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How can someone be sure they will go to Heaven when they die? Pastor Greg Laurie reveals that the answers to some of our most pressing questions are found right in the book of Isaiah. Notes: ACTS 8 AND ISAIAH 53 PEOPLE WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO AVOID PAIN. WE WANT THE GAIN WITHOUT THE PAIN. WE WANT THE CROWN WITHOUT THE CROSS. THE TEXT BEFORE US REMINDS US THAT JESUS CHOSE THE WAY OF PAIN- ON PURPOSE. WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO READ ANSWERS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF LIFE-- HOW CAN A PERSON COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?- HOW CAN ONE BE FREE FROM THE GUILT AND REMORSE OVER THEIR SINS?- HOW CAN ONE BE CERTAIN THAT THEIR SINS ARE INDEED FORGIVEN AND THEY WILL GO TO HEAVEN? ISAIAH 53 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. THERE IS POWER IN THE MESSAGE OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. WHY IS THE DEATH OF JESUS SO IMPORTANT?BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD AND A PRICE MUST BE PAID, A SUBUSTUTE MUST BE OFFERED. JESUS IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCEALED, BUT HE IS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEALED. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH OFFERS THE CLEAREST ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS. ISAIAH WROTE HIS BOOK 700 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST DIED.HOWEVER, HE WROTE IT AS THOUGH HE WAS AN EYEWITNESS. IN OUR JESUS AND YOU 2 SERIES, WE HAVE SEEN JESUS IN THE FIRE WITH SHADRACH, IN A WRESTLING MATCH WITH JACOB, AND NOW ISAIAH SHOWS US JESUS AS THE SUFFERER. “THIS CHAPTER IS THE VERY HEART OF THE GOSPEL. IT IS THE BIBLE IN MINATURE.”—CHARLES SPURGEON LET’S START WITH THE TWO DOWNHEARTED DISCIPLES ON THE EMMAUS ROAD AFTER JESUS ROSE. LUKE 24:27 (ESV)BEGINNING AT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, HE INTERPRETED TO THEM IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. THE BIBLE TELLS THE STORY OF A MAN WHO WENT TO JERUSALEM, SEARCHING FOR GOD. BUT AS A DIGNITARY, HE RECEIVED SOMETHING VALUABLE, THE SCROLL OF ISAIAH! PHILIP HEARD THIS FOREIGN DIGNITARY READLING ALOUD FROM ISAIAH 53. READ ACTS 8:31 30-35 IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, ISAIAH IS THE MOST QUOTED OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS. JESUS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS QUOTE ISAIAH AT LEAST 65 TIMES AND HE IS MENTIONED BY NAME 22 TIMES. THE WHOLE GOSPEL IS IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:- THE BRUTALITY OF THE WOUNDS INFLICTED ON JESUS. (ISAIAH 52:14)- HIS ABSOLUTE SILENCE BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS (ISAIAH 53:7)- HIS DEATH (ISAIAH 53:8–9)- THE PLACE OF HIS BURIAL (ISAIAH 53:9)- HIS RESURRECTION (ISAIAH 53:10) READ ISAIAH 53:1-3 JESUS WAS ORDINARY IN APPEARANCE. IF JESUS HAD AN INSTAGRAM, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE GONE VIRAL,BUT HE STILL WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS. IF JESUS WERE HERE TODAY, HE WOULDN’T BE TRENDING, HE’S BE TRANSFORMING. JESUS DID NOT COME FROM THE MARBLE PALACES OF ROME OR THE HALLS OF HEROD. WE OVERLOOK THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN OUR CULTURE TODAY. WE LIVE IN A CULTURE THAT WORSHIPS THE OUTWARD. PEOPLE SCROLL PAST THE ORDINARY.MOST LIKELY, YOU COULD NOT PICK JESUS OUT OF A CROWD. AT HIS BIRTH, ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE RECOGNIZED WHO HE WAS,HUMBLE SHEPHERDS, WHO WERE THE LOWEST OF THE LOW AT THAT TIME. JESUS RETURNED TO HIS HOMETOWN OF NAZARETH WHERE HE HAD BEEN RAISED. THEY DECIDED TO KILL HIM AND TOOK HIM TO THE EDGE OF A CLIFF TO THROW HIM OFF.YET JESUS SHOWED HE WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL. LUKE 4:29 30 (ESV) BUT PASSING THROUGH THEIR MIDST, HE WENT AWAY. PEOPLE WANTED A MILITANT MESSIAH AND THEY GOT A SUFFERING SAVIOR. JESUS WAS EXTRODINARY IN WHAT HE CAME TO DO.ISAIAH 53:3 WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT “JESUS WAS A MAN OF SORROWS?” DOES IT MEAN JESUS NEVER SMILED, NEVER LAUGHED? JESUS SAID, “I TOLD YOU THIS TO MAKE YOU COMPLETELY HAPPY AS I AM.” JESUS WAS HAPPY, APPROACHABLE, AND EXUDED LOVE! 1 TIMOTHY 1:11( NLT)THE GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS ENTRUSTED TO ME BY OUR BLESSED GOD. THAT IS NOT THE VIEW MANY PEOPLE HAVE OF THE ALMIGHTY.THEY SEE HIM MORE AS THE ANGRY GOD OR THE DISINTERESTED GOD. WHEN GOD SEES YOU, HE SMILES. NUMBERS 6:24–26 (NLT)MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU.MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE. WE FOLLOW THE LOVING GOD, THE HAPPY GOD, THE SMILING GOD. WHEN JESUS WAS IN GETHSHEMENE HE WAS IN THE DEEPEST SORROW AND PAIN. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SUFFER. JESUS WAS “A MAN OF SORROWS AND AQUAINTED WITH GRIEF.”ISAIAH 53:3 JESUS DIDN’T JUST SEND US A SYMPATHY CARD FROM HEAVEN, HE SHOWED UP IN PERSON. JESUS UNDERSTANDS PAIN, NOT JUST IN THEORY, BUT PERSONALLY. WHEN YOU GRIEVE, YOU ARE WALKING A ROAD JESUS HAS WALKED. I HAVE LIVED WITH GRIEF, AND IT IS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE. SORROW PASSES THROUGH YOU, GRIEF MOVES IN AND TAKES RESIDENCE FOR A WHILE. GRIEF IS THE WAVE THAT THAT COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WHEN YOU HEAR A SONG OR SEE AN OLD PHOTO. GRIEF IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING,THE DEPTH OF YOUR GRIEF INDICATES THE DEPTH OF YOUR LOVE. THE BIBLE SAYS, “THERE IS A TIME TO MOURN.” PAUL POINTS OUT, “WE DO NOT GRIEVE HOPELESSLY BUT HOPEFULLY.” GOD UNDERSTANDS THAT GRIEF YOU ARE FEELING. JESUS CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH YOUR SORROW. REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH TIMES OF SUFFERING,JESUS HAS WALKED IN YOUR SHOES. HEBREWS 4:15 (NLT)THIS HIGH PRIEST OF OURS UNDERSTANDS OUR WEAKNESSES, FOR HE FACED ALL OF THE SAME TESTINGS WE DO, YET HE DID NOT SIN. ISAIAH 53 MATTERS TODAY BECAUSE THE ONE WHO CARRIED OUR GRIEFS AND BORE OUR SORROWSSTILL OFFERS HEALING — FOR HEARTS, FOR HOMES, AND FOR A GENERATION THAT’S LOST IT’S WAY. JESUS LOVED US AND DIED FOR US. ISAIAH 53:5 (NKJV)BUT HE [WAS] WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, [HE WAS] BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES; THE CHASTISEMENT FOR OUR PEACE [WAS] UPON HIM, AND BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. ISAIAH 53:6 (NKJV)ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY; WE HAVE TURNED, EVERY ONE, TO HIS OWN WAY; AND THE LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL. JESUS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENTAL VICTIM.HE WAS A CONQUERING VICTOR. HOW CAN A PERSON BE MADE RIGHT WITH GOD?HOW CAN THE STAIN OF OUR GUILT AND SHAME FROM OUR SIN BE REMOVED? ANSWER: BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? JESUS HAD TO DIE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY TO SATISFY GOD’S RIGHTEOUS DEMANDS. GOD PLAYS BY HIS OWN RULES, AND HIS RULES STATE,“THE SOUL THAT SINS SHALL SURELY DIE.” THE DEATH OF JESUS WAS FORETOLD BY THE HEBREW PROPHETS. MESSIAH WOULD COME, BE BORN OF A VIRGIN IN BETHLEHEM, AND BE CRUCIFIED ON A CROSS. JESUS WOULD SOON SAY THE WORDS OF PSALM 22, “THEY PIERCED MY HANDS AND FEET.” PSALM 22 WAS WRITTEN 1,000 YEARS BEFORE THE FIRST CRUCIFIXION EVER TOOK PLACE. JESUS LIVED IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS FROM THE MOMENT HE ENTERED OUR WORLD. FOR SOME, THE CROSS SEEMED LIKE AN ABERRATION, A MISTAKE, A TRAGIC TURN OF EVENTS. IT MUST HAVE SEEMED LIKE THAT FOR THE DISCIPLES AS JESUS WAS ARRESTED AND MURDERED. GOD WAS THE ‘MASTER OF CEREMONIES’ AT THE CROSS. ROMANS 8:32GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL. ROMANS 3:25GOD PUT CHRIST FORWARD…BY HIS BLOOD, TO BE RECEIVED BY FAITH. (ISAIAH 53:10YET IT PLEASED THE FATHER TO BRUISE HIM; HE HAS PUT HIM TO DEATH. GOD WAS PLEASED BY THE REDEMPTION THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.HE WAS PLEASED BY THE ETERNAL PLAN OF SALVATION THAT WAS FULFILLED. IN FACT, THIS WAS THE MOST EVIL ACT EVER PERPETRATED BY SINFUL HEARTS:THE SINLESS SON OF GOD, TORTURED, SLAUGHTERED, HEARTLESSLY MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD. AND YET, FROM IT CAME THE GREATEST GOOD OF ALL TIME. CALVARY SHOWS HOW FAR MEN WILL GO IN SIN AND HOW FAR GOD WILL GO FOR SALVATION. AS CHRIST HUNG THERE, HE WAS BEARING THE SINS OF THE WORLD, DYING AS A SUBSTITUTE. TO HIM WAS IMPUTED THE GUILT OF THEIR SINS,AND HE WAS SUFFERING THE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE SINS ON THEIR BEHALF. THE VERY ESSENCE OF THAT PUNISHMENT WAS THE OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH AGAINST SINNERS. JESUS MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.ISAIAH 53:7 JESUS WAS ARRESTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AS THOUGH HE WERE A CRIMINAL. WHEN PILATE QUESTIONED JESUS, HE SPOKE A FEW WORDS, BUT NONE IN HIS OWN DEFENSE. THIS WAS ALL DONE THAT WE MIGHT BE FORGIVEN AND COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. READ ACTS 8:34–39 THAT IS HOW QUICKLY CONVERSION CAN HAPPEN.IT DOES NOT TAKE YEARS, OR MONTHS, OR WEEKS, OR DAYS, OR EVEN HOURS. JESUS CHRIST DID ALL OF THIS FOR YOU. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How can someone be sure they will go to Heaven when they die? Pastor Greg Laurie reveals that the answers to some of our most pressing questions are found right in the book of Isaiah. Notes: ACTS 8 AND ISAIAH 53 PEOPLE WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO AVOID PAIN. WE WANT THE GAIN WITHOUT THE PAIN. WE WANT THE CROWN WITHOUT THE CROSS. THE TEXT BEFORE US REMINDS US THAT JESUS CHOSE THE WAY OF PAIN- ON PURPOSE. WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO READ ANSWERS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF LIFE-- HOW CAN A PERSON COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?- HOW CAN ONE BE FREE FROM THE GUILT AND REMORSE OVER THEIR SINS?- HOW CAN ONE BE CERTAIN THAT THEIR SINS ARE INDEED FORGIVEN AND THEY WILL GO TO HEAVEN? ISAIAH 53 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. THERE IS POWER IN THE MESSAGE OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. WHY IS THE DEATH OF JESUS SO IMPORTANT?BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE SINNED AGAINST GOD AND A PRICE MUST BE PAID, A SUBUSTUTE MUST BE OFFERED. JESUS IS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONCEALED, BUT HE IS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT REVEALED. THE BOOK OF ISAIAH OFFERS THE CLEAREST ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS. ISAIAH WROTE HIS BOOK 700 YEARS BEFORE CHRIST DIED.HOWEVER, HE WROTE IT AS THOUGH HE WAS AN EYEWITNESS. IN OUR JESUS AND YOU 2 SERIES, WE HAVE SEEN JESUS IN THE FIRE WITH SHADRACH, IN A WRESTLING MATCH WITH JACOB, AND NOW ISAIAH SHOWS US JESUS AS THE SUFFERER. “THIS CHAPTER IS THE VERY HEART OF THE GOSPEL. IT IS THE BIBLE IN MINATURE.”—CHARLES SPURGEON LET’S START WITH THE TWO DOWNHEARTED DISCIPLES ON THE EMMAUS ROAD AFTER JESUS ROSE. LUKE 24:27 (ESV)BEGINNING AT MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, HE INTERPRETED TO THEM IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. THE BIBLE TELLS THE STORY OF A MAN WHO WENT TO JERUSALEM, SEARCHING FOR GOD. BUT AS A DIGNITARY, HE RECEIVED SOMETHING VALUABLE, THE SCROLL OF ISAIAH! PHILIP HEARD THIS FOREIGN DIGNITARY READLING ALOUD FROM ISAIAH 53. READ ACTS 8:31 30-35 IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, ISAIAH IS THE MOST QUOTED OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS. JESUS AND THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS QUOTE ISAIAH AT LEAST 65 TIMES AND HE IS MENTIONED BY NAME 22 TIMES. THE WHOLE GOSPEL IS IN THE BOOK OF ISAIAH:- THE BRUTALITY OF THE WOUNDS INFLICTED ON JESUS. (ISAIAH 52:14)- HIS ABSOLUTE SILENCE BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS (ISAIAH 53:7)- HIS DEATH (ISAIAH 53:8–9)- THE PLACE OF HIS BURIAL (ISAIAH 53:9)- HIS RESURRECTION (ISAIAH 53:10) READ ISAIAH 53:1-3 JESUS WAS ORDINARY IN APPEARANCE. IF JESUS HAD AN INSTAGRAM, HE MIGHT NOT HAVE GONE VIRAL,BUT HE STILL WOULD HAVE GONE TO THE CROSS. IF JESUS WERE HERE TODAY, HE WOULDN’T BE TRENDING, HE’S BE TRANSFORMING. JESUS DID NOT COME FROM THE MARBLE PALACES OF ROME OR THE HALLS OF HEROD. WE OVERLOOK THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN OUR CULTURE TODAY. WE LIVE IN A CULTURE THAT WORSHIPS THE OUTWARD. PEOPLE SCROLL PAST THE ORDINARY.MOST LIKELY, YOU COULD NOT PICK JESUS OUT OF A CROWD. AT HIS BIRTH, ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE RECOGNIZED WHO HE WAS,HUMBLE SHEPHERDS, WHO WERE THE LOWEST OF THE LOW AT THAT TIME. JESUS RETURNED TO HIS HOMETOWN OF NAZARETH WHERE HE HAD BEEN RAISED. THEY DECIDED TO KILL HIM AND TOOK HIM TO THE EDGE OF A CLIFF TO THROW HIM OFF.YET JESUS SHOWED HE WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL. LUKE 4:29 30 (ESV) BUT PASSING THROUGH THEIR MIDST, HE WENT AWAY. PEOPLE WANTED A MILITANT MESSIAH AND THEY GOT A SUFFERING SAVIOR. JESUS WAS EXTRODINARY IN WHAT HE CAME TO DO.ISAIAH 53:3 WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT “JESUS WAS A MAN OF SORROWS?” DOES IT MEAN JESUS NEVER SMILED, NEVER LAUGHED? JESUS SAID, “I TOLD YOU THIS TO MAKE YOU COMPLETELY HAPPY AS I AM.” JESUS WAS HAPPY, APPROACHABLE, AND EXUDED LOVE! 1 TIMOTHY 1:11( NLT)THE GLORIOUS GOOD NEWS ENTRUSTED TO ME BY OUR BLESSED GOD. THAT IS NOT THE VIEW MANY PEOPLE HAVE OF THE ALMIGHTY.THEY SEE HIM MORE AS THE ANGRY GOD OR THE DISINTERESTED GOD. WHEN GOD SEES YOU, HE SMILES. NUMBERS 6:24–26 (NLT)MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU.MAY THE LORD SMILE ON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.MAY THE LORD SHOW YOU HIS FAVOR AND GIVE YOU HIS PEACE. WE FOLLOW THE LOVING GOD, THE HAPPY GOD, THE SMILING GOD. WHEN JESUS WAS IN GETHSHEMENE HE WAS IN THE DEEPEST SORROW AND PAIN. JESUS KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO SUFFER. JESUS WAS “A MAN OF SORROWS AND AQUAINTED WITH GRIEF.”ISAIAH 53:3 JESUS DIDN’T JUST SEND US A SYMPATHY CARD FROM HEAVEN, HE SHOWED UP IN PERSON. JESUS UNDERSTANDS PAIN, NOT JUST IN THEORY, BUT PERSONALLY. WHEN YOU GRIEVE, YOU ARE WALKING A ROAD JESUS HAS WALKED. I HAVE LIVED WITH GRIEF, AND IT IS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE. SORROW PASSES THROUGH YOU, GRIEF MOVES IN AND TAKES RESIDENCE FOR A WHILE. GRIEF IS THE WAVE THAT THAT COMES OUT OF NOWHERE WHEN YOU HEAR A SONG OR SEE AN OLD PHOTO. GRIEF IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING,THE DEPTH OF YOUR GRIEF INDICATES THE DEPTH OF YOUR LOVE. THE BIBLE SAYS, “THERE IS A TIME TO MOURN.” PAUL POINTS OUT, “WE DO NOT GRIEVE HOPELESSLY BUT HOPEFULLY.” GOD UNDERSTANDS THAT GRIEF YOU ARE FEELING. JESUS CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH YOUR SORROW. REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH TIMES OF SUFFERING,JESUS HAS WALKED IN YOUR SHOES. HEBREWS 4:15 (NLT)THIS HIGH PRIEST OF OURS UNDERSTANDS OUR WEAKNESSES, FOR HE FACED ALL OF THE SAME TESTINGS WE DO, YET HE DID NOT SIN. ISAIAH 53 MATTERS TODAY BECAUSE THE ONE WHO CARRIED OUR GRIEFS AND BORE OUR SORROWSSTILL OFFERS HEALING — FOR HEARTS, FOR HOMES, AND FOR A GENERATION THAT’S LOST IT’S WAY. JESUS LOVED US AND DIED FOR US. ISAIAH 53:5 (NKJV)BUT HE [WAS] WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, [HE WAS] BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES; THE CHASTISEMENT FOR OUR PEACE [WAS] UPON HIM, AND BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. ISAIAH 53:6 (NKJV)ALL WE LIKE SHEEP HAVE GONE ASTRAY; WE HAVE TURNED, EVERY ONE, TO HIS OWN WAY; AND THE LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL. JESUS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENTAL VICTIM.HE WAS A CONQUERING VICTOR. HOW CAN A PERSON BE MADE RIGHT WITH GOD?HOW CAN THE STAIN OF OUR GUILT AND SHAME FROM OUR SIN BE REMOVED? ANSWER: BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? JESUS HAD TO DIE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY TO SATISFY GOD’S RIGHTEOUS DEMANDS. GOD PLAYS BY HIS OWN RULES, AND HIS RULES STATE,“THE SOUL THAT SINS SHALL SURELY DIE.” THE DEATH OF JESUS WAS FORETOLD BY THE HEBREW PROPHETS. MESSIAH WOULD COME, BE BORN OF A VIRGIN IN BETHLEHEM, AND BE CRUCIFIED ON A CROSS. JESUS WOULD SOON SAY THE WORDS OF PSALM 22, “THEY PIERCED MY HANDS AND FEET.” PSALM 22 WAS WRITTEN 1,000 YEARS BEFORE THE FIRST CRUCIFIXION EVER TOOK PLACE. JESUS LIVED IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS FROM THE MOMENT HE ENTERED OUR WORLD. FOR SOME, THE CROSS SEEMED LIKE AN ABERRATION, A MISTAKE, A TRAGIC TURN OF EVENTS. IT MUST HAVE SEEMED LIKE THAT FOR THE DISCIPLES AS JESUS WAS ARRESTED AND MURDERED. GOD WAS THE ‘MASTER OF CEREMONIES’ AT THE CROSS. ROMANS 8:32GOD DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL. ROMANS 3:25GOD PUT CHRIST FORWARD…BY HIS BLOOD, TO BE RECEIVED BY FAITH. (ISAIAH 53:10YET IT PLEASED THE FATHER TO BRUISE HIM; HE HAS PUT HIM TO DEATH. GOD WAS PLEASED BY THE REDEMPTION THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.HE WAS PLEASED BY THE ETERNAL PLAN OF SALVATION THAT WAS FULFILLED. IN FACT, THIS WAS THE MOST EVIL ACT EVER PERPETRATED BY SINFUL HEARTS:THE SINLESS SON OF GOD, TORTURED, SLAUGHTERED, HEARTLESSLY MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD. AND YET, FROM IT CAME THE GREATEST GOOD OF ALL TIME. CALVARY SHOWS HOW FAR MEN WILL GO IN SIN AND HOW FAR GOD WILL GO FOR SALVATION. AS CHRIST HUNG THERE, HE WAS BEARING THE SINS OF THE WORLD, DYING AS A SUBSTITUTE. TO HIM WAS IMPUTED THE GUILT OF THEIR SINS,AND HE WAS SUFFERING THE PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE SINS ON THEIR BEHALF. THE VERY ESSENCE OF THAT PUNISHMENT WAS THE OUTPOURING OF GOD’S WRATH AGAINST SINNERS. JESUS MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.ISAIAH 53:7 JESUS WAS ARRESTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AS THOUGH HE WERE A CRIMINAL. WHEN PILATE QUESTIONED JESUS, HE SPOKE A FEW WORDS, BUT NONE IN HIS OWN DEFENSE. THIS WAS ALL DONE THAT WE MIGHT BE FORGIVEN AND COME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. READ ACTS 8:34–39 THAT IS HOW QUICKLY CONVERSION CAN HAPPEN.IT DOES NOT TAKE YEARS, OR MONTHS, OR WEEKS, OR DAYS, OR EVEN HOURS. JESUS CHRIST DID ALL OF THIS FOR YOU. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus came to the earth to make a way ____________. [John 14:1-6] “Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? [3] When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [5] “No, we don't know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” [6] Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Jesus doesn't just point the way, he is the ______. Jesus is the only Savior from slavery to _________ and ____________. Doing _____________ can't get you home. ____________ is man's attempt to get to God. ____________ is God's attempt to get to man. [John 3:16 NIV] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. True Christianity is not exclusive, it's _______________. [Romans 10:13] For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." JC doesn't just tell the __________, he is the truth. John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Jesus doesn't just give __________, he is the life. [John 10:10b CSB] I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. Jesus didn't come for behavior modification, he came for heart ____________________. [Acts 4:12] There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
It's one thing to hear the words of Jesus… It's another to face them. This week, we come to the hardest part yet — the words that don't just challenge what we believe, but what we want to believe. He said the path is narrow. He said not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter. He said we'd be hated because of His name. These aren't soft sayings. They're sharp — cutting through comfort, slicing open the illusion that faith is easy. But inside the fear… there's a strange kind of freedom. Because when the words of Jesus strip everything away, what's left is truth — and truth never flinches. This is Week Four of Scary Things Jesus Said. Welcome to Motion Church. Where the brave listen.
This is the official Facebook and YouTube channel of Champion Christian Center. Our mission is to love God, reach the one, and change the world. Through Bible-based sermons and devotionals, you'll learn how to understand the Word of God, fulfill God's plan for your life, and make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are local, we would love to meet you in person! We are located in Washington, PA and led by Pastors Nathan and Joie Miller.For more life changing resources, visit us at www.championcenter.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: / @championcenter1 To give online: https://pushpay.com/g/championchristiancenter——Champion Christian Center Facebook: / championccenter Champion Christian Center Instagram: @championccenter
This is the official Facebook and YouTube channel of Champion Christian Center. Our mission is to love God, reach the one, and change the world. Through Bible-based sermons and devotionals, you'll learn how to understand the Word of God, fulfill God's plan for your life, and make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are local, we would love to meet you in person! We are located in Washington, PA and led by Pastors Nathan and Joie Miller.For more life changing resources, visit us at www.championcenter.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: / @championcenter1 To give online: https://pushpay.com/g/championchristiancenter——Champion Christian Center Facebook: / championccenter Champion Christian Center Instagram: @championccenter
It began on a quiet hillside — a crowd gathered, expecting comfort. Instead, they heard words that made the air go still. “Unless you take up your cross…” “Unless you forgive…” “Unless you lose your life…” The people looked at each other — wondering if following Him was worth it. Centuries later, we're still wondering. Because the words of Jesus were never meant to soothe the surface — they were meant to cut deep, to reveal what's real. This is Week Three of Scary Things Jesus Said. Where we wrestle with the hard edges of His message, and discover that sometimes, the scariest words are the ones that lead us home. Welcome… to Motion Church. Where the brave listen.
This is the official Facebook and YouTube channel of Champion Christian Center. Our mission is to love God, reach the one, and change the world. Through Bible-based sermons and devotionals, you'll learn how to understand the Word of God, fulfill God's plan for your life, and make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are local, we would love to meet you in person! We are located in Washington, PA and led by Pastors Nathan and Joie Miller.For more life changing resources, visit us at www.championcenter.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel: / @championcenter1 To give online: https://pushpay.com/g/championchristiancenter——Champion Christian Center Facebook: / championccenter Champion Christian Center Instagram: @championccenter
Struggling with money anxiety or feeling overwhelmed by your possessions? Kale kicks off our "What Jesus Said About Your Wallet" series by diving into Jesus' practical teaching on greed and worry, challenging us to discover where we truly place our trust. Learn why accumulating more stuff is a dangerous trap and how to trust God not just in life's most difficult moments, but in every single "room" of your ordinary life.
In this episode Pastor Jason Polk dives into John 2:13–22, where Jesus flips tables, whips up a little chaos, and calls out the difference between half-hearted religion and real worship. Expect laughs, insights, and a powerful reminder: authentic worship isn't about the building, the rituals, or your perfect Instagram smile it's about what's in your heart.
When Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and called out 'Come, follow me,' two fishermen immediately dropped their nets and followed Him. This wasn't just a historical moment—it's the ongoing invitation extended to each of us today. We're not called to follow a man, a church, or a religious system, but Jesus Christ Himself. At the cross, three monumental victories were secured: death was destroyed, the devil's dominion was broken, and sin's power was nullified. These aren't future promises—they're past-tense realities that we now live in. Yet like Lazarus emerging from the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes, we need community to help remove the remnants of death that cling to us—fear, worthlessness, guilt, and condemnation. The beautiful truth is that Jesus doesn't just call us to follow; He promises to make us into something new. This transformation happens through an inward journey where He conforms us to His image, and an outward journey where we become channels of life to others. Both journeys happen simultaneously, and both require us to be in family, not isolated. We cannot walk this path alone because God designed the process of removing our grave clothes to happen in community, where brothers and sisters speak life and truth that sets us free.
In this 'EPISODE 437 CAN YOU BE DECEIVED? JESUS SAID BEWARE OF MEN? WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT IN THE NEAR FUTURE? SHALL HE FIND FAITH WHEN HE RETURNS? AFTER HE RETURNS WHAT WILL OUR WORLD BE LIKE?' author, speaker and host Elbert Hardy details some important realities from our day found in the pages of your Bible. Jesus is our ONLY HOPE. He is our Creator and Savior King!Go to itellwhy.com to read Elbert's books free of charge, no Ads and no requests for money or Email addresses. You can watch faith building YouTube Links to Videos and the listen to Elbert's Life of Christ Audio Book in 30 minute Episodes arranged and read by the author straight from the Bible, but rearranged in logical harmony of the Gospels, Revelation and other scriptures. All FREE of charge in the public interest.
What Jesus Said About HimSupport the show: https://christianityworks.com/channels/adp/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Jordan will preach about friendship with God.The purpose of Christianity is the restoration between God and humanity—an ongoing, interpersonal, conversational, and real, not merely ritual.====================
If you would like to know more about trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, please contact us at 423-892-1916 or pastor@hickoryvalleybapstist.com
A reading from Revelation 20. Thank you for tuning into today's recording and may the reading of His Word bring you closer to Jesus Christ. Turn to Him while there's still time!
Jesus loved to _____________ the bar. [Luke 6:27-28, 32-33] “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. [28] Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. [32] “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! [33] And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! Jesus is telling us to love people no _____________ what they do to us. Loving our enemies reveals an _________________ of God. [Psalm 103:10] He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. Jesus wants us to do _____________ for _____________. [Romans 12:21] Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. [Proverbs 25:21-22 CSB] If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; [22] for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Blessing your enemies shows the ________ who you follow. [John 13:35] Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” _____________ for your enemies helps you see them the way God sees them. [Acts 7:59-60] As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” [60] He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don't charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. Jesus casts a __________ __________ of love. Loving your enemies is ___________________ on your own. [Philemon 1:15-18] It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. [16] He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. [17] So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. [18] If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. God will __________ back what your enemy stole.
Today we are looking at what Jesus said about when He will return. CONNECT: https://www.visioneternity.org/ / vision-eternit. . SUPPORT: https://www.visioneternity.org/give
When October gets spooky, what should disciples of Jesus do with the pull toward the paranormal—and the pitfalls of superstition? In this sermon, we unpack some of Jesus' scariest warnings and most hope-filled truths. From the wilderness temptations (Matthew 4) to the sobering “I never knew you” (Matthew 7) and the “empty house” warning (Matthew 12:43–45), we explore why counterfeit goodness, performative spirituality, and power without surrender are more dangerous than jump-scares.
At the heart of this message lies a profound yet beautifully simple truth: spiritual vitality flows from genuine thirst for God. Drawing from John 7, we encounter Jesus standing at the Feast of Tabernacles, crying out with urgency that anyone who thirsts should come to Him and drink. This isn't casual thirst—it's the desperation of someone lost in the wilderness, the kind of hunger where anything tastes good because survival depends on it. We discover that while we cannot manufacture spiritual hunger on our own, we can position ourselves through three practical steps: entreating God earnestly for hunger, assembling with people whose passion ignites our own, and immersing ourselves in testimonies of faith-filled lives. The revolutionary insight here is that in God's kingdom, hunger grows by eating, not by fasting. When we learn to drink of Christ through His Word and presence, something miraculous happens—He births kingdom realities inside us like a womb carries new life. From this inner birth, rivers of the Holy Spirit begin flowing outward, overcoming the world wherever they touch. These aren't just rivers of supernatural power, but rivers of wisdom in business, relationships, ministry, and every area where God has planted His kingdom seed within us. The beauty is that these rivers flow effortlessly from rest, not striving, because our sufficiency comes entirely from God.
If you would like to know more about trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, please contact us at 423-892-1916 or pastor@hickoryvalleybapstist.com
Baptisms are not just a symbol or ritual but a sacred moment and the entry point into the Life of Christ.====================
[Matthew 22:15-22] Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. [16] They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don't play favorites. [17] Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” [18] But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? [19] Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, [20] he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” [21] “Caesar's,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” [22] His reply amazed them, and they went away. Be careful not to let your _________________ own you. [Luke 12:33-34] “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. [34] Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. God wants you to ________________ in the Kingdom of Heaven. [Malachi 3:10] Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! God wants to _________________ you, and he wants to bless _________________ through you. Generosity _________________ God's blessings. [Luke 11:42] “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Jesus has called us to a life of _________________. [2 Corinthians 9:7-8] You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” [8] And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. You will have _______________ when you live a life of generosity. [Luke 6:38] Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Don't stop the _________________! God wants his blessings to flow ________ you and _________________ you.
This message challenges us to examine whether we're trying to understand God intellectually or follow Him relationally. Drawing from Proverbs 3:5-7, we're confronted with a profound truth: trusting God with all our hearts means not leaning on our own understanding. The teaching contrasts two educational systems—the Greek method focused on filling minds with knowledge, and the Hebrew method centered on shaping character through relationship. Jesus didn't say 'understand me,' He said 'follow me.' This distinction matters deeply because many of us know Scripture but our lives don't reflect transformation. We can quote verses while our character remains unchanged. The message invites us into something more—becoming like our Rabbi rather than merely comprehending His teachings. When we encounter spiritual realities like speaking in tongues or supernatural leading, our natural minds resist what can only be grasped through trust. The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us, making straight paths where we see only confusion. Whether we're facing decisions about housing, parenting challenges, or daily choices, God calls us to acknowledge Him first—not to figure everything out and then involve Him. Fasting, prayer, and surrendering our need to control outcomes opens us to receive not just answers, but His very nature. The fruit of His Spirit becomes evident in our patience, focus, and hope. We're called to forsake any thought that His plans aren't good, that we know better, or that His direction must make complete sense before we trust Him. Following results in being different, which then results in deeper understanding—but only after we've stepped forward in faith.
Feeling like all hope is gone? Discover how Jesus' deep compassion for a grieving widow in Luke 7 shows that God still sees your pain—and still has the power to bring life out of loss.
Pastor Jordan will preach about what Jesus said about lost sons and a father's love.Both sons in the story of the prodigal son are lost, one in rebellion, the other in religion. Both need the Father's love. Whether you're wayward or self-righteous, you need God to come toward you.====================
This podcast features the preaching and teaching of our weekly worship services at Hickory Valley Baptist Church. If you would like to know more about trusting Christ as your Savior and Lord, please contact us at 423-892-1916 or pastor@hickoryvalleybaptist.com.
[Matthew 5:21-22 CSB] “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!' will be subject to hellfire. The Law said, you shall not ____________; but Jesus said, you shall not ____________ to murder. [1 John 2:9] If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. You cannot be a follower of Jesus and have ____________ in your heart [Ephesians 4:26-27] And “don't sin by letting anger control you.” Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Anger isn't a sin, but it can ____________ to it very quickly. [Matthew 5:27-30 CSB] “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. [28] But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [29] If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. [30] And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. What you're looking at and _______________ about matters. We should do _______________ necessary to avoid sin. Sin is ____________. [Jeremiah 17:9] “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Our actions are just a reflection of our ____________. [Mark 7:20-23] And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. [21] For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, [22] adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. [23] All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” We need to stop the ____________ before it becomes an action. [Psalm 51:10 KJV] Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Have you ever heard someone say “Go!” in different ways?...
Week 2: “Nearly Scary” (Matthew 15:1–8) This week we continue our series Scary Things Jesus Said—the kind of red-letter moments we usually skim past or get defensive about. Last week we sat with Jesus' warning that we'll be judged for every careless word, and it stretched us. This week's message is called “Nearly Scary.” Why “nearly”? Because Jesus names a danger that can look almost right: lips that praise Him while hearts drift far away. Starting in Matthew 15:1–8, Jesus confronts people who prized tradition over truth—more concerned with appearing clean than being clean. It's a sobering mirror for any of us who love the show of faith but resist the substance of it. Pastor unpacks four simple, heart-level practices that keep us near to God so our worship isn't just words: Know to be near — Consistent time in Scripture forms our heart and reveals God's. Pray close, stay close — Prayer is access; it moves truth from information to transformation. Be near, O God — Worship removes the distance we've created and invites real impartation. Near together — Community both draws us closer to God and reveals whether we're actually getting closer (because love for God shows up as love for people). If you've ever felt the tension of saying the right things while struggling to become the right person, this conversation is for you. Let's trade performative religion for a sincere heart—grace and truth in Jesus. Listen in, lean in, and let's grow together. Share this with a friend who's hungry for the real thing, and tag us with what God is highlighting to you this week. Reflection prompts: Where am I tempted to value appearance over authenticity? Which rhythm (Word, prayer, worship, community) needs fresh attention in my week? How is my love for people evidencing my nearness to Jesus?
Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Bob Wilkin and Sam Marr are answering a question from a listener. This is about Paul Washer, who is an extreme Lordship Salvation preacher. The questionerclaims that Paul Washer only uses the words that Jesus uses. How then could we claim that his gospel is false? Please
In this powerful exploration of love, we delve into the greatest commandments: loving God and loving our neighbor. The message draws from Mark 12 and Luke 10, highlighting Jesus' teachings on these fundamental principles. We're challenged to understand that true love - agape love - goes beyond mere feelings or convenience. It's a divine love, one that requires obedience and often personal sacrifice. The parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a profound illustration, reminding us that our 'neighbor' might be the very person we least expect or even dislike. This story challenges our preconceptions and calls us to show compassion beyond cultural, ideological, or personal boundaries. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to ask ourselves: How can we cultivate this kind of selfless love in our daily lives? How might it transform our relationships and our world if we truly loved as Christ loved?
Pastor Jordan will preach about what Jesus said about religion without relationship.God is pursuing you because He loves you. He reveals Himself to us, so that we can be restored to Him.====================
Jesus didn't say things to get a ______________ but to get a ______________. [Matthew 5:38-42] “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' [39] But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. [40] If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. [41] If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. [42] Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. To turn the other cheek meant to ______________ the insult. Jesus does not want us to ______________ and seek ______________. [Romans 12:17-19] Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. [18] Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. [19] Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. God says that ______________ is gained by not paying back evil. Jesus ______________ revenge! [1 Corinthians 6:7 CEV] The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? It's better to be ______________ than to take someone to court. Jesus wants his followers to have a ______________ ______________. [Proverbs 15:1 CSB] A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. You have a higher ______________ than seeking revenge. God wants us to overcome ______________ with ______________.
Welcome back to the Motion Church Podcast. Today, we step into a brand-new series — “Scary Things Jesus Said.” Because sometimes… what He said wasn't soft. It wasn't safe. It was sharp. Real. Confronting. See, we've grown comfortable with a Jesus who makes us feel good, who wraps us in grace and warmth and mercy. But what about the Jesus who speaks hard truth? The one who loves us enough to challenge us— to tell us the things we don't want to hear, but need to. In this opening week, we remember that Jesus was not divided— He was full of grace and truth. Grace that saves us. Truth that shapes us. Both flowing from the same heart of a Father who dared to plunder heaven for us. So lean in. Let your heart be open, your spirit be ready. Because the words of Jesus might sound scary… but they just might set you free.
God deeply values the lost people, and part of his plan is to rescue us to use us to rescue them.====================
Jesus reminds us that He alone has all authority. Our foundation must be built on His Word, not on fear or judgment. He calls us to love, forgive, show mercy, and boldly live out the truth of the Gospel.
Your Daily Prayer
Pastor Jordan will preach about what Jesus said about Martyrdom.To live for Christ is to lay down your life, not just once but every day, in many ways.====================
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Consider how precious a soul must be, when both God and the devil are after it.” The story of the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19 shows us just how true that is. This young man approached Jesus with a pressing question: “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”What followed was a conversation that revealed not only his heart but also the way possessions can grip any of us more deeply than we realize.A Revealing QuestionAt first glance, the man seemed sincere. But notice his words: “What good thing must I do?” He assumed that eternal life could be earned—checked off like an item on a list. Jesus, however, had just finished telling the crowd that the Kingdom belongs to those who receive it like children, wholly dependent on God's goodness. The man either missed or resisted that truth.When Jesus pointed him to the commandments, it wasn't because those could save him. It was to reveal what held the highest place in his heart. Outwardly, he looked moral. Inwardly, his wealth had become his god.When the man pressed further, Jesus cut to the core: “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:22 records the heartbreaking result: “When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions.”The issue wasn't money—it was devotion. Jesus loved him enough to name the one thing keeping him from life. For him, it was wealth. For us, it might be something else—career, reputation, control. Whatever we prize above Christ must be surrendered.What This Means for UsDoes this mean every believer is called to sell everything? Not necessarily. As the NIV Study Bible notes, Jesus's command applied directly to this man's spiritual condition. But the principle still stands: anything we cling to more tightly than Christ can become a barrier to faith.After the man walked away, Jesus warned His disciples: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Wealth is not evil, but it has the unique power to enslave us.So the question for us is this: What competes for your devotion? What gives you a sense of identity or security apart from Christ?Jesus's words to the Rich Young Ruler are both sobering and full of hope. Wealth can blind us to our need for God, but surrendering to Christ leads to true life. The invitation is the same today: Will we cling to temporary treasures, or embrace the eternal treasure of knowing Him?Because the problem isn't wealth, the problem is worship.———————————————————————————————————————At FaithFi, we often talk about being “rich toward God,” a phrase Jesus used in Luke 12 when warning about the Rich Fool. It means treasuring Christ above all else, practicing generosity, and holding our resources with open hands.That's why we've created the Rich Toward God study, designed to help you see money and possessions from God's perspective and reorient your heart toward eternal treasure. You can order a copy—or even place a bulk order for group study—at FaithFi.com/Shop.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I have a blended family with some grown kids and some still at home. How should we set up the beneficiaries on our term life insurance?Our bank suggested that we keep our HELOC open even after the mortgage is paid off, as protection against fraudulent title transfers. Is that sound advice?I have savings bonds that have matured, and I'd like to add a co-owner. Since banks no longer handle this, how can I update the registration?I'm trying to help my 81-year-old mother understand reverse mortgages, and also explain to my siblings how it would work if she gets one—especially what happens to the home's value after she passes away.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)TreasuryDirectUnderstanding Reverse: Simplifying the Reverse Mortgage by Dan HultquistMovement MortgageWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Consider how precious a soul must be, when both God and the devil are after it." In the story of the Rich Young Ruler, Jesus exposed how deeply possessions can grip our hearts—and how only surrender leads to true life. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West explores why Jesus told this man to sell everything, and what that means for us as we seek to follow Him. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live—biblical wisdom for your financial journey. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing. Jesus said, I AM the Main Thing! MESSAGE SUMMARY: Today, we delve into the profound mystery of the Holy Spirit and its vital role in our Christian walk. We're reminded that it's not just about having the Holy Spirit, but allowing the Spirit to have us - to lead and guide our lives. The message emphasizes three key sins against the Holy Spirit: grieving, quenching, and blaspheming. When we choose bitterness over love, or hold onto unforgiveness, we grieve the Spirit. Every time we sin, we quench the Spirit's flow in our lives. Yet, there's hope in confession, which reopens the floodgates of the Spirit's presence. This teaching challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we truly yielding to the Spirit's guidance? Are we living holy lives that honor God? It's a call to deeper surrender and a reminder of our constant need for the Spirit's empowering presence in our faith journey. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Anxiety. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Peace. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 5:19; John 14:19; John 8:51; John 11:25; Exodus 3:14; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 3:20 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Word from the Cross”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Brother Ken Huebner took us through the many times the Lord Jesus used the phrase “I am …” in the Gospel of John. Truly, there are many lessons for us in these, and we can be sure that whatever our need might be, He is able to meet it.
We're great at sitting, but Jesus told us to go. From his passion for the gospel, family hunting stories, and even a bar room encounter that changed everything, Willie Robertson shares how the call of Jesus moves us out of comfort and into the Great Commission. Matthew 28 is not theory, it is movement: make disciples, baptize, teach. In Acts 18 we see a church on the move as Priscilla and Aquila opened their home, Apollos was corrected and sent, Paul heard God say “Do not be afraid, I am with you,” and whole households believed. He challenges us to run three checks that push us forward: check your pulse, check yourself, and check your stories. This is not about watching a few people on mission but about all of us moving together. What is one move you will make this week to share the gospel with a real person by name?
Today's Promise: Luke 11:9-10 This promise is one of those Bible verses we know but rarely practice. It's a great verse to frame and put on the wall, but a better verse to live by. Prayer is not a one-time act. We don't just say a prayer and then move on with life. Jesus tells us to ask and then keep on asking, to seek and keep on seeking, to knock and keep on knocking. No matter what you are praying about today, keep on asking, seeking, and knocking. God's answer is on the way.
Pastor Jordan will preach about what Jesus thought about what you have to say.Your tongue sets the table your spirit eats from.====================
From brokenness, confusion, and searching for love in all the wrong places, to finding redemption, healing, and true identity in Christ, Nadira's powerful testimony shows how Jesus transforms lives. No matter the pain of the past, His grace is greater, and His love never fails.Listen on Podcast Spotify Podcast ⇨ https://spoti.fi/3RBKdq3Apple Podcast ⇨ https://apple.co/3evzCuuConnect with ushttps://www.facebook.com/delafetestimonieshttps://www.instagram.com/delafetestimonies/Connect with NadiraPersonal Instagram ⇨ https://www.instagram.com/nadira__white/Ministry Instagram ⇨ https://www.instagram.com/__itsnevertoolate_/Email ⇨ contact@itsntl.comYouTube ⇨ https://www.youtube.com/@nadirawhiteBook: It's Never Too Late-Allowing God to Rewrite Your Story - https://a.co/d/bLOUQoxCredits:Testimony by Nadira WhiteDirected by Eric Villatoro Interviewed by Eric Villatoro Edited By Joshua GayleAudio Mixed by Paul Nicholas Testimony Recorded in Nashville, TennesseeDelafé Testimonies is a global evangelistic project with the mission of creating the world's largest archive of Jesus testimonies until His return. Chapters00:00 Introduction00:22 Warning00:28 Seeing My Parents Get Divorced as a Child01:20 Moving to Tennessee, Going to Church02:43 Having a Distorted View of Love 04:02 Getting into a Toxic Relationship06:30 Joining the Army National Guard08:05 The Lord Uses My Chaplain to Encourage Me11:48 Getting Pregnant Again and Having an Abortion16:50 I Knew I Was Committing Murder20:06 Surrendering My Life to Jesus While Pregnant with My Daughter25:22 The Lord Leads Me to a New Church27:44 Who is Jesus To You?28:56 To Any Woman Considering Abortion 30:31 Prayer34:05 Final WordsI Almost Aborted My Daughter Until JESUS Said THIS...
Why do people feel dirty when they commit certain sins? The answer is found in Jesus' teaching about cleanness and uncleanness. In this expository sermon on Mark 7:1-23, discover why you can't fight sin effectively without understanding its root cause—the human heart. Jesus' powerful teaching reveals that true uncleanness doesn't come from external influences but from within. If you're passionate about biblical truth and want lasting change in your spiritual life, this episode is for you!