Podcasts about jesus christ matthew

Do not be deceived by riches; salvation is only possible by God's grace in Jesus Christ Matthew 19:13-30

Jesus' altar call is both a warning and an invitation. We explore His challenge to the self-sufficient and His promise of rest for the weary.

An angel reassures Joseph to take Mary as his wife, revealing that her miraculous pregnancy is by the Holy Spirit, and the child, to be named Jesus, will save people from their sins, fulfilling God's promise.

Genesis 38: A Summary and Reflection Genesis 38 stands out in the narrative of the patriarchs as it temporarily shifts focus from Joseph's story to the account of Judah, one of Jacob's sons. This chapter reveals themes of sin, justice, repentance, and God's sovereignty in working through flawed individuals. Summary of Genesis 38: 1.Judah and His Family (Verses 1–5): •Judah separates from his brothers and marries a Canaanite woman, Shua's daughter. •He has three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. 2.Judah and Tamar (Verses 6–11): •Judah arranges for his firstborn, Er, to marry a woman named Tamar. •Er is wicked in God's sight and is struck dead. •Following the custom of levirate marriage, Judah instructs his second son, Onan, to marry Tamar to provide offspring for Er. •Onan practices coitus interruptus to avoid producing an heir, displeasing God, who also strikes him dead. •Judah becomes reluctant to give Tamar to his youngest son, Shelah, fearing he too might die. He sends Tamar back to her father's house to wait. 3.Tamar's Deception (Verses 12–23): •After Judah's wife dies, he goes to Timnah for sheep-shearing, a time of celebration. •Tamar, realizing Judah has not given her to Shelah as promised, disguises herself as a prostitute and waits for Judah by the road. •Judah, unaware of her identity, propositions her and offers a young goat as payment. Tamar demands his seal, cord, and staff as a pledge until the goat is delivered. •After their encounter, Tamar conceives. 4.Judah Confronted (Verses 24–30): •Three months later, Judah hears that Tamar is pregnant and accuses her of immorality, ordering her to be burned. •Tamar sends Judah the seal, cord, and staff, revealing that he is the father. •Judah acknowledges his wrongdoing, saying, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her to my son Shelah.” •Tamar gives birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. During the delivery, Zerah's hand emerges first, but Perez is born first, creating a significant reversal. Key Themes: 1.God's Justice and Sovereignty: •The deaths of Er and Onan demonstrate God's intolerance of wickedness and selfishness. •Despite human sin and failure, God works through Tamar's actions to bring about the lineage of Perez, an ancestor of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3). 2.Repentance and Acknowledgment of Sin: •Judah's confession, “She is more righteous than I,” marks a turning point in his character. It reflects personal growth and humility. 3.The Role of Women in God's Plan: •Tamar's bold actions ensure the continuation of Judah's lineage, emphasizing the importance of women in fulfilling God's purposes, even in unconventional ways. 4.Cultural and Legal Context: •The chapter highlights the levirate marriage custom, which sought to protect widows and ensure family inheritance. Reflection: Genesis 38 may appear as a surprising interruption in the Joseph narrative, but it plays a vital role in the larger story of redemption. It underscores the imperfections of Judah and his family while highlighting God's ability to work through brokenness to accomplish His divine plan. This chapter reminds readers that God's purposes are not hindered by human failure. It also calls for humility and repentance, as seen in Judah's transformation. Most importantly, it sets the stage for the messianic lineage, showing that God's grace extends even to those whose actions seem scandalous by human standards.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

As Jesus concludes his famous Sermon on the Mount, he wraps up with a series of ultimatums. His core question is, "What are you going to do with my words?"

Wednesday Night 10/16/24 - We are continuing our verse by verse study through the book of Matthew with a message titled "The Arrest Of Jesus Christ" - Matthew 26:47-56 - Pastor James Eakins

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel Get the Mad Mondays newsletter, a round up of news from a Christian perspective with encouragement from Rev FiskFind out more about the Sons of Solomon, a prayer discipline for men

Wednesday, 3 July 2024   The Book of Matthew; an Introduction – Part IIa   As noted in the first introductory segment, this segment will reveal some of the patterns of Matthew, and how the book fits into the overall structure of how the Bible is laid out. Due to its length, it will be divided into a two-day study.   Main Purposes: There are several purposes concerning the need for the Book of Matthew as well as its placement in the Bible.    1) A Depiction of Jesus Christ Given to Assure Believers That He Is The One Promised to Come and Restore All Things for the People of God   2) A Carefully Detailed Record of the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ: Matthew records the genealogy of Jesus, proving that He possessed the right to the throne of David and is the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.   He records the things Jesus did, the words He spoke, and the miracles He accomplished. Matthew's gospel provides a beautiful panorama of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. With a knowledge of the Old Testament, one can pick up this gospel narrative and make the obvious connection to the things prophesied and the things then fulfilled.   3) Intricate Patterns That Reveal the Wisdom of God Through Inspiration of the Text: Each of the first 28 books of the Old Testament has a link to the corresponding chapter in Matthew, forming a notable structure within Matthew. These will be placed here in the introduction for easy reference in the future.   -------------------- *God speaking to Abraham in Genesis (1st book) 22:18 says –   “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”   Matthew 1:1 links to this –   “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.”   Here, the first sentence of Matthew is establishing the direct lineage of the Christ, Jesus. It is interesting to note that no other person in history can fulfill this prophecy because the records of Jewish genealogy were destroyed with the 2nd Temple in AD 70.   Secondly, Matthew 1:17 says –   “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.”   Interestingly, it is the 17th Chapter of Genesis where God reveals to Abraham that he would receive the covenant and that kings would come from him.   Notice the parallel – (1)17 and 1:17   Another Genesis/Matthew link is to be found here in Matthew 1:20, 21 –   “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.'”   The parallel in Genesis is this –   “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.” Genesis 37:5   Notice that both Josephs received dreams from God.   ------------------- *Exodus (2nd book) 4:22, 23 says –   “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. 23 So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.””'    Matthew 2:15, provides the link –   “and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.'”   Another impressive pattern from Exodus is the attempted murder of Moses by Pharoah and Jesus by Herod which was accomplished by exterminating the male children –   “When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” Exodus 1:16   “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” Matthew 2:16   Notice that both of these events occur in the 16th verse (2)1:16 and 2:16.   -------------------- *Leviticus (3rd book) 11:22 reads –   “These you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind.”   In Matthew 3:4 is this link –   “Now John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.”   --------------------- *Numbers (4th book) begins with, “Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai...”   In fact, the Hebrew name for Numbers is Bamidbar which means “In the Wilderness.”  The book details the forty years of wandering in the desert.   See how Matthew 4 begins –   “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness...”   Notice the numerical pattern (4)1 and 4:1. Israel's forty years are in accord with the biblical pattern of a day for a year which corresponds to Jesus' forty days there.   Remember that the purpose of the 40 years of wandering is outlined in Deuteronomy 8 –   “And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:2, 3   Jesus used exactly this verse in Matthew 4:10 to refute the devil after His wandering in the wilderness –   “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.”'”   Another parallel between the two is in Numbers 23. Here it shows us where Balaam was tempted three times to curse the Israelites as they camped east of the Promised Land at the end of 40 years in the wilderness.   Matthew 4 matches this beautifully in the three temptations of Jesus by Satan at the end of His 40 days of fasting in the Judean wilderness which is east of Jerusalem.   ---------------------- *Deuteronomy (5th book) 28 starts with Israel's expected blessings from God for obedience. In fact, from Deuteronomy 3-12, the word “bless” in one form or another is mentioned nine times.     Matthew 5 starts with the Beatitudes spoken by the Lord Jesus. In fact, a form of the word “bless” is mentioned nine times from 3-11.   --------------------- *Joshua (6th book) 7:21 says –   “When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.”   Matthew 6:21 states –   “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”   Notice the parallel in the number – (6)7:21 and 6:21.   ----------------------- *Judges is the 7th book.   Matthew 7:1 states, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”   ------------------------ *Ruth (8th book) 1:14 says –   “At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her” (NIV).   Matthew 8:14 says –   “When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever” (NIV).   It may seem insignificant, but it is a pattern – (8)1:14 and Matthew 8:14 both speak of mother-in-law. This term is used only 16 times in the entire bible and 9 of these are in the book of Ruth while 5 are in the synoptic Gospels.   Life application: As you can already see, there are patterns hidden within the text of Matthew that correspond exactingly to other books of the Bible. These patterns will continue to be presented in the next few days.   Such patterns can be found in other Books of the Bible, such as Luke, which is filled with them. If one considers that the order of the books of the Old Testament do not match the same order as that used by the Jewish people, that the chapter divisions did not exist until the 1200s, and that the verse numbers did not exist until the 1500s, it is either the biggest fluke in history that these patterns exist, or it is absolutely certain that God superintended over the process of inspiring what was recorded, how it is laid out, and how it continued to be laid out even a millennia and a half later.   Further, these patterns continue to be discovered even today. If you struggle with whether the word of God is really the word of God, consider these things. The guiding hand of God has been involved in the process of inspiration all along as He has slowly revealed His word to His people in a chronologically methodical way so that man can have every assurance that he is putting his eggs in the right basket when he trusts in Jesus because he trusts in the reliability of the word of God.   Lord God, how wonderful it is to read and study Your word. The amount of wisdom and knowledge that is derived from it is beyond our ability to even imagine. Thank You for your sure and precious word that tells us about our great and exalted Savior, Jesus. Amen.  

Blessings Follow Sanctification (5)  (audio)  David Eells (6/23/24)    We've been discussing the blessings that follow sanctification and it's been very exciting to learn how the Bride is being manifested in the earth, as a spotless and blemishless Bride, for whom the Lord has been waiting all these years! We saw that the Bride will be manifesting His glory. (Isa.62:1) For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burneth. This is the Epiphaneia, the “shining forth from” His people of the glory of God, of the nature of Jesus Christ. During the days to come, we know that God's going to do just that; He's going to fulfill this prophecy. His city, His Heavenly New Jerusalem, is even now being manifested in the earth under our King David.  And yet, as this prophecy is being fulfilled, other things will be happening out there which are not such good news. God's people are going to have an opportunity to bear fruit and then time will run out. And not just the Bride, but the virgins, the queens, the concubines, all the different groups of God's people at the Marriage Feast, all these people have to bear fruit. However, we know there will be some people who stubbornly refuse to bear fruit. As a matter of fact, we sometimes see them around us because they love to persecute us and this next chapter in Isaiah is a parable about Jacob and Esau.  There was constant war between Jacob and Esau, and there has been constant war between their seed for the generations since then, even up to now. The Palestinians of today are basically the Edomites who are the seed of Esau, about which Isaiah 63 speaks. Both Jacob and Esau were sons of Abraham, and yet the Lord said in, (Rom.9:6) But it is not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: (7) neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. (8) That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed.   (9) For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. (10) And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac— (11) for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, (12) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. (13) Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. What do you suppose He meant by that? And does it have an application to the New Testament people of God? Of course it does. We read in (1Co.10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.   This is a parable that can be applied to the Church, not that we are literally Jews; we are only spiritually Jews. God gave us the parable of the letter in order to fulfill in the spirit what was already done and we give thanks unto God for that. We know that (Act.14:22) … through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. Tribulation is necessary to bring this Bride to maturity and one of the sources of this tribulation is those people who are called “sons of Abraham” yet they persecute their brethren. It's like Jacob and Esau. Esau was a constant persecution against Jacob and even up until this day, we still have the parable before us.   So let's read (Isa.63:1) Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? “Bozrah” means “sheepfold” and Edom is the seed of Esau. This is a revelation of Jesus' coming after perfecting His Bride and what He's going to do with these people who have persecuted His Bride. You know, even though God may use certain people against His Bride in order to bring the Bride to maturity, He still holds those people accountable and this chapter is where God is about to hold some people accountable. So Bozrah is the sheepfold. Jesus came to the sheepfold in His day and He called His sheep out by name. It says in (Joh.10:1) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.   (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. How many of His sheep did He call out? He called out all of them that were His and the sheepfold He was calling them out of was apostate Judaism. Now the parable is for our day because the Lord is going to do the exact same thing through the Man-child. He's going to be calling His people out of the apostate sheepfold of religion to follow Jesus.   We received a dream that I think is very telling about this parable, in identifying to you who the Edomites are in the Church. This dream was given to G.C. in the middle of 2008. (The dream is written in non-bold italics.) G.C. said, I had a dream about us. (He was talking about Unleavened Bread Ministries.) Details were lacking, but I recall us being in a field or a park the size of a football field that was in the midst of a city. Jesus said in, (Mat.13:38) … the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil [one]. The world is full of competition, just like football, which is a competitive sport. Christians are supposed to be serving one another, not competing with one another, but the world is that way and so are their religions.   This city, I believe, represents the worldly Babylon that's in apostasy because all the world came from Babel. (Gen.11:6) And the Lord said, Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is what they begin to do: and now nothing will be withholden from them, which they purpose to do. (7) Come, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. (8) So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off building the city. (9) Therefore was the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.   And in (1Ch.1:19) And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg; for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan. God confounded their tongue, then He broke up the continent and spread that out and separated the people, so there is a world Babylon that will fall. He's calling us out of that; He's calling us into His Kingdom and out of the kingdom of this world.   G.C. goes on, There were quite a few of us in this area, but for whatever reason, I do not know, I remember walking through this grassy area and realizing that the people with us were probably part of UBM, but a lot of them I have never seen before. That's because when God brings UBM people together, many times they have not seen each other since ours is primarily a broadcast ministry. We are very happy to have visitors who come quite regularly to see us and they may have been a part of our ministry for a long time, but we never see them until they come to visit us.   Continuing with the dream: Then I found myself on a high mountain or a cliff overlooking the field and I saw you (David Eells) and the others in the field. He's looking down from a mountain upon the field, which is the world, and so this is a perspective from the Kingdom of God. You know, we're supposed to be seeing things from a Kingdom perspective and not from a worldly perspective; that's how we are actually able to walk as sons of God. Back to the dream: As I watched this, I saw many hostile solider-type men in red uniforms parachuting down into the field. My interpretation is that this represents the apostate enemy troops who walk in sin, which is represented as the color red in the Scriptures. As it says in (Isa.1:18) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. And also the word “Edom” means “red.”   Our text in Isaiah 63 is speaking about Edom and “Edom” was the name given to Esau when he sold his birthright as a son of Abraham. Do you know that there are Christians who are selling their birthright as sons of Abraham? We'll look at that a little further on. It says in (Gen.25:30) And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage] (They added the word “pottage” there and put it in brackets, but in the original it just says “red.”); for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. So Esau got a nickname from begging for this “red.” His name became “Edom” and those people who followed him, who were his seed and who walked in his steps, are the Edomites.   We discovered in the Scriptures, (1Co.4:15) For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. A person walks in the steps of their spiritual father. The Man-child will be a spiritual son of David, just like Jesus was a spiritual son of David. Going on in (Gen.35:31) And Jacob said, Sell me first thy birthright. Esau wanted this “red,” which we know is a type of sin, and Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright,” so basically Esau sold out to sin, didn't he? And that's why he was called “Red” and those who walked in his steps were called “Edomites.”   The mixture of Jacob and Esau's seed in the Promised Land was like two competing armies. (Gen.27:41) And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him. And Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then will I slay my brother Jacob. It wasn't until Jacob separated himself from Esau that the Lord caused him to bear much fruit.   As a matter of fact, Jacob bore so much fruit that when he came back into the Promised Land, his brother Esau was shocked looking at all this fruit he had borne, both in his family and in his flocks. (Gen.32:13) And he lodged there that night, and took of that which he had with him a present for Esau his brother: (14) two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, (15) thirty milch camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals. (16) And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.   (17) And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee? (18) then thou shalt say [They are] thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind us. (19) And he commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him; (20) and ye shall say, Moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me. (21) So the present passed over before him: and he himself lodged that night in the company. ... In the next chapter we read (Gen.33:4) And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. (5) And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are these with thee? And he said, The children whom God hath graciously given thy servant. (6) Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. (7) And Leah also and her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.   (8) And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord. (9) And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; let that which thou hast be thine. (10) And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found favor in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand; forasmuch as I have seen thy face, as one seeth the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. (11) Take, I pray thee, my gift that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.   The spiritual seed of Esau are the Edomites, who have sold their birthright as Christians by walking after the flesh. But the Bible tells us in (Heb.12:14) Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord (As we have been studying that the word “sanctified” is the word hagiasmos and it means “separated unto God.” When Jacob was separated from Esau, in other words, when he was “sanctified,” he bore fruit.): (Heb.12:15) looking carefully lest [there be] any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness.... Now we are getting to the problem that Esau and his seed had because the sins of the parents are passed on to the children.  (Deu.5:9) Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I, the Lord, thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the third and upon the fourth generation of them that hate me. We know Paul is talking about Christians, so we have a people among us who are like Esau. He's not talking about the Jews because they are a parable for us. Again in (1Co.10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. Here he is exhorting the Christians not to be like Esau: (Heb.12:15) Looking carefully lest there be any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby the many be defiled.   These Esaus, these Edomites among us, spread their root of bitterness. Christians who have given in to critical spirits, who are angry and unforgiving, can have no peace with other people. They are constantly attacking their brethren because they don't obey the words of God, which will keep peace among the brethren, if they are obeyed. These are whom the Scriptures here are pointing out as Edomites. (Heb.12:16) Lest [there be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright. Folks, we know what “meat” means: “meat” means “flesh” and because Esau walked after the flesh, he sold his birthright. He was a son of Abraham, a son of God, but still he sold his birthright.   There are many people out there who are selling their birthright. And what is our birthright? Our birthright is to walk in the steps of our father Abraham, to walk in the steps of our Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, but people are selling their birthright by walking after the flesh. (Rom.8:12) So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: (13) for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Paul said that if you walk after the flesh, you must die. There is a people among us who are sons of Abraham, but they are going to die. They are going to die because they have sold their birthright and because they have no peace with their brothers, just as it is in the natural. The Edomites today have no peace with their brothers and there is no way to make peace with them; there is constant war going on there. Look again in (Heb.12:16) Lest [there be] any fornicator, or profane person,… Why is he saying a “profane person”? What does that mean? The word there for “profane” is bebelos and, according to Vine's Expository Dictionary, it means “permitted to be trodden, accessible.” In other words, it's like somebody who doesn't have the hedge up around them, so they are not protected from the enemy. We know that Esau was that way. Esau was tormented by the tormentors because of his unforgiveness toward his brother. Jesus said the same thing: (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. (35) So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.   In other words, you owe a debt if you don't forgive everyone. Yes, Jesus paid our debt, but a person who gives in to the flesh has to pay that debt instead and it's usually taken out of their hide. The debt has to be paid by this profane person who is accessible to their enemies, who is permitted to be trodden down and overcome by their enemies. Vine's also says, “bebelos is that which lacks all relationship or affinity to God.” That's very interesting and I would say that the comparison in Hebrews 12 is between somebody who is sanctified, like Jacob in verse 14, and somebody who is not sanctified, like Esau in verse 16. Esau was not sanctified, not “separated from sin unto God.” “Edom” was his nickname and he was walking in “red.”   Continuing in (Heb.12:17) For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind [in his father,] though he sought it diligently with tears. The word “rejected” here is apodokimazo and it means “to reject as the result of disapproval” or “to repudiate.” This is serious, folks. This is eternal life that we are dealing with here. Our inheritance, our birthright, is the eternal life of Jesus Christ, His life in you. If you walk after the flesh, do you get that life? Do you get the sanctification, which implies that you are receiving that life? No, you don't. Esau didn't value this awesome gift of the birthright that was passed on to him. He didn't value it more than following after the flesh and that's true of many Christians.   If they don't repent, they will prove themselves to walk in the steps of their spiritual father, Esau, who was a son of Abraham but was not saved. He was a son of Abraham but he became lost and he was rejected. (Heb.12:17) For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind.... Some versions add “in his father,” but there is no foundation whatsoever for that in the original manuscripts. The translators put it there according to their own theology, but it doesn't belong there because the problem was that Esau needed to change his mind. “Repentance” is the word metanoia and it means “change of mind,” so I would leave out the italicized words. “Esau found no place for change of mind”; he could not help himself. He could not cease from sinning. He could not cease from hating his brother.   Does that happen today? Yes, it does. These “Edomites” cannot cease from sin. (2Pe.2:13) Suffering wrong as the hire of wrong-doing (In other words, he was walking after the flesh and he was reaping what he was sowing.); men that count it pleasure to revel in the day-time, spots and blemishes (We know that God is looking for a spotless and blemishless Bride, but here's somebody with spots and blemishes.), revelling in their deceivings while they feast with you (Many of these people are deceivers. They have one face in front of you, but another face behind your back. They want to appear as if they are holy, but they are not sanctified.); (2Pe.2:14) having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin (There's the “red.”); enticing unstedfast souls; having a heart exercised in covetousness; children of cursing; (15) forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the [son] of Beor, who loved the hire of wrong-doing.   What is the hire of wrong-doing? In the case of Hebrews 12, the hire of wrong-doing is following after the flesh, pleasing your flesh, pleasing your self-life, but your self-life is the very one that must die in order for the life of Christ to be manifested. In G.C.'s revelation, these “Edomites” were parachuting down into the world because they are fallen from Heavenly places in Christ. (Eph.2:4) But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), (6) and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly [places,] in Christ Jesus. They have become earthbound, unlike an eagle. An eagle is symbolic of overcoming because it can overcome the world, it can look down on the world from its high place. And like the eagle, we are called to be overcomers (Revelation 2:11,17; 3:5,12,21; 21:7).   Not long after G.C. had this dream, Unleavened Bread Ministries was attacked by many Edomites. These false Christians are enemies of the cross and are members of the Beast army by nature. We're talking about somebody who is confessing to be a Christian, yet who walks after the mind and works of the flesh. The identification of someone who is a member of the body of the Beast has the name of the Beast in their forehead, which represents the mind of the flesh, or in their hand, which represents the works of the flesh. They have the “mark of the Beast” and God promised through Apostle Paul that these people would be rejected.   Paul said even of himself, (1Co.9:27) but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage (or “submission”): lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. So we see these men parachuting down to make war upon the saints and they are losing their positions in Heavenly places; they are being cast down to the earth. Does that sound familiar? (Rev.6:13) And the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casteth her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind. The “stars of the heaven” are Abraham's seed (Gen.15:5) And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and number the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And this is the great falling away.   There are star glory, moon glory and sun glory Christians, according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:35-49). Star glory is the ones who have borne the least fruit and the ones who fall away are the ones who have lost their fruit, like a fig tree. What does the fig tree represent? The fig tree represents God's people and they fell to the earth when they were shaken by a great wind. And what does the wind represent? The wind represents great tribulation. These Edomites represent the backsliders, the ones who have fallen from their position in Heaven. They are constantly making war on God's people from within the Church, as did Judas Iscariot, who is a good example.   The most important aspect of this is that the Bride will escape this Beast army. Who is the Bride? The Bride is those who are leaving Babylon and going to Jerusalem. That's a type for us; what happened to the Jews is happening to God's people today. God's first-fruits are now on their way out of Babylon and back to Zion, and the Bride will escape this Beast army by going into the wilderness. Where is the wilderness? It's between Egypt and Zion. They had to go through the wilderness to reach Zion and Zion represents the Bride, as John said in Revelation 21. The Bride is that mature, pure, sanctified, holy people, and Jerusalem, the Bride, were the only ones to escape the Assyrian Beast.  Let's read that in (2Ki.19:30) And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. (31) For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of mount Zion they that shall escape: the zeal of the Lord shall perform this. (32) Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come unto this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it. (33) By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and he shall not come unto this city, saith the Lord. (34) For I will defend this city to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.    (35) And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. (36) So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. The Beast armies came in and conquered all of Israel and all of Judah, but they could not take Jerusalem because it represented the Bride. The Bride, as we have already seen in the teachings that have been leading up to this point, is going to escape the Beast, including the Beast in the Church.   Antichrist is in the Church, just like it is in the world. (1Jn.2:18) Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour. (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. There are carnal Christians who cannot stand Christians who walk in the Spirit, who are walking in sanctification. They will make war on them, they will criticize them, they will do anything they can to those who walk in the Spirit, just like the Edomites are doing physically to physical Israel. Even though physical Israel is doing some bad things too.  Years ago, a sister in our assembly had a dream in which she and others in this dream were fleeing from people in red uniforms, who represented Edomites. Those people in red uniforms represented Christians, who are the seed of Abraham, but who walk in sin. So the sister and the others were fleeing these people and they were going to the safety of a tower. She told us she knew that “If we could get inside that tower, we would be safe from these people.” Well, there's an army of these people whose job it is to come at us and do anything they can to tear our flesh down in a crucifixion. They don't really belong to the Kingdom of God by virtue of their very nature, which is to be critical and angry and fighting against their brethren. They belong to the Beast because they walk after the mind of the flesh and the works of the flesh.   It doesn't matter that you have a born-again Spirit; every Christian has a born-again Spirit, but not every Christian walks after that Spirit. If you don't walk after that Spirit, you are going to be what the Bible calls “twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” (Jud.12) These are they who are hidden rocks in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds (not numeric or in the original Greek) that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. You can't be twice dead unless you have been twice born; you have to be born-again to be twice dead!   These people have been born-again in their spirit, but they never walked after the Spirit for their soul to be sanctified through their “obedience to the truth,” as Peter said. (1Pe.1:22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (23) having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. As we've been studying, sanctification is the process of your soul becoming like your spirit. If you walk after the flesh, you will die. You will be twice dead and plucked up by the roots, but if you walk after the Spirit, you are going to live. (Rom.8:14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Paul didn't say, “As many as have the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” He said, “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”   God's people in this sister's dream were fleeing from the people in the red uniforms; they were going into this tower and we know that this tower was Zion because that's what it says in Micah. (Mic.4:8) And thou, O tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, yea, the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem. Flee to Zion; enter the Bride who is holy and safe. You know, Zion was a city with walls all around it and it was on top of a hill, so it looked like a tower and it was a place of safety. The people who were fleeing the Assyrian Beast fled inside that tower and the Assyrian army could not get at them. And when they tried, God sent an angel and he killed 185,000 of the soldiers in one night. The Assyrians left Zion alone after that because it was too costly for them to invade it. God said, (2Ki.19:32) … He shall not come unto this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it. He said, “I'm going to protect my Bride,” and He did!   (Pro.18:10) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe (or, “set on high”). Did you know that when you come to Zion or Jerusalem, the Heavenly Jerusalem, you have come to the “name of the Lord”? (Jer.3:17) At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. The word for “name” is the word Shem in the Old Testament. Shem, of course, is the name of the chosen people, the Shemites. They were the “people of the name” (Genesis 10:1). Shem is the one who had the name. Shem is the word for “name” in the Old Testament in the New Testament it is anoma, and they both mean “nature, character and authority.”   When we take on the name of the Lord, that means we take on His nature, character and authority like the Bride. This is how you know the difference between a Jacob and an Esau. In the natural, they each have a different nature, character and authority, just as they each do in their spirit. (Pro.18:10) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. So we go into the name of the Lord; we abide in Jesus Christ -- in His nature, character and authority, and that is sanctification. People who are constantly attacking their brethren because they have a root of bitterness and are trying to spread it to everyone else, do not have the nature of Jesus Christ. They do not have the love of Jesus Christ. They are trying to make themselves great at other people's expense and it is a sad, sad thing.   Getting back to G.C. and his revelation: I said to myself, “This doesn't look good for David and the others,” but for some reason, I wasn't worried about myself. That's because, in this particular case, he was an observer at this point. Continuing the dream: This is when I saw David Eells and the people fleeing out of the area, but these soldiers tried to detain whomever they could. In other words, they wanted to keep people from going into the wilderness and they still want to do that today. Edomites don't want you to walk by faith in God; instead, they want you to live in Egypt. They were the “mixed multitude” who were half Egyptian and half Israelite (Exodus 12:38; Numbers 11:4).   They didn't want to leave Egypt either, did they? (Exo.16:2) And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness: (3) and the children of Israel said unto them, Would that we had died by the hand of God in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots, when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. And they were nothing but a stumblingblock to God's people when they got into the wilderness.   There are many people today who call themselves “Christians” but they don't want to walk in the wilderness, which is where God's power is made manifest. Remember, God told Moses to tell Pharaoh that His people could not sacrifice to Him in Egypt. (Exo.8:26) And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the Lord our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?   The only place they could sacrifice to Him was in the wilderness (Exodus 7:16). That's a place of weakness, that's a place where Egypt doesn't supply all your needs, that's a place where you don't put your faith in man and man's ability and efforts. You go out in that wilderness and you receive miracles of provision and protection. You get fed out of Heaven. You get water out of a rock. This is a place where God's power is made perfect in man's weakness. God wants to be our Savior; He doesn't want us to save ourselves.   So, in G.C.'s dream, the soldiers were trying to detain them, trying to keep them from going into the wilderness. Do you know what's going to happen? These Esau types are going to take the mark of the Beast so that they don't have to go into the wilderness. They can trust in Egypt, but if you don't take the mark of the Beast, you are going to have to go into the wilderness. This is God's way of forcing His people into the wilderness so that they can walk by faith because the righteous shall live from faith (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38). The rest of them are going to live by faith in the world and you can see right there the difference between the Jacobs and the Esaus. They are both among us and, even though they are both the seed of Abraham, one of them is going to be rejected, reprobated, for continuing to attack his brother. The enemies of Christ, spiritual and physical, and the Beast armies, will seek to hinder God's people who want to leave Babylon for the wilderness.   Continuing with G.C.'s dream: Then I was running through the field (representing the world) as well and they tried to detain me, too. I thought for sure that David and the others were captured, but as I ran out of the field and to the right (sheep go to the right and goats go to the left), I found myself running to a safehouse which, in fact, was David's house. That's interesting. Many people have had dreams about my house being a white house and a safehouse. This was not speaking about a house in the physical but a “house” in the spiritual, a place where we abide. Our spiritual house in which we must abide is Jesus Christ, Who is the Word of God and the house of David. Notice G.C. said he went to “David's house” and the “house of David” is Zion! We need to abide in Zion, if we want to be in the Bride and escape the Beast.   G.C. goes on to say, “And I was the last one in. David and all the others had somehow managed to get in safe and sound, which was a surprise to me. I thought David had been captured. As I walked up to the house, I saw David's wife open the door for me and let me in. I know in the natural she is approximately his age but she appeared to me as a woman in her late 20s to mid-30s. This could be speaking of my physical wife since there is a restoration coming for the Bride that many don't know about. But also this is a spiritual revelation. My spiritual “wife” are those who receive the seed of the Word that I sow and bear the fruit of Christ. As Paul said, (1Co.4:15) For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. He was sowing the seed in the Woman Church, the first Church that came out of the wilderness, which was Israel, and bringing forth fruit. He wasn't sowing his seed; he was sowing Christ's seed because we have to make disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19).  Continuing with the dream: She had very long hair (In 1 Corinthians 11:15, long hair was a sign of submission.) and she wore old-style glasses, and it almost looked like she was living in the 1970s. These old-style glasses represent how you see things. Do we see things the way the modern Church sees things, or do we see things the way they were once given unto the saints? (Jud.3) Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.   You have to see things the way the Bible tells you to see things, not the way the modern, dead Church tells you to see things. You have to see and live the faith as it was once delivered unto the saints; some people call that old-fashioned. Back to the dream, We were all in the house, safe and sound. End of dream. That was very interesting and it gives you a good perspective of who these Edomites represent.   So let's look at these Edomites a little bit more. (Isa.63:1) Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? Bozrah, as we saw, is the sheepfold. God is going to separate His people from the apostate sheepfold because history just keeps repeating, though each time it's on a larger and larger scale. Jesus said in John 16 He's coming again as a Man-child born to a woman and when you look in Revelation 12 you see that because Jesus is coming in His people. He left an individual body to come back in a corporate body, so He will be able to do worldwide what He was doing in that individual body.   Jesus said in (Mar.16:17) And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. His disciples did the same works He did. And in (Joh.14:12) Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.  And what's going to happen after He separates His people from the fold? What happened to the early sheepfold after the Lord took His people out? Everybody who didn't come out was cut off of the olive tree (Romans 11); they were rejected. You either came out or you were rejected, and the same thing is going to happen in our day. The Lord wants a people in His image, not in the image of these dead religions out there. (2Co.6:17) Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you. You have to come out from among them and be separate and abide in (Jud.3) … the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.   After God takes His people out of the sheepfold in the tribulation, those who are left are going to be separated from the Kingdom of God. That's what happened in those early days (Romans 11). The people who didn't come out and walk by faith were separated from the Kingdom. They were shaken loose from the fig tree; they were cut off from the olive tree for their unbelief. (Rom.2:28) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: (29) but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. We are now coming to the place where these people are going to be separated from the Kingdom, after God's people have been separated from them.   After the Bride is perfected, after they have been purified, after they have been sanctified, He is going to deal with those people who are still in the sheepfold and some will come out in tribulation. And what is He going to do? He's going to separate the rest from the Kingdom of God. Let's read that in (Mat.13:24) Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field: (25) but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away. (26) But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.   (27) And the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares? (28) And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? (29) But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn. (36) Then he left the multitudes, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Explain unto us the parable of the tares of the field.   Tares look like wheat, until it comes to bearing fruit; they don't bear the fruit. You can go to Church and sit side-by-side with them, but if they don't bear the fruit of Jesus Christ 30-, 60- or 100-fold, Jesus said they are not going to be in His Kingdom (Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:1-20). (Mat.13:37) And he answered and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; (38) and the field is the world (There's our parable from G.C.'s dream: “the field is the world.”); and the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom (Kingdom of God); and the tares are the sons of the evil one; (39) and the enemy that sowed them is the devil: and the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels. So the disciples asked, “How did these tares come up among Your wheat? Didn't You sow good seed in Your field?” And Jesus said, “Let them grow together until the harvest.”   So here we are coming to the harvest and in the midst of God's people are these Edomites. They are about to be rejected from the Kingdom of God because they have borne no fruit. Like Esau, they walked after the flesh, they sold their birthright. (Mat.13:40) As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire.... Jesus said, (Joh.15:2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away.... Notice the words “in me;” they were sons of Abraham and had the birthright. And what does He say He does with them? He burns them in the fire. (Mat.13:40) As therefore the tares are gathered up and burned with fire; so shall it be in the end of the world. (41) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things.... The word “things” was not in the original manuscripts; there's no Greek word for “things” here and it should be omitted.   (Mat.13:41) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity. This is not talking about geography; this is not talking about going from here to Heaven. He's talking about gathering out of the Kingdom the people in red, those who walk in red. This is rejection. What did Jesus say? (Luk.17:20 NENT) And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God cometh, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is among you.   The Kingdom of God is here! Here is where people lose the Kingdom! They have fallen from Heaven like the parachuting soldiers; they have lost their seat in Heavenly places and they are now members of the earth. Like an ostrich, they are earthbound. They may be very big in the world, but they cannot get off the ground and there are a lot of Christians out there who are big in the world, but they cannot go to Heavenly places. So “gather out of His kingdom” is talking about being removed from the Kingdom of God.   Again in (Mat.13:41) The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that cause stumbling, and them that do iniquity, (42) and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. People often say “the furnace of fire” is the Tribulation. No, “the furnace of fire” here is the great and terrible Day of the Lord! It comes after the Tribulation and continues in Hell. You remember God spoke to Noah, (Gen.7:4) For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the ground. After seven days was when he needed to be in the ark. After seven days was when the flood, which represents the Day of the Lord, came upon the earth.   The “flood” which is coming this time is a “flood” of fire. (2Pe.3:10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (11) Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, (12) looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?    When the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of the end, He told them in (Mat.24:29) But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. In the book of Acts, Peter preached, (Act.2:20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable [day].     So you have a Tribulation and then you have a Day of the Lord, which comes for one purpose. The day of the Lord comes to burn up those who persecuted His people in the Tribulation. Whether it be the Beast or whether it be the Harlot and, in this case, the Harlot is the Edomites, the apostate Christians. (Mat.13:43) Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.... In other words, they are purified and perfected, but the ark has not lifted off yet. When Noah got in the ark, he was 40 days in that great and terrible Day of the Lord before the ark lifted off, and when it lifted-off, he was purified. Everybody who was in that ark was purified or they would not be lifting off; they would be staying right here on this earth to go through the great and terrible Day of the Lord.   (Let me explain something here. God is dealing with the Bride and then the Church. According to John the Man-child, Jesus, was raising up the Bride, those firstfruits disciples. Then He sent them to raise up the Church. There is a mini day of the Lord after the Bride's sanctification. And a larger day of the Lord after the Church's sanctification in the tribulation.   So, the Edomite types will go through this day of the Lord. Isaiah 63 is all about the Edomites paying for what they did to God's people in persecuting them, in criticizing them, in turning them over to the Beast to be destroyed, as the apostate Jews did to Jesus. They turned Him over to the Beast, the Roman army, to be crucified. All through history, Edomites have always sided with the Beast against God's people. Do you know who Herod was? He was an Edomite king over the people of God. Do you know who is ruling over the people of God today? Most are Edomites! Just like the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who would not follow Jesus, they have sold their birthright and they are walking after the flesh.     Going back to (Isa.63:2) Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winevat? (3) I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yea, I trod them in mine anger, and trampled them in my wrath (The “wrath” is the great and terrible Day of the Lord.); and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments, and I have stained all my raiment. We also see Jesus, in the book of Revelation, coming with His garment that was sprinkled in blood: (Rev.19:13) And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God.     However, there is something strange here and people like to point it out. Back in Isaiah, it says, (Isa.63:3) I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yea, I trod them in mine anger, and trampled them in my wrath.... But over in Revelation, He's not alone. He's leading an army! (Rev.19:11) And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteous he doth judge and make war. (12) And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. (13) And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood (It's not only the Edomites He's coming back after. It is also the Beast, Harlot and the wicked of the world, as He goes on to say.): and his name is called The Word of God.     (Rev.19:14) And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses clothed in fine linen, white and pure. (The ark goes up in the day of the Lord and it comes back down here at the end. If there are armies following Jesus, how is He alone? Notice, the armies don't fight; only Jesus fights and He needs no help.), (15) And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress (Notice: “alone”) of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.   So how is it that He is alone? It's because at this time, these people are in the ark, they are abiding in Jesus Christ. (1Co.15:28) And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all. We are not talking about men. He said there was no man with Him because these are all sons of God! They are not sons of men anymore. They have lost their humanity; it's been crucified down here on the earth. They have put to death the life of the old man, in order to gain the life of Christ (Matthew 10:39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24).     They have, (Col.3:10) … put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him (This “new man” being put on is the Son of God. This is the manifestation of the sons of God.): (Col.3:11) where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. These people are Christ. (Gal.2:20) … It is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me.... These are not men. These are God's sons. These are manifested sons of God! Awesome! This is just an awesome revelation here!     But, as the sons of God are being manifested, it is going to be a terrible and dangerous time that's coming for the Church because there is going to be a great falling away, as we are warned: (2Th.2:10) … Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: (12) that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Let's continue our Revelation 19 text. Rev 19:16  And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17  And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid heaven, Come and be gathered together unto the great supper of God; 18  that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, and small and great.   19  And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth (Remember the ten kings who rule are also members of the body of the beast.), and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat upon the horse, and against his army. 20  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet (The corporate body of the false prophet is worldwide and work for the worldwide Harlot church who is in bed with the beast and has his mark. Even now some of these false prophets are saying you can take the mark of the beast because the mark of God trumps the mark of the beast. How much more they will say this when they have taken the mark and are reprobated entirely.) Back to 20. that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image (The beast had 7 heads and 10 horns for it was a corporate body with its patriots.): they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone: 21  and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, even the sword which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.    God bless you to endure in faith to the end.  

The Sovereign Providence of the Burial of Jesus Christ Matthew 27

The Sovereign Providence of the Burial of Jesus Christ Matthew 27

The Sovereign Providence of the Burial of Jesus Christ Matthew 27

Acts 20:7-12 7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted. (NIV 84) FROM THE LESSON 10 Examples in Scripture of Someone Being Raised from the Dead: 1 The widow of Zarephath's son by Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24) 2 The Shunammite woman's son by Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37) 3 The man who touched Elisha's bones (2 Kings 13:20-21) 4 The widow of Nain's son by Jesus (Luke 7:11-17) 5 Jairus' daughter by Jesus (Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56) 6 Lazarus by Jesus (John 11:1-44) 7 Holy people at the death of Jesus (Matthew 27:50-53) 8 Tabitha (Dorcas) by Peter (Acts 9:36-43) 9 Eutychus by Paul (Acts 20:7-12) 10 Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18) How these examples are the same: In each example, someone was literally dead - not seemingly dead, not playing dead, not thought to be dead, they were dead - and by the authority and power of God, they were raised from the dead. How one is different from the other ones: The first nine were raised to their old lives. They were all raised from the dead back to how things used to be. They were raised from death to old life. They were brought back from death to their old life. This is called resuscitation from the dead. Jesus was raised to a new life. He was raised from death to new life. He is the only one who has been raised from the dead to a new, glorified body. He is the only one who has been brought through death to a new life. This is called resurrection from the dead. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 Icebreaker: what are some of the ways you have heard the story of Eutychus taught before today? Have you ever heard it used as a warning to stay alert or as a practical encouragement for better preaching? 2 Read through some of the examples in Scripture of people being raised from the dead. Is there one that has stood out to you more than another? Is there one that has been a favorite of yours? Why? How do these examples of God's power and authority over death encourage your faith? 3 Do you understand the difference between resuscitation from the dead and resurrection from the dead? Why is it important to know the difference?  4 The gospel invitation is to a new life in Jesus Christ. It is not a call to a better version of you. It's a call to a brand new version of you. Discuss the difference with your group. 

Transforming Truth:  Dauntless disciples keep JESUS at the forefront of their minds. 1. God's supreme power keeps the gospel advancing 2 Timothy 2:9 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: The whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly. - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 1:12-14) 2. God's sovereign election keeps his messengers persevering 2 Timothy 2:10 [God the Father] chose us in [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-5 3. God's steadfast character keeps his word unchanging.  If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. " - Jesus Christ Matthew 10:32-33

Ordained by Jesus Christ Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe […] The post Baptism is… (Matt 28:18-20) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

Reading Matthew 28:1-10 where Jesus rises from the dead and the empty tomb is first seen by women before Jesus appears to them and tells them to report to the disciples. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

MBC Prince William || The Resurrection of Jesus Christ || Matthew 28:1-15 || Easter || Todd Peters

Transforming Truth: To be truly rich, trust in God and guard the gospel. A Word to the Wealthy  1 Timothy 6:17-19 Hope:  firm expectancy in God that characterizes Christian faith. Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1 NLT "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19-21) To be truly rich, trust in God and guard the gospel. A Plea to the Pastor 1 Timothy 20-21 A Benediction for All Believers 1 Timothy 6:21b Do Good, acronym... Develop a Great Commission mindset. Own your responsibility. Give generously, consistently, and cheerfully. Operate through the local church. Open your eyes to the opportunities around you (John 4:35) Depend on God's grace (John 15:5)

Transforming Truth: Forsake toxic cravings and find true contentment in Christ. Toxic Cravings 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 9-10 "And in their greed they will exploit you with false words." - 1 Peter 2:3 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. - 2 Timothy 4:2-3 NLT True Contentment 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! ... We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can't take our riches with us. Ecclesiastes 5:10,15 NLT And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28 NLT Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." - Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24)    

Defiling our Kids Problem is black magic witchcraft across all fronts Seven men gang rape toddler and place on the net is just the tip of the spear of this debauchery. Ex Satanist Bill Schnoebelen said why Satanist / Free Masons defile kids is: • Defile kids gross way – enlightenment / Crowley sex magic • Satan defiles innocence to destroy souls • Scientific – MKUltra, super spy o LSD – torture o Monarch project / SRA / hypnotized • Building an army for Armageddon Now, according to Albert Pike, Free Masonry is Kabballah. Kabbalah is an esoteric method, discipline and school of thought in Jewish mysticism. It's witchcraft. “A sworn affidavit by an FBI agent included in the complaint explains that “‘pizza' and/or ‘cheese pizza' is a known slang/code-word used by individuals to discuss Child Sex Abuse / Material in public forums without detection.” AP Within this vcast we cover the sick Macron defense of demonic art, Muslim Faith and their pedo problem and the Catholic Church. It is everywhere and uust notice Hollywood and pizza references that is not even funny. Orthodox Jews Sect – Pedophile Problem Child rape assembly line article from Vice News. On a visit to Jerusalem in 2005, Rabbi Rosenberg entered into a mikvah in one of the holiest neighborhoods in the city, Mea She'arim. "I opened a door that entered into a schvitz," he told me. "Vapors everywhere, I can barely see. My eyes adjust, and I see an old man, my age, long white beard, a holy-looking man, sitting in the vapors. On his lap, facing away from him, is a boy, maybe seven years old. And the old man is having anal sex with this boy." Rabbi Rosenberg paused, gathered himself, and went on: "This boy was speared on the man like an animal, like a pig, and the boy was saying nothing. But on his face—fear. The old man [looked at me] without any fear, as if this was common practice. He didn't stop. I was so angry, I confronted him. He removed the boy from his penis, and I took the boy aside. I told this man, 'It's a sin before God, a mishkovzucher. What are you doing to this boy's soul? You're destroying this boy!' He had a sponge on a stick to clean his back, and he hit me across the face with it. 'How dare you interrupt me!' he said. I had heard of these things for a long time, but now I had seen." The child sex abuse crisis in ultra-Orthodox Judaism, like that in the Catholic Church, has produced its share of shocking headlines in recent years. In New York, and in the prominent Orthodox communities of Israel and London, allegations of child molestation and rape have been rampant. The alleged abusers are schoolteachers, rabbis, fathers, uncles—figures of male authority. The victims, like those of Catholic priests, are mostly boys. Rabbi Rosenberg believes around half of young males in Brooklyn's Hasidic community—the largest in the United States and one of the largest in the world—have been victims of sexual assault perpetrated by their elders. Ben Hirsch, director of Survivors for Justice, a Brooklyn organization that advocates for Orthodox sex abuse victims, thinks the real number is higher. "From anecdotal evidence, we're looking at over 50 percent. It has almost become a rite of passage." https://www.vice.com/en/article/qbe8bp/the-child-rape-assembly-line-0000141-v20n11 Tunnel, Soiled Mattress and Highchair The tunnel in NY at an orthodox hq or synagogue is a controversial and illegal excavation that was discovered under the Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The Chabad-Lubavitch is an Orthodox Jewish Hasidic movement that has followers all over the world. The building where the tunnel was found is a historic and revered site for the movement, as it was the home of their late leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The tunnel was reportedly dug by a group of extremist students who wanted to access the basement synagogue, which was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. Daily Mail reported youth expanded the holy site of Schneerson so he can come back as Christ. They allegedly hired migrant workers to help them with the digging, and used blood-soaked mattresses and baby strollers to conceal the entrance. The tunnel was exposed when structural engineers were hired to fill it in, sparking a violent clash between the students and the police. Twelve men were arrested and charged with various crimes, including criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment. The incident has also triggered a wave of antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media, with some users suggesting that the tunnel was used for human trafficking, organ harvesting, or terrorist activities. These claims are baseless and harmful, and have been denounced by the Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish organizations. Sources: BBC, NYPOST, Rollingstone, NBC From https://greeknewsondemand.com/2024/01/13/horrific-child-adrenochrome-market-found-in-nyc-jewish-tunnels-media-blackout/ “Hirschel Pekkar, a senior member who designed the Chabad's world famous menorah, admitted in 1991 to doing, in his words, “things that shouldn't be done” to a 5-year-old girl. This is probably a good time to mention the Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue is also linked to the Clinton Foundation, with the two organizations sharing a history of working on so-called “projects” together which have been announced on both of their websites over the years. Of course, the fact the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters is connected to the Clinton Foundation, which is itself connected to convicted child stealers including Laura Silsby, who was charged for trafficking children from Haiti… Well, the mainstream media want you to know that these facts are also nothing more than a series of wild coincidences. Keep in mind that both Epstein and Maxwell are on record claiming they helped launch the Clinton Foundation. Can you see how the dots are starting to connect?” Solution: Message of hope in the Power of Jesus Christ Matthew 4:23-25 King James Version 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.

The Birth of Jesus Christ, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 1, Christmas, David McLemore, Dustin Neeley, Refuge Church Franklin, Franklin, Tennessee

There is so much more to the genealogy of Jesus than meets the eye.

“The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” Matthew 27:57-28:20   Thank you for listening! Please enjoy our weekly sermon from Pastor Mike Rodrigues of Aliante Community Baptist Church. We invite you, your family and friends to join us as we study God's word. We pray that you will be blessed by today's lessons from God's Word and we invite you to contact us with any questions you may have - especially questions regarding your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We want to help you with your walk of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and with your understanding of His Holy Word, the Bible. May God richly bless you!​ Donations We are accepting offerings via our church website. Donate Here Your financial support of our ministry is greatly appreciated.   Contact Information info@aliantecommunitybaptistchurch.com Website www.aliantecommunitybaptistchurch.com

Series title: THE KING'S MIRACLES. In this episode we look at the healing of the leper. Sin is a disease that can only be cured by the miraculous power of Jesus Christ (Matthew 8:1-4)

Sermon for Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (A) Sunday, 9 July A+D 2023 Rev. Matthew D. Ruesch

On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it—Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:9). This is a manifesto to ignite the holy fire of apologetic passion and action. As did Jeremiah, we should have "fire in our bones" to communicate and commend Christian truth today (Jeremiah 20:9). This manifesto is not a sustained argument or a detailed development of themes. Rather, as a manifesto, it proclaims a short series of interrelated propositions crying out for both immediate and protracted reflection, prayer, and action. These challenges issue from convictions formed through my nearly thirty years of apologetic teaching, preaching, debating, writing, and Christian witness. Because of (1) the waning influence of the Christian worldview in public and private life in America today, (2) the pandemic of anti-intellectualism in the contemporary church, and (3) the very command of God himself to declare, explain, and defend divine truth, I strongly advise that the following statements be wrestled with and responded to by all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Breaking Generational CursesI'd like to begin with a funny story. A little boy was listening attentively as his father read him a bedtime story. Suddenly, he asked, "Daddy, do all fairy tales begin with 'Once upon a time'?" His father smiled and replied, "No, son. There are a whole lot of fairy tales that begin with 'If elected, I promise...'"Today, our sermon is titled "Breaking Generational Curses," and our guiding scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"The Bible mentions "generational curses" in several passages (Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 5:9), but it's essential to understand these in light of New Testament teachings on grace and redemption. Yes, patterns of sin can be passed down, but the power of Christ can break these chains.Look at the story of Rahab, the Canaanite harlot (Joshua 2:1-21). Her lineage was rooted in idolatry and immorality, but when she encountered the living God, she chose to align with Him, helping the Israelite spies. Rahab's choice broke a generational curse, and she became an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).God can turn any situation around. You might come from a lineage marked by a certain sin, but in Christ, you can start a new heritage. As Joel Osteen once said, "You are not defined by your past. You are prepared by your past."The Apostle Paul was once a zealous persecutor of Christians, but after encountering Christ, he became a passionate advocate for the Gospel. He wrote in Romans 8:1-2, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."We must also consider the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Despite his father's righteous living, the son went astray, but when he returned, his father welcomed him back. This story highlights God's heart – He's more interested in our repentance and redemption than in perpetuating a generational curse.Breaking a generational curse involves recognizing the pattern, repenting of it, and choosing to live by God's Word. Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."This week, I challenge you to break free from any generational curse. Not by your strength, but by God's grace. Recognize any ungodly patterns, confess them to God, seek His forgiveness, and make a conscious decision to not repeat them.Let's pray: "Dear Lord, thank You for the power in Christ to break every chain, including generational curses. We confess our sins and the sins of our forefathers. Help us to live by Your Word and to walk in the newness of life that You offer. In Jesus' Name, Amen."Remember, it doesn't matter what your past or your family history looks like, in Christ, you are a new creation. The old is gone, and the new has come!God bless you! Walk in this truth and break free!

We complete a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, Jesus spends 40 days appearing to people and proclaiming "Peace be with you!" He offers his followers a mission and a power to go with it, and it's not what they expected. Finally, he ascends...it is truly finished. Sources & Mentions: Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's Sunday and Jesus's body is found missing! Then he starts appearing to people alive and well. Christus Victor. Sources & Mentions: Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's Saturday. Jesus has been dead since the beginning of Friday in the hours typically saved for a Thursday. The THIRD DAY draws near so the religious leaders get off track from their High Sabbath duties. Sources & Mentions: Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's an early Friday as darkness covers the land as Jesus dies. Sources & Mentions: Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's still Thursday of Passover week. Jesus is now moved to the cross. What is this all about and what is he accomplishing by allowing men to kill Him? Sources & Mentions: The Science of the Crucifixion by Cahleen Shrier, PhD (adapted by Tally Flint) Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's still Thursday of Passover week. Jesus faces three tests in a garden while waiting for his arrest and trials. Sources & Mentions: Journal of Medicine 27 (3-4), 1996, by Holoubek & Holoubek Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's Thursday of Passover week. Jesus shares a dinner with his followers, explains to them how they can be fruitful branches, and prays for them before things get really tough. Sources & Mentions: Antiquities by Josephus Jerusalem in the Times of Jesus by Joachim Jeremias Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's Wednesday of Passover week. Jesus speaks with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, answering questions, and speaking parables. At day light he makes his final plea to the people to believe in Him. Sources & Mentions: Jewish Wars by Josephus Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's Tuesday of Passover week. Jesus meets some challenges to his authority on the temple grounds and has a lot to say in return. Sources & Mentions: Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

I.    Truth and Religion  A.    Framing the great debate on religion and spiritualityTaking objective truth seriously in a pluralistic, postmodern setting B.    The appeal of the oneness claim (all religions teach basically the same thing): religious strife is eliminated. But this must be logically tested. II.    What are Truth Claims in Religion? A.     Defining the nature of truth: that which corresponds to  objective reality. For more on this, see Douglas Groothuis, Truth Decay (InterVarsity Press, 2000), chapter four. B.    Defining a truth-claim: a statement that claims to describe objective reality C.    The logic of truth-claims—rules of the intellectual system, rational analysis 1.    The law of noncontradiction: A is not non-A (contradictory statements cannot both be true; nothing possesses contradictory properties) 2.    Examples of the law of noncontradiction in religious  truth-claims a.    Buddha cannot be enlightened and not enlightened at the same time; the claim is that he became enlightened. b.    Jesus cannot be the Christ (Messiah) and not be the Christ (Messiah). The claim is he always was the Messiah. c.    If what Buddha affirms about reality contradicts what Jesus affirms about reality, then both Buddha's and Jesus' view of reality cannot be true. They could both be false if some other worldview is true. A.    This fundamental law of logic is a necessary assumption for all rational discourse. III.    Similarities Between Jesus and Buddha A.    Both are world-historical founders of major religions B.    Their lives are enshrined in sacred texts C.    Both exhibited profound compassion and gathered followers D.    Both emphasized the need to find enduring peace E.    Both taught basic ethical teachings on love and respect, versions of the Golden Rule IV.     Jesus and Buddha: Key Differences of Worldview A.    Do two major religions agree on core issues or disagree?  If they disagree, they cannot be one in essence; cannot both true B.    Documents on Jesus and Buddha 1.    Buddha: Large body of texts far removed in history from life of Buddha. Miracles are not central to the message (dharma) of Buddha. 2.    Jesus: Four Gospels (and the rest of the New Testament) are written a few decades after Jesus' time on earth by eyewitnesses or those who consulted them. Miracles are central to the message of Jesus. See Douglas Groothuis, On Jesus, chapter two. C.    The worldview of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha (ca. 566-486 BCE) 1.    Ultimate reality or the sacred—atheistic or agnostic on God; but nirvana exists 2.    The human condition—suffering is due to craving and ignorance 3.    Spiritual liberation/salvation a.    “Four noble truths”—freedom from craving through insight into the cause of suffering  1.    Life is suffering2.    Suffering is caused by craving3.    The cessation of craving leads to liberation4.    The way of liberation is through the Eightfold path b.    The Eightfold path—wisdom, ethical conduct, mental discipline c.    The afterlife: reincarnation/karma or nirvana (release from reincarnation) D.    The worldview of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah) 1.    Ultimate reality—a personal and moral Creator God (Matthew 22:37-39) 2.    Human condition—image bearers of God estranged from God (Mark 7:21-23; See Romans 3:14-26 also) 3.    Spiritual liberation/salvation a.    Repentance; turning from self-centeredness (sin) to God's authority (Matthew 4:1: Luke 24:45-47) b.    Belief and trust in Jesus himself for eternal life (John    1:12-13; 3:16; 14:6; Romans 10:9). You have to do something with Jesus c.    The redemptive power of the suffering death (Cross) of   Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:28; 25-28; Romans 5:6-8) 4.    The afterlife: Either fellowship with God and the redeemed or eternal punishment (Matthew 25:31-46) E.    Two momentous lives compared    1.    Buddha—a sage, teacher, and reformer. Sought          enlightenment through knowledge and experience;         shared this with others 2.    Jesus—claimed to be God in human form (unrepeatable) a.    Never sought enlightenment, but began ministry in power and confidence (Matthew 4) b.    Offered to provide forgiveness for sin against a holy God (Mark 2:1-12; John 3:16-18) c.    Claimed to be one with a personal God (John 8:58; John 10:22-31) IV.    Conclusion: Between Jesus and Buddha— Gospel or Dharma? A.    Buddhism and Christianity cannot both be true; they contradict each other on crucial matters of worldview and spirituality: A cannot be non-A (the law of noncontradiction) B.    Objective truth and spiritual reality should be the overriding concern for spiritual seekers C.    Final reflection on suffering and hope (crucial test for any worldview) 1.    Buddha: transcend suffering through mental discipline and dehumanization (nirvana) 2.    Jesus: embrace redemptive suffering because of the fallen nature of the world. Jesus' own suffering on the Cross provides the way of liberation for individuals. a.    Jesus and the death of Lazarus (John 11) b.    Jesus on the Cross: “My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) c.    Resurrection of the body and the afterlife (1 Corinthians 15) D.    Jesus offers meaning in suffering and purpose in life through his life, death, and resurrection Recommended Reading 1.    Douglas Groothuis, On Jesus. Wadsworth, 2003. Looks at Jesus through the lens of philosophy.2.    Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd ed. InterVarsity Press, 2022 3.    Bart Gruzalski, On Buddha. Wadsworth, 2000. Looks at Buddha through the lens of philosophy.4.    Stuart Hackett, Oriental Religions: A Westerner's Guide to Eastern Thought. University of Wisconsin Press, 1979. A philosophical analysis, including Buddhism.5.    David L. Johnson, A Reasoned Look at Asian Religions. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany Press, 1985. A philosophical analysis, including Buddhism.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastor Geoff Alfassa preaches on Matthew 28:1-20.

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, it's Monday of Passover week. Jesus follows up his triumph parade with a second cleansing of the temple, more healings, and his spirit is troubled by his test ahead, while God thunders to the crowd that His name is glorified. Sources & Mentions: Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

Reading Matthew 1:18-25 about the birth of Jesus, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, and that makes Him the only sinless and qualified Savior. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Full show notes at https://www.lifeaudio.com/truth-tribe-with-douglas-groothuis/episodes  Religious Founders The concern for truth and rationality Truth: what corresponds to reality. See Douglas Groothuis, Truth Decay. Rationality: testing truth-claims logically and by the evidence Categories of analysis: Sources of information, life, worldview, existential meaning Jesus (0-33 AD) Source of knowledge: the New Testament: Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Revelation Gospels: Written by eyewitnesses or those who consulted them Synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke—approximately 70-80 AD; John: 90 AD Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught—Luke 1:1-4. Epistles of Paul: written in 50s AD; probably before the Gospels. See I Corinthians 15:1-8 on the gospel and resurrection of Jesus Jesus' life Jewish itinerate teacher, preacher, prophet, healer, exorcist Taught the Kingdom of God has come (Matthew 4:17) Was crucified by the Romans Was worshiped by followers as resurrected from the dead (Romans 1:3-4) Jesus' worldview God: monotheism; Heavenly Father and Creator Human problem: sin (Mark 7:21-23) Solution to human problem: faith in Jesus's work (John 3:16-18) Jesus as God Incarnate (Mark 2; John 8:58); second person of the Trinity (Matthew 28:18-20) Existential meaning Forgiveness, fellowship, meaning through Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 15:58) Confidence in life and death (Romans 8) Mohammad (570-632) Source: Koran (and Hadith and Sunna) Koran: One book received by one man from an angel; not written down by Mohammad, but others later 114 chapters: about the size of The New Testament Reinterprets Hebrew Bible and New Testament Hadith: commentary on Koran; Sunna: life of Mohammad Mohammad's life Received a revelation while meditating in a cave in 610 AD. Considered the last and greatest of the prophets: “seal of the prophets.” Life: Mecca and Medina Was a military, political, and spiritual leader after returning to Mecca from Medina Mohammad's worldview One God: Allah, monotheism Say (O Muhammad): He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.—Qur'an, Sura 112.  Human problem: weakness, ignorance Human solution: confess Allah and obey his law Existential meaning Strive for paradise, avoid hell Keep precepts: confession of faith, giving, pilgrimage to Mecca, observe Ramadan, pray five times daily Extend the Islam throughout the world, so that all obey Allah's law (sharia) Rational Assessment of Jesus and Mohammad The sources for Christ more varied and rooted in history than the sources for Mohammad. Mohammad's claim to being a prophet is questionable, given his denial of the identity of Jesus (not God) and his denial of the biblical gospel (Galatians 1:6-11) Claims of Mohammad based on the beauty of Koran and the early success of Islam Beauty is not the same as truth; some scholars claim it is not beautiful, but confusing. That is why Hadith is needed to interpret it. The success of Islam does not argue in its favor, since might does not make right Claims of Jesus are based on historical documents close to the events described (four Gospels) Qur'an and New Testament agree that: Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (Qur'an, Surah 3:38-48) Jesus was a messenger (Qur'an, Surah 5:75) Jesus is sinless (Qur'an, Surah 19:9) Jesus was “the Messiah” (Qur'an, Surah 4:171) Jesus was “a word from God” (Qur'an, Surah 4:171) Jesus worked miracles (Qur'an, Surah 3:49) Jesus ascended to heaven (Qur'an, Surah 4:148) Jesus will come again—Second Coming (Qur'an, Surah 43:61) Koran and New Testament disagree on whether or not Jesus claimed to be God (John 8:58; 10:30); Apostles claimed this as well (John 1:1-3; Colossians 2:9); contra: Qur'an 19:20, 24; 112:1-4 Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man (John 14:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Matthew 11:27) Jesus was crucified to atone for sin against God (Luke 18:31-32); contra: Qur'an, Surah 4:157-158. Biblical and other historical evidence from the ancient world agrees that Jesus was crucified The significance of Jesus' suffering and death You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us—Romans 5:6-8. Existential significance Mohammad gives no basis for a relationship with God; this would be “shirk”—giving Allah a partner Mohammad is not a mediator or a miracle worker, nor was he raised from the dead. He is dead. Jesus establishes a relationship with God as Lord and Savior. Jesus: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light—Matthew 11:28-30. References: Mark Gabriel, Jesus and Mohammad. Charisma House, 2004. Douglas Groothuis, “Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?” http://www.bethinking.org/islam/do-christians-and-muslims-worship-the-same-god. Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd InterVarsity Press, 2022. See especially, “The Challenge of Islam.” Nabeel Qureshi, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity, Zondervan, 2014, revised ed., 2019. Abduhl Saleeb, Norman Geisler, Answering Islam, 2nd Baker Books, 2002. Robert Spencer, The Truth About Mohammad. Regnery, 2007. Answering Islam web page: answering-islam.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, Jesus enters Jerusalem to the sounds of Passover songs, the waving of palm branches indicating a triumph parade, and cloaks spread on the ground indicating his royalty, yet he rides low on a donkey. Sources & Mentions: Season 2, Episode 1: Biblical Literacy is a Spiritual Issue Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

Reading Matthew 1:1-2 and looking at the very first part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, understanding all of the intricate ways God has been at work in redemptive history. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, Jesus passes through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. He meets a present-tense Tax Collector, shares a parable about a rejected King, and heals a blind beggar. Sources & Mentions:   Opportunity Jesus Show music:   “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM   “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM   "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

We continue a study through the official authorized story of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) looking for ways it can shape our biblical worldview. Next up, two of the apostles mother approaches Jesus with a wild question...and he allows it. He answers back with a question. Sources & Mentions: Opportunity Jesus Show music: “River Runs Deep” by SLPSTRM “Self Portrait“ by SLPSTRM "A Place Beyond Belief" by SLPSTRM Produced by Jeremy Eagan --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anakainosis/message

In this second sermon in the book of Ruth, Pastor Bogdan reminds us that Yahweh's wings stretch over Ruth and Naomi in ways they could not have orchestrated. We must trust that Yahweh's wings of refuge will cover us and we must seek to be a refuge to those in need. The sovereignty of our great God is clearly seen in the story of Ruth. He guided her every step of the way to become His child and fulfill His plan for her to become an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). In the same way, we have the assurance that God has a plan for each of us. Just as Naomi and Ruth trusted Him to provide for them, so should we. Let's get ready to find hope in Jesus, by listening to this message. YOUR NEXT STEP: If you don't have a home church, then your next step of faith is to click this link and fill out the digital connect card. We would love to connect with you: https://bit.ly/forwardconnect. If this message encouraged you and inspired you to boldly follow Jesus, we ask that you share it with a friend by sending them this message! We help YOU find hope in Jesus. We can't wait to see you in person at Forward Church in Irvine, every Sunday at 11 am! CONNECT WITH FORWARD: For more information, please visit: www.forwardchurchirvine.com and follow us on Instagram: @forwardirvine.

The Birth of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:18-25

The Birth Pangs Intensify Tom Donnan pt 1 I have guests come on this program all of the time. I do between 3 and 5 and sometimes 6 interviews each week. I've noticed recently that many guests are discussing the end time, the Book of Revelation and / or things happening in this world. There is a Spiritual awakening happening in the Body of Christ right now – that the Day of the Lord is at hand. For some, they deny such things. They blame it all on “Climate Change.” Or, Russia and China. Some blame still blame Donald Trump. But for believers, true believers, they don't blame anyone but the devil. Praise God. I'm telling people, almost on a daily basis, that NONE of these things worry me. Not one. Not inflation. Not COVID. Not wars. Not crime in the streets. Why? Because I see prophecy coming to pass right before my eyes. And I know how it all turns out. Praise God! Don't shout me down when I'm preaching good! Yes, I'm not going to lie. It does “concern” me. But my hope rests, completely, in Jesus. Amen Our good friend, Tom Donnan, is back today to discuss more things that deal with all of these same issues. The Lord shares these things with Tom through dreams and visions and he is back today to share some recent things the Lord has shown to him. And how they are coming to pass, not at some point in the future – but right now, every single night – on television. Praise God. Help me welcome back to the program, our good friend, Tom Donnan! Tom, thanks for taking the time to come back on and visit. I do appreciate it! Over the last two years we have talked about our need to be on the strong foundation of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24-27). The question now is, is there time left to build that type of strong foundation in our relationship with Jesus? You recently had a warning dream of earthquakes, shaking and chaos. Can you share somethings with us from that dream? There are a few main points to the first dream: A strong shaking is coming. Some households will be swallowed up in the shaking. As with earthquakes, there are many shockwaves. Those having a strong foundation on Jesus do well Second dream points Cell phones/communications are down. There is a need for warm clothing Emerging from the safety of our foundation is a flood of confused people. I heard a voice say to me, “Time to separate yourself!” Tom, if someone wants to get in touch with you, order your books, etc., how can they do that? I'll put links to all of this down in the show notes below. Folks, there is no doubt we are living on the edge of Eternity right now. What you do, what you do not do, will have eternal consequences. Do not hesitate. Do not brush this off as two old guys just talking. This is real. This is decisive. CONTACT INFORMATION: Tom Donnan - Healingthenation1776@gmail.com Six free books can be found at: https://www.zoehealingcenter.com/ (Home | Zoe Healing Center)