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Series: 1 John: That You May KnowPreacher: Pastor Brian BoneKey Points:Jesus' Imminent Return: The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is coming back soon, and His second coming will be a glorious, visible event of judgment for which all must be ready.The Importance of Abiding in Jesus: To be ready and confident at Christ's return, believers must "abide" in Him, meaning to hold fast and not let go, drawing life and sustenance from Him as branches from a vine.The Wonders of God's Love and Salvation: Be amazed by God's eternal, sovereign love that chose you before creation, saved you from sin and spiritual death, and continually sustains you by grace.The Beatific Vision and Transformation: Believers will literally see Jesus as He is in His glorified form, and this single glimpse will perfectly transform them, removing all desire for sin and providing infinite, unending satisfaction.Daily Gaze for Ongoing Transformation: While the full transformation is future, daily "gazing" at Jesus through spiritual disciplines like Bible reading and worship incrementally transforms believers, purifying them and preparing them for His return.Call to "Wake Up and Look at Jesus": A practical exhortation to intentionally prioritize focusing on Jesus every day, making Him the central gaze of one's heart above worldly distractions, temptations, and anxieties.Salvation through Belief: For non-believers, salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit are immediately available through simple belief in Jesus Christ, who was lifted up for their healing and eternal life.Reflect & Discuss:How does the reality of Jesus' imminent return impact your daily priorities and long-term planning?What does "abiding in Jesus" practically look like in your life, especially when faced with distractions or temptations?How can you cultivate a deeper sense of amazement at God's love for you and the salvation you've received?Considering the concept of the "beatific vision," how does the promise of seeing Jesus and being transformed encourage you in your spiritual walk?What is one specific step you will take this week to "wake up and look at Jesus" more intentionally each day?Scripture:Main Passage: 1 John 2:28-3:3Supporting Passages: John 15:1-8, 1 Peter 1:8, 1 Corinthians 13:12, Matthew 17:2, Revelation 1:12-16, Revelation 21:23, Psalm 16:11, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Matthew 6:22-23, John 3:14-16, Numbers 21:4-9, Romans 10:9-10.Keywords:Jesus' Return, Second Coming, Abiding in Christ, Last Hour, God's Love, Salvation, Holy Spirit, Spiritual Transformation, Beatific Vision, Perseverance, Discernment, Worship, Bible Study, Eternal Life.
Send us a textFor another episode of our letting go series, our guest today is a woman who wears many hats with grace and purpose. She is a devoted mother, a passionate entrepreneur, and a woman of deep faith. She's a mom on a mission, balancing business, ministry, and motherhood with unwavering dedication. Most importantly, she has an amazing and powerful testimony of strength and faith, and I am talking about none other than Christine Blaza.In the 2nd part of our interview, Christine started by sharing her experience and giving a great advice for the people who are listening that is in the same situation she was before who is currently in a relationship with someone who makes them feel like they are not worth it and that life would be better without them. You would also hear her share experience as she shares her heart on why she had a courage to speak and tell someone about what's happening to her and why anyone listening should also be brave to tell someone what's going so that just like her they can also escape an abusive or a narcissist relationship that they are in right now. To listen to the last part of our interview go to:S3 Special Guest #39: Last Part of Christine's Interview — Come to JesusTo connect with her or find more information about her, you can go to: https://christineblaza.com/christine-blazaOur prayer is by listening to Christine's testimony that it will encourage you to live a life of faith. Surrender everything to Him. Walk closer to God and obey His words when He tells you something even if doesn't make sense or scary just obey and trust that God has a better plan for your life and He got you. God will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always be there for you, and He will protect you because He loves you! We would love to hear from you so feel free to share with us your feedback on our episode and if you have any questions feel free to message us in any of our social media links.Thank you again for listening and always remember to Come to Jesus Daily!Connect with us through our Social Media Links:Email us at cometojesuswithannette.mahal@gmail.com Twitter and Instagram: @AnnetteMahal FB: Come to JesusYou can help support our podcast ministry and partner with us reach further to build God's Kingdom by either giving a onetime donation to our coffee podcast ministry or be a part of our monthly supporters. By partnering with us, you will get an invitation to join and be a part of our livestream events as it happens, unlock exclusive post and get a full access to all our bonus/special episodes, shout out to our new members, get a one-time gift for joining, be a part of our special community for our members only, receive a newsletter once a month, and most importantly partner with us as we share God's message to the world and that is by going to:www.buymeacoffee.com/cometojesusYou can also send us a voice message if you are listening in Spotify or by sending your questions or comments to (571)601-0067.
Fr. Tom - Mercy is actually a person named JesusTo support our podcasts, go to https://www.holyfamilyorlando.com/giveHoly Family is a vibrant Catholic Parish in SW Orlando near Dr. Phillips, Isleworth, Windermere, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Horizon West, Metrowest. Also, conveniently located near the theme parks (Disney, Universal, SeaWorld) as well as the Orlando Convention Center.
52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did notenter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered." Luke 11 finishes with Jesus giving a personal, up-close,scathing word of rebuke and declaration of condemnation and judgment upon the religiousleaders of His day. He pronounced three “woes” upon the Pharisees and their hypocrisy,and three “woes” upon the lawyers who were the religious “experts” interpretingthe Law of Moses for the people. That is why verse 45, tells us that after Jesus spoke His wordsto the Pharisees, the lawyer said, "Teacher, by saying these things Youreproach us also." The Pharisees believed, and were supposedly practicingall the traditional teachings of these lawyers. This opened the door for Jesusto condemn these lawyers too. I'm convinced that the false teachers of the Wordof God will receive the greater condemnation on judgment day from God. We needto know how to identify them and avoid them. First in verse 46, they don't practice what they teach.They put a “religious works” burdens on others that they ignore themselves.Secondly, in verse 47-51, they glorify the Old Testament prophets as they attemptto identify with them so that they will appear to be authentic. They appear toknow the Bible better than anyone else. And third, in verse 52, they claim becauseof that, they are the only ones who can properly interpret the Scriptures. The internetand social media are full of these false teachers today! Beware! These “lawyers” that Jesus was condemning were guilty ofrobbing the common people of the knowledge of the Word of God. It was badenough that they would not enter the kingdom themselves, but they werehindering others from going in! It is a serious thing to teach God's Word andnot everyone is supposed to do it (James 3:1). Unfortunately, what some peoplecall "Bible study" is too often just a group of unprepared peopleexchanging their ignorance. The lawyers had convinced the people that nobody couldunderstand and explain the Law except the trained and authorized teachers. Wehave some of that arrogant attitude showing itself today. Teachers whooveremphasize the Bible languages give people the impression that the HolySpirit cannot teach anyone who does not know Greek and Hebrew. We need toalways remember that Jesus is the key to the Scriptures (Luke 24:44-48). When you take away that key, you cannot understand what Godhas written. As helpful and necessary as theological studies are, the mostimportant requirements for Bible study are a yielded heart and an obedientwill. Jesus said in John 7:17: “If anyone wants to do His will, he shallknow concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on Myown authority.” In John 14:21 Jesussaid: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. Andhe who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifestMyself to him." The best Bible teachers are men and women who learned thetruth of God's Word on their knees and on the battlefield of life. They wereSpirit-taught, not man-taught. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:13-14: “However,when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; forHe will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak;and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take ofwhat is Mine and declare it to you.” A Spirit led Bible teacher will alwaysglorify Jesus and not himself. So serious is this danger of false teachers that Jesus willhave more to say about it in Luke 12:1. (Also read 2 Peter 2-3) Meanwhile, let us beware! God bless!
As we look at this passage in Luke 11:37-54, we need to rememberthe setting Jesus was in where He is declaring judgment, the six “woes”, uponthe Pharisees and religious lawyers, who are also called scribes. In verse 35, Jesushad just made the public statement, “Therefore take heed that the lightwhich is in you is not darkness.” It was then that a Pharisee invited Jesusto come into his house and dine with him. He was hoping to catch Jesus sayingor doing something so that he could accuse Him of breaking the Law of Moses andthen he could expose Jesus as a false prophet or teacher. This morning, I couldn't help but think how that Jesus notonly accepted the invitation, but when He is in this Pharisee's house sittingat this meal with him that Jesus pronounces these stinging words of judgmentupon all the Pharisees. When Jesus didn't wash His hands before He ate, thePharisee immediately was thinking that if Jesus was a true prophet he would nothave broken the Law of Moses and traditional teaching of the lawyers. It is then that the Lord gives this message exposing the hypocrisyof the religious leaders of His day. The religious Pharisees and lawyers claimedto have the truth and the light of God because of their “knowledge” of the OldTestament Scriptures. But they needed to “take heed” that the light they haveis not darkness”. In Jesus first recorded message in Matthew 6:23, He said, “Butif your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore thelight that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” We should take heed also! The greatest darkness is a “religious”darkness. To be deceived into thinking and believing that our religion of gooddeeds of “righteousness” that we can do, will save us. Remember what Paul wrotein Romans 10:1-4: “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israelis that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal forGod, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God'srighteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have notsubmitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law forrighteousness to everyone who believes.” Religion and Bible knowledge without Jesus Christ is what thePharisees of both Jesus' and Paul's day had as they sought “to establish theirown righteousness”. What a powerfulmessage for us today! We can know the Bible forward and backward and attempt tokeep it in our own way and strength, and think we are “right” with God. Paulwould also write in 2 Corinthians 3:6: “Who also made us sufficient asministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for theletter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Yes, trying to keep “letter ofthe Law” in our own strength brings both deception and death. There is no greater deception than religious and self-deception!In James 1, we are warned about this kind of deception in several verses. Jamessays this kind of religion is empty, vain, useless! This is basically a warningto believers who have the Bible but are not practicing the love of God in caringfor the poor, helpless, widows and orphans. We look into the mirror of God's Word,but we refuse to clean up the inside and we become hypocrites and at the sametime think that we are “right” with God. A good verse to end with today is found in 2 Corinthians5:21: “For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, thatwe might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Let's make sure we aretrusting in a personal relationship with Jesus and His salvation and His imputedrighteousness and not an outward religion of “right” deeds and good works! God bless!
Reading IMalachi 3:1-4 Thus says the Lord GOD:Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me;And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek,And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears?For he is like the refiner's fire, or like the fuller's lye.He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi,Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.Reading IIHebrews 2:14-18Since the children share in blood and flesh,Jesus likewise shared in them,that through death he might destroy the onewho has the power of death, that is, the Devil,and free those who through fear of deathhad been subject to slavery all their life.Surely he did not help angelsbut rather the descendants of Abraham;therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sistersin every way,that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before Godto expiate the sins of the people.Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,he is able to help those who are being tested.GospelLuke 2:22-40When the days were completed for their purificationaccording to the law of Moses,Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalemto present him to the Lord,just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.This man was righteous and devout,awaiting the consolation of Israel,and the Holy Spirit was upon him.It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spiritthat he should not see deathbefore he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple;and when the parents brought in the child Jesusto perform the custom of the law in regard to him,he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,“Behold, this child is destinedfor the fall and rise of many in Israel,and to be a sign that will be contradicted-and you yourself a sword will pierce-so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”There was also a prophetess, Anna,the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.She was advanced in years,having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.She never left the temple,but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.And coming forward at that very time,she gave thanks to God and spoke about the childto all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.When they had fulfilled all the prescriptionsof the law of the Lord,they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;and the favor of God was upon him.
When the days were completed for their purificationaccording to the law of Moses,Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalemto present him to the Lord,just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.This man was righteous and devout,awaiting the consolation of Israel,and the Holy Spirit was upon him.It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spiritthat he should not see deathbefore he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple;and when the parents brought in the child Jesusto perform the custom of the law in regard to him,he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,“Behold, this child is destinedfor the fall and rise of many in Israel,and to be a sign that will be contradicted-and you yourself a sword will pierce-so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”There was also a prophetess, Anna,the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.She was advanced in years,having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.She never left the temple,but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.And coming forward at that very time,she gave thanks to God and spoke about the childto all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptionsof the law of the Lord,they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;and the favor of God was upon him.
Why are we here?❤️ To love and worship God
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Sermon Series | The Way of JesusTo give to our M25 Initiative, text m25 to 623.252.5085 or visit redaz.in/m25.To download our Mobile App, search Redemption Church Peoria where you download apps to your device(s).To connect with us, visit this link: http://redaz.in/RPTo invest in our ministry financially, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3roZDAW
Send us a Text Message.Study Notes: Title: The Three Relationships of Life – Part Two – Our Relationship with One AnotherScripture Focus: John 15:12-17Main Points:Introduction to Relationships:The podcast explores three major relationships: our relationship with Jesus, our relationship with one another, and our relationship with the world.This episode focuses on our relationship with one another, as discussed by Jesus in John 15:12-17.Sacrificial Love:Jesus commands us to love each other as He loved us, emphasizing sacrificial love.The greatest love is shown by laying down one's life for friends, as Jesus did.Jesus' Choice and Command:Disciples did not choose Jesus; He chose them and appointed them to bear lasting fruit.This relationship is not based on servitude but on friendship and partnership.Seven Reasons God Chose Us.Chosen for Joy:Despite hardships, Christians are called to a life of deep-seated joy.Joy stems from being redeemed sinners and should reflect in our lives.Chosen for Love:Christians are sent into the world to love one another.Jesus exemplified the ultimate love by laying down His life for His friends.Called to Be Friends:Jesus elevates His disciples from servants to friends, indicating a deep, personal relationship.Historical context: Servants of God (Moses, Joshua, David) were highly honored, yet Jesus offers an even closer relationship.Called to Be Partners:Disciples are not just followers but partners in Jesus' mission.Jesus shares His plans and purposes, inviting disciples to collaborate in His work.Chosen to Be Ambassadors:Christians are chosen to represent Jesus in the world, actively engaging and serving.The analogy of knights in King Arthur's court highlights the call to service and mission.Chosen to Bear Fruit:Bearing fruit involves living a life that reflects the Holy Spirit and attracts others to Christianity.Authentic Christian living is the most effective way to spread the faith.Chosen as Members of God's Family:Prayer is powerful when it aligns with God's will and is offered in Jesus' name.True prayer is unselfish, seeking the good of all God's people and accepting God's answers.Conclusion:Sacrificial Love as a Model:Sacrificial love involves putting others first, even at personal cost.Example of the Salvation Army members on the Empress of Ireland who gave their life jackets to others, showing ultimate love.Obedience and Friendship with Jesus:To be Jesus' friends, we must obey His command to love others.Friendship with Jesus involves sharing in His confidence and participating in His mission.Final Command:Jesus begins and ends the passage with the command to love one another.Our relationship with Jesus empowers and commands us to cultivate loving relationships with one another.By understanding and living out these principles, Christians can deepen their relationship with God aSupport the Show.Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
As God sees our lives all wrongdoing is against him. Are we sufficiently aware of his oversight of our lives? Paul became dramatically aware and was to write, “None of us lives to himself … whether we live or whether we die we are the Lord's” [Rom. 14, v.7,8]. Therefore, as we read today of David being confronted by the prophet Nathan, whom God had sent to him to make him conscious of the terrible reality of his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and in arranging the death of her husband, the “eyes” of David's mind are suddenly opened and he said, “I have sinned against the LORD” [1 Sam.12 v.13]. We are astonished at the blindness of David. Let's try to understand why he was so blind to the evil of his actions. This event illustrates the danger of becoming all powerful – so that you are answerable to no-one. The world has had innumerable examples of this, such as in the actions of present leaders. But the case of David is also one of spiritual blindness! And how many suffer from spiritual blindness? How real is God to us? Are we always as conscious as we should be – of his all seeing eye? We give prayers of thanks for food several times a day – we believe he hears, don't we? When we are conscious of wrong doing, we plead for his grace. But are we always conscious of our failures? Let's compare David with a disciple of Christ who was not conscious despite being personally witness to the wonder of his power and teaching. We read today in Matthew of how he came into the Temple and threw down 30 pieces of silver and declared, “ I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” [27 v.4] We suspect he had expected Jesus to escape in some way from their custody, as he had seen happen in the past, see for example, Luke 4 v. 29 when they took Jesus “To the brow of the hill … so they could throw him down the cliff.” So Judas, we think, anticipated gaining 30 pieces of silver to add to his takings (John 12 v.6) from the “bag” – as he was the sort of treasurer to the group: maybe he reasoned that his ‘takings' were a sort of ‘commission' for looking after the money – it is amazing how the human mind can justify to themselves some of the things they do! Judas thought he could serve Jesus and serve Mammon (money) at the same time. How many do that today? Some leaders of church groups have become very wealthy. David's son Solomon was to write in his God given wisdom, “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle …” [Prov. 23 v.4,5] Let us be very vigilant not to sin against the Lord – for all wrong doing is against him.
Scripture: Phil 4:1-9Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Context:– Paul is writing from prison to the church in Philippi about what it means to walk the walk as followers of Jesus and to encourage them in what it looks like to live out their faith in real life!Paul speaks to the temptations that were facing the Philippians that would cause them to sink into the culture of their day rather than stand out from it.Paul speaks with honesty from his own experiences and discusses 6 key attributes that should be evident and obvious in the lives of those who follow Jesus. You'll stand out if you…..1/ Stand firmdon't retreat or waver when opposition, trial and challenge comesresist running to old patterns and old comforts (anything that draws our attention and affection away from Jesus is idolatry)2/ Seek unitybe committed to resolving differences instead of holding grudgesworking together = increased effectiveness for the Gospel3/ Be gentle with one another– the literal meaning of the word ‘gentleness' in this scripture translates as ‘sweet reasonableness' – to be intentionally kind, compassionate and humble towards others especially when they're facing struggles or difficulties.a strong hand with a soft touch (1 Thes 2:7 – gentle like a mother caring for her children)gentleness is not weakness4/ Pray (Don't be anxious)– there were plenty of reasons for the Philippians to be anxious, discouraged and worried – Paul invites them to experience prayer as an active strategy against anxietyPaul shows them that prayer is a gateway to God's supernatural peaceGod's peace is not dependent on a perfect outcome – God's peace is available to us in the midst of our circumstancesbeing a person of peace in an anxious world stands out!5/ Focus on what's goodPaul addresses the battlefield of the mindour thoughts are prone fix themselves on things are unhelpful and unhealthy but Paul also teaches us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind – Rom 12:2what we think about and focus on translates into our behaviour.This serves as a reminder to be wise about the content we engage with6/ Walk the Walkmoving from head knowledge to heart transformationdiscipleship is a journey not a destination – a journey of practicing the way of Jesus and becoming more like him– When we encounter the grace of Jesus we can't help but be changed – this change should become evident to others.Invitations for us today:To stand out boldly in our culture rather than blend into itTo be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world – faith in actionTo keep growing by practicing the way of JesusTo live a life worth followingQuestions:Q: How is God inviting me to stand out for him?Q: Am I walking the walk or just talking the talk?Q: Do my actions line up with my words?Q: Am I the same person on Monday as I am at church on Sunday?Q: Do people encounter the nature of Jesus in me?Q: Am I becoming more like Jesus each year?
240 – If Jesus was here today, would he get involved in politics?Do you think he would be a member of your political party? Would he take sides at all? Or would he take a different approach to solving the problems people are facing today?How would Jesus bring healing to the political divisions in today's society? Would he go to Washington, D.C. and make a speech in congress? Would he meet with opposing political opponents and try to get them to agree on things? Or would he hold a political rally and campaign for one candidate over another?I don't think so. In this week's episode:The difference between your perspective and God's perspectiveTrying to solve the problem on same level of the problem never worksIf you want to heal like Jesus, you have to act, pray, and love like JesusTo do that, you have to think like JesusWhat does the kingdom of heaven have to do with politics?Jesus never got involved in the politics of his times. He never made it a priority to resolve the conflicts with the government of Rome, with its intrigues and powerful personalities. He never tried to resolve the disputes between the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealots, and the Essenes. As we get closer and closer to the election this fall in the United States, and as you see the political scene do whatever the political scene will do, don't be impressed or get absorbed in what's going on. Don't be alarmed or fearful. Don't believe everything you hear. Don't judge any situation by the outward appearance of things pro or con. If you really want to bring healing to the political scene, start with yourself, surrender your personal opinions and perspectives and see everyone and everything from the perspective of what is true in heaven right now. This will bring healing to you, to others, and that can and will, in turn, bring healing on a larger scale, even to the political arena.Show notes:Read the full transcript and all Bible citations: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/240Support the Show._________________________James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donation to support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you Contact James here
April 9, 2024 Today's Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:2Daily Lectionary: Exodus 23:14-33, Luke 4:31-44If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Last Sunday's Epistle reading from 1 John has a familiar couple of verses if you're used to using Divine Service, settings One or Two. As we prepare to confess our sins, we speak responsively verses eight and nine from chapter one. But have you ever stopped to think how strange it is that Christians regularly confess our sins? People without faith don't generally confess to having done anything wrong. Our sinful hearts train us from birth to justify our every action. The toddler who knocks over the lamp blames his stuffed animal. When that excuse doesn't work, he learns to make his self-justification more believable next time. Even at ten years old, he has learned to be ready to explain why he's done every action, just in case anyone questions him. Self-justification is such a part of our lives in this world, that we expect it from everyone. No one confesses to having done anything wrong, at least not in any meaningful way. People might admit to doing something that everyone else does, or something that has no actual consequences. Someone famous, when caught doing something really bad, might make an apology tour. Not because they think they did anything wrong, but it's the price to pay to retain their fame, money, or power. When someone does end up doing something that they can't justify, it breaks them. They live the rest of their lives in regret, in grief, in despair. It drives them to madness, and they believe that they are without hope, without forgiveness, without mercy, because they recognize that they have sinned, and they cannot fix that. But Christians confess their sins all the time, and we don't fall into madness or despair over it. Why? Because not only do we know we have sinned, we also know that God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Christ Jesus has taken all our sin away. He paid sin's price. He died on the cross in our place. And He's given us His perfect life in exchange. That good news overcomes our attempts of self-justification. That good news overcomes our despair. That good news is for you. And we trust our Lord enough to confess all our sins to Him, knowing that He has already forgiven all. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees usFrom the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus To wash my crimson stainsClean in His blood most precious Till Not a spot remains. (LSB 606:1)- Pastor Eli Davis is pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, Oregon.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.
In this series, Pastor Rick explains how Easter shows the depth of God's love and how it reveals God's plan to bring us home to live with him in eternity. Learn why the resurrection of Jesus offers a hope that will never disappoint. In these messages, Pastor Rick explains the life-altering effects of the resurrection. Jesus bore your burdens on the cross so you could move from guilt and shame to freedom and peace. Discover why the resurrection proves God's unconditional love for you and how that gives you the freedom to live a life of significance. Many people go through life riddled with guilt, shame, and regrets. But God never intended for you to live life that way. That's why he sent Jesusto give you forgiveness for your sins so you can live free, letting go of the sin and guilt from your past that weigh you down. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches how the power of the resurrection transforms your life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29
When the days were completed for their purificationaccording to the law of Moses,Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalemto present him to the Lord,just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.This man was righteous and devout,awaiting the consolation of Israel,and the Holy Spirit was upon him.It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spiritthat he should not see deathbefore he had seen the Christ of the Lord.He came in the Spirit into the temple;and when the parents brought in the child Jesusto perform the custom of the law in regard to him,he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:“Now, Master, you may let your servant goin peace, according to your word,for my eyes have seen your salvation,which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:a light for revelation to the Gentiles,and glory for your people Israel.”The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,“Behold, this child is destinedfor the fall and rise of many in Israel,and to be a sign that will be contradicted—and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”There was also a prophetess, Anna,the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.She was advanced in years,having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.She never left the temple,but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.And coming forward at that very time,she gave thanks to God and spoke about the childto all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.When they had fulfilled all the prescriptionsof the law of the Lord,they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;and the favor of God was upon him.
January 27, 2024 Today's Reading: Introit for Epiphany 4Daily Lectionary:Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Romans 15:14-33Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.Blessèd is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.Blessèd is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.Glory be to the Father and to the Sonand to the Holy Spirit;as it was in the beginning,is now, and will be forever. Amen.Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. (Introit for Epiphany 4, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, 10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You are blessed! Your blessedness isn't seen in your material possessions or your fantastic mood or even by your hashtags on social media. Your blessedness comes because your transgression is forgiven and your sin is covered. There is a lot of pressure on trying to impress people around you with showing how you are blessed and how wonderful your life is. The Lord doesn't care about those social norms. The Lord cares by bringing you His blessings, especially in the forgiveness of your sins.The practice of confessing sins before God and other people seems backwards to our understanding of showing how blessed we are. Human wisdom says that you keep your mistakes, your errors, and your sins to yourself and show others only the very best things that you do. Psalm 32 encourages you to confess your sins before God and admit them as you receive His forgiveness. When you confess your sins, you aren't telling God anything new. The all-knowing Lord of all creation already knows your sins. Confess these sins of yours to your merciful Father who is faithful to forgive those sins. To accomplish that forgiveness, He has sent His one and only Son into the world to die on the cross to save you from your sins. That is where your blessedness comes from - the forgiveness won by Jesus Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us From the accursèd load. I bring my guilt to Jesus To wash my crimson stains Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains. (LSB 606:1)-Pastor Peter W. Ill is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Reader's Bible helps you develop a habit of devotion and Bible reading so you can slowly but intentionally understand and grow in God's Word. Through introductions to the sixty-six books of the Bible, guided reading plans, and more, this Bible builds your confidence to study Scripture on your own.
When the days were completed for their purificationaccording to the law of Moses,the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalemto present him to the Lord,just as it is written in the law of the Lord,Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,and to offer the sacrifice ofa pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.This man was righteous and devout,awaiting the consolation of Israel,and the Holy Spirit was upon him.It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spiritthat he should not see deathbefore he had seen the Christ of the Lord.He came in the Spirit into the temple;and when the parents brought in the child Jesusto perform the custom of the law in regard to him,he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:"Lord, now let your servant go in peace;your word has been fulfilled:my own eyes have seen the salvationwhich you prepared in the sight of every people,a light to reveal you to the nationsand the glory of your people Israel."The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,"Behold, this child is destinedfor the fall and rise of many in Israel,and to be a sign that will be contradicted(and you yourself a sword will pierce)so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
God is a Trinity in that He is One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In his book, Delighting in the Trinity, Michael Reeves wrote of the Trinity: If the Trinity were something we could shave off God, we would not be relieving him of some irksome weight; we would be shearing him of precisely what is so delightful about him. For God is triune, and it is as triune that he is so good and desirable.[1] Fed Sanders in his book, The Deep Things of God, wrote: God is eternally Trinity, because triunity belongs to his very nature. Things like creation and redemption are things God does, and he would still be God if he had not done them. But Trinity is who God is, and without being the Trinity, he would not be God. God minus creation would still be God, but God minus Father, Son, and Holy Spirit would not be God. So when we praise God for being our creator and redeemer, we are praising him for what he does. But behind what God does is the greater glory of who he is: behind his act is his being.[2] To appreciate the glory of the King who was born on the first Christmas, you must understand what it is that sets the God of the Bible apart from every cult and religion is that the God in the Bible is One God in Three (Trinity) Persons. What this means is that there was never a time when Jesus was created because there was never a time when He was not the Son. What happened that never happened before and never will happen again is in the angels announcement to Mary: behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus (Luke 1:31)? What happened that was new was God the Son took on human flesh by being conceived in the womb of a virgin. What was new was that God the Son also became the Son of Mary (Luke 1:31, 35). Represented in the Christ Child was, the union of undiminished deity and perfect humanity forever in one person. The message of advent is simply this: The plan was always for a King to reign in Israel over all the nations. In passages like Isaiah 44:6-8, Yahweh was to be King over Israel. We are told in verse 6, This is what Yahweh says, He who is the King of Israel and his Redeemer, Yahweh of armies: I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. In 2 Samuel 7:13, we read of how king David was promised that a very human descendant of his would reign as king forever: He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. Both Isaiah 44:6-8 and 2 Samuel 7:13 come together in the promise of Isaiah 9:6-7, For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:67) The glorious reality of the Trinity is that the Son was always the King of Isaiah 44 and Isaiah 9, and the incarnation allowed Him to be all of Isaiah 44:6-8 and Isaiah 9:6-7 while at the same time becoming the Son of David (2 Sam. 7:8-17) through the virgin birth (Luke 1:26-38). Jesus is the Means for Our Redemption (vv. 4-8) The book of Revelation was written to suffering Christians who needed encouragement. There was much that John suffered because of his association with Jesus, and although he most likely was not martyred for his faith, many of his friends were. If you believe that the purpose of the book of Revelation is primarily about how the world will end, you have missed the point of the book entirely. We are told why it was written in its opening verses: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bondservants, the things which must soon take place (v. 1). When you are in a season of long-term suffering, it is easy to grow weary believing that there will be no end to such suffering. The book of Revelation was written to encourage suffering Christians that their suffering had an expiration date while their salvation would remain nonperishable. Before we are told about what is coming, John first tells us what has already happened. In just three short verses, the apostle lists for us seven reasons why we can be confident that our suffering is not how our story will end: John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His bloodand He made us into a kingdom, priests to His God and Fatherto Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:46) The grace and peace of verse 4 is from three persons. The One, who is, and who is to come is God the Father, the seven spirits is a reference to the Holy Spirit,[3] and, the grace and peace that is for the Christian is from Jesus Christ. Seven is an important number in the Bible, especially in the book of Revelation and its use is symbolic of fullness. In these opening verses, John lists seven ways Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection benefits the Christian: Jesus is a faithful witness in the way He lived, died, and rose from the grave. His life is our example, and we are to look to Him as we, run with endurance the race that is set before us looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfector of the faith (Heb. 12:1-2). Jesus is the first born of the dead in that he suffered and died, but He did not stay dead. Jesus conquered death, which means that our death will eventually lead to a resurrection too. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth in that He is sovereign over all earthly powers to the point that no king can destroy what Jesus loves and treasures. Jesus loves us and His love for His Church is not fleeting, fragile, or conditional. Jesus released us from our sins by His blood in that He shed His blood on a cross of wood by becoming a curse for us to free us from the curse of sin in perpetuity. Jesus made us into a kingdom in that the citizenship of the Christian is in the realm of Jesus kingdom. Jesus made us into priests who were once alienated from God, are now reconciled to God, and called to participate in the mission of God as His ambassadors. Because God the Father so loved the world, He sent Jesus the Son who completed all that was needed for our redemption, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because we are recipients of the first advent of Christs coming, we now long for the second advent of His coming which, according to verses 8-9 is as good as done: Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:78). This is why the angel was able to announce to lowly shepherds that the birth of Jesus was good news: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:1011). So, we rejoice with the hymn writer who wrote of Jesus: He makes the rebel a priest and a king, He has bought us and taught us this new song to sing: Unto Him who has loved us and washed us from sin, Unto Him be the glory forever. Amen.[4] Jesus is the Glory of Our Redemption (vv. 9-16) In Revelation 1:9-16, John sees the glory of the One who was laid in a manger on the first Christmas, what he lists for us are nine characteristics of Jesus glory that come together in Him being fully God and fully manjust as the number 7 symbolizes fullness or completeness, the number 9 symbolizes perfection. Here are the nine things John sees in a Jesus who, because of the incarnation now is fully God and fully Man for the rest of eternity: Jesus stands in the middle of the seven lampstands. The lampstand John sees was like the menorah used in Solomons temple that symbolized the seven days of creation. It was one lampstand with seven lamps. Remember that seven symbolizes fullness; the seven churches are both seven literal churches that symbolize the global Church. Jesus is both Lord of the Church and the center of the Church because He purchased her with His blood. He is the groom, and the Church is His Bride. In the manger was laid the groom of the Church! Jesus is clothed in a robe wearing a golden sash. The clothing Jesus is wearing when John sees Him is that of both a High Priest and a King. Jesus stands in the midst of His Church as the King and He stands serving as the High Priest whose perfect sacrifice was Himself for the atonement for sins, sins we are guilty of. The one laid in a manger was born to die for sinners: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written: Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (Gal. 3:13). Jesus head and hair are white like white wool. Jesuss head and hair are white because before He was born in flesh, he was for all eternity the Ancient of Days spoken of by the prophet Daniel, I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head like pure wool (Dan. 7:9). The one laid in a manger is the Ancient of Days who stands as the groom, High Priest of His Church because He is Him who is, Holy, holy, holy Jesus eyes are like a flame of fire. What is the point? Christian, you are the Church, and although you may be weary and tired the Groom of the Church does not grow weary or tired! The One laid in a manger sees you and sees all that is wrong in the world; His eyes are like a flame of fire because the judgment He will bring will make all that is wrong in our world right and good, for when He comes, he will come to make His blessings flow as far as the curse is found. Jesus feet are like burnished and glowing bronze. His feet of bronze symbolize the strength of Jesus as both King and Savior who will crush His enemies, of which the first enemy was death. He is Lord of His Church who stands in the midst of His Bride which means that NO ONE can remove His lampstands from Him; the One whose feet are like burnished bronze is He who declared: My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand (John 10:2728). Jesus voice is like the sound of many waters. Like the continuous waves of the ocean or the roar of Niagara Falls to the tenth power the cries of the infant child from Marys womb on the first Christmas to the triumphant cry from the Cross: It is finished! is the voice of the Ancient of Days; when He speaks creation happens, demons flee, the lame walk, the sick are cured, and the dead become the living! The voice that John heard is the voice of omnipotent power and absolute authority. Jesus holds in His right hand the seven stars. Whoever or whatever the seven stars are, the point is that Jesus holds them in His right hand, which is the hand of strength. The point is that there is only One King of kings and One Lord of lords; it was a reminder that although Rome had her emperor who sentenced John to Patmos, there is only One true Sovereign! Jesus is sovereign over empires, He is sovereign over the cosmos, He is sovereign over life and death! The One laid in the manger, is the One, before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Col. 1:17). From Jesus mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword. The sharp two-edged sword is symbolic of the life and power of Christs Word. What comes out of the mouth of King Jesus is, living and active, and sharper than any two-edge sword (Heb. 4:12). Philip Hughes said of the sword John saw come out of Jesus mouth: The sword which is the Lords word has two edges [so] it never fails to cut. If it does not cut with the edge of salvation, it cuts with the edge of condemnation; for the word of redemption to all who believe is at the same time the word of destruction to those who refuse to believe.[5] Jesus face is like the sun shining in its strength. In the face of Christ, John sees what we must see in Jesus: To have Him shine upon you as your savior and redeemer who was born to live the life you could never live to die a death that you deserved to die is to have the face of God shine upon you. In the face of Jesus is the union of undiminished deity and perfect humanity forever in one person. What John saw in Revelation 1:4-18 was, is, and forever will remain the only version of Jesus that exists. The Jesus that John saw and experienced was not a Jesus who became the Son of God through the virgin birth, but He has always been the Son of God! It is this Jesus the prophet Jeremiah wrote about hundreds of years before the Christ Child was laid in a manger on the first Christmas: Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will live securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, Yahweh Our Righteousness. (Jer. 23:56). To worship any other Jesus besides this Jesus is to embrace a version of Jesus who cannot save! Conclusion: Jesus is the Goal of Our Redemption (vv. 17-18) After John experiences this Jesus, we are told that he, fell at His feet like a dead man. I am not sure if that means John had a heart attack or what, but what I do know is that Jesus placed his right hand on the apostle and said something that should now be clearer to you than when you first arrived this morning: Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and of Hades (vv. 17-18). What does all this mean? What it means is this: the child born to Mary was, is, and forever will be fully God and fully Man who was born to save sinners like you and me. The Jesus of Revelation 1:4-18 took on human flesh and was born on the very first Christmas. If the manger could speak to all in attendance as it held the One identified as the Ancient of Days, the Prince of Peace, and Yahweh our Righteousness it would say, If you were a hundred times worse than you are. Your sins would be no match for His mercy.[6] Amen. [1] Michael Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic; 2012); p. 9. [2] Fred Sanders, The Deep Things of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2017); p. 75 [3] The number seven is symbolic of fullness and is used here as a reference to the fullness of the Holy Spirits work in the lives of Gods people (see Isa. 11:2; Rev. 3:1; 4:5; 5:6). [4] Joel R. Beeke, Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books; 2016); p. 26. [5] Ibid. pp. 46-7. [6] Tim Keller.
God is a Trinity in that He is One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In his book, Delighting in the Trinity, Michael Reeves wrote of the Trinity: If the Trinity were something we could shave off God, we would not be relieving him of some irksome weight; we would be shearing him of precisely what is so delightful about him. For God is triune, and it is as triune that he is so good and desirable.[1] Fed Sanders in his book, The Deep Things of God, wrote: God is eternally Trinity, because triunity belongs to his very nature. Things like creation and redemption are things God does, and he would still be God if he had not done them. But Trinity is who God is, and without being the Trinity, he would not be God. God minus creation would still be God, but God minus Father, Son, and Holy Spirit would not be God. So when we praise God for being our creator and redeemer, we are praising him for what he does. But behind what God does is the greater glory of who he is: behind his act is his being.[2] To appreciate the glory of the King who was born on the first Christmas, you must understand what it is that sets the God of the Bible apart from every cult and religion is that the God in the Bible is One God in Three (Trinity) Persons. What this means is that there was never a time when Jesus was created because there was never a time when He was not the Son. What happened that never happened before and never will happen again is in the angels announcement to Mary: behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus (Luke 1:31)? What happened that was new was God the Son took on human flesh by being conceived in the womb of a virgin. What was new was that God the Son also became the Son of Mary (Luke 1:31, 35). Represented in the Christ Child was, the union of undiminished deity and perfect humanity forever in one person. The message of advent is simply this: The plan was always for a King to reign in Israel over all the nations. In passages like Isaiah 44:6-8, Yahweh was to be King over Israel. We are told in verse 6, This is what Yahweh says, He who is the King of Israel and his Redeemer, Yahweh of armies: I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. In 2 Samuel 7:13, we read of how king David was promised that a very human descendant of his would reign as king forever: He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. Both Isaiah 44:6-8 and 2 Samuel 7:13 come together in the promise of Isaiah 9:6-7, For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:67) The glorious reality of the Trinity is that the Son was always the King of Isaiah 44 and Isaiah 9, and the incarnation allowed Him to be all of Isaiah 44:6-8 and Isaiah 9:6-7 while at the same time becoming the Son of David (2 Sam. 7:8-17) through the virgin birth (Luke 1:26-38). Jesus is the Means for Our Redemption (vv. 4-8) The book of Revelation was written to suffering Christians who needed encouragement. There was much that John suffered because of his association with Jesus, and although he most likely was not martyred for his faith, many of his friends were. If you believe that the purpose of the book of Revelation is primarily about how the world will end, you have missed the point of the book entirely. We are told why it was written in its opening verses: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bondservants, the things which must soon take place (v. 1). When you are in a season of long-term suffering, it is easy to grow weary believing that there will be no end to such suffering. The book of Revelation was written to encourage suffering Christians that their suffering had an expiration date while their salvation would remain nonperishable. Before we are told about what is coming, John first tells us what has already happened. In just three short verses, the apostle lists for us seven reasons why we can be confident that our suffering is not how our story will end: John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His bloodand He made us into a kingdom, priests to His God and Fatherto Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:46) The grace and peace of verse 4 is from three persons. The One, who is, and who is to come is God the Father, the seven spirits is a reference to the Holy Spirit,[3] and, the grace and peace that is for the Christian is from Jesus Christ. Seven is an important number in the Bible, especially in the book of Revelation and its use is symbolic of fullness. In these opening verses, John lists seven ways Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection benefits the Christian: Jesus is a faithful witness in the way He lived, died, and rose from the grave. His life is our example, and we are to look to Him as we, run with endurance the race that is set before us looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfector of the faith (Heb. 12:1-2). Jesus is the first born of the dead in that he suffered and died, but He did not stay dead. Jesus conquered death, which means that our death will eventually lead to a resurrection too. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth in that He is sovereign over all earthly powers to the point that no king can destroy what Jesus loves and treasures. Jesus loves us and His love for His Church is not fleeting, fragile, or conditional. Jesus released us from our sins by His blood in that He shed His blood on a cross of wood by becoming a curse for us to free us from the curse of sin in perpetuity. Jesus made us into a kingdom in that the citizenship of the Christian is in the realm of Jesus kingdom. Jesus made us into priests who were once alienated from God, are now reconciled to God, and called to participate in the mission of God as His ambassadors. Because God the Father so loved the world, He sent Jesus the Son who completed all that was needed for our redemption, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because we are recipients of the first advent of Christs coming, we now long for the second advent of His coming which, according to verses 8-9 is as good as done: Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:78). This is why the angel was able to announce to lowly shepherds that the birth of Jesus was good news: Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:1011). So, we rejoice with the hymn writer who wrote of Jesus: He makes the rebel a priest and a king, He has bought us and taught us this new song to sing: Unto Him who has loved us and washed us from sin, Unto Him be the glory forever. Amen.[4] Jesus is the Glory of Our Redemption (vv. 9-16) In Revelation 1:9-16, John sees the glory of the One who was laid in a manger on the first Christmas, what he lists for us are nine characteristics of Jesus glory that come together in Him being fully God and fully manjust as the number 7 symbolizes fullness or completeness, the number 9 symbolizes perfection. Here are the nine things John sees in a Jesus who, because of the incarnation now is fully God and fully Man for the rest of eternity: Jesus stands in the middle of the seven lampstands. The lampstand John sees was like the menorah used in Solomons temple that symbolized the seven days of creation. It was one lampstand with seven lamps. Remember that seven symbolizes fullness; the seven churches are both seven literal churches that symbolize the global Church. Jesus is both Lord of the Church and the center of the Church because He purchased her with His blood. He is the groom, and the Church is His Bride. In the manger was laid the groom of the Church! Jesus is clothed in a robe wearing a golden sash. The clothing Jesus is wearing when John sees Him is that of both a High Priest and a King. Jesus stands in the midst of His Church as the King and He stands serving as the High Priest whose perfect sacrifice was Himself for the atonement for sins, sins we are guilty of. The one laid in a manger was born to die for sinners: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written: Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (Gal. 3:13). Jesus head and hair are white like white wool. Jesuss head and hair are white because before He was born in flesh, he was for all eternity the Ancient of Days spoken of by the prophet Daniel, I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head like pure wool (Dan. 7:9). The one laid in a manger is the Ancient of Days who stands as the groom, High Priest of His Church because He is Him who is, Holy, holy, holy Jesus eyes are like a flame of fire. What is the point? Christian, you are the Church, and although you may be weary and tired the Groom of the Church does not grow weary or tired! The One laid in a manger sees you and sees all that is wrong in the world; His eyes are like a flame of fire because the judgment He will bring will make all that is wrong in our world right and good, for when He comes, he will come to make His blessings flow as far as the curse is found. Jesus feet are like burnished and glowing bronze. His feet of bronze symbolize the strength of Jesus as both King and Savior who will crush His enemies, of which the first enemy was death. He is Lord of His Church who stands in the midst of His Bride which means that NO ONE can remove His lampstands from Him; the One whose feet are like burnished bronze is He who declared: My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand (John 10:2728). Jesus voice is like the sound of many waters. Like the continuous waves of the ocean or the roar of Niagara Falls to the tenth power the cries of the infant child from Marys womb on the first Christmas to the triumphant cry from the Cross: It is finished! is the voice of the Ancient of Days; when He speaks creation happens, demons flee, the lame walk, the sick are cured, and the dead become the living! The voice that John heard is the voice of omnipotent power and absolute authority. Jesus holds in His right hand the seven stars. Whoever or whatever the seven stars are, the point is that Jesus holds them in His right hand, which is the hand of strength. The point is that there is only One King of kings and One Lord of lords; it was a reminder that although Rome had her emperor who sentenced John to Patmos, there is only One true Sovereign! Jesus is sovereign over empires, He is sovereign over the cosmos, He is sovereign over life and death! The One laid in the manger, is the One, before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Col. 1:17). From Jesus mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword. The sharp two-edged sword is symbolic of the life and power of Christs Word. What comes out of the mouth of King Jesus is, living and active, and sharper than any two-edge sword (Heb. 4:12). Philip Hughes said of the sword John saw come out of Jesus mouth: The sword which is the Lords word has two edges [so] it never fails to cut. If it does not cut with the edge of salvation, it cuts with the edge of condemnation; for the word of redemption to all who believe is at the same time the word of destruction to those who refuse to believe.[5] Jesus face is like the sun shining in its strength. In the face of Christ, John sees what we must see in Jesus: To have Him shine upon you as your savior and redeemer who was born to live the life you could never live to die a death that you deserved to die is to have the face of God shine upon you. In the face of Jesus is the union of undiminished deity and perfect humanity forever in one person. What John saw in Revelation 1:4-18 was, is, and forever will remain the only version of Jesus that exists. The Jesus that John saw and experienced was not a Jesus who became the Son of God through the virgin birth, but He has always been the Son of God! It is this Jesus the prophet Jeremiah wrote about hundreds of years before the Christ Child was laid in a manger on the first Christmas: Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will live securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, Yahweh Our Righteousness. (Jer. 23:56). To worship any other Jesus besides this Jesus is to embrace a version of Jesus who cannot save! Conclusion: Jesus is the Goal of Our Redemption (vv. 17-18) After John experiences this Jesus, we are told that he, fell at His feet like a dead man. I am not sure if that means John had a heart attack or what, but what I do know is that Jesus placed his right hand on the apostle and said something that should now be clearer to you than when you first arrived this morning: Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and of Hades (vv. 17-18). What does all this mean? What it means is this: the child born to Mary was, is, and forever will be fully God and fully Man who was born to save sinners like you and me. The Jesus of Revelation 1:4-18 took on human flesh and was born on the very first Christmas. If the manger could speak to all in attendance as it held the One identified as the Ancient of Days, the Prince of Peace, and Yahweh our Righteousness it would say, If you were a hundred times worse than you are. Your sins would be no match for His mercy.[6] Amen. [1] Michael Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic; 2012); p. 9. [2] Fred Sanders, The Deep Things of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2017); p. 75 [3] The number seven is symbolic of fullness and is used here as a reference to the fullness of the Holy Spirits work in the lives of Gods people (see Isa. 11:2; Rev. 3:1; 4:5; 5:6). [4] Joel R. Beeke, Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books; 2016); p. 26. [5] Ibid. pp. 46-7. [6] Tim Keller.
We would love to pray for you! Click here to contact our prayer team!Colossians 1:15-18 “15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”I. Everything is made by _______ for _______.John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”II. Living for Jesus means living life to the _______.Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”III. Life is not just about _______ you do, it's about _______ you do it.2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”IV. Living life to the fullest means living as a _______ in JesusTo view our video archive of past sermons, click here!
Damian Long | Psalm 139 | Psalms of Jesus | To be known fully and completely is to be undone. Jesus as the very known-ness, knowability, and all-knowing God, searches our hearts and humbles us, as he leads us through the death to self to life everlasting in Him.
Get the Spirit Filled Radio AppAPPLE LINK FOR APPGOOGLE PLAY LINK FOR APPWeek 5 I Thirst Follow UpSet Apart to be Holy1. What is Holiness?Things are set apart for heavenly useOld TestamentDaily use objects are good and needed for daily life2. Virtues bridges the gap between Heaven and EarthFaith Hope and CharityThe Virtues are interconnectedWhen you grow in Charity then all the virtues grow with it.3. Holiness is a beautiful gift from God. Holiness is a perfection of all the virtuesWeek 5 Evangelization Challenge Read the Holy Scriptures in a public space, restaurant, coffee show, library. Find a scripture in your reading that applies to your life and share it with someone and ask them what it means to them. This could be a friend or family member. Holy Scriptures that focus on Holiness and being set apartRomans 12:2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 8:28-30And we know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good, to such as, according to his purpose, are called to be saints. For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be made conformable to the image of his Son; that he might be the firstborn amongst many brethren. And whom he predestinated, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified. And whom he justified, them he also glorified.Ephesians 4:20-24 But you have not so learned Christ; If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus: To put off, according to former conversation, the old man, who is corrupted according to the desire of error. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And put on the new man, who according to God is created in justice and holiness of truth.Hebrews 12:13-15 And we know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good, to such as, according to his purpose, are called to be saints. For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be made conformable to the image of his Son; that he might be the firstborn amongst many brethren. And whom he predestinated, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified. And whom he justified, them he also glorified.2 Timothy 4:17-18 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished, and that all the Gentiles may hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work: and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.2 Corinthians 7:1-5 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear of God. Receive us. We have injured no man, we have corrupted no man, we have overreached no man. I speak not this to your condemnation. For we have said before, that you are in our hearts, to die together, and to live together. Great is my confidence for you, great is my glorying for you. I am filled with comfort: I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulation. For also when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we suffered all tribulation; combats without, fears within.1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and justice, and sanctification, and redemption: T
Hey everyone, welcome to "The Power of God's Whisper Podcast"! I'm your host, Matthew Adams, and today we're diving into John 6:37, where Jesus promises never to reject those who come to Him. We'll explore how our relationship with God transforms our understanding of His Word, enabling us to hear His voice more clearly. So, let's get started and discover how growing in our relationship with Jesus can bring His Word to life in our lives.Thank you for reading My Reasons To Believe. This post is public so feel free to share it.Point 1: Transforming Our Perspective John Bunyan's story teaches us that our relationship with God can dramatically change our perspective on Scripture. As we come to know Jesus more intimately, the Bible transforms from a religious book into a source of life and fullness, filled with God's voice.Point 2: The Power of Relationship The key to hearing God's voice in Scripture is a relationship with Him. When we know the Father, we begin to see Him more clearly in His Word and our daily lives. This deepening relationship helps us understand and apply the truths found in the Bible.Point 3: Looking to Jesus To truly grasp the message of the Bible, we must look to Jesus. As we focus on His life, teachings, and love, we can better understand the truth and meaning behind the words on the page. Our relationship with Jesus unlocks the richness and depth of Scripture.Conclusion: John 6:37 reminds us that Jesus will never reject those who come to Him. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, our understanding of Scripture is transformed, and we can hear God's voice more clearly. Let's continue to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, allowing His love and truth to guide us in our daily lives.Call to Action: Are you ready to deepen your relationship with Jesus and experience the transformation in understanding Scripture? Start by spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking Jesus in all areas of your life. Share your journey with friends, and encourage one another to grow closer to Jesus. And don't forget to subscribe to "The Power of God's Whisper Podcast" for more inspiration and guidance in your walk with God. Let's embrace the power of a relationship with Jesus and experience the life-changing impact it has on our understanding of Scripture.Let's Pray…Jesus, give me the gift of seeing Your Word with new eyes as if I'm reading it for the first time every day. Make my vision come alive with new insights every time I gaze into the truth of Your Word.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe
This week's message continues the examination of the Gifts of the Spirit, focusing on those found in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. “In dealing with the Spirit, we are dealing with none other than the personal presence of God himself.” - Gordon D. Fee What are the gifts for? To point to Jesus To build up and encourage believers It is scriptural. It is for everyone. This message was spoken at Woodlake Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sunday, February 12th, 2023 by Pastor Jamie Austin. You can check out the notes for this message by clicking on this link: https://www.bible.com/events/49028569 If you have any questions or comments, please email us at SermonQA@Woodlake.church and we will be happy to help you find the answers you're looking for. Be sure to check back for more episodes! https://www.woodlake.church/
How do we experience the peace in our bodies and emotions that we know we have in Jesus? We do we calm the storms in our critical thoughts when life plans fall apart? Bonnie shows you how to break the anxiety bond your mind creates in moments of stress and calm your mind with God's peace. Bonnie focuses on your spiritual wellness in her series “Moving from Anxiety to Rest.” Meditate on God's loving promise to help you practice peace in today's episode. Refresh your mind with biblical truth and calming peace as Bonnie shows you how. Learn: - To break the anxiety bond your mind creates in moments of stress - How to quiet mind from critical thoughts and respond to Jesus's voice instead - Why your body experiences anxiety when you don't understand why - How to calm your fears and emotional overwhelm with Jesus - To use a simple prayer practice to stop anxious thoughts right away - To Improve spiritual wellness by learning how to hear Jesus in the storms of life Breath Prayer Promise: (Inhale) I Will Not Be Afraid (Exhale) For You Are With Me Scripture: ‘Take heart; it is I.Do not be afraid.' Mark 6:50 Soul Care Tip: Bonnie shares how to replace negative neural pathway with God's truth and affirmation. Using imaginative prayer to invite Jesus into your storm. LINKS & RESOURCES Register FREE for Bonnie's FREE Breathe Wellness Bible Study to tackle four areas of well-being: emotional, physical, spiritual, and social wellness at http://thebonniegray.com/breathe. Get 4 LIVE Sessions + Community Support! Grab Bonnie's new book to lower stress, Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less & Transform Chaos to Calm Take the Soul Care Quiz at http://soulcarequiz.com/ Learn which areas of wellness you're missing the most. Take this FREE Personal Wellness Assessment to get a stress-less analysis to find out how to recover God's peace and joy in your life. Want Scientific Articles mentioned in Today's Show? Sign up for the FREE Breathe Newsletter https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/ Get Bonnie's FREE 7 Prayers & Scriptures to Calm Anxiety here! FOLLOW BONNIE:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week's message continues the examination of the Gifts of the Spirit, focusing on those found in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. The gifts specifically focused on in this week's message are: What are the gifts for? To point to Jesus To build up and encourage believers Prophecy Tongues as a manifestation This message was spoken at Woodlake Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sunday, February 5th, 2023 by Pastor Jamie Austin. You can check out the notes for this message by clicking on this link: https://www.bible.com/events/49024790 If you have any questions or comments, please email us at SermonQA@Woodlake.church and we will be happy to help you find the answers you're looking for. Be sure to check back for more episodes! https://www.woodlake.church/
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.“There are plenty of awareness months and days dedicated to various causes. Some get a lot of attention; some pass by relatively unnoticed. People in slavery deserve attention. They deserve to have a voice. And you have a powerful one through your social media.” Paula Cornell - Love JusticeThis quote was from a recent blog post on the Love Justice website, where you can read stories of real people whose monitors prevented them from completing their slavery journey.It is estimated that 50 million people are trapped in slavery today. Most often, this happens when people are offered an opportunity they can't refuse.In this episode, I will talk to Briony Fickling, who works for Love Justice as Regional Steward for Southern African countries.She will share her journey working with Love Justice as they work to: Step in during critical moments between freedom and slavery.Prevent the next victim from being trafficked Put Traffickers in jailShare the love & hope of JesusTo learn more about Love Justice International and Human Trafficking, you can go to LoveJustice.ngo
This week's "The Fruits of the Spirit" message discusses the importance of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and: What are they for? To point to Jesus To build up and encourage believers. Who are they for? The Gifts benefit everyone. How do they operate? Trust Timing Tone This week's message was spoken at Woodlake Church in Tulsa Oklahoma on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 by Pastor Jamie Austin. You can check out the notes for this message by clicking on this link: https://my.bible.com/events/49016909 If you have any questions or comments, please email us at SermonQA@Woodlake.church and we will be happy to help you find the answers you're looking for. Be sure to check back for more episodes! https://www.woodlake.church/
In this episode, we being a series on pondering peace. Put simply: what does scripture say about it...what does Jesus say about it? Psalm 34:14 "...seek peace and pursue it."John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." (words of Jesus) To join me this Advent season, order your She Reads Truth study book here today and use discount code JILLIAN15 at check out! *Order now to get the book in time for Day 1, which is November 27!https://www.shopshereadstruth.com/products/advent-2022-study-book-she-reads-truth Follow Ponderwell on InstagramPonderwell WebsiteShow Hope
Ronnie shares about his wicked and dark past before Christ. He was into heavy drug use, intense hate, demonic practices, basically fulling into rejecting anything that had to do with Christianity. Something happened to him that forever changed his life! He had an encounter and was told he is Not Satan's, but that he belongs to Christ. Ronnie now makes his music for Jesus, he is passionate about evangelizing to those who are "the forgotten" . If you saw Ronnie on the street you would never think of him as a Christian (face tattoos that show as a testimony of his past). Don't let looks fool you, Ronnie loves Christ and has the biggest heart to serve!. I am so grateful to have found him on his TikTok which he has over 30k followers. There he has wonderful community and fellowship for those who maybe are lacking a local body, sharing bible studies and support. He has such a passion for sharing the Gospel. He has been walking with Christ for over a year now! I am so happy to be starting this second season of Tell Me Your Testimony off with Ronnie's Story. When asked to give a brief description of his testimony, Ronnie replied: "God is real. He told me about Jesus" ** To watch episodes on YouTube click here ** If you would like to follow her: TikTok @reallygood777 Youtube @reallygood777 **CONTENT WARNING** Topics discussed in today's episode maybe upsetting to some listeners (drug and alcohol abuse ). I do not use adult language, but adult topics that can be triggering do come up. Please be advised and take care of yourself. If you want to share your testimony here's how: Email: tellyourtestimonypod@gmail.com Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tellmeyourtestimonypod Website: www.tellmeyourtestimony.com Other links to help support or be a part of the podcast: https://linktr.ee/Tellmeyourtestimony --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tell-your-testimony/support
In this message Pastor Fran again addresses the two groups into which American Christianity is dividing, and using the question Peter asked Jesus (To whom would we go?) to ask both groups crucial questions through which we might again find an authentic and life giving faith centered in Jesus,
Another episode of The Pieces Podcast is here to enjoy! On this podcast we hope to facilitate opportunities to convene and learn more about God through music led devotionals. Let's get excited to enjoy our love for music and Christ in one place. Today we welcome Carla Wilmaris. Host and Creator of the Pivot with Purpose Podcast as well as Founder of Idea to Launch Academy and Agency. Before Carla evolved into a passion-driven Podcast Guru, she was a corporate girl crunching numbers behind a desk. She worked as an accountant and although she was great at what she did , she knew it wasn't in alignment with my purpose. She worked every day towards her passion for the podcasting industry. A hobby evolved into a full-time podcaster. Through sharing her personal story she was able to amass over 1 million downloads and create a business to help others just like me do the same! Her academy Idea to Launch has now helped over 700 podcasters launch a successful and profitable podcast. Follow her on Instagram (@carlawilmaris, @ideatolaunch, and @pivotwithpurposepod) and your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date on her newest episodes. On today's podcast, we'll get into what anchor scriptures are, our next dissected song, and step into the listening room! Anchor Scripture: An anchor scripture is that one scripture that holds a lot of power. It's a reminder that no matter how we might drift off or lose ourselves in the process of LIFE, it'll always help us recenter and remind us of the character and presence of God in our life. Isaiah 61:1 - “The Lord God has put his Spirit in me, because the Lord has appointed me to tell the good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort those whose hearts are broken, to tell the captives they are free, and to tell the prisoners they are released.” Today's featured song: Break Every Chain x Tasha Cobbs Leonard Listen here: The Pieces Podcast Official Playlist (Season 2) - Apple Music or Spotify The lyrics say, “There is power in the name of Jesus To break every chain There's an army rising up To break every chain The chains are broken I hear the chains falling” We'll reflect on what it means to pivot with purpose, what happens when you take a leap of faith, lessons learned from pivoting, embracing life's seasons, viewing hindsight peace in chaos, Peter and the breaking of his chains, and the latest additions to The Listening Room. Tune into today's episode for the full breakdown. The Listening Room: Check out the songs featured on today's episode! Listen here: The Pieces Podcast The Listening Room (Season 2) - Apple Music or Spotify Carla Recommends: Sarah Jakes Roberts Sermons - Overcoming Life's Setbacks to Find Your Purpose: -Podcast -Video Missing our old playlists? Access them here: Let the Music Play Sign up to receive our exclusive “Pieces Made Whole II” Playlist! Subscribe, Comment, & download this podcast on your favorite listening platform. Email us at thepiecespodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @thepiecespodcast, Twitter @thepiecespod, and check out our website - www.thepiecespodcast.com! Thanks for listening!
Join Rick for the first episode of the series—“THE WAYS OF JESUS.” There was a miraculous birth that preceded the miraculous birth of Jesus—John the Baptist. He was born of an elderly couple, chosen to “prepare the way” for Jesus by calling the Jews to repentance. John targeted their complacency and entitlement—challenging them to turn from following the way of the world to the way of the Kingdom of God, ultimately the Way of Jesus… To repent means to turn your back on, and turn your face toward. Who will be our King? Rick's new book, The Suicide Solution, is now available! You can check out its Amazon page here: https://www.amazon.com/Suicide-Solution-Finding-Your-Darkness/dp/1684511593/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1631675941&sr=8-1 And if you can watch Rick's webinar on the book, with co-author Dr. Daniel Emina, right here: https://youtu.be/M5KOBvGA2rs And don't forget to check out his new daily devotional Jesus-Centered Daily—go to jesuscentereddaily.com to download a 10-day sampler of the devotion, or to order it for yourself or as a gift. Or head straight to Amazon to order it: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Centered-Daily-Touch-Smell-Taste/dp/1470759608/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Jesus-Centered+Daily&qid=1599794429&sr=8-1 Sign Up for the FREE 7-Day Devotional Series, Drawn from the Jesus-Centered Daily https://www.mylifetree.com/jesus-centered-daily-download/?fbclid=IwAR2H19A3iHl53Rl7OUrJLWkq3NkFjSFlxTUnngBOAeZDvo2GHHUnnHWJQo0 Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all-in with Jesus—to live a life that's “free indeed” because we're wholly dependent on Him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, sneak peeks of new resources, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Join Rick's Email List ricklawrence.com/stay-connected/ Rick's Email Addresses rick@ricklawrence.com rlawrence@vibrantfaith.org Vibrant Faith https://vibrantfaith.org Free Resources: As we continue to navigate COVID-19 and the changes it brings to our daily lives, we'd like to come alongside you with downloadable freebies to help provide you with new activities, devotions, and more for your kids, family, teenagers, and you on a weekly basis. Check out our free resource hub NOW! www.mylifetree.com/free Related Resources: The Suicide Solution (NEW!) https://www.amazon.com/Suicide-Solution-Finding-Your-Darkness/dp/1684511593/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+Suicide+Solution&qid=1628897750&sr=8-2 Jesus-Centered Daily www.amazon.com/Jesus-Centered-Da…1593117629&sr=8-1 Spiritual Grit: A Journey Into Endurance. Character. Confidence. Hope. www.mylifetree.com/shop/spiritual-grit/ Growing Spiritual Grit for Teenagers: 40 Devotions www.mylifetree.com/shop/growing-sp…s-40-devotions/ Growing Spiritual Grit: 52 Personal Devotions www.mylifetree.com/shop/growing-sp…onal-devotions/ The Jesus-Centered Life: The Life You Didn't Think Was Possible, With the Jesus You Never Knew by Rick Lawrence www.mylifetree.com/shop/the-jesus-centered-life/ The Jesus-Centered Bible www.mylifetree.com/jesus-centered-bible-shop-page/ The God Who Fights for You: How He Shows Up in Your Suffering by Rick Lawrence www.amazon.com/God-Who-Fights-Yo…ing/dp/073697704X The Jesus-Centered Journal www.mylifetree.com/?s=jesus-center…imit=20&ixwps=1 Andrew Osenga's The Painted Desert https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B07F1K8RGR?ref=sr_1_1&s=dmusic&keywords=The+Painted+Desert+Andrew+Osenga&crid=3LX58K9V6WHAS&sprefix=the+painted+desert+andrew+osenga%2Cdigital-music%2C77&qid=1648223250&sr=1-1
Welcome to episode 40 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of Mark, covering background information to the book. The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!” Today, we discuss: Interesting facts about the book Authorship Genre Place of writing and initial audience Date Occasion and purpose Structure Key takeaways: Mark was probably the first gospel written, with Matthew and Luke using much of his content. Although the book does not provide the name of the author, early church historians stated that it was John Mark who wrote the book. The gospels provide written records of the oral accounts of the life of Jesus and are unlike other biblical genres. The gospels contain history, narrative, parables, prophecy, and end-times material. Mark wrote to a Gentile (principally Roman) audience probably from Rome. The date of the writing is uncertain, with some arguing for an early date (Mid 50's - early 60's), a middle date (Mid 60's), and a later date (late 60's or early 70's). It appears that Mark had several purposes when writing the book: To collect and arrange various individual traditions To develop his Christology (his understanding of the Christ) To record what it means to be a disciple of Jesus To clarify Jesus' teachings about the future Some divide the book along geographical lines while others opt for theological lines. I argue for three acts: Act 1: Chapters 1 – 8:26 Act 2: Chapters 8:27 – 10 Act 3: Chapters 11-16 Connect with us: Web site: https://springbaptist.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.
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