Podcasts about jew gentile

After rebuking the Galatians for their foolishness and lack of discernment, Paul introduced the patriarch Abraham to his argument. Many have viewed this simply as Paul providing a scriptural example of someone who was "justified by faith" apart from his works, but he actually had a much more profound reason for doing so. Paul understood that Abraham and his role in the salvation history were crucial to substantiating his claim that Jewish and Gentile disciples have equal status within the new covenant family that God is forming in His Son. For that family is the family promised to Abraham - a family consisting of people from every tribe, tongue and nation.

How should stronger Christians relate to weaker ones in the church? In this episode of Sermon B-Sides, Pastor Jon and Pastor Rusten continue through Romans 15, showing how the stronger are called to bear with the failings of the weak — just as Christ did not please himself but bore our reproach.They discuss the goal of church maturity, the power of endurance and encouragement from God, Jew-Gentile unity, and how Paul's missionary ambition to preach Christ where he has not been named flows directly from the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.We hope you enjoy, and as usual, if you have any questions for Sermon B-Sides or anything else, email us at pastor@coramdeochurch.org.

If unity is mission critical should we try to overcome denominational differences? Given that the Jew/Gentile fault line doesn't really exist now, how important is our Jewish heritage? Is there any Old Testament significance to the olive tree metaphor? 

Audio Transcript All right, well, beautiful singing and happy Father's Day to the fathers here. And it's a very important job that you have. And I hope that it's something that you're really striving to do faithfully and to really serve your children well in many ways, but particularly by pointing them to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Okay, so if you have a Bible with you, if you turn on to the Gospel of Luke, there texture studies will be Luke 8, 26, 39. If not mentioned. My name is Aaron. I'm the preaching pastor here. And we're really glad that you're with us today. So Luke 8, verses 26 to 39. And if you don't have a Bible with you, that's on the pew Bible, it's on page 500. There we go, page 505. And if you're visiting. So we do a style of preaching called expository preaching. So I'm going to read us the text and I'm going to pray and then we're going to walk ourselves right back through the text. So if you open your Bible, please keep your Bible open. Okay, so Luke 8, 2639, please hear the words of our God. That's what Luke wrote. Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite of Galilee. When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, what have you to do with me, Jesus, son of the most High God, I beg you, do not torment me. For he commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles. But he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert. Jesus then asked him, what is your name? And he said, legion, for many demons have entered him. And they begged him to not command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered. The pigs and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told the city and the country. Then people went out to see what had happened. And they came to Jesus, found the man from whom the demons had Gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed in his right mind. And they were afraid. And those had seen it told them how the demon possessed the man had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the garrisons asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, return to your home. Declare how much God has done for you. He went away proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. Okay, so that's God's word for us this morning. Would you please pray with me? Lord, I pray that you would bless this time. Please help me to be a good communicator of your word. Please help me to not stumble. Please keep me from error. Help me to speak truth. Lord, please be with the congregation. Please give them ears to hear what you're saying to us through your spirit, through the power of your word. It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen. Okay, so if you've been here at Red Village for some time, you know that we're in the midst of a long sermon series to the Gospel of Luke, which is a series that we hit the brakes on a few weeks back for us to look at a portion of the life of Moses found in the book of Exodus, where we have been looking at Moses life from his birth to the start of his ministry, a ministry of leading God's people out of the bondage of slavery in Egypt to take them on a journey to the promised land. You should remember that from birth to the start of this ministry actually covered like 80 years of Moses life. Now today as we gather together, we're actually hitting the brakes on that sermon series on Moses, mainly because Ben, who is scheduled to preach today from the end of Exodus 4, which is a kind of a wild passage, got sick at the end of the week, so unable to talk, therefore unable to preach. So we're hitting the brakes on that series of Moses to reengage in the Gospel of Luke, to go back where we left off in our study there before. Lord willing, we will once again hit the brakes on Luke next week to re engage in Exodus. We were planning to be for the next few weeks after that before, yes, we hit the brakes on Exodus, the life of Moses, to reengage the end of summer back in Luke. That's where we're going today. So because it's been a little bit since we've been in Luke, I thought Today might be a good for us to maybe spend a little bit of time reminding us where we've been in this study, particularly maybe some of the strong information of the Gospel of Luke. So the Gospel of Luke is one of four accounts that have in Scripture of the life, death, resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. So there's Matthew, Mark and John being the other accounts. This account to be referred to as Luke is because it's written by a man named Luke, who we see in other parts of scripture was a doctor as well as a missionary and it seems likely he was a Gentile, which refers to someone who is not Jewish. Where it seems likely that Luke came to faith through the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Sometime around the details of Acts 16, which you may remember Acts is also written by Luke. So it says part two, Acts is part two of a two volume work. So Gospel of Luke 18. In Acts there are two books of two volumes of this basically same work which we see in beginning of Luke was written first to a man named Theophilus, who Luke addressed in chapter one as like most excellent Theophilus. Now we don't know anything about this man, but because of his name, Theophilus was most likely a Gentile as well. And because he referred to as most excellent Theophilus seems likely he was a man of importance, of influence, maybe some type of political or military leader. And as Luke wrote to Theophilus, the contents of the book where we can seem to conclude is that Theophilus either was like strongly considering the Christian faith, strongly considering putting his trust in Jesus, or that perhaps maybe he was like brand new to the faith and now Luke is trying to like disciple him in the faith through this book. Furthermore, for the sake of review, as Luke wrote this book or this letter to Theophilus, he did so with the desire to give an orderly account of things that took place concerning the life, the ministry, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Luke did by interviewing eyewitnesses, those who were like physically present when the Lord Jesus walked the earth in his incarnation. It seems likely probably would interview other Gospel writers, particularly Matthew and Mark. It seems likely that Luke also would have interviewed like disciples who were there for the public ministry of Jesus, including our text today. To me it seems likely that Luke even interviewed Jesus's mother Mary, among others, who Luke interviewed who were present during the life of Christ, maybe even the man in our text today who's on the receiving end of incredible life changing work of Jesus. Perhaps Luke like interviewed him to get this story and there's obviously a lot more I could say here, but before we dive back in, just let me remind us where we were when we stopped our study, when we hit the brakes. So if you may remember, this is several weeks back, but we were in chapter eight and we walked through a story where Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and they were set to cross the Sea of Galilee, seemingly headed to where our text tells takes place today. But as you may remember, as he started to cross the sea, a huge storm basically came out of nowhere, a storm while Jesus was actually asleep in the boat. And at first, disciples tried to like get through the storm on their own strength, their own wisdom, their own experience, their own power. However, in time, they realized there's really nothing they could do to save themselves from the storm. They were helpless, they were hopeless. They needed Jesus to save them, which is really the truth for all of us in every situation that we're in, particularly when it comes to our own sin. We can't save ourselves. Only Jesus can save Pastors last time the disciples finally realized, accepted their helpless, hopeless state. They turn to Jesus, they woke him up, whereas he got up, calm the storm and saved him simply by the power of His Word, which caused the disciples to marvel at Jesus, to have like great fear and awe as they began to worship him and the power that he alone holds. As mentioned today, we're going to pick up where we left off, where Jesus and disciples are still in the boat, still headed to the other side of the lake, where once again our text today we can see the power of Jesus Christ on display. Power that once again will cause others to marvel at him and worship him, which I hope is true for all of us here this morning. Okay, so if that was an intro, please look back with me at the text starting in verse 26. And so he's going to walk right back through. So we see that after Jesus calmed the storm, so he and his disciples were still in the boat, setting sail for the country of the Gerasenes, which is the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee. As mentioned, this seemed to be like the intended destination when they got in the boat. In the previous text, our passage today, as the ship landed on the shore, we see that Jesus got up out of the boat and Luke tells us that he stepped out of the boat onto the land, which for us, at least for me, you know, Luke including this detail of Jesus, like getting out of the boat and as it hit shore, stepping on the land, to me this almost feels like, almost like an unnecessary Detail for Luke to include, of course, Jesus did that. That's what you do when the boat comes ashore. You get up and you walk on on land. But for me, I actually think the more I thought about it, I think this is actually kind of important detail, important enough for Luke to write. Write it down here for us to read. And the reason being is this country on the other side of the leak of Lake of Galilee, the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus landed. So this was Gentile land, a place where no culturally respectable Jew would ever like intentionally go. So I think Jesus like actively getting out of the boat into Gentile land. This is actually significant. This, this is a detail that Luke wants us to see. I think it's important for maybe a couple related reasons. So as mentioned at the start, so Luke was a Gentile. Theophilus, who this book was written to, most likely was a Gentile. In our text today and really throughout the Gospel of columns, we see Jesus continuing to minister to Gentiles. Now for us, this might not seem like a big deal, but we need to remind ourselves the incredible tension behind between Jews and Gentiles in this time period. So this is significant. This is Jesus showing that he's calling Jews and Gentiles to himself. This is part of the reason of the plan of why Christ came from heaven to save Jews and Gentiles. May remember way back in the early parts of our study of Luke Luke 2, on the first Christmas, the angels let the shepherds who were out watching their flock by night know that Christ was born. Remember how they sang the heavenly chorus like glory to God in the highest and on earth, like all people on earth, peace among whom he is well pleased. Then a few days after his birth, you may remember as Jesus presented at the temple, there was righteous Simeon met the Christ child and then he declared this. For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. So again, this here Jesus getting out of the boat, actively getting out of the boat in Gentile land. This is important. This is Jesus showing how he is actively fulfilling the Scriptures so that Jew Gentile, all nations of the earth would be blessed through him. So all nations would taste of his salvation, which is something promised in the Old Testament scripture. Promise that is even present during the life of Moses. Second, Jesus doing this, getting out of the boat to fill the scripture kind of mentioned this kind of passing. But this is, this is intentional by Jesus. This is part of his plan he was intentionally seek them out. Meaning this wasn't a Gentile who just so happened to be around Jesus, who just so happen to be hearing Jesus proclaim about the kingdom of God, and so he just so happened to come by faith? No. So again, this is Jesus intentionally with thought, with plan, going to the Gentiles to proclaim his kingdom, intentionally sailing to Gentile land, intentionally getting on a boat, intentionally walking out on the land to go and minister now for us with application. This is important for us to see Jesus do here one to remind us this is actually how it always works. Jesus is the one who actually intentionally comes to us like we do not go and seek after Him. He is the one who in his grace and his kindness seeks after us. And that was that. If we're going to be Christ, like this is something we too must do, right? We must be intentional to make plans to intentionally go to others, to minister to others, to tell others about Jesus and His saving power, even if those others might be not respectable for us to minister to. If you're kind of wondering maybe a very practical way to apply this, it's actually kind of the hope that we have for like these summer socials that we're trying to get going here, where all of us are intentionally making plans to go to others, to bring others into our lives with hopes that we can love on others with the love of Jesus Christ. Back to the text, keep going. As Jesus gets out of the boat, we see that there is a strange, odd welcoming for him. With odd actually being a theme that we're going to circle on the rest of the passage where we see in the text that there's a man from the city who had demons there to meet our Lord. Now we don't know how the man got the demons. So in scripture it appears that for some they're under the power of demons because like of sin, where they like open up doors for the demonic to enter in. But also maybe appears that sometimes some are under the power of demons because of like situations that they're in, perhaps because they were born in some type of occult type practices in the area. Although I will say if one is a Christian, while a demonic can have like influence over us in ways that they can deceive us, demons have like no power in terms of some type of like possession. Like the man in the text had he was possessed by demons, says if you are a Christian, you have the spirit of Christ living inside and his power is the only power of possession over you where you are sealed to Be his. So we don't know how the man got the demons, but at the start of the story, we do know that he was not someone who is trusting in Christ. And I think from our vantage point, seem really unlikely ever to do so. This man was seemingly way too far gone to ever come to faith in Jesus Christ. Well, keep going to the text. Because of demonic activity in this man's life, this man is clearly being tortured by. By the demons. And he was not in his right state of mind. So we read in the text that for a long time he was, like, removed from society where he, like, walked around having, like, no clothes, like, literally running around, like, naked. Where Mark's gospel tells us that this man was like, like cutting himself, crying out in constant pain. We're seeing our text in Luke that he was homeless. He was simply living among the tombs. Not for everyone, us, not everyone we meet who's not in the right minds. Not because they're being like, tortured or possessed by a demon. But I also think we should not be, like, quick to eliminate a possibility of that which actually circle back to that at the end, verse 28, even though this man was not in his right mind, this man still had enough of his mind that when he saw Jesus step out on the land, he recognized him and he cried out to him, falling at the feet of Jesus. Not for us already. This story is, like, a little odd to us, you know, this odd welcoming that Jesus received from this man. Well, buckle up, it's going to get more odd. Middle of the verse, we see what the man said to Jesus, which he said with a loud voice, what do you have to do with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God, I beg you, do not torment me now. Why? This is odd, at least to me. I mean, it's not necessarily. It's odd because this man is wondering if Jesus came to torment him in ways like maybe the demons were also tormenting him. Rather, it's odd to me, it appears the reason why the man was able to recognize Jesus as the son of the Most High God was because of the demons. And while it's hard to know who is actually speaking here, there's some debate within church history. To me, I actually think the demons are speaking through this man to Jesus. As the demons are worried Jesus came to torment them. This is pretty odd. Verse 29 we read. For he, Jesus, had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many times, the demon, or better said, demons, had seized the man. As the demons tortured and tormented this man as he ran naked, living among the tombs. The text, as this man was being possessed by the demons, like he was doing really odd things. So we see in the text that others would like capture him and they place him under guard, presuming to protect him maybe for himself, but more likely to protect him from, from others. And as they captured him, our text tells us they would like bind him with chains and shackles. But seemingly through some type of like demonic power and strength, the man were able to like break the bonds. The text tells he would like then flee, driven by the demon into the desert, which for this man this had to be just an awful, awful life to live. There's a reason why he spent his life like crying out, in pain, in torment, awful. Let me also mention here, just, let's just consider what this man would have been like for those who are around him, who lived around him in the region. I mean, they had to be like terrified of this individual. I mean, they would go great lengths to avoid him for many, many reasons. If no respectable Jew would talk to a Gentile, no respectable person would dare engage with this man. Yet that is what the Lord Jesus is doing here in the text. Verse 30. After demons spoke to Jesus or the man, we see Jesus respond back by asking, demons, what's your name? Only for the demon to respond back as they said, Legion. The word legion, this is a military term of the day to describe the military unit of like 6,000 men. For some they interpret this name Legion like Exactly to mean 6,000 demons were present tormenting this man, which is possible interpret that way. But most think this is actually a name. Maybe it's more symbolic to communicate just a vast number, a large number of demons were present and most things how the verse ends, for many demons had entered or injured him. Now for us, whether that's an exact number, it's more of symbolic number. The main point is this was an incredibly tormented man with many powerful demons who had possessed his life. However, as powerful as the many demons were, as Legion was in the text, even they understood what they were up against when it came to Jesus Christ, the son of the Most High God. As they were confronted by the power of Jesus in the text, Legion understood they were no match. And so we see them begin to like, plead with the Lord Jesus, which even that feels a little odd to me. Demons pleading, although as we keep going, it does make sense why they would plead and beg with Jesus as they begged him to not command him to depart into the abyss, which here the abyss seems a Reference to, like, a place of death, justice and judgment that Satan and all of his demons would be forever banished to when the Lord returns to judge the living and the dead. So while it does feel odd that demons are begging Jesus, it does make sense. Even demons have fear of the judgment of God to fall upon them. Which, by the way, on this side, if you're not a Christian, say this humbly, you should fear as well. I want to say this with my own pleading to you to turn to Jesus Christ, the one who saves us from judgment. Verse 32. As the demons pleaded with the Lord Jesus, we see that there's a large herd of pigs nearby, feeding on the hillside. And this detail here of the pigs, this underscores that this was a gentile land. In the Old Testament dietary law, the Jewish people were forbidden to eat pork. So this is a very gentile setting of this text. We see the text that the demons pointed out. The large herd of pigs began to beg Jesus that rather than sending them into the abyss of judgment and justice, they begged that they could enter into the pigs instead. To which Jesus actually gives them permission to do. Now, why did Jesus give them permission? Was this like an act of, like, grace and mercy on demons? I don't think so. I actually think this is an act of grace and mercy, not only on the man who's being tortured by the demons, but even like the Gentile herdsmen who are on the scene and others who are about to hear about this powerful work of Jesus. Get to that more in just a bit. But back to demons. Jesus gave them permission to enter. The pigs the demons came out of. The man entered into the pigs, causing the herd to, like, rush down the steep bank into the lake where they were drowned. Which there's some irony here if you see where the lake is basically an abyss, and scripture often waters a picture of judgment. So while perhaps the demons are spared that day from the final abyss, they still ended up in judgment. Now, that's all this was happening. If you take your eyes to verse 34, the herdsmen, they're still there, and they're watching this incredible, odd scene take place. And if this story feels odd to you and me, imagine being there, being them. What started out just like a very normal day, minding their own business, simply watching the herd of pigs. And now all this in the passage. As the herdmen saw this odd scene play out, they did the thing that I think we all would do. They got out of Dodge as quickly as they could. They fled the scene. I'm sure Running as fast as they could. However, they fled. The scene we see did not flee in silence. Rather they fled, doing so in ways that they're telling everyone in the city, throughout the country, of all the odd things that have just taken place. Just guessing. For those who heard this from the herdsmen, I'm sure they felt the herdsmen had lost their minds. Clearly they were delusional. Just a little bit too much time around the hogs, too far isolated from others. However, if that was the case, there was enough that the herdsmen said that piqued the interest of the people. As they heard the report, curiosity still kind of grabbed them, maybe in ways like the old freak shows at the circus when you draw like huge crowds. 35. After hearing all these odd things, the people decide what they need to do. Let's go see what happened. So they leave and they arrive on the scene. And as they arrive, they find Jesus with the man, this man with the many demons who I'm sure they all knew was mentioned before, all would avoid at all cost. But now they see this man with Jesus very different than they had before. Now he's sitting at the feet of Jesus, all the demons are gone, he's clothed and amazingly he's now in his right mind a complete radical life change. Which I did wonder for the people at the scene if perhaps this is like the oddest thing of all to see this one who is so far gone now there in his right mind with Jesus because of the power of Jesus. As people saw this, the text tells us they became afraid. Now for me, all the things took place. A demon, talking demons rushing into a herd of pigs who's proceeded to rush down into the lake to drown. Like this life changing reality that Jesus gave this man, this is what grips their hearts with fear, this and their hearts were gripped with fear, I'm sure being wondering, like what happened? How did this come to be? So verse 36, they went to those who were there who saw all this take place. They asked them again, like, okay, say it again like, how did all these events take place? Yeah, yeah, sure, we can do that. So we know every good story starts out with the word. So there we were, right? So there we're just normal day hanging out with the pigs by the cliff. They're just eating like they always do. We're sitting there, we see the boat land ashore. We see this one get out of the boat, one named Jesus particularly, grabs our eye. And from there all this happened. And this is why you see like the dead pigs floating in the lake. And this is why the demon possessed man is now healed in his right mind. It's all because of Jesus, this man who the demons declared to be the son of the Most High God. And as the people heard all this, they became even more afraid of Jesus and the power and the authority that he has, even over demons, the power and authority that Jesus has to change someone's life. So rather than falling down in worship of Jesus, verse 36 or 37, take your eyes there, all the people from all over the surrounding country of the garrisons came together and with one voice they asked Jesus to depart from them as they were seized by fear of him. This story here, this odd story, this is actually really sad here, maybe even this feels just odd. I mean, here's this group. They heard these incredible things about Jesus Christ. They just saw all that Jesus did for this man changed him. As mentioned, I think even like the drowning pigs was an act of grace for these people, as God in his power is like taking things from them in ways that should have led them to see how in Jesus they would have all that they need. However, rather than responding by faith to Jesus, by coming to him to sit at his feet like this man was sadly, oddly, they rejected him. They pushed Jesus out of their presence, giving Jesus like even out of the surrounding country, just get away, get out of here. Which by the way, is also a warning for those who may be here, have yet to come to Christ. This is part of my plea to you. As you hear about the Lord Jesus, you hear about all the things he has done, particularly in his death and resurrection. As you see the testimony of others who have had their lives changed by Jesus Christ. And maybe even you're wondering, like, why are all these things being taken from me? See these things as a grace in your life. Do not follow the example of the people in the text and push Jesus away. Rather follow the example of the man, the once demon possessed man, and come to Jesus, trust in Jesus, cling to Jesus, worship Jesus. The end of verse 37, as the people rejected the Lord, we see it, in short, Jesus, like dust off his feet, gets back in the boat, sets sail across the lake to return back to where he started at the beginning of chapter 8. However, in verse 38, as the Lord is making his way off of dry land back onto the boat, we see this once demon possessed man pursue the Lord in ways. He started to beg and plead with Jesus, but this time a very different begging and pleading from what the demons had earlier in the text as they begged Jesus to allow them to flee from his presence here. This man who had his life changed, begged and pleaded that Jesus would not leave his presence, they say, begging that he get in the boat with Lord. However, in the text, even though the man begged and pleaded, prayed to Jesus that he could come with him, we see in the passage that Jesus actually had different plans for this man, plans to use him in really great sweet ways. So Jesus, we see, sent the man away, saying to him, in verse 39 of the passage which ends our text, man, I'm telling you, return home. Yeah, that very home that you've been away from a very long time. And now I want you to return home in your right mind and declare to everyone there how much God has done for you. Tell them about me. Tell them how I change your life. Be my witness. Which at the start of the story, this would have felt so odd. This naked, homeless demon possessed man who everyone was afraid of, who everyone would avoid, who was a menace to society, would be changed so much by Jesus Christ. In short order, he basically become like a missionary or an evangelist who would be used by the Lord to declare his glory to others. Some of you may remember last spring we had a short little sermon series titled Unlikely Evangelist that we see in the Bible. This man, he certainly was that as the Lord commissioned him to be his witness. Which ends our passage with him going away, joyful obedience to the call of the Lord, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus has done for him, for us. That's where we're going to end this odd story this morning. But before we close, I just want to give us just maybe a few things just to ponder today and this week from this text. So first, in light of this passage, friends, it actually would be odd to not recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and the demonic in this present life. Now, this does not mean that we blame everything negative that happens, like, on the demons or is like, because of the devil. We're almost like there's a demon hiding under every rock ready to attack us. But scripture is also clear that there's a spiritual war at hand. There are demons on the attack. And the reality is that until we come to Christ, we actually are following after the prince. The power of the air, the spirit is now at work on the sons of disobedience. So it would be odd for us to deny the reality of the spiritual warfare. So in Luke's Gospel, there are actually multiple passages, some we've already gone through on the demonic. So not just this one, multiple passages So I keep saying it's odd for us if we don't recognize spiritual warfare, spiritual warfare that is at hand. This is why the scriptures, New Testament book Ephesians tells us we're to be diligent, to put on the armor of God. That's why we're to be mindful, like sober mindful or sober minded, so we don't fall into, like, spiritual traps. Spiritual traps often, like, divide us or to like, sinfully question and doubt God and His goodness in our life. We're to seek to build each other up in love. We're to be intentional, to hide God's Word in our hearts. This is how we fight spiritual war. By the way, the best way to do it is honestly just to be here every Sunday at church, actively engaging with God and His Word and with others in the church family. I actually think a lot of spiritual warfare that's there is trying to keep us, or at least keep us away or at least unengaged, like on Sunday mornings. Let me also mention before I move on on this note of spiritual warfare and the reality of demons. So if you're looking for a good book to read this summer, I just recommend to you the screwtape letters by C.S. Lewis. So it's a fictional book, but I think it's actually really helpful just to consider the spiritual war at hand. That's the first thing. Second, the work of Jesus in His text should feel odd. Not odd in terms of like, almost like grotesque in how the Lord is at work, but odd at just how different Jesus is from us. We're in the text, we see how different, odd he, his power is than ours. It's so far greater than we could ever imagine that here a legion of demons is terrified before the Lord Jesus Christ, his power, his authority over them. This is an odd power. This is not a power like we have. So much different. Likewise, it's not just his power that's odd, different from us, but so is his compassion and his mercy and his love, which are also hard for us to comprehend. So far different, odd from us. By the way, for me, this actually sticks out the most to me from this passage. Just the compassion, the mercy, the love that Jesus had toward this man, this man that everyone else wanted to avoid, this menace to society who seemed too far gone. Yet Jesus got in a boat, traveled across the shore to come to him with his overwhelming compassion, mercy, love. According to his intentional plan, Jesus came to save him, friends, in the most glorious ways. His compassion, the mercy, the love of Jesus. It's Just odd to us. Odd that Jesus would do this for a sinner. Which, by the way, was even more gloriously odd concerning Jesus Christ and the depths by which he would go to save sinners. It's not simply that he's like, willing to cross the lake, but in time, Jesus was actually nailed to a cross. We're in his great compassion and love and mercy, where he would take on the punishment of our sin, the judgment of God in our place. We're in his incredible love. He died for us, to call us to Himself, who were at enmity with him only for his great power to bring him back from the dead on the third day. So, yes, keep saying it. Odd story, no doubt. Odd on so many fronts, but that's kind of the point. The oddness reminds us that Jesus is so gloriously different from us, which is why we have to be like the man in the text and worship him and long to be in the presence of Jesus Christ, which actually I invite you and plead with you to do again, even right now, to pour out your life in the worship of him, to make Jesus the greatest desire, the greatest treasure of your life, where you long to be in his presence. Which, by the way, when we're truly in our right mind, this is always where our desire will be. Last thing third. So if you're here and you have faith in Jesus, it would be odd to keep silent about him and the work that he has done in your life. And yes, as we tell others about Jesus, some will think we're odd for doing so, for believing in Him. Like Eden, like Jesus in the text, they could reject us, push us away because of our witness. But church, Red Village for the sake of Jesus, for the good of others, let's be odd. Let's be like this man, and let us tell others what Jesus has done for us, how in his grace and in his power, he came to save us. So by intentionally going to them, we go with the hope that they will have their life changed by the Lord Jesus as well, saved by Him. So for us, yesterday we hit the brakes in Exodus to get back to Luke. But if we once again hit the brakes on Luke, Lord willing next week to get back to Exodus. But church, may we never hit hit the brakes when it comes to the worship of Jesus Christ. May we never hit the brakes in our longing to be with him in his presence. And may we never hit the brakes when it comes to our witness about him and what he has done in our life. Rather, may we always be intentional with these things. All of our days. Let's pray. Lord, thank you that you are so far different than us. And Lord, by the power of your spirit, I do pray that you would capture our hearts afresh this morning in the worship of you. Lord, please stoke our affections for you. Help us to long to be with you in your presence found in your word. And Lord, please help us to be faithful, to testify to all those around of the work that you have done for us, not only on the cross and in the resurrection, but also the work that you've done in our own lives. Or may we be faithful witnesses and may you use our witness to change the lives of many. Pray so. In Jesus name, amen. The post Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon – Luke 8: 26-39 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Asst. Pastor Melvin GainesRomans 10:11-21#Romans #Paul #Jesus #Christ #God #scripture #Jew #Gentile #trust #disgrace #Lord #generous #call #name #saved #believe #hear #tell #feet #messenger #goodnews #message #world #Moses #jealous #Isaiah #Israel  #rebellious

Kelly is joined by Jorge Besada to discuss many Jew-Gentile fallacies and ramifications which lead to increased antisemitism. WWII history, Zionism, Holocaust and many other related topics. Episode recorded 6/4/2026.

Paul publicly rebuked Peter to his face in one of the most shocking confrontations in the New Testament — but what really happened at Antioch? In this livestream, we examine Galatians 2:11–14, the dispute between Peter and Paul, the role of Barnabas, the Jerusalem Council, and the growing Jew-Gentile controversy in the early church. Did Peter compromise the gospel, or have Christians misunderstood this passage for centuries? That You May Know Him, Episode 300. Galatians, Part 5.

Send us Fan MailRomans 7:1–6 — Dead to the Law, Alive in the Spirit Ken Corkins and pastor Rocky Ellison host “Pondering the Bible” (Season 18, Episode 15), continuing their study of Romans by covering chapter 7:1–6 (RSV). They discuss Paul addressing the Jew–Gentile conflict in the Roman church: Jews emphasize strict adherence to the law while Gentiles claim the Spirit makes the law unnecessary. Using Paul's marriage-and-death analogy, they explain that the law binds only while “alive,” and believers “die to the law” through Christ's crucifixion so they can belong to the risen Christ and bear fruit for God. They note the law exposes sin and can even arouse sinful desire, while the Holy Spirit leads positively into good behavior without discarding Scripture. They also explore how the same action can be sin in one situation but not another, then announce a break next week and a return in two weeks to finish Romans 7. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:35 Romans Seven Reading 01:49 Jews and Gentiles Clash 03:16 Law Ends at Death 06:10 Marriage Law Example 08:23 Intent Versus Rules 10:24 Died With Christ 14:06 Law Sparks Temptation 15:34 New Life in Spirit 18:13 Situational Sin Example 20:14 Next Episode and ClosingNEW!: Rate us at Podchaser  Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team.Cover Art: Joe WagnerRecorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock 

The Galatian epistle provides one of Paul's explicit treatments of the issue of justification by faith, but all too often his treatment there is effectively divorced from the historical circumstance within which it is situated. And where this occurs, this doctrine is understood from a perspective and set of concerns that are different from Paul's. This message examines justification by faith as it was Paul's answer to the issue of Jew-Gentile distinction in the messianic community - the issue that Peter's separation from the Gentile brethren at Antioch helped put in the spotlight.

An episode from Bluegrass Pike Baptist Church, a conservative, independent body of King James Bible believers located in Danville, Kentucky. If you are looking for a church in the Danville, Kentucky area that preaches the Truth from God's Word, reach out to us at any time or come visit us on a Sunday. We would love to hear from you through our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bluegrasspikebaptist.com/contact/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You may also write to them at:Bluegrass Pike Baptist Church1400 Bluegrass PikeDanville, KY 40422This message is part of the KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast, a ministry dedicated to making faithful, King James Bible preaching available to all; especially those who may have limited access to sound biblical teaching.Our purpose is simple: to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, uphold the authority of the Holy Scriptures, and point souls to the truth of God's Word. Every message shared through this podcast comes from likeminded, Bible-believing churches and ministries that hold firmly to the King James Bible as the final authority in faith and practice.This podcast is used as a Gospel resource and teaching tool, including outreach efforts to individuals who are incarcerated. We believe God's Word is living, powerful, and able to work in hearts wherever it is heard.If you are a pastor, preacher, or church that faithfully preaches from the King James Bible and would like to learn more about being part of this podcast, or if you have questions about this ministry, you are welcome to reach out.The KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast is directly supported by Doss Metrics LLC | Ministry Services based out of Cleveland Texas. If you have any questions regarding this podcast, or the churches hosted on the podcast, please reach out to us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dossmetrics@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or write to us at: Doss Metrics | KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast1451 McBride Rd.Cleveland, TX 77328 God Bless#TravisAlltop #BluegrassPikeBaptistChurch #ChurchesinKentucky #KJVPreaching #KJVBible #BiblePreaching #KJVChurches

Can you discuss how verse 2 instructs our ‘minds' being changed to align with Gods will, rather than majority of scripture suggesting a ‘heart' change? Given the letter's Jew–Gentile relational focus and differing Roman/Jewish sacrifice views (transactional vs atoning), why assume verse 1 refers to Jewish sacrifice? Why don't we talk much about spiritual gifts if they're mentioned so often in the New Testament?

Asst. Pastor Melvin GainesRomans 9:14-24#Paul #Romans #HolySpirit #witness #Christ #truth #Christ #God #Moses #mercy #compassion #choose #work #scripture #Pharaoh #power #fame #hardheart #harden #blame #argue #potter #clay #glory #shine #Jew #Gentile 

In the early years after Jesus' earthly ministry, his followers faced huge challenges to their faith. Rampant persecution. Widespread confusion and even conflict about how this diverse family of believers (Jew/Gentile, slave/ free, male/female) should relate to the Jewish roots of their faith. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia to remind them of the one true gospel: being right with God is through faith alone in Christ alone. He celebrated the beauty of this good news and the freedom it brings - freedom with a purpose! Today we, too, need to remind ourselves that Jesus + anything = a false gospel. Join in as we delight in the beauty of the True Gospel and experience the freedom and transformation it brings.

In a more theology-heavy discussion, the Libertarian Christian Podcast welcomed guest Rev. Nicholas Quient, pastor and New Testament PhD candidate, for a deep dive into apocalyptic theology in Pauline studies.Quient contrasts the traditional Lutheran/Reformed view of Paul (individual justification and guilt), the New Perspective (covenantal nomism and Jew-Gentile unity), and the apocalyptic Paul—which sees the Christ event as God's invasive victory over enslaving cosmic powers, sin, and death, ushering in new creation amid the overlapping present evil age.This episode explores how this framework emphasizes liberation, principalities and powers, and Christ's sovereignty, as well as its implications for libertarian thought: Paul's sharp distinction between the church (allegiant to King Jesus) and the wicked worldly powers.Nick's book: https://amzn.to/4sySXzLNick's X profile: @nickquient Nick's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nttheologistYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickQuient Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

In the early years after Jesus' earthly ministry, his followers faced huge challenges to their faith. Rampant persecution. Widespread confusion and even conflict about how this diverse family of believers (Jew/Gentile, slave/free, male/female) should relate to the Jewish roots of their faith. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia to remind them of the one true gospel: being right with God is through faith alone in Christ alone. He celebrated the beauty of this good news and the freedom it brings – freedom with a purpose! Today we, too, need to remind ourselves that Jesus + anything = a false gospel. Join in as we delight in the beauty of the True Gospel and experience the freedom and transformation it brings.

Standing in Bethlehem's ancient cave, it's easy to see why tradition loves the image of the Lamb of God born among temple lambs—yet every nativity scene adds an ox and donkey the Gospels never mention. In this Christmas reflection, Greg explores how early Fathers like Origen and Ambrose saw Isaiah 1:3 fulfilled in these humble beasts recognizing their Creator while humanity missed Him. Discover layers of Jew/Gentile unity, creation testifying (Romans 1 & 8), Eden's harmony restored with the New Adam and Eve, Christ's transformation of the "unclean" donkey, and how pagan myth becomes historical fact in the Incarnation—the ultimate Lamb who redeems us all. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Today Mary looks at a pivotal passage in Acts 16. We lay a groundwork of gratitude and thankfulness which are to mark our days on this earth. This is part of who we must be, to reflect to a lost and dying world our gratitude for the provision of salvation. If we are not thankful and filled with hope, who will be?  Then we widen the lens and talk about Lydia and her testimony. The book of Acts is loaded from beginning to end not only with the history of the church and the Jew/Gentile paradigm, but contains patterns of living and dying we need to hear about even in 2025. Applications abound, and Lydia's story is no exception. Plus: on this Paul's 2nd missionary journey, we find a world-altering event that even Paul couldn't have planned for. God is in the details, just like He is with each of us. Be encouraged! He is on the throne and here we are in the West, fruit of – Acts 16.     Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Today Mary looks at a pivotal passage in Acts 16. We lay a groundwork of gratitude and thankfulness which are to mark our days on this earth. This is part of who we must be, to reflect to a lost and dying world our gratitude for the provision of salvation. If we are not thankful and filled with hope, who will be?  Then we widen the lens and talk about Lydia and her testimony. The book of Acts is loaded from beginning to end not only with the history of the church and the Jew/Gentile paradigm, but contains patterns of living and dying we need to hear about even in 2025. Applications abound, and Lydia's story is no exception. Plus: on this Paul's 2nd missionary journey, we find a world-altering event that even Paul couldn't have planned for. God is in the details, just like He is with each of us. Be encouraged! He is on the throne and here we are in the West, fruit of – Acts 16.     Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Ariel Blumenthal is the Executive Director for Tikkun Global. He and his wife Vered live in Jerusalem, Israel, and have four children. They are committed to raising disciples of Yeshua in the land and in the nations. Ariel wrote “One New Man,” a book which highlights how Jew/Gentile relationships are crucial for God and His Kingdom.

Ariel Blumenthal is the Executive Director for Tikkun Global. He and his wife Vered live in Jerusalem, Israel, and have four children. They are committed to raising disciples of Yeshua in the land and in the nations. Ariel wrote “One New Man,” a book which highlights how Jew/Gentile relationships are crucial for God and His Kingdom. MORE...   « Jesus Disciple » God is calling believers EVERYWHERE to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission, making disciples around the world. Get free resources and find out more at BeJesusDisciple.com. Give at JesusDisciple.com. « Solid Lives » To find out more about the ministry of Solid Lives, visit https://solidlives.com/  « Support » Help us get free resources out to more people. To support the ministry of Solid Lives, please visit https://solidlives.com/give/   « Podcasts » Listen to weekly messages, or a daily episode from The New Testament Daily on podcast here: https://solidlives.com/podcast/  Support the show

Sunday, 17 August 2025   He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Matthew 12:30   “The ‘not being with Me,' he is against me. And the ‘not gathering with Me,' he scatters” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of binding the strong man before his goods can be plundered. With that thought complete, He now poignantly states, “The ‘not being with Me,' he is against me.”   There is a great deal of dissension about who Jesus is speaking of in this verse. Some say it is a word against the Pharisees, others say it is referring to Satan, others that it is anyone at any time as they interact with the cause of Christ, etc. Checking the surrounding verses gives us the answer.   A man who was demon possessed, blind and mute, was brought to Him. He healed the man (vs. 23). The people asked if He could be the Son of David (vs. 24). He was accused by the Pharisees of casting out by Beelzebul (vs. 24). From there, Jesus gave His words on kingdom division, authority to cast out demons, and binding a strong man (vss. 25-29).   In verses 31 & 32, He will speak of blasphemy against the Spirit, stating that speaking a word against the Son of Man is forgivable, but speaking against the Holy Spirit is not. But Jesus has said in verse 28 that if He casts out demons by the Spirit of God, the kingdom of God has come upon them.   He is clearly stating that He and what He does are in accord with the Spirit. Therefore, when someone speaks against His actions, they are speaking against the work of the Spirit. As anyone opposed to the Spirit is under the authority of the devil, those opposed to Christ's works are not in accord with the Spirit.   The general words, “the not being with Me,” indicate the devil and those who are his. There is “what God is doing,” and “what the devil is doing.” That is the totality of what is happening in the universe around us. Understanding this, He next says, “And the ‘not gathering with Me,' he scatters.”   A new word, skorpizó, to dissipate, is introduced. It is derived from skorpios, a scorpion. A scorpion penetrates its prey, causing a dissipating effect. One can think of a grenade being tossed into a room, and those in the room scatter, causing a dissipating effect.   When the Spirit of God is present, there will be one effect. When the presence of the devil is present, there will be another. Bengel rightly ties the thought of gathering to the word qoheleth, Teacher or Preacher, found seven times in Ecclesiastes. The word is derived from qahal, to convoke or assemble.   Through the teaching of the Teacher, there is a gathering effect that takes place in the kingdom of God. Through opposition to it, there is a scattering effect. God is teaching us through the work of the Spirit. As Jesus is filled with the Spirit of God in the fullest sense, what He does is the ultimate gathering for the kingdom that can be realized.   Life application: Jesus' words are not speaking of the general state of any of us on a given day. One day, we may be on fire for Jesus and out telling all about Him and His goodness, handing out tracts and blaring Christian music from our car stereo. The next day, we may be in a grumpy mood and completely ineffective in our witness.   This is the normal way of life. Being a Christian does not change that. We are physical, chemical, and biological beings. Variations in those aspects of us can change our whole attitude. But this does not change our state in Christ. If we have accepted the gospel, we are sealed with the Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13, 14).   Those who have not believed the gospel are incapable of being “with” Christ because they do not have the Spirit of God. It is the Spirit that testifies to Jesus Christ. He inspired Scripture, and all Scripture points to Jesus. Jesus' life is documented in Scripture. We can either accept that He is who Scripture claims or reject that. The gospel is given in the word, and it can be explained by man (Romans 10:14-18).   To reject the gospel is to reject what God is doing in redemptive history in and through His Son. The issue Jesus is referring to is being a part of one kingdom or another. If one moves from the devil to Jesus, he is with Jesus, and he gathers with Him because he has the Spirit of God.   If Jesus is rejected, the person who rejects Him is not with Him. Therefore, his being, his existence, stands in opposition to the work of the Spirit. This is an all-encompassing thought. It is not a Jew/Gentile issue. It is not a Russian/Ukrainian issue. It is not an “I support Israel” or “I don't support Israel” issue, nor a democrat/republican issue. And so forth.   We have our own divisions for various things we want or desire. At times, what we do may or may not align with God's plans as they are being worked out in human history. This may be because of stubborn rebellion, poor doctrine, etc. However, the main division of all things comes down to Christ.   Are we in Christ because of our acceptance of the Spirit's working in Him, or are we of the devil, having never been converted to accepting the Spirit's marking Him as God's chosen Servant to bring us back to Him?   “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:8, 9   O God, help us to clearly identify the battle that is raging in the world. The devil has his kingdom, and Christ Jesus has His. Help us to effectively communicate the gospel for others to see this and to call out to You through Jesus. May You strengthen us for this at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

What happens when a Dutch pastor encounters the living heartbeat of Jerusalem? Sebastiaan van Wessem shares his journey from a seminary-trained, Western lens to a Bible interpreted through first-century Jewish eyes.  From his first trip to Israel to the relaunch of KNGDM Alliance - with Jerusalem at its center - Sebastiaan has been on a mission to unite Jew and Gentile under Messiah. But this vision unfolds in the shadow of rising antisemitism across Europe. From street protests to political battles over Israel's right to defend itself, Sebastiaan exposes the spiritual forces at work and the cost of standing with God's chosen people. In this episode, you'll hear how the One New Man isn't theory - it's a prophetic calling that challenges the Church to live as a united testimony before the Lord's return. Key Takeaways First-century eyes change everything - reading Scripture as Jesus' listeners did transforms theology and practice. Jerusalem must be the center - God's plan for His Kingdom flows from Zion. Antisemitism is alive and escalating - from soccer riots to parliamentary moves against Israel. One New Man is more than unity - it's Jew and Gentile, distinct yet one in Messiah. Prophecy is unfolding - growing global hostility toward Israel affirms the Bible's truth. The Church must demonstrate, not just teach - unity has to be lived, not only preached. Partnership with Messianic Jews is vital - relationship precedes mission. The Great Commission and Israel are linked - God's timing involves Jew and Gentile together proclaiming the Kingdom. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Meet Sebastiaan: from the Netherlands to KNGDM Alliance 02:06 – First trip to Israel changes everything 04:59 – Relationships in Jerusalem: building trust before mission 06:44 – Leading a church through theological transformation 12:34 – The Netherlands' complex history with the Jewish people 17:35 – Post–Oct. 7 antisemitism and protests in Europe 21:46 – Soccer riot exposes deep societal hatred 24:43 – Political battles over Israel's defense 27:35 – The prophetic reality of nations turning against Israel 29:01 – One New Man: God's vision for unity in diversity 34:35 – Historical revivals and Jew - Gentile revelation 35:43 – Our role in “speeding up” the Lord's return 36:54 – KNGDM Alliance: global teaching, prayer, and connection 38:03 – Shalom Yerushalayim: praying for the peace of Jerusalem Stand with Israel. Live the One New Man. See prophecy unfold. Learn more: thejewishroad.com Watch teachings & conferences: KNGDM Alliance YouTube

Jun 1, 2025  GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHNeil McClendon, Lead PastorJonah 2:10-3:3bGod's Commitment to the Message1. God speaks to anyone who will listen, v. 2:10Some of the ways God speaks to us…a) CreationPsalm 19:1-4Romans 1:18-20b) Bible/the WordPsalm 1:1-3c) prayerd) spiritual authoritye) circumstances2. God repeats Himself, v. 1-2Three similarities between them…a) Peter ran from his calling, just like Jonah, and Peter got a second chance to submit to God. b) Peter is similar to Jonah in that he was the first of the apostle to cross the Jew/Gentile boundary with the gospel.c) Peter receives his vision about the animals being clean at the house of Simon the Tanner in the city of Joppa. 3. God speaks through His prophets, v. 2“We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum.”A.W. TozerThree evidences of a prophet…a) They live in the unseen.b) The speak for God.c) They move according to the word of the Lord, v. 3= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Mental worship…1. When is the last time you had good “tone” on something? 2. When you pray, are you talking to God or thinking about the people in the room who are hearing you? 3. Have you ever tried to disqualify yourself with your behavior from something God was calling you to?4. What one word best describes a life lived according to the Word?5. What would you like to ask God to repeat?6. Do you have prophetic friends and who are they?

Acts 21:15-22:29 - Speaker: Jotham Manoranjan - This week, we enter a pivotal moment in the life of the Apostle Paul. As he returns to Jerusalem, we witness a man walking knowingly into suffering. Paul would live out the rest of his life as a prisoner. With rumors flying, tension brewing, and the fragile fabric of Jew-Gentile relations under strain, Paul agrees to a plan that inadvertently leads to his arrest. Why? Because for Paul, gospel clarity and church unity were worth the cost—even his freedom. This week we will be challenged by Paul's humility, his discernment of what matters most, and his desperate love for the very people who sought to destroy him.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 25 & 26. They open their conversation by mentioning the “two powers in heaven” idea that will be the subject of a future episode. They note that the genealogy of Ishmael plays a significant role in the Jew-Gentile divide throughout history. They also discuss the early relationship between Jacob and Esau, preparing to question which god these men worship according the biblical record. They conclude by exploring the themes of God's involvement in human mistakes, the significance of name and their meanings in ancient culture, and the question of God's knowledge of the future.

The problem of Jew-Gentile unity wasn't unique to Galatia and Syria, but emerged everywhere that Gentiles were coming to faith in Israel's Messiah and entering God's covenant household - the household that had always been defined in terms of Abraham and the Hebrew people. For various reasons, the unity problem among the Roman believers was distinctive, if not unique, yet Paul addressed it in the same way as he did with the Galatian churches. The remedy for Jew-Gentile divisions among Christ's people - as indeed all expressions of Christian disunity - is rightly understanding and owning the truth of justification by faith in Him.

The problem of Jew-Gentile unity wasn't unique to Galatia and Syria, but emerged everywhere that Gentiles were coming to faith in Israel's Messiah and entering God's covenant household - the household that had always been defined in terms of Abraham and the Hebrew people. For various reasons, the unity problem among the Roman believers was distinctive, if not unique, yet Paul addressed it in the same way as he did with the Galatian churches. The remedy for Jew-Gentile divisions among Christ's people - as indeed all expressions of Christian disunity - is rightly understanding and owning the truth of justification by faith in Him.

The problem of Jew-Gentile unity wasn't unique to Galatia and Syria, but emerged everywhere that Gentiles were coming to faith in Israel's Messiah and entering God's covenant household - the household that had always been defined in terms of Abraham and the Hebrew people. For various reasons, the unity problem among the Roman believers was distinctive, if not unique, yet Paul addressed it in the same way as he did with the Galatian churches. The remedy for Jew-Gentile divisions among Christ's people - as indeed all expressions of Christian disunity - is rightly understanding and owning the truth of justification by faith in Him.

This message concludes the examination of Paul's Galatian epistle as it addresses the problem of Jew-Gentile unity in the fledgling community of Jesus' disciples. In particular, this message interacts with Paul's understanding of the role of Israel's Torah -Law- in Israel's history, and what it means to be faithful to the Torah as disciples of Messiah Jesus.

This message concludes the examination of Paul's Galatian epistle as it addresses the problem of Jew-Gentile unity in the fledgling community of Jesus' disciples. In particular, this message interacts with Paul's understanding of the role of Israel's Torah (Law) in Israel's history, and what it means to be faithful to the Torah as disciples of Messiah Jesus.

This message concludes the examination of Paul's Galatian epistle as it addresses the problem of Jew-Gentile unity in the fledgling community of Jesus' disciples. In particular, this message interacts with Paul's understanding of the role of Israel's Torah (Law) in Israel's history, and what it means to be faithful to the Torah as disciples of Messiah Jesus.

Justification by faith was Paul's answer to the problem of Jew-Gentile unity, and he explained this to the Galatian believers by turning to Israel's scriptures and their story of Abraham as God's chosen instrument for realizing His intent to have a human family drawn from all nations and peoples.

Justification by faith was Paul's answer to the problem of Jew-Gentile unity, and he explained this to the Galatian believers by turning to Israel's scriptures and their story of Abraham as God's chosen instrument for realizing His intent to have a human family drawn from all nations and peoples.

Phil Coulson explains that God's programme for the ages revolves around His dealings with three distinct groups of people: the Jews, the Gentile nations, and the church of God. Grasping this fact will provide the key to understanding the revelation of God's overarching purposes in history and prophecy. Mr Coulson points out the three groups from four Bible books: (1) Acts 15:12-18, (2) 1 Cor 10:31, (3) John 12:1-2, 12-15, 20, (4) Matt 13:44-50. (From a message delivered in David Street Gospel The post The Prophetic Key of “Jew, Gentile and Church of God” (15 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

Justification by faith was Paul's answer to the problem of Jew-Gentile unity, and he explained this to the Galatian believers by turning to Israel's scriptures and their story of Abraham as God's chosen instrument for realizing His intent to have a human family drawn from all nations and peoples.

Justification by faith was Paul's answer to the problem of Jew-Gentile unity, and he explained this to the Galatian believers by turning to Israel's scriptures and their story of Abraham as God's chosen instrument for realizing His intent to have a human family drawn from all nations and peoples.

The unity problem in the Galatian churches focused on the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus the Messiah. Paul addressed this issue by reminding the disciples of what Jesus had accomplished and inaugurated by His death and resurrection and how this abolished the historical separation between Jews and Gentiles that Israel's covenant had established. In a word, Paul's answer to the Jew-Gentile divisions in the churches was justification by faith.

The unity problem in the Galatian churches focused on the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus the Messiah. Paul addressed this issue by reminding the disciples of what Jesus had accomplished and inaugurated by His death and resurrection and how this abolished the historical separation between Jews and Gentiles that Israel's covenant had established. In a word, Paul's answer to the Jew-Gentile divisions in the churches was justification by faith.

The unity problem in the Galatian churches focused on the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus the Messiah. Paul addressed this issue by reminding the disciples of what Jesus had accomplished and inaugurated by His death and resurrection and how this abolished the historical separation between Jews and Gentiles that Israel's covenant had established. In a word, Paul's answer to the Jew-Gentile divisions in the churches was justification by faith.

The unity problem in the Galatian churches focused on the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus the Messiah. Paul addressed this issue by reminding the disciples of what Jesus had accomplished and inaugurated by His death and resurrection and how this abolished the historical separation between Jews and Gentiles that Israel's covenant had established. In a word, Paul's answer to the Jew-Gentile divisions in the churches was justification by faith.

The Galatian and Roman churches provide two important case studies in Christian unity. Both struggled with Jew-Gentile issues, but from different perspectives and with different dynamics. This message examines the historical and cultural circumstances in Galatia and Rome that influenced the Jew-Gentile relations in the churches there, and also summarizes how those relations were similar and different.

The Galatian and Roman churches provide two important case studies in Christian unity. Both struggled with Jew-Gentile issues, but from different perspectives and with different dynamics. This message examines the historical and cultural circumstances in Galatia and Rome that influenced the Jew-Gentile relations in the churches there, and also summarizes how those relations were similar and different.

The Galatian and Roman churches provide two important case studies in Christian unity. Both struggled with Jew-Gentile issues, but from different perspectives and with different dynamics. This message examines the historical and cultural circumstances in Galatia and Rome that influenced the Jew-Gentile relations in the churches there, and also summarizes how those relations were similar and different.

The Galatian and Roman churches provide two important case studies in Christian unity. Both struggled with Jew-Gentile issues, but from different perspectives and with different dynamics. This message examines the historical and cultural circumstances in Galatia and Rome that influenced the Jew-Gentile relations in the churches there, and also summarizes how those relations were similar and different.

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Welcome back to another dadcast.  Audio didnt turn out so well, I did try and make it sound better.  For all inquiries reach out to timonspodcast@gmail.com Act 15 The Jerusalem Council 1But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. 3So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. 5But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”The demand for salvation through circumcision was from Pharisee converts. This group became known as Judaizers. They taught that Gentiles had to become Jewish proselytes, following all the Mosaic laws, before they could receive salvation. They had a compelling argument because in Genesis chapters 12 and 15 God established an everlasting covenant with Abraham. Later in Genesis 17 God added the rite of circumcision to this earlier covenant. Circumcision was given to Abraham and every male descendant of his house forever. Look at Genesis 17:7 & 13-14: And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you... both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” Notice that this sign is given to men only. However, this sign does not correlate with personal salvation. Remember, Abraham was righteous in God's sight before the covenant of circumcision was ever implemented (Galatians 3:6). The sign of circumcision was to accompany a heart that obeyed God. Circumcision was a national sign for the men of Israel, a mark to remind them of their commitment to serve God alone and no other. In the Old Testament, wives and daughters were set apart as unique because they were connected to a family where the men were circumcised – they were set apart along with their fathers and husbands for God's purposes. Circumcision made Israel different than all the nations that surrounded them. And this unique quality is what the Judaizers wanted to preserve. They insisted that circumcision remain obligatory, that all male Gentile believers must be required to keep it. The fact that Gentile believers were bypassing the Mosaic codes was perplexing and odious to the Pharisee converts. They felt that Paul was forsaking the Pentateuch and circumcision altogether. But Paul, who was trained as a Pharisee, disagreed with their position. He had been preaching salvation through faith in Jesus, not through the Mosaic Law. Look at what he proclaimed at Antioch in Acts 13:38-39: Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. And in Galatians 2:16: yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. And in Romans 2:28-29 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not bythe letter... Paul knew that circumcision did not necessarily birth salvation. Consider Israel's sordid history. It produced a myriad of circumcised males who rejected their own God. Salvation had always come to both men and women through a personal relationship and commitment to God. So what was circumcision even for? As I hinted earlier, it was a physical mark that reminded a man that he and his family belonged to a unique faith community. That community was supposed to train it's own populace to know and love the Lord and invite other nations to seek the Lord with them. Each Israelite man and his family had a God-given task to remain faithful to the Lord and their national calling. But it was up to each individual to choose to participate in that calling. Now let's tackle baptism. But why throw baptism into the mix? Because Paul argued that in the New Testament, baptism worked in a similar way that circumcision worked in the Old Testament. Look at Colossians 2:11-12: In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. First note, that believers are circumcised with a “circumcision made without hands.” This event occurs spiritually, inside a believer's heart. Second note, the circumcision of Christ frees us from our flesh, our sinful nature. It is very important to understand that it is not our commitment to Him; but, it is His commitment to us that brings salvation. He initiated the relationship. Third note, baptism symbolizes the war that Jesus won in Sheol: we are buried with Christ in the grave and we are raised with Christ into the heavenly realm. 1Peter 3:18-22 has much more to say about the connection between spiritual warfare and baptism. To put it another way, baptism is a non-physical sign that proves the “inner circumcision” of our heart. It is the New Testament sign of the Old Testament sign of circumcision. John the Baptist, Jesus and his disciples all baptized people as a sign of an inner working of faith residing in their hearts. Note also that baptism is not gender specific, both male and female believers were baptized. Again, circumcision and baptism do not save you, but they are supposed to be a representation of what you already believe. They are a membership card, so to speak, that you belong to Christ. Recap: 1 – Circumcision in Christ is an inward, spiritual event 2 – Circumcision in Christ brings freedom from the sinful nature 3 – Baptism relates to the burial and resurrection of Jesus from Sheol. 6The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe (he is referring to Acts 10 where Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit about 10 years earlier). 8And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith (their hearts were cleansed by faith, not the law). 10Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”12And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13After they finished speaking, James replied, (Notice that James, not Peter, is presiding over the council at Jerusalem. This is one reason, among several, why I object to the teaching that Peter was the first Pope.) “Brothers, listen to me. 14Simeon (his Jewish/Aramaic name) has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.' James is quoting Amos 9:11-12 here. “After this” means that after the exile, God will do three important things. First, God would raise up the Messiah. This correlates to “David's fallen tent” because the kingship lineage of David had fallen into disarray after the exile. Jesus has corrected and fulfilled the ruins of David's kingship. Secondly, God would raise up a remnant of Israelites, who would seek God in truth. These are Messianic Jews; the 1st century Jewish prophets, evangelists and apostles that witnessed to the Gentile nations around them. This remnant of Jewish believers founded the Church and turned the world upside down. Third, God would raise up a new group of people that would follow the Messiah. This new group would consist of both Jew and Gentile believers. By the way, this refutes replacement theology which teaches that God has replaced Israel with the Gentile Church; not so, the “remnant” that became the church was a community of both Jewish and Gentile believers. In contrast, Jews and Gentiles who reject God, unbelievers, are the ones who fail to participate in God's purposes. Recap: 1 After the exile God would raise up the Messiah 2 – God would then raise up a faithful remnant of Jews who would seek the Messiah 3 – God would add to this group of Jewish believers a remnant of Gentiles who would seek the Messiah. 19Therefore (James is still speaking) my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Verse 20 why does James list these four things in particular? Why not list all 613 Old Testament commands? Or why not list the really bad sins like a murder, adultery or stealing? Because James is recalling the “holiness codes” of Leviticus, especially chapters 17 – 23. Like circumcision, these codes were given exclusively to Israel to make them different than the nations around them. But there are three particular places in Leviticus where God includes restrictions on Israelites and Gentiles alike. He prohibits both groups from idol worship (17:8; 20:2); He prohibits both groups from sexual abominations (18:26); and He prohibits both groups from eating meat with the blood and in it (17:10-12). The fourth thing that James points out is avoiding strangled meat. I suspect that strangling an animal is prohibited because that kind of death would retain and congeal the blood of the animal inside of it. Which would be similar to consuming its blood [1] . These horrible practices were all connected to pagan rituals that summoned demons and fallen entities to that worship service. These rituals acted as a portal for the fallen realm to enter and inhabit the bodies and the physical territory of the worshipers. God wanted His people and His land to be a dwelling place for His righteous presence. So James' intention is to reiterate the long-term plans that God had for the remnant Jew/Gentile church long before its existence. A movement that had started after the Tower of Babel event. This was where the nations united against God, and then as a correction, He divided them. The nations were given over to angelic shepherds who ended up seducing them away from God, rather then shepherding them back to God (Deuteronomy 32:8-9). And so God raised up Abraham and his lineage to follow the Lord. Israel's job was to live as an exemplary culture so that the lost and pagan world would be attracted back to God. And the nation of Israel was also to produce the Messiah Who would one day unite and rule over all the nations. The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers 22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas (note that the church didn't vote. Unity was reached by church leadership). They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. 24Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,(Although the issue of salvation through circumcision was settled here, this faction of Judaizers will continue to oppose Paul). 25it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. (Judas and Silas are sent along with the letter to the Gentiles as non-biased, second witness to the decision of the council). 28For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” 30So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. 35But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Paul and Barnabas Separate 36And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark (who wrote the Gospel of Mark). 38But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work (Acts 13:13). 39And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. The outset of this chapter begins with disagreement: the Judaizers against Paul and Barnabas. This resulted in the first church council to correct faulty doctrine. The chapter ends with disagreement between Paul and Barnabas. Many commentaries side with Paul. But I don't think we need to side with either Paul or Barnabas. I think it's okay to live with disagreement among the saints. This is reality. Notice that Scripture neither condemns nor commends either man. Nor does the Holy Spirit step in and correct either man. Let's wrap this up. In the Old Testament circumcision was the membership card into the Israelite community. The community was supposed to train you and nurture you in the things of God. The Judaizers insisted on continuing circumcision as a rite of entry into the Kingdom of God. Paul and the other apostles realized that God desired Jew and Gentile believers to have a “circumcised heart.” This was the fulfillment of Jeremiah's 600 year old prophecy (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Entrance into the Kingdom was about inward faith, not outward symbols. In letters of Paul he points out that in the New Testament baptism was the membership card, so to speak, for believers. The job of the church was to train and nurture its members in the things of God. But it was also understood that neither circumcision nor baptism could replace one's personal faith in Jesus. Today, our job in this church is to continue the work that God began after the Tower of Babel. God called Israel to be a light to the nations that had gone rogue. We are to be a remnant from every nation that has joined the family of God, grafted into that remnant of Jewish believers. Together we are to summon the nations back to the Lord. JCN 2/24 Lord please reveal to us Your ways. Reveal to us Your ancient paths. Rip open the veil of darkness that has been cast over the nations. Let the fullness of the Gentiles come in so that Your house is filled with every people, tribe, tongue and nation. 1 [1]As a side note, eating steak rare is not consuming blood. The juices of a slice of meat are mostly water and myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein that turns red when exposed to oxygen.

Tuesday, 20 February 2024   Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him, Acts 25:2   Chapter 25 began with Festus coming to the province and then ascending to Jerusalem after three days. Now, while in Jerusalem, it says, “Then the high priest.”   Some manuscripts have the plural “priests,” while others have the singular “priest.” Either is possible because any previous high priest would still bear the title of high priest. By this time, the high priest was a person named Ismael, the son of Fabi (Josephus, Antiq., book 20, chapter 8, section 8). Along with him, it next notes, “and the chief men of the Jews.”   The word is prótos. It signifies the foremost, principle, etc. Further, it is this in time, place, order, or importance. In this case, it is referring to people. Being plural, it thus speaks of the principal men of the city. Of this gathered group, Luke next notes that they “informed him against Paul.”   After two full years of time, they were still stewing over Paul. They simply couldn't move on from his words. Unlike the other apostles who apparently lived and moved freely among the people, Paul actively went forth to the Gentiles, evangelizing them and telling them that there were no cultural distinctions in Christ. In other words, Paul clearly and unambiguously reveals in his words that Gentiles are just as favored by God as Jews. There is no distinction, even if there are differences (e.g., Jew/Gentile, Russian/Japanese, Black/Caucasian, etc.).   Yes, there are differences in all people and in all people groups, but there is no distinction in Christ. The Jews could not accept this. Therefore, they sat in Jerusalem stewing like meat in a pot, angrily awaiting the day that they could be rid of such a heretic. Therefore, when Festus showed up, they plotted in their minds, “and they petitioned him.”   The word translated as “petitioned” is in the imperfect tense, and so it indicates that they not only petitioned him but continued to petition him. The entire time he was there, they kept bringing the issue of Paul up to them. It shows that they were truly possessed by the situation and simply couldn't let it go.   One can imagine them going to bed each night, lying on their beds, and tossing and turning at the nerve of this man who said they were just like the Gentiles. But this is how it is in Christ. Thus, they rejected not only Paul's message but also the One Paul proclaimed.   Life application: To this day, there is an almost idolatrous reverence by some in the church to Jewish teachers. They are fawned over, regardless of what they teach or preach. Many of these teachers reinsert law observance, such as telling their followers not to eat pork, to observe the Sabbath, and so forth.   And yet, because these people are Jewish, they are held in special esteem. This is a bad approach to one's theology. It doesn't matter if someone has a doctorate, if he speaks fluent Hebrew or Greek, or if he has expensive, flashy clothes. The only thing that should matter to people in the church is adherence to and right application of God's word.   Anything less should not be tolerated. Be careful to not get caught up in fallacious thinking. Evaluate leaders based on the word. In doing this, you will avoid many pitfalls and many false teachers who are out there, trying to steal you away from a right relationship with Jesus.   Lord God Almighty, help us to be sound in our thoughts about those who minister to us. May our hearts be directed to You. If anyone fails to proclaim Your grace apart from law observance, help us to identify this error and get away from it. You alone have done all that is needed to restore us in the giving of Jesus. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

It is easy, when you read the New Testament, to lose track of what the argument is about. (And there was an argument going on.) It was an argument for the heart and soul of the worship of God.Sometimes it appears at times to be a Jew/Gentile argument, but it was rather more than that. What was at stake was whether the God of the Jews would be the God of the whole world, of all nations, or remain only the God of Israel.When you cast the argument in those terms, the answer seems simple enough, but it was by no means simple at the time. The story of the Book of Acts is the story of the breakout of the worship of Jehovah into the whole world. It is, in Jesus Christ, God’s invitation to all men, not just to the Jews. But this development did not take place without cost or conflict, as we see in Acts 22.

I don’t know what it is, but preachers of every stripe, myself included, are prone to lay a guilt trip on people from time to time. It is almost as though we were your mother.Human nature being what it is, something like the projection of guilt was hanging around the edges of the early Christian church. It was often a legalism issue, and in the Roman churches, it was a Jew/Gentile concern.So Paul spent an inordinate amount of time in his letter to the Romans dealing with the question of forgiveness, justification, legalism, and guilt. And after chewing the question over thoroughly, he summarizes in chapter 8.