Podcast appearances and mentions of jesus isaiah

In today's world where there is so much fake news and so many false narratives, we are discovering in just five chapters, some of the clearest proofs of whether someone is or is not a genuine disciple of Jesus. For someone known as the apostle of love, John is very direct. And today we look at some other hard-hitting teachings of John that will leave us in no doubt as to whether someone is a real Christian. John writes that a real Christian won't keep sinning (1 John 3:6,9-10).   Now many people are confused about this word sin, but the Bible teaches that everyone has sinned in some way. We have all done wrong and become separated from God. And because of our sins Jesus needed to die on the Cross so that we can be forgiven for our sins and live a new life of purity after we have turned from our sins.   Of course, a Christian may fail and sin, but a real Christian cannot continue to deliberately pursue a life of sin. Once we are forgiven, we are to live differently to the sinful life we lived before (John 8:10-11). Jesus, like his disciple John, was very clear: a real Christian leaves the old life of sin to live a new life.   A real Christian cannot follow God and the devil. There is no middle way (1 John 3:7-8). In other words, it is not possible to live with one foot in the kingdom of God and one in the devil's kingdom. You can't play with sin and expect God's blessing.   In the Old Testament we read about one great man who had the anointing of God. He was blessed by God. He had great strength. In fact, he was the leader of his country for a while. His name was Samson. But he had a fatal weakness for women. He had sexual relationships with different women, who were certainly were not followers of God. Although they tempted him and betrayed him to his enemies, Samson kept on sinning. He thought God's anointing would always get him out of trouble. But one day he discovered that his enemies conquered him because ‘he did not know that the Lord had left him' (Judges 16:20). This has been described as one of the scariest verses in the bible. “He did not know that the Lord had left him.'   Whether younger or older you cannot presume on the mercy of God if you keep on sinning. Or as John says here: you can't keep sinning. A real Christian not only has faith in Jesus but turns from their sin to pursue a life of purity. We see some core reasons from John's epistle explaining why we can't continue to sin.  1. We must not continue to sin because of the price Jesus paid to cleanse us from our sins (1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1-2; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 10:26-27; Romans 6:1-2) 2. We must not continue to sin because God calls us to confess our sins (1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9).‬‬‬ 3. We must not continue to sin because God wants to set us free from the power of sin (1 John 3:8) 4. We must not continue to sin because it is contrary to the new life that God has given us (1 John 3:9; Psalm 51:1-2,10-12; 1 John 5:18; 2 Peter 1:3). Apply   1. We must not continue to sin because of the price Jesus paid to cleanse us from our sins (1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1-2). Never take for granted the sacrifice Jesus made because of His love for you. We should turn from sin because our salvation came at a price. That price was the blood of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5). Through His sacrifice on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sin. Our sinful behaviour that separated us from the holy, almighty God was paid in full by the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:8). To keep deliberately sinning is to devalue and disrespect what Jesus did on the cross and comes with a warning (Hebrews 10:26-27). Our appreciation of Christ's death on the cross should mean that we die to sin (Romans 6:1-2).   2. We must not continue to sin because God calls us to confess our sins. Light and darkness cannot coexist. We must come out of the darkness and into God's light and we do that when we bring our sins out into the light (1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9).‬‬‬‬ Confession means that we get real with God and come into fellowship with God. So always confess any sin, that way you will stay in the light and live free from sin.   3. We must not continue to sin because God wants to set us free from the power of sin (1 John 3:8). Jesus doesn't want His children to be held prisoner in any way. He doesn't want you to live a life of guilt and condemnation. You don't have to be a slave to anything: sexual sins, addictions, depression. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. And He wants you to keep living in freedom. He doesn't want you to go back into the slave-world of sin.   4. We must not continue to sin because it is contrary to the new life that God has given us (1 John 3:9). What does this mean in real life? Well, if you are someone who says you have given their life to the Lord, you can't continue to sleep with your boyfriend or girlfriend outside of marriage. Or if you've been stealing; you can't do that anymore. If you have been negative or bitter, spoken badly about others, you must change. You can't hang out any longer with so called friends who have no time or respect for God. A true Christian knows that God has put a new nature within us. He has planted a seed of holiness. He has changed our DNA. When a sinner sins it is because that it the natural outcome of a sinful nature. When a Christian, sins it is against the new nature of a child of God. A Christian feels bad. A Christian knows this is against how they want to live. A Christian says like King David, ‘I have sinned, but I want to get back to living right' (Psalm 51:1-2,10-12). That is the prayer of someone who has the heart of God. You don't want to sin but if you do you want to put things right. Why? because you have the seed of God's life in you. And you can be sure that God wants to help you and protect you in an unclean and dark world (1 John 5:18). In other words, the Devil is out to get you, but you CAN resist and overcome the Devil. He has given the Holy Spirit to strengthen you (2 Peter 1:3). Every day, instead of sinning more and more, you can conquer more and more. You can become more and more like Jesus. Like Moses who spent so much time in God's presence, even your face can shine with the glory of God.   This then is one very clear way to spot a real Christian. If you are a real Christian, you will change from living a life of sin. You will confess your sins and be cleansed from your sins. You will decide to leave your old sinful way of life. You will learn to conquer sin. You will continue to grow in purity and have a longing to live a holy life. And you can be sure that the Holy Spirit will help you. What is the true state of your life and relationship with God? The religious like to appear that they're living right but they're not. So, what is the condition of your life? Have you been living in guilt? Have you been living a double life? Is there hidden sin? Today cry out for the spirit of God to help us and to give us the will to live a holy life. 

In today's world where there is so much fake news and so many false narratives, we are discovering in just five chapters, some of the clearest proofs of whether someone is or is not a genuine disciple of Jesus. For someone known as the apostle of love, John is very direct. And today we look at some other hard-hitting teachings of John that will leave us in no doubt as to whether someone is a real Christian. John writes that a real Christian won't keep sinning (1 John 3:6,9-10).   Now many people are confused about this word sin, but the Bible teaches that everyone has sinned in some way. We have all done wrong and become separated from God. And because of our sins Jesus needed to die on the Cross so that we can be forgiven for our sins and live a new life of purity after we have turned from our sins.   Of course, a Christian may fail and sin, but a real Christian cannot continue to deliberately pursue a life of sin. Once we are forgiven, we are to live differently to the sinful life we lived before (John 8:10-11). Jesus, like his disciple John, was very clear: a real Christian leaves the old life of sin to live a new life.   A real Christian cannot follow God and the devil. There is no middle way (1 John 3:7-8). In other words, it is not possible to live with one foot in the kingdom of God and one in the devil's kingdom. You can't play with sin and expect God's blessing.   In the Old Testament we read about one great man who had the anointing of God. He was blessed by God. He had great strength. In fact, he was the leader of his country for a while. His name was Samson. But he had a fatal weakness for women. He had sexual relationships with different women, who were certainly were not followers of God. Although they tempted him and betrayed him to his enemies, Samson kept on sinning. He thought God's anointing would always get him out of trouble. But one day he discovered that his enemies conquered him because ‘he did not know that the Lord had left him' (Judges 16:20). This has been described as one of the scariest verses in the bible. “He did not know that the Lord had left him.'   Whether younger or older you cannot presume on the mercy of God if you keep on sinning. Or as John says here: you can't keep sinning. A real Christian not only has faith in Jesus but turns from their sin to pursue a life of purity. We see some core reasons from John's epistle explaining why we can't continue to sin.  1. We must not continue to sin because of the price Jesus paid to cleanse us from our sins (1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1-2; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 10:26-27; Romans 6:1-2) 2. We must not continue to sin because God calls us to confess our sins (1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9).‬‬‬ 3. We must not continue to sin because God wants to set us free from the power of sin (1 John 3:8) 4. We must not continue to sin because it is contrary to the new life that God has given us (1 John 3:9; Psalm 51:1-2,10-12; 1 John 5:18; 2 Peter 1:3). Apply   1. We must not continue to sin because of the price Jesus paid to cleanse us from our sins (1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1-2). Never take for granted the sacrifice Jesus made because of His love for you. We should turn from sin because our salvation came at a price. That price was the blood of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5). Through His sacrifice on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sin. Our sinful behaviour that separated us from the holy, almighty God was paid in full by the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:8). To keep deliberately sinning is to devalue and disrespect what Jesus did on the cross and comes with a warning (Hebrews 10:26-27). Our appreciation of Christ's death on the cross should mean that we die to sin (Romans 6:1-2).   2. We must not continue to sin because God calls us to confess our sins. Light and darkness cannot coexist. We must come out of the darkness and into God's light and we do that when we bring our sins out into the light (1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭9).‬‬‬‬ Confession means that we get real with God and come into fellowship with God. So always confess any sin, that way you will stay in the light and live free from sin.   3. We must not continue to sin because God wants to set us free from the power of sin (1 John 3:8). Jesus doesn't want His children to be held prisoner in any way. He doesn't want you to live a life of guilt and condemnation. You don't have to be a slave to anything: sexual sins, addictions, depression. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. And He wants you to keep living in freedom. He doesn't want you to go back into the slave-world of sin.   4. We must not continue to sin because it is contrary to the new life that God has given us (1 John 3:9). What does this mean in real life? Well, if you are someone who says you have given their life to the Lord, you can't continue to sleep with your boyfriend or girlfriend outside of marriage. Or if you've been stealing; you can't do that anymore. If you have been negative or bitter, spoken badly about others, you must change. You can't hang out any longer with so called friends who have no time or respect for God. A true Christian knows that God has put a new nature within us. He has planted a seed of holiness. He has changed our DNA. When a sinner sins it is because that it the natural outcome of a sinful nature. When a Christian, sins it is against the new nature of a child of God. A Christian feels bad. A Christian knows this is against how they want to live. A Christian says like King David, ‘I have sinned, but I want to get back to living right' (Psalm 51:1-2,10-12). That is the prayer of someone who has the heart of God. You don't want to sin but if you do you want to put things right. Why? because you have the seed of God's life in you. And you can be sure that God wants to help you and protect you in an unclean and dark world (1 John 5:18). In other words, the Devil is out to get you, but you CAN resist and overcome the Devil. He has given the Holy Spirit to strengthen you (2 Peter 1:3). Every day, instead of sinning more and more, you can conquer more and more. You can become more and more like Jesus. Like Moses who spent so much time in God's presence, even your face can shine with the glory of God.   This then is one very clear way to spot a real Christian. If you are a real Christian, you will change from living a life of sin. You will confess your sins and be cleansed from your sins. You will decide to leave your old sinful way of life. You will learn to conquer sin. You will continue to grow in purity and have a longing to live a holy life. And you can be sure that the Holy Spirit will help you. What is the true state of your life and relationship with God? The religious like to appear that they're living right but they're not. So, what is the condition of your life? Have you been living in guilt? Have you been living a double life? Is there hidden sin? Today cry out for the spirit of God to help us and to give us the will to live a holy life. 

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/uozruwJ8R9g?feature=shareWe love to quote this at Christmastime about the baby Jesus:Isaiah 9:6-76 For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,     and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the increase of his government and of peace     there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom,     to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness     from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.What many don't realize is that only the first seven words of verse 6 pertained to Christmas: “for to us a child is born…” Then there was a 33-year gap, followed by the next six words: “to us a son is given;”And after those words has been a gap 2,000 years and counting.The government has not been placed upon His shoulders yet. But when it is: what will it be like? That's what we'll be discussing today on the Cross References podcast.If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.comIf you're looking for a detailed Ezekiel Bible study, cross-referenced with supporting scripture, this podcast will provide an in-depth look at the prophets of the Bible, with clear Bible prophecy explained. We explore Ezekiel's visions and other Old Testament Bible study topics through careful Bible exegesis to help you in understanding the Book of Ezekiel in a deeper way. I'm glad you're here, and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!

Sermon by Dr. David Rountree on 02/02/25 at New Covenant Church in Anderson, SC. Scripture Passage: John 1:19-34 Outline: CHARACTER WITNESS (v.19-23) CEREMONY WITNESS (V.24-34, v.31) Pharisees knew baptism by sprinkling should lead to Jesus (Isaiah 52:13-15 & Ezek.36:25-27) CHURCH WITNESS 1. Let us testify of Christ with humility (v.23). 2. Let us recognize that covenant signs are for manifesting Jesus, not us (v.31). 3. Let us recognize that baptism is a Holy Spirit sign not our sign (v.33). 4. Let us retain the scriptural mode of baptism by sprinkling to point to Christ. 5. Recognize your daily-wear is great testimony-wear when testifying of Christ.

012625_seek_jesus_alfredo_delgaillo_isaiah_55_6.mp3File Size: 58020 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]

Sunday Service (12/22/24) // Isaiah 9:6 // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.org Follow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others To support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... #DanielBatarseh | #mbchicago | #mbcchicago | #Bible | #BibleStudy | #livechurch | #churchlive | #chicagochurch | #chicagochurches | #versebyverse | #church | #sermon | #sermons | #sermononline | #chicago | #gospelofmark | #baptism | #bookofmark | #newtestament | #scripture | #verses | #lessons | #crucifixión Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder, and his name shall be called[b] Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Footnotes a. Isaiah 9:6 Or is upon b. Isaiah 9:6 Or is called

 Who is Jesus? // Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 Sunday Morning Service // December 22, 2024Pastor Greg Shipe 

Rewards and Judgments (audio) David Eells 12/22/24 Disciples to be Blessed Now Marie Kelton -12/16/24 (David's notes in red) I had a dream that UBM was in a classroom. (A revelation for those partaking of God's unleavened bread of the Word.) There were a lot more people in the classroom than there had been. I knew we were in the school. (This means we are about to take possession of the properties. The schools given when the Man-child is anointed.) I was sitting next to Anna (meaning Grace) and her kids. (Delivered from the curse and given grace.) David was in the front and about to teach and share a message. He was looking at a computer and there were three visions that he was going to share that I had, that related to the message. (These 3 dreams/visions are included here) The first vision David shared which I wrote was that I was on top of a tall building in Chicago. (Algonquin for chicagoua – meaning garlic or skunk) I was looking at the city. In the dream, I knew that the vision had to do something about the Italian mafia, that was in Chicago. (A stinkin gangster city that represents US DS Babylon.) But David couldn't get far because there was a lot of noise and distraction in the classroom. (Distraction from the things that are important will spiritually kill most. Three out of four people who received the Word fell away by distractions in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.) Then David left to go get his Bible from the car because he had forgotten it. So we were all waiting for David to come back, then David and Michael came back. (The Man-child David's return from the throne.) Then I had a vision that David was downstairs, He opened the car door to grab his bible, which was in a blue bible case. While in the parking lot, David was talking to someone who said they saw someone break into his car, and stab his Bible. I knew they stabbed the back of the Bible multiple times, like starting with the Book of Revelation. (violations of the promises of the Word) The knife point stopped at the book of Zephaniah because when David came back up into the classroom he said, “Someone stabbed my Bible.” (For those partaking of the Unleavened Bread, the knife of the thief will cease at the end of Zephaniah. The thief will go no farther. There is the end of the curse. The thief cometh to kill, steal, and destroy.) The bible was still in a blue bible case. (The heavenly book.) The Bible was being passed around for us to see it. When it came to me I saw the imprint wounds in the Book of Zephaniah but the knife didn't go through it. I was shaking my head agreeing that yes, someone had stabbed David's Bible. But I didn't know who did it. Then I woke up Zephaniah is about the day of the Lord's wrath. But the end of Zephaniah, where the point of the blade stopped, is all about the end of the curse and the beginning of blessings. The thief of the curse will cease and the blessings will start. Let me read here the end of the Book of Zephaniah where the curse ends and the blessings start. Zep 3:13-20 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 15 Jehovah hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even Jehovah, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not fear evil any more. 16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem (The Bride), Fear thou not; O Zion, let not thy hands be slack. 17 Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love; he will joy over thee with singing. 18 I will gather them that sorrow for the solemn assembly, who were of thee; to whom the burden upon her was a reproach. 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all them that afflict thee; and I will save that which is lame, and gather that which was driven away; and I will make them a praise and a name, whose shame hath been in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, and at that time I will gather you; for I will make you a name and a praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I bring back your captivity before your eyes, saith Jehovah. (Notice, they are released from Babylon's captivity. This revelation speaks of the near end of the wilderness tribulation for the Bride with a great turnaround of fortunes. They will then be prepared to bring the Church through their 7-year tribulation.) December 17, 2024 During the meeting, I had an open vision. I was in the heavens and I saw Satan as an angel. I saw him fall from heaven. I looked over the edge of heaven and I saw Satan as he was falling and transforming into a huge dragon. (The dragon in Revelation 12 is the beginning of the Tribulation when Satan falls from the second heaven.) Then Satan began to breathe and set the Earth on fire. I saw a lightning bolt come from heaven and hit Satan. I knew God had sent it. After being hit, Satan began falling to the ground and he could not set the Earth on fire anymore. This speaks of Satan losing his authority over God's true disciples. In Luk 10:17-20 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name. (They were casting down Satan's dominion and Jesus called it ‘falling from heaven.' I.e. no longer the prince of the powers of the air over true disciples.) 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. 20 Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. December 13, 2024 I then had another vision where I was looking down at a city from on high. (As in the revelation above) I saw people were busy walking and then all of a sudden, a huge crack in the Earth split the city in the middle. I knew it was from an earthquake. (As above the evil city is the US DS Babylon. In the center of which is the New Madrid fault which separates when Jesus comes at the later rain in His Man-child reformers.) The following verses are confirmations of the Lord coming in His Man-child body of reformers in the midst of great earthquakes. At the death of Jesus: Mat 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 And some of them that stood there, when they heard it, said, This man calleth Elijah. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 And the rest said, Let be; let us see whether Elijah cometh to save him. 50 And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent; 52 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many. 54 Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. We read of an earthquake at Jesus' (Man-child) resurrection in Mat 28:1 Now late on the sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; (This is three days later at His resurrection.) for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. Verse 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples, He is risen from the dead; and lo, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. Psa 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations also of the mountains quaked And were shaken, because he was wroth. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, And fire out of his mouth devoured: Coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; And thick darkness was under his feet. Isa 64:1 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might quake at thy presence, (God's presence is coming with quakes. He is coming in His Man-child body by Word and Spirit, as it was with Jesus, as time will surely tell.) 2 as when fire kindleth the brushwood, and the fire causeth the waters to boil; to make thy name known to thine adversaries, (Quakes this big could bring volcanic activity. This will be a great judgment on the wicked of the U.S. and the world.) that the nations may tremble at thy presence! (A great revival will spring from this. Many lost or apostate will turn to the Lord of the Bible.) 3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains quaked at thy presence. 4 For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for him. (The righteous will be exonerated as judgment finally comes to the wicked who oppressed them.) Psa 97:4-5 His lightnings lightened the world: The earth saw, and trembled. 5 The mountains melted like wax (Volcanic activity follows earthquakes.) at the presence of Jehovah, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. Isa 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity: and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a man more rare than fine gold, even a man than the pure gold of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will make the heavens to tremble, and the earth shall be shaken out of its place, in the wrath of Jehovah of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. (The Day of the Lord's wrath comes twice, after the tribulation of the Bride at the beginning of the tribulation and the greatest fulfillment is after the tribulation of the Church at the end of the tribulation.) Mic 1:2-4 Hear, ye peoples, all of you; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord Jehovah be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. 3 For, behold, Jehovah cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. 4 And the mountains shall be melted under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, (Hebrew bâqa‛ meaning to cleave; generally to rend, break, rip or open) as wax before the fire, as waters that are poured down a steep place. In the Midst of the earthquakes and chaos, the Man-child ministry will be anointed to conquer the DS like at the Red Sea and lead God's people into the wilderness Tribulation. This begins in Rev 6:2-4 And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer. (This is the Man-child ministry in whom Jesus lives by Word and Spirit. These will conquer the beast holding God's people in bondage.) 3 And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come. 4 And another horse came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. (This is a true World War between both entities, DS and Alliance have a world footprint.) Isa 14:12-20 How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations! (Here we see Satan, the god of DS Babylon, falling from heaven as the dragon cast down to the earth, as in Revelation 12 and Marie's vision in 12-17-24 above. This is also as he has used the DS to do using the might of the U.S.) 13 And thou saidst in thy heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God (usurping authority over the saints.); and I will sit upon the mount of congregation (He wants Mt. Zion's authority), in the uttermost parts of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to Sheol, to the uttermost parts of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall gaze at thee, they shall consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (Notice” A “man” representing a corporate man, inhabited by Satan, has shaken the kingdoms of the world through its wars.) 17 that made the world as a wilderness, and overthrew the cities thereof; that let not loose his prisoners to their home? 18 All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory, every one in his own house. 19 But thou art cast forth away from thy sepulchre like an abominable branch, clothed with the slain, that are thrust through with the sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a dead body trodden under foot. 20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, thou hast slain thy people; the seed of evil-doers shall not be named for ever. (The DS traitors have murdered their own people.) Joel 3:15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. 16 And Jehovah will roar from Zion (Notice His presence is on the earth in Zion.), and utter his voice from Jerusalem (The Bride); and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel. Nah 1:5-8 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him. 7 Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him. 8 But with an over-running flood he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. (Even now the DS elite are headed to their caves and underground cities.) Heb 12:25-29 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him that warneth from heaven: 26 whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those [things] that are shaken, as of [things] that have been made, that those [things] which are not shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: 29 for our God is a consuming fire. Continuing with Marie's vision: People continued to walk but they were falling into the Earth. (Those who do not take the warnings will fall into hell.) I thought that they would stop walking and realize that there was a huge crack in the Earth, but they didn't stop walking and were falling into the Earth. So now I want to encourage you how to not be those who fall away in the times to come. Let's begin with what Peter said in (1Pe.1:3) Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat (That's the Greek anagennaó, meaning “to beget again” and it's a combination of aná, “up, again,” and gennáō, “give birth,” in other words, “born-again or born from on high.”) begat us again unto a living hope… We were born-again unto a living hope, and when we were first born-again, it was our spirit that was born-again. The soul is born-again in a different manner. (1Pe.1:3) … according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It was a “living hope” because when He was resurrected, we were resurrected. However, that's by faith, and as we exercise faith in that promise, we receive the manifestation if we continue on in the faith. (1Pe.1:5) Who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. So you're guarded through your faith until you come to the salvation. And we know that you have to continue in the faith. A person who doesn't continue in the faith, doesn't get what they've believed for, because Jesus said, (Mar.11:24) … All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. And, (Mat.10:22) … he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. If you don't endure to the end, you will not be saved. You have to endure in your faith to the end, knowing that your faith is going to be tested. (1Pe.1:6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials… The Greek there means “various temptations.” You are going to be tempted. Your faith is going to be tested and you must hold fast the confession of your hope that it waver not (Hebrews 10:23). If you do that, you'll come to verse 9, which says, (1Pe.1:9) receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. So the beginning of your faith is that born-again experience in verse 3, where you receive a born-again spirit; the end of your faith is the born-again soul. Now, obviously, what's been put into your spirit has to go into your soul, which is your mind, will, and emotions. That's where you bear the fruit. You're not the “good seed put into the ground” until you have that initial born-again experience of a born-again spirit. Then you're the good seed and then you have to bear fruit, because when the harvest comes, He's coming to pick the fruit. Some people don't endure to the end in order to bear fruit in their soul, and this is why the falling away happens. The falling away happens because most people don't think they have to bear fruit, which is, “[Even] the salvation of [your] souls.” Glory to God! With that in mind, we can continue in (1Pe.1:21) Who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. (22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth… To whom was Peter speaking? If we back up to the beginning of his letter, we find he was speaking only to true believers. (1Pe.1:1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion… He wasn't speaking to those who were just the called, but those who were the elect, because the elect are the ones who always bear fruit. (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. “Chosen” is the Greek eklektos, meaning “select, by implication, favorite.” So you may truly be called and may have had a born-again spirit, but will you have a born-again soul? Will you go on to bear fruit in your mind, your will, and your emotions? This is how you make your calling and election sure. “Seeing ye have purified your souls,” means that you have to see the end from the beginning. You have to walk by faith. You have to believe it was done at the Cross. This is what you see in your spirit: you see it as done, as finished. (Hebrews 10:14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (1Pe.1:22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth (If you don't want to fall away, you have to be obeying the truth, and for you to obey the truth, you have to search for truth. You search for wisdom as gold {Job 28:16-17; Proverbs 3:14,16:16}.) unto unfeigned love (The most important thing is love. Many people prove that they do not love, and they are in danger of falling away.) of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (23) having been begotten again… That's the Greek word anagennaó, meaning “born-again, from above,” and when you're first born-again, you don't know much about the Bible, but you don't have to. All you have to do is repent and desire the Lord to take over your life. “Repent,” which means “change your mind,” and believe the first message you have of the Gospel. After repentance, as you search for the truth and obey the truth, you will have fruit in your soul. In other words, you'll be renewing your mind with the Mind of Christ, which will enable you to bear fruit by your faith in what you understand. God will give you power when you believe what you read. Some of you hearing this might go to churches and might not get enough Word to overcome anything you've already been indoctrinated with. You need to get this on your own by searching out the truth. God's people will love the truth. All of the elect will love the truth and they will love Him enough to obey it. Going on in (1Pe.1:23) having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. What is the “incorruptible seed”? It is the Word of God, and again, when you first come to the Lord, do you know the Word of God? No, you don't, but this is the second part of being born-again, and that is born-again in your soul, “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God.” You do have to seek the truth and you do have to obey the truth. You can obey the truth because you believe that you were united with Him in the death, burial, and resurrection, and that your sins were taken away as it says in (Rom.6:5) For if we have become united with [him] in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of his resurrection; (6) knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [him,] that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; (7) for he that hath died is justified from sin. You can obey the truth because you believe the Gospel that you were made free from sin. (Rom.6:22) But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. And, as you exercise faith in that, sin won't have power over you because you believe it's been conquered already. (Joh.16:33) These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (1Pe.1:24) For, All flesh is as grass… Now, we do go through this crucifixion of the old flesh, and when you receive the Word of God, you're obeying your spirit. That means you're not obeying your flesh, and it dies a little more each time you do that. The flesh is used to getting its way, but you're weaning it. (1Pe.1:24) For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth: (25) But the word of the Lord abideth for ever… This Word, which you put in your heart, that is eternal life: “the Word of the Lord abideth forever.” It is eternal. The “grass” or flesh is temporal, but this is eternal. We become the Word made flesh, and that is (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. (1Pe.1:25) But the word of the Lord abideth for ever. (and if it abides in you then you are eternal) And this is the word of good tidings which was preached unto you. This is the Gospel, not that other apostate teaching which says “just accept Jesus.” He doesn't accept you unless you repent and believe, and that's a continual process. It's not a step-over-the-line, one-time profession that religion would have you believe. This “purifying of your soul” comes by obeying the truth, which is what James was talking about in (Jas.1:21) Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted (This is the Greek emphutos and it means “inborn; innate; rooted.”) word, which is able to save your souls. (How? Through your obedience to the truth, as we just read.) (22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. Multitudes of what are called “Christians” are deceived. They don't think they have to walk in the truth. They think they can walk in the flesh, even though Paul said clearly to Christians in (Rom.8:13) … 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. There's a condition there, “if.” (Jas.1:23) For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror. Beholding the “natural face” is contrary to what we are commanded to do in (2Co.3:18) But we all, with unveiled face (That's if we have “eyes to see”; some don't.) beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. In other words, it's a gift from the Spirit as you continue to behold Jesus in the mirror. This is the Gospel: You don't live anymore; Jesus lives in you. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. That's what Paul said. When you're looking in the mirror, you're seeing Jesus, because you accept this by faith. It's an imagination that you must hold on to so that you come into His Image more and more, “from glory to glory.” You see Jesus in the mirror by faith because it's already done. (Joh.3:13) And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, [even] the Son of man, who is in heaven. When you see your natural self in the mirror, or in other words, when you see your old “stinkin' self,” you're not exercising any faith there. You're not calling (Rom.4:17) … the things that are not, as though they were. There's no faith involved there, so how can you grow? How can you be anything more than what you are? (Jas.1:24) for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. When people begin to look at “self” too much, they begin to fall into denial. It's the only way they can have any peace. When you read the Word, it tells you what God wants, and if you look in the mirror and say, “I don't want to look like that,” you're not exercising the power of faith. You'll not overcome; you'll always be a “hearer and not a doer.” (Jas.1:25) But he that looketh into the perfect law, the [law] of liberty, and so continueth (This is what we've been talking about.), being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing. Thank You, Father, for the awesome Good News! Now let's go to (1Jn.3:9) Whosoever is begotten (Again this word, gennaó means “born.”) of God doeth no sin… When you have a renewed soul, a born-again soul, that is in the Image of Jesus because you held fast to the words your spirit received from God through the Word, then you're going to overcome. Think about how many things you've overcome since you came to know the Lord, things you don't even consider doing anymore and, if the devil tried to tempt you with them, you'd laugh at him. God wants to continue that all the way to the end. God wants to continue it until you have at least 30-, then 60-, and finally, 100-fold fruit. In the Parable of the Sower, the seed you put in is the Seed of Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Ask Him to put a desire in you to put the Seed of the Word in your heart and when you obey it, the born-again man that is growing in you. He's taking ground, he's taking that Promised Land away from the old Canaanite, the old sinner in the land (Deuteronomy 4:38,7:1-6, etc.) He's putting to death that old sinner and taking his house and living in his house (Deuteronomy 6:10, Joshua 24:13; etc.) That's what the spiritual man is doing. If you're hearing and obeying the Word of God, you're conquering this land. The problem was that when the Israelites were going into their land, they forgot faith (Numbers 13:28-29, etc.) They forgot what God said. Joshua and Caleb didn't forget; they kept reminding them (Numbers 13:30, etc.), but they wouldn't listen, so the Israelites died in their wilderness (Numbers 14:35; etc.), which is a warning to us. (1Jn.3:9) Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him… That “seed” is the Word of God, but know that after you receive the initial born-again experience, your faith is going to be tested. if in the trial you give up the Seed in order to sin. Instead when you accept what the devil says, guess what you're accepting? You're accepting the devil's seed and you'll eventually end up being a tare. You don't want to give up the Seed of God. It has the power to bring eternal life, manifestly, in your life. (1Jn.3:9) … because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. The part of you that's born of God is not going to sin because it's God in you. That's where you have “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” and that part of you is not going to sin. But there are other parts of your Promised Land that you haven't conquered yet. You haven't killed the old man, you haven't taken his house, you haven't raised your own crops on his property, and so on. You have to march through the whole Promised Land because God said that every place you put the sole of your foot, He's going to give it to you. You already know the parts of you that are born-again because you're not tempted in those areas anymore. God changed you and that wasn't an accident; you had faith. (1Jn.3:10) In this the children of God are manifest (Now we're talking about manifestation, and that's what we're here for, to manifest Christ.), and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. They are not of God. They are not doing what the Word tells us to do if we sin. (1Jn.1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When you sin, you can confess it and forsake it, and He will wash you clean. He will wash you of all unrighteousness, and that's part of your tools along the way to stay clean before God. If you're not going to confess your sin and you choose to justify yourself instead, then you won't be able to hold fast to your faith and you are going to fall away. It's a choice: You can just hide your sin around the people of God and make yourself acceptable to them as a deceiver, or you can confess your sin and God will cleanse you of all unrighteousness. Let's choose wisely to believe and confess and forsake this worldly way. Choose to accept that you've purified your soul in obedience to the truth. Choose to continue to obey the Truth so that you can go on to take that Promised Land and bear fruit in your soul, which is your mind, will, and emotions. Choose to allow the fiery trial to burn up that old “grass,” which is the flesh. Now go to (1Pe.2:1) Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies… Those who preach, “You're always going to be a sinner, saved by grace,” are liars. They are anti-Christ and they've never even gotten a revelation of the Gospel. If you're always going to be a sinner saved by grace, then you didn't get saved by grace! Think about it: If you're always going to be a sinner, you didn't get saved by grace. Grace comes through your faith in the Word of God to save you from sin. God doesn't save you so you can sin and get away with it; He comes to save you from sin because you confess it, you forsake it, and you want God. These people will be known because God is more important to them than sin, and that's the trial. The church is full of hypocrisies and guile and deception by masking people. (Jud.1:12) … who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Yes, they will be shown to be “twice dead, plucked up by the roots.” They're full of guile and are hidden. They're deceivers who want you to believe they're somebody that they're not. Instead of confessing their sins to someone who is faithful, or at least confessing them to the Lord, they'd rather deceive themselves, delude even themselves. There's so much judgment coming out of these people, even though we're not permitted to judge until we're complete, until we're delivered from sin. (Matthew 7:1-2; etc.) (1Pe.2:1) Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, (2) as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation… That is the manifestation of salvation. What did Jesus tell His disciples? (Joh.4:34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to accomplish his work. That's also true for all of us. Our “meat” is to do the Will of Him that sends us; our “meat” is to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. How are we going to grow up only on milk? When Jesus was teaching the multitudes, He protested to them, (Luk.6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? We are growing unto the manifestation of our salvation. The manifestation is what you're looking for when you go out into the field to pick the fruit. You might believe that the seed is going to bring forth wonderful fruit, but you're not going to go out there to pick it until it's above the ground and you can see it. That's what we're here for. The earth is the field and we're here to bear fruit, but some people say you don't bear fruit until you go to heaven. Well, they're not going to heaven, because the fruit comes out of the earth. Fruit is attached to the earth before you pick it. Salvation is something that is in Jesus Christ. If you abide in Him, you have it. If you don't abide in Him, you don't have it. It's not something magical that happened to you when you first accepted Jesus. The test comes after that to find out if you're just called, or whether you're called and chosen. (1Pe.2:3) If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: (4) unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men (If you don't want to be rejected of men, you're going to do what it takes to make them happy, but it's more important to make God happy because He has eternal life for you.), but with God elect, precious, (5) ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  (When the priests offered sacrifices, what did they offer? They offered flesh, burnt flesh. Deny it and you will feel it burn.) When you're in the fiery trial, you're making a decision. Do you want more of Jesus or do you want more of the flesh? If you obey the flesh, you get more of the flesh; if you obey Jesus, the flesh is crucified because it doesn't get what it wants. It's on the altar of fire and it's burned up. This is how you get more of Jesus and bear more fruit. In the trial, which He said you are going to go through, you decide to obey the Word even though you can feel the old flesh drawing on you, and the devil beyond that. He's got his rope around the old flesh, pulling against you. You can feel it every time you're tested or tempted to do something other than obey the Word of God. The Word puts you on your cross. If you don't obey it, you're not on the cross. And if you don't take up your cross and follow Jesus, you're not His “disciple,” which means “a learner and a follower”. (1Pe.2:6) Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame. How can you prove that you believe on Him? The Bible says, (Jas.2:26) … even so faith apart from works is dead. If you believe, if you have faith, you will act on your faith, but there are a lot of people who are going to be put to shame. (7) For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve (It will be proven in the midst of the trial whether or not you believe.), The stone which the builders rejected… You may claim, “I never rejected Jesus,” but if you don't obey Him in the midst of the trial then you're not believing on Him. You've rejected the stone which the builders rejected, just like those early people did, and you're shamed right there. (1Pe.2:7) For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; (8) and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. It's always the disobedient who stumble and fall away. They're disobedient because they're not believing the Word. They've made up a convenient doctrine so that they can live in the flesh and still go to heaven. Even people who know better can fall into the trap when they stumble on the Rock of offense; when they stumble over the Word of God. The Word comes to prove, to test, you. The Word comes to empower you with faith and deliver you. Like a two-edged sword, it will cut away that which is fleshly and demonic. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (1Pe.2:9) But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (Paul is trying to convince them after he just finished giving them the conditions here.), a people for [God's] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. He loves you. He has called you out of “darkness” to come into the Light of the Word, the Wisdom of God so He can fellowship with you. That “darkness” is the darkness of your unregenerate soul that's not born unto God and separates you from Him. You see, parts of your soul are born unto God because you're obedient to God there. You're not even tempted anymore in those areas, but there are parts of your soul where you're not obedient to God. Those places are where your Promised Land hasn't been taken away from the carnal man of the land, the “Canaanite.” He must be put to death in order for you to take the land 30-, 60-, and 100-fold. The grace of God gives you the opportunity to do that. (1Pe.2:10) Who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God… How do you become the “people of God”? Well, when you're born-again, it's God, Himself, Who lives in you, and the part of you that obeys God is His Kingdom. That's where He rules, but the part of you that doesn't obey Him is not His Kingdom because He doesn't rule there. The more and more you obey, the more and more of you comes into the Kingdom of God. (1Pe.2:10) …. but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. God is so good! We thank You so much, Father, for your mighty blessings in drawing us unto yourself! Now let's go to (1Pe.4:1) Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh… Obviously, if you're being crucified and the old man is being put to death, it is painful. It is painful to give up sinful self in order to have more of Christ, but as the Bible says, (2Co.4:16) Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. If you don't let your outer-man decay, the inner-man is not renewed because they both occupy the same territory. Somebody's got to be losing the territory and somebody's got to be taking the territory. If you're not putting to death the “old man in the land,” you're not taking the territory. Remember, the Israelites were told, “Take up your swords and go take your Promised Land,” and that God would be with them. Every place they put the sole of their foot, God would give it to them. They were to take out the enemy everywhere they went. God said, “Don't appease them; kill them.” That's a type and a shadow of how your old man, your old life, has to die. It can't be reformed. (1Pe.4:1) Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind… You see, it's a good thing to suffer in the flesh. When you deny yourself, when you take up your cross and follow Jesus, you will suffer in the flesh. A cross is a cross. Your “cross” is “obedience.” Jesus obediently went to His Cross and He even said that it was for this reason He came into the world, but the disciples tried to talk Him out of going to His Cross. Well, now we can see a parable there. Of course, there are many people who will try to talk you out of going to your cross, but Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, Satan,” and we ought to say the same thing. (1Pe.4:1) Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (Consider “suffering in the flesh” to be “ceasing from sin.” If you don't cease from sin, that means sin is going to rule you. If sin rules you, you're going to fall away.); (2) that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh (Where? In heaven? No, on earth, because there is no flesh in heaven.) to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. If you're questioning, “David, is that really possible? Do you mean all these preachers lied to me about how I just have to accept my forgiveness and go on sinning?” Read that verse again: “that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” And how do you do that? You do that by suffering in the flesh because it doesn't get its way. You have to say, “No!” to your flesh and you can do that since the Cross, because your old flesh, your self-life, was crucified there. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. Jesus has (Col.1:13) … delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. You don't have to serve your flesh anymore, but if you believe you have to serve it, then you do. What did Jesus tell those two blind men as He was healing them? (Mat.9:29) Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you. What happened when the centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant? (Mat.8:13) And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee. And the servant was healed in that hour. If you believe you're going to be a sinner for the rest of your life, you're going to be a sinner for the rest of your life, but you're not going to heaven because you're not going to bear any fruit. That's not the Gospel. The Gospel (Rom.1:16) … is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth… (1Pe.4:3) For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles (In other words, he's saying, “Yeah, you got away with it for a while.”), and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries: (4) wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. They do think it's strange that you don't run with them “into the same excess.” Well, if you humble yourself to them and if you're really interested in impressing them, of course, you're going to get into the same things they're into and you're going to lose your salvation. I know some people teach that you won't lose your salvation, but we're seeing how ridiculous that is. The elect are not going to lose their salvation, but many of “the called” will. The elect are the chosen because they bear fruit. Those people running in the “excess of riot” don't understand that they will eventually have to answer to God. (1Pe.4:5) Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead. The Lord will judge the living and the dead. If you continue on in your riotous living, doing everything the way your flesh wants to do it and not putting to death the sin, you will fall away. You cannot go to heaven because you would ruin it. That's just the truth. (1Pe.4:17) For the time [is come] for judgment to begin at the house of God… Yes, God uses the wicked to judge the house of God, and then God judges the wicked. That's His method because somebody has to put you on your cross. The apostate people of God and the Romans put Jesus on the Cross and then the Romans crucified the apostates. We need to walk in the judgment of God. That old flesh needs to die. We need to suffer the loss of self because self cannot go to heaven. “Self,” which is synonymous with “soul” in the Scripture, is not going to heaven; it has to die here. Every seed that goes into the ground is put to death by the dirt around that seed, but then life comes out and starts bearing fruit. There has to be a death before a life. So this judgment begins at the house of God because you have to have time to bear fruit before your time is up. That's why it's called a “race.” (Heb.12:1) Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. You're racing against the clock to bear fruit before your time is up. (1Pe.4:17) For the time [is come] for judgment to begin at the house of God: and [if it] begin first at us, what [shall be] the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous is scarcely saved (That's the Greek word molis and it means “only with difficulty; very rarely.”), where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? Wow! If you're going to be a sinner for the rest of your life, it doesn't look good there, does it? How about the righteous? The righteous are doing much better. There's not as many of them because they're “scarcely” saved, but there are lots of sinners, and you're either in one camp or the other. (1Pe.4:19) Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator. God is trying to create your soul into the Image of Jesus Christ, and how does it happen? We just discovered that it happens through your obedience to the truth, and the reason you can obey the truth is because you have faith. If you have faith, you're going to have obedience because (Jas.2:17) … faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. (18) Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from [thy] works, and I by my works will show thee [my] faith. Now let's go to (2Pe.1:1) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and [the] Saviour Jesus Christ: (2) Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. “Grace and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.” How sad that so many people don't have time to search the Scriptures, and don't make time to get the New Testament down in their hearts! There are too many other things distracting them, but call to mind how the “seed” was destroyed in the Parable of the Sower: The distractions of life is why those who heard did not continue on to bear fruit. (We saw that in Marie's vision.) (2Pe.1:2) Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; (3) seeing (This means “seeing by faith.”) that his divine power hath granted (It's past tense, meaning that it's already done, He's already given you this.) unto us all things that pertain unto life… That word in the Greek is zóé, which means “life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence.” Strong's goes on to say, “it always (only) comes from and is sustained by God's self-existent life. The Lord intimately shares His gift of life with people, creating each in His image which gives all the capacity to know His eternal life.” This is God's Life. It's not your old, soulish life, which is psuché. Zóé is the higher life that you get when you give up the psuché, the lower life, the self-life. He's giving you “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” He did this at the Cross. You can have grace and peace multiplied to you when you believe on this, when you apply it in your life. (2Pe.1:3) Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue. You have to know what God has given to you and then you have to exercise faith for it. You have faith in God and God will rise up in you and do the work. Thank God it's by faith and not our own self-efforts! (2Pe.1:4) Whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature (If you're going to live a godly life, you need the divine nature, and the promises are what give you this divine nature.), having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. We must escape the “corruption that is in the world by lust” or we will have a falling-away, because God doesn't want this in heaven. The Greek word epithumia, which is translated as “lust,” means simply “desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire.” The “lusts” are those “desires of the flesh,” and the Bible says, (Rom.8:13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die (That's a falling-away.); but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body (Those are the acts of the flesh.), ye shall live. We need to put the promises into our hearts in order to partake of the divine nature so that corruption does not overcome us. Otherwise, we're falling away. God instructed Moses in (Exo.16:4) …Behold, I will rain bread from heaven (Jesus said that He was that manna that came down out of heaven {John 6:35,48,51}.) for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may prove them (God was testing them to see if they would be obedient to Him and get their daily portion of manna.), whether they will walk in my law, or not. People like to belittle the necessity of spending time in the Word every day, but that is exactly what God expects you to do. He expects you to be obedient and to eat the Word daily, just like they gathered and ate the manna in the wilderness daily. You're being proven; your obedience is being tested. Oh, you can go party. You can even go party with a lot of Christians. You can go live after all the lusts of your flesh, but that's not why you're here. You're here to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. (2Pe.1:5) Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith… There's not supposed to be any comma behind “diligence,” it should be behind “faith.” The original had no comma behind diligence either. You're “diligent in your faith,” because you can't add anything. You can't be diligent in any of the attributes that He's getting ready to mention here. You have to use the faith that God has given to you to freely receive these attributes from Him. If you haven't been given faith, you're not saved. Inside of faith are all these other attributes, which are all given to you because of your faith. In a lot of Bible translations when speaking of the Godly attributes they use “adding to, adding to” but we cannot of our own power add any of the attributes to our life, but we can use our faith to receive them.  So, “adding to” is not correct according to both the original language and the numeric pattern. These attributes are like those nesting dolls or one of those little toy eggs that you open up and there's another, smaller egg inside, and you open that and there's another egg inside. It's “in your,” and “in your”. See this proof here: (2Pe.1:5) Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence in your faith, supply virtue; and in [your] virtue knowledge; (6) and in [your] knowledge self-control (Some people don't believe in self-control. Granted “your” was not in the original either so you can leave it out but it says the same thing.); and in [your] self-control patience… He wants patience to have its perfect work. (Jas.1:4) And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. (2Pe.1:6) and in [your] knowledge self-control; and in [your] self-control patience; and in [your] patience godliness; (7) and in [your] godliness brotherly kindness; and in [your] brotherly kindness love. Notice that all of the attributes are yours “in” faith. (8) For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we see that Christlikeness has been given to you; just use your faith to have it. Also we see that we started with knowledge and we ended with more knowledge. In other words, knowledge is built on a foundation of knowledge.   If you exercise faith in the promises of God, you receive of His divine Nature. So because you believe that you were crucified with Christ, because you believe that your old man was put to death when you were “buried” in baptism as an act of faith, then the old man is dead and the One Who came up from the water is Jesus, not you. (Joh.12:24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit. If the Seed is the Word of Jesus, what is the fruit? It's the fruit of Jesus. It's not gaining souls, it's gaining your own soul. Certainly, if you gain your own soul, you'll be able to be useful in gaining other souls, but you can't give away what you don't have. (1Pe.1:8) For if these things (attributes of Jesus) are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) For he that lacketh these things is blind… He's “blind” because he doesn't see correctly. He still sees only his natural face in the mirror. He doesn't look in there and see Jesus by faith. He doesn't behold in the mirror the glory of the Lord. (1Pe.1:9) For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near (And that's just his own, ugly face.), having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Have you forgotten that you were cleansed of your sins? Just like Jesus bore your sicknesses, you have to believe your sins were borne by Jesus (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). You don't have a problem with sin; you have a problem with unbelief. The problem of sin has been dealt with, so your problem is unbelief, but if we want the grace of God, we have to walk by faith. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. This recreation of your soul into the Image of Jesus Christ, from glory to glory, is happening as you walk by faith. Did you forget that your sins were taken away? Why are you lending your body to sin? You will die; you will fall away. Three out of four do, according to the Parable of the Sower. Remember you were cleansed from your old sins. Does that mean you can continue to walk in them? No, because when you walk by faith that you are cleansed of them, you are not going to give yourself over to them since God is going to give you grace. “By grace have ye been saved through faith.” (1Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure… The word, “calling” there is the Greek klésis and it means “invitation; in the New Testament, always of a divine call.” The word for “election” is the Greek eklogé and it means “a choosing out, selecting, choice (by God).” So since you were born-again in your spirit, you now have a divine invitation from Him “who saved us and called us,” but notice that you also have to make certain you will be among those whom God chooses because that calling means an invitation to partake of everything that Christ is. What happened in the Parable of the Banquet when the king's servants went out and called people to the marriage feast? (Mat.22:11) But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: (12) and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. (13) Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. (14) For many are called, but few chosen. The “wedding garment” is your works of righteousness (Revelation 19:8). (Rom.13:14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Put on Jesus! Put on your “Wedding Garment” “to make your calling and election sure.” (1Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble (Which is another way of saying, “you will never fall away.”): (11) for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance… You may be thinking, “Whoa! I thought I entered way back there when I was baptized.” Well, as you “do these things,” you are progressively entering into the eternal Kingdom because you are progressively taking more and more of your Promised Land, which is where God rules. That's how you enter the Kingdom. (1Pe.1:11) For thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The preachers have lied to us a lot about this. Many think they entered “the eternal kingdom” manifestly when they shook the preacher's hand, who told them, “That's all you need to do. Now just go sit down in a pew and wait for the rapture,” but they don't know what they're talking about. They've not been a partaker in bearing this fruit because they didn't read the Word; they just accepted what their dead religion said and passed it on to you. The Bible calls it “leaven.” (Mat.16:6) And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Hi friends!

Advent Promised: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Isaiah 9:2-7The Village Chapel - 12/08/2024Advent is a season of waiting and watching for the promises of God to be fulfilled. The prophet Isaiah, writing some seven centuries before the time of Christ, points forward to the hope of one who would come with the power to set right what had been broken in the rebellion of the Garden. Like our own day, Isaiah's was marked by moral, relational, cultural and spiritual darkness. Isaiah offers us the sure hope that the darkness will come to an end, it has an expiration date. The “joy of every longing heart” can be finally and fully satisfied in the person of Jesus—the Light of the World. He has come, is with us now by his Spirit, and will come again. Join Pastor Tommy as we consider together the promises given to us in Isaiah.To find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

Christmas is a very special time when our church family in the UK and in SA joins with millions who are celebrating the light of Jesus. But have you seen the light of Christmas?    Bright lights are associated with Christmas because it was a radiant bright light that startled the shepherds when the angel announced the birth of Jesus to them. And it was also a bright star that rose to lead the wise men to the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem so they could worship Him. And today it is the great hope of the Christmas message that can light up our world that is dark in so many ways.    This Christmas is an opportunity for us to understand how Jesus can light up our world which is so often dark and gloomy. The prophet Isaiah put it like this in Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” We can see why this verse is so relevant to us all today:  1. People need the light of the Lord (Isaiah 9:2; John 3:19; Ephesians 4:18) 2. People can have the light of hope (Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 61:1; John 8:12) 3. People can experience the light of Jesus (Isaiah 9:2; Ephesians 5:8; Acts 9:3-4)  Apply  1. People need the light of the Lord. It says here that people are walking in darkness, “living in the land of deep darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). The Jewish people had known many dark times in their history, especially when their nation was destroyed by the Babylonians. They were scared alone and without hope for the future. We can see many similarities in our world today. This Christmas is the time to see the light because our world is not only economically and politically gloomy but there is also widespread moral and spiritual darkness. We see this around the world with the war in Ukraine, with the rise of anti-semitism against the Jewish people, the persecution of Christians, and so much instability focused on the Middle East. But there can be darkness at a more personal level. It can be in us, in our minds and hearts. Many people are depressed. Life and circumstances seem dark because what they have experienced has been dark. Depression is growing rapidly in the UK. Reports last year show that 1 in 6 adults feel chronic loneliness, anxiety, stress and even suicidal thoughts. These statistics rank highest in young people. In the workplace health report, 61% of 16–24-year-olds in employment admit to feeling depressed. Darkness can also come in the form of sin with so many people bound by habits, addictions, and powers beyond their control (John 3:19). The Apostle Paul explains how people are living when they are separate from God (Ephesians 4:18). For darkness to be removed in the world it must be removed in our heart, so we do not walk in darkness but walk in the light.    2. People can have the light of hope. Isaiah 9:2 says “a light has dawned.” 2000 years ago a light came into the world. That light was Jesus! This is the good news, that God didn't leave us in darkness but sent His son Jesus to break the power of darkness and to destroy the works of the enemy (Isaiah 61:1). Nobody has the power to bring the light into our homes, our lives, and our thinking like Jesus (John 8:12). He came into this world to show the heart of God, to take away sin, and He shared how if anyone turns to Him and repents, they can be set free from all the works of the enemy. Whether people want to recognise it or not, the only hope to remove darkness in the world is Jesus. When people turn away from God all darkness descends into the world. Whatever darkness the world may be in, no matter how many dark and gloomy circumstances you may be facing, Jesus can light up your life. For He is the saviour of all. This is why the angels announced to the shepherds the good news that “A saviour has been born to you”.    3. People can experience the light of Jesus. Isaiah 9:2 says “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light”. When people experience Christ personally it's like a bright light has come on (Ephesians 5:8). Devout Jewish religious leader Saul was not expecting what happened to him when he was involved in violently persecuting Christians. He was on his way to Damascus when his whole life changed (Acts 9:3-4). At that moment he realised that Jesus was real and alive. From then on instead of being the greatest opponent of Christianity, he became the apostle Paul, one of its greatest promoters. His life completely turned around for good. And today you too can experience the light of God.   This Christmas is a new day to sing ‘Joy to the world' because the Lord has come. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. You can be delivered from every dark and evil power holding you captive. You can be set free from depression. You can be rescued out of the land of deep darkness. At the cross, Jesus came to rescue you from everything that can ruin our lives. He came to forgive and to set you free. Have you been walking in deep darkness: negative thoughts, worry, loneliness, addiction, grief? Have you been searching for life in the wrong and dark places? This Christmas is your opportunity to step out of the darkness into the wonderful light of Jesus. 

Christmas is a very special time when our church family in the UK and in SA joins with millions who are celebrating the light of Jesus. But have you seen the light of Christmas?    Bright lights are associated with Christmas because it was a radiant bright light that startled the shepherds when the angel announced the birth of Jesus to them. And it was also a bright star that rose to lead the wise men to the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem so they could worship Him. And today it is the great hope of the Christmas message that can light up our world that is dark in so many ways.    This Christmas is an opportunity for us to understand how Jesus can light up our world which is so often dark and gloomy. The prophet Isaiah put it like this in Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” We can see why this verse is so relevant to us all today:  1. People need the light of the Lord (Isaiah 9:2; John 3:19; Ephesians 4:18) 2. People can have the light of hope (Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 61:1; John 8:12) 3. People can experience the light of Jesus (Isaiah 9:2; Ephesians 5:8; Acts 9:3-4)  Apply  1. People need the light of the Lord. It says here that people are walking in darkness, “living in the land of deep darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). The Jewish people had known many dark times in their history, especially when their nation was destroyed by the Babylonians. They were scared alone and without hope for the future. We can see many similarities in our world today. This Christmas is the time to see the light because our world is not only economically and politically gloomy but there is also widespread moral and spiritual darkness. We see this around the world with the war in Ukraine, with the rise of anti-semitism against the Jewish people, the persecution of Christians, and so much instability focused on the Middle East. But there can be darkness at a more personal level. It can be in us, in our minds and hearts. Many people are depressed. Life and circumstances seem dark because what they have experienced has been dark. Depression is growing rapidly in the UK. Reports last year show that 1 in 6 adults feel chronic loneliness, anxiety, stress and even suicidal thoughts. These statistics rank highest in young people. In the workplace health report, 61% of 16–24-year-olds in employment admit to feeling depressed. Darkness can also come in the form of sin with so many people bound by habits, addictions, and powers beyond their control (John 3:19). The Apostle Paul explains how people are living when they are separate from God (Ephesians 4:18). For darkness to be removed in the world it must be removed in our heart, so we do not walk in darkness but walk in the light.    2. People can have the light of hope. Isaiah 9:2 says “a light has dawned.” 2000 years ago a light came into the world. That light was Jesus! This is the good news, that God didn't leave us in darkness but sent His son Jesus to break the power of darkness and to destroy the works of the enemy (Isaiah 61:1). Nobody has the power to bring the light into our homes, our lives, and our thinking like Jesus (John 8:12). He came into this world to show the heart of God, to take away sin, and He shared how if anyone turns to Him and repents, they can be set free from all the works of the enemy. Whether people want to recognise it or not, the only hope to remove darkness in the world is Jesus. When people turn away from God all darkness descends into the world. Whatever darkness the world may be in, no matter how many dark and gloomy circumstances you may be facing, Jesus can light up your life. For He is the saviour of all. This is why the angels announced to the shepherds the good news that “A saviour has been born to you”.    3. People can experience the light of Jesus. Isaiah 9:2 says “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light”. When people experience Christ personally it's like a bright light has come on (Ephesians 5:8). Devout Jewish religious leader Saul was not expecting what happened to him when he was involved in violently persecuting Christians. He was on his way to Damascus when his whole life changed (Acts 9:3-4). At that moment he realised that Jesus was real and alive. From then on instead of being the greatest opponent of Christianity, he became the apostle Paul, one of its greatest promoters. His life completely turned around for good. And today you too can experience the light of God.   This Christmas is a new day to sing ‘Joy to the world' because the Lord has come. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. You can be delivered from every dark and evil power holding you captive. You can be set free from depression. You can be rescued out of the land of deep darkness. At the cross, Jesus came to rescue you from everything that can ruin our lives. He came to forgive and to set you free. Have you been walking in deep darkness: negative thoughts, worry, loneliness, addiction, grief? Have you been searching for life in the wrong and dark places? This Christmas is your opportunity to step out of the darkness into the wonderful light of Jesus. 

December 1, 2024 sermon from Providence Reformed Church las Vegas by Pastor Travis Peterson

"Jesus, Isaiah, And John" Pastor Charles Lenn October 13, 2024 by Tuscaloosa First Assembly

This Sunday School teaching was taken from the September 8th, 2k24 Sunday morning service at the Jesus is Lord Family Worship Center - 501 Redman St. Jacksonport, AR

Summary As we press deeper into the final stages of the book of Isaiah we get clearer and clearer pictures of the God of Isaiah. It is like we are ascending the mountain and now we can see more than when we first set out. We are nearing the peak. We are seeing a very unique and special picture of God's chosen servant. This is the King Isaiah saw coming to sit on the throne - yet he is very different to any who comes before Him. What We Need Submitting to God's ruling in our life. Giving him total control to decide how we live. Obedience is an indicator of commitment. Love is an indicator that obedience is willing. Why We Can't Resentment and a broken relationship leads to a lack of obedience and diverging paths. Israel failed in that they decided to choose their own way and rejected God. God didn't divorce Israel, they abandoned God. The relationship is complicated. Why Jesus Can It is different with the Servant - glimpses of Jesus Isaiah sees. We follow Him now in the first-person perspective. Imagine what it would be like to be Him. We notice straight away how different He is from my way of thinking. He is attentive to the words of God. He listens carefully. Not one thing said by God is neglected by Him. (Vs 4-6) He is reliant on God and determined to do what God says (vs 7-8). He is accused and mocked - yet he stands firm. But no charge is brought. No case can stand. No accusation is warranted. He is perfectly obedient in every regard. Now What? my failure and broken relationship to God is remedied by Jesus' bridging the gap. He is the mediator. When I am abandoning God, he won't give up on the relationship. He gives up himself before he gives me up. Obedience isn't about doing more good things to outweigh the bad. “Trust in the Lord and rely on your God” (vs 10) is the way forward. The analogy at the end implies we are all in darkness. It is easy to try to make your own fire and try to keep yourself going. The fire will go out eventually. Instead, we need His light. 

In this episode of Pray the Word on Isaiah 22:1,11, David Platt reminds us to look to and keep our eyes fixed on God when we experience hardship.

We Need To Check Ourselves (5) (audio) David Eells 2/4/24 Escaping Jezebel Spirits Winnie Osegueda 2/05/23 (David's notes in red) I recently had a trial where I was having extreme heart palpitations for about two or three days. It felt as if someone was unplugging and then plugging my heart back in very quickly all day long. I had the temptation to be nervous, as I had never had this before, but decided to get prayer from David and I also confessed anything that I knew of. Chuc did not realize that I was dealing with this yet, but he woke up from a dream where I had died and so we just continued to pray and believe. And although the palpitations kept coming, I just continued to cast it down and trust the Lord that I was healed.  There were moments within that time period that Chuc and I were battling with bickering. I did hate it and I did confess it and received prayer, but I realized there were areas in our marriage that Jezebel was still rearing its ugly head. There were places that I had not relinquished control out of fear or from just having my own opinion of how things should go in the matter. Although the Lord had definitely brought us a long way since we moved here, there was still much more that needed to be cleaned up in this area. I sought the Lord to reveal to me if there were any open doors for the enemy to be able to attack me in this way and then I received the following dream:  I dreamt that I was at a small wedding venue and I was getting ready to marry this man that was not Chuc. (Meaning submit to and receive the seed of a spirit that was not Chuc.) I still had awareness of Chuc in the dream and the awareness that I was already married to him, or at least that I was supposed to be. This other man (A Jezebel spirit as we will see) that I was getting ready to marry was a black (Meaning walking in darkness), bald (Meaning not submitted to God) actor (Meaning masquerading a lie).  He was on a show that I used to watch many years ago called "The Good Wife." His name on the show was Lemond Bishop and he was a very eloquent criminal. (Lemond in Norse means “Law Man”. Jezebel will put you under its law. Bishop means “overseer” confirming “Law Man”.) He was extremely well-spoken, charming, and articulate; however he was extremely dangerous. (Jezebel is dangerous and will kill you spiritually and sometimes physically.) He was also a powerful Chicago drug lord (Jezebel will lord over a person and skew their perceptions of right and wrong. The Jezebel spirit is known for ruling over households and Churches. 1Ti 2:12  But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.) In my dream, he was the same exact character from the show.  Lemond Bishop came downstairs to the venue where I was supposed to be getting ready, however I was not dressed yet, but was wearing gray sweats and white tee with black lettering on it (Symbolizing the Word of God in your heart). Lemond was already dressed and he was wearing a white suit with pinstripes of various colors on it. (Chuc said that could represent being in prison or bondage.) He was speaking to someone in the front of the venue. So I went to talk to Anna and Matt Stewart who were also there. As I went to speak with them, I could see that Matthew was very upset with me and not really speaking to me. (Matthew means gift of God.) I knew that he was upset because I was getting ready to marry this man that I should not be marrying. I began to speak with Anna and I asked her why Matt was being this way with me and at first, she did not answer me, but I followed her around and asked her again. She then said that I was a fool if I marry that man. (Anna means grace.)  (Receiving the criminal seed of Jezebel makes one a fool.) I then began to ponder this and I prayed to God to reveal to me if I was making a bad decision by marrying this man. For some reason it did not seem as bad to me as it clearly was to God and everyone else. I asked the Lord to give me a clear answer and I cast lots and received four tails to not marry this person and get away from him. I was afraid because I knew that he would come after me, but I grabbed my phone and bag and I ran out as fast as I could. (Fear to allow Jezebel in your life for God Hates Jezebel and her fruit. Speaking of Jezebel God says. Rev 2:23  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works. 24  But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden. )  I ran to Chuc's apartment or house that he had in this dream so that I could hide from Lemond because I knew he was coming to look for me. I lay in the bed with Chuc and I was on the right side of the bed just lying there quietly with him. Lemond then came in because for some reason he knew that I would go there, however he could not see me because I was invisible as I lay there on the bed. (We are hidden when we are at rest and we are hidden when we are in submission to our husbands.) As Lemond was looking for me, I became nervous that he would find me, so I slid off the bed thinking that maybe I could be even more hidden if I crouched beside the bed, however when I did that, he found me. (Being outside of the rest and outside of submission to our husbands make us open to attacks.)   Lemond threatened me with a weapon and out of fear I gave in and went back to where he lived. He lived in a building with gray metal staircases and metal walls that I would say looked like an industrial factory. His apartment was on the top floor and when I entered, there were groups of people there talking amongst themselves at different tables. This time Chuc was with me and he sat across from me at a table. I looked over and there was a huge rectangular cardboard box that a man was testing to see if a person could fit into by trying to fit a large dummy into it.  (Another word for fool.) I looked over at Chuc again and began to weep because I knew that he was preparing that box for me and that the plan was to kill me (meaning spiritually) and put me in there. I was desperate to get out of this situation and so when Lemond left again for a moment, I ran to find an exit by checking different exits and I finally found one. I went through the exit and it led to the lobby of this building and Lemond was there and saw me. I ran out of the building and flagged down a cop car and they let me in the passenger seat, and then I woke up.   I asked Chuc to get me a verse by faith at random for this dream and he received: Mat 10:1 And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness.  I thought this was amazing and a great reminder not to run from the enemy, but to confront him and cast him out because the Lord gave us authority even over the enemies, we deem to be too strong for us to take down. At times I have felt grieved by my failure in these areas, but the Lord already defeated the enemy and we can kick him out.   I also asked the Lord for a couple of verses by faith at random and received: Deu 1:21 Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land (representing our natural life) before thee: go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of thy fathers, hath spoken unto thee; fear not, neither be dismayed. (This is a great one. Thank you Lord.)  Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. This is a great confirmation to the other scripture and another great reminder that the Lord is with us and we just need to take the authority He has already given us.   After I woke up from this dream, I went to our casual Sunday fellowship that afternoon and Anna said something that made me think of my dream, as well as confirmed some of the things the Lord was showing me. She said that when you marry your husband, you are now hidden in him because you take on his name, so the old you no longer exists. For example, me and Chuc would be Mr. and Mrs. Chuc Osegueda, and she equated this with being hidden in Christ and taking on His name and I thought that was a great point. Submission to our husbands keeps us safe and it is ultimately obedience to the Lord that keeps us safe. (Eph 5:22  Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23  For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body. 24  But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.)  After I received this dream, and I repented, and Chuc and I prayed, the heart palpitations were completely gone as if they never existed. I have not had it once since. Thank you, Lord!      Wonderful Testimony and Word  Katie 12/11/23  On Sunday I was with Tim and there were some women who got up and were preaching on hope during the Church service. (They do Advent during the holidays so people take turn preaching on different topics each week for about 15 minutes each.)  I randomly thought about how I'd feel if were to go up there and preach and I thought to myself, "I'd feel naked." Before I could even think on that further, I heard the Lord say, "That's right, because your husband is your covering." The rest of my communication with the Lord wasn't in words, but to sum it up, He showed me that I am to be hidden in my husband, and going up and preaching would be stepping outside of that covering. He then showed me further about the beauty of submitting to and honoring my husband, and about a meek and quiet spirit, and being in all subjection and submitting. It was beautiful!  The other day I was thinking more on this. I've really been praying about this topic because it's so prevalent in so many churches and I was deeply confused as to why that is and how it can almost appear fruitful sometimes. For example: God is using those women to help people and they speak good words sometimes - here is a word I got when I was talking to the Lord about women preachers  or teachers:  "They are doing it to honor themselves. If they were doing it to honor Me, they would be obedient to My Word. Women being quiet and in all subjection, honors Me more than any words they can preach.  Remember My word goes against the flesh. A woman's flesh can feel in bondage when they obey and submit to this area of My Word and they are being greatly deceived by their flesh. They are wrongfully trying to "break free." This is rebellion. This is self-will and self-seeking. Take heed that you do not fall into the world's trap of feminist liberation that has crept into My church through the enemy. That is liberation of the flesh and spiritual bondage. I desire you to be free, and that freedom is found only in obedience to My Word.  Even the most beautiful sermon preached by a woman is still rebellion to My word and they will be held accountable. Women who take authority are at risk of My judgement, no matter how spiritual they appear. Many curses are the result of this rebellion.  In the World, women desire so greatly to be seen. I desire them to be hidden in Christ and in the bosom of their Husband. Oh, if only they knew how beautiful it is.  I do not command these things so that women are in bondage. No, rather because there must be order. Look at the destruction that has come from women taking charge in the family, at work, and in the church. When My order is flipped, chaos ensues. There is no room for compromise on this area, this is My command. You cannot bend, stretch, or twist my commandments, they are written in stone.  Do not be deceived, being used of Me, is not the same as being in My will. Being used of Me, is not a good judgement of your standing with Me. I can use anyone whom I will to use. I have often used even vessels of dishonor who do not know Me. Do you believe I am God OF and OVER all?  Your obedience to My Word is what will be accounted for and how you are to judge your standing with Me; You can do many mighty works whilst in rebellion.  Are you prepared to remain obedient in the midst of disobedience? Many will hate you and come against you for these things. Are you prepared to follow the lonely road of obedience? You will be hated, ridiculed, mocked, and isolated. Yes, even by people who claim to know Me. But know that this is expected, for I faced these things too. If it is accepted by the multitudes, there is something wrong. I have called you to be Holy, set apart. This comes at a great cost, a cost of many rejecting you. But take heart, for I will lead you to exactly where you need to be and bless you with likeminded people. I have heard your cries and your longing for fellowship and in due time I say, it is coming. I will place you exactly where you need to be. Take heart and be patient. Know that I am training and equipping you.  Are you covered? Are you hidden? If you are not, you are not only sinning, but you are causing men to sin. Any man who is under a woman is in sin. Any woman who is preaching, teaching, and exercising authority and rule over men, is ruling by the spirit of Jezebel.  Jezebel doesn't always have to appear headstrong and overbearing, she can just be rebellious. A woman preaching is in rebellion to My word. Truth coming out of her mouth does not change this fact. This is not a small thing, this is not something to overlook. Rebellion to My Word is dangerous, do not follow after any harlots, but come out from among them.  Will you choose to be set apart, or will you compromise for the sake of pleasing men and desire to fit in? I want to remind you the narrow path can often be lonely, for it is the road less traveled. Few find it. Compromise is broad and wide; obedience is narrow. Do not feel like there is something wrong with you if many disagree with you. Being in agreement with My word should be more important than being in agreement with man. I remind you again that man will come against you for these things. Obedience to My Word brings separation and division between the wheat and the tares.  Count the cost and choose obedience. For it reaps well springs of life, where disobedience leads only to death. I am gracious and merciful, but everyone who goes against My Word and does not repent, will be brought into judgment. There is no valid excuse to bring before Me. Follow Me and My ways, do not let anyone confuse you. If it is contrary to My Word, it is not of Me.  Choose to be hidden in your husband and submit to and honor his authority. It is not your job to teach or preach, your job is to serve. Rejoice in this, for the greatest were called servants. Yes, even I. Rejoice and rest in this. You are perfectly equipped and built for your role as a woman. Just as is true in the physical, the spiritual garments of a man will never fit you properly. And behold I have sewn you perfect garments that fit just right.  Women preach for regard and praise. Their labor is in vain. For I say unto you the women who are the most hidden, shall be the ones who receive the most glory. Do things for the Glory of your husband. Just as you do things for My glory; You should seek to honor and please your husband in all areas. Not other people, not yourself, but seek to honor and bring glory to your husband. Make this your focus, and take your eyes off of self. Put your husband first, regard him as lord, and do what is fitting.  You may feel like you need to speak, but remember that I showed you the power of being quiet. Blessings follow when you are in obedience to My Will. I will lead you to where you should be. I will lead you to women who will be able to encourage you and grow you in this area. Be patient and wait as I am currently doing a work in you in this area Myself.”      The Born-Again Soul  David Eells  Father, thank You for giving wisdom, discernment, and understanding that motivates us to holiness, so that we may escape this great falling-away that we know is happening at this time. Thank You, Father, for Your grace and mercy towards us. In Jesus' Name, amen.   (1Pe.1:3) Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope… (That's the Greek anagennaó, meaning “to beget again” and it's a combination of aná, “up, again,” and gennáō, “give birth,” in other words, “born-again or born from on high.”) We were born-again unto a living hope, and when we were first born-again, it was our spirit that was born-again. The soul is born-again in a different manner, as we'll see. (1Pe.1:3) Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.   It was a “living hope” because when He was resurrected, we were resurrected. However, that's by faith, and as we exercise faith in that promise, we receive the manifestation of it if we continue on in the faith. (1Pe.1:5) Who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. So you're guarded through your faith until you come to the manifestation of salvation. You have to continue in the faith. A person who doesn't continue in the faith, doesn't get what they've believed for, because Jesus said, (Mar.11:24) … All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. And, (Mat.10:22) … he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. If you don't endure to the end, you will not be saved.   You have to endure in your faith to the end, knowing that your faith is going to be tested. (1Pe.1:6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials… The Greek there means “various temptations.” You are going to be tempted. Your faith is going to be tested and you must hold fast the confession of your hope that it waver not (Hebrews 10:23). If you do that, you'll come to verse 9, which says, (1Pe.1:9) receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls. So the beginning of your faith is that born-again experience in verse 3, where you receive a born-again spirit; the end of your faith is the born-again soul.   Now, obviously, what's been put into your spirit has to go into your soul, which is your mind, will, and emotions. That's where you bear the fruit. You're not the “good seed put into the ground” until you have that initial born-again experience of a born-again spirit. Then you're the good seed and then you have to bear fruit, because when the harvest comes, He's coming to pick the fruit. Some people don't endure to the end in order to bear fruit in their soul, and this is why the falling-away happens. The falling-away happens because most people don't think they have to bear fruit, which is, “[Even] the salvation of [your] souls.” Glory to God!   With that in mind, we can continue. (1Pe.1:21) Who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. (22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth… Peter was speaking only to true believers. (1Pe.1:1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion… He wasn't speaking to those who were just the called, but those who were the elect, because the elect are the ones who always bear fruit. Elect means chosen and that is because they have born fruit.  (Mat.22:14) For many are called, but few chosen. “Chosen” is the Greek eklektos, meaning elect “select, by implication, favorite.” So you may truly be called and may have had a born-again spirit, but will you have a born-again soul? Will you go on to bear fruit in your mind, your will, and your emotions? This is how you make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). “Seeing ye have purified your souls,” means that you have to see the end from the beginning. You have to walk by faith. You have to believe it was done at the Cross. This is what you see in your spirit: you see it as done, as finished. (Hebrews 10:14) For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.   (1Pe.1:22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth (If you don't want to fall away, you have to be obeying the truth, and for you to obey the truth, you have to walk by faith as you search for truth. You search for wisdom as gold. (Job 28:16-17; Proverbs 3:14,16:16) Continuing with 22, unto unfeigned love (The most important thing is love. Many people have feigned love and prove by their actions that they do not love, and, of course, they are in danger of falling away.) of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (23) having been begotten again…  That's the Greek word anagennaó, meaning “born-again, from above,” and when you're first born-again, you don't know much about the Bible, but you don't have to. All you have to do is repent and want the Lord to take over your life. “Repent,” which means “change your mind,” and believe the first message you have of the Gospel. That's all you have to do, but, after that, as you search for the truth and obey the truth, you will have fruit in your soul.   In other words, you'll be renewing your mind with the Mind of Christ, which will enable you to bear fruit by your faith in what you understand. God will give you power when you believe what you read. Some of you reading this might go to churches and might not get enough Word to overcome anything you've already been indoctrinated with. You need to get this on your own by searching out the truth. God's people will love the truth. All of the elect will love the truth and they will love Him enough to obey it.   (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. What is the “incorruptible seed”? It is the Word of God, and again, when you first come to the Lord, do you know the Word of God? No, you don't, but this is the second part of being born-again, and that is born-again in soul, “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God.”   You do have to seek the truth and you do have to obey the truth. But He will do it in you as you believe the truth. You can obey the truth because you believe that you were united with Him in the death, burial, and resurrection, and that your sins were taken away. (Rom.6:5) For if we have become united with [him] in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of his resurrection; (6) knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [him,] that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; (7) for he that hath died is justified from sin. You can obey the truth because you believe the Gospel that you were made free from sin.   (Rom.6:22) But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. And, as you exercise faith in that, sin won't have power over you because you believe it's been conquered already. (Joh.16:33) These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.   (1Pe.1:24) For, All flesh is as grass… Now, we do go through this crucifixion of the old flesh, and when you receive the Word of God, you're obeying your spirit. That means you're not obeying your flesh, and it dies a little more each time you do that. You're weaning it. The flesh is used to getting its way, but you're weaning it. (1Pe.1:24) For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth: (25) But the word of the Lord abideth for ever… This Word, which you put in your heart, that is “the end eternal life”: “the Word of the Lord abideth forever.” The Word is eternal. The “grass” or flesh is temporal, but this is eternal. We become the Word, made flesh, and that is (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory.   (1Pe.1:25) But the word of the Lord abideth forever. And this is the word of good tidings which was preached unto you. This is the Gospel, not that other apostate teaching which says “just accept Jesus”, which is not scripture. He doesn't accept you unless you “repent and believe”, and that's a continual process. It's not a step-over-the-line, one-time profession that religion would have you believe. This “purifying of your soul” comes by obeying the truth, which is what James was talking about. (Jas.1:21) Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted (This is the Greek emphutos and it means “inborn; innate; rooted.”) word, which is able to save your souls. (How? Through your obedience to the truth, as we just read.)   (22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. Many are deceived; multitudes of what are called “Christians” are deceived. They don't think they have to walk in the truth. They think they can walk in the flesh, even though Paul said clearly, (Rom.8:13) … 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. There's a condition there, “if.”   (Jas.1:23) For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror. Beholding the “natural face” is contrary to what we are commanded to do. (2Co.3:18) But we all (That's if we have “eyes to see”; some don't.), with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. In other words, it's a gift from the Spirit as you continue to behold Jesus in the mirror by faith.   This is the Gospel: You don't live anymore; Jesus lives in you. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. When you're looking in the mirror, you're seeing Jesus, because you accept this by faith. It's an imagination that you must hold on to so that you come into His Image more and more, “from glory to glory.” You see Jesus in the mirror by faith because it's already done.  The reconciliation or exchange of His life for yours has been accomplished. 2Co 5:18  But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation. So we don't live in us, He does. (Joh.3:13) And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, [even] the Son of man, who is in heaven. When you see your natural self in the mirror, or in other words, when you see your old “stinkin' self,” you're not exercising any faith there. You're not calling (Rom.4:17) … the things that are not, as though they were. There's no faith involved there, so how can you grow? How can you be anything more than what you are?   (Jas.1:23) For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: (24) for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. When people begin to look at “self” too much, they begin to fall into denial. It's the only way they can have any peace. When you read the Word, it tells you what Jesus looks like and then you can say that's mine because you see Him in the mirror.  If you look in the mirror at self and say, “I don't want to look like that,” you're not exercising the power of faith. You'll not overcome; you'll always be a “hearer and not a doer.” (Jas.1:25) But he that looketh into the perfect law, the [law] of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.   (1Jn.3:9) Whosoever is begotten (The Greek word is the same gennaó meaning “born.”) of God doeth no sin… When you have a renewed soul, a born-again soul, that is in the Image of Jesus because you held fast to the words your spirit received from God through the Word, then you're going to overcome. Think about how many things you've overcome since you came to know the Lord, things you don't even consider doing anymore and, if the devil tried to tempt you with them, you'd laugh at him. God wants to continue that all the way to the end. God wants to continue it until you have at least 30-, then 60-, and finally, 100-fold fruit.   In the Parable of the Sower, the seed you put in your heart is the Seed of Jesus Christ, the Word of God. You must put the Word in there and you will obey it as you walk by faith. There is a born-again man that is growing in you. He's taking ground, he's taking that Promised Land away from the old Canaanite, the old sinner in the land. If you're hearing and obeying the Word of God, you're conquering this land. The problem was that when the Israelites were going into their land, they forgot faith. They forgot what God said, but Joshua and Caleb didn't forget; they kept reminding them, but they wouldn't listen, so the Israelites died in their wilderness, which is a warning to us.   (1Jn.3:9) Whosoever is begotten (or born) of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him… That “seed” is the Word of God, not any religion, but know that after you receive the initial born-again experience, you're going to be tested. Your faith is going to be tested, and if you give up the Seed and you accept what the devil says, guess what you're accepting? You're accepting the devil's seed. What does that end up being? A tare. You don't want to give up the Seed of God. It has the power to bring eternal life, manifestly, in your life. (1Jn.3:9) Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God.   The part of you that's born of God is not going to sin because it's God in you. That's where you have “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” and that part of you is not going to sin, but there are other parts of your Promised Land that you haven't conquered yet. You haven't killed the old man, you haven't taken his house, you haven't raised your own crops on his property, and so on. You have to march through the whole Promised Land because God said that every place you put the sole of your foot, He's going to give it to you (Deuteronomy 11:24; Joshua 1:3). You already know the parts of you that are born-again because you're not tempted in those areas anymore. God changed you and that wasn't an accident; you had faith.   (1Jn.3:10) In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. They are not of God. They are not doing what the Word tells us to do if we sin. (1Jn.1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  When you sin, you can confess it and forsake it, and He will wash you clean. He will wash you of all unrighteousness, and that's part of your tools along the way to stay clean before God. If you're not going to confess your sin and you choose to justify yourself instead, then you won't be able to hold fast to your faith and you are going to fall away. It's a choice: You can just hide your sin around the people of God and make yourself acceptable to them as a deceiver, or you can confess your sin and God will cleanse you of all unrighteousness.   Let's choose wisely to believe and confess and forsake this worldly way. Choose to accept that you've purified your soul in obedience to the truth. Choose to continue to obey the Truth so that you can go on to take that Promised Land and bear fruit in your soul, which is your mind, will, and emotions. Choose to allow the fiery trial to burn up that old “grass,” which is the flesh (1 Peter 1:24).   (1Pe.2:1) Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies… Those who preach, “You're always going to be a sinner, saved by grace,” are liars. They are anti-Christ and they've never even gotten a revelation of the Gospel. If you're always going to be a sinner saved by grace, then you didn't get saved by grace! Think about it: If you're always going to be a sinner, you didn't get saved by grace. Grace comes through your faith in the Word of God to save you from sin. God doesn't save you so you can sin and get away with it; He comes to save you from sin because you confess it, you forsake it, and you want God. Then you believe He took away the sins of the world. Rom 6:11  Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus.  These people will be known because God is more important to them than sin, and that's the trial. The church is full of hypocrisies and guile and deception by people (Jud.1:12) … who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Yes, they will be shown to be “twice dead, (I.e. born again and died again), plucked up by the roots.” They're full of guile and are hidden. They're deceivers who want you to believe they're somebody that they're not. Instead of confessing their sins to someone who is faithful, or at least confessing them to the Lord, they'd rather deceive themselves, and delude even themselves.   (1Pe.2:1) Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, (2) as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation… Notice that we “newborn babes” must “grow unto salvation”.  What did Jesus tell His disciples? (Joh.4:34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to accomplish his work. That's also true for all of us. Our “meat” is to do the Will of Him that sends us; our “meat” is to be a doer of the Word. How are we going to grow up only on milk?   When Jesus was teaching the multitudes, He protested to them, (Luk.6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? We are growing unto the manifestation of our salvation. The manifestation is what you're looking for when you go out into the field to pick the fruit. You might believe that the seed is going to bring forth wonderful fruit, but you're not going to go out there to pick it until it's above the ground and you can see it. That's what we're here for; the earth is the field (Matthew 13:37-39) and we're here to bear fruit. God only wants the fruit.  (1Pe.2:3) If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: (4) unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men (If you don't want to be rejected of men, you're going to do what it takes to make them happy, but it's more important to make God happy because He has eternal life for you.), but with God elect, precious, (5) ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices (When the priests offered sacrifices, what did they offer? They offered flesh, burnt flesh.), acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.   When you're in the fiery trial, you're making a decision. Do you want more of Jesus or do you want more of the flesh? If you obey the flesh, you get more of the flesh; if you obey Jesus, the flesh is crucified because it doesn't get what it wants. It's on the altar of fire and it's burned-up. This is how you get more of Jesus and bear more fruit. In the trial, which He said you are going to go through, you decide to obey the Word even though you can feel the old flesh drawing on you, and the devil beyond that. You can feel it every time you're tested or tempted to do something other than obey the Word of God. The Word puts you on your cross. If you don't obey it, you're not on the cross. And if you don't take up your cross and follow Jesus, you're not His “disciple,” which means “a learner and a follower” (Matthew 10:38,16:24).   (1Pe.2:6) Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame. How can you prove that you believe on Him? The Bible says, (Jas.2:26) … even so faith apart from works is dead. If you believe, if you have faith, you will act on your faith, but there are a lot of people who are going to be put to shame. (7) For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve (It will be proven in the midst of the trial whether or not you believe.), The stone which the builders rejected…   You may claim, “I never rejected Jesus,” but if you don't obey Him in the midst of the trial then you're not believing on Him. You've rejected the stone which the builders rejected, just like those early people did, and you're shamed right there. (1Pe.2:7) For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; (8) and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.   It's always the disobedient who stumble and fall away. They're disobedient because they're not believing the Word. They've made up a convenient doctrine so that they can live in the flesh and still go to heaven. Even people who know better can fall into the trap when they stumble on the Rock of offense, when they stumble over the Word of God. The Word comes to prove, to test, you. The Word comes to empower you with faith and deliver you. Like a two-edged sword, it will cut-away that which is fleshly and demonic. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.   (1Pe.2:9) But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God's] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. You're called out of “darkness” to come into the Light of the Word, the Wisdom of God, and that “darkness” is the darkness of your unregenerate soul that's not born unto God. You see, parts of your soul are born unto God because you're obedient to God there. And there are parts of your soul where you're not obedient to God. Those places are where your Promised Land hasn't been taken away from the carnal man of the land, the “Canaanite.” He must be put to death in order for you to take the land 30-, 60-, and 100-fold.   The grace of God gives you the opportunity to do that. (1Pe.2:10) Who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God… How do you become the “people of God”? Well, when you're born-again, it's God, Himself, Who lives in you, and the part of you that obeys God is His Kingdom. That's where He rules, but the part of you that doesn't obey Him is not His Kingdom because He doesn't rule there. The more and more you obey, the more and more of you comes into the Kingdom of God. (1Pe.2:10) Who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  (1Pe.4:1) Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. If you're being crucified and the old man is being put to death, it is painful. It is painful to give up the things that you have to give up in order to have Christ, but as the Bible says, (2Co.4:16) Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. If you don't let your outer-man decay, the inner-man is not renewed because they both occupy the same territory. If you're not putting to death the “old man in the land,” you're not taking the territory.   Remember, the Israelites were told, “Take up your swords and go take your Promised Land,” and that God would be with them. Every place they put the sole of their foot, God would give it to them. They were to take out the enemy everywhere they went. God said, “Don't appease them; kill them.” That's a type and a shadow of how your old man, your old life, has to die. It can't be reformed. (1Pe.4:1) Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind… You see, it's a good thing to suffer in the flesh.   When you deny yourself, when you take up your cross and follow Jesus, you will suffer in the flesh. Your “cross” is “obedience.” Jesus obediently went to His Cross and He even said that it was for this reason He came into the world (Matthew 16:21-22; Mark 8:31-32), but the disciples tried to talk Him out of going to His Cross (Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33). Well, now we can see a parable there. Of course, there are many people who will try to talk you out of going to your cross, but Jesus said, “Get thee behind me, Satan,” and we ought to say the same thing (Matthew 4:10,16:23).   (1Pe.4:1) Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (Consider “suffering in the flesh” to be “ceasing from sin.” If you don't cease from sin, that means sin is going to rule you. If sin rules you, you're going to fall away.); (2) that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. If you're questioning, “David, is that really possible? Do you mean all these preachers lied to me about how I just have to accept my forgiveness and go on sinning?” You need to read that verse again: “that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” And how do you do that? You do that by suffering in the flesh.   (1Pe.4:3) For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries: (4) wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. They do think it's strange that you don't run with them “into the same excess.” Well, if you humble yourself to them and if you're really interested in impressing them, of course, you're going to get into the same things they're into and you're going to lose your salvation.   I know some people teach that you won't lose your salvation, but we're seeing how ridiculous that is. The elect are not going to lose their salvation, but many of the called will. The elect are the chosen because they bear fruit. Those people running in the “excess of riot” don't understand that they will eventually have to answer to God. (1Pe.4:5) Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead. The Lord will judge the living and the dead. If you continue on in your riotous living, doing everything the way you want to do it and not putting to death the sin, you will fall away.  (1Pe.4:17) For the time [is come] for judgment to begin at the house of God… Yes, God uses the wicked to judge the house of God, and then God judges the wicked. That's His method, because somebody has to put you on your cross. The apostate people of God and the Romans put Jesus on the Cross. You need to walk in the judgment of God. That old flesh needs to die. You need to suffer the loss of self because self cannot go to heaven. “Self,” which is synonymous with “soul” in the Scripture, is not going to heaven; it has to die here. 1Co 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Every seed that goes into the ground is put to death by the dirt around that seed, but then life comes out and starts bearing fruit. There has to be a death before a life. So this judgment begins at the house of God because you have to have time to bear fruit before your time is up.   That's why it's called a “race.” (Heb.12:1) Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. You're racing against the clock to bear fruit before your time is up.   (1Pe.4:17) For the time [is come] for judgment to begin at the house of God:and [if it] begin first at us, what [shall be] the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous is scarcely saved (That's the Greek word molis and it means “only with difficulty; very rarely.”), where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? Wow! If you're going to be a sinner for the rest of your life, it doesn't look good there, does it? How about the righteous? The righteous are doing much better. There's not as many of them because they're “scarcely” saved, but there are lots of sinners, and you're either in one camp or the other.   (1Pe.4:19) Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator. God is trying to create your soul into the Image of Jesus Christ, and that happens through your obedience to the truth, and the reason you can obey the truth is because you have faith. If you have faith, you're going to have obedience because (Jas.2:17) … faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. (18) Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from [thy] works, and I by my works will show thee [my] faith.   (2Pe.1:1) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and [the] Saviour Jesus Christ: (2) Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. “Grace and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.” How sad that so many people don't have time to search the Scriptures, don't make time to get the New Testament down in their heart! There are too many other things distracting them, but call to mind how the “seed” was destroyed in the Parable of the Sower: The distractions of life is why those who heard did not continue on to bear fruit.   (2Pe.1:2) Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; (3) seeing (This means “seeing by faith.”) that his divine power hath granted (It's past tense, meaning that it's already done, He's already given you this.) unto us all things that pertain unto life… That word in the Greek is zóé, which means “life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence.” Strong's goes on to say, “it always (only) comes from and is sustained by God's self-existent life. The Lord intimately shares His gift of life with people, creating each in His image which gives all the capacity to know His eternal life.” This is God's Life.   It's not your old, soulish life, which is psuché. Zóé is the higher life that you get when you give up the psuché, the lower life, the self-life. He's giving you “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” He did this at the Cross. You can have grace and peace multiplied to you when you believe on this, when you apply it in your life. (2Pe.1:3) Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue. You have to know what God has given to you and then you have to exercise faith in it. You have faith in God and God will rise up in you and do the work. Thank God it's by faith and not our own self-efforts!   (2Pe.1:4) Whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature (If you're going to live a godly life, you need the divine nature, and the promises are what give you this divine nature.), having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. You must escape the “corruption that is in the world by lust” or you will have a falling-away, because God doesn't want this in heaven. The Greek word epithumia, which is translated as “lust,” means simply “desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire.” The “lusts” are those “desires of the flesh,” and the Bible says, (Rom.8:13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body (Those are the acts of the flesh.), ye shall live.   We need to put the promises into our hearts in order to partake of the divine nature so that the corruption does not overcome us. Otherwise, we're falling away. God instructed Moses, (Exo.16:4) …Behold, I will rain bread from heaven (Jesus said that He was that manna that came down out of heaven to give life to the world.) for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may prove them (God was testing them to see if they would be obedient to Him and get their daily portion of manna.), whether they will walk in my law, or not.   People like to belittle the necessity of spending time in the Word every day, but that is exactly what God expects you to do. He expects you to be obedient and to eat the Word daily, just like they gathered and ate the manna in the wilderness daily. You're being proven; your obedience is being tested. You're here to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.   (2Pe.1:5) Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith… There's not supposed to be any comma behind “diligence,” it should be behind “faith.” You're “diligent in your faith” because you can't add anything. You can't be diligent in any of the attributes that He's getting ready to mention here. You have to use the faith that God has given to you, and if you haven't been given faith, you're not saved. Inside faith are all these other attributes, which are all given to you because of your faith. In a lot of Bible translations they have “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…” and all the other attributes are added to your faith, but that's not correct according to both the original language and the numeric pattern. It's this way > (2Pe.1:5) Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence in your faith, supply virtue; and in [your] virtue knowledge; (6) and in [your] knowledge self-control; and in [your] self-control patience; and in [your] patience godliness; (7) and in [your] godliness brotherly kindness; and in [your] brotherly kindness love.  Notice all of the attributes are IN faith. These attributes are like those nesting dolls, or one of those little toy eggs that you open up and there's another, smaller egg inside, and you open that up and there's another egg inside.   Notice at the center of the eggs is Love. God wants love from His people, and love for one another. If you don't have that, you're not going to make it to heaven. Notice He wants patience. (Jas.1:4) And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.   Then at the end of the list of attributes of Jesus we see: (2Pe 1:8) For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words towards the beginning of the list the list is knowledge and now we see that knowledge begets knowledge of the Lord.  Its “line upon line”. If you exercise faith in the promises of God, you receive of His divine Nature. So because you believe that you were crucified with Christ, because you believe that your old man was put to death when you were “buried” in baptism as an act of faith, then the old man is dead and the One Who came up from the water is Jesus, not you. (Joh.12:24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit. If the Seed is the Word of God, what is the fruit? It's the fruit of Jesus. It's not gaining souls, it's gaining your own soul. Certainly, if you gain your own soul, you'll be able to be useful in gaining other souls, but you can't give away what you don't have.   (1Pe.1:8) For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) For he that lacketh these things is blind… He's “blind” because he doesn't see correctly. He sees only his natural face in the mirror and doesn't see Jesus. He doesn't behold in the mirror the glory of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). (1Pe.1:9) For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Have you forgotten that you were cleansed of your sins? Just like Jesus bore your sicknesses, you have to believe your sins were borne by Jesus (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). You don't have a problem with sin; you may have a problem with unbelief.   The problem of sin has been dealt with, so the next biggest problem is unbelief. But if we want the grace of God, we have to walk by faith. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. This recreation of your soul into the Image of Jesus Christ, from glory to glory, is happening as you walk by faith.  (1Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure… The word, “calling” there is the Greek klésis and it means “invitation; in the New Testament, it is always of a divine call.” The word for “election” is the Greek eklogé and it means “a choosing out, selecting, choice (by God).” So since you were born-again in your spirit, you now have a divine invitation from Him “who saved us and (only then) called us,” but notice that you also have to make certain you will be among those whom God chooses, because that calling means an invitation to partake of everything that Christ is.   (1Pe.1:10) Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: (11) For thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You may be thinking, “Whoa! I thought I entered way back there when I was baptized.” Well, as you “do these things,” you are progressively entering into the eternal Kingdom because you are progressively taking more and more of your Promised Land, which is where God rules. That's how you enter the Kingdom.   (1Pe.1:11) For thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The preachers have lied to us a lot about this. Many think they entered “the eternal kingdom” when they shook the preacher's hand and accepted Jesus, who told them, “That's all you need to do. Now just go sit down in a pew, pay your tithes, and wait for the rapture,” but they don't know what they're talking about. They just accepted what their dead religion said and passed it on to you. The Bible calls it “leaven.” (Mat.16:6) And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.   Father, we ask that You keep these things in our mind, and that we be given this gift to always seek out Your Word day-by-day to learn and grow, and receive the Word of God into our hearts where it can give root to that seed so that we can bear fruit as the parable of the sower shows. Lord, we love you and love to read Your Word. We love to know what it is to be righteous, what it is to be truly born-again in spirit, soul, and ultimately, body, for those who are born-again in soul. Lord, we thank You, Father, for the gift of Jesus Christ, because when we look in the mirror, we don't see a sinner; we see a sinner that's been saved by grace. “Saved” is Jesus. We accept Jesus: We accept the reconciliation, the exchange, of His Life for our life.   We give up our life, daily, Lord. It's been nailed on the Cross, it's been buried in baptism, and we accept the Life of Christ, daily, because as the outer man is decaying, the inner man is being renewed day by day. Every day, Lord, let us give up the old man to death in the fiery trial on the altar of burnt offering. Lord, help us every day to deny ourselves and to let the fiery trial burn-up the old man. Lord, we win, because Jesus won. We need to just keep on believing that, keep on believing these awesome promises and accept the fact that we don't live anymore: Christ lives in us. And the life that we now live, we live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved us and gave Himself for us, as Galatians 2:20 says. Oh, thank You, Father, thank You for this awesome and miraculous work!

The Gift---1. The Gift is Jesus • • •Isaiah 9:6 ESV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. • • •John 3:16 ESV16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. • • •2. The Gift is Unexpected • • •Luke 2:8-14 NIV8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” • • •Isaiah 53:2 ESV2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. • • •3. The Gift is Love • • •John 3:16-17 ESV16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. • • •Romans 5:8 ESV8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. • • •4. The Gift is Relational • • •Isaiah 6:9 ESV9 And he said, “Go, and say to this people: “‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.'

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 4: The Miraculous Ministry of Jesus" (Isaiah 61:1-2) from the Ancient Anticipation series.More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 4: The Miraculous Ministry of Jesus" (Isaiah 61:1-2) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 4: The Miraculous Ministry of Jesus" (Isaiah 61:1-2) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 4: The Miraculous Ministry of Jesus" (Isaiah 61:1-2) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Rev. Brad Franklin talks about the coming of Jesus.   Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1RYJnJPexr8 Sermon Notes:  Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Homework for the week: Spiritual Housekeeping 1.     Look within at your heart and reflect on what no one else sees but you and God alone2.     Ask yourself this question “What has the devil stolen from you?” Examples: Has the devil stolen:·       Your dignity?·       Your innocence?·       Your purpose?·       Your joy?

Pastor Terry Mahan unpacked the True Story of Christmas, emphasizing three pivotal truths. Firstly, Jesus came to erase misconceptions about God, revealing His true nature through both teachings and actions (John 18:37, John 1:18, Isaiah 7:14). The second truth illuminated that Christmas embodies God expressing sacrificial and all-encompassing love through Jesus (Isaiah 7:14, 1 John 4:9-10, Ephesians 3:18-19). Lastly, the third truth centered on Christmas as an opportunity for a personal relationship with God, as believers are adopted into His family through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5). The congregation was encouraged to embrace these profound truths, understanding God's nature, accepting His love, and initiating a life-changing relationship with Him.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 3: The Official Forerunner of Jesus" (Isaiah 40:3-5) from the Ancient Anticipation series.More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 3: The Official Forerunner of Jesus" (Isaiah 40:3-5) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

 Rev. Brad Franklin talks about the coming of Jesus.  Watch this episode on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/S-MZeXCbBwc Sermon Notes: Genesis 3:10-Genesis 3:10 New King James Version 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”  The kind of fear that consumes you often begins with the words-  "What if"    or   "Will I be able?" You Say...God Sayshttps://www.3wchurch.com/pastor/2020/5/29/you-say-god-says

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 3: The Official Forerunner of Jesus" (Isaiah 40:3-5) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 3: The Official Forerunner of Jesus" (Isaiah 40:3-5) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Today's Bible Verse: "A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” - Isaiah 40:3-5   Want to listen without the ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/   MEET OUR HOSTS:   JENNIFER SLATTERY is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She's addressed women's groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She's the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at https://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com   Follow Jennifer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/faith-over-fear/  https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/    CAROL MCCRACKEN is a Christian communicator who teaches women Biblical truths through real-life application and humor to connect them to their God-given purpose. Carol has been a Bible teacher for twenty years and served on church staff and in women's ministry for three decades.   Follow Carol: https://www.carolmccracken.com/   REVEREND DR. KYLE NORMAN is the Rector of St. Paul's Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada.  He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others.  He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca.  He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.   Follow Rev. Kyle: https://revkylenorman.ca/   JOY A. WILLIAMS is a writer and speaker who is amazed her first name became her life's mission. As life happens in ways that baffle us or bring us joy, she loves exploring how those moments can bring us closer to God.  She is a member of the “First 5” writing team at Proverbs 31 ministries. As a licensed minister, she serves as a teacher for the Women's Bible Study and the Married Couples Ministry at her church.  Joy is a wife and mother and she shares encouragement on the “Joy to the Soul” blog.  Subscribe to receive the newest posts and updates at joyawilliams.com.   Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest   Read Joy's 7-day Bible reading plans: “Live Your Joy Story” and “When Easy Doesn't Live Here: Living by Faith When Life Is Hard” on the YouVersion Bible app.   JESSICA VAN ROEKEL loves the upside-down life of following Jesus as she journeys to wholeness through brokenness. As an author, speaker, and worship leader, she uses her gifts and experiences to share God's transformative power to rescue, restore, and renew. She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything.   Jessica and her husband have two adult daughters spreading their wings, and two high schoolers, a son and daughter, fluttering their wings as they edge closer to the nest. Connect with her at welcomegrace.com and reframingrejection.com.   GRACE FOX is the award-winning author of 13 books, a popular Bible teacher at international women's events, and a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries). She's also been a career missionary for more than 30 years.   She and her husband have served in Nepal, at a year-round Christian camp on an island off Canada's west coast, and currently co-direct International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in 30 countries. They live fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 13 grandchildren.   Learn about Grace's books and subscribe to her free resources at https://www.gracefox.com   Follow her: https://www.fb.com/gracefox.author Learn more about ministry opportunities with International Messengers: https://www.im-canada.ca   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 2: The Virgin Birth of Jesus" (Isaiah 7:14) from the Ancient Anticipation series.More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 2: The Virgin Birth of Jesus" (Isaiah 7:14) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

Grace and peace to yallWe hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving!Coming out of last weeks podcast of thanksgiving and praise, The Holy Spirit has prompted me to stay in this place of Praise.... As we move into the CHRISTmas season and the reality that Jesus is not only the reason for this season, But Jesus is the reason for all seasons...We touch on that today...The birth of Jesus Isaiah 9- Thank you LordThe new heart we receive through Him - Ezekial 36- Repent and receiveThe continued and growing grace in our life Ezekial 47- Going deeperLiving an abundant, flourishing life in Christ and what being blessed looks like Psalm 23This weeks podcast is Surrender and PraiseThanks for tuning in.Abundant blessings upon yallJeff and TamaraSupport the show

Rev. Brad Franklin Talks about the coming of Jesus. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Z8X7cgdNsDc

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 2: The Virgin Birth of Jesus" (Isaiah 7:14) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Steve Swartz, "Ancient Anticipation, Part 2: The Virgin Birth of Jesus" (Isaiah 7:14) from the Ancient Anticipation series. More sermons available online at www.steadfastinthefaith.org.

Preached by Morris Beene.

Some object lessons should just be left alone... especially when it includes tying yourself to a post and having someone whip your back in front of a crowd of students. Join Sam, Isaiah and Sha as they react to this youth group story and many more this week on the podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Jul 15 2023) by Sovereign Grace Church

The attractiveness of Jesus was not found in His personal appearance while on earth. It was found in what He did and has done for us. The beauty of Jesus is found in the sacrifice of His life for all humankind. By Dave Bartlett

Father's Day is Difficult for Some PeopleIf you have pain around the idea of God being a father because of your relationship with your biological dad, you need to hear some true things today. I'm going to share with you a love letter, a message from God directly from his Word, just for you. (Adapted from YST069).And the bottom line of the message is this:You're special, and today is the day it's going to start being better.(Note: The following is a letter, composed by God through the writers of the Bible. I have extracted these scriptures and listed them out below.)My dear, beloved friend, my child,I wanted to reach out to you, across time and space, to let you know how much I love you. I think about you all the time. Did you know you're the apple of my eye? (Psalm 17:8)I know things are hard sometimes. But you're not alone. I'm always paying attention to you as you journey through your life. In fact, I feel your pain, and I keep all your tears in a little jar; so you're never far from the front of my mind, sweet friend. (Psalm 56:8)I want you to know how special you are to me. Life on earth has a way of making you feel unimportant, lost, or overlooked. And our Enemy goes around like a lion, trying to hurt you. (I Peter 5:8)He wants you to believe that the things you've done have separated you from me, that you're too far gone for me to love you or accept you. But that's a lie. In fact, everything he says is a lie and you shouldn't believe a word of it. (John 8:44)But here's the truth:I created you, breathed my life into you, and made you in my own image. (Genesis 2:7, Genesis 1:27). And I've been paying attention to you from eternity before you were born right up until this very moment. I knit you together with special care, I saw you inside your mother, and I know the whole story of your life (Psalm 139).So you see, precious child, you matter to me. So don't worry so much, because I'm watching you. I've got your back. I know every hair on your head (Matthew 10:30), and I think you're awesome and perfect, because I made you just as I planned, just as I wanted, and making a person is a wonderful process. And no one is more wonderfully made in my image than you are (Psalm 139:14).Now, I know life is hard. And I know there are things that hurt. But in the midst of that pain, don't let life's troubles make you feel like I'm far away. Because when you're the most scared or in the most pain, that's when I want to be closest to you (Psalm 34:18).There are a lot of voices in your head, I know. Your brain is wired to think about things that hurt or scare you automatically. I made you that way, and it's for your own good, to keep you safe. But that negative bias in your brain can also harm you and steal your joy if you aren't careful. So it's important to remember that I made you to be joyful, and to have a fulfilled, abundant life (John 10:10).And even though those voices are hardwired, you can overcome them by listening for mine. I'll tell you how to hear me.First, my voice won't ever make you ashamed or afraid. Even when I correct you or my spirit convicts you of something you need to change or confess, it will come with a promise to help you, and you'll have a deep sense that my way is better than the way you've been doing things (John 16:8-16).And, everything I tell you will be true. And I won't ever change my words to you, because I'm the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).So here's what I want you to do: in the midst of all the pain and the worry and the uncertainty of your life, start listening for my voice. Filter every voice that's scary, that makes you feel bad. Every voice that tells you you're not good enough or not smart enough or pretty enough or anything enough to succeed or for me to love you.Because, my friend, you're exactly who and where and what I intended for you to be (Acts 17:26). And there is nothing you cannot overcome or accomplish if you use the power of me living inside you (Philippians 4:13).Look, you're going to make mistakes, and you're never going to measure up to the perfect life of my son Jesus. But that's because he's the one-and-only (John 1:14). And guess what? I loved you so much that I sent him to save you (John 3:16-17). He didn't come to judge you- that's my job anyway- he came to save you. And if you're good enough for him, you're good enough for me.Let's settle this right now. I've forgiven you, from eternity before you were born, for everything you have done or will do. I've removed your sins as far away as the East is from the West (Psalm 103:12). And even though life and the world and your enemy can make you feel irredeemable or dirty, I've washed you white as snow if you believe in my son Jesus (Isaiah 1:18, Romans 10:18).Here's the last thing I want to tell you, my beloved: I'll never stop loving you. I can't. I've got your name tattooed on the palm of my hand (Isaiah 49:16). No one can take you from the safety of my arms and the shelter of my love (John 10:28).Do you believe me? I hope so, because I believe in you, my friend.I love you, and I hope you'll talk to me soon.Your Father.There you go friend. That's the message I woke with today, from God to you. Listen- life is hard. And it can beat us up and take us out if we let it. But God has a better way. Listening for his voice amidst all those negative thoughts and all the guilt and pain life can give us is THE BEST way to change your mind, the BEST kind of self brain surgery, and the only real way to become healthier, feel better and be happier in this life.You can't change your life until you change your mind, and spiritual brain surgery is the most important change we need to make if we want to have the abundant life we were created to have.You want to change your life? Read the love letter from God and believe it.And start today.Hey, my new book is releasing July 18! Click on the book cover below to pre-order.Music by Tommy Walker(Music shared on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast is authorized under BMI license #61063253 and ASCAP license #400010513 )Self-Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drleewarren.substack.com/subscribe

  TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com    Brought to you by wellbuiltbody.com    97X     PODBEAN   Apple Podcast    Do you know who I am… Im sorry sir hold just a minute.  Picks up the phone and says hello can you connect me with the psychology department… we have a man down here who does not know who he is     At a ver prestigious university it was the final day of exams… the class was a huge class of about 500 plus students… the professor handed out the tests and pencils and said you must finish in exactly 2 hours…  When the time was up everyone brought their tests up… except one young man who continued to write down answers… the professor began to get irritated, threatening and finally said you can take your time, but I am going to fail you regardless… the kid kept writing and finally brought his test up to the professors desk. The professor who was a very arrogant and snide man began to chew out this young man… Do you know who I am? I have received the highest honors this university bestows. DO you know who I am, I have studied abroad at Cambridge university… you apparently truly have no idea who I am, I have 3 doctorates from Yale, Harvard and Princeton… to which the student shrugged and said, “do you know who I am?”. The professor winced and with a confusing grin said NO I DONT KNOW WHO YOU ARE… And with that the student picked up the huge pile of tests from the center  quickly put his test in the middle and put the hundreds of tests on top of it… and said “good luck”. and walked out.    We often ask do you know who you are in Christ… but actually its not if you know who you are in Christ, its if you know who's  you are in Christ.  What do i mean? Well i can quote all the scriptures of who I am in Christ… and I will quote a few in a second, but unless I know Christ, and know Who's I am, who I am has very little affect on me. It would be like finding out you are related to the great prince of Zinaqua… who is the richest man in the world… you can brag about that, but it means nothing until you go and see and experience his life style, his riches, the esteem and awe he is treated with, the power he has… all that and more.. now when you realize you are related to him and yes you are related to him as in he is your father… now you know who's who you are.    I am complete in Him Who is the head over all rule and authority—of every angelic and earthly power (Colossians 2:10). I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5). I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). I am far from oppression, and will not live in fear (Isaiah 54:14). I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (1 John 5:18). I am holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:16). I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5). I have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The Spirit of God, who is greater than the enemy in the world, lives in me (1 John 4:4). I have received abundant grace and the gift of righteousness and reign in life through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17). I have received the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my heart enlightened, so that I know the hope of having life in Christ (Ephesians 1:17-18). I have received the power of the Holy Spirit and He can do miraculous things through me.I have authority and power over the enemy in this world (Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:17-19). I am renewed in the knowledge of God and no longer want to live in my old ways or nature before I accepted Christ (Colossians 3:9-10). I am merciful, I do not judge others, and I forgive quickly. As I do this by God's grace, He blesses my life (Luke 6:36-38). God supplies all of my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). In all circumstances I live by faith in God and extinguish all the flaming darts (attacks) of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16). I can do whatever I need to do in life through Christ Jesus who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). I am chosen by God who called me out of the darkness of sin and into the light and life of Christ so I can proclaim the excellence and greatness of who He is (1 Peter 2:9). I am born again—spiritually transformed, renewed and set apart for God's purpose—through the living and everlasting word of God (1 Peter 1:23). I am God's workmanship, created in Christ to do good works that He has prepared for me to do (Ephesians 2:10). I am a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Christ, I am dead to sin—my relationship to it is broken—and alive to God—living in unbroken fellowship with Him (Romans 6:11). The light of God's truth has shone in my heart and given me knowledge of salvation through Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). As I hear God's Word, I do what it says and I am blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25). I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me (Romans 8:37). I overcome the enemy of my soul by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11). I have everything I need to live a godly life and am equipped to live in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4). I am an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (1 Peter 2:9). I am the righteousness of God—I have right standing with Him—in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit; I belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19). I am the head and not the tail, and I only go up and not down in life as I trust and obey God (Deuteronomy 28:13). I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). I am chosen by God, forgiven and justified through Christ. I have a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness and patience (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12). I am redeemed—forgiven of all my sins and made clean—through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7). I have been rescued from the domain and the power of darkness and brought into God's kingdom (Colossians 1:13). I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians 3:13). My life is rooted in my faith in Christ and I overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done for me (Colossians 2:7). I am called to live a holy life by the grace of God and to declare His praise in the world (Psalm 66:8; 2 Timothy 1:9). I am healed and whole in Jesus (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). I am saved by God's grace, raised up with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:12). I am greatly loved by God (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4). I am strengthened with all power according to His glorious might (Colossians 1:11). I humbly submit myself to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7). I press on each day to fulfill God's plan for my life because I live to please Him (Philippians 3:14). I am not ruled by fear because the Holy Spirit lives in me and gives me His power, love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Christ lives in me, and I live by faith in Him and His love for me (Galatians 2:20).

June 4, 2023 - Rev. Alexander Brown

Jesus defeated death that we might live in increasing peace now (John 20:19-21). But often our idea of peace is wrong. In an anxious, uncertain, chaotic, depressed, and angry world, we tend to think that peace is that rare moment when things are circumstantially perfect without any conflict (which means we never have peace). But what if peace is not the absence of something but the presence of someone? Real peace comes when we radically focus on Jesus (Isaiah 26:3). Our lives are full of constant stimuli - social media, TV, videos, texting, emails, calendars - that are vying for our attention and focus. We need habits of faith that turn our mind's eye towards Jesus and heaven. Those habits include worshipping together, engaging in God's Word together, praying and listening for His voice, and participating in true Biblical community and fellowship. Sermon from April 9, 2023 To watch this sermon or other sermons, subscribe to our YouTube Channel: "Beltway Park Church"

Mark 15:1-8 One of the amazing facts of Scripture are the many Old Testament accounts which predict the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53, Psalm 16:10, and so on). Symbolism also plays a huge part in the gospel story. For example, Mark 15 refers to Barabbas. In Aramaic, Bar-ab-bas means “son […] The post God's Deliverance first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.