Podcasts about jesus christ galatians

Follow my new podcast here: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | All platforms  This month, come join me each morning in a daily morning prayer & activation, designed to align your soul, mind, and body with the Infinite Spirit.

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7 NIV) I had an opportunity to speak at an event called Heal Our Patriots, which was sponsored by Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse. The experience was unforgettable. More than seventeen hundred couples attended. These were people who served our country. Many of them had been wounded in battle, some severely. Some were struggling with PTSD. But they made the effort to attend this couple's conference. They were looking for hope and encouragement from God's Word. It was an amazing honor to speak to them. The best part for me came when I gave an invitation for people to come to Christ. Many of the attendees walked forward and gave their lives to the Lord. The memories of it still bring me joy. It was an honor to serve those who have served our country. I had the privilege of honoring our service members then, and I have the privilege of honoring them today. The members of our military are special people. They have the courage and dedication to put their lives on the line for us. I think of Private First Class Ross McGinnis, who was perched in the gunner's hatch of a Humvee when a grenade whizzed past him into the truck that was carrying him and four of his fellow soldiers. In a split second, McGinnis did the unthinkable. He shouted a warning to the other soldiers and threw himself on the grenade. He absorbed its full impact and died. But the four other soldiers in that truck survived, thanks to the young man's amazing courage. That's the character of a soldier. That's the character of a veteran. And that's who we honor today. We can celebrate the veterans in our community by showing up to a parade or a gathering held in their honor and cheering as loudly as we would for our favorite team. We can honor them with a handshake and a sincere “Thank you for your sacrifice and service.” We can pay our respect to those who have died by walking through a cemetery and stopping at the graves marked with flags. We can read the names on the markers and think about what those men and women did so that we may have our freedom. We can commemorate Veterans Day by praying for military families. For the Gold Star families who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. For the countless others who live in uncertainty while their loved ones are deployed. We can ask God to make His presence known in their lives in unmistakable ways. And we can praise Jesus, who makes our spiritual freedom possible. “But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:22 NLT). Ephesians 1:7 says that God “is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins” (NLT). Jesus paid the ultimate price—His death on the cross—so we can be eternally free. — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Seed of the woman,” of course, is Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16)

Galatians 1:11-2:1011 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) 21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.Galatians 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

The Bible states emphatically in Galatians 5:1 that believers are free in Christ: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Before Jesus died on the cross, God's people lived under a detailed system of laws that served as a moral compass to guide their lives. While powerless to grant salvation or produce true freedom, the Law nevertheless pointed the way to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:19–24).  Rate our podcast! Questions or comments: info@rediscoveringbiblicalmanhood.com

''For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12).''

wesbite: www.PastorTodd.org to give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” This well-known and oft-quoted passage is quite significant in that this epistle was Paul's last before his martyrdom in A.D. 67. It is a deeply moving affirmation of his unwavering faith and unyielding love for the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:4; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21). “I have fought the good fight” is also significant for believers today because it serves as a stark reminder that the Christian life is a struggle against evil—within ourselves and in the world (John 15:9; Romans 8:7; James 4:4). Earlier in this same epistle, Paul reminded Timothy to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). The Greek word agonizomai, translated “fought,” means literally “to engage in conflict.” The word was used in the context of competing in athletic games or engaging in military conflict. Considering that Paul was chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote this epistle, it would have been easy for him to make such an analogy. In fact, he had known many Roman soldiers and during his imprisonment had won a number of them to Christ, some of them members of the Praetorian Guard (Philippians 1:13). Our battle is not with flesh and blood “but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The Christian life is a fight in that Christians face a never-ending struggle against evil—not an earthly military campaign, but a spiritual battle against Satan. This is why we must “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day” (see Ephesians 6:13-18). Without question, the apostle Paul was the consummate warrior, never quitting, never flagging in his zeal for the Lord (Philippians 3:14-15). He knew where lay the source of his strength (Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9). His campaign to spread the gospel of Christ began on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3) and eventually took him across the ancient world on four missionary journeys. He had witnessed of Christ before Felix and Agrippa, the legates and officials of Rome (Acts 23:26; Acts 26:1). He contended with false teachers and false brethren within the church (2 Corinthians 11:13; Galatians 1:7; Galatians 2:4). Paul's “good fight” included an astonishing series of dangers and indignities (2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Even in these he proclaimed his victory in Christ: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). Paul's life and ministry provide for us a powerful example for modeling Christ today. Not only did he “fight the good fight,” but he also “finished the race” and “kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul knew that his death was near (verse 6) but had no regrets. After Jesus took control of his life (Acts 9:15-16), Paul had lived life to the fullest, fulfilling all that Jesus had charged and empowered him to do (Ephesians 3:6; 2 Timothy 4:17). He had a remarkable sense of fulfillment and contentment with his life (Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8). As believers today, we can have no greater sense of fulfillment than to know, as Paul did, that we have fully accomplished all that the Lord has called us to do (Matthew 25:21). May we “fight the good fight” and “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [our] ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).

Paul's “My Gospel”By Tammy LacockThis week, Warren Litzman digs deeper into what the Apostle Paul means by “my gospel” in Romans 2:16, 16:25, and 2 Timothy 2:8.Paul's “my gospel” is meant to contrast his unique revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-16) from the other gospel centered in Christ, the Kingdom gospel, which was preached by Peter and the other apostles. The Kingdom gospel, preached to only the Jews, centered on Christ's Messiahship by his death and resurrection and an assurance of the kingdom to come. Peter and the apostles also commingled Judaic law within the kingdom gospel. In contrast, Paul's gospel of grace has no history of law. Whether Jew or Gentile, by simply believing in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, we are saved, born-again new creations by the very life of Christ now living in us. This is the Body of Christ Paul talks about … a brand-new race of people. In fact, Paul's gospel of grace, although new to him and to the world, goes back to the beginning, before history was made. Paul calls his gospel a “mystery” many times because it was in God's mind before the foundation of the world, yet now revealed to him (Ephesians 1:4; Romans 16:25). Christ entrusted only Paul to deliver this gospel of completion to both Jews and Gentiles alike. “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.” (Colossians 1:25-26 KJV)It was extremely difficult for Jews to accept Paul's gospel of grace because of their history and background in law. Gentiles, however, had no godly history, nothing to hold onto, so they were eager to accept and embrace Paul's gospel of grace.Churches are still preaching a commingled gospel of law and grace. Paul tells us several times throughout his epistles, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1; 4:16; and Philippians 3:17). Similarly, he tells us many times that his gospel is from “me to you” (Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:26).The gospel for today is Paul's gospel of grace only. Simply put, we are saved by nothing we do or don't do. By just believing, we are saved by Christ's work — His death, burial, and resurrection. By Him, we are freed from the bondage of sin, death, and law. By Him, we are born again, making us brand-new creations, now bona fide sons and daughters of God. Our sin-natures have been uprooted, and God's very seed, Christ, has been planted within us.“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27 KJV)

Sermon from Aaron Anderson on October 2, 2022

Why was the law given? Was the law ever meant to save us?

How are we justified before God the Father?

What can happen to others when we are disobedient?

What are some ways that the gospel has been distorted?

  Freedom as we know it is under attack, be it freedom of speech or Christian liberties and so much more. Please wake up American citizens. If up do not stand up for something, you will fall for anything. Take time to research your constitutional rights. Did you know that the 4th amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Through the Fourth Amendment, the Constitution protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. However, the Fourth Amendment is not a guarantee against all searches and seizures, but only those that are deemed unreasonable under the law.  Or the 8th amendment protects against Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. I would encourage you to search the laws of each state and the constitutional laws as well; it is your choice, your freedom. Webster's dictionary defines freedom of speech as “the right to express facts and opinions subject only to reasonable limitations (as the power of the government to protect itself from a clear and present danger) guaranteed by the 1st and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution and similar provisions of some state constitutions.” According to this definition, freedom of speech is a right given to the citizens of the United States by law. In that sense, freedom of speech is not a biblical concept but a political one specific to a particular time and place in history. The founders of the United States believed that humankind has certain “inalienable rights,” including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson spoke of these rights as having been endowed to man by his Creator; he called the right to liberty “inherent” and postulated that governments are instituted in order to allow man (the governed) to secure those rights and to pursue his rights freely. In Jefferson's mind, the liberty and consent of the governed were imperative for governments to be efficient and beneficial. Under that umbrella of privilege falls freedom of speech. The idea that the Creator has endowed us with the right to liberty is debatable, but God indeed created man with a free will. Adam and Eve had the liberty to partake of any fruit in the garden (except one), and they even had the liberty to disobey. God created man to serve Him, to know Him, and to enjoy Him forever in eternity, so liberty within the bounds of righteousness is certainly a biblical ideal. Christians believe that serving God and enjoying a relationship with Him is the ultimate liberty. The ultimate freedom is found in belonging to Christ (Galatians 5:1; 2 Corinthians 3:17). Sin brings bondage (Romans 7:14), but the one who belongs to Christ is spiritually free (Romans 8:2). But does that spiritual freedom from sin entail political freedom of speech? Perhaps not directly, but speaking the truth in love is a biblical mandate (Ephesians 4:15). Therefore, any government law that guarantees citizens the right to speak the truth aligns with godly principles. By the same token, any law that suppresses a person's right to speak truth is working against God's command. Freedom of speech does not guarantee that truth is told, of course, but it does permit it to be told. In the final analysis, there is no conflict between biblical principles and the civic principle of freedom of speech. The Bible states emphatically in Galatians 5:1 that believers are free in Christ: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Before Jesus died on a cross, God's people lived under a detailed system of laws that served as a moral compass to guide their lives. The Law, while powerless to grant salvation or produce true freedom, nevertheless pointed the way to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:19–24). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, setting believers free from the law of sin and death. God's laws are now written in our hearts through the Spirit of God, and we are free to follow and serve Christ in ways that please and glorify Him (Romans 8:2–8). In a nutshell, this is the definition of Christian freedom. Despite the First Amendment, in the United States today, Christians do not have total freedom of speech. There are things we believe, ideas clearly taught in the Scriptures, that are now considered “hate speech” in our world of political correctness. A society that proudly proclaims freedom of speech and then creates laws against hate speech is talking out of both sides of its mouth. Laws and governments aside, there are still what we might call “social laws” in place, and when Christians are faced with ostracization due to their beliefs, it certainly does not demonstrate freedom of speech. Many believers throughout history have been persecuted by their societies because the expression of their beliefs did not line up with the status quo. A notable example is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whose refusal to bow down to the king's idol landed them in the midst of a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:1–26). God wants us to obey Him and to speak according to His Word. If obedience to that principle makes people hate us or gets us thrown in jail or even killed, we are not to back down. God wants us to speak the truth boldly (Ephesians 6:20), but He never promises that we will always be free to speak without consequences.  So are you willing to stand up?   As Christians, the two things we can do to stand up for Christ are to live according to His Word and grow our own knowledge of Him. Christ said, “Let your light shine before men…” (Matthew 5:16). This means that we should live and act in a way that supports the gospel. We should also arm ourselves with knowledge, both of the gospel (Ephesians 6:10-17) and of the world around us. First Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” All we can do is live and teach as Christ would and let Him take care of the rest. Again I encourage you to do your own research. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I humble myself before You, Your will not mine be done. Forgive me for being selfish and deliver me from insisting on my own way at the expense of others. I will mediate on your Word day and night. By the grace of God I will be an obedient doer of your Word, seeking to love as You have loved me. I renew my mind to your Word, and pray that your Word will dominate my thoughts, words and actions. I submit to Truth so that I will not be seduced or deceived by the works of the devil. I am born of God, I am born of Love and by Your grace I am strong in you, Lord, and in the power of your might. Today, I choose the way of Love, in the name of Jesus! Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:6; 1 Corinthians 13; Romans 12:2; 1 Online References  Got Questions and many more Take a look at Fox Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson they will give you something to think about  

::Galatians: The Gospel That Gives Life - 8:: ::Truth that transforms lives:: www.slovo.org

::Galatians: The Gospel That Gives Life - 5:: ::Truth that transforms lives:: www.slovo.org

What is going on in America? Are we turning into a dictatorship nation?  Do not undermine my authority. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. American workers, many of them are being extorted and held hostage by this covid shot mandate. There being force because many workers want to take care of their families. So what about their constitutional rights, which have been violated, which is also discrimination. Reality: A person can respect the position but does not respect the person that's reality. Satan is using leaders elected leaders for his destruction of America. But Jesus defeated Satan AND WILL defeat him again. What makes it OK for a woman to say my body my rights in kill an unborn child so why is it not okay for a person to say my life my rights in refused to get of Covid shot, and don't say that is different because both issues are dealing with rights in the life of others. A man has no say, so if a woman chooses to get an abortion, but he may want to keep the child, grandparents have no voice, so if a woman wants an abortion, they would like to have grandkids. This list can go on. But my religious beliefs as an American citizen are being threatened taken away from me because I do not want to get a covid shot to lose my job. Is that American justice just asking? Yes, COVID is real. I know I had it, but I believe in the healing power of Jesus Christ. Read plasm 91.  To my understanding, you have the Department of Justice wants to try to file suit against Texas because they upheld the law by making abortion illegal.  I wonder what God's word says about abortion: I know in the book of proverbs it says speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are dissolute speak up and judge pretty defend the rights of the poor and the needy in this proverbs 31 verses 8 through 9. No, I'm not the most intelligent person in the world, but I'm smart enough to know the unborn child could not speak for themselves think about that. I also have another question is our leaders directly or indirectly helping to promote terrorism within our nation? I'm just asking this question because I genuinely don't know but looking at what's going on here and now, I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering this. OK, now let's get back to the subject of abortion. The Bible never specifically addressed abortion; however, there are numerous teachings in the scripture that make it abundantly clear what God's view of abortion is. Jeremiah 15 tells us that God knows us before he forms us in the womb. Psalms 139 verse 13 through 16 speaks of God's active role in our creation then the formation in the womb verse 22 through 25 prescribed the same penalty is death for someone who causes the end of a baby in the womb yes for someone who commits murder. Now to me, this indicates that God considers a baby in the womb to be just as much of a human being as a fully grown adult such as you and me I. for a person that believes in Christ, a Christian abortion is not a matter of a woman right to choose it is a matter of life and death of a human being made in God's image Genesis 1 verse 26 and 27 Genesis 9 verse 6, now put what does the Bible say about abortion put abortion is murder it is the killing of a human being who has created an image of God. Are the American people living in a state of terror? Afraid that they may lose their job being a federal or government job if they refuse to get the covid shot or afraid to get kicked off an NFL team or they refuse to get the Covid picture, what about the rights of the American people. Something else is shocking to me. Why would anyone want to use the legacy of a deceased person to get what they want, be they a politician or just a regular Joe on Streets? Why would you want to use a dead person for your gain? It appears that particular politician is throwing the US constitution out the window for their self-interest, not America inserts interest their self-interest. Just look around America. We live in the signs of the time, whether you choose to believe it or not your choice.  I believe that there are many warnings in the Bible about the power of the government taking over or, let me say, the increasing government control. Yes, as Christians, we are to obey the laws of the land, but if the land laws go against God's laws, Bing will not follow. I want to clarify that this is not any form of rebellion, nor is this a political podcast. This is Christian freedom. The Bible states emphatically in Galatians 5:1 that believers are free in Christ: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Before Jesus died on a cross, God's people lived under a complicated system of laws that served as a moral compass to guide their lives. The Law, while powerless to grant salvation or produce true freedom, nevertheless pointed the way to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:19–24). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, setting believers free from the law of sin and death. God's laws are now written in our hearts through the Spirit of God, and we are free to follow and serve Christ in ways that please and glorify Him (Romans 8:2–8). In a nutshell, this is the definition of Christian freedom. An essential aspect of Christian freedom is our responsibility not to return to living under the Law. The apostle Paul compared this to slavery: “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). Continuing to live under the Law after salvation is merely a legalistic form of religion. We cannot earn righteousness through the Law; instead, the Law's purpose was to define our sin and show our need for a Savior. Christian freedom involves living not under the burdensome obligations of the Law but God's grace: “For sin shall no longer be your master because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). In Christ, we are free from the Law's oppressive system, we are free from the penalty of sin, and we are free from the power of sin. Christian freedom is not a license to sin. We are free in Christ but not free to live however we want, indulging the flesh: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13, NLT). Believers aren't free to sin but free to live holy lives in Christ. Christian freedom is one of the many paradoxes of the Christian faith. True freedom means willingly becoming a slave to Christ, which happens through a relationship with Him (Colossians 2:16–17). In Romans 6, Paul explains that when a believer accepts Christ, they are baptized by the Spirit into Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. At that moment, the believer ceases to be a slave to sin and becomes a servant of righteousness: “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17–18, ESV). Only Christians know true freedom: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). But what does Christian liberty look like in a practical sense? What are we free to do and not do? What can we watch on TV? What can we eat and drink? What can we wear to the beach? What about smoking and drinking? Are there limits to Christian freedom? In 1 Corinthians 10, the apostle Paul gives a practical illustration of Christian freedom: “‘Everything is permissible—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:23–24, NIV84). In writing to the church in Corinth, Paul mentions members attending meals in pagan temples, just as they had done before receiving Christ. They felt free to continue participating because they thought these festivals were merely a normal part of the social culture, and they didn't see their actions as pagan worship. Paul laid out several warnings, reminding the Corinthians of Israel's dangerous flirtation with idolatry in the Old Testament. Then he handled the practical concern of eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. “Everything is permissible,” the Corinthians were saying. True, Paul says; Christians have a great deal of freedom in Christ. However, not everything is beneficial or constructive. Our freedom in Christ must be balanced by a desire to build up and benefit others. When deciding how to exercise our Christian freedom, we ought to seek the good of others before our good. In Judaism, restrictions were placed on purchasing meats in the market. Jews could only buy and eat kosher meats. Paul said believers were free in Christ to buy and eat any meat (1 Corinthians 10:25–26). However, if meat sacrificed to idols came up, believers were to follow a higher law. Love is what limits Christian freedom. Later in the chapter, Paul wrote about eating meat as a guest in someone's home. Christians are free to eat whatever they are served without questions of conscience (1 Corinthians 10:27). But, if someone brings up that the meat has been offered to an idol, it is better not to eat it for the sake of the person who raised the issue of conscience (verse 28). While believers have the freedom to eat the meat, they are compelled to consider what's best for those who are observing their behavior. Romans 14:1–13 raises a key determiner in understanding the limits of Christian freedom. In the passage, Paul again brings up eating meat sacrificed to idols and observing certain holy days. Some believers felt freedom in Christ in these areas, while others did not, and their differing perspectives were causing quarrels and disunity. Paul emphasized that unity and love in the body of Christ are more important than anyone's convictions or Christian liberty: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister” (Romans 14:13). Essentially, Paul's message to the New Testament believers and us today is this: even if we believe we are right and have Christian freedom in an area,[sPause sec=2.6 ePause] if our actions will cause another brother or sister to stumble in his or her faith, we are to refrain out of love. Paul spoke again of the matter in 1 Corinthians 8:7–9: “Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food, they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near God; we are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” The issue in New Testament times was eating meat offered to idols; today, other “gray areas” arise in our Christian walk. Romans 14:1 calls these “disputable matters,” areas where the Bible does not give clear-cut guidelines on whether a behavior is a sin. When faced with gray areas, we can rely on two guiding principles to regulate our Christian freedom: let love for others compel us not to cause anyone to stumble and let our desire to glorify God be our all-encompassing motive (1 Corinthians 10:31). [sPause sec=2.6 ePause]

Pastor Harris walks us through the religion to relationship evolution of the lying, maming, torturing, murdering, Paul of Tarsus to Paul the follower of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6-14). Salvation is not based on what we do or who we please. Religion says you missed the mark... relationship says you are unconditionally loved because of who you are, a child of God. The number one thing that Pastor Harris always taught was that Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship. This phrase represents the teaching legacy that he has left behind. It is so very important to what we are continuing to do with Pastor Harris's teachings that we may very well remind our listeners of this every episode. So today I have found a message where he talks about this very topic through the story of Paul. Pastor Harris literally despised the idea of religion and in this message he has some, well i'll just say it, some pretty strong things to say about religion.  However as much as he despised religion he was the foremost advocate of relationship. The Lord loves you because who you are not the things you do, we are his children, it is about what his son did for all of us on the cross.So with that said, here is a message originally recorded just short of 10 years ago about the lying, maming, torturing, murdering Paul of Tarsus and his evolution to become Paul the follower of Jesus.  This message is simply titled, “Religion vs. Relationship”.

Paul's passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ is front and center in this passage. We would do well to adopt his zealous vigor.--Speaker's notes available at https://www.parableministries.com/podcasts/ep-12-paul-safeguarding-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ--contact@parableministries.comhttps://www.parableministries.comhttps://www.instagram.com/parable_ministries/--Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi

Sajeeva vahini

To demonstrate His Love, God Sent His Son in the Flesh to Liberate His Children from Sin.

Sajeeva Vahini

Guidance  Perhaps this is one of the questions that Christians ask at one time or another: "How does God guide me?" Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Isaiah 6:8: "Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me." When Jesus Christ called you personally and said: "Follow Me!" and you responded "YES, Lord!" that was the start of a beautiful relationship between the Living God and yourself.   Perhaps the most common question all Christian Disciples ask is "How can I know God's will and His guidance?"  Now of course, being active in prayer and studying the Bible play major roles, in this and they are assured ways of building the relationship between God and yourself.  We will discover that are other aspects to be considered about being guided, and discerning what is God's will for you and I.  These involve being controlled by the Holy Spirit, through counsel and circumstances and through making wise decisions. 1. Controlled by the Holy Spirit So firstly, the Christian Disciple is guided by being controlled by the Holy Spirit. Another way to say this is by submitting to the Spirit's leading.  Fundamental to being guided by the Spirit, is for you and I to be filled with the Spirit and to keep on being filled with the Spirit, or controlled by the Spirit.  When the Spirit is quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or grieved (Ephesians 4:30), then the Spirit no long has control of you and I.  In order to allow the Spirit control of us, we need to resubmit ourselves to God! It is a good daily practice for you and I to do the following on a daily basis. Confess all known sin (1 John 1:9) and accept unreservedly the certain assurance of being forgiven for your sins including the sin of quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit. Sin is sin and there are no degrees of sin, big or small, it just is... Any sin creates a barrier whether (in our earthly terminology) it is a big sin like murder or a small sin like lying... Homosexuality and pornography are just as bad as lusting after that girl who just walked by - all are adultery.... That's one of the reasons the Pharisees got it so mixed up and why Jesus Christ was indignant with scorn towards them misleading people. Devote to being a living sacrifice for Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2) Enable the Holy Spirit to convict you of anything wrong and sinful in your life (Psalm 139:23-24) Seeks the Holy Spirit's divine power in order to serve Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 3:16) and to do all things for glory of Jesus Christ, for this is one of the prime roles of the Holy Spirit, and sadly, often a neglected part of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the believer. Additionally, part of being controlled by the Holy Spirit, the Christian Disciple is to yield to Him.  Romans 6:13 and James 4:7 command this.  In yielding to the Holy Spirit, the body (1 Corinthians 6:20) and mind (Romans 12:1-2) are given to Him sacrificially for the glory of Jesus Christ.  Both the body and the mind are yielded, because the body activates what is conceived in the mind.  It is a total dedication of all thoughts, plans and actions into God's hands and the seeking of His divine wisdom. Being guided by the Holy Spirit is illustrated in Acts 16:6-10 where Paul and his group of people acted quickly!  "Paul and his companions went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas. That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans." 2. Counsel and Circumstances Additionally to submitting to the Holy Spirit, other people and circumstances are also great helps in regards to guidance.  Proverbs 24 reminds us that: "The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.  So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.  Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say." We may not be going into physical war, but seeking the advice of others in trying to understand God's guidance, plays an important role in deciding God's will in the life of the Christian Disciple.  When seeking the advice of others, we should bear in mind that the person should be a reliable, godly and faithful servant of God - and know us well.  As Proverbs 25:19 says "Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot". However, as Christian s we must also be aware that even the godliest of people make mistakes, such as Nathan the prophet when he exhorted David to build the temple in 2 Samuel 7.  In the end, each of us alone, is responsible for our own actions and for discerning God's guidance for themselves. Then we also have circumstances, which are a great learning tool.  Circumstances surround us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  However, as Christians we are to live above all circumstances, while being mindful of them.  Through circumstances, God often disclosed his perfect will.  As Paul writes in Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Some examples of where God's will was discovered through circumstances include: Abraham being asked to substitute a ram caught in a thicket for his son, Isaac (Genesis 22). God arranging for Pharaoh's daughter to be bathing in the River Nile as the baby Moses floated by (Exodus 2). Paul's nephew over hearing a plot to murder Paul, and then reporting it to the authorities and therefore saving Paul's life (Acts 23). Now some may sceptically claim that these are purely coincidental, but if they are, and all others like these are, its an awful lot of coincidence! 3.  Wise Decisions: Now, its all very well to say that we are to make wise decisions. That would seem obvious!  But how do we go about it? A great way is by endeavouring to maintain a right attitude, and asking ourselves the following questions: Have I prayed and meditated on God's Word regarding the decision? Have I given every area of my life to Jesus Christ? Am I prepared to be obedient to God? (Proverbs 3:5-7) Am I willing to sacrifice my desires for God's Will? Do I truly love and acting lovingly towards other people? It should not control me habitually (1 Corinthians 6:12) Will it cause another person to sin/stumble? (1 Corinthians 8:9-13) Does it build Christian character? (1 Corinthians 10:23) Does it bring glory to God? (1 Corinthians 10:31) Can I thank God for this activity - could Jesus accompany me? If in doubt, throw it out! (Romans 14:22-23) Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)   For more to think about please do read Isaiah 6. Ask yourself the following questions, writing them down if you can, and see how you respond or react to them.  Then why not share your answers with your spouse or a close friend, so that you can pray over any issues together. Q1. Am I willing to do whatever God commands me to do? Q2. Am I willing to be humble enough to ask other people's advice? Q3. Am I willing to sacrifice my desires so that God's Will is achieved and His glory acclaimed?  Tap here or right mouse click to save/download this audio Podcast as a MP3 file You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

The book of Exodus begins with the names of the sons of Israel about 400 years before Moses was born. In fact, “names” (“shemot” in Hebrew) is the Jewish title for this book that ties what happens in it to the covenant God had established through Abraham. This sermon will look at the beginning of the 12 tribes of the people of God as they came to Egypt of which Moses is a descendant (see Exodus 2:1). Not only will we learn about Moses' literal ancestry, but we will also find ourselves connected to this family through the Abraham covenant and the seed of Abraham, Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16,26-29).

Galatians 2:15-16 - We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified[b] by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. SUBMIT YOUR PRAYER REQUEST OR PRAISE: Go to https://CareyGreen.com/prayer to submit your prayer request or praise for us to include on a future episode. TELL US YOUR STORY TO BE INCLUDED ON A "WORLD STORY" EPISODE Go to https://CareyGreen.com/story to tell us what God is doing in your part of the world! We might share it with the entire Morning Mindset family. BECOME A MORNING MINDSET PARTNER: If you'd like to become a partner with us to keep the Morning MIndset going you can do so in one of two ways: 1) Become a monthly partner: For as little as $5/mo you can help us keep the work of the Morning Mindset going. Go to https://www.patreon.com/morningmindset 2) Give a one-time gift: We are grateful for anything you feel the LORD would have you donate. You can do so here: http://paypal.me/MorningMindset

This is from a listener. What is "the faith of Jesus Christ? (Galatians 2:16)? Hopefully we deal with this in a manner that is easily understood and that sheds light on this somewhat abstract topic. If you like what we do and want to help us out, www.patreon.com/nearchurches 

Pastor Shane Jackson, live from Landrum Independent Baptist Church.

Message from Terry Janke on March 10, 2019

Matt Slick debates Calvinism with a Pelagian that argues that all people are born morally neutral and that we are divine. If you want to listen to someone crash and burn as they attempt to attack Calvinism this is it. Apologetics Live 12/06/2018 John Johnson, (AKA- Irenic Pelagian) agreed to debate Matt Slick (Friendly debate not a Formal debate) regarding total depravity and original sin. John asserts that Calvinism is just an exercise in “proof-texting” in his opinion. John then asserts that “Calvinism” impugns the character of God. Additionally, John states that “Total Depravity” is un-Biblical.  (Total Depravity is sometimes referred to as “Total Inability”) See: “What is total depravity and is it biblical?”  https://carm.org/what-is-total-depravity-and-is-it-biblical Finally, John offers his view that people are born sinless, like Adam and Eve at the beginning of the Creation. (During the live stream: Links to TOPICAL articles are provided FOR CHAT GUESTS and PARTICIPANTS TO ACCESS for further and continuing independent study…….) Is it fair for God to love Jacob and hate Esau?  https://carm.org/questions/about-god/it-fair-god-love-jacob-and-hate-esau Acts 17 was then the topic of focus: What are the communicable and incommunicable attributes of God? https://carm.org/communicable-incommunicable-attributes-of-god Questions about Man https://carm.org/questions-about-man https://carm.org/image-of-god https://carm.org/questions/about-people/what-meant-when-it-says-man-made-image-god https://carm.org/if-we-are-made-in-gods-image-why-are-we-unlike-him The Person and Nature of Jesus Christ: https://carm.org/jesus-two-natures https://carm.org/dictionary-hypostatic-union https://carm.org/trinity-hypostatic-union-and-communicatio-idiomatum   Federal Headship: https://carm.org/federal-headship https://carm.org/adam-our-federal-head   Get you own “My Pillow” or order from a loved one at: 1-800-944-5396   John offers points supportive of “Annihilationism” while he rejects the idea he might be an “Annihilationist.” See a great many articles on this topic at: Annihilationism https://carm.org/annihilationism Eisegesis https://carm.org/dictionary-eisegesis    as opposed to Exegesis https://carm.org/dictionary-exegesis Doctrine Grid https://carm.org/doctrine-grid The illegitimate and/or unwarranted use of the words “offspring” and “children” in Acts 17 was further discussed. What Is Confirmation Bias? As related to Wishful thinking. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201504/what-is-confirmation-bias Jesus said, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me” (John 8:42). Then a few verses later in John 8:44, Jesus told the Pharisees that they “belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire.” The fact that those who are not saved are not children of God is also seen in 1 John 3:10: We become God’s children when we are saved because we are adopted into God’s family through our relationship with Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:5-6; Ephesians 1:5). This can be clearly seen in verses like Romans 8:14-17: Many chat participants noted the distinction between Adam and Eve having been CREATED, while we are the result of PROCREATION. Mark 9:29 was explored. https://carm.org/the-god-and-father-of-our-lord-jesus-christ Edison enters from the Philippines: While dealing with Roman Catholics: Are we saved by faith alone, or do we need works, too? https://carm.org/are-we-saved-faith-alone-or-do-we-need-works-too Roman Catholicism, the Bible, and Tradition https://carm.org/roman-catholicism-bible-and-tradition https://carm.org/questions-for-catholics-on-sacred-tradition https://carm.org/dictionary-sacred-tradition https://carm.org/does-the-catholic-church-have-the-authority-of-christ

Sermon by Pastor Stan McCune

*Hymns may not match audio.  All material is used for Spiritual/Educational Purposes.   THURSDAY Morning Prayer God, come to my assistance.- Lord, make haste to help meGlory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spiritas it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.  Amen. HYMN Virgin-born, we bow before you:Blessed was the womb that bore you;Mary, Mother meek and mild,Blessed was she in her Child.Blessed was the breast that fed you;Blessed was the hand that led you;Blessed was the other's eyeWatching o'er your infancy. Blessed she by all creation,Who brought forth the world's salvation.Blessed they who ever blest,Love you most and serve you best.Virgin-born, we bow before you;Blessed was the womb that bore you;Mary, Mother meek and mild,Blessed was she in her Child. Melody: Mon Dieu, Prete Moi L'Orielle 88-77D (Genevan Psalm 86)Music: German Psalter, 1543Text: R. Heber, 1783-1826, alt.   Or: Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God,I come before you, unworthy as I am,to renew our total dedication to you.Be now and for ever our Mother,our advocate and our protector;rule over us as our sovereign Lady,keep us from falling,but if we do fallhelp us to rise again without delay.Show yourself as Mother of God,to whom all sinners have been entrusted:be our patroness and theirswith your loving Son. Jean Joseph du Vieux Chatel (1724-1797)   PSALMODYAnt.1 Tell us, shepherds, what have you seen? Who has appeared on earth? We have seen a newborn infant and a choir of angels praising the Lord. or: O Mother, how pure you are, you are untouched by sin; yours was the privilege to carry God within you.   Psalm 143:1-11Prayer in distressA man is not justified by observance of the law but only through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16) Lord, listen to my prayer:turn your ear to my appeal.You are faithful, you are just; give answer.Do not call your servant to judgmentfor no one is just in your sight. The enemy pursues my soul;he has crushed my life to the ground;he has made me dwell in darknesslike the dead, long forgotten.Therefore my spirit fails;my heart is numb within me. I remember the days that are past:I ponder all your works.I muse on what your hand has wroughtand to you I stretch out my hands.Like a parched land my soul thirsts for you. Lord, make haste and answer;for my spirit fails within me.Do not hide your facelest I become like those in the grave. In the morning let me know your lovefor I put my trust in you.Make me know the way I should walk:to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies;I have fled to you for refuge.Teach me to do your willfor you, O Lord, are my God.Let your good spirit guide mein ways that are level and smooth. For your name's sake, Lord, save my life;in your justice save my soul from distress. Ant. 2 The angel said to the shepherds: I proclaim to you a great joy: today the Savior of the world is born for you. Or: You are the glory of Jerusalem, the joy of Israel; you are the fairest honor of our race.   Canticle                                                      Isaiah 66:10-14aJoys of heavenThe heavenly Jerusalem is a free woman and our mother (Galatians 4:26)   Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,all you who love her;Exult, exult with her,all you who were mourning over her! Oh, that you may suck fullyof the milk of her comfort,That you may nurse with delightat her abundant breasts! For thus says the LORD:Lo, I will spread prosperity over her like a river,and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,and fondled in her lap;As a mother comforts her son,so will I comfort you;in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort. When you see this, your heart shall rejoice,and your bodies flourish like the grass. Ant. 3: A little child is born for us today; little and yet called the mighty God. Or: O Virgin Mary, how great your cause for joy; God found you worthy to bear Christ our Savior. Psalm 147:1-11The loving kindness of God who can do all he willsYou are God: we praise you; you are the Lord: we acclaim you.   Praise the Lord for he is good;sing to our God for he is loving:to him our praise is due. The Lord builds up Jerusalemand brings back Israel's exiles,he heals the broken-hearted,he binds up all their wounds.He fixes the number of the stars;he calls each one by its name. Our Lord is great and almighty;his wisdom can never be measured.The Lord raises the lowly;he humbles the wicked to the dust.O sing to the Lord giving thanks;sing psalms to our God with the harp. He covers the heavens with clouds;he prepares the rain for the earth,making mountains sprout with grassand with plants to serve man's needs.He provides the beasts with their foodand young ravens that call upon him. His delight is not in horsesnor his pleasure in warriors' strength.The Lord delights in those who revere him,in those who wait for his love. FIRST READING                                                      Hebrews 1:1-2 In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, Or                                                       Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age. Or                                                       Song of Songs 6:9-10 One alone is my dove, my perfect one,  her mother's chosen,  the dear one of her parent.The daughters saw her and declared her fortunate,  the queens and concubines, and they sang her praises; Who is this that comes forth like the dawn,  as beautiful as the moon, as resplendent as the sun,  as awe-inspiring as bannered troops? SECOND READING From a sermon by St. Thomas of Villanova, bishop(Sermon on the birth of Mary II,7-9) Mother of her own Creator!   What a marvelous woman, to be the mother of her own Creator! What an amazing distinction for a woman, to have a Son in common with God. The Father loves his Son; the Mother rejoices in her Son. The Father tells his Son: from the womb, before the morning star, I begot you; the Mother says to her same Son: From the womb, I, a virgin, brought you into the world. She is amazed at her own glory, nor can she herself understand her elevation, for by the very fact of being made mother of the Creator she became with the best right mistress and queen of all creation. Truly, Mary he that is mighty, has done great things for you; truly because he made you his own mother, all generations of the ages will call you blessed. RESPONSORYHow blessed are you, Virgin Mary,for you carried within you the Lord, the Creator of the world. - Mother of your Maker, you remain a virgin for ever.Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. - Mother of your Maker, you remain a virgin for ever. Or: For our sake, the King of heaven chose to be born of his virgin mother,to reclaim lost men for the heavenly kingdom - All the angels cry aloud with joy,for God has come himself to save mankind.Glory to God in the highest,and peace to his people on earth. - All the angels cry aloud with joy,for God has come himself to save mankind.   CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH                                                       Luke 1:68-79Ant. Blessed are you, Mary, because you believed that the Lord's words to you would be fulfilled.   The Messiah and his forerunner   Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior,born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets he promised of old,  that he would save us from our enemies,  from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathersand to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham,to set us free from the hands of our enemies,free to worship him without fear,holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvationby the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our Godthe dawn from on high shall break upon us,to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,and to guide our feet into the way of peace. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.  Amen. INTERCESSIONS The Word of God existed before the creation of the universe yet was born among us in time. We praise and worship him as we cry out in joy.   Let the earth ring out with joy for you have come!   You are the eternal Word of God who flooded the world with joy at your birth,- fill us with joy by the continuous gift of your life. You saved us and by your birth revealed to us the covenant faithfulness of the Lord,- help us to be faithful to the promises of our baptism. You are the King of heaven and earth who sent messengers to announce peace to all,- let our lives be filled with your peace. You are the true vine that brings forth the fruit of life,- make us branches of the vine bearing much fruit. Our Father… CONCLUDING PRAYER Father,we are filled with the new lightby the coming of your Word among us.May the light of faithshine in our words and actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.   Alternative Prayer   Almighty God and Father of light,a child is born for us and a son is given to us.Your eternal Word leaped down from heavenin the silent watches of the night,and now your church is filled with wonderat the nearness of her God.Open our hearts to receive his lifeand increase our vision with the rising of dawn,that our lives may be filled with his glory and his peace,who lives and reigns for ever and ever. May the Lord bless us,protect us from eviland bring us to everlasting life. -  Amen.

This is a recording of a sermon preached on June 21, 2015. Pastor Brian Watson preaches a message on Galatians 1:10-24, in which the apostle Paul discusses his own background, how he came to faith, how he received the gospel, and how he became an apostle. Pastor Brian considers how God reveals himself to us and changes us.

Acts 20 Guided by God to serve… I know what people think. They think that I work alone. That I enter a town like a lone superhero and boom – people are instantly wowed with my good news of salvation. That I am so intelligent, speaking things which are difficult to comprehend and without emotion. But you know what. Those people who think like that, are wrong. I don’t work alone. I am always surrounded by a great team of people. Check out these folk with me on this occasion, or will be soon – Luke, Sopater; Aristarchus and Secundus; Gaius; my dear son, Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus. A community of God’s people from different places working with me. It is for God’s sake that I work and am His. It is my conviction that the good news of salvation can be had by all, through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection from the dead. As for being without emotion, clearly, they have never met me and therefore misunderstand me. Emotions are part of the human experience and that is what I am, a mere human being used by the God I proclaim, worship and serve. I once was very different though. I was on a mission – a mission from God – or so I thought. A mission to defend God’s truth. It was my job to be God’s defender and root out the miscreants known as ‘The Way.’ Those people claiming that Jesus, Yeshua ben Joseph, had risen from the dead after being crucified. No way could God have a Son. That was blasphemy! Rubbish it was! It was! How could the Saviour of my people, the Jews, the Messiah, die on a cross – a Gentile cross at that - and be cursed by God? Patently absurd! Bald-faced and blatant blasphemy! No! No! No! It was my duty as a man zealous for the Law, to eradicate all those who were followers of this man, Jesus. Those heretics. Then… I still remember it as if it was yesterday. I was on the road to Damascus, embarking on my mission and boom! Suddenly a voice from heaven cried out “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” I asked who it was that was speaking and the voice spoke again “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” God had stopped me, arrested me (Philippians 3:12), shone his light upon me (2 Corinthians 4:6), and the mercy of God overflowed upon me (1 Timothy 1:14) and within me. Jesus is alive! WOW! It is true! Jesus is alive! Did you hear me? Jesus is alive! Jesus, the Messiah did die on a cross. But he came back to life, rising from the dead three days later just as He repeatedly said He would. Afterwards, he made many public appearances before He ascended back to God the Father. Then He appeared to me! Me! Saul of Tarsus! WOW! That was about 20 years ago now. Now I am on a different mission. A mission given undeniably to me, by God – a mission which is to tell the world, by all possible means, this good news of Jesus the Christ. I, now named Paul, am no longer an enemy of Jesus, but now His friend. A friend of God! God calls me, friend - converted from a persecutor to being one of His faithful followers. This conversion was a total transformation by God upon me. My attitudes, character & relationship with God, have all been transformed and for His glory alone. My God loves me! Me! Unbelievable, isn’t it? My conversion is real, God continuing to work in me, upon me and through me. So here we are today! Having just left that majestic city of Ephesus, where I spent the best part of the last 3 years. A city and people I love dearly – loved often with tears and joy. Recently as a result of my preaching and sharing the Good News of Jesus, some folk took exception and caused a riot. So, onwards to Jerusalem and the believers there. I have a gift for them. A wonderfully sacrificial gift from the Gentile churches, to the Church there in Jerusalem. It is a practical way of looking after the welfare of the Church of fellow believers there in the magnificent city of Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia and Achaia, are wanting to make a practical contribution towards the Christians in Jerusalem . Headlong we go, guided by God and serving Him. I will catch up with Timothy and Erastus whom I have sent ahead of me! Firstly though, let’s look at the map so that you can see where I am and where we are going tonight. v1-2 – first we go north from Ephesus to Macedonia. I may just stay in Corinth for the winter. v3 – Then I will return through Macedonia instead of sailing to Syria v7-12 - Troas - Eutychus is raised from the dead by God v13 - By foot to Assos v14 - sailed to Mitylene v15 - sailed to Kos, Samos and Miletus v17 - Ephesus elders came to Miletus And still on our way to Jerusalem! We will get there, even if not directly! Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file ----more---- 1. Overview With that introduction, we come to tonight’s passage of Acts 20. We may just finish by midnight and hopefully nobody is sitting on any window sills to fall asleep and fall. The chapter, as you can see, breaks down into 3 sections. v1-6 - Paul in Macedonia and Greece v7-12 - Paul in Troas v13-39 - In this section, Paul says goodbye to the Ephesian leaders. We have the only sermon in the book of Acts, which is given by Paul to other Christians. All others are preached to those who were not Christian. As ever, there is a lot in this chapter for us. In preparation, as I read the passage, listened to it being read repeatedly and meditated on this chapter, two words came over and over to my mind. Two words which are important for the church today, just as they have been down through history. 2. Guidance How was Paul guided by God to fulfil God’s purposes and will? I know some people probably think that Paul was guided by God putting visible arrows in the sky, pointing Paul and his team in the right direction! Maybe you are one of those tonight, and if you are, then I am sorry to disappoint you by saying that is not how God guided Paul. As far as we know anyway! Another time, the Holy Spirit stopped Paul and his team from entering a place – twice. Acts 16:6-7 tells us this. How the Spirit stopped them, we don’t know, but soon afterwards, we find out why He did. God spoke to Paul in a vision. A vision whereby a man in Macedonia implored Paul to visit. So, Paul went and preached the Gospel there! But that was probably quite a rare event. So how was Paul primarily guided by God? I would like to suggest that in the main, Paul just used his brain. He set out where he wanted to go, and proceeded to go there. If he got stopped, he went somewhere else, just as we have seen here in this passage and in previous weeks here. We have that intriguing phrase in v22 “compelled by the Spirit” or as the New Living Translation puts it “bound by the Spirit”. What are we to make of that phrase? Is that in direct contrast to Paul using his mind to work things out, as some people today would suggest? By no means, no. Paul knew, as he has said, that he was to be in Jerusalem. He was obligated by his convictions. The Spirit was binding Paul to his inner conviction that Jerusalem was where he was to go. He also had that gift from the Gentile churches to give to the Jerusalem church. That thought also played on his conscience. He had undertaken the task and was honour bound to fulfil it. Therefore, Paul was bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem – bound by the Spirit through conviction and conscience. His overarching conviction was that people must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. It was his aim to preach that message everywhere he went. His conviction fed his aim in v24 “to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Paul was also guided by circumstances (v3). Once he had found out that the Jews had made a plot against him, Paul changed his plan and went back through Macedonia. It would have been easy for a boatload of Jewish opponents going as pilgrims to Jerusalem to get hold of Paul and dump his body overboard into the sea. Or with Eutychus in verse 10. When it occurred, do you think Paul had an internal debate with himself: “Hmmm. Is God guiding me to keep speaking now or is He wanting me to go help that lad?” Of course not! Paul saw the need, used his brain, went to the lad, prayed, held him and the lad was resuscitated. God also would have guided Paul through prayer into His purposes and direction. Perhaps that is why Paul went alone on his journey by land to Assos– to spend time with God alone and seek His face. So, Paul had set his face towards Jerusalem. Another way Paul used his mind in being guided by God, was by relating his future to his past. In this sermon, Paul says “You know” (in relation to his past in verses 18, 20 & 34) and “I know” (in relation to his future, in verses 23, 25 & 29). Paul had learnt the lessons of his past to help him in his future. All he knew that lay ahead, as he preached the Gospel, was that suffering and persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ was to be his. Of course, these are only some of the ways. He certainly also sought and used the counsel of others. How are we guided? 2a. Guidance So what can we learn from this, for us to put into practise in our life? We saw that Paul was guided by a vision, his brain, his convictions, his conscience, his circumstances, the past, prayer and wise counsel. Not a mystical arrow in the sky in sight! Perhaps the most common question we get asked is “How can I know God’s guidance for me – to know his purposes and will for me?” Controlled by the Holy Spirit So firstly, the Christian Disciple is guided by being controlled by the Holy Spirit. We see this clearly in evidence in the life of Paul. Another way to say this is by submitting to the God the Holy Spirit’s leading. Fundamental to being guided by the Spirit for the Christian is to be filled with the Spirit, or another way of saying it, is to be controlled by the Spirit. When the Spirit is quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or grieved (Ephesians 4:30), then the Holy Spirit no longer has control of us. To allow the Holy Spirit control, we need to resubmit ourselves to God. Part of being controlled by the Spirit is to enable Him to convict us of sin (Psalm 139:23-24), regularly confessing our sin (1 John 1:9) and accepting the assurance of being forgiven. Sins such as quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit. We are to go on devoting ourselves to being a living sacrifice for God (Romans 12:1-2) and seeking the Holy Spirit’s divine power and wisdom in order to serve Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 3:16). We show our devotion to God by yielding all things to Him, including our gifts and our plans. In yielding to the Holy Spirit, the body (1 Corinthians 6:20) and mind (Romans 12:1-2) are given to Him sacrificially for the glory of Jesus Christ. Both the body and the mind are yielded, because the body activates what is conceived in the mind (Proverbs 25:19). We are called to a total dedication of placing all thoughts, plans and actions into God’s hands and the seeking of His divine wisdom. We set out where we want to go and let God steer, accelerate or brake. Sometimes all three at once. It’s like driving a car. No point just sitting in the car hoping to get somewhere if you aren’t willing to turn it on and actually drive! So we start out and let God do the steering, accelerating and braking. Just as Paul has done here. Convictions and Conscience We saw tonight how God the Spirit leads through convictions and conscience. How are we doing at standing firm in our convictions and allowing God to refine them? How are we doing at allowing God to refine our conscience – pricking and poking it? Counsel and Circumstances In addition to submitting to the Holy Spirit, other people and circumstances are great helps in regard to guidance. We saw that earlier tonight with Paul. Seeking the advice of others in trying to understand God’s guidance, plays an important role in deciding God’s will in our life. The Ephesian Elders were certainly guided by God through the ministry of Paul. When seeking the advice of others bear in mind that the person should be a reliable, godly and faithful servant of God. How often have we not asked for advice because we don’t want to humble ourselves and actually ask for help and advice? Or am I alone in being like that? In the end, each of us as individuals is responsible for our own actions and for knowing God’s guidance for themselves. Then, again as we saw earlier, we have circumstances, which are a great learning tool. Circumstances surround us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through circumstances, God often discloses his perfect will and guidance. You can see examples of this in the lives of Abraham (Genesis 22); Moses (Exodus 2) and again, Paul (Acts 23). Lessons from the past Are we learning the lessons of our past, both individually as well as those passed down through Church history, to help us in our future – both individually and as a body? That is one reason we should be studying what has gone on before, in order to be ready for what is to come. 3. Service What did Paul do with that guidance? He served – served God and served others! Showed his love of God by loving others and serving both. That is our second word - service. 3a. Paul’s Service - How did he serve We see here, just in this passage, as we do elsewhere, Paul served where ever he was – in public spaces as well as in private spaces, such as homes. We see that Paul served God and showed that, by serving others. Serving others both in private and in public. He served groups of people, such as the leaders of the Ephesian church. As well as individuals, such as Eutychus. Paul overcome opposition while on his acts of service. Opposition as we saw last week in Acts 19. We see in v23 that Paul has been warned what is to come – persecution and suffering for the sake of the Gospel, for the sake of God. What can we learn of Paul’s use of words and of his knowledge in his acts of service to God and others. We see that with words Paul challenged, comforted, encouraged, evangelized, healed, prayed, preached, taught, warned and worshipped – all with words. We also see that he worked manually with his hands, probably as a tentmaker. We see a couple of times where Paul says that he served with tears in his eyes, verses 19 & 31. That is not something we usually associate with him, is it? In all these ways of serving God, Paul showed that service of God, by serving others and being a consistent example to others – is a good witness for God to others. Paul knew, that he knew, that he knew, he was called by God to be a witness to the Gentiles of a loving God of mercy and grace. Let’s see just in this passage how Paul did that. v2 encouraged. v7 worshipped by sharing in the Lord’s Supper and s preached v10 Prayed v19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. v20-21 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. v24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. v25 preached the Kingdom v27 I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know v31 my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. v34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and the needs of those who were with me. v35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need Not only do we see Paul encouraging others to go serve but we see other people serve as well, such as when they engaged in worship and the Lord’s supper. We also saw that God Himself serves by his grace and mercy. We know that the Son, Jesus Christ, was the greatest servant of all. One way, the Ephesian elders were to serve, amongst others. was by protecting their flock. To be on their guard and have their wits about them. They were to be on their guard for when wolves would enter amongst them to try and steal the sheep. Wolves as animals, hunt in packs and are predators. Collectively they use guile, intelligence, cunning and speed, panicking their prey and usually concentrating on the weaker prey. Their prey, as a collective defence, have a great sense of smell, good hearing, agility, speed, or sharp hooves. What Paul means as wolves, are those people being ear-tickling false teachers trying to lure people away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Wolves that knew nothing about the real gospel of Jesus Christ and repentance and are only in it for what they could get out of it. Ergo, the elders are to use their senses, their wisdom and knowledge to sense out these wolves. It wasn’t long after this, that we see that it did occur, just as Paul said it would. 3a. Service Once again, what can we take away with us tonight, so that we can go from here to live lives worthy of Jesus Christ? Just as Paul was gifted, so were the Ephesian elders. Eutychus obviously had the gift of falling asleep! Who has Spiritual Gifts? All of us here tonight have what we call spiritual Gifts. We know from other parts of the Bible, that God, through His infinite wisdom, mercy and grace bestows these gifts that belong to Him, upon His servants, you and I. These gifts are to be used primarily to bring glory to God! (1 Peter 4:11). That was Paul’s motive, as we saw earlier. They are opportunities for you and I to serve other people. Some gifts like teaching, helping or leadership quite possibly are enhancements of natural abilities. Whilst others like faith, healing and miracles are from the Holy Spirit’s empowerment alone. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts The reason that the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to us Christians, so that the body of Christ is built up (Ephesians 4:12), for the common good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12) and “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:12). That was certainly evident in the life of Paul, even in our brief glimpse of him tonight. As all Christian people have gifts, we have a responsibility to discover and develop them (1 Timothy 4:14)! We are also, to help others discover and develop their gifting. Again, just as Paul did earlier. When was the last time that you and I did that? We are to discover, discern, develop and put into effect our spiritual gifts, so that God can be glorified and His church built up! Have you discovered your gifts of service yet? We are to employ our gifts & talents faithfully by asking God to continue their development, strengthening and opportunities to use them! We are to seek gifts that build up others, commands Paul (1 Corinthians 14:1-12). We are to ask God faithfully for gifts that give opportunity for service to God and others! Each of us here is creative in some way! How creative are you in your service of God and of others? Do not neglect or ignore your gifts and talents – the Church needs you. Church local and church universal. If you need help, ask somebody! How are you serving God – in this church and outside of church, in the workplace and at home? Where ever we go, work, rest or play – online or offline, we are called to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ and serving Him. Serving Him in our office, our home and where ever we go. How are we doing at that? 3 quick questions to ask ourselves Q1. Am I willing to do whatever God commands me to do? Q2. Am I willing to be humble enough to ask other people’s advice? Q3. Am I willing to sacrifice my desires so that God’s Will is achieved and His glory acclaimed? How are we doing at looking out for wolves amongst us as warned by Paul? The church we used to belong to in London, would often hae people from the nearby Jehovah Witnesses or the Church of Scientology sneak in to visit the congregation after the services, to see if they could steal people away to join their cult. Usually by inviting their prey to do some form of “bible study.” But as Paul said, not only wolves from outside, also wolves from amongst us. I am sure it has happened here before. Let’s all be on our guard. Not primarily from what is taught up front, though do keep your minds active to hear what is being said. But more what happens after the service, particularly by others, and away from here during the week. Possibly evern from within the home groups. Let’s all be on our guard – for ourselves and for those that we know. Let’s use our own knowledge of Scripture, our common sense and our senses to sense out the wolves. Words Let’s have a look now to our words – our use of words. How are you and I doing in our use of words? Words are our central means of communication and miscommunication. Are the words you and I use, filled with grace, always of truth, healing, uplifting, encouraging and building up others! Words of comfort and of challenge – as appropriate. Serving others with your words. Sure, there are times when words are to be used for rebuking in love, but always used under the control of the Holy Spirit. The words we speak reflect our inner attitudes, our inner thoughts and our inner being. The words you speak and communicate reflect who you are. Just as mind do. If the words we communicate are derogatory, inflaming and cursory then that reflects your inner thoughts and attitudes. Your words and all your communication have the power to bring life, healing and encouragement but also on the contrary, have the power to bring corruption, degradation and death. Are we sometimes embarking on gossip, under the pretence of “sharing”? “You know, ooo listen, did you hear about such and such? “No! Really? WOW!” Let God Himself help us to use our words for the supreme glory of Jesus Christ! That is one of the ways in which you and I will truly be seen to be one of His disciples! Our words have power – we are to use them wisely. As for silence. Sometimes silence is golden. Proverbs 17:28 says “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” But at other times it too is misused. We stay silent when we should say something particularly encouraging and building up. We all at times ignore people in need of care, but use our silence against them. Am I alone in doing this? Conclusion As we go now, into the new week, let’s go with the confidence that God is guiding us when we ask him too, that we are to serve him where ever we go – work, home and play. As C.S. Lewis once said, “It is not your business to succeed, but to do right. When you have done so the rest lies with God.” Too many Christians are afraid to do something different, in case it fails or because they think it somehow goes against God. If it is against God, He will soon let you know! We are to use words to glorify God – words that comfort, challenge gently, heal and to communicate the Gospel to other people, those outside God’s Church. Our confidence, like Pauls, is to be in God and His words of grace. The words we use can heal people – heal their hurts. Our words of encouragement, can be a boost to others and ourselves, and glorifying to God. I know what it is like to be hurt by the words of others – people telling lies about me and gossiping – from the realms of fantasy. Even recently. But I also know beyond doubt that words can be a healing balm. Also recently. Daily I have to repent to God, of my misuse and abuse of words. I have to ask forgiveness of somebody I hurt with my words or my silence. Lastly, our knowledge. Let’s go on growing in knowledge – particularly knowledge of God, so we can pass that knowledge on. Bernard of Clairveaux in the 12th century once said: “There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity. There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity. There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.” I am convinced that is why Paul sought knowledge and to distribute what he knew – to serve God and others with love. Who will you share your knowledge of Jesus Christ with this week? How will you use your knowledge this week to be a help or encouragement of somebody else? Who will you protect from the wolves this week with your sensitivity, your sense and your knowledge of God? Let’s go from here knowing we are being guided by God and to serve His purposes and will. With v24 in mind, determined, where ever we go – work, home or play “to go on to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” We are not all called explicitly to be evangelists but we are called to do the work of an evangelist. We are not all called to be pastors and elders, that is shepherds of God’s people, but each of us can take care of others in our own inimitable way. May God continue to guide us as we serve him in word and deed. May God be glorified in each of our lives every day as effective witnesses for Him, in this town, our workplaces, this country and this world.    Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file   You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

Part 1 of 8: Galatians 1:1-10 Verse 1: He begins with an immediate defense of his apostolic authority … sent NOT from men nor by man, but by Jesus … … who raised him … and all the brothers with me. Paul is not suggesting that we become independent and unaccountable to anyone … that he was not. He is simply stating the origin of his apostolic calling. Afterwards, Paul functioned in teams … “and all the brothers (and sisters) with me.” To the churches in Galatia: v. 3 - Grace to you and Peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet (Gentile) and Jewish – grace & shalom foreshadowing … Jesus gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us … In Jesus, the Kingdom of God has broken into this present age, evil because it’s still under the reign of sin and death. Those who receive the Gospel are transferred into another realm, the Kingdom of God – Where Christ is King and shares his righteous, peace and joy – in the Holy Spirit. v. 5 - Paul’s AMEN is both his own expression of praise AND a plea to say the AMEN with him, a reaffirmation of the Gospel that’s being contended by false teachers infiltrating the churches of Galatia. Saying AMEN in sincere faith affirms the power of transformation in the Gospel, the power of God for those who believe (Romans 1). Now he comes out swinging! Verse 6 v. 6 Deserting the Gospel is not only walking away from a point of view, a set of beliefs, a creed, an opinion among many religious options … Deserting the Gospel is the same as deserting God. In our age of relativity and pluralism, where one’s faith is viewed as a mere personal opinion, with no absolute or exclusive claims, this verse sounds very narrow and judgmental … This present evil age seeks to pull us away … where sin and death still have sway on many … such talk it too much to handle. Gospel – a subversive event … in the Roman world and in ours. The Gospel is about who the ruler of the world, of this age and the age to come, actually is. When we say that Jesus is Lord, we are saying that he is the one in charge … Gospel was a secular term co-opted by the Church to describe the victory of Jesus over the powers of sin and death. Paul was an envoy, an apostle sent out into the Gentile world proclaiming this subversive message. To alter this message, but adding to it, Jesus PLUS … was to risk cutting oneself off from the God of the Gospel. They are united in the Holy Spirit … God’s Word is breathed out by God’s Spirit. Receiving the Gospel of Christ as it was delivered to the Church is how we are rescued from this present evil age into union with God, forgiven, restored and in process of transformation. Paul’s children in the Lord are on the edge of rejecting the pure message and are being upset by false teachers who say that Jesus isn’t enough. Why? People pleasing … the fear of man … fear of being shamed, ostracized, ridiculed … the false teachers are trying to please the sect in Jerusalem that wants the Gentiles to come under certain demands of the Torah … circumcision, jewism calendar & food laws … we’re going to see this play out in the coming weeks. Baptism is being supplanted by physical circumcision … How do we view this present age … friends or in tension (in it not of it?) - continual AMEN to the pure Gospel … not cultural Christianity - being confident and secure in the Gospel without fear or shame