Podcast appearances and mentions of James Fraser

Sunday 24 November 2024 - Evening Meeting Matthew Series - 3 Matthew 24:29-35 James Fraser

ScotWays (Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society) have published the sixth edition of Scottish Hill Tracks in around 100 years. The book launches on Saturday 28th September. Over the last five years hundreds of volunteers have helped to compile the book. Mark meets with ScotWays Director Tim Simons to discuss the book and its importance.The importance of seed saving is increasingly being recognised across the world as a way of establishing resilience in the natural environment. It is also the principle behind the tree nursery at Corrary Farm near Glenelg where there is a big push to expand native woodland cover in the area using trees grown from locally collected seed. Rachel went there recently and met Manager Rowan Doff who explained their approach.Last year, Mark visited Loch Katrine in the Trossachs to hear about an ambitious plan to build a look-out tower to give splendid views over the loch and hills beyond. The build was completed a couple of months ago and has already attracted many visitors to the site which back in the early 1800s was a regular stomping ground for Sir Walter Scott, William and Dorothy Wordsworth and John Keats. The project was co-ordinated by the Sir Walter Scott Steamship Trust and James Fraser from the Trust gave Mark a guided tour.The turntable ferry operating on Kyle Rhea between Glenelg and Skye is the very last of its kind still in operation in Scotland, and maybe even, the world. It's now run as a social enterprise, and Rachel stepped aboard to hear all about it from General Manager, Jo Crawford.In the latest edition of Scotland Outdoors, Helen Needham joins Aberdeenshire based writer Ian Grosz on the walk described in his essay Sacred Mountain; a dawn walk up Bennachie at the time of the Autumn equinox.The national Tegelwippen (tile whipping) contest is underway in Netherlands, as cities compete to remove the most paving slabs to greenify gardens and rewild urban spaces. This year marks the fourth annual contest, and Remco Moen Marcar, co-founder of the creative agency Frank Lee, who is behind the contest, joins Mark and Rachel live to tell us more.In recent years – since their re-introduction – white tailed sea eagles have been on many people's ‘must see' list. One of the finest places to spot them is around Glenelg in the West Highlands. They are regularly seen near Kylerhea which is a real magnet for all sorts of wildlife. Rachel meets Cammy McMurdo, who explains why so many creatures are attracted to the place.A listener got in touch last week about how much they enjoyed an archive piece from Mark's trip along the West Highland Way. We hear a snippet from this special trip.

“We consider the whole life of the product when we design it”In this episode of Third Angle, we explore the world of agricultural robotics with Muddy Machines, a pioneering company tackling the challenges of modern farming. Join us as we learn all about how Muddy Machines' innovative robot, Sprout, is improving asparagus harvesting. Design engineer James Fraser gives us an inside look at the sustainable technology that's reducing soil damage, cutting emissions, and addressing labor shortages in agriculture. Discover how automation is shaping the future of farming and what it takes to bring these versatile robots from the workshop to the fields.Find out more about Muddy Machines here. Find out more about OnShape here. Your host is Paul Haimes from industrial software company PTC. Episodes are released bi-weekly. Follow us on LinkedIn and X for updates.This is an 18Sixty production for PTC. Executive producer is Jacqui Cook. Sound design and editing by Rema Mukena. Location recording by Martha Owen. And music by Rowan Bishop.

"K nejzákeřnějším útokům nepřítele patří to, že nás zdržuje u důležitých, ale v podstatě druhořadých úkolů naší služby," řekl britský misionář James Fraser, který svůj život obětoval zvěstování evangelia lidu Lisu v jihozápadní Číně. Portrét tohoto muže, od jehož úmrtí letos v září uplynulo 85 let, přináší Řeka života - pořad připravila Ester Kvasňovská.

In this episode of Post-Podium, I recap the inaugural Jeopardy! Second Chance Competition (SCC). The SCC was a two-week competition, which lasted from October 17-28, 2022; it featured 18 non-winning contestants from seasons 37 and 38, who were invited back for a chance to compete for a $35,000 prize and a spot in the 2022 Tournament of Champions (TOC). Each week consisted of three semifinal matches followed by a two-day total point affair finals. The winners of both weeks of the SCC would eventually round out the 21-person TOC roster. Stick around until the end of this episode to find out who will be my guest in the next episode which will cover the TOC quarterfinals, semifinals, and the special exhibition match between Amy Schneider, Matt Amodio, and Mattea Roach! Timestamps 0:14 - Intro 1:09 - Semifinal Match 1: Cindy Zhang vs. Aaron Gulyas vs. Jessica Stephens 3:52 - Semifinal Match 2: Erica Weiner-Amachi vs. Tracy Pitzel vs. Molly Karol 6:26 - Semifinal Match 3: James Fraser vs. Renée Russell vs. Pam Schoenberg 8:55 - Week 1 Finals: James Fraser vs. Jessica Stephens vs. Molly Karol 13:41 - Semifinal Match 4: Sarah Snider vs. Jeff Smith vs. Sadie Goldberger 16:04 - Semifinal Match 5: Tom Philipose vs. Alicia O'Hare vs. Jack Weller 17:49 - Semifinal Match 6: Nikkee Porcaro vs. Do Park vs. rowan ward 19:45 - Week 2 Finals: rowan ward vs. Jack Weller vs. Sadie Goldberger 22:56 - How Jessica and rowan fared in the TOC 27:01 - Wrapping up and outro --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jericbrual/support

In the depths of a Trieste jail, James Fraser awaits his fate, while his companions work to figure out a method of extracting him. Maggie and Richard have a breakthrough.

In this episode of the GTR Trade Insights podcast, we welcome an expert guest from J.P. Morgan to discuss how the focus of working capital has shifted once again amid an ever-more challenging global economic and financial landscape. Joining us in the discussion is James Fraser, global head of trade at J.P. Morgan, who provides an insight into corporate cash positions and what working capital strategies should look like in the face of continued supply chain disruption, rising inflation, and rate hikes. He also discusses the results of the latest J.P. Morgan Working Capital Index, which enables companies to benchmark their working capital performance against industry peers. Moderated by senior reporter Eleanor Wragg, this conversation is a follow-up to the latest instalment in the J.P. Morgan/GTR content series, titled “How the working capital conversation is evolving”.

In this week's episode, “One More for the Road,” Pan and Beth take listener questions for the first time ever (and even answer a few)! We reflect on our first season coming to an end and give Lord Johnlander a proper send-off until season 2, which is to say, we make up a bunch of shit on the fly and fumble our way through some heinous fic vibes. We mentioned a bunch of fics this week! The “official” fic recs are: Ewig Mein by BeccaFK8 and A Thousand Ships: A Tale by James Fraser by JRC10 Theme music is "Hens March to the Midden," (Traditional) performed by the talented @faeriesfanficblog (tumblr). This podcast is NSFW. Listener discretion is advised.

There are a lot of EVs on the road today. According to an estimate, more than half the cars sold in Canada will be electric by 2030. Recently I've been hearing a lot of scary stories about people not properly installing charging stations in their homes. It's important to understand the different types of EV charging stations available, what's required to install one at home, and electrical safety tips to avoid a potential fire hazard. In this podcast episode, I'm joined by James Fraser, General Manager at The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) as we talk about everything you need to know about EV charging stations and installing one at home SAFELY.

In ancient Mesopotamia people didn't just want to believe in ghosts, or yearn for an extraordinary encounter in a shadowy haunted building. They believed in ghosts. Ghosts were simply part of normal everyday life. They were to put it plainly— expected. Let's take a closer look at the first known drawing of a ghost--drawn in clay. If a ghost were to become a problem or a nuisance, something would need to be done about it. In fact Irving Finkle author of The First Ghosts and curator at the British Museum likened the situation to needing to call the plumber. Got a clogged drain? You'd call a professional to help. Got a ghost? Who ya gonna call? The exorcism guy! And he came prepared, ready with a really well rounded guide with specifics on how-to-get-rid of ghosts with programmatic if this, then do this type of thing and kind of umbrella-like statements, to cover things. You don't want to do a half-baked job when getting rid of a ghost. The guide, not as convenient as our phones, or even a book was written in cuneiform on clay tablets. What does all of this have to do with art? From what I understand of all of the detailed instructions for the many situations that had to be considered in getting a ghost to leave–they weren't all illustrated. But here's an “if statement” — What if I told you that one of these clay tablets was really special, with the oldest known (3,500 years old) drawing of a miserable, sad man–a bearded ghost? Finkle gives the example that maybe the man had three wives and lost each of them. One could jump to the conclusion that he would follow a young woman to the underworld, thus the ritual that complemented the illustration that we'll talk about in more depth. First here's the formal description of the piece: Title: Tablet impressed with Mesopotamian ghost, side profile  Artist: Master craftsperson Date: 1,500 BCE Geography: Ancient Babylon Medium: Clay tablet Dimensions: Fits in a person's hand Classification: Tablet Location: British Museum, Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK (has not been displayed) Acquired: 19th century, approximately half of the tablet is missing Photo © British Museum, line drawing © James Fraser and Chris Cobb for The First Ghosts at https://news.artnet.com/.../oldest-ghost-british-museum... Thanks to the audio sound artists at FreeSound for the accompanying sound/music. Please Support the Whispering Gallery Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/suzannenikolaisenart https://www.buymeacoffee.com/suznikart Social Media https://www.facebook.com/whisperinggallerystories/ https://www.instagram.com/whisperinggallerypodcast/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/MysticMediumsStudio

Release International is privileged to work with some amazingly dedicated and courageous partners across the world. Their love for the Lord drives them to faithfully serve our persecuted brothers and sisters, often at great cost to themselves. And it is a special privilege for us when they are able to visit the UK. During those times we get to share face to face fellowship with them and hear their voice directly.Hear Release International worker James Fraser discuss our forthcoming speaker tour with international partner Bob Fu of China Aid. Listen in as we hear Bob's story of faith and imprisonment in China, his previous visit to the UK, and what we can look forward to during his visit in October this year. Plus, we have a special contribution from Bob himself who recounts the opposition and threats he and his family faced in Texas in 2020. For full details of dates and venues just visit www.releaseinternational.org/events.Support the show

James Fraser preaches on Psalm 48 For more from St John's Church, Tunbridge Wells: www.stjohnstw.org/ facebook.com/stjohnstw/

Wangaratta trainer James Fraser looks ahead to today's runners at Albury - FAITHFUL MARYANNE (R3) & BARBARAN (R5). James also reflects on the contribution of Peter McAllister to Wangaratta racing.

This week we welcome James, a national award winner of Innovation, Esports Director at QMC & National Trainer for Pearson for the esports BTEC. He's also a speaker at the Festival of Education, BETT, EGX and a NASEF mentor. And on top of that he is Manager of QMSAMURAI. Quite a lot for one person! We spoke to James about both his role in bringing one of the first BTEC in Esports courses to Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke, as well as his more recent role in helping his local tech giant Yoyotech in developing esports arenas, and advising other education establishments around the country. In summary we cover; How he came to help set up the BTEC in esports course at QMC. The reactions from parents and authorities both then, and now. And how they have changed. Failing upwards and learning to work the way that is best for you. Highlighting some of the mistakes that they made, and learnt from, in setting up the course. Yoyotech and their help in setting up the college esports arena, and how he came to now be working with them to help expand into education. Going up to the launch of Newcastle United's esport arena and how this type of facility is now becoming a growing area for football clubs - though he couldn't mention much more on who they are... yet! If you enjoyed this podcast then do give us a subscribe, follow, like or review. Thanks for listening! TBD --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tbd-esports/message

Sermon preached at the ordination of James Fraser as ruling elder | John 15:1-17

Michael and Dave watched the first and last episodes of the 4th season of Outlander. Go check out the full episode if you haven't and then decide: Who would you rather have as a father--James Fraser or Frank Randall? CENTER CHAT! Send your feedback and new episode ideas to: thecentercutcast@gmail.com Make shipping easier with Stamps.com! Follow us on Twitter|Facebook|Instagram| Podcast Logo by Cindy Ingeme NEW Intro/Outro music by Bryan Valeri

In this episode, I converse with Prof. James Fraser at the University of California, San Francisco. James was an undergraduate at McGill University, where he worked in the lab of Dr. Francois Fagotto on Xenopus developmental biology. As a graduate student, with Tom Alber at UC Berkeley, James established room-temperature X-ray data collection techniques and electron density sampling strategies to define protein conformational ensembles essential for catalysis. Prior to starting an independent position at UCSF, he was a visiting EMBO Short Term Fellow in the lab of Dan Tawfik at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and developed expertise in directed evolution and high-throughput assays of enzymatic or binding activity. In January 2011, James started his independent career as a QB3 at UCSF Fellow affiliated with the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology. In January 2013, he was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) with promotion to Associate Professor in 2016, and Full Professor in 2020. James is also a Faculty Scientist in the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The long-term goals of James' research group is to understand how protein conformational ensembles are reshaped by perturbations, such as mutation and ligand binding, and to quantify how these perturbations impact protein function and organismal fitness. To accomplish these goals, they create new computational and biophysical approaches to study how proteins move between different conformational states. Additionally, the group uses two complementary approaches to study the relationship between protein conformational ensembles and function. To dissect consequences of mutations on organismal fitness, they use high-throughput systems biology and biophysical methods to analyze large sets of clinically or biophysically interesting mutations and to improve the ability to engineer new protein functions, they investigate changes to the conformational ensemble as new enzymatic and binding functions emerge from directed evolution studies. We indulge in a fascinating conversation on his enjoyable journey through science and life; foraying into academia from a family of non-academics; the thrill of methods development; the enormous influence of his brilliant mentors, friends, and collaborators; creating a more equitable, open, and just environment in science; and many more things!!

James Alexander Malcom MacKenzie Fraser, un nombre que despierta una cascada de intensas emociones en el mundo Outlandero! En esta Ronda conversamos con nuestra querida Viviana Planell sobre este excepcional personaje, complejo y multidimensional. Qué sabemos de él, de su infancia, de su historia, de su propio Viaje Heroico? y también cuáles son las enseñanzas, expectativas y valores que rescatamos para nuestra propia vida ... Ahhhh! El Rey de los Hombres!! que más podemos decir? ... mucho, seguro!! y por varias Rondas más!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rondas-de-outlander/message

In this episode:We go on a side tangent about the EurosMoose watch update: Still nothing :(Jamie is arrested, and Claire is kidnapped……have we been here before?Claire is on a plague ship, and it's still super uncomfy to watch after the year we've hadOnce again, James Fraser is ready to take everybody down to save Claire (oh how we love him)Claire makes friends, and then loses them….againCan the Frasers ever just be happy!?!?And at some point, pretty much everyone has annoyed Britt, buckle up!Thank you so much for listening! We appreciate your support! If you have any questions, comments ect, we'd love to hear from you!https://www.instagram.com/shesanoutlander/https://www.facebook.com/shesanoutlanderhttps://twitter.com/shesanoutlandershesanoutlander@gmail.com

A portion of this episode contains mature language. Listener discretion is advised. Athalus interviews WoW cover musician James Fraser, the Podcast Spotlight is on Blizzlet : Hearthstone, and Josh Corbett from Countdown to Classic stops by for some RNG. You'll also hear some advice on starting your first podcast! Catch the premiere of Realm Maintenance on the last Monday of each month at 7pm Eastern time on warcraftradio.com/live!

What happens throughout the body when you're losing blood, or haemorrhaging? James Fraser let's us know... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

In this episode we discuss the NRLA's (@nrlassociation) Renters' Reform Bill response, outlining the NRLA's proposals for a post-Section 21 PRS. Presenters NRLA CEO Ben Beadle (@BeadleBen) and Richard Blanco (@richardblanco_) talk to guests landlord and campaigner James Fraser and landlord and agent Susan Aktemel on the potential implications of the bill and the NRLA response to the plans. James outlines landlord concerns over the impact of the bill on both landlords and tenants and gives his thoughts on the NRLA proposals and how they could work in practice. Susan, who runs Glasgow-based letting agency and property management company Homes For Good, shares her experiences in Scotland, where the equivalent of Section 21 – Section 33 - was scrapped in December 2017 and replaced with 18 grounds for repossession. Elsewhere in the show James Harvie, of the NRLA advice team talks about the hot topics on the phonelines throughout the month and talks listeners through one of the many calls we receive. And we meet landlord, developer and presenter Sian Astley (@Moregeous) of TV's ‘Getting the Builders In' and ‘Half Built House' who shares her thoughts on supporting tenants through the pandemic and discusses ways to improve the look and feel of your rental homes without breaking the bank. If you enjoyed the show please spread the word on your social media channels using the hashtag #listenuplandlords For all podcast enquiries email press@nrla.org.uk 

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

UCSF scientists studying a key enzyme used by the virus that causes COVID-19 have identified chemical building blocks that might eventually be used to make an antiviral drug. The chemical fragments could bind to and disable the enzyme, called the “macro domain,” which is a crucial part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s ability to replicate in human cells. James Fraser discusses the finding from this research. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36500]

JAMES FRASER – MURDER UNDER THE MICROSCOPE...with TRE's Bill Padley

WO1 James 'Jimmy' Fraser served with various Infantry units within the Scots Division over 24 years, finishing his career as the Regimental Sergeant Major for 2 Scots, The Royal Highland Fusiliers. He has been an instructor at the Infantry Training Centre (C) and the Infantry Battle School, Brecon, on multiple occasions and knows exactly what it takes to develop Infantry leaders still serving and post-military career in other endeavours. Follow Jimmy on TWITTER @TSA1Hldrs Follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM @leadwasps If you or someone you know might be a good guest to have on The Lead Wasps Podcast send an email to leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

We sit down with Jessica and James Fraser who founded Ballet Express with the aim in helping dancers improve their performance and technique using their wealth of experience. We talk inspiration, performance preparation, and technique styles/tips.

In this episode, we continue our A Breath of Snow and Ashes read-along with our discussion of Chapter 7 “James Fraser, Indian Agent” and Chapter 8 “Victim of a Massacre.”    Join our exclusive Facebook community! (http://outlanderpod.com/group)Join our read-along of 'A Breath of Snow and Ashes'! (http://outlanderpod.com/snow)Support us on Patreon! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/patreon)Follow us on Twitter! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/twitter)Connect with us on Facebook! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/facebook)Help us spread the word!If this episode tickled your 'Outlander' fancy, head over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review, and subscribe!· Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outlander-podcast/id707360955?mt=2)· RSS (https://audioboom.com/channels/1689437.rss)· Stitcher (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-outlander-podcast?refid=stpr)· Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3ca8w2I8rlQyr7K5iEeGV8)· Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0&gclid=CPqUmY3tmc8CFQbrfgodSOsMCw&gclsrc=ds#/ps/Irr5s2ri372mj5fgmte23z6dghe)· iHeartRadio (https://www.iheart.com/show/270-the-outlander-podc/)You can ask questions and comment below and leave us voice feedback via our Listener Line at 916-587-0POD.

Hoy hablamos de la creación del personaje de Jamie Fraser. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/day-mlg/message

Hablamos sobre el fantasma de James fraser y las teorias. ‼️‼️contiene SPOILERS ‼️‼️ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/day-mlg/message

Audio Transcript: Good morning. Welcome to another online service of Mosaic Boston, Brookline. Hope you're well. Hope you are abiding in the Lord, rejoicing in him, meditating in the gospel, and being filled with the Spirit daily. So happy that you are tuning in with us. Would you please pray with me over the preaching of God's holy word?Heavenly Father, we pray that you bless our time in the word today. You have, every single week during this crisis. We felt it. People are being ministered to by your word and we're thankful for that. And I pray today, Lord, encourage us in the faith. I pray, Lord, encourage us with the example of Jesus Christ who came not to be served but to serve. Encourage us with the example of St. Paul who did the same. He served. Encourage us with the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus, godly people, godly men who gave everything, sacrificed everything in order to encourage the faith of others, in order to plant the seed of the gospel, in order to plant churches. Lord, bless our time in the Holy Scriptures and continue to edify and encourage each one of us so that we can edify and encourage one another. And we pray all this in Christ's holy name, amen.The title of the sermon today is Here to Serve. The whole text that we are about to read is about service, sacrificial service. St. Paul writes this letter to a church in Philippi, a church that he planted with Timothy. Together, they planted it. And the church is growing and as the church grows, there's potential for disunity, for division. And this is what Satan does. One of his strategies. One of his stratagems is to sow seeds of division. So St. Paul writes this letter and says, "There's nothing more important than the gospel because there's nothing more important than Jesus." And there's nothing more important than people meeting Jesus. So there's nothing more important than for us to devote our lives to get the gospel to people. And we do it together as brothers and sisters partnering in the gospel, getting the gospel to people living in a manner worthy of the gospel. And the greatest example of this is Christ himself.Christ goes from the highest of heights to the lowest of depths in order to serve us, in order to save us. So we're in chapter 2 today. The concluding part of chapter 2 of Philippians, it's started with a glorious text, a gloriously Christological vision of who Christ is, what he did in his incarnation, and how that applies to our lives.Last week, we talked about the interplay between God's sovereignty and our responsibility. God work salvation in us. He gives us that gift. We are to receive that gift, receive and believe. And as we do, we then work out our salvation. God gives us grace but we use that grace, so it's not in vain. So we work as hard as we possibly can. And then from that, from that glorious part of the chapter, St. Paul moves to something that seems at first reading so mundane. He shows us a travel itinerary of a few gentlemen. Why St. Paul, why this text? What does it have to do with our lives?Well, what St. Paul is doing is he's illustrating the points that he just made about Christological service, serving like Christ served. About the interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. And then he shows the example of two godly men who are mirroring, they're reflecting that Christ-like service, they have the heart of Christ. They are here to serve.And the other thing I want to just point out about this travel itinerary is these are real people in real time, in real places. And why is that important? It's important because the New Testament is grounded in real history, in real time, in real space. The gospel is rooted in world history, not mythology. These are real people with real lives, and real emotions, and real pain, and real desires, and hopes, and dreams. The gospel is relevant to them, therefore it's relevant to us. It applied to them. It applied to us. We see if someone got sick, someone couldn't come because they had to be in a different place. People had friends. St. Paul had friends and counted on them like we count on our friends. There's deep fellowship, there's deep emotion here. They lived in the same world that we live in. They're in real history. They're real human beings. These are real lives with real stories.The New Testament is a testimony. It's an account, a historically verifiable account of extraordinary things that happened to ordinary people when they submit their lives to God, in service to him, in service to people. That's where we find ourselves today in Philippians 2:19-30. I'm going to start reading with two verses that we ended with last week, verses 17 and 18, because it all flows together. Would you look at the text with me, Philippians 2:17?"Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I'm glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father, he has served with me in the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me. And I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill."Indeed, he was ill, near to death. "But God had mercy on him and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me." This is the reading of God's holy, inherent, infallible, authoritative word. May he write these eternal truths upon our hearts.Three points today, we'll talk about the servant's heart, the servant's hardship, and the servant's honor. The context is that St. Paul is in prison in Rome and the Philippians, the church in Philippi, the Philippian Christians take up an offering for St. Paul to meet his monetary needs and they sent it through Epaphroditus who volunteers for the job to travel 800 miles. It took at least six weeks over rough terrain. And on the way, he catches some sickness, some disease, some infection, and it was almost deadly it brought him to the brink of death. But Epaphroditus persists in spite of the pain.Why are we talking about a guy named Epaphroditus? And we need to remember this guy's name, it's important. Because St. Paul knows that the faith, the Christian faith, can't just be taught. It also must be caught. Taught and caught. It's both. He's not just giving them words of faith. He's giving them a real life, flesh and blood examples of this is how you live this out. I know my walk, maybe you can relate, my walk in the faith. I have been impacted by the scripture. I have been impacted by the books of theology, thousands of books of theology that I've read. I have also maybe even more so been impacted by godly people in my life whom I saw serving, whom I saw pouring themselves out for the faith of many, whom I saw sacrificing.I saw this with my parents. I saw this with my dad. I saw this with my uncle. After college, I moved down to Washington, DC for my first job out of college. And I got to live with my uncle who was a church planter in Washington, DC, and my aunt. And I lived with them for a month, and I saw on a daily basis how much they sacrificed, how they worked, how they served one another, how they served their children, how the children served the parents. Incredible gospel-centered family, incredible gospel-centered church. I saw them doing uncomfortable things, getting out of their comfort zone.We would do street evangelism. This is a Russian church, and we would go to on Saturdays, I would work a full week, on Saturdays, I would go to the Russian store and evangelize. Try to share the gospel with these people going to the Russian store. Really uncomfortable, but powerful in bringing many to faith. Moved down to North Carolina, Raleigh-Durham area for seminary. And I remember Andy Davis and his family, and I remember the saints at FBC Durham sacrificing, daily serving one another in radical ways. And that right there ignited a fire in me to give my life to the Lord, to serve him with everything I've got.This week, my wife and I, we celebrated, actually yesterday, Wednesday. You're listening on Sunday, celebrated 14 years of marriage. Praise God. Hallelujah. Thank you, Lord, and thank you, Tanya, for your patience and forbearance. But in my wife, I see this heart of service. I've always seen this heart of service. She would give everything she has to those in need, be it family or not. The gospel has to be both taught and caught, and that's why we have the example here of people who have Christ's heart.Jesus didn't just come to be served but to serve. To give his life as a ransom for many. Therefore, dear Christians, service for us isn't an option. There's not elite levels of Christians like Navy SEAL Christians who serve and the rest of us are served. No, if you're a Christian, you're called to serve. And the reason why we have to be called to serve and reminded of this, because it doesn't come naturally. It's hard and you got to develop a heart of service, it has to be cultivated. And I think about it like this.Two weeks ago, we talked about developing the mind of Christ, thinking Christ's thoughts with him. That's how we discern what God's will is, by the transformation of our mind. But also, we have to develop not just the mind of Christ but the heart of Christ. A heart of Christ that beats intact with him. His heart that was poured out, that bled for others. It was that heart that motivated his hands. We need to develop both the head of Christ, the heart of Christ, and the hands of Christ. But today, I want to focus in here. I'm going to focus on developing that heart of Christ.Look at St. Paul in this text, how often he mentions Christ in talking about travel itinerary, which almost has nothing to do with the Lord seemingly. Okay, verse 19, "I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you." What an interesting phrase. Now I hope to send Timothy to you soon. I hope in the Lord, in the Lord Jesus, what a phrase. Look at verse 24, "And I trust in the Lord that shortly, I myself will come also." I trust in the Lord, meaning if it's the Lord's will. So for St. Paul, every day as he's making plans, as he's thinking what he's going to do in the near future, the Lord and his will informs every decision he makes. It's not just simply common sense, not just simply what he thinks is best, what his wants or his desires are, but he submits everything to the Lord and his will.And he mentions Epaphroditus here, that Epaphroditus got better from his illness. And he doesn't just say, "Oh, thank goodness that Epaphroditus got better." He doesn't say, "Thank goodness," he says, "Thank God." Thank God. Look at verse 27, "Indeed he was ill, near to death but God had mercy on him. Not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow." God had mercy on him. God extended his life. Verse 29, "So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men." In the Lord, I hope, I trust in the Lord. God is in control. God is the one who extends mercy by extending life, so receive him in the Lord.The heart of St. Paul is focused on Christ, his heart beats intact with Christ. Jesus is at the center of everything that St. Paul does, thinks, plans, desires, wants. Jesus is at the center. His whole life revolves around Christ. Christ is the focus point. And this is how you develop the heart of Christ. What does Jesus want? What does Jesus love? What does Jesus desire? I want to desire those things. Timothy's focus was the same, it was on Christ. Look at verse 21, "For they all seek their own interest, not those of Jesus Christ, but you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father you served me with the gospel." We all have our own interests, every single one of us. And here St. Paul says there are some Christians in Rome at that time, they're believers. They've confessed, they've professed believing in Christ. But still, he's not number one.For them, they can't say that, "For me to live is Christ." Their interests are higher. Their own personal interests are higher than the interests of Christ. This is why I'm talking about developing the heart of Christ. Your interests are those things that you love more than Christ, which actually is a form of idolatry. But Timothy, no, Timothy, he doesn't seek his own interest. He seeks those of Christ by serving in the gospel with St. Paul. And by the way, Timothy was with Paul when they first visited the Church when it was first founded. So St. Paul knew that if I send Timothy to the Church in Philippi, they will be encouraged by his presence. St. Paul says, "I trust in the Lord that I too will come to see you." Meaning, "I hope that I get to travel 800 miles, six weeks over rough terrain, risking life and limb just to be with you. Just to be in your presence. That's how much I love you." And by the way, this has to inform our ecclesiology what it means to be a church, brothers and sisters.I'll tell you, there's people on staff I haven't seen in person since early March. Pastor Andy, I haven't seen in person since March. I get to see him on video once or twice a week. And I'm telling you, I miss him. I miss you, Pastor Andy. Hope you're doing well. Caleb, I saw at my brother's wedding. Raquel, I got to see as she was standing outside of Ruggles Baptist Church at my brother's wedding also. And I'm telling you when I saw them, and perhaps you can relate, when I saw them, it was a treat. It was a gift. It was a gift for the eyes just to be in the presence of this person. There's something there.Yes, online. Sure. We're thankful we can do this. We're thankful we can do CGs via video. We're thankful. But it's not meant to be a substitute for the greatest present that there is, which is each one of us, of our presence. Our presence is a present from the Lord for one another. So that's why I can't wait to finally meet in person, and I trust in the Lord it will be soon. Epaphroditus has the same focus. His heart beat with the heartbeat of Christ. He pushed himself almost to the point of death to bring a gift to St. Paul. The gift of the finances from the Church of Philippi but also the gift of his own presence. And then we see the heartbeat of Christ in Epaphroditus in that when he hears that the church in Philippi heard that he was sick, he's distressed over their distress. And this is incredible.Not only is he sick physically, but he's emotionally sick and worried that these people are sick and worried over him reveals a servant's heart. Verse 25, "I thought it was necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need." Epaphroditus brought this gift and he completed by his presence what the Philippians could not by their absence. Verse 30, "For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me." And I like this word here for service and minister. Both come from the Greek word liturgia, we get the English word liturgy from. And in secular Greek, the word was used of a man or a person who out of love for his city, out of love for the gods, would give a lavish, generous financial gift to the city or finance a great drama, or outfit a battleship. Meaning this was sacrificial.So we see that Epaphroditus is a minister. He sacrificed much offering, everything for Christ. And this is what it means to develop a heart of service. And also, a servant of Christ is willing to go anywhere that Christ sends, anywhere that Christ sends. Do you think it was easy for Timothy to leave St. Paul's side? No. No, of course not. Look at that relationship, verse 22, "But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel," they loved each other. They had a relationship where St. Paul was a spiritual father and Timothy was a spiritual son to St. Paul.But God was calling Timothy to make this trek to sacrifice, to leave his comfort in order to bless others. That wasn't easy, but it was the Lord's will. Do you think it was easy for Epaphroditus to leave the comforts of home? Take this difficult journey to Rome? No, it wasn't easy, but it had to be done. Do you think it was easy for Paul to leave the comforts of Judaism, the comforts of his faith, and his family, and everything, and to be a missionary? No, of course not. But Jesus said, "I have a mission for you. You are my servant." And a servant gets sent wherever the master says to go.So I wonder, have you ever, and by the way, this is an important question. Have you ever said, "Lord, I will go wherever you tell me to go. Lord, I'm willing to go wherever you tell me to go"? He's told me, I'm here. The question I'm wrestling with is, "Lord, am I willing to stay where you've called me to go?" And perhaps that's what many of you are wrestling with. There's other places to live where you can be much more comfortable, perhaps less useful for the kingdom. It's an important question, "Lord, am I willing to go? Lord, am I willing to stay once I am where you've called?" And the servant who has the heart of Christ is willing to go and willing to serve anyone. Timothy served Paul and then he has to go and serve the Philippians. Epaphroditus served the Philippians, now he's willing to serve Paul.Now there's an incredible story of Philip who has a flourishing public ministry of the gospel preaching in Samaria. And then Jesus says, "No, I want you to leave this great ministry where perhaps you can build a platform for yourself, and I want you to go and preach the gospel on a deserted road to reach the Ethiopian eunuch. I want you to go preach the gospel to this one person." Are you available to go where perhaps you won't make the great name for yourself? A servant doesn't care about their own name. A servant cares about the name of the master and servants put others ahead of themselves. Paul's in prison facing execution. He's encouraged by Timothy's presence and understandably he could say, "No, I can't send Timothy. I need him with me now ministering to my needs." He says, "No, I'm putting the Philippians' needs ahead of my own and the Philippians serve Paul financially. And they sent Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus is willing to serve and go to the brink of death, obviously sacrificing for others.Contrast it with these people who are, in verse 20 and 21, are not concerned for their welfare. Look at verse 20, "For I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Christ." Now this is a little difficult to understand because we're talking about the church in Rome. And the epistle to the Romans was written five years before this. Romans 16, St. Paul has a whole list of specific Christians whom he admires, and appreciates, and genuinely thanks for their faithfulness. But most likely, once they came to faith, they were dispatched or sent to other cities. That's why he doesn't have anyone other than Timothy and some of these people who care about only their own interest.The other thing I just want to point out here about the heartbeat of Christ, Jesus deeply loved. He deeply loved his disciples. He deeply loved the people around him in a true, tangible, visible, emotional love. And there's so much love in these verses. It oozes with a bromance, of brotherhood, of fellowship. That's the word, not bromance, brotherhood, it's a brotherhood. Epaphroditus here longs for the Philippians. He's distressed that they're distressed. And the word here's the same word that's used for Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane who was distressed. It's deep emotional pain. The Christian life, my friends, is not stoicism. We have felt emotion, deep, raw emotion, rollercoaster of emotion during this time and that's okay. That's good to feel that emotion. It's good to feel that grief, that tenderness, even tears, sorrow, even slight anxiety.And by the way, this is interesting. That St. Paul says this in verse 27, "But God had mercy on him, and not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow." St. Paul felt sorrow and "I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious." This is fascinating. St. Paul, did you know at the time of your writing Romans 8, which you gave us, Romans 8:28, "For those who are called by God, predestined by God, and who love God, all things work together for the good"? Didn't you know that St. Paul? Don't you know that your troubles are actually, God is going to use those troubles? There's a purpose in your pain. Didn't you know that St. Paul?St. Paul, didn't you know what you're about to write in chapter 4 where it says, "Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, present your requests to God"? Didn't you know that? Don't be anxious, you're about to write us? And now you're telling us about your anxiety? Well, this is fascinating. And by the way, anxiety isn't something that you can just suppress. It's not something you can just truncate. It's not something you can just turn off. It's something that we battle or something that we strive to replace with joy, with peace, with tranquility. That doesn't mean in this fleshly body, in this sinful world that our anxiety is just immediately gone completely. Now it's a battle for joy. It's a battle for peace on a daily basis. And St. Paul's not afraid of expressing those deep feelings. And as he does, the Lord uses it to minister to others.So the servant of God is willing to go anywhere, love anyone, and sacrifice anything because they have the heart of Christ. Timothy gave up his interest, Epaphroditus almost lost his life. Paul to the Ephesian elders said this in Acts 20:24, "I do not count my life of any value, nor is precious to myself. If only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." St. Paul said, "My life is of no value to me. There's something more important than my life and that's Christ. For me, to live as Christ and die." Again, St. Paul did pay the highest price. We don't know if he ever saw the church in Philippi. Verse 24, he says, "I trust in the Lord that shortly, I myself will come also." Most likely he didn't. And this was part of God's plan for him.The Lord when he called St. Paul to himself and met him on the road to Damascus, and St. Paul was blinded and then God tells Ananias, "Go now and minister Paul," to pray over him. But this is what God tells Ananias in Acts 9:15, "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.'" God gives St. Paul the gift of salvation. And he gives him the gift of suffering, as we talked about in chapter 1.And for the Christian, yes, death is sad but we don't grieve as those without hope for the saint. Death is a blessing, it's a home-going. Why did I spend so much... This is a typical Pastor Jan. Most of the time of the sermon, I'm going to spend in point one. Why did I do this? Because we can't talk about the servant's hardships and the servant's honor without focusing on the servant's heart. If your heart isn't motivated by love for Christ, you won't be able to endure the hardship. And if you're just motivated by the honor that you will get, you won't be able to endure the hardship. Your heart needs to be filled with the love for Christ.As a Christian, if you're motivated by anything else than Christ, you will burn out in your spiritual walk. You'll burn out and you'll bum out. Why? Because it's hard. You'll get angry by the way people treat you, by the way... You get hurt. You'll grow weary and frustrated by hardships and sacrifices. You'll quit in disgust and disappointment. If serving for any other reason than love for Christ, if you have any other reason than love for Christ who loved you, gave himself for you, you'll give up. But if you are fueled by constantly being captivated by love for Christ, by the love of Christ, it changes everything.A servant's heart and then, point two is a servant's hardship. There's no service without sacrificing, and sacrificing is hard. It's even painful. Philippians 2:27, "Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him. Not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow," meaning, I've already got sorrow. I'm in prison, I'm facing execution, I'm being persecuted, and the death of Epaphroditus would have mounted that sorrow. Verse 25, "I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my needs." How does he describe the Christian life? Work and fight, worker and soldier, that there's work to do to be a Christian, to live on mission. And that there's a fight to battle. This is war.In all my years of being a minister, in all my years of being a Christian, I have not felt demonic oppression. I've not felt it as tangibly, as powerfully. I've not been as sensitive to it as I do today, in the world, in the nation, in our city, in my own life. We're at war. And war is hard. No one goes to war because it's easy. Look at St. Paul and his own life. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.He chronicles his hardships, "Are they servants of Christ? I'm a better one. I'm talking like a madman. With far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received the hands of the Jews the 40 lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, and hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there's the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches."Anytime I read that passage, I walk away and saying, "My troubles are nothing compared to this guy's." And as he's enduring all of that, he's got a love for the church that keeps him going. Soldiers into a boot camp to learn how to endure hardships and battle. And servants we must train. When war comes, that's when we're ready. And today, we're going through a season that we've never lived through. Unprecedented is the word, I can't wait till we go back to precedent times. I miss those. But this is what we've been training for, for the hardships. Philippians 2:22, "But you know Timothy's proven worth," he's been proven. His worth has been approved by testing. That's the same word that's used in Romans 5:3-4, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." Proven worth and proven character. That's the same word here in the Greek.A product is tested before it's sold to prove that it's reliable. Cars need to go through crash testing. And that's how you know it's reliable. St. Paul had persecution, hardship, from without, from within, from above. From without, this is the persecution from the Roman Empire. From within, Christians who are motivated by selfish ambition and envy, criticizing St. Paul. And from above, demonic warfare, and he's being pressed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies." We are spiritual war.I've been hearing this from a lot of people. I've been saying this a lot. Like nothing makes sense. I don't know what to believe, whom to believe in the news. I don't know what's true. I don't know what's being spun. I don't know what's being exploited in order to create some political advantage. I don't know. Nothing makes sense. But you know what hasn't changed? The truth of God's word, the truth of the gospel, and that we are at war. One of the reasons why things don't make sense in the physical realm is when people around us don't understand that there's a spiritual realm. Yes, it looks like we are at war here with one another. But that's because there's war above us, and we need to be encouraged that we know who wins.I've read the end of the book. The Book of Revelation, I know, Jesus wins, and we can be encouraged with that. But we are at war, Ephesians 6:10-20. I'm going to read the whole passage because it's so relevant for us today. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand or be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace."In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication to that and keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me and opening my mouth boldly, to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I'm an ambassador in chains, that I may declare boldly, as I ought to speak."Spiritual warfare that culminates in St. Paul's action. He says, "What is the action?" It's to speak the gospel boldly. Timothy did not look to his own interests, he looked to the interests of Christ. Many of us are afraid to speak the gospel to our unbelieving neighbors, and friends, and colleagues, to speak the truth of the gospel. Because our primary interest is to be liked. We want to be liked by the people around us but that's not the goal. That's not the goal, to be liked. The goal is to be loved. And the way that people can truly love us is when they are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. So how do we wage the spiritual war? By loving people and telling them the good news of Jesus Christ. Why wouldn't you become a Christian? Why wouldn't you want all of your sins forgiven? Why wouldn't you want to spend eternity with God in paradise where he is at the center?I want to point something out about Epaphroditus risking, Philippians 2:29-30. "So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me," risking. The word for risking in the Greek literally means hazarding his life, gambling. It's a gambling term, it means that he's willing to roll the dice. He's willing to roll the dice with his life, because he sees the pot in the middle. He's willing to risk his life because he knows the reward is greater than the risk. The reward is greater than the risk when you trust in Christ.Blaise Pascal and his Pensées, he had this thing called the Pascal's Wager, in which he said, "Every single person alive today is gambling with their life." And this is the wager, "If God exists, and I live for Him, I have to, in the short term in my life sacrifice finite pleasure, finite comfort. I have to lose something in the short term in order to gain something infinite in the long term." That's the wager. Others are wagering. And they're saying, "No, no, God does not exist. Therefore, in this life, I'm going to live any way I want for my pleasures as if I'm my own king. And I'm risking being miserable in all of eternity, I'd rather be happy as I defined it in the short term." And what he's saying is if like everyone's playing, everyone's gambling, if it turns out there is a God, if it turns out that there is an eternity and that we are eternal souls living in bodies, and we didn't submit to them now, we lose, and we lose for eternity. We lose infinitely. But if you win, you gain everything.I've been watching the Facebook news feed, Sundays, and I get to see who enters the chat, who watches with us. And I've been seeing a lot of my friends from high school, a lot of my friends from college, a lot of my neighbors, and I'm so thankful for that. And from the bottom of my heart, I welcome you. And from the bottom of my heart, I'm calling you to realize the greatness of God and the greatness of his gospel. That God gave his son Jesus Christ to die for my sins and your sins, sins of the whole world, and whosoever believes in Christ shall have eternal life forever, sins forgiven. You'll have blessing in this life. Yes, there are sacrifices. Yes, there are hardship. But there are things that make us stronger and draw us closer to Christ, which is the greatest blessing that there is. It's the greatest deal in the history of all deals.Jesus says, "Come to me, submit to me, give your heart to me and I give you myself," which is better than anything and everything in the world. So it's a no brainer, you should become a Christian. Everyone should. So why go through the hardship? Because you're motivated by Christ, you're motivated by his heart. And you also go through the hardship because there is a servant's honor, that God does honor his servants.And this is point three, the servant's honor, we don't seek honor for ourselves. I want to point that out, but we seek honor for the Lord and the Lord loves to share the honor. The Lord is a generous God who wants to honor his servants. Look at 1 Samuel 2:30, "Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel declares, I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever, and now the Lord declares, far be it from me, for those who honor me, I will honor and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed." And what an interesting thought of a glorious God of the universe, likes to honor, loves to honor. When we honor him, he honors us. 2 Timothy 4:8. "Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." So any hardship that we face will be well worth it when we see his face, when we see the face of God.Matthew 25:21, "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You've been faithful over a little and I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'" The Lord wants to honor his servants, he does, and he will. Paul honors Timothy also by sending him as his representative. Paul honors Epaphroditus by his commendation. In Philippians 2:29, he says, "So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men," honor such people. And by the way, Paul is doing what he's telling them to do. He's honoring these godly people, godly men in this letter. He admires these brothers, appreciates them for their sacrifice, for their faithfulness.James Fraser of Brea, he says this, "The size and the substance of the spirit of a man's soul is at once seen by the spontaneity, and the generosity, and the exuberance, and the warmth of his praises. Just as the smallness, and the stinginess, and the sullenness, and the mulishness of another man's soul is all disclosed to us by his despicable ingratitude to all his benefactors. Almighty God Himself inhabits the praises of Israel. And to praise, and with your whole heart, all those men and women and children who deserve praise at your hands; that, already, is a certain contribution toward your praise of God."What a text. You got to go back and you got to analyze this text. By the way, James Fraser of Brea, I commend you, I salute you, James. What a quote, what a paragraph. And the alliteration, oh my, the pair-off, phenomenal.Here's what I want to say about honoring one another. I grew up in a Slavic church. I grew up in a Slavic church in Providence, Rhode Island. And in Slavic Baptist culture, there's some quirks. There's a lot of quirks. One of the quirks is that they would have a special music time or like special participation. There's the worship, there's the choir singing, there's the sermon. There were actually three sermons. Our service is like three hours. And someone would come up to sing, someone would sing a song.And there would always be a group of people in the church that wanted to clap, that wanted to honor these people for doing a tremendous job. And then, in every conference I've ever been to, Slavic conference, there's always a contingent of people who say, "No, no, no, don't clap, instead, say Praise God." Interesting if you analyze it, and the fear was if you clap for these people, or you say thank you, or you admire, or you say good job. The fear was, they're going to lose their reward in heaven. And by honoring them, we're not honoring God. So let's not even think about them. Let's just think about God.And I understand the heart behind, the heart is that you don't want to breed narcissism, you don't want to inflate the ego, and you don't want to detract from God's honor. No. But this is what this quote is saying, James Fraser, and this will be seen in the text. "We honor God by honoring people." When we see people reflecting God, and we honor them for that, we're actually saying, "You know what? Good job, and God great job because you created this person, and you filled them with the spirit, and you gave them these gifts and abilities. It's not theirs. But they're working. They're working hard at this." And Scripture is full of compliments paid by saints one to another. Thanksgiving for help, for love, for service, for generosity, and the Lord does this himself.The Lord often praises his servants without even drawing attention to the fact that they couldn't do anything apart from him. This is fascinating. Look at Job 1:8, "The Lord says to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?'" That's what he's saying, "Check him out. He's doing a great job." Look at Numbers 12:3, and by the way, this is one of my favorite texts in all Scriptures. "Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth." Who wrote the book of Numbers? Moses. So Moses is literally sitting there, and he's saying, "Moses is the most meek person on the face... I am, Moses is the most humble person on the face of the Earth." Now you read that, and it's humorous. It's actually hilarious. Because to say I'm the most humble or the meek man is actually showing that you're far from it. But what's going on here?The Holy Spirit says, "Moses, write this down." Moses was like, "I can't write this down." God's like, "Write this down, because I've noticed something in you, Moses. I want others to see it and I want others to emulate you." God praises Noah for being righteous in this generation. God called Solomon very great, even majestic. Jesus commends the woman of great faith. He notices the widow's generosity as she contributes two mites. Jesus marvels at the fate of the centurion. Jesus affirms Nathaniel for not being a hypocrite.The woman with the alabaster jar who goes and she gives Jesus her life savings in this ointment and to anoint him for his burial and his disciples start grumbling, led by Judas. They said, "Imagine how many people we could have fed if we had taken this alabaster jar and actually sold it," and Jesus says this. He says, "Why do you trouble this woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told the memory of her."It's so important for parents to say, "Good job," to your children, to say, "I love you and I appreciate you." Kids are born with a profound need to be loved and appreciated. And it's devastating when they don't receive it, the love, the praise, the appreciation, and so much of our brokenness, personal brokenness, brokenness in the society. It's because kids have grown up without parents telling them, "I love you. I appreciate you." Without fathers saying to daughters and to sons, "I love you and I appreciate you. I'm so proud of you." Hardly anything has greater influence in our emotional and spiritual welfare. Why? This is so important. Why does every single one of us, why do we crave this appreciation and love? It's because we're created in the image of God, was a Triune God, and in the Trinity, in the internal councils of the Triune God, this praise, appreciation, love, compliments, all circulating all the time. It's what God is. It's what God does, because God is love.It's the Father saying, "Son, great job." It's the Holy Spirit saying, "Father, Son, great job." It's Jesus saying to the Holy Spirit, "Great job in filling people. Great job in anointing people. Great job in building the church." And Jesus and the Holy Spirit's saying to the Father, "Great job. You're great, Dad. Thank you."What keeps the praise from being man-centered? How do we make sure that our praise of people isn't fueling narcissism or inflating ego even with our kids? It's when we say great job because of a great God. Great job because of a great God. This is St. Paul, he said this about him. He, actually, he honored himself, which it's crazy, but he did. He honored how hard he worked. He said, "I am what I am by the grace of God. It's all God, Great God. But his grace in me wasn't in vain. I worked harder than the rest of them. But it wasn't me, it was the grace of God." Great job, Paul. Great job, God. Praise God. That's how, we deflect the honor to the Lord. So honestly, practice this in your families. Husbands, admire your wife, speak appreciation, honor, love. Saying, "Baby, you're doing a great job, tremendous job." And wives, honor your husbands by telling them, "I respect you. I see the sacrifices that you're making for us."Parents, admire your children, appreciate your child. Tell your children they're beautiful. My youngest, Milana, whenever she dresses up and she knows she looks good. First step, she goes to the mirror, she looks at herself. She says, "Hmm, hmm." And then she goes into my room and she just stands there. And what's she doing? She's waiting. She doesn't just want me to see, she wants me to speak. I always say, "Baby, you look so beautiful. Wow. That's amazing." By the way, all of my daughters do that. By the way, my wife does that as well. Tell people that you love them. Tell people that they're beautiful. Tell people that you appreciate them. And obviously, we don't overlook harmful behavior. This isn't flattery or fawning. We encourage the good, we discourage the bad.We're not called to inflate egos, but to encourage servant's heart. By the way, this admiration is generous spirit. This mutual appreciation, it engenders unity. There's nothing that unites like this in teams, in companies, in families, in the church. Honor. And here, one more really important point I want to make. Speaking of unity. Speaking of the climate we're in now. I've seen what's happening now. I've seen this before. It's happening now in the church. Churches around the nation. I've seen this before. I saw this in 2016, summer of 2016. Brothers and sisters in the church, when they realize that their brothers and sisters do not vote like they do, that infuriates so much that they leave the body. They left this church and they left the church. I've seen that.When your politics are the reason why you can't love brothers and sisters, that you're not serving the Lord primarily. There's a Lord higher than the lord. So as we engage in politics and political discourse, let us never forget that there's a higher kingdom and we're not citizens of this world. We're citizens of that kingdom, and there's nothing more important than to be united by the gospel of Jesus Christ, extending honor to one another, and respect, and civility, and kindness, most importantly, love. And I will say this as we talk about, as you make political statements online, as you make political statements to one another, make sure don't forget Romans 13. Romans 13:7, "Pay to all what is owed to them. Taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenues are owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." That's everybody. In particular, in that context, it's those in authority over us.We can disagree with those in authority over us. We can do everything that we can in order to get someone else in authority over us. But whoever is in authority over us now, there is an honor and respect that they are due for the office. So be careful of the way that you talk of those in authority or those potentially in authority because Romans 13:4 says, "He is God's servant. For an allotted time, God has a certain purpose for this." And in that context, it was Nero, who was a terrible, terrible, terrible king. But there was an honor. Ecclesiastes 10:20, "Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king. Nor in your bedroom, curse the rich for a bird of the air will carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter. Give honor to those whom honor is due."In conclusion, when you live like this with a servant's heart, enduring a servant's hardship, to receive a servant's honor, you will live a life where you will be missed when you're gone. And that's how Jesus lived. Jesus had a servant's heart, the greatest servant's heart. Jesus endures servant's hardships, he endured the greatest hardship and Jesus received a servant's honor, the greatest honor and name that is above every name, but today, however, he isn't missed. You know why? Because he came back from the dead and we have the presence of Jesus Christ by the power of the Spirit with us. Amen. Hallelujah. Let's pray.Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time and the word. What a rich word, always is. And we pray, Lord, that you cultivate in us a servant's heart, to give us the strength to endure a servant's hardship. And, Lord, we long for the day when we get the servant's honor and we thank you for honoring us even now. Give us a grace so that we honor one another as brothers and sisters, in partnership with the gospel. And we pray that you expand your kingdom even in this time, especially in this time, and I pray that the gospel continues to go forth and we pray all this in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ, amen. Hallelujah. Amen.

From James Fraser's commentary on Romans 6-8, A Treatise on Sanctification. John Murray, in his Commentary on Romans, asserts that 'one of the ablest and most thorough treatments of the question and of the considerations in support of the view that Paul is describing his experience in a state of grace is that by James Fraser

A new MP3 sermon from Solus Christus Reformed Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Evil That I Hate, That I do 1769 Of Sanctification Subtitle: The Narrated Puritan - T M S Speaker: James Fraser of Allness Broadcaster: Solus Christus Reformed Baptist Church Event: Audio Book Date: 5/23/2020 Length: 21 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Solus Christus Reformed Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Evil That I Hate, That I do 1769 Of Sanctification Subtitle: The Narrated Puritan - T M S Speaker: James Fraser of Allness Broadcaster: Solus Christus Reformed Baptist Church Event: Audio Book Date: 5/23/2020 Length: 21 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Solus Christus Reformed Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Evil That I Hate, That I do 1769 Of Sanctification Subtitle: The Narrated Puritan - T M S Speaker: James Fraser of Allness Broadcaster: Solus Christus Reformed Baptist Church Event: Audio Book Date: 5/23/2020 Length: 21 min.

Ten minutes with... is a special series presented by Coode Street that sees readers and booklovers from around the world talk about what they're reading right now and what's getting them through these difficult times. Nebula-winning author, editor, teacher, and workshop leader Eileen Gunn talks with Gary about the pleasures of researching old myths, legends, epics, and folktales, the skill of Julius Lester in retelling stories in a new voice originally popularized by Joel Chandler Harris, and how the lockdown can actually help to enhance your social life. Books mentioned include: Questionable Practices: Stories by Eileen Gunn A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales by Julius Lester The Mahābhārata The Golden Bough by James Fraser      

On this episode we are delighted to be joined by the E-Sports Teacher James Fraser-Murison. James studied at Roehampton uni and currently in his 16th year teaching. James has worked in four large sixth colleges having taught English and media a level and BTEC. James has been a teaching and learning coach, deputy head and now a director of learning at Queen Mary's college Hampshire teaching on level 2 and 3 courses. He is a Google level 2 trained (, keen proponent of ILT to help achieve results, father to one amazing son called Noah and self-proclaimed esports teacher! Lesser known facts about James are he has a 200m swimming badge, cycling proficiency test passed first time and once drove into a stationary skip at under 7 mph. He can also play the first three bars only of Smoke on the Water on a guitar. James can be found on twitter at @Fraseresports --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/edufuturistspodcast/message

In this week's episode of the podcast, Kiley and Pete are joined by James Fraser-Murison, director of Creative Arts at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke UK, the man who is helping to bring eSports into mainstream education. He, along with his team of dedicated teachers, hope to make eSports, particularily: shoutcasting, business management, team building etc. We cover a lot with James, who goes into as much detail about the programme as possible. Before our guest joins us, Kiley and Pete discuss the following news stories: Last of Us Part 2 Indefinitely delayed by Naughty Dog Official Xbox Magazine to be closed down by Future Publishing VGC puts out rumour that Mario 64, Sunshine, Galaxy 1 & 2 and Mario 3D World Duluxe to the Switch We also talk about mental health struggles in our You've Got This segment and take a few listener questions. We hope you enjoy this episode. Please be sure to follow James here: Twitter - @FraserEsports LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-fraser-murison-96b43838/ Instagram - The_Esports_Teacher Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxOWB-ZMCTqWPlZPVuJgcIw Please like, comment and share this podcast, and give us a rating on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Twitter @RRRadioPod @RapidReviewsUK @KileyTehGreet @PeteBeckett1 You can also email us episode suggestions, general comments and questions to podcast@rapidreviewsuk.com Please visit www.RapidReviewsUK.com for all the latest video game reviews. Music by Mike Hallam - @2DMike3D Artwork by Chloe Osborn - @WriteBluesAway

This episode is a return of the Great Famine Series. Focusing on the town of Clogheen in South Tipperary, this two part episode follows the lives of three individuals Robert Davis, David Keane and Richard Burke. Their stories delve into the fascinating yet often violent struggle for survival in Ireland during the Great Famine. While the show focuses on Clogheen the accounts are reflective of wider experiences.The podcasts also examines controversial topics such as the export of food and the violent resistence to those exports. I also reveal stories of those who profited during the famine and try to answer why many Irish people who seemed like decent people continued to export food in the midst of the famine. The show includes dozens of primary sources including two previously unpublished letters written from Clogheen and Boston giving a first hand perspective of what life for Irish people was like in the 1840s. I would like to thank Ted Reilly and Martin Nutty for their help in New York without whom this episode would not have been possible. Credits:Aidan Crowe read David Keane's Letters Maurcie Casery narrated Robert Davis's report Mark O'Dwyer voiced the words of James Fraser and Ferguson the pawnbrokerFurther Reading: O'Riordain, E. The Famine in the Valley Available for free here  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week were going to find out where Almond Milk comes from. Featuring A New Episode of YOU SING AND YOU SING GOOD Featuring The Shred Master James Fraser Check him out https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGTvmllJJK0Blfe0W3kDaQ https://www.facebook.com/james.fraser.12327 https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NepFhWOs0vFZH9tNryvAn

The village of Chapelizod is located between the River Liffey and the steeply sloping hills leading up to Ballyfermot to the south and the Fifteen Acres of the Phoenix Park to the north. A map created sometime between 1655 and 1666, as part of Sir William Petty’s Down Survey of Ireland, shows Chapelizod with a church, a structure at the location of the King’s House, two mills, and the ford of St. Laurence – but no bridge – crossing the river between the two ancient roads leading westwards out of Dublin city. The village of St. Laurence was located on the south bank of the River Liffey in between the ford and Palmerstown.In 1662 the newly appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, James Butler the Duke of Ormonde, initiated the conversion of the ancient King’s House into the Viceregal Lodge (the residence of the Lord Lieutenant before Áras an Uachtaráin was constructed in 1751). The Duke of Ormonde contracted a man named William Dodson to enlarge the building, and around the same time a letter was sent from Dodson to James Butler, which contained an invoice of 195 guineas, 1 shilling and 7 pennies for “making one new bridge at Chappell Izard”. Completed in the 1660s, this is the oldest known masonry bridge built across the River Liffey in County Dublin.The Liffey served as the backbone of Chapelizod's industrial past. In 1380 King Richard II of England granted control of the fishery, weir, and millrace of Chapelizod to the Priory of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, a monastic order based in Kilmainham. Flax was dried on the fields that extended along the southern banks of the river, before being used to weave cloth in the mills that were built along the river banks. Later, there were even attempts to manufacture silk in Chapelizod! Much later in time the Phoenix Park Distillery was built alongside the river, drawing upon the Liffey for its hydraulic power and as a source of the key ingredient for their drink.People have long valued the River Liffey for its natural beauty as much as its industrial usefulness, as expressed by James Fraser in his Hand Book for Travellers of Ireland, published in 1844:“The road from Chapelizod to this town [Lucan] may be agreeably varied, by keeping the left bank of the Liffey. The scenery, which is purely rural, is, perhaps, the best of that character around the city; and equal to any part of the Liffey's circuitous course. The high banks, the neat villas, and rustic cottages, with their accompanying plantations; — the mixed cultivation, with the extensive fields of strawberries, mingling with all the variety of crops which market gardens exhibit; the meandering of the Liffey, and the various rapids occasioned by damming its waters in order to propel the machinery connected with the small factories along its course; the verdant meads which occupy the sinuosities of the narrow valley, and the undulating road which is carried over the summits of the little hills, all combine to render this a very charming stretch of rural scenery.”The Strawberry Beds extend for some two miles along the north bank of the river upstream from Dodson’s Bridge. From as far back as 1837 this area was famous for the small, pale, and exquisite strawberries that grew along the steep slopes of the valley. Holidaymakers would descend to Chapelizod and beyond to enjoy these delicious fruits, frequenting taverns and hotels like The Wren’s Nest and, from 1865, the Angler’s Rest. The strawberry plants sadly disappeared in the early years of the 20th century. The Liffey also provided ample opportunities for fishing throughout Chapelizod’s history, both upstream and downstream from Dodson’s bridge. The southern bank of the Liffey up as far as Ballyfermot was a popular site for sports like duck shooting, which continued until around 1950, and in more recent times the river is used by the many rowing clubs that line its banks to the east.Dodson’s Bridge and the Liffey have also provided literary inspiration for many of the writers that have lived in Chapelizod. The bridge served as the setting of Peter Brien’s ghostly encounters in a short story named The Spectre Lovers, written by Sheridan Le Fanu in 1851 and published in the Dublin University Magazine. The River Liffey was later personified by Jame’s Joyce’s character Anna Livia Plurabelle in Finnegans Wake, a character no doubt inspired by Joyce’s days spent in Chapelizod walking across the bridge and along the river banksOn June 16th, 1982, the bridge was renamed as Anna Livia Bridge to mark the centenary of the birth of James Joyce. Today, the Anna Livia Bridge continues to serve as a vital fording point between the northern and southern areas of the village, and a significant link between north and south Dublin, and it continues to provide one of the best views of the River Liffey from within the village.Further Reading:Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1851) Ghost Stories of Chapelizod. First published in the Dublin University Magazine, January 1851. Republished posthumously in the 1923 collection Madam Crowl's Ghost and Other Tales of Mystery, edited by M. R. James. Available to read online here.James Joyce (1939) Finnegans WakeCarmel McAsey (1962) "Chapelizod, Co. Dublin." Dublin Historical Record, Vol. 17, No. 2, 37-53.Francis Elrington Ball (1906) A History of the County Dublin: Clonsilla, Leixlip, Lucan, Aderrig, Kilmactalway, Kilbride, Kilmahuddrick, Esker, Palmerston, Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Drimnagh, Crumlin, St. Catherine, St. Nicholas Without, St. James, St. Jude, and Chapelizod, as well as within the Phoenix park. Dublin: Alex. Thom & Company.Kevin Brennan (1980) "J. Sheridan Le Fanu, Chapelizod and the Dublin Connection." Dublin Historical Record, Vol. 33, No. 4, 122-133.James Fraser (1854) A Hand Book for Travellers in Ireland: Descriptive of Its Scenery, Towns, Seats, Antiquities, Etc., with All the Railways Now Open, and Various Statistical Tables. Dublin: James McGlashan.A.E.J. Went (1954) "Fisheries of the River Liffey: II. Notes on the Corporation Fishery from the Time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries." The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Vol. 84, No. 1, 41-58.John Cronin & Associates and Cathal Crimmins Architects (2003) The Built Heritage of Chapelizod: A report to Dublin City Council and The Heritage Council as a part of the ‘Chapelizod Urban Design, Conservation and Land Use Plan 2003’.

Drums of Autumn Chapters 41-42 Week 22 “Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition” Summary: Brianna and Lizzie get safely upriver to Cross Creek, though the girl had yet again become ill. Brianna borrows a mule to scout out Cross Creek. She meets Jamie. He's dubious at first. Then filled with utmost joy. To River Run, he takes her and Lizzie. Fergus is victorious at his trial. Jamie takes Brianna to Fraser's Ridge. Claire is shocked and happy. Jamie takes Brianna hunting. They become more comfortable with each other. Jamie is fretful. Memories are shared between Claire and Jamie in the moonlight. Inside the Chapters: Chapter 41 Journey's End Brianna is aggravated that Lizzie is ill again. Brianna woke after that night with Roger to cleaned clothes, a tidied space, and Lizzie fevered. She is restless knowing she only has eight days to get to Cross Creek or she could miss Jamie Fraser. Lizzie might be ready to travel in a couple of days thought a frustrated Brianna. She went down to the taproom to get tea for the sick girl and a man with roaming hands tried to grab her behind. Squeezing through the crowded tables she notices a gold ring at a gambling table. The light hit it just right and she knew the engraving pattern within. She stopped and approached the man who held it. She pretended to rub it for luck and she was right, she did know the ring. “From F. to C. with love. Always.,” it read. She was eager to find out where he, the Irishman got it from. She was worried for her mother. She planned to see him the following day in the daylight for safety. He agrees and tells her to go to the Gloriana. Yes, you remembered it correctly, it is Captain Stephen Bonnet. The man who Jamie and Claire saved from execution when he was found hidden in their wagon. The man who later stole from them when they were headed upriver to Auntie Jo's. This cannot be a good thing Brianna ran into him. The kind Dutch woman is in awe of the amount of food Brianna ate. She had not eaten in a couple of days. She accepted a second helping of food. Lizzie's fever had returned two days upriver. Brianna thought she might die. They had made it to Cross Creek, tomorrow she would find Jamie Fraser. She felt the ring in her secret pocket. Knowing her mother was alive was all that mattered. The Dutchwoman was the sister of one of the men she traveled with upriver. She would take care of Lizzie while Brianna borrowed the mule for a trip into Cross Creek to find the courthouse and to gain familiarity with the city. She didn't want to take any chances she might miss Jamie Fraser. She had not noticed anything on the second half of their journey. Her mind had been occupied with Lizzie and painful thoughts of her own. Now that she was riding, she could see the countryside and how it changed. She wonders how it will be to meet him, Jamie Fraser. Would he be happy to see her? What might he say? She could hear the echoes of Laoghaire calling him a liar and a cheat. She rode into town. Most people were inside to escape the heat of the day. She made note of landmarks, like the sawmill and a tavern. She feels hollow after searching for money in her pocket and finding something else. She stops at the tavern and gets a beer. The landlord asks if she's come for the trial. Brianna asks whose trial it is. Fergus Fraser is accused of attacking an officer of the Crown. The tavern owner is sure he'll be acquitted since Jamie Fraser came down from Fraser's Ridge to be at the trial. He is there at the tavern and should return in a minute. Brianna leapt up and ran out the door. She spies Jamie peeing against a tree. When he turned toward her from the tree, he tensed seeing her standing there thinking she was a man at first. She was wearing breeks of course. When she saw him face on, she knew without a doubt who he was though smaller, his face was her face. He speaks to her (p708, Nook). Imagine him hearing those words, “I'm your daughter.” He became flushed red, a sight she found recognizable. He stopped and looked her over more closely (p710, Nook). He reaches out to touch her stunned by her being fully grown. He thought of her as a wee bairn from the pictures (p711, Nook). Such emotion gripped them both. She had no idea how to address Jamie.  Frank was her daddy and always would be. He tells her to call him Da (p712, Nook). To be hugged by the father she had only known existed for a couple of years. I LOVE THIS SCENE TO MY CORE. Jamie is meant to be a father. He's meant to be her father. He's right Claire will be mad with joy. What do you love about it? Everything was a blur from here on out. They had retrieved Lizzie from the Dutch woman's home. As they rode toward River Run, Jamie told Brianna about the house he's building for Claire and the glass in the back is meant as a surprise for her mother. He's putting windows in the big house for her. It seemed a long ride down the dusty roads, but she slept with her head on his shoulder and his arm holding her close. River Run was a big house and she met Aunt Jocasta tall with a face like hers, but eyes that looked beyond her. Everything seemed to happen like magic. So many hands to help and make jobs quick. The haze of hands and faces of black slaves were in Brianna's mind. They bathed, dried, and dressed her in a fresh cotton gown. There was food, tea, and her father's joy-filled eyes upon her. There was a pretty blond girl who seemed familiar somehow. Her name was Marsali. Lizzie too was cleaned up and wrapped in a blanket with hot tea in hand. Barely coherent Brianna hears the names of Farquard Campbell and Fergus before strong hands of her father lifted her and took her to bed. Fergus Fraser looked like a French noble on his way to the guillotine to Brianna (p713, Nook). That's because he is French, and his name is Claudel. Jamie renamed him. Marsali is worried about the treatment Fergus may have gotten while in jail. There was a crowd filling the courthouse, not a seat to be had. There were soldiers guarding the doors and one seated by the Justice's bench. The man caught Jamie's eye with a malevolent air of satisfaction. Jamie kept his poker face seeming indifferent. The Justice arrived, and the proceedings began. Brianna thinks she has a handle on the people present, Phaedre, Marsali, Young Ian, and Fergus. The Justice calls for the charges to be read (p715, Nook). Hugh took the stand and described the events of that day. Apparently, he was wickedly lashed by the tongue in French. The Justice gives Fergus the opportunity to speak (p715, Nook). After this exciting testimony by Fergus, the Justice asks if James Fraser is present. Jamie is sworn and answers all questions regarding the land deal he had with Governor Tryon. Brianna intently watched the proceedings and noticed the officer who leered at Jamie earlier was looking at Hugh. There was a nod of the head. As the Justice was about to acquit Fergus, Hugh stands up and objects based on no proof of the land grant deal (p717, Nook). With evidence in hand, the Justice acquits Fergus. Before stepping down, Jamie asks the Justice if Berowne's charge fully described the attack?  The Justice read the original complaint and had a light bulb moment (p718, Nook). After concluding the trial, they went to Jocasta's house for a celebration feast. As they discussed the trial, it's revealed Marsali had been the one to assault the officer. She kicked him in the face when he tried to take her from her horse. The officer took Germaine from her and she had to get off the horse. It was Murchison wanting to make trouble for Jamie that set the farce of a complaint in motion. Jocasta was annoyed that Farquard Campbell, the usual Justice in the area was taken off the trial. Jamie explains why (p719, Nook). Jamie is always a step ahead of Murchison. Jamie looks at Brianna asking her if she thinks him to be rich. It's not something that had entered her mind. He explains to Brianna the state of life on Fraser's Ridge (p720, Nook). Back at the Ridge, Claire is going through her jarred stores making sure none were moldy. this makes her think of having a penicillin plantation. If she were lucky she could isolate the Penicillium mold of the hundreds that grow on stale bread.  Would any spores survive, or would she recognize it if they did? She'd had no success in over a year, but she would keep trying. She found it impossible to keep vermin out of the pantry (p720, Nook). Though she could lock all the edibles in the hutch Jamie built, the stale bread samples required air. Nayawenne came to mind as she thinks about how every plant could cure illness if only it was known what it was. She regretted not being taught more by her friend, but not as bitterly as the loss of Nayawenne from the earth. She knew she needed to keep trying to grow the elusive penicillium. Much of the year she couldn't leave samples out because of the vermin, but in winter the air was too cold to allow for spore growth. She would try again in the spring. The new house was taking shape up on the hill. It would be done by spring (p721, Nook). Clarence the Mule shrieked with ecstasy. Claire hastily cleans up the bottles and corks. She hoped it was Jamie returning with Fergus and Marsali.  She worried that Jamie's confidence about the trial hadn't come to fruition.  After placing the last of the bottles in the cupboard, she went to the door. She saw no one. She saw nothing but evidence someone had come through. She wished she hadn't left her knife on the table. Someone was there. Jamie spoke behind her (p722, Nook). Bree knocked her off her feet with a bone-crushing hug (p722, Nook). Of course, nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! Poor Jamie left out again with a modern-day reference. Claire must have almost had kittens to see Brianna. I love how we are reintroduced to Marsali as a high-spirited young woman. Fergus with his French contempt is priceless. The character of Murchison is like a fever blister. He pops up when you least expect it. We meet Jocasta and the household staff through the eyes of Brianna. she accomplished her quest. She found her father, her Da. What happened to Brianna that she had painful worries? I wonder what Roger is up to.   Chapter 42 Part Ten Impaired Relations Moonlight Jamie wakes Brianna in the pre-dawn morning asking her to come hunting with him. She dressed and went to the privy. The sky seemed dreamlike in quality. She could almost touch the stars. It was very early she thought as dark and quiet as it was. She gulped the fresh air as she returned to the confines of the cabin. Jamie was ready with hunting gear in tow. She watched him kiss her mother as she slept in bed. She felt like a voyeur (p725, Nook). She waited for him to come outside. With a nod of his head, she followed on the path. The quiet broke to sounds of birdsong, screeches, and other noises. Daylight rose with subtlety. They sat together eating apples and bread. Wiping her hands on her coat, she felt the presence of the conker in her pocket, a touchstone, a link to another life for the one who planted it. Were her links to the past severed for good?  She followed Jamie uphill. At the top of the steep climb, she felt she could float away (p726, Nook). The climbing became easier as she found the “rhythm of the ground.” They reached the place he meant to take her. There was a split rock that caused her to hesitate for a moment. It reminded her of THE stones. This caused Jamie momentary distress and he had to watch her safely climb through. He touched her to be sure she was still there. His timing was perfect (p727, Nook). That gives me shivers. I love to listen to the land and see what presents. Sometimes nothing shows up and sometimes... They sat for a long time watching as the sun came to full light. Jamie said a Gaelic prayer to the spirits. Brianna speaks first (p728, Nook). He learned to value the solitude. They sat and listened to nature speaking around them. She spoke of Roger and Jamie's heart squeezed. She didn't think Roger understood being alone. She mentioned not minding being alone had to do with her and Jamie (p729, Nook). Jamie thinks she had doubts about Wakefield (ahem MacKenzie), Brianna had told them about her search, the death notice, her journey, (damn Laoghaire) and this Wakefield. He knows she didn't tell them everything though. Why and the hell did Brianna use the name Wakefield when she knew Roger was using MacKenzie?  Jamie's mind was troubled with the thought of Frank (p729, Nook). Brianna brought him from his thoughts by pointing out two does. The does step out without fear of them. Jamie was content being along with his daughter. Brianna asked what they are hunting for. They had seen many animals throughout the day. He replied bees and she wonders how bees are hunted. It turns out by finding certain types of flowers and watch what direction the honeybees go. They finally found what they were looking for in the late afternoon (p731, Nook). After sharing a meal, he showed her how to load and shoot the musket. She needed a little practice to get used the feel of the musket. She was a good shot. Jamie asks how she learned to shoot (p732, Nook). She moved the conversation back to the bees. He will blow smoke into the hive to stun the bees. He'll then wrap the hive in his plaid. He'll nail it to a piece of wood and in the morning the bees will go out looking for flowers. He said they'll be content in the new place. They sat in silence again until Brianna asked if Claire would worry about them. He shook his head no. He asked her about men going to the moon. She told him they will go to the moon. He was curious (p733, Nook). Brianna continues her description of the Apollo mission. (p733, Nook).  He makes a joke about the moon sounding like Scotland. She can tell he misses it. It was time to get the hive and get back to the cabin. The night was warm enough to sleep with the window covering rolled up. Jamie had been smiling since returning from Cross Creek, but that night he wasn't sleeping even though he'd been up before dawn. Claire reminded herself to stay away from the side of the garden where the bees would be irritable. The moonlight wasn't keeping him awake, but something was (p735, Nook). She didn't belong there just like Louis camel did not belong at Versailles either. Claire reiterates a child cannot be lost and asks if he remembers Faith (p736, Nook).  A bonding moment through love and tragedy. They have Brianna, but it is a fleeting experience. They believe she must go back to her time. They grieve for something that hasn't happened yet. What about Roger? I am aggravated they are not calling him MacKenzie. Brianna knows he was using his birth name in the 18th century.      What's Coming up? Chapters 43-44 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are from Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Sunday morning 7th of May, 2017 Nehemiah ch6

A couple of big events coming up at the Fairmont Lake Louise as the Lake Louise Ice Magic event runs jan 19 - Jan 29th, 2017.  They are also making plans for the 8th annual pond hockey experience.  James Fraser is the Regional Marketing Manager for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and he joined Derek Bidwell and myself on sportstalk. 

In this OA Week episode, Elizabeth Seiver speaks with James Fraser, Associate Professor at UCSF in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and a founding member of ASAPbio, about the scientist-driven mission to promote the use of preprints in the life sciences. The conversation covers the history of ASAPBio; the advantages of posting manuscripts to a preprint server; the impact preprints have on science journalism; and the relationship between Open Access and preprints.

On this week’s Past Present podcast, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the sharing economy, affirmative action, and whether Donald Trump is a fascist. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Harvard Business School researchers have issued a report about the pattern of racial discrimination in AirBnB. Other scholars and writers have raised additional concerns with the “sharing economy.” Niki noted the historical example of early twentieth century urban dwellers who took boarders to earn extra money, as depicted in the 1925 Anzia Yezierska novel Bread Givers. Natalia suggested Nick Grossman’s “gig economy” was a more accurate term than the “sharing economy” to capture how Americans are working and earning money today.Affirmative action is back in the news as the Supreme Court hears Abigail Fisher’s lawsuit against the University of Texas. Listen here for Justice Antonin Scalia’s controversial remarks during oral arguments last week. Neil noted the admissions data concerning Fisher’s application disproved the argument she had faced racial discrimination. Niki pointed to the prevalence of “reverse discrimination” language in conservative arguments about affirmative action, such as shown in a recent editorial from the National Review.Is Donald Trump a fascist? It’s a question a lot of people have been asking, but Niki noted a Vox roundtable of historians had concluded he was not. Natalia added the historian Federico Finchelstein’s point that in order for Trump to be considered a fascist, he would need to move from advocating discrimination against the “enemy” to proposing their elimination. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Cosmopolitan magazine’s response to recent comments from Caitlyn Jenner about how trans women should look.Neil recommended Ta-Nehisi Coates’ essay in the Atlantic, “Hope and the Historian.” Natalia suggested placing Coates’ essay in conversation with James Fraser’s book, A History of Hope.Niki shared her project on the history of holidays at the White House she’s been working on for the Miller Center, including stories from the first White House Hanukkah celebration held during George H. W. Bush’s presidency and the account of Jackie Kennedy’s first Christmas after John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

Everyone's favorite feature personal choice is back. This week we talk about our favorite game genres and our favorite music in video games. Tom sings and Calder hands out demerits. Enjoy. We didn't have the internet readily available during this recording so here is a LoG Fact Check. Fact Check - The composer of Shovel Knight and Mega Man is Manami Matsumae. - The Castlevania game Calder was trying to think of was probably Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow Strange Picture So, it was mentioned in the episode that the image to accompany the podcast on the website should be the derpy dracula wearing Tom's shirt. As Taylor was trying to make this happen, friend of the show and YOUmedia regular, Alex Pietrzyk, hijacked the image editing and made this... http://youmediabadges.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Podcast-Drawing.jpg Gorgeous, right? Music Once again, this episode features the banjo playing of James Fraser.

This week we talk about arcades and Chicago's gaming scene. It becomes clear throughout the episode that Isaiah really wants to travel back in time to the 80s. Also, Victor has some strange ideas about what types of supplies are necessary to run an arcade. Big thanks to James Fraser for the amazing banjo intro/outro music!

Introduction: Why Do You Do What You Do? I want to begin this morning by asking a searching question. Why do you do what you do? Why do you do everything that you do? Do you know why you do what you do? The story is told in the days after the October Revolution, that brought communism to Russia, that the leaders of the communist movement were looking for future leaders of the nation, and so they set people to different tasks, to different jobs, and there were three men that were assigned to build a brick wall. And after they'd been working a while, the leaders went to the first man and asked him, "What are you doing?" He said, "I'm putting this brick up on that wall." They went to the second man and said, "Comrade, what are you doing?" He said, "I'm building a brick wall." They went to the third man and said, "Comrade, what are you doing?" He said, "I'm building a new world." They chose the third man to be the leader out of those three, because he had a vision for what the communists were trying to do. Now, history has proven, the 20th century has proven that vision was empty, it was really a satanic lie. Wasn't a new world they were building, but that's what that man thought they were doing. And so, I put to you today, what is your vision for what you're doing? Let's take a test case of why you came to church this morning. Why did you come to church this morning? Well, it's what you do on Sunday, I'm putting this brick up on that wall, you see. Well, because I want to be a good leader to my family, and my dad, he took me to church, and I want my family to be raised right, I want them to learn the right way to live, and I think you can't do that without church. I'm building a brick wall. I come to church because the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has saved me, and he's building a kingdom that will never end, and to the praise of his glory, I want to live for him. And I want to be sharpened in my own gifts, and I want to be prepared to advance the Gospel, and I can't do that unless I go to church. And furthermore, he, being the Lord and master of my life, has commanded me to do this. I'm building a new world. What's your view of why you do everything you do? I think we're going to get a glimpse this morning into why Paul did what he did. And I want to begin by asking a simple question about the Apostle Paul that comes right up out of the text. And the question is, why hadn't Paul visited Rome yet? That's the question I want to put before you. Comes right out of the text. Why hadn't he come yet? Paul is seeking to answer that question. Now, last week, we had, somewhat unusually, a whole sermon, essentially, about one verse. I don't do that often, and thank God for it. Alright. We'd still be back in Romans Chapter 6 with no end in sight. Alright. So as one sermon... And I think it was useful and beneficial to focus in on one verse, and to try to understand Biblical counseling. And that's fine, and good, but now I want to take a step back from the careful consideration we gave to that one verse. And, by the way, every verse of scripture bears that kind of careful scrutiny, and more. We're not saying that. But I want to just take a step back, and look at the whole context of why Paul talked about competent to counsel. What was he getting at there? And I think, in this section of Romans 15, he's seeking to do three things. First, he's explaining to them why he hadn't visited Rome yet, why he hadn't been there yet. Secondly, he's asking them for help on his way to Spain. And thirdly, he's preparing them for a very short stay in Rome when he's on his way to Spain. I think those three things he's doing, among some other things, such as explaining his whole strategy for missions, which we'll get to, God willing, next time. I. Why Paul Hadn’t Visited Rome But I want to say to you that Paul deeply wanted to visit Rome. The Roman Christian should not, in any way, feel slighted by the fact that Paul hadn't been there yet. It wasn't as though he didn't want to come. It wasn't as though he felt... He thought very little of their progress in the Gospel, or felt that they weren't a strategic church. No, no, no, far from it, Paul affirms several times in this letter how many times he wanted to come to them, and how deeply he yearned to have fellowship with them. Right in chapter one, verse 8 and following, he says this, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world." So, no, you're not an insignificant congregation, you're right there in the heart of the Roman Empire. And then he said, "God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the Gospel of his son, is my witness, how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times." So, no, I don't fail to care for you, I care deeply for you. And I pray that now, at last, by God's will, the way may be open for me to come to you. "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong, that is that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to see, but have been prevented from doing so until now, in order that I might have a harvest among you, as I've had among the other Gentiles." So, no, Paul didn't fail to desire to come, he wanted to go to Rome. So, if Paul deeply wanted to share Christian fellowship with them, and if it would have been a richly blessed time if he had come, then why hadn't Paul been there yet? Well, that's what he's seeking to answer here. And why would he only be passing through quickly on his way to Spain? Again, that's what he's seeking to answer here. And I think, in answering these questions, we're going to get an insight not only into the intense, passionate, focus of the Apostle Paul, but also to answer question, what kind of intense passionate focus should we have to our lives? And what role, what priority should frontier missions have for us, individually, and for this local church? That's what I'm about this morning. Basically... Let me say, quite directly, when I get done, I would like you to feel a sense of a passionate focus to your own life that's, to some degree, tailor-made for you. And if you don't have it, to go seek it this afternoon until you get it. And secondly, I would like us to be about, in a very intelligent, clear way, a strategy for advancing the Gospel to those who have never heard of Jesus before. That's what I'm about. So, individually, I'd like each of you to have a passionate focus that's connected to the Great Commission and tailor-made to you and your spiritual gifts. And secondly, I want this church to take its rightful place along with the other churches around the world in advancing the Gospel to the frontiers. I guess I'm done, aren't I? I don't need to do anything more. Well, I'd like to do a little explaining, with your permission, and I like to ground it in text, because it's there. Paul’s Calling Had Prevented Him From Visiting Rome Why Paul hadn't visited Rome yet. Well, let's go to the end of our section, and work a little bit backwards. Verses 20-22 are the key to answering the question of why he hadn't been to Rome yet. Paul there says, in verse 20, "It has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. Rather, as it is written, 'those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.' This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you." Do you see the answer to the question? What is the answer to the question? I hadn't been there yet because my calling prevented me from it. And what was Paul's calling? Well, he was called to be a frontier, pioneering, trailblazing, church-planting, evangelizing apostle to the Gentiles, that's what he was called to do, and he knew it. He was called by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles, with the priestly duty of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to them. And his understanding of that call was that he was to give priority in his life to the regions of the world that had never heard of Jesus before. And, as we learned last week in verse 14, now you see it in context, the Roman Church was a mature church, with good leadership, with brothers and sisters that were full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to counsel one another. And therefore, they didn't need him to come, you see. Now, it doesn't mean that everyone in the city of Rome, had heard of Jesus, that wasn't it. But it wasn't a frontier, not by his definition, it had a good solid church, and they were able to have a harvest among the Romans there, and that's why he wasn't going to go. Although, he says in verse 15, he had taken the time to write them boldly, to remind them about a few points, yet, they were a fully mature church. II. Paul’s Passionate Focus And so, here, we get a glimpse into the central calling of Paul's apostolic life, and here we get a glimpse also into Paul's passionate, concentrated, white-hot focus. In 1987, I went on a mission trip to minister to Afghan refugees, and these refugees had been chased out of their country by the communist Russians who were carrying on that satanic worldview that we talked about back in 1917. And the Muslims had toppled the communist government in Kabul, and so the Russians came in to restore order. And in so doing, they made lives a living hell for thousands and thousands of refugees who fled to Pakistan. And I think there can be few earthly circumstances more miserable than fleeing from your country because of helicopter gunships, running to a country that only partly is willing to tolerate you there, but has no plans to take care of your needs, knowing that every relative that you've been separated from, there's a likelihood that at least some of them are dead, those could even be your parents, your siblings, your children, your spouse, you may never see them again. And you've been stripped by the experience of every single worldly possession you have, and the future is looking very dim indeed, and worst of all, from my perspective, you don't know God. Without hope and without God in the world, that's what they were. What a dreadful, dreadful situation. And so, we start to minister to them, and one of the things we wanted to do... The problem there is that there weren't a lot of trees, and so therefore, they couldn't make fires to cook their food. And so, we brought them solar ovens to cook their food and boil the water, which is very important to purify the water, and all that. These things were designed to concentrate the sun's rays, to catch them and focus on a certain place, where if you put a pot of water or some meat, it could boil water as fast as your stove, almost as fast. Or it could cook meat as quickly as an average oven. It was really amazingly designed. The concentration of the sun's rays on the central point, it was hot enough to boil water. And I think I see that in Paul's life. I see it in the internal journey in Philippians 3, when he says, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, one thing I do, I press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." There's a concentrated focus on the internal journey. But when it comes the external journey also, he has an ambition, he has an ambition. Now, let's look at that word ambition. He says in verse 20, "it has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, so I wouldn't be building on someone else's foundation." A World Full of Ambitious People You know, the world is filled with ambitious people. You look at Napoleon, for example, an empire-builder, you know what he said about ambition? He said ambition is never content, even on the summit of greatness. Oh, he had a vision for the world too, didn't he? And he was willing to pay in blood, not his own blood, but he was willing to pay in blood to see his vision, his ambition realized. And the measure of his commitment to his ambition you could see in the blood tracks of the French army coming out of the snows of Russia. He was an ambitious man. There's all kinds of ambitions, great and small. Athletes have ambitions too. I was reading about Ted Williams, who, early in his career, said, "It's been my ambition since I was a boy that when people saw me walking down the street, they'd point to me, and say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter that ever lived.'" Now, I'm hoping along the way that he found our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because that's not going to do very well for you on Judgment Day. But that was his ambition, to be the greatest baseball hitter that ever lived. Businessmen, look at Bill Gates, he's a man of soaring intellect, amazing comprehension of the software industry, and of, almost, I would think, a ruthless ambition to make Microsoft, in its industry, what the oil, Standard Oil was in the 19th century. Or some of these railroad magnates who were called, by some, the robber barons, they were ambitious men and they were willing to build an empire of business. Ambition is somewhat of a neutral thing. It totally depends on what it's connected to. If it's a good thing in the eyes of God, then ambition for that good thing is itself a good thing, but if it's plugged into something evil, it's a wicked thing. Ambition drives a lot of achievement in this world, for good or evil. Ambition overcomes every obstacle. It organizes life and power and concentrates it, like that solar oven, in a single direction, so that things get accomplished. It drives a person to make great sacrifices to achieve that goal. That's what ambition does. But ambition can also drive an individual to self-worship, to ego gratification. A Holy Ambition Now, Paul had a godly ambition. Look again at verse 20, "It's always been my ambition," he says, "To preach the Gospel where Christ was not known." Here, he identifies the grand and glorious ambition of his life of ministry. He's called to be a trailblazer, to go where no man had gone before, he's called to survey the terrain, to level the ground and lay the foundation of a new work for the glory of Christ, in location after location. He was called to be a pioneer and to open up new works for others to follow. Now, the word, the Greek word for ambition here is made up of two smaller Greek words, which means love and honor. For the love of the honor of doing it, that's what it is. And he yearned for the honor of being able to go into some pioneer trailblazing place, and advance the Gospel of Christ. Now, Paul's whole life, I think, as we know it in the scripture, was characterized by drive, wasn't it? He was an ambitious man before he met Christ. He was a ladder-climbing Jew, a Pharisee who wanted to become the greatest Jewish man that ever lived, I think. And so, in Galatians 1:14, he describes himself, "I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age, and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers." So he was ambitious. And in that zeal and ambition, he went on the road to Damascus, with letters in his hand from the high priest, to arrest any in Damascus who were Christians, and bring them back to Jerusalem for judgment, breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. That ambitious drive wasn't crushed on the road to Damascus, it was just redirected, is that how we should put it? How about 180 degrees, the opposite direction? Turned around, entirely, a different way. And why? Because he saw the glory of the risen Christ. He saw the glory of God and realized his ambitions were small and petty, they became, Philippians 3, like rubbish to him, nothing to him. From that point on, Paul knew why God had left him alive, he left him alive to accomplish a mission. Now, so many of us lack a single focus to our lives, a drive, a reason for getting up and doing what we do, an overriding vision of life that characterizes and describes everything that we do, and helps us make decisions on whether we should go to Rome or not. Doesn't seem to be a theme that holds it all together, helps us decide what to do, where to live, how to spend our money, how to spend our time, what our job should be, what our career should be. To change the analogy a bit, it's like going through life like a sailing vessel, but there's no rudder, and the captain of the ship has no idea where he's going, he's got no charts, no compass, no sexton, it's in the fog, just drifting wherever the wind blows it. Let me tell you something, Paul was not like that. He knew exactly why he was alive, and what work Christ had left him to do. For Christ had met him, with killing power, if he had wanted to, on the road to Damascus, and decided to let him live. He deserved to die, and he knew it, but he decided to let him live. "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him… and he heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.'" Now, the words, "I am Jesus" changed his life. For the rest of his life, he knew that Christ had risen from the dead. "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. Now, get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." That is the Lord speaking. He is giving direction to Paul's life. Paul would bend the knee to Christ the king, the Lord, and he'd say, "What do you want me to do, Lord?" And he said, "I'll tell you what to do, you'll be told what you must do." So, from the start, there was a sense that Paul's life was forfeited. He deserved to die, and anything, from that point forward, was Christ's to do with, as he saw fit. Have you come to that place in your life? Have you come to realize that you don't and you didn't, apart from Christ, deserve to live? And anything you live from this point forward should be for his purpose, and his glory alone? Paul came to that point, and he expresses it clearly in this moving farewell address to the Ephesian elders. He said, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." Complete the task. Finish the race. Do you have a task? Do you have a race that you're running, or are you just living from day to day? Paul knew what his task was, the task the Lord Jesus had given him. And even names of the task, of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace. The Application of Paul’s Godly Ambition Well, okay, that's his worldview, now he's going to apply it to a specific question. Should I go to Rome or not? Should I go to visit the people in Rome? He applied it first to his life of preaching, and he said, from... His whole focus was he was going to preach where those who had never heard of him, heard of Christ, would hear of him. Look at verse 21, he was going to occupy his time fulfilling an ancient prophecy. "Rather, as it is written, those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." This is a direct quote of scripture, Isaiah 52:15, which is the introduction to perhaps the greatest prophecy of Christ in his atoning sacrifice, in the Old Testament, it's an introduction to it. The glorious suffering servant of Isaiah 53. Well, this is the introduction to it. Isaiah 52:13-15, this is what the prophet said six centuries before Jesus was born, "Behold, my servant will act wisely, he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him, his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.So will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand." The suffering servant, the one whose appearance is disfigured beyond human recognition, he's going to sprinkle many nations, and kings will hear about them, but they haven't heard yet. Paul read that, and said, "That's my life calling. That's what I am called to do, so that those who have not heard will hear, those who have not seen, they will understand." Bringing the Light to the Gentiles That was his life calling. He made this intensely personal, these ancient prophecies about Christ, they became the marching orders of his private life. Speaking to the hostile Jews in Pisidian Antioch, they were rejecting the Gospel, and getting angry and hostile, and opposing him. So he said, "Look, we had to speak the word of God to you first. That's what we're called to do, to the Jew first. But since you rejected, and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles, for this is what the Lord has commanded us." Oh, you could circle that word "us" in Acts 13:47, this is what the Lord has commanded us, "I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Now, that is fascinating. It's a quote from Isaiah 49:6. One of the greatest prophesies of Christ ministry to the Gentiles is in Isaiah 49:6. He says, that's God says, "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant, to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." That, my friends, is a conversation between the father and the son, what theologians could call an inter-trinitarian conversation. The father says to the son, it's too small a thing for you just to save the Jews. I'm not sending you into the world for that. That's too small. I'll do that, but I'm going to do more than that. I'm going to send you into the world to be the light of the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation, my name, to the ends of the earth. That's why he sent Jesus as the apostle of our faith, he sent him into the world for that. It's too small a thing for you just to save the Jews. Paul read that statement and he applied it to himself. This is what the Lord has commanded us. It's too small a thing. He's commanded us, concerning Jesus, that you may take my salvation to the ends of the earth. He's commanded me, he's commanded you, he commanded Paul and Barnabas, he's commanded us to take his name to the ends of the earth. This is what the Lord has commanded us. And so, I've been busy doing it, from Jerusalem all the way around to Yugoslavia, that's Illyricum, very hard word to pronounce, and to understand. But it's Yugoslavia, right across from Rome. I was close, I could have jumped on a ship and come right across, but I didn't have time, I was doing frontier evangelism so that the ends of the earth would hear about Christ. That's why. Verse 22, "I have often been hindered from coming to you." "I have been busy preaching the Gospel." Basically he is saying, "You brothers and sisters at Rome, you're mature, you're well-lead, you're competent to counsel, you're all of these wonderful things. You don't need what I have come to bring. I could help you. We would share each other's fellowship, and some mutual encouragement, and some spiritual gifts, but I am not staying long. I am going through to Spain and I need you to help me on my way." We'll get to that next week, God willing, and the following week. "I'll have you help me on my way to Spain, but I'm not setting up shop in Rome, I'm not buying a house, okay? I'm just moving on through." Do you have a focus like that? Do you have a compelling reason to live everyday? Do you know what God is calling you to do with your life? Is your ambition holy or is it self-gratifying, ego-gratifying? Does your passion get applied ruthlessly to rule out lesser things that are not connected with your calling, like for Paul going to the church at Rome? Now, when we were doing the baptism, I said, "You know, the greatest thing that could ever happen to you is to have your soul saved by faith in Christ," just as Jimmy did. Praise God for you, brother, and praise God for what God's done in your life. But there may be some in a congregation this size that have not been saved, you've not been justified by faith in Christ, that is your task, that's the race in front of you. Don't leave this place today without trusting in the Messiah. Don't leave this place today without looking to Christ for salvation. Trusting in his blood and his righteousness alone. You're not ready for judgment day yet, if you haven't. And then, God will give you a race to run, he'll give you a work to do. III. The Variety of Roles in Completing the Great Commission Now, not everybody's going to get the same race. I want to say that very directly. There are variety of roles in fulfilling the Great Commission, a variety of them. Not everybody is called to the same ambition. We already covered this in Romans 12, as you remember when I preached on Romans 12. Romans 12:4-6 is the teaching of the body of Christ and "just as each of us have one body with many members, and the members don't all have the same function, so, in Christ, we, who are many, form one body, and each belongs to the other, and we have different gifts according to the measure of grace given us." We have different callings. Now, I want to make this plain and clear by looking at two words in the text today. One is the word foundation, and the other ambition. Let's look first at this word ambition. It's used only three times in the New Testament. I want to take what I consider to be the foremost one, and that's from 2 Corinthians 5:9. There, Paul is explaining how to live in light of Judgment Day. Judgment Day is coming, and according to 2 Corinthians 5, all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one of us may render to him an account for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. So, in light of that, how should you live your life? Paul said, "I'll tell you what your ambition should be, and mine is too." "So whether we are at home or away we make it our ambition to please him [Christ]. That is a soaring ambition over every single Christian life. And that goes down to the details of your life, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. You can, as I said earlier, eat a ham sandwich to the glory of God. You can wash dishes to the glory of God. But let me tell you something, on the final day, when you stand before God, and all you did was eat all your ham sandwiches to the glory of God, you will have wasted your life. Be strategic. So that's one use of the word ambition. That's for everybody, make it now your ambition to please Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:9. The second use we've looked at here in our text. Paul's ambition was to be a frontier trailblazing missionary, to tell people who have never heard of Jesus who Jesus was. That's his ambition. There's a third very interesting use of the word in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and 12. Listen on this one. There, Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." That wasn't Paul's ambition. Lead a quiet life, Paul did not need a quiet life. So if he intended to lead a quiet life, he was bored of his ambition, but that wasn't his ambition. This is speaking, perhaps, to heads of families, to homeowners, to people who have families, and they're in a community, in a culture, and they're not called to be frontier trailblazing missionaries, they should settle in and make their life a light to the Gentiles around them, to live for the glory of God in that way. So we have three uses of the word ambition, and they show that we don't all have the same calling in life. Let's look at this word foundation. He said, "It's been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not named so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation." Well, Paul, what's wrong with that? Is that a sinful thing, a bad thing to build on someone else's foundation? Not at all. As a matter of fact, Paul was counting on faithful people to follow him up and build on his foundation. He just wanted them to be sure they did it right. So in 1 Corinthians 3, just a few pages later, in Romans, but in 1 Corinthians 3, go ahead and look there, 1 Corinthians 3: 10-13, just about four or five pages over. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul is talking about his ministry, and Apollos's ministry. Paul went first to Corinth and preached, then Apollos came after him and followed it up. And in 1 Corinthians 3:10 and following, Paul says this, "By the grace of God, I laid a foundation as an expert builder. And now someone else is building on it." Do you see that? It's not a bad thing to build on someone else's foundation. There's nothing wrong with it. "Each one should be careful how he builds, for no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ, if any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light, it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work." So Paul said, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow." We Must All Help Advance the Great Commission We have different tasks according to the assignment of the Lord. There it is. We are called to different things. Now, what's my point? I think that each of us must have a passion, a drive, a desire in our lives, but they're going to be different, but we must all help to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those are Jesus' final words to us, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age." Just as he said in Luke 19:10, "The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Is that the center of your life and ministry, or is it just to eat ham sandwiches to the glory of God, to be sure you thank God for all of the blessings he gives you? Will that be enough for you on Judgment Day, to stand in front of him, and say, "That's what I did. I always sought to eat my ham sandwiches to the glory of God, and give you full thanks for the blessings you gave me in my life." In 1906, James Fraser was studying engineering at Imperial College in London. Later, he became a legend, as Fraser of Lisuland because of his frontier evangelism and church-planting in the Yunnan province of China. The turning point of his life was in college, when he read a two-penny pamphlet about the needs of the Chinese. And it began with these two sentences, changed his life. James Fraser read this, "If our master returned today to find millions of people un-evangelized, and looked as, of course, he would look to us for an explanation, I cannot imagine what explanation we should have to give. Of one thing I am certain, that most of the excuses we're accustomed to make with such good conscience now, we shall be wholly ashamed of then," end quote. That's what he read in the pamphlet. He said, "Oh, I'm not living right." He may be eating his ham sandwiches to the glory of God, but he wasn't living right, he wasn't living for the glory of God, for an overriding passion for the unreached people groups. He was never able to escape the power of those sentences. Many years later, John Piper, who's a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, was preaching at Bethel College, and he talked about James Fraser of Lisuland. And this is what he had to say, "A few years ago, when I had to preach my first mission sermon at Bethlehem, I took the Yellow Pages of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul phonebooks and counted the number of churches in the Twin Cities. There are more churches in the Twin Cities than there are North American Protestant missionaries to the 1.9 billion people that make up the 10,000 unreached people groups, the Muslims, Hindus, Chinese, and Buddhist unreached people groups. Let me say that again. There are 1.9 billion people in 10,000 unreached people groups, served by about 700 North American missionaries, but there are more churches in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul than that." John Piper continued, "I can only think of one explanation for the state of affairs, disobedience. What will we say to the master who commanded us 2000 years ago to make disciples of those 10,000 peoples? It was a personal crisis for me, like it was for Fraser, and I told my congregation that I would have to resign and engage more directly in frontier missions if I couldn't be convinced that by my staying the Gospel could advance more readily to those frontiers than if I went myself." He had to filter his own future in pastoral ministry through that filter. Well, I was disturbed by that. I read that and said, "Have I filtered my own future here at First Baptist through that?" Have you filtered yours? That the Gospel could be advanced more readily if I stay than if I go. IV. Three Options for Frontier Missions So I have come to the conclusion that there are three options for us, then, in frontier missions. What are frontier missions? It's the unreached people groups, people who are identified by culture and language and geography, they are in a certain area that have no viable witness to Jesus Christ. There's no foundation laid there. Joshua Project, www.joshuaproject.net, they give constant information about unreached people groups. They estimate 6,622. You know how important the Joshua Project number is, eternally? Not very, except that it motivates people to get going. You know the real number that matters? The one that God thinks, okay? When he says the work is done, then it's done. But why are the frontier missions so important? Let me give you two reasons: Number one, because Jesus said that history won't end until they've been reached with the Gospel, that's the finish line of the human race. Matthew 24:14, "This Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come." And secondly, because in the book of Revelation, in Revelation 5 and 7, there are people mentioned there from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5 says they've already been bought by the blood of Jesus. Revelation 7 says they will someday be around the throne with white robes. So it's already a done deal. It just hasn't happened yet. That's why frontier missions are important, and should be, for your life. Three Options: Go, Send, Disobey So what are the three options? You ready? You can choose one, you have to decide what you're going to do. I'll try to make it clear. Your three options are as follows: You can go, you can send, or you can disobey. Those are your three options, you can go, you can send, you can disobey. So choose one. I fear that too many of us are choosing the comfortable third option. Maybe they didn't know they were disobeying, but that's what they're choosing. 700 North American missionaries to the 1.9 million people in 10,000 unreached people groups. Could it be that some people didn't hear God call them and give them their race, their finish line, and they never went, and they should have? Well, let's focus on those who send. We're a sending church. Do you realize that 12%, goes to the Southern Baptist Convention automatically, so you're automatically advancing the Gospel just by giving money to the church, right? Is that enough? Oh, well, toward the end of the year, we have the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and the giving here has more than doubled in the last eight years. That's very encouraging. So if you give a gift in December, are you sending at that point? Is that enough? William Carey, the first Protestant missionary, he preached what was known as the deathless sermon, attempt great things for God, expect great things from God. Out of that, came a small Baptist mission-sending group. It was so small that the first meeting was in somebody's parlor. That's all that that deathless sermon produced. But he said, "I will go down into the dark hole of heathenism if you will hold my rope. That's what sending is, you're holding someone's rope as they descend into the dark hole of heathenism. You're holding someone's rope as they go down to the unreached people groups, and none of them that are left will be easy to reach. Some of them will only be reached by martyrs. You're holding the rope as somebody goes down into the hole. Are you holding the rope? Are we holding the rope? That's my question. I would love to see our church, in '06, '07 adopt, very clearly, an unreached people group, find out what missionaries are called there, or if there are none, than pray until some come, until some of you decide to be our unreached people group missionaries, and go get the requisite training, and go, until that group has a viable church planted among them, and then, when we feel they're strong enough, then we'll adopt another one. I would urge us to do that until the Lord returns. To me, I think that's what holding the rope is about. So, as I come to the end of the message today, let me ask what I asked at the beginning, why do you do what you do? Why do you go to work? Why do you come to this church? Why do you get up in the morning? Are you just putting a brick on the wall, day after day, eating each ham sandwich to the glory of God? Do you understand? Do you have a bigger vision of wanting a good family, a good family life, to live for the glory of God in that way? Etcetera. You building a wall, or are you building a new world by the power of God? Do you have a world-changing vision that Jesus shall reign from shore to shore till moon shall wax and wane no more, that the nations are Christ, but not all of them confess him yet. What are you living for? Close with me in prayer.