a vision of creation set to rights.  That vision begins with a temple.  Not the old temple, but a new one.  A new one infinitely grander and more beautiful than even Solomon's temple.  And after being given a tour of this temple, Ezekiel has a vision of the Lord's glory descending to fill it.  It's the Lord's way of saying that he will not abandon his people forever.  He will be with them again.  And out of this temple's gate flows a stream and as it flows down the mountain from the temple the stream turns into a great river.  Wherever it flows trees and lush vegetation spring up.  And eventually the river flow down into the desert and there it causes a lush garden to grow—Eden restored—a garden named “the Lord is there”. Now, everyone likes that last part.  Everyone wants to hear and to claim for themselves the messages of hope.  No one wants to hear the call to repentance and the warning of coming judgement.  No one would listen to Ezekiel's warnings.  It's not that they didn't hear them—or see them.  It was hard to miss the weird guy playing with action figures or hacking his hair off with a sword or laying on his side and cooking food over poop.  They saw it all.  But they refused to take it to heart.  They were convinced their exile to Babylon was an accident of history, not the Lord's judgement on their idolatry.  But once Ezekiel's prophecies of doom came true, I expect the people were hanging on his every last word of hope.  That's the test of a prophet, after all: does his word come to pass.  Ezekiel's did. And for that reason the people were still hanging onto his words when Jesus came, still looking for and longing for those divine promises to finally be fulfilled.  Because judgement had happened as the prophet foretold, that restoration of the people, that new creation, that new life with God would happen just as surely too.  It was just a matter of time.  So it shouldn't be a surprise that as Jesus preached he drew on the words of the old prophets like Ezekiel.  But it was the same old thing all over again.  The people gathered to hear Jesus preach good news.  They flocked to him for healing and deliverance and miracles that showed the kingdom of God was breaking in.  But they didn't want to hear the warnings.  They gasped when he told them that to see that coming kingdom, to know that garden called “the Lord is there”, they needed righteousness, they needed covenant faithfulness far beyond that of the scribes and Pharisees.  Judgement was coming on Judah again and Jesus was there to create a new people, a new community that would have that righteousness, that would be salt and light, that would be a city on a hill, that would come out the other side of God's judgement to see his kingdom.  The people in Ezekiel's day didn't want to hear that part of the message and neither did the people in Jesus' day.  Ed Stetzer likes to say, “If you want everyone to like you don't be a pastor, go sell ice cream.”  I think Ezekiel (and Jesus) would say the same thing about being a prophet. Our Gospel today is taken from the closing words of Jesus' sermon on the mount.  Jesus has spoken hard words—just as Ezekiel had.  But there was reason to hope.  In him the Lord was finally doing that new thing everyone had been waiting for since the prophets, but Jesus was also condemning their covenant faithlessness and announcing coming judgement.  And so he warns the people—this is Matthew 7:13—“Go in by the narrow gate.  The gate that leads to destruction, you see, is nice and wide and the road going there has plenty of room.  Lots of people go that way.  But the gate leading to life is narrow, and the road going there is a tight squeeze.  Not many people find their way through.”   In other words, “Yes, I know what I've been saying is hard.  Yes, I know it means repentance and turning away from sin and pursuing covenant faithfulness with everything you've got and even then you're going to need God's help, but that's the way to life.  Listen to me, because judgement is coming again and it's coming soon.  (He later told the disciples: before this generation passes away!)  And if you refuse to listen and if you keep going down the wide and easy path you're on, you're as sure to meet that judgement as the people of Ezekiel's day did. “Watch out for false prophets!” Jesus says.  There are people invested in the ways and the ideas and the systems of the present evil age.  They don't want to see you repent and turn back to the Lord.  They know everyone loves ice cream and they're going to show up with a cart full of it and everyone's going to listen to them—because ice cream is a lot more fun than calls to repentance.  “They will come to you dressed like sheep, but inside they are hungry wolves.”  Jesus draws on Ezekiel's condemnation of the leaders of Israel and Judah.  They were like wolves in the midst of the flock, tearing apart the sheep, shedding blood, all for their own gain.  It's always the way of false prophets.  They proclaim what people want to hear.  When the Lord desires repentance, the false prophets proclaim the status quo.  When the Lord desires sacrifice, the false prophets proclaim health and wealth.  When the Lord warns of judgement, the prophets proclaim “Peace!  Peace!”  And so Jesus warns in verse 16, “You'll be able to tell them by the fruit they bear: you don't find grapes growing on thorn-bushes, do you, or figs on thistles?  Well, in the same way, good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit.  Actually, good trees can't produce bad fruit, nor can bad ones produce good fruit.  Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown on the fire.  So you must recognise them by their fruits.”   There's never been any shortage of false prophets in the world.  In the Old Testament the test of a prophet was whether or not what he said came to pass.  The punishment for false prophecy was death.  Brothers and Sisters, claiming to speak the very word of the Lord is serious business.  His words are life.  When people claim to speak for the Lord, but speak falsely, it gives people reason to doubt his actual word.  But people took it lightly in Ezekiel's day, people took it lightly in Jesus' day, and far too many people take it lightly today.  The Old Testament test of a prophet still stands: Do his words come to pass?  But when Jesus warned the people, there wasn't time for that.  Judgement was coming soon.  So Jesus gives another way: look at the fruit.  It was a good test then and it's a good test now.  When someone says, “Thus says the Lord,” look at that person's life.  Does their life show the fruit of the Spirit?  Do you see things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control?  Or are they just selling ice cream and getting rich?  It's always amazing to me how many people flock to men and women who claim to work miracles and who claim to speak for God, but the miracles are false, the words are heresy, and the things they say never come to pass.  But it is a testimony to just how much we like ice cream, how much we'd rather hear “Peace, peace!” than a message about repentance.  Look at the fruit.  If the fruit is bad, the tree is bad and there's only one destination for bad trees: the fire—judgement.  Don't end up in the same place. Look for the fruit.  I know the language of the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit is something that developed later with Paul, but I think it's worth noting that Jesus talks here about fruit.  Too many people look for signs—what Paul would call “gifts” of the Spirit.  But even Paul warns these things can be faked.  Signs and wonders aren't necessarily evidence of a true prophet.  Fruit is the evidence. And Jesus goes on, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; only people who do the will of my Father in heaven.  On that day lots of people will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name, didn't we?  We cast out demons in your name.  We performed lots of powerful deeds in your name.'  Then I will have to say to them, ‘I never knew you.  You're a bunch of evildoers.  Go away from me.'”   “On that day.”  That's language right out of the Old Testament prophets about the coming day of the Lord, about the day of judgement when the Lord will punish evil and vindicate the righteous.  A lot of people thought that just being an Israelite and having the Lord as their God gave them a place in the coming kingdom, but Jesus says that, no, that's not enough.  In fact, he narrows it down even further: a lot of people will think that because they've thought of Jesus as their Lord and done amazing things in his name, that they'll have a place in the kingdom—and not even that will cut it. It's important, I think, to remember here that Jesus isn't talking directly to us.  He was talking to First Century Jews and the judgement he was warning about was the judgement that would come forty years later when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.  Those who would survive, those who would see the birth of the kingdom, would be those who truly identified themselves with Jesus in faith.  The people who followed him in the new exodus through baptism and into whom God would pour his Spirit.  They're the ones—not the ones who merely had an appreciation for what Jesus was teaching or thought of him as a great prophet—but the ones who truly recognised the God of Israel at work in Jesus the Messiah and who became part of his family, this new Israel redeemed by his death and given a new heart of flesh by the Holy Spirit.  They would be the dry bones that lived again.  They would be the ones whom God would deliver from the coming judgement.  They're the ones who would live to testify to the nations of the glory of the God of Israel revealed in the cross.  They're the ones who would live to proclaim the good news to the nations. And so Jesus concludes his sermon with a final allusion to Ezekiel.  In verse 24 he says, “So, then, everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  Heavy rain fell; floods rose up; the winds blew and beat on that house.  It didn't fall, because it was founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't do them—they will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  Heavy rain fell; floods rose up; the winds blew and battered the house—and down it fell.  It fell with a great crash.”   Ezekiel warned the false prophets about the wall they'd built.  It's a pretty clear reference to the temple just as Jesus' “house” here is, too.  The false prophets had built a wall and they'd whitewashed it and it looked great.  It looked like a wall for the ages.  But when the Lord's judgement came, when he sent the rains and the floods and the winds, that wall came crashing down and exposed its builders as the unfaithful and idolatrous false prophets they really were.  The same thing would happen again.  The people of Jerusalem and Judea looked up to the temple as their hope, but Jesus condemns them.  Not this time as whitewashed walls, but as whitewashed tombs.  They went through the motions of faithfulness, they maintained their ritual purity, they proclaimed their love for and their loyalty to God, but their hearts were far from him.  Because God's heart was in Jesus. Jesus had to come to fulfil the prophecies of hope and life.  He'd come to build God's new temple.  Not one whitewashed with false piety, but one washed with his own blood.  Listen to Peter's call in his first epistle: “Come to him, to that living stone.  Men rejected him, but God chose him and values him very highly!  Like living stones yourselves, you are being built up into a spiritual house—a new temple!—to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that will be pleasing to God through Jesus the Messiah.  That's why it stands in scripture: ‘Look!  I am setting up in Zion a chosen, precious cornerstone.  Believe in him!  You will not be ashamed.'”   The false prophets, the wolves in sheep's clothing, the grifters selling spiritual ice cream, they whitewash false piety, they whitewash selfishness, they whitewash heresies—they whitewash the ugly things of the world.  They proclaim “Peace, peace” in the face of coming judgement.  Brothers and Sisters, don't be duped.  Listen to Jesus.  Stay focused on Jesus.  Think of Peter's confession later in Matthew's Gospel: “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God!”  This is the rock on which Jesus has built his church—his people, his new temple—and not even the gates of hell will overpower it.  Never forget that this is the temple in which his Spirit dwells. Never forget that this the temple from which God's new life flows to the world.  Never forget that this temple is the source of God's new creation.  And it's built on the rock and nothing but the rock that is Jesus. Come to the Lord's Table this morning and be reminded that in Jesus, God has given his own life for you—for us.  Come to the Lord's Table and be reminded that in Jesus, God has breathed his life into our dry bones and made us live again.  Come to the Lord's Table and be reminded that he's made us the precious stones of his temple.  Then be that Spirit-filled and life-giving water that Ezekiel saw flowing out from the temple into the world carrying God's life, carrying his new creation. Let's pray: Gracious Father, in Jesus you have washed us clean from sin and by your Spirit you have renewed our hearts and made the priests of your new temple.  Guard our hearts from the temptations of false prophets and false gods that our desires might always be for you and your kingdom, through Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

Several passages in the Bible describe the Israelites setting up pillars or stones as memorials to remember God's faithfulness and miraculous acts. Two prominent examples are Jacob setting up a pillar at Bethel (read Genesis 28:18) and the Israelites erecting twelve stones at Gilgal after crossing the Jordan River (read Joshua 4:1-9). These acts served as visual reminders of God's presence and provision, helping them to remember His faithfulness_______________________Join me on the 'gram! Get free recipes and tips delivered right to your inbox every Friday!Learn more about your options for working 1:1 with me: https://www.revivewellness.health/services Schedule a free call with me hereTry Syntrax! To try to the most delicious, gluten free, lactose free "top of the line" whey isolate AND save 25% use the code "syntraxallison" at checkout.Want some FREE LMNT? Use this link for a FREE sample pack with any order!Better Bodies discount code "BB15" at checkout to save 15% on my favorite betterbodies gear! Save 10% on PureFactorFormulations supplements with my code "Revive10" at checkout!

Friday, 8 August 2025   And in His name Gentiles will trust.” Matthew 12:21   “And in His name, Gentiles, they will hope” (CG).   In the previous verse, the tender care of Jesus was noted, saying that He would not break a bruised reed, nor would He quench a smoking flax until He had ejected judgment into victory. Matthew's words were based upon the prophecy of Isaiah 42:4. Matthew next finishes the citation from that verse, saying, “And in His name, Gentiles, they will hope.”   A new word is introduced into the New Testament, elpizó, to expect or confide. As such, it provides a sense of trust. When one is expecting something, he trusts it will come. When one confides in another, he is committing his trust in that person. The word is often translated as hope, but that thought must convey the sense of trusting that the hope will come to pass.   For example, a person may be told to storm a machine gun nest. He might say, “I sure hope I make it.” There is no sense of trust in that. However, if he says, “You take the right flank. When I go forward, you provide cover. I hope your shots are as good as they were in basic training.”   In such an instance, he is placing his trust in the caliber of his buddy's shooting, feeling assured it will be sufficient to get him safely to the nest so he can take out the commies who have them pinned down. Therefore, Matthew's intent is that in the name of the Messiah, whom we know to be Jesus, the Gentiles of the world will confidently trust. They will put their anticipation and assured expectation in Him.   As for the original words of Isaiah, notice the difference, as there is a bit of deviation from the Hebrew, which says, “And to His law, coastlands – they will wait” Isaiah 42:4 (CG).   One might say Matthew was misleading in the intent of his citation because the two don't closely match. However, the difference is not as disparate as one might originally think. First, Matthew is citing his words not from the Hebrew but from the Greek Old Testament, which says, “and in his name shall the Gentiles trust” (Brenton Septuagint).   When the Jews translated the Hebrew, they decided that the name of the Messiah formed its own law. This was probably a result of Jeremiah's words concerning a New Covenant in Jeremiah 31. If there is a New Covenant, then the Messiah would, by default, introduce a new law. Therefore, the “name” of the Messiah stands for His law.   Secondly, the term, iy, coastlands of the Hebrew, is a term used to indicate remoteness. The Topical Lexicon says the word “evokes the picture of islands and distant coastlands—territories bounded by the sea and, to an Israelite audience, situated at the very edge of the known world. The word carries geographical, cultural, and theological freight: it signals remoteness, the mystery of seafaring peoples, and the universal reach of the Lord's purposes.”   Therefore, the idea of Gentile nations is, by default, bound up in the use of this word. The non-Jewish people of the world would place their confident trust in the One promised by the Lord through Isaiah.   Life application: In this verse, there is no article before “Gentiles” in Matthew's words. Unfortunately, many translations insert one there, such as “And in his name shall the Gentiles trust” (KJV). This changes the intent to some degree, making it an all-encompassing statement. There are many Gentiles who do not trust in the name of Jesus.   With the article purposefully omitted by Matthew, which is under the inspiration of the Lord, it gives a broad, but not all-encompassing, flavor to the words. It also more poignantly separates the unbelieving Jewish nation from the believing Gentiles. This can be seen when considering both together –   And in His name, Gentiles (as opposed to Jews), they will hope. And in His name, the Gentiles (like the Jews), they will hope.   The nation of Israel rejected Jesus. This age, the church age, is now a time of instruction for the Jewish people to learn from. Paul, referring to the Jewish nation, explains this –   “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!” Romans 11:11, 12   This provocation is intended to meet a specific purpose that will be realized at some point in redemptive history –   “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.'” Romans 11:25-27   One can see how the inappropriate inclusion of a single definite article into the translation can change the whole tenor of what is being conveyed. The Jewish people, the nation of Israel, rejected their Messiah. He is not their confident hope and trust. However, He is the confident hope and trust of Gentiles around the world.   Someday, this will change. Israel will discover what it has rejected for so long.   Lord God, we pray for time so that we can engage in Your word, for illumination as we read it, for confidence as we look to its promises, and a daily heightened sense of anticipation as we draw nearer to the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Grant us these things, O God, according to Your wisdom and grace. Amen.  

Joshua was called by God to lead the 12 tribes of Israel after the death of Moses. Those were pretty big shoes to fill, and the Lord chose Joshua because he was faithful.Joshua knew when he called on God in times of trouble, He would answer.In one powerful example, Joshua asked God to cause the moon and the sun to stand still so that he and his army could continue fighting a difficult battle by daylight.Joshua 10:12–13 says, “On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: ‘O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.'So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.”Joshua went on to lead the fight in many other battles, eventually conquering Canaan and dividing its lands among the 12 tribes.1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray continually.”As darkness began to fall, Joshua didn't give up the fight, and he didn't turn inward for a solution — he turned to God!Let's pray.God, you led the Israelites to victory against their enemies on behalf of your faithful servant Joshua, and you hear our prayers today. Thank you for the miracles we read about in the Bible, and for those we experience in our own lives. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Why did the Israelites want a king? Come Bible Study WITH ME through 1 Samuel 8 and ask all the questions! ‼️ And get your FREE BIBLE JOURNALING STARTER KIT right here: https://biblejournalingstarterkit.com

What did the temple mean to the Israelites? What did God's presence look like? Is Jesus shaping your inner life? In today's episode, Tanya shares how 1 Kings 6:14-38 reminds us that man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. If you're listening on Spotify, tell us about yourself and where you're listening from! Read the Bible with us in 2025! This year, we're exploring the Historical Books—Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: 1 Kings 6:14-38

Over the years, I’ve encouraged and prayed for many battling loneliness for various reasons: nursing home residents whose family members don’t visit, the widow who spends her days outside so as not to be alone in her empty house, ministry leaders who don’t have anyone to confide in, and homeless people who feel ignored and alone. Loneliness can strike anyone at any time. Isolating during the pandemic unfortunately, only compounded those feelings of loneliness for many. The US Surgeon General released an advisory in May 2023 alerting the public about the epidemic of loneliness. About half of U.S. adults say they’ve experienced loneliness, which can be as deadly as smoking a dozen cigarettes daily, according to the advisory. When Moses was getting ready to pass the torch to his successor Joshua, he wanted to make sure the Israelites knew they wouldn’t be facing any battles alone as they entered the promised land: “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). He also reminded their new leader, Joshua, that “the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (v. 8). And he concluded with words that can encourage us today. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (v. 8). When we’re facing loneliness, let’s take comfort in knowing that God will never leave or forsake us.

Steadying the Ark by Autumn Dickson There is a reference to an Old Testament story found in the sections for this week. Let's talk about the background and then read the verse. In 2 Samuel, the Israelites are bringing the ark of the covenant back into Israel after an enemy nation had captured and released […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 85-87 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

In the eighth episode of "Holiness," Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of maintaining a heart sensitive to God's voice. Sin can harden the heart, making hearing and responding to God's guidance difficult. Pursuing holiness helps believers stay attuned to God's guidance and prevents spiritual deafness. Duane draws parallels between the Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness and modern Christians' struggles with sin. We can learn from biblical examples and strive for a holy life. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we face daily choices whether to heed God's voice or allow our hearts to harden through unbelief and rebellion. https://pastorduane.com/holiness/

What do we do when we’re walking through spiritual wilderness—those dry, difficult seasons that test our faith and strip us of comfort? In this moving devotional, Megan J. Conner invites us to consider what it means to build altars in the wilderness—not as monuments to our victories, but as places of sacrifice, surrender, and transformation. Drawing from Genesis 22 and the powerful story of Abraham and Isaac, this episode explores the sacred difference between memorials and altars, and how God uses wilderness moments to draw us deeper into trust, humility, and full dependence on Him. If you’re feeling lost, weary, or stretched beyond your limits, this is a tender reminder that God meets us in the wilderness, and often calls us to lay down what’s most precious so that new life can rise. Highlights (What You’ll Learn) The distinction between biblical monuments and altars, and why it matters for your faith What Abraham’s altar moment teaches us about deep surrender and costly obedience How spiritual “wilderness” seasons are often invitations to intimacy and transformation Why humility and sacrifice are central themes of the Christian journey Encouragement that what you lay down in obedience, God often raises up in new life

Welcome to Day 2691 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – “Hidden In Plain Site” – Supernatural Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2691 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2686 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today, we continue with the 10th of 16 segments of our Theology Thursday lessons. I will read through the book "Supernatural," written by Hebrew Bible scholar, professor, and mentor Dr. Michael S. Heiser, who has since passed away. Supernatural is a condensed version of his comprehensive book, ‘The Unseen Realm.' If these readings pique your interest, I would recommend that you read ‘The Unseen Realm.' Today, we will read through chapter ten: “Hidden in Plain Sight.” Since the fall, God had been trying to revive his original goal for Eden: to live with both his divine and human family on earth. God had told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, thereby spreading God's good rule over the rest of the planet. God wanted the whole earth to be a place where heaven and earth met, where humanity could enjoy the divine, and where the divine could enjoy earth and humanity. We know how that went. A History of Failure Humanity sinned and was expelled from God's presence. Eden was shut down. The divine enemy, the Serpent, was banished—cast or cut down—from God's presence to earth, the place where death reigns, where life is not everlasting. He became lord of the dead, and therefore had claim to every human being who would ever live—because they sin, and sin's wages is death (Rom. 6:23). After the flood, God had repeated the goal of Eden to Noah and his family: be fruitful and multiply. It was a do-over. Instead, humanity rebelled. Rather than obey God and spread the knowledge and rule of God everywhere, they would build a tower where God could come to them. Failure again. God wouldn't go for it. He mixed up the nations' languages and turned the nations over to his divine council to rule. Then he decided to start over with a new human family—through Abraham and Sarah. He would get back to the other nations—through Abraham's descendants—once his kingdom rule was revived (Gen. 12:3). This, too, was a failure. So was the next attempt, bringing Israel out of Egypt, then to Sinai, and then finally to the Promised Land. Israel failed. Eventually God raised up David, and then Solomon. But after Solomon died, Israel followed other gods and the Israelites turned on each other. God had to expel them from the Promised Land in exile. The human story, apart from God's presence, is the story of failure. This is because humanity is lost since the fall. All humans are imperfect and estranged from God. No human leader could be trusted with starting and maintaining God's kingdom. They would resist loyalty to God alone. They would go their own way. Humans would sin, fail, and join the lord of the dead, God's great enemy. But God's vision of sharing the blessing of being steward-kings over a new Eden couldn't happen without humans. And the only way humans would ever be able to hold up their end of God's plan would be for them to be made new again. The curse of the fall must be lifted. And for that, God had a plan. The Solution—and a Problem God needed a man who was more than

Fr. Mike touches upon the prophecy of judgment against Babylon and Israel, and how God still promises to be Israel's redeemer despite their disobedience. We also read about Ezekiel's vision of the temple and how the markings on the foreheads of the Israelites symbolizes the mourning of true worship, and also foreshadows Jesus' death on the Cross. Today we read Isaiah 47-48, Ezekiel 8-9, and Proverbs 12:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Some contracts come with fine print—but God's covenant with the Israelites of the Bible was crystal clear: choose obedience and live in His blessing. In this message, Dr. Tony Evans shows how deception and distraction can detour us from our purpose—and how God's grace can bring victory, even if we've signed the wrong deal.

Some contracts come with fine print—but God's covenant with the Israelites of the Bible was crystal clear: choose obedience and live in His blessing. In this message, Dr. Tony Evans shows how deception and distraction can detour us from our purpose—and how God's grace can bring victory, even if we've signed the wrong deal.