Podcasts about jesus christ his son

Welcome to the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.Our study now moves into Revelation chapter 10. Dr. John G. Mitchell will be speaking on verses 1 thru 10.Dr. Mitchell walks us through these verses describing the extent of the destruction of the future known world of the people on earth, the earth dwellers."The secret things belong to the Lord, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons that we may do them." Deuteronomy 29:29.Here John heard the revealed 7 thunders say something, but God told him not to write what they said, they were to hidden. So no one but God, the 7 thunders and John know what was spoken. Our Bible is the Divinely revealed and inspired Word of God and we can know what God has revealed about Himself, about Jesus Christ His Son and His finished work of salvation. He also made know us what we should believe and how we should live in His Word.Also, in these verses the Apostle John is given a small scroll by an angel and told to eat it. e.g. he is to thoroughly digest what it says and to proclaim it even though it is hard to bear.Let's open our Bible to Revelation 10:1 with our teacher, Dr. Mitchell.

Bible Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15; 1 John 1:7-9Cole followed his grandpa across his new backyard. "I want to see inside!"Grandpa stopped at the door of a big shed. "Ready?"Cole nodded. Grandpa pulled the door open, and Cole jumped back. The smell coming from inside was terrible. He moved to a place where he could take deep breaths of fresh air and looked over to see Grandpa laughing at him."We're going to need to take care of that." Grandpa held up a handkerchief. "Until then, I have this.""You knew it was going to smell like that and you're still going in there to clean it?" Cole couldn't believe it."Your grandma needs a place to work on her pottery." Grandpa shrugged. "I love her, so I'm going to clean that place out and get it ready for her.""Speaking of Grandma…" Cole backed toward the house.Grandpa laughed again. "You go inside and spend time with her. I don't expect you to work with me."Cole didn't go back to the shed until weeks later when Grandpa convinced him he had to see inside."I don't want to smell it." Cole dragged his feet as they made their way across the yard."It doesn't smell anymore." Grandpa pulled the shed door open.Cole's eyes widened. Gone was all of the mess that had been in the place before. And the smell coming from the shed was one of fresh paint and stain. He saw shiny wood floors and perfect white walls. "It's amazing."Grandpa grinned. "It's really different, isn't it?"Cole dropped to his knees on the clean floor. "This reminds me of something.""Yeah?" Grandpa asked."You know how Jesus loves us even though we're sinners?" Cole asked. "He's willing to step into the dirty, the gross, and make things better. He loves us enough to deal with the smelly stuff, just like you loved Grandma enough to do that. And now…now the shed has been made clean! Some people might have said it'd be best to just burn it down or something, but you made it new."Grandpa squeezed Cole's shoulder. "I like that."–Emily Acker How About You?Do smelly things bother you? How much love would it take for you to step into a smelly, messy place to make it better for someone you love? Because of His great love for us, Jesus came into our messy world and died for our sins. When we trust in Him, He cleans us and makes us new. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.) No matter how many times we mess up, He will always forgive us.Today's Key Verse:But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NKJV) (1 John 1:7)Today's Key Thought:Jesus cleans you because of His love

What is the basis of your salvation?Many rely on religion, good works, or trying their best—but none of those can justify a sinner before a holy God. In this powerful episode of Words From The Word, Pastor Roderick Webster shows us that only the blood of Jesus can justify and cleanse from sin.

The only relief you can find…    “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”  -  1 John 1:7 (NKJV) 

Who is Jesus? Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" This question still rings out two thousand years later. Who do you say He is?Part 52.23.25

Today I want us to think about our greatest need. Whatwould you think is the greatest need that a human being has today? First, I remindyou that originally, we were not created with this need. When God created Adamand Eve, He created them in innocence! They were created without sin. They werein perfect harmony in their relationship with God and they enjoyed pure and unbrokenworship, fellowship and communion in His presence.  But then something happened that broke that relationshipand fellowship! Romans 5:12-19 tells us that when the first man, Adam, disobeyedGod by eating the forbidden fruit, sin entered the human race along with thepronounced judgement of death. “Therefore, just as through one man sinentered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men,because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). The word death means “separation”. Thissin separated Adam and Eve from God and from their worship and fellowship withHim. They immediately tried to cover their sin, and hid from God, and He had tolook for them (Genesis 3:6-13).  Because we are all of Adam's seed, we are born sinners,separated from God. We are born “children of wrath”, dead in our trespasses andsins. Paul describes this way in Ephesians 2:1-5: “And you He made alive,who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to thecourse of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, thespirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all onceconducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh,..." I never had to teach my children to be mean, to be selfish,or to do wrong. Nor did anyone need to teach me or anyone else to follow thepath of evil in our lives. We are born with the nature of sin that puts us onthis path from our birth! Yes, sin separates us from God! And our only hope is,in someway, to find mercy from God, and His forgiveness for our sin in order toenter back into a relationship with Him.  Thank God, from eternity past, God already had a plan ofredemption that would pay the price for our sin and set us free from the guiltand bondage of it. Again, Romans chapters 1 through 5, go into detail about oursin and how only the blood and death of God's perfect Son, Jesus Christ, wasthe only sacrificial and substitutionary death that could remove this sin fromus and bring us back into a relationship before God as if we had never sinned. Romans5:1-2 assures us of this: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Yes, our greatest need is forgiveness for our sin that we canonly experience by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work onthe cross (Ephesians 2:1-9). This reconciles us to God bringing His peace into ourhearts and lives and restores us to a relationship with Him. I'm convinced thatthe greatest human emotional experience that I can have, is to know that I amforgiven for all my sin, no longer under its condemnation and guilt and penalty.(Read Luke 18:10-14). But just as I need forgiveness from God for my salvation, Ineed daily forgiveness for my fellowship with the Lord. And, that is what Jesusis teaching us to pray for here in Luke 11:4. When we begin to pray and enter “OurFather's” presence, and experience His holiness, we become acutely aware of ourdaily failures and sins. That is what John is talking about in 1 John 1:7-9: “Butif we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with oneanother, and the blood of Jesus “Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If wesay that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Ifwe confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and tocleanse us from all unrighteousness.” My friend, that is why forgiveness is still our great needevery day! So we can enjoy continuous worship and fellowship with our Lord. Areyou experiencing His forgiveness today? God bless!

Who is Jesus? Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" This question still rings out two thousand years later. Who do you say He is?Part 42.9.25

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-10; Hebrews 9:22Barrett threw his bag on top of the others in the trunk, then slammed the back door shut. "Ew, gross!" he said, looking at the dirt that covered his hands. "Hey, Dad, I think it's time to wash the car!"Dad nodded. "It's pretty dirty. I didn't notice how bad it had gotten--until now, that is." He pointed at Barrett's little sister, Aurora, who was drawing smiley faces on the car's windows with her finger. "Well, at least our dirty car will bring a smile to other people on the road today." He grinned at Barrett. "Then you and Aurora can wash it when we get back." When they got to the campsite, they set up their tent and had lunch. Barrett was looking forward to hiking some of the trails nearby when the sky suddenly grew dark and rain started pouring down. They all scrambled into the tent and zipped up the door. Barrett sighed as he listened to the rain beat against the canvas sides of their tent. "Why did it have to rain today? We're not going to be able to do any of the stuff we had planned!""Well, we'll just have to make the best of it," said Dad. A while later the rain stopped, and they ventured out of their tent. "My smiley faces are gone!" said Aurora, pointing to the car. "So they are," said Dad. "I haven't seen the car that clean in a long time!" He winked at Barrett. "See, that's one good thing about the rain, right? Now you and Aurora won't have to wash it when you get home."Barrett smiled. "I guess that makes up for being stuck in the tent for an hour."Dad nodded. "It reminds me of a song I sang in church when I was little about Jesus's blood washing away sin. We lived on a dirt road when I was a kid, so our car was always dirty. But whenever it rained, all the dirt got washed away, and I'd think of that song and Jesus washing all my sins away when He died on the cross." That night, when Barrett heard more rain pattering against the tent, he remembered that every one of his sins was washed away by Jesus. –Carol Albrecht How About You?Have your sins been washed away? Do you realize what a wonderful thing it is that God is willing to forgive you for all the bad things you've done? Jesus willingly took the punishment for your sin and shed His blood on the cross so you could have your sin washed away. Trust in Him, and He will forgive you and make you clean. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)Today's Key Verse:The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NKJV) (1 John 1:7)Today's Key Thought:Jesus washes away sin

Philippians 2:1-13

In 1st Peter 1:17, Dr. Mitchell speaks of God the Father as judge. God is equitable in all His dealings within His family. If necessary, He will discipline the one who is in need of spiritual training in righteousness, that he may share in the holiness of the Lord, without which no one will see the Lord. In verses 18-19, Dr. Mitchell states,"Because of the cost of our redemption we ought to live godly as obedient children of God." Redemption has to do with sin. Christ purchased us out of sin for Himself at the price of His own blood on the cross. 1st Jn.1:7 says, "if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son, keeps on cleansing us from all sin." Here is Dr. Mitchell, 1Pet.1:17

This week we focus on the first couple of chapters of 1 John, particularly this passage in the Amplified Classic Edition (AMPC):1 John 1:5 And this is the message [the message of [a]promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [[b]no, not in any way]. 6 [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. 7 But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts]. 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. 10 If we say (claim) we have not sinned, we contradict His Word and make Him out to be false and a liar, and His Word is not in us [the divine message of the Gospel is not in our hearts].This program covers the following Scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): Ephesians 1:17-20; John 17:3; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:1-4.Support the show

1 Peter 2:4-6 — What is the cause of all the suffering and evil seen in this world? In this sermon on 1 Peter 2:4–6 titled “The Living Stone,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones show how the sin and rebellion of humanity is to blame. This is seen in the first chapter of Genesis as well as the whole narrative of Scripture. God has sent Jesus Christ His Son to redeem fallen sinful people. He is the cornerstone and foundation of faith and ever lives to make intercession for His people. He did this by joining humanity and deity in the person of Jesus Christ, living a sinless life, dying a sinner's death on the cross, and was resurrected to life. This is why He is the great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for His people before the almighty Father in Heaven. Christ, as suffering servant and risen messianic king, stands at the center of the Christian faith, not anyone's works or the deeds of the church. The rise of Christless-Christianity is a testament to the danger of separating the church from the founder and perfecter of the faith. The whole of Christianity is found in the completed work of Christ Jesus who, as the true and better Adam, has redeemed His people from all sin and made them children of God.

1 Peter 2:4-6 — What is the cause of all the suffering and evil seen in this world? In this sermon on 1 Peter 2:4–6 titled “The Living Stone,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones show how the sin and rebellion of humanity is to blame. This is seen in the first chapter of Genesis as well as the whole narrative of Scripture. God has sent Jesus Christ His Son to redeem fallen sinful people. He is the cornerstone and foundation of faith and ever lives to make intercession for His people. He did this by joining humanity and deity in the person of Jesus Christ, living a sinless life, dying a sinner's death on the cross, and was resurrected to life. This is why He is the great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for His people before the almighty Father in Heaven. Christ, as suffering servant and risen messianic king, stands at the center of the Christian faith, not anyone's works or the deeds of the church. The rise of Christless-Christianity is a testament to the danger of separating the church from the founder and perfecter of the faith. The whole of Christianity is found in the completed work of Christ Jesus who, as the true and better Adam, has redeemed His people from all sin and made them children of God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

Jeremy Lallier discusses 1 John 1:3, 7-8—“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. …But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”Download “Five Tools for Spiritual Growth”: https://info.lifehopeandtruth.com/five-tools-for-spiritual-growth/This episode is a companion to the following Daily Bible Verse post: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/ultimate-fellowship/Verse by Verse releases every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Be sure to subscribe in your player of choice to hear each new episode as soon as it's released!

September 08 2024 Sunday Week 19 / Your Place In Him / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… The Biggest Desire In The World Today Is The Desire For Freedom “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:11-12 KJV “So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.” Hebrews 9:11-12 NLT “But [that appointed time came] when Christ (the Messiah) appeared as a High Priest of the better things that have come and are to come. [Then] through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with [human] hands, that is, not a part of this material creation, He went once for all into the [Holy of] Holies [of heaven], not by virtue of the blood of goats and calves [by which to make reconciliation between God and man], but His own blood, having found and secured a complete redemption (an everlasting release for us).” Hebrews 9:11-12 AMPC “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:14-15 KJV “Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.” Hebrews 9:14-15 NLT “How much more surely shall the blood of Christ, Who by virtue of [His] eternal Spirit [His own preexistent divine personality] has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify our consciences from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the [ever] living God? [Christ, the Messiah] is therefore the Negotiator and Mediator of an [entirely] new agreement (testament, covenant), so that those who are called and offered it may receive the fulfillment of the promised everlasting inheritance–since a death has taken place which rescues and delivers and redeems them from the transgressions committed under the [old] first agreement.” Hebrews 9:14-15 AMPC “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;” Hebrews 10:19-20 KJV “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.” Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT “Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh,” Hebrews 10:19-20 AMPC “but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 KJV “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 NLT “But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].” 1 John 1:7 AMPC “by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 KJV “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.” Romans 5:2 NLT “Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7 “Cleanseth,” says the text — not “shall cleanse.” There are multitudes who think that as a dying hope they may look forward to pardon. Oh! how infinitely better to have cleansing now than to depend on the bare possibility […]

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1John 1:7 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25 Preceding message: The Spirit Of The Word Gives Life https://youtu.be/-ULhrTN-vS4 Message referred to: New Wine Renewal | https://youtu.be/_R3Hucj2HoU DominionSonship.com

Helmet of Salvation // Throat Chakra https://yogafaith.org/yogafaith-university/ The Helmet of Salvation is worn on the head as a means to protect the entire face, mouth, eyes, ears, the entire head and the mind, which is vital for the protection of our thoughts, casting down strongholds and arguments contrary to the Lord (2 Cor. 10:3-5), as well as keeping our eargate/eyegate/mouthgate safe from the enemy's attacks. The Helmet of Salvation, as we previously read, protects our thoughts and the words that come from our mouth based on our thoughts and beliefs. This helmet keeps the mind renewed and set on God, as well as our mouth from speaking anything unwholesome. Our mouth is to be used for the building and edifying of Christ and one another. The mouthpiece is for clear communication and expression of our faith and identity in Christ. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Proverbs 18:21, AMP The Throat Chakra is located in the center of the neck. It is related to communication and self-expression while corresponding to the thyroid, trachea, throat, mouth as well as the inner man and one's creative identity. The Helmet of Salvation can also be related to the Crown Chakra and our intimate connection and relationship with each part of the Trinity. You want to protect your relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, as well as His Holy Spirit. How can we hear from God if we do not take time to open our ears and listen? How will we know what to speak and share with others if we are not asking Him to put words in our mouth, show us the way, or speak into our hearts and minds? Along with the other pieces of the armor, we stand in our faith protected from fiery darts, able to safeguard and communicate our faith with others in a clear and objective manner. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. Isaiah 55:3 Communication and spiritual protection are the common themes that run throughout the Throat Chakra and the Helmet of Salvation. Just as the Throat Chakra governs self-expression and clear communication, the Helmet of Salvation represents the safeguarding of one's thoughts and beliefs. Both serve to protect and empower one's spiritual journey and promote a sense of divine guidance and purpose. Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? Mark 8:18 Some will never be able to perceive what the Lord is saying and doing; they physically and spiritually cannot hear. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Psalm 135:16–17 The enemy attacks your throat like no other location. If someone told you as a child to only speak if you're spoken to, or you've learned that you have nothing important to say, perhaps you clam up in front of others, God needs you to start speaking up. I realize that what I'm asking you to do can be extremely uncomfortable, but I would never ask you something that I haven't done or that I don't know intimately—your voice box can build the Kingdom and point to Christ; this is why it gets so attacked. You can also create healing songs, tonal sounds, and vibrations internally or bless a room full of people. It's time for you to sing a new song, even if you consider it to be only a “joyful noise.” God needs you to start speaking up. 2024 Copyright, Michelle Thielen, All Rights Reserved

For some reason today I could not help but remember Psalm 136 as I was looking at Joshua 8. Every verse in Psalm 136 ends with, “His mercy endures forever”, or as in some translations, “His steadfast love endures forever”. I am so thankful that after all our failures, like the defeat at Ai (Joshua 7), the Lord because of His love, His mercy, and His forgiveness, He gives us the opportunity of a new beginning (Joshua 8; 1 John 1:7-9). To find peace with God, to renew fellowship with God, to get back on our feet and face whatever challenges or battles that still lie ahead of us. God gives us a new beginning, a new guidance and wisdom, and new victories as we continue our journey, our pilgrimage through this world of sin.   Now, in verses 30-35, of Joshua 8, we find that the people of Israel make a new commitment as they build this altar. At some time following the victory at Ai, Joshua led the people thirty miles north to Shechem, which lies in the valley between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim. Here the nation obeyed what Moses had commanded them to do in his farewell speech. “Therefore it shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that on Mount Ebal you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, and you shall whitewash them with lime. And there you shall build an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones; you shall not use an iron tool on them. You shall build with whole stones the altar of the LORD your God, and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God. You shall offer peace offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice before the LORD your God. And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 27:4-8)   “Now Joshua built an altar” (v. 30). “Now”, not shortly, not later, not tomorrow, but “now” is always the time to make sure of our relationship and fellowship with the Lord! Joshua interrupted the military activities to give Israel the opportunity to make a new commitment to the authority of Jehovah as expressed in His law. Since Abraham had built an altar at Shechem (Gen. 12:6-7), and Jacob had lived there a short time (chap. 33-34), the area had strong historic ties to Israel. Joshua's altar was built on Mt. Ebal, "the mount of cursing," because only a sacrifice of blood can save sinners from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:10-14).   In building the altar, Joshua was careful to obey Exodus 20:25 and not apply any tool to the stones picked up in the field. No human work was to be associated with the sacrifice lest sinners think their own works can save them (Eph. 2:8-9). God asked for a simple stone altar, not one that was designed and decorated by human hands, "that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:29). It's not the beauty of manmade religion that gives the sinner forgiveness, but the blood on the altar (Lev. 17:11).   In verse 31, the priests offered burnt offerings to the Lord as a token of the nation's total commitment to Him (Leviticus1). The peace offerings, or "fellowship offerings," were an expression of gratitude to God for His goodness (Leviticus 3; 7:11-34). A portion of the meat was given to the priests and another portion to the offeror, so that he could eat it joyfully with his family in the presence of the Lord (Leviticus 7:15-16, 30-34; Deut. 12:17-18). By these sacrifices, the nation of Israel was assuring God of their commitment to Him and their fellowship with Him.   Today, we can renew fellowship with the Lord at His altar of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary! There we can confess our sins and be assured that, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).   God Bless!

This year, we're on a series of teachings based on the book of Hebrews and centered on the preeminence of Jesus Christ, “Jesus Is Better.” In today's sermon, pastor Abie Kulynych warns us that there is a dander of drifting away and teaches us to moderate our desires so we can learn to be content with God and Jesus Christ His Son.

When in darkness, we cannot see. If we want to be able to see in darkness, it's simple; we need light. We can refer back to 1 John 1:5-7 – "This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." – Jesus opens our eyes to see the truth. To see and believe that we are saved from our sins. Christ opened a man's eyes so that he can see, let us pray that He likewise, opens our eyes to the truth.

The Wonder of God by Josh Madzy.  Spring Rally 2024 - April 12, 2024.  Big Idea: God has revealed Himself, His wonder, and His character, through His creation, our conscience, and Jesus Christ His Son and our Savior.  EDGE Student Ministries. 

Communication between people – I mean real, meaningful communication is becoming harder to come by. Technology lets us be more connected – but somehow we communicate less. With people, and with God…   THE COMMUNICATION GAP Now this week on the programme we are starting a new series that I've called, “The Power of Prayer” – the power of having a conversation with God – a relationship, an intimate, delightful relationship. But you know, the more technology we seem get in our hands, the more connected we become. Way back when, the postal service was a major innovation, then came telephones and cars and then faxes and mobile phones and emails and these days my daughter communicates with her friends through websites like myspace.com. And the other thing you notice is, the more of this stuff we have available in our lives, the busier we become, the more options we have. So we cram pack our lives full of doing and stuff and stuff and stuff. And the incredible paradox of all this is that the more communication devices we have at our fingertips, the less we communicate. You know the sort of communication that happened when we went camping as kids or sat around a fire and just talked. Somehow we are so busy these days that that sort of comfortable, relationship building, affirming communication seems to have gone out the window, whether it's with other people or with God. This paradox is real; it's alive; it affects almost everybody. Somehow, technology and work and all the entertainment options that people have these days, instead of opening us up to other people, closes down. You see teenagers who are wired to their ipods. On the news last night, they were saying here in Australia that one in three adults has an MP3 player. And I proudly thought, 'well, that's not me' and then I realised that my mobile phone is also an MP3 player. It's all so seductive – cable television, internet movies, restaurants, on and on and on and ok, we can't all afford all of those things all the time, but we all go chasing after some of that stuff and we want more and more and people are working longer and longer. And you know, those leisurely lunches with families and friends on the weekends are replaced with rushing around shopping centers, and buying stuff and trying to get this organised and that organised. I'm as much a victim of this as anyone else. One of the things that I've had to do is to deliberately carve out time with people. To deliberately say, 'no, those emails can go unanswered today because I need to spend some time with my wife.' I have this very good friend, his name is James. Once or twice a week, James and I will catch up for coffee, just to have someone to talk to and some friendship. We need to decide in all this busy-ness, to stop the merry-go-round, get off and smell the roses. And these days it's a deliberate decision – these days we almost have to go against the flow to get that sort of communication happening. It's true in my relationship with people and it's true in my relationship with God. Lots of people know how wonderful it is to pray – regular communication with God – stopping and pausing with Him, just resting there with Him every day. But many of those people are just too busy to do it. You get up, have breakfast, you commute to work, you're flat-out all day, you come home tired. How do you fit in great family communication, let alone spending some real, wonderful time with God in prayer? Well, that's a good question. I spoke on this subject a couple of years back at a conference of Christian leaders in the field of media and communications. And I made the point that the most important thing each one of us has to do in our lives, is have a relationship with God. A young lawyer came to Jesus and said to Him, “Jesus, what's the most important thing to do in life?” and He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength. This is the greatest commandment and the second one is just like it – love your neighbour as yourself.” So on my ‘to do' list and on your ‘to do' list, the most important thing – THE most important thing – is to spend some time with Jesus every day and we call that ‘prayer'. And you know, one by one, at this conference, afterwards, these leaders came up to me quietly on the side, and said you know something, “I have such a problem with this. I'm so busy I don't know what to do.” And it's a really common problem – it's not just me; it's not just you; a lot of people have this problem. How do I find time to pray? Most people know that a regular prayer time, most days, is one of the best things they can do. When I spend that time quietly each morning with God, the peace and the joy and the rest getting ready for the day, I seem to handle things so much better – it works! But we are so busy doing the urgent things; we don't have time for the important things. Priorities – we set our priorities; we allocate our time; we decide and if we don't do this, what happens is a communication gap. It happens in a family; it happens in a marriage; it happens in work; it happens in any relationship you care to mention. If we don't spend good time together, we drift apart and the communication gap gets wider and wider and wider. You know what I've noticed? My fellowship with God gets deeper and richer when I regularly, every day, have this prayer life with Him. If I let it go a day here, a day there, then it becomes two or three days, then it becomes a week, then I sit down and try and pray and it's like the conversation is bouncing off the ceiling. It's the nature of relationships really, isn't it? We have a decision to make – do I want a rich relationship with God – I mean do I really want that – is that the most important thing on my heart? And if the answer is ‘yes', then it has to translate into the priorities in our ‘to do' list. We have to carve out that time and keep it whether it is quietly in the morning or on the bus or the train or in the car or in the evening, whenever it works for you and whenever it works for me. There is power in prayer, real power and rest and delight and wonder but it just ain't going to happen if we don't set that time aside each day.   SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND Prayer is such a funny thing. I mean it is based on this notion that we can talk to someone we really can't see or hear, at least, not in the same way we see and hear the people around us. Sometimes people pray out loud, other times in their heads, so He can read thoughts too? And after all who are we praying to – this God, this Jesus – who is that? It's kind of like we go looking for someone – God – but do we ever find Him? And who is He anyway and do we want to find Him? Where do we go looking for Him in the first place? I mean they are all good questions. If you are going to be talking with someone you can't see, then surely, first you have to seek Him and find Him don't you? I don't know where you are on your spiritual journey or whether you've ever pondered those questions. Maybe you've just assumed them, maybe you've never worried about them. Prayer is a wonderful thing but it's a step of faith. It's talking with someone that we just can't see. Now, either He's there at the other end and all that makes sense, or He isn't and we're kidding ourselves and then it's a loopy thing to do. This week on the programme and over the next three weeks, we're talking about the power of prayer because I believe that prayer is a powerful thing. It is a wonderful thing to do. But before we can go there we have to go back to square one to seek out this God that we are praying to in a time of need. I did – life's going along ok and all of a sudden – bang! And you think, “help and who do I turn to?” – I'll pray! It happens over and over again. Sometimes it seems the only way God can get our attention is in those times of need. And it happened to the nation of Israel. They were exiled in slavery in Babylon for seventy years and Jeremiah, the prophet – you can read about it in Jeremiah chapter 29. If you have a Bible, grab it – we are going to Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11. They were going through some really tough times in exile – wondering where God was and how come Jerusalem had been destroyed and here we are in slavery and whatever happened to all of God's promises? And God speaks to them through Jeremiah and He says this: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Now this is really interesting because here God links the two things I have just been talking about – seeking God out and praying. Have a look at it again, verse 12: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you.” Verse 13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you declares the Lord.” It kind of makes sense – before we can really have any deep relationship or communication with someone, you seek them out. I mean, today, my wife Jacqui and I have a really close relationship and I communicate with her in a way that I don't communicate with anyone else. It's deep and intimate, but when we first met she was just a face in the crowd and our courtship was really when I went seeking her out. And that's exactly what I did – in a sense I had to go after her and she had to come after me. And we had to seek each other out before we could have the relationship we have today. And my hunch is it's exactly the same with God. One of my favourite books of all time – “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer – this is what he writes on the subject of seeking out God – he says: “Where the modern scientist has lost God amid the wonder of His world, we are in danger of losing God amidst the wonders of His Word.” You know, we've almost forgotten that God is a person and that, as such, a personal relationship can be cultivated with Him. In this hour of all but universal darkness, one cheering gleam appears. Within the fold of Christianity, there are to be found increasing numbers of people whose lives are marked by a growing hunger after God Himself. They won't be put off with words or shallow logic; they won't be content to busy themselves with nervous activity, and yet still they know this inner emptiness. These people are athirst for God and they won't be satisfied until they have drunk deep at the fountain of living water. They desire God above all – they are athirst to taste for themselves, the piercing sweetness of the love of Christ, about whom the prophets wrote and the Psalmists sang. They want to taste, to touch with their hearts, see with their inner eyes, the wonder that is God. And I want to deliberately encourage this might longing after God. Jesus waits to be wanted – too bad, that with many of us, He waits so long, so very long in vain. And that's exactly what God said through Jeremiah: “When you seek me with all your heart, then and only then will you find me.” “Oh Berni, I've tried praying on and off, but you know, it's empty and hollow and, I don't know, it doesn't work!” Ok, let me ask you a question – have you sought after God Himself, with all your heart – have you gone after Him? Do you want a relationship with Him more than anything else on this earth – with all your heart? God says: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Then I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.” My hunch is that this is the starting point of a powerful, and rich and rewarding prayer life with God.   COMING JUST AS WE ARE Whenever I speak with people about praying, you know, one of the most common reactions is ‘well, I'm not good enough; I'm just not good enough. I mean, that person over there, well, she probably would be and that one over yonder, well, yea, I think he would be, but not me. You see, you don't know me – I mean, the things I've said and done and thought … “no, I just can't bowl up to God and start praying.” If that's your reaction, in one sense you'd be right, but in another, completely and utterly wrong. Because on the one hand God is a perfect and holy God and we fall well and truly short of that but on the other hand, He knows that and that's why He sent Jesus Christ His Son to die for us, to pay for all our falling short, so that we can have free access. Jesus, it turns out, is the key. God is having a party and it is come as you are. I'll share a story with you – a few years ago I went to Government house in Australia where the Governor General, the Queen's representative, the head of state, lives. His name at the time was Sir William Dean. And Government House is a beautiful old building, in a place called Yarralumla, just outside the national capital, Canberra. I'd asked him to do a short radio interview and his secretary rang and said, “yes” and so I drove there. Now when you drive up to Government house, there are two gates – there's kind of, you know the staff entrance or the servants' entrance and then on the right hand side there's this big gate with this sweeping drive and that's where Prime Ministers and Kings and Queens and Presidents drive up to see the Governor General. And I arrived and I went to what I thought the staff entrance and they said, “Oh no, sir, please go to the other entrance, the main entrance and we'll let you through.” And you drive up this huge, sweeping drive and you pull up where Queens and Presidents have pulled up and James, the butler for thirty eight years, opens the door and ushers me in. And as I'm driving up this driveway I look on the bonnet of my car, dark, beautiful car it was back then in those days, and there's this big bird plop on the bonnet and I'm thinking, 'oh my goodness, you know, if I'd known I was driving up this driveway I would have washed the car. I was so self-conscience and yet, when I met the man, when I met Sir William Dean, the Governor General, he was the most humble and delightful human being you would ever hope to meet. He almost made me feel as though he was the one who was honoured by me being there. He is a small man physically, but huge in stature. He didn't give a toss about whether I had washed my car – I don't think he even noticed. And he even invited me and my wife and my daughter back the next day to have a wander around the grounds. I mean it's a great picture – I never forget it – it's so ‘not' what I expected and over the years I've discovered it's exactly the same with God. He looks straight past the spots and blemishes and stains, to our hearts. He just takes us the way we are – He can because of Jesus – because of the price Jesus paid on the cross, if we believe in Him, you and I are wiped clean. If we just believe – just put our faith in Jesus and what He did for us on that cross – we have open access to God. Have a listen to this huge, eloquent, well-structured, articulate prayer, prayed by the first person who ever went to heaven because he believed in Jesus Christ. He's one of the two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus. Now one of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Jesus.” We're reading from Luke chapter 23, beginning at verse 39. “One of the criminals, who hung there, hurled insults at Jesus, “Aren't you the Christ? Go on, save yourself and us,” but the other criminal rebuked the first one. “Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? Here we are hanging on a cross – we're being punished justly; we're getting what we deserve, but Jesus, Jesus hasn't done anything wrong?” And then this second criminal said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” and Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, before today is out you will be with me in Paradise. This criminal is about to die – he has nothing to give Jesus – he couldn't do anything for Jesus – you and me, we wouldn't have given him a prayer, but that's all he had and that's all it took. From one cross to the next, out of his pain, hanging on the cross, about to die, all he says is, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Just a few short words – but you know what they were? They were words of faith; they were a prayer of faith. And Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, before today is out, you will be with me in Paradise.” When are we finally going to wake up that that's what prayer is – just a simple step of faith – right from where we are; right from who we are? God is having a party and it's ‘come as you are' and the key is Jesus. Just a simple faith and all my ‘yuk' is paid for on that cross. I can come to God – you can come to God through that faith in Jesus in our time of need. And that's exactly what God says through the Book of Hebrews – have a look at Hebrews chapter 4, verse 14 and it says something like this: Jesus isn't just some God in heaven; He's walked in our shoes; He's been through every trial and temptation that we have to deal with, so He gets it; He understands exactly what we are going through and because of that, we can come boldly before the throne of grace, with a quiet confidence, that we'll find grace and mercy, just in time to meet our very need. He gets it! That phrase: “come boldly before the throne of grace” speaks of a confidence, not in ourselves but in what Jesus has done for you and me. And that's why we can come as we are – that's why we can say, “I'm going to seek out God through Jesus and I'm going to find Him and I'm going to spend time and I'm going to pray.” That's why we don't have to be afraid to sit down and pray, “Lord, I blew it today.” I want to share with you a phone message, from a listener, that I received just the other day and it says it all. This is what he said; his exact words on the phone: “I'm only a new Christian and I've been with the Lord probably about ten weeks and I've been going great guns and then I had a night when I went out drinking and I told my friend, whose not a Christian, I wasn't sure if I could be a Christian any more. I felt real terrible about it and I thought I had really blown the whole thing with God. It's only when you came on the radio tonight that I realised that that's why Jesus died for me. I want to say, “God bless you guys and thank you for His grace. God bless you, man, it was really awesome tonight.” And it is really awesome when we finally realise that we have free access to God through what Jesus did for us on the cross. We can get really busy and run around and chase after this and chase after that, but at the end of the day, you know something, there's power in prayer. We are going to look at that power over the coming weeks. And there's a joy and a peace that happens in prayer. And we can come to Him just as we are, seek Him out with all our hearts, say, “Lord, I want to have a fantastic relationship with you and the way I'm going to start, the way I'm going to take my first step, I'm going set aside just ten or fifteen minutes every day, quietly, alone, just to spend with you.” And you know when we do that, something awesome happens … Jesus shows up!

Our study begins in Ephesians chapter 5 beginning at verse 8. Paul writes how these believers had been darkness but now are light. And in line with that truth, they were to walk as children of light. 1John 1:7 assures us " If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son continually cleanses us from all sin." Dr. Mitchell speaks to us of being children of light, having to do with our position. We are in the light and the light is in us. Here is Dr. Mitchell, Ephesians chapter 5 verses 8 thru 14. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unchanging-word/message

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

First John 1 reads “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Today, I will be teaching a message entitled “Walking in the Light." Christian growth happens as we walk in God's revealed plan. Join me as we begin this teaching entitled “Walking in the Light."

First John 1 reads “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Today, I will be teaching a message entitled “Walking in the Light." Christian growth happens as we walk in God's revealed plan. Join me as we begin this teaching entitled “Walking in the Light."

First John 1 reads “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Today, I will be teaching a message entitled “Walking in the Light." Christian growth happens as we walk in God's revealed plan. Join me as we begin this teaching entitled “Walking in the Light."

In the AM we consider our Psalm of the Month for August - Psalm 117. In this, the shortest psalm of them all, we find the most profound truths. The psalm's size is meant to be an aid for our memorization of the great truths of the gospel going forth to all nations, tribes, and tongues. All are called to worship the one living and true God in Jesus Christ His Son. But if they are to call on His name, the church will need to send missionaries with a view that all men would worship God.

We know from 2 Peter 1:4 that we have been given exceedingly great and precious promises, we also know from John 3:16 that God so loved the world that he gave us Jesus. This week Pastor Andrew will be talking about how we can have confidence in Christ Jesus about these promises. 1 John 1:6-7. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you'll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today's episode, God's Forgiveness, focuses on our failures, His forgiveness. Show Notes: God's Forgiveness Sin. Not my favorite subject for a podcast. That's probably why I named it God's forgiveness. I'd much rather focus on His forgiveness than on the reason I need it. We all sin. It says in Romans 3:23-26: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.” NLT Made right by believing. What glorious news. Every year, I choose a word or phrase to focus on. I pray and ask God to point it out and at some point, in November or December, the word or phrase shows up. This past December, I was reading a devotional, and all of a sudden the word honest seemed to leap from the page. I cringed. That's my word for 2023? Some of you might say ‘No biggie,' but it is for me. I don't like to confront or upset people, so sometimes I might say a little less than is true to keep the peace. I can also exaggerate. I knew God was calling me to consider my words in a different light than ever before. It's been difficult and I've had to backtrack a time or two on what I've said but I'm learning an important lesson. Telling a little white lie or omission is just as bad as someone who is deceitful and always lies. Scripture says that Satan is the father of all lies. Yipes. Let's go back to my earlier statement. We all sin. Surely God is yelling at us for our mistakes, after all the blessings we've received from Him. But God… Jeff Walling says, “No wonder we try to crawl away and hide when sin brings us down. If that's the kind of response we imagine from God, we'd have to be crazy to call out to him for help. But the writer of Psalm 107 stands by his first verse: “The love of the Lord endures forever.” Even the willful sinner can dance in the dark if he will look to the Lord. And when he does, he will find grace, not disgust, in those eyes.” The blood of Jesus is such a beautiful truth in scripture. The fact that He loved us as sinners, died on the cross and bore those sins, and covered them with his blood is truly miraculous. He loved us when we didn't even acknowledge Him. Hallelujah. Our part is to believe. And to keep seeking Him over and over to grow so close to Him that we don't sin as often. We aren't repeat offenders, not caring how we live because if we ask, He'll forgive. We want to walk free from sin. I John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” We believe, we are cleansed, and we walk by His side, crucifying our flesh every day. We all sin but we can all be forgiven. Let's pray: Father God, we've all sinned and fallen short but You chose to send Your son to take our place. We believe in You and Your Son and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for a gift that is beyond our minds to truly comprehend. We love You, staying close so we can always walk in Your ways. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen. God forgives when we ask. Today's featured authors, Deb, and Bruce Potts, wrote Love on Life Support, a second-chance romance. Chris and Amy's on-again, off-again faith leaves them unprepared when the...

Today we will study Psalm 34 focusing on the relief God graciously provides to His people. Let us trust in Him not only for our daily needs but for our eternal salvation through Jesus Christ His Son, our Passover lamb sacrificed for us. --Come visit us on our various social platforms---Facebook- https---www.facebook.com-pbc.nyc-----Instagram- https---www.instagram.com-pbc.nyc-----Youtube- https---www.youtube.com-pbcnyc---

Today we will study Psalm 34 focusing on the relief God graciously provides to His people. Let us trust in Him not only for our daily needs but for our eternal salvation through Jesus Christ His Son, our Passover lamb sacrificed for us. --Come visit us on our various social platforms---Facebook- https---www.facebook.com-pbc.nyc-----Instagram- https---www.instagram.com-pbc.nyc-----Youtube- https---www.youtube.com-pbcnyc---

1 John 1:5-2:25 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Today we will study Psalm 34 focusing on the relief God graciously provides to His people. Let us trust in Him not only for our daily needs but for our eternal salvation through Jesus Christ His Son, our Passover lamb sacrificed for us. Come visit us on our various social platforms!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pbc.nyc/​​​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbc.nyc/​​​Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pbcnyc​​​

June 18 2023 Sunday T. Stacy Hayes  Week 23 / Living In The Light #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  The Study In Romans Started on March 30 2022 Go Back And Listen To This Study From The Beginning… Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons… “but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 KJV “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 NLT “But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].” 1 John 1:7 AMPC “by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 KJV “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.” Romans 5:2 NLT “Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 AMPC “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:11 KJV “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 NLT “Not only so, but we also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation. [Jer. 9:24.]” Romans 5:11 AMPC “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14 KJV “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died.” Galatians 6:14 NLT “But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!” Galatians 6:14 AMPC “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:” Romans 6:8 KJV “And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.” Romans 6:8 NLT “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,” Romans 6:8 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured                    

As we close our meditations on Psalm 41, we need to remember that  David is writing Psalm 41 during a very difficult time in his life. They were born out of his time of dealing with the rebellion of his son Absalom, and the betrayal of his counselor and friend Ahithophel. David was prompted by these circumstances to take spiritual inventory and basically ask himself four questions. All four of these questions deal with our relationships with God and others. Years ago, I heard someone say, “When God created Abel, He created an individual. But when God created Eve, He created society.”  When you think about it, life is really all about relationships. First and foremost, it is about our relationship with God, and secondly our relationship with others around us.  The first and great commandment teaches us that our greatest responsibility is to; “Love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all of your strength, and with all of your mind… and the second is like it, (of equal importance), you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ((Matt. 22:37-40; Luke 10:27).  That is why these four questions are so important.  They deal with how do we treat others (vv. 1-4)? How do others treat us (vv. 5-9)? How does God treat us (vv. 10-12)? And how do we treat God (v. 13)?  We are all on a spiritual journey, and as on any journey, you must know where you are before you can take the next step in going to where you should be. David wanted to please and glorify the LORD (vv. 11, 13), and that should be our goal also.  How does God treat us (vv. 10-12)? God in His mercy doesn't give us what we do deserve, and God in His grace gives us what we don't deserve, and He does this because of Jesus Christ His Son who died for us on the cross. David prayed for mercy because he knew he had sinned (v. 4). He also affirmed his integrity (v. 12), for he had walked before the Lord in humility and submission (Psalm 7:8; 18:19-25; 25:21; 78:72). When David was confronted with his sins, he confessed them and sought the face of the Lord (2 Sam. 12:13). David wanted mercy for himself but not for his enemies, except for his son Absalom (2 Sam. 18:5). Why? Because his enemies (especially Absalom) had committed treason against the Lord's chosen and anointed king. This was not a personal vendetta on David's part, but a concern for the future of the nation of Israel and the dynasty of David. As ruler of the land, David wielded the sword of justice (Rom. 13:1-4), which is God's way of maintaining order, security, and peace in any society.  But more than anything else, David wanted to please God (v. 11). (See also; Psalms 18:19; 22:8; 35:27; 2 Sam. 15:26). He had confidence that the Lord would heal him, restore him to the throne, and deal with those who opposed him. Even more, he was certain that one day he would be in the presence of the Lord and serve in His holy courts in heaven forever; “And set me before Your face forever (v. 12). (See also Psalms 16:11; 17:15; 21:6; 101:7; and 2 Sam. 7:16).  Verse 13 deals with how we treat God. It is possible that this verse was added later by an editor to mark the end of book one of the Psalms. Each of the first four books ends with a similar doxology (Psalms 72:18-20; 89:52; 106:48), and Book Five ends with a praise psalm (150). Verse 13 reminds us that the main thing in our lives must be the eternal praise and glory of the Lord. "Hallowed be thy name" is the first request in the Disciple's Prayer (Matthew 6:9), and it governs all the other requests. God answers prayer, not to make us more comfortable, but to bring glory to His name.  The Lord still had more work for David to do, particularly the preparation for the building of the temple, and for His glory that one day would move into that holy sanctuary (1 Kings 8:1-11). We all have more work to do for the Lord Jesus and for His glory!  Can we also honestly say, "Amen and amen!" to the prayer in verse 13?  God bless!

Here's the deal on sin. This week we talk about the sin nature of humankind and the separation it causes between us and God. When we are living in sin, we are choosing to be apart from Christ. For those who are searching in all the wrong places to fill that void, God sees you. God loves you and is waiting for you to enter into relationship with Him. Bible Verses Mentioned: 1 John 1:7-10 - "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." Matthew 12:33-34 - “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood[f] of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Proverb 6:12 - "A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth" Proverb 6:14 - "Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord." Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:10 - "As it is written:“There is none righteous, no, not one" Romans 5:12 - "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned." Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the [h]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 8:1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Romans 10:9-10 - "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:13 - "For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:17 - "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Proverbs 28:13 - "He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy." Bible References that Apply: Galatians 5:19-21 Deuteronomy 6:5 Galatians 2:20 Mark 7:20-23 Romans 6:14 - - - Send your comments/questions/topic suggestions in the reviews or DM us on Instragram @heresthedealpod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/heresthedealpod/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/heresthedealpod/message

"Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, "The LORD be magnified!"  But I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.” What a wonderful Psalm to reflect and meditate on as often as we can. I find that it relates to us in so many ways.  In the first five verses of this Psalm David is looking back and remembering how the LORD brought him up out of a horrible pit and out of the miry clay and set his feet upon a rock and established his steps (v. 2). As he reflects on God's wonderful works (v. 5), he realizes that he can't begin to count them and is encouraged to always put his trust in the LORD (vv. 3-4), and he has a new song to sing every day (v. 3)! In the middle verses (vv. 6-10), David looks up in worship with the “great assembly” and is reminded that God wants our hearts and devotion more than He wants our sacrifices, no matter how great or many they might be. David is actually prophesying of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, Who will come in humility and obedience and Who delights to do the will of the Father (John 5:30; 6:38-40; 8:29; 12:49). David desired to proclaim God's good news of righteousness without any restraints to anyone and everyone who would listen (vv. 9-10)! Now in these last verses (vv. 11-17), David is looking within his own heart and realizes that he has a heart that is still filled with iniquities, sins, and failure. He is so overwhelmed with his shame and guilt that his heart fails him (v. 12). This should remind us no matter how close we might get to the Lord in our love and devotion, that we still have a long way to go!  We never arrive spiritually!  Paul makes this very clear in his epistles and in his own testimony. As you read the latter epistles of Paul, he seems to proclaim that he is the greatest of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul stated this best in Philippians 3:12-15, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.” You will find that the closer you get to the LORD and His light, that the more sin you will see in your heart and life that you will need to confess and ask forgiveness for!  We find this lesson in 1 John 1:7-10 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” Yes, David's life was filled with tremendous difficulties and trouble. Even though he was a man after God's own heart, he still had to deal with the hardships of life in a very deep and personal way. As he closes this chapter, he cries out that “he is poor and needy” and is in desperate need of the LORD's attention and of His help and deliverance (v. 17). Can you relate to this? I sure can, and I'm sure you can too! But what a great Psalm to encourage us to keep looking up to the LORD for our daily strength and sustenance! God bless!

Paul talked about this in Romans 6, about how we shouldn't try and misuse or misappropriate the grace of God by thinking it gives us the right to keep on sinning.By no means, in truth, the grace of God is not a license to sin, but rather the power of God to overcome sin.At this point, our plea should be: “Father, help me love the things you love and hate the things you hate.”You see, God loves people, but He hates sin.He loves people, but He hates pride, and so should we.It is important to note at this point that mourning over sin and various sins will come in different stages for the believer. For example, One believer may be convicted heavily about lying or gossiping, while another believer may be convicted of telling dirty jokes. Now all of these things, when taken at face value are not good things and could certainly be considered sinful, but we must always remember that unless the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, there isn't going to be any true change. In other words, it is not our job to go about fault-finding or telling people what we think they should or shouldn't be working on, or what we believe to be the most deplorable sins in their lives.Each of us must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and walk in the amount of light the Lord is currently giving us. Know this, as we mature in the Lord, we may get victory over some of the more visible and outward sins like stealing or cussing but then Holy Spirit will then begin dealing with us with things like motives, thoughts, the things that are less visible to others and even to us oftentimes. We will never outgrow the Holy Spirit's conviction nor will we ever come close to perfection on this side of glory, the ultimate goal being to be more and more like Jesus every day. I want to end today's encouragement with a verse found in 1 John 1:7 Keeping this scripture verse in mind, it will help us stay on the right track, with a proper view of sin and a love for others! “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” NKJV

If you are delighting in a new car, you want everyone to see it and ride in it with you. You talk about it, you brag about it as you describe everything about it. It might be a new house you are delighted with. Or it might be a new friend. Hopefully you still delight in your spouse and your children and your grandchildren. You get excited and express your joy when you are in their presence and they sense it. You give them your fullest attention and listen carefully to their every word. You laugh when they tell you something funny. You want to cry and weep with them when they are hurting, and they tell you something sad. You will do those things that you know will please them and bring them pleasure and joy. You take the time to discover their love language and you communicate with them in it. My friend, that is what the LORD wants you to do with Him. To delight in the LORD means that you really want to spend time with Him in His Word. You will be delighted to listen to, read, study, memorize and meditate on His Word. It won't be just a chore or a habit you need to check off each day. A great chapter to read and meditate on, if you want to truly discover what it means to delight in the LORD, would be John 15 where Jesus gives the discourse on the True Vine and the branches. In verse 7, Jesus says: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” Wow! That almost sounds the same as Psalm 37:4! For sure, when you are delighting in the LORD you want to be attentive to His voice and His desires (John 10:27). “My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow me”. To follow Him means you desire to do those things “that are well pleasing in His sight” (Hebrews 10:21). It means, that like a waiter in a restaurant waiting on us to make sure we are pleased with their service, we are waiting on the LORD. Psalm 123:2, “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He has mercy on us.” Read and meditate on the following verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:1, “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” Colossians 1:10, “So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Ephesians 5:8-10, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Jesus gave us this example with His own life: John 8:29, “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." When we are doing those things that please Him it means we bring Him great pleasure! We will delight to spend time in prayer and communion with Him. We will delight in fellowshipping, loving, and worshipping with His people, the Church. Lastly, we will make sure that nothing comes between us and the LORD, like unconfessed sin. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin…If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:7&9) LORD, today we want to delight in You and do those things that are “well pleasing in Your sight”! God bless!

Take Off Your Night Clothes. Romans 13:12 NKJV 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Put On The Armor of Light. 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against 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. 13 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. Put On The Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:5-7 NKJV 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Who Are We?By Tammy Lacock“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV)In this week's podcast, Warren Litzman stresses the importance of having, what the Apostle Paul calls, a constant mind-renewal as we live our new lives in Christ. This constant mind-renewal will help us see who we really are. Certain areas in our thinking must be updated to our new life in Christ. First, we must acknowledge that being born again means we now have Christ literally living in us. It's not so much about having a new life moving forward, although this is true. It's about God's birthing of another life, Christ's life, in every believer. His life makes us brand-new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). His Life, His Seed, birthed within us and joined to our spirits (1 Corinthians 6:17) literally replaces our old sin-nature passed down by the curse of Adam by Satan. A radical change took place within us and most of us don't know it. So we don't live that change; instead, we live by our old understanding. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1 John 3:9 KJV)Second, we must understand the three types of sin so that we can break free from sin consciousness and move into being solely conscious of Christ in us now. In the garden of Gethsemane, all three of these sins were poured in the cup of which Jesus drank and all of these sins were crucified with Him. The first is innate sin, the sin we were born into by the curse of Adam from Satan. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12 KJV)Christ's death on the cross outright freed us from the bondage of Adam's sin. We cannot commit this sin again. “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Romans 5:15 KJV)The second is sin of ignorance, sin of the flesh. This sin is committed without any knowledge of it. First John 1:7-9 tells believers we are cleansed from this type of sin, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”The third is sin of knowledge, knowingly committing sin, which is another fleshly sin. These sins require repentance (a mind change) with one another. Ultimately, Jesus forgives these and all sin. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (John 1:8-9 KJV). Now knowing Christ is in us, we must step away from our former sin-focused, legalistic thinking and focus our thinking on the one who has fulfilled the law, the one who has no sin, who is our righteousness and no longer sees our sin. We must focus on Christ, the one who literally lives in us now. We must understand that our “old man” which Paul describes three times in his epistles is really our old mindset of who we think we are. We must put off the “old man” and allow these old mindset to be crucified with Christ.And lastly, we must set our minds on the “new man,” Christ, who now lives in us, standing on His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is with us always. There is no separation between Him and us. The greatest Superhero of all lives right inside us. He is our new life. He is our identity. He is who we are...

"But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah” David is facing the greatest trial of his life as his son Absalom has raised up an army against him. These are people who at one time honored and adored David as their beloved king. But it is possible that because of his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah, they have lost their respect for him and could easily be persuaded to listen to the lies of Absalom. In verses 1-2, David faces the reality of his circumstances and admits his trouble and cries out for help in the midst of his trial. If we are to ever really deal with our problems and challenges, we must first acknowledge that we have them. Some people try to ignore their problems as if they didn't exist. But my friend, they will only get worse if we don't acknowledge and face them. “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me.” David wasn't a man easily beaten. Without ignoring his problems, he lifted his eyes from the threatening situation around him and looked by faith to the Lord. David knew he was in danger, but he knew that God was his shield (see Gen. 15:1). David depended on God as his shield to protect him (7:10; 18:2; 47:9; 59:11; 84:11; Deut. 33:29). “My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” David was in disgrace because of his own sins and his son's treachery, but God was the source of David's glory. Absalom had turned his father's "glory into shame" (Psalm 4:2), but one day that glory would be restored. The situation was discouraging, but the king knew that God would lift up his head and restore him to his throne (27:6; 2 Sam. 15:30). His faith was in the promises God had made to him in the covenant recorded in 2 Samuel 7, and he knew God would not forsake him. “I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill.” The temple had not yet been built on the "holy hill of Zion," but the ark was there (see 2 Sam. 15:25) and that was God's throne (80:1). David may have been forced off his throne, but Jehovah was still on the throne and in control, and Absalom had attacked God's anointed king (2:2). That was a dangerous thing to do. David kept crying out to God in prayer, knowing that God had not forsaken him in the past and would not forsake him now. "This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" (Ps. 34). My friend, the devil loves to bring up your old sins from the past to make you think that you can't pray and trust the Lord for help in your present trials. But remember he is a liar! God's Word is always true! I remind you of 1 John 1:7&9, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God bless!

We are the Light of the World… MaybeThe problem today in our culture is not the increasing darkness, but the ever-diminishing light in believers. For darkness is defined as the absence of light. And when light appears, it immediately vanquishes darkness without a struggle. But there is more. Scripture tells us that Christ is light, and therefore, so are we. We are children of light and are commanded to “walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8). And Scripture describes the enemy as darkness.There was a man sent from God, whose name was John (the Baptist). This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light (Christ), that all through him might believe. He was not that Light (Christ), but was sent to bear witness of that Light (Christ).Summary: That was the true Light (Christ) which gives light to every man (was) coming into the world – John 1:6-9.But it gets even better. Consider what John later says about light.This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light (to what degree) and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him (light), and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if (condition) we walk in the light (to what degree) as He is in the light, (result) we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin – 1 John 1:6-7.So it appears the problem today with encroaching darkness is us, those who are light, yet hide our light from the world (Matt. 5:14-16). Why do we do that? Maybe it's because we fear the darkness. Or maybe we fear the persecution of the world, of being canceled, mocked, de-platformed, or whatever the darkness tries to do to conceal our light. But no matter. We have the mandate from our Lord to “let our light shine before men” (Matt. 5:16).So maybe we should be about just that. Remember:Fact: For you were once darkness, but now you are light (where) in the Lord.Command: Walk as children of light – Ephesians 5:8.Note: We are now (present tense) light in the Lord. We possess the Holy Spirit and take on the nature of Christ (Rom. 8:29), who is Light (1 John 1:5). And that makes us divinely powerful in Him.So let's get to it, shall we?How Do We Live as Light in the World?So how are we to be light in this dark world? And how do we fight against the darkness? Let me tell you how not to fight against the darkness. Not with anger, revenge, politics, or personal strength. None of the Rambo stuff. Nor by plotting, or scheming, or manipulating circumstances to meet our end. No, that's what the darkness does. We let Him do the fighting for us and rest in His promises and commands.In Him (Christ) was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (katalambánō – to take, apprehend, overcome, to seize the position of and defeat, to gain control) it – John 1:4-5.Did you get that?When we surrender ourselves to the Lord, we allow Him to fight our battles for us (which was His whole plan in the first place). We find this command to surrender ourselves all throughout Scripture. Remember, He gets the glory when we allow Him to fight our battles for us, just like a loving Father. And He has promises for those who choose to trust Him, even in the thick of battle.Remember the questions in Romans 8?“Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?” – Romans 8:33.“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” – Romans 8:35.And the one where our faith either grows or fails… “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors (how) through Him who loved us” – Romans 8:37.And we pray and put...

For centuries people have been reciting The Apostles' Creed. They have repeated it, sang lines of it in songs, and even memorized it. But what does it all mean and who was it actually written for? Over the next several weeks we will be talking through The Apostles' Creed line by line, checking its historical accuracy, looking at what it means, both for our lives today and the eternity to come. Today Pastor Jeff is talking about the importance of Jesus being Gods Son, our Savior and Lord. You won't want to miss it. 

Pastor Ryan Abone teaches through Psalm 42 that God's love for you is not based on your internal feelings or your external circumstances, but on who He is and what He's done for you in sending Jesus Christ His Son to die for you.

It works like magic!   “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” - 1 John 1:7 NKJV

The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NKJV) 1 John 1 : 7

Pastor Greg brings us a message about true superheroes are motivated by love as God showed us His Love through Jesus Christ His Son!