Podcast appearances and mentions of jesus some

Welcome to the last episode of Acts:  Paul has a meeting with the Jewish leaders of Rome Paul spends all day and night convincing them of the prophecies of Jesus Some believe, some don't Paul shares a prophecy with those who don't believe 2 ways how God supported Paul while he was a prisoner How did Paul die? The happy ending of the book of Acts   Statistical Probability of Jesus Fulfilling 8 Prophecies from the Old Testament: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/advent-statistical-probability-jesus-fulfilling-messianic-george   Click all the links for more cool stuff: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle    Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee  https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40   This ministry is only made possible due to your generous support https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries

Don't miss out on the greatest meal and family reunion of all time, eternity with Jesus … Some are just so close to saying yes, but NOW is the time!   Subscribe to the latest sermons: http://bit.ly/TBCsermons To learn more about The Block Church: http://theblockchurch.org/ Stay Connected Facebook: http://bit.ly/2vOiaLa Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nzZNWB Twitter: http://bit.ly/2KEScPL

There's room for you here. (God is moving. We are moving. Come get you some!)  Church isn't something we do, it's who we are. (We are the hands and feet of Jesus)   “Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.” Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭25‬ ‭CEV‬‬ “They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together. Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever was in need. Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.” Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭42‬-‭47‬ ‭CEV‬‬ We're All In. (God gave His all, so we give our all)  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE? Jesus tells three stories regarding watching and readiness Jesus describes the time of judgment – did we serve the “least”? The leading priests and elders plot to kill Jesus Judas Iscariot plots to betray Jesus Some people believe; some don't; some believe but are afraid to speak up Jesus makes his final public appeal SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS PODCAST Mark 13:34-37 Matthew 24:45-51 Matthew 25:1-46 Matthew 26:1-5 Luke 22:3-6 John 12:37-50 Romans 5:6-11 Find us on social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesusstories/ We're on most of the podcast platforms. Just don't forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. If you'd like to be a sponsor for this podcast, want to leave a comment or a correction, contact us at jesusstories@outlook.com. Check this link for sponsoring this podcast on a monthly basis. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This week we are talking about baptism and why we need it - if you are interested in getting baptized, you can message us on Facebook or email kent@harmonychurch.cc and we will help you take that step! When you give at Harmony, you are investing in life change and are Advancing the Kingdom!  GIVE TODAY, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give . ------------------- Sermon Notes Slide Key: Sermons always start with “OPENING ILLUSTRATION:” and end with “CLOSING ILLUSTRATION:"All scriptures are NIV unless otherwise notedBold = Slide textBold Red = Scriptures (please reflect formatting of scripture on slides, i.e. - underlines, italics, etc.)“b" or “B” on a line by itself = Slide break/New slideBold ALL CAPS WORDS = heading to be ignored[some text] = programming notes to be paid attention to OPENING ILLUSTRATION: So, this happens pretty regularly in my house.  I do something dumb, like say, embarrass my poor sweet wife because I'm trying to be funny as an extrovert - I know you'd never believe this, but I like people to like me.  I do something embarrassing and she in a gentle kind way says, “Hey, when you did xy&z, I really didn't like it, I hate being put on the spot like that…” And do you know what I want to do? That's right, I apologize like a good husband.  I tell her “What I'm hearing is that when I overstep the boundaries of what you are comfortable with in social situations it causes embarrassment and makes it feel like I don't love you.  I'm very sorry for that and I will never do it again…” Ha, I wish that's what I say… You know what I say, I say this…… [be quiet with a stern look on face] Ugh, what's that about… Here's what's crazy, I know she's right, I knew it the minute I did it that I had valued me being funny over her feelings and yet I did it… Here's what's even crazier -  I know she's right and I don't want to admit it… What's that about?  Why is it so hard to face our failings? WE: Maybe you've seen this in yourself before-your failed promises to your kids are almost expected at this point, but you can't bring yourself to admit that you failed them-your 3-year-old has started yelling words at cars in traffic that make you blush…  You know where she heard it, but laugh it off - trying to hide your shame-you gossip about people at work constantly, but when someone calls you on the floor about it, you're actually mad at them - you know you're in the wrong, but to get called out like that ticks you off… What is it about being “found out” that's so hard for us? I think, at least part of it, is that when we are “found out” it doesn't match the image we hold in our minds of ourselves. The image that we're a “good person” Honestly, it can be devastating when you really become honest about the sin that lives in you… TURN: I want to take you into a moment like this for this crowd that has gathered to hear the very first sermon Peter preaches ever.. Peter has been preaching to these people telling them that they saw Jesus - this is 50 days after Jesus was crucified.  The rumor has been going through the town that people are seeing this Jesus whom they had killed alive again… Peter says this… Acts 2:36 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” I've heard preachers say, “we crucified Jesus with our sins” which is true - He died because we all have hidden and not so hidden sin that He died to redeem us from. But these people LITERALLY killed Jesus - they were there shouting “crucify” Him. And it devastates them…  Their sin is exposed - they killed God's son. Acts 2:37 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” What do you do when the darkness in you is exposed? What most do, is they hide - they run… They were brave enough to ask what to do rather than run and hide… Listen to what Peter tells them to do… Acts 2:38-39 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” You are not alone. All of us have sinned - none of us is the “good person” we thought of ourselves as But Jesus makes a way for us to find that new life Repent - turn from your old life to embrace God's new lifeGet baptized - for the forgiveness of sins and to receive God's Spirit The promise is yours, the promise that God wants to come and live with you! This is real folks. Look, some of you have believed in Jesus but for some reason have never taken the step of being baptized and obeying Jesus in this - He said, “go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit” Some of you got baptized as an infant, and while it was a beautiful expression of your parent's desire to raise you to know Jesus, it's not the same as a person being cut to the heart and wanting to make a decision as an adult to follow Jesus… Some of you got baptized and didn't really know what it meant but now you're ready to follow Jesus… And some of you, have never taken the step to following Jesus, but you feel it today, you can feel Him calling to you… There is a way to be as good of a person as you've always wanted to be…  And the good news is it's not through anything you have to do, other than choosing Jesus! CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: A few years back, we were going to have a baptism service.  I had preached on how God could restore you and give you new life and told folks we were going to have a few baptisms.  We were singing the invitation song after the sermon and I had this guy come up to me and say, “Kent, I need to be baptized…”  I turned and looked at him and I said, “we don't have clothes for you…”  He said, “let's just do it in my church clothes…”  So we got in and baptized him in his church clothes - it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen… Look, I don't have clothes up here for you, but what I have I give you. You can start a new life with Jesus today.  It's time. If you are ready to give up on your sin-ridden life.  If you are ready to join Jesus in pursuit of His Kingdom and life in the easy rhythms of life He offers.  If you are ready for God's spirit to come on you and give up the ghost of your old life.  Today is the day, come join me in your church clothes and let's baptize you! -----------------

Why did God let that happen? Greek Philosopher Epicurus If God is not able to prevent evil, then he's not all-powerful. If God is not willing to prevent evil, then he's not all good. If God is both willing and able to prevent evil, then why does evil exist? “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” Luke 13:2–5 (NLT) As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. John 9:1–3 (NLT) WHAT SUFFERING DOESN'T PROVE. (That God DOESN'T Exist) You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. Genesis 50:20 (NLT) And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:2–4 (NIV) WHAT SUFFERING MAY ACTUALLY PROVE. (That God DOES Exist) My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? If the whole show was bad and senseless from A to Z, so to speak, why did I, who was supposed to be part of the show, find myself in such a violent reaction against it? Thus, in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist - in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless - I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality - namely my idea of justice - was full of sense. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never have known it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. CS Lewis - Mere Christianity HOW DO WE DEAL WITH SUFFERING? (We Look to Jesus) “(Some mortals) say of some temporal suffering, “No future bliss can make up for it,” not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backward and turn even that agony into a glory.” C.S. Lewis Bottom Line: God is good even when life is not. Challenge: Share your sorrow.

Text: John 17:20-26 Series: “The Prayers of Jesus” Some years ago, someone sent me a cartoon they thought I would appreciate, and they were correct. It was a cartoon that showed a notice that someone had posted on a church bulletin board, a notice that announced simply, but celebratedly, “213 days without a split!” To appreciate the cartoon, you’d have to have spent a little bit of time in a church. Obviously, the cartoon was a takeoff on those safety notices that get prominently posted in factories as a way of reinforcing everyone’s attention to safety protocols. But in the context of the church, the cartoon clearly was a dig at the tendency of too many congregations to fray and fragment and unravel and divide. How does that happen? How does a congregation that starts out with a vision to be the presence of Christ to their community suddenly become a hotbed of conflict and discord, to the point that they bring nothing but shame to his cause? The answer is complicated because no two churches are alike and the forces that threaten their togetherness are indeed “Legion.” But if there’s one common thread that runs through most of the conflicted churches I have known (and sometimes served), it is their attempt to locate their unity in everything but the one thing that can keep them together, which is of course, Jesus. No church will ever be able to hold things together by agreeing on politics or culture war positions or sports team or even theological viewpoints. The only way a church can rise above all of the things that otherwise could split it up is by grounding its life in Jesus, the one God sent to be the Light of Life and the Church’s True Head. We’re reminded of that truth as we look at this last part of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. On this Thursday evening after Jesus had shared his last meal and his last teaching with his disciples, Jesus ends the evening with prayer. He has prayed for himself – that God would honor the sacrifice he would be making at Calvary the very next day and draw others to him and the life God had sent him to bring. He has prayed for his remaining disciples – for their protection and their purity and their unity. Now, he prays for those who will in God’s future come to faith in through the ongoing proclamation of his gospel – people like you and me. “Father,” he prays, “I pray…that all of them may be one. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and (that you) have loved them even as you have loved me.” What’s interesting to me about this part of Jesus’ prayer is how it shows us that the unity of the church is not really because of anything we bring about. It’s not a result of some technique that savvy church leaders take their congregants through. It’s not a program or a plan. It’s not the result of some larger congregational conversation at the end of which the church takes a vote (even though none of those things is inherently a bad thing for a church to do). Instead, the unity of the church, according to Jesus, is more of a gift, a gift from above, a gift that comes about as a result of church members being drawn into the intimacy that exists between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, who though separate and distinct persons within the Trinity were one in nature and substance. “Righteous Father,” Jesus prays, “I have you known to them, and (I) will continue to make you known (to them) in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” What Jesus is inviting us to experience is something that is much more “organic” than it is manufactured or invented. Let me explain. The image of a community of believers “completely unified” is like the difference between a living tree and a brush pile. Think about that. Those two things have much in common: they are made of the same material and they both have many branches. But a crucial difference exists between them. The living tree grew by a principle of biological design; the brush pile came about simply because someone threw a bunch of branches on top of one another. The tree is organic and alive. The brush pile is lifeless and meant to be burned. No doubt this is what Jesus was getting at when a few moments earlier, he had said to his disciples in the last of his “I Am” sayings in John’s Gospel: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; (but) apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:5-6). In other words, Jesus expects his church to bear much fruit and the only way we can do that is by abiding in him and experiencing the love he shares with the Father, a love he put on display at the cross. What, then, is the fruit that Jesus expects his church to be bearing? Clearly, it is for the church to show this fallen world how Jesus has brought an otherwise disparate and dissimilar people together and made us one body. Especially in a day when so much in life is polarized and people can’t seem to come together over much of anything, for us who look different and think differently and come from different backgrounds to find a common hope and share a common life and to give witness to it in a compelling and contagious way, our unity causes the world to stand up and take notice and ponder the possibilities of what force keeps people together when so many other forces are at work to tear them apart. Our unity points them in the direction of Jesus and is the best evidence we could offer as to how he is indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and whoever believes in him to that effect might have life in his name. Philip Yancey is a popular Christian author. Many of you have most likely read some of his writings. Some years ago, he wrote a column in Christianity Today magazine titled, “Denominational Diagnostics: What I Look for in a Healthy Church.” In the article, he references a conversation with a pastor in India who told Yancey how so much of what happens in a Christian church in India can be duplicated in both Hindu and Muslim congregations there, except for one thing, which is to bring men and women together from different castes and races and social groups. As the pastor told Yancey, “It’s that diversity that causes the church in India to look like a real miracle.” As Yancey thought about his comments, he realized how much diversity complicates life much more than it simplifies it. And it is perhaps for this reason that so many Americans tend to surround themselves with people of similar age and economic class and political opinion and musical taste. But it’s church that offers a place where infants and grandparents, unemployed and executives, immigrants and blue bloods can come together as one body with one purpose. Yancey asks what I think is the question that Jesus was posing to the Father in his prayer: “Where else could anyone go to find that kind of mixture?” So, what are you doing to help unify the Church in general and Mountain Brook Baptist Church in particular? How are you finding it possible to rise above the bias and prejudices, the penchants and the preferences that each of us has in order to come together in the love of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ to show this divided world a better way to live? One thing is sure: we cannot change the world except insofar as we have been changed ourselves. We can only give away who we are. We can only offer to others what God in Christ has done in us. You know, we could put up a big sign on Montevallo Road that reads: “76 years without a split!” Because we really haven’t had one in the history of this exemplary church. Of course, I’m not sure that the city would let us put up a sign like that. But come to think of it, we don’t need to. We’ve already got something in the front yard of the church that says it all. It’s the cross, which bears witness to the love that has brought us together, the love that has kept us together, and the love that will always make room for everyone God brings our way. Believe it or not, we are the answer to Jesus’ prayer. So, let us go forth in his love that the world might know Jesus, trust in him, and become all that God created it to be. John 17:20-26

There is power in crying out to Jesus - Some of you are not experiencing the fullness, because your keeping your mouths shut - when you ought to be crying out! This is the lesson we learn from blind Bartimeaus, as we examine Luke 18:35-43.

With the world and church responding to the changes that have been brought upon us by Covid and civil unrest how do we as Christ followers participate in the mission of Jesus? Some interesting thoughts about what the church might look like in the future and some practical and life giving ways to serve Jesus.

The Book of Revelation1. History of the book: · Date: 90’s AD· Place: Island of Patmos small barren, rocky island in the A-ge-in sea about 60 miles from Ephesus. The Romans used it to exile prisoners there to do hard labor. 2. Author: is John the apostle of Jesus· Some scholars believe it is some other John due to the writing is a different style then John’s other writings.· I’m not surprised it is different: John is not the same man he was 50 years ago, 50 years ago he was more of a fleshly man and he thought like a fleshly man. He has been walking in the spirit for 50 years and his relationship to Jesus is not the same. The Jesus that John will confront on the island of Patmos will not be the same Jesus he laid his head on his chest at the last supper. The Jesus that John will see in haven as a lamb slain before the thrown of God, will not be the same Jesus that he walked with on the shores of Galilee. John’s relationship with Jesus has grown, John sees him differently, and is more spiritly intimate with Jesus. Q- Have we grown in our relationship with Jesus? 3. John’s character: · John saw farther into eternity past than anyone else:· John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.· John saw farther into eternity future than anyone else:Q-Why is John the one to see these things?Revelation 1: 9,10 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Ver 10: I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpetQ- What does it mean he was in the spirit?“I came to a state of ecstasy capable of receiving revelation.”“God chooses the least likely time in John’s life to unveil his plans for the earth, the church and the second coming of Christ.”God is above in convincing us“We as Christians possess somethings that came apart of the packet of salvation, they are called Graces. But those graces that we have are of the greatest value to us when we are going through the deepest trials and test.”“John had to set aside, he had to make a conscious decision, that no matter what was happing to him in the flesh, so his attitude and character would be one that made it possible to receive this revelation.Q-How would we have handle the injustice, pain, the uncertainty, the feelings of abandonment?Episode 24. The Subject:· Revelation: unveiling, disclosure, uncovering· It is Jesus Revelation· The book is about what unveiled/disclosing truth God has given Jesus, not so much about Jesus Himself.· God wants us to understand this book:· Jesus has been given this so he can reveal Gods future plans for the church and the world, which God gave Him to show/revel to His servants—things which must shortly take place. · Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which arSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/Keepingitbiblical?fan_landing=true)

The Book of Revelation1. History of the book: · Date: 90’s AD· Place: Island of Patmos small barren, rocky island in the A-ge-in sea about 60 miles from Ephesus. The Romans used it to exile prisoners there to do hard labor. 2. Author: is John the apostle of Jesus· Some scholars believe it is some other John due to the writing is a different style then John’s other writings.· I’m not surprised it is different: John is not the same man he was 50 years ago, 50 years ago he was more of a fleshly man and he thought like a fleshly man. He has been walking in the spirit for 50 years and his relationship to Jesus is not the same. The Jesus that John will confront on the island of Patmos will not be the same Jesus he laid his head on his chest at the last supper. The Jesus that John will see in haven as a lamb slain before the thrown of God, will not be the same Jesus that he walked with on the shores of Galilee. John’s relationship with Jesus has grown, John sees him differently, and is more spiritly intimate with Jesus. Q- Have we grown in our relationship with Jesus? 3. John’s character: · John saw farther into eternity past than anyone else:· John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.· John saw farther into eternity future than anyone else:Q-Why is John the one to see these things?Revelation 1: 9,10 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Ver 10: I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpetQ- What does it mean he was in the spirit?“I came to a state of ecstasy capable of receiving revelation.”“God chooses the least likely time in John’s life to unveil his plans for the earth, the church and the second coming of Christ.”God is above in convincing us“We as Christians possess somethings that came apart of the packet of salvation, they are called Graces. But those graces that we have are of the greatest value to us when we are going through the deepest trials and test.”“John had to set aside, he had to make a conscious decision, that no matter what was happening to him in the flesh, so his attitude and character would be one that made it possible to receive this revelation.Q-How would we have handle the injustice, pain, the uncertainty, the feelings of abandonment? Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/Keepingitbiblical?fan_landing=true)

What is the greatest aftermath of the life of Jesus? Some would say the resurrection or maybe the ascension to Heaven. In this week's sermon in our Aftermath series, Pastor Frank Bennett shares the most important aftermath and what it means to us.

Is it possible to have eternal life without faith in Jesus? Some may have you believe that, but be wary, and it may not be for everyone.Transhumanism and the Hybrid Age Conference DVD: https://gensix.com/store/2018-conference-dvd-set/SkywatchTV video:https://www.skywatchtvstore.com/products/inhuman-the-next-and-final-phase-of-man-is-here?_pos=18&_sid=9b3b5cc5f&_ss=rSkywatchTV video on Amazon prime: https://amzn.to/2S0ikuEVisit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Bible-Quest-Podcast-101412838012390/Wondering how to support our podcast? Visit our Patreon page:https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32788432&fan_landing=trueSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32788432&fan_landing=true)

Do you ever feel discouraged in the setbacks you experience in following Jesus? Some of the Apostle Paul's greatest ministry happened when he was in prison in Rome. At the same time, the churches Paul founded and ministered to struggled with discouragement. In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul sets out to encourage the believers to not lose heart about his predicament and what it could mean for them and their faith. In the face of discouragement, how might these words bring encouragement to us today? How might these word keep us faithful in the work of God in our own day? 

Are you a Rooster or a Compass? Sunday, December 8, 2019 homily by Father François Beyrouti, Ph.D./D.Th. Ephesians 5:8-19. 26th Sunday After Pentecost. Luke 13:10-17. Tenth Sunday after the Holy Cross.Homily. Are you a rooster or a compass? On top of some churches in Europe there is a rooster with a compass underneath it. The origins of the use of the rooster and compass go back to sometime between 590 and 604, when Pope Gregory I noted how the rooster is a good symbol on Churches because it reminds us that Saint Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. This further developed in the ninth century when Pope Nicholas requested that all churches put a rooster on the top of their steeples.Since Churches were usually at the center of village and city life, there was also a practical element of having a rooster and a compass on top of Church buildings. The rooster moved and was used to determine the direction of the wind while the compass showed direction that never changed. The rooster moved depending on which way the wind was blowing while the compass remained constant despite the day or the temperature. When we look at our lives as Catholic Christians we need to ask ourselves whether we are like the rooster that changes direction with every wind and passing fad or are we like the compass that despite the weather, despite the location, and despite the time of day are always facing the right direction. This imagery of the rooster becomes particularly important for us as we prepare for Christmas. We always combine a period of fasting prior to major feast days. The traditional Christmas fast started on November 15, but we can also start today. The Church term for Christmas is “The Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Our liturgical year therefore combines periods of fasting and feasting to remind us to prepare ourselves for special holy days in the year. The word “Christmas” simply means the “Christ mass.” It is very odd that many Catholics prepare for Christmas by decorating their homes, getting a nice tree, buying gifts for everyone, but forget to prepare every day for the coming of Jesus Some even forget to come to Church on Christmas. We should never forget that Christ is the reason for this season. Amidst the extra busy-ness that this time of year throws at us, this is a perfect time to think of whether we are more like the rooster or the compass. With all the emphasis on buying and eating are we like the rooster on top of a building that blows in every direction or are we like the compass that clearly sees the importance of the coming of Christ into the world and into our lives? When we read the Gospels carefully we always see that Jesus was very purposeful and clear in His life mission. He did not follow the wind but was like the consistent focus of a compass. In today’s Gospel we see how focused Jesus was on teaching and healing. He was teaching in the synagogue on a Sabbath and no work was allowed to be done on that day. He then healed a woman who had been sick for 18 years despite knowing that he was going to be criticized for doing a miracle on a day when no work was supposed to be done. He saw the sick woman and immediately focused with the precision of a compass and was not intimidated to turn away and spin like a rooster because of what people may say about Him. The entire life of Jesus was like a compass and never not like a rooster. He knew what He needed to do and remained focused throughout his life. Jesus’ life should always be a model for us. He calls each one of us to be his disciples today and to have that same focus that He had. If we are like the rooster that blows inSupport the show (https://www.holycrossmelkite.org/donate)

Who is Jesus? Some may say he was just a teacher, some may say he’s just a prophet that used to live and hung out with fishermen. What’s the Bible say about who Jesus is? Let’s find out together.

  Deliverance from a Stolen Mind and Satan’s Captivity In Africa, witches and wizards can steal the minds of people and exchange intelligences into the minds of their children. I ministered to several young men while in Africa that had their minds stolen in this manner… How it works, I can’t say but Jesus’ power can heal them. Both men were healed and restored. One returned to college, the other remained in the Bishop’s church and became a worker there. Both cases were the result of witchcraft powers being worked against them. This is how I prayed for them. I bound the witchcraft power that had been worked over their lives and released the power of Jesus and His mind over them. Phil 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,” Bound the strongmen, Satan, and his demonic helpers that have stolen the mind of (person(s) name) In the name of Jesus I put the strongmen and helpers under the feet of Jesus. I bound the powers of the Wizards and witches. Called their minds back asking the Lord to reconcile them to Him. Col 1:21. All in the name of Jesus Some people that are under mind controllers, minds were shattered by traumas and fear. When we ministered to them, we simply commanded their Minds to return and ask Jesus to give them a single mind. Being double minded makes a person unstable in all his ways and mentally ill. Therefore, it also attacks their nervous system and causes illness. God can heal it. James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”  I loose everything the enemy has stolen, talents and sound mind and command him to return it.I command the demons to go under the feet of Jesus.In the name of Jesus, I reclaim all the things that Satan has stolen from (person(s) name) In the name of Jesus, I LOOSE all that Satan has stolen from (person(s) name) 

    Are you righteous in Christ no matter how much you sin? Some would stand firm by the assertion that no matter how much sin permeates your life after conversion, that once you receive righteousness, you are always and forever righteous. Of course, they have reason to believe that way based on some very important verses. Here are some of them: Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus (Romans 3:24, 25 Amplified Bible). For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)(Romans 5:17 Amplified Bible). For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness] (2 Corinthians 5:21 Amplified Bible).  When we come to Jesus, make Him our Lord, and are born again, we are made pure and righteousness from all our past sins. We begin the Christian life with a clean slate! The Lord “passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.” Glory to God! Clean, sanctified, and made righteous in the blood! That is the truth about being born again! Here is a question for you. Though that is the absolute truth, does that mean that you can practice sin like the world as a Christian and continue to be righteous before God? If it’s true that regardless of your sins you continue in righteousness, then what do you do with the following verses? Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Jesus is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning(1 John 3:7, 8 NET). If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been fathered by Him (1 John 2:29 NET).  But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness(1 John 1:9 NET).   If once you are righteous you can never step out of that righteousness through sin, then why must you confess your sins if you commit them? Why must the one who commits sin be cleansed from unrighteousness if once righteous always righteous?  Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 NET).  If a Christian practices unrighteousness and does not repent and confess their sins, will he or she inherit the kingdom of God? Did you know Paul refers to things that will disqualify a person from their inheritance in the kingdom of God?  That is the other side of the righteousness theme in the Bible. Did you note that I haven’t quoted one verse from the Old Testament yet? This is NEW Testament, but it is also found throughout the Old Testament. Can your spirit be contaminated by sin AFTER you become a follower of Jesus? Some believe that if you sin it is only the “flesh” and that it does not pollute the spirit. If that were true, then why did Paul say the following to the Corinthian church and include Himself in the equation? Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that could defile the body and the spirit, and thus accomplish holiness out of reverence for God(2 Corinthians 7:1 NET).  These are truths generally denied or overlooked by many in evangelical Christianity. Here is the truth. When you come to Jesus, you were made righteous by His blood. After you are a believer, if you sin and do not repent and confess your sins to God, then your righteous standing with God is interrupted UNTIL you act on 1 John 1:9. Doing First John 1:9 is how you are cleansed from all the unrighteousness you did and then your righteousness is restored.  I know this is a one-two punch against many erroneous and traditional ideas. I am happy to do it because these have been entrenched in our thinking for far too long. It has robbed many Christians from pursuing righteousness in all they do. That is another good point. Why pursue righteousness if you are already righteous forever with no possibility of messing it up through sin? Why did Paul tell Christians to pursue (run hard after) righteousness if righteousness can never be forfeited? See 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22.  This podcast will begin to set the record straight in these areas. Be blessed!  _______    Get it as an ebook, softcover, or hardcover book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook, Westbow Press, or order it through your favorite bookstore.From the Back Cover: A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus explores the depths of the Scriptures to excavate, refine, and lift up its words of power, revealing deep truths that will radically change the lives of believers. By tapping into this rich vein of biblical insight, Dan Alan Rodriguez offers Christians the insights to enable them to set out upon paths of discipleship that follow Jesus closely and that lead to profound experiences of His presence and power. Drawing upon the author’s study of first-century Judaism and Christianity and resting upon a diverse array of sources steeped in the foundational texts of these traditions, the twelve chapters of A Call to Return address a series of interlocking topics: a prophetic call to return; the revival of lawlessness; the revival, purpose, and preexistence of God’s commandments; the church’s commandments and their connections to faith, grace, and good works; the association of works of the law to Jewish tradition and ceremony; holiness; the fear of the Lord; each believer as a temple of the holy; and the meaning of loving the Lord Jesus. If you have a sense that Jesus’s message and ministry are calling you to embark upon a walk with Him that might take you away from all in Christianity that requires no accountability or responsibility before God, then A Call to Return—Restoring the Roots of Our Relationship with Jesus is the right book for you to read. It will give you the keys for understanding and responding to the Lord’s call to return to Him and to follow where He leads. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:29 NASB). The PDF of the entire book is free of charge! Use this link to go to the page and download it. Be mightily blessed!   Documento portátil (PDF) es completamente gratis.    

https://youtu.be/KBKlL8wiEb0 Sermon Title: Famous Last WordsDate: Feb 25, 20181. Wise words• Help us through life, help us grow• All of our heroes have wise words to say 2. Famous Last WordsEvery culture on earth celebrates last wordsThe end of every life provides wisdom & commentary 3. The last words of Jesus• Some of the most ignored words on Earth• So wise, so life changing, so amazing we wish they weren’t there• It is my prayer that these last words of Jesus will change you life 4. John 20:19-21 (ESV)• 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where thedisciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said tothem, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and hisside. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to themagain, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”• Easter evening. Jesus had been killed. He was gone.• The disciples were hiding in fear for their lives.• They were known as followers of Jesus and were wanted men• Jesus shows himself to the disciples and says peace be with you• Jesus proves to them his death and resurrection through scars 5. A new purpose. A new commission from Jesus• I am sending you!• Not replacing the mission of Jesus. Not becomes Jesus. Continuing the work of Jesus• A transfer of the mission of God (to seek and save the lost) from Jesus to us• This means we are “on mission” in every corner of this earth….forever until he returns!• It is a continual job. Continually preach the gospel, disciple others and equip the saints 6. The example of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8)• And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” ThenI (Isaiah) said, “Here I am! Send me.” 9 And he (God) said, “Go…”• The is the attitude of being sent. I’ll do it, Lord• I exist to serve you. I exist to be sent by you• Being sent is an active role to do something bigger and better than what you’re doing now 7. The example of Paul (Romans 10:14)• How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they tobelieve in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someonepreaching?• Paul was so driven by the words of Jesus that he spent the remainder of his life being sent 8. Application 1: Purpose in famous last words• Find purpose in obeying the last words of Jesus• Find purpose in joining in God’s grand plan to redeem humanity• Find purpose in being called and sent by Jesus to seek and save the lost 9. Application 2: Be willing to take risks to be sent• Jesus, Isaiah, Paul are heroes of the faith. They all took risks and they all suffered• Being sent means being changed by God• I am sending you! Not your neighbor, not the guy next to you. YOU!

Convo with Kyle: Bishop Rhoades talks about the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a special apostolate devoted to serving the poor. Bishop then Discusses the inauguration Mass for Indiana Tech's new president, Dr. Karl Einolf. Bishop and Kyle then talk about different cultural traditions for celebrating the days right before Christmas. Listener Questions: - Is there a difference between a Pastor and a Parochial Vicar? - I recently visited our new Divine Mercy Funeral Home, can a Catholic be cremated and not have their ashes buried? - What are your thoughts on soul core, a program for those 12 years and older that pairs core strengthing, stretching and functional movement with the prayers of the rosary, coming back to the Diocese? - What would be a good response to a Protestant who believes that Catholics are cannibals because we believe that we eat the body and drink the blood of Jesus? Some churches have the tabernacle centered near the altar, others have it placed to the side is there a required or a suggested location? ------ Truth in Charity is brought to you in part by Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. ------ Live: www.redeemerradio.com Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @RedeemerRadio Submit your question(s): Call / Text (Holy Cross College text line) - 260-436-9598 Online - www.RedeemerRadio.com/AskBishop E-mail - AskBishop@RedeemerRadio.com Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes | Google Play | SoundCloud | RSS

A daily devotional through the recorded words Jesus spoke while He walked alongside us. Our website http://alittlewalkwithgod.com. Thanks for joining me today for "A Little Walk with God." I'm your host Richard Agee. Sex sells they say and so we see it everywhere. It was also a problem in Pergamum. Jesus talked about it and told John to write about it. Scripture Revelation 2:12-17 The One: Write down My words, and send them to the messenger of the church in Pergamum. “These are the words of the One with the sharp double-edged sword: “I know your deeds and where you live. It is where Satan, the adversary, has established his throne. You have stayed true to My name, and you did not deny your trust in Me even in the eventful days of My faithful witness, Antipas. He was killed among you in that place where Satan dwells. “However, I have a few matters against you: some who live among you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to set up a stumbling block before the people of Israel. As a result, some among you are eating food prepared for idol worship and committing immoral sexual acts. You have others who are holding firm to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore, change your ways and turn to Me. If you do not, I will quickly come to where you live and will battle them with the sword of My mouth. “Let the person who is able to hear, listen to and follow what the Spirit proclaims to all the churches. To the one who conquers through faithfulness even unto death, I will feed you with hidden manna and give you a white stone. Upon this stone, a new name is engraved. No one knows this name except for its recipient.” Devotional Where can you go today and not be bombarded by sexual innuendos? Not very many places Advertising Television shows Books Movies Everywhere Sex sells, goes after our most base desires for intimate relationships Problem in Pergamum as Nicolaitans infiltrated the church False teachers who believed promiscuity was okay Temple prostitutes were okay Sexual rituals used in worship Violated the Jewish laws and the teachings of the Apostles handed down from Jesus Some remained true to Jesus' teaching; some fell away and led other astray Consequences if we do not follow His ways He'll return with a sword When we follow His ways, He promises hidden manna and a new name If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don't, tell me. I hope you'll join me again tomorrow for "A Little Walk with God."  

How Risk Averse are you? What about when it comes to taking steps of faith for Jesus? Some people are naturally cautious and others are verge on gung ho. How can we all make sure we don't let undue caution hold us back? Or that we don't plough in unhelpfully?

What does it mean to really believe in Jesus? Some ideas based on a song by David Britt...

2008-07-13-1830 Darrell Rice, Pastor from the Great Lakes Region of the Church of God is the guest speaker for 6:30 Sunday evening July 13th, 2008.Scripture Ref: Hebrews 12:1-4; Mark 10:46-50; Philippians 3:13-14; 1John 1:9; 2:1Topic: EnduranceNotes:- The real test of Christianity is not how we begin, but how we end- It is one thing to be challenged, another to accept the challenge and move toward the goal (story of marathon challenge)- Article "Who is Really Qualified?"  the disciples unqualified as are we- Turn away from everything that will challenge the progress of Christ in our lives- We fail to follow through, to do business- Story of couple in Atlanta, "tell me anything in my life-I'll lay it aside"- Blind Bartemeus threw aside his coat because it might impede his progress toward Jesus- Some good things may be a weight- We must forget our past sins, failures and bad breaks

Can you hear the "Mission Impossible" theme in the background as you read this command from Jesus? Some seem to handle things in stride; others fret about everything. Eliminating this takes supernatural help and a daily commitment from us.