Podcast appearances and mentions of John the Baptist

Welcome to "Inside the Epicenter," where Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg share reflections on a year filled with challenges and hope in Israel and nearby regions. Join them as they tell compelling stories from the frontline of ministry—including highlights from their annual retreat for local leaders, the powerful testimony of a former hostage, and the launch of the first modern Hebrew Bible. This episode offers a heartfelt look at the people and projects that inspire the Joshua Fund's mission, encouraging listeners to partner through prayer and generosity to bring hope and blessing to the epicenter. (00:02) Joshua Fund Annual Leadership Retreat (08:07) "Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Strength" (12:35) Exhaustion and Renewal in Ministry (16:52) Support the Joshua Fund (24:41) "Sharing a Life-Changing Story" (29:11) "Refusing Evacuation, Serving the Community" (33:05) "Faith, Love, and Bold Witness" (42:18) "Henry's Ministry Journey" (43:46) "Leadership, Faith, and Collaboration" (49:52) Modern Hebrew Bible Completed (57:04) "Support Projects, Donate Today" (01:00:53) Supporting Families Through Trauma (01:06:39) "Prayers for Peace and Leadership" Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund Stock Media provided by DimmySad / Pond5 Verse of the Day: Matthew 14:13-14 - When Jesus heard about the death, the execution, really the murder of John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by himself. When the people heard of this, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he landed, he saw a large crowd, and he felt compassion for them, healing their sick. Pray that we all— you, us, our team here, and the Joshua Fund— would be moved with compassion for hurting people, those who don't know the love, hope, and healing of Jesus. Pray that the hearts of people across the Middle East and other regions are open to Jesus and that they accept Him as Lord. Related Episodes: Alaska Epicenter Cruise Session 2: Why Jews & Muslims are Coming to Jesus in Record Numbers #311 Remembering John MacArthur and His Love for Israel #304 Grief, Courage, and the Gospel in the Epicenter #330 Caring for the Needy in Israel #329 Support a monthly gift to The Joshua Fund to bless Israel and her neighbors now and in the long term. Become an Epicenter Ally today! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In our final week, as we walk through the book of Malachi and the first week of Advent, we remember, as Malachi reminds the people of Israel to do so.  God commands us to be grateful, and we continue to turn toward gratitude as we remember the LORD's past blessing, future healing, and present commands.  This week, spend time remembering where God has blessed you this year, where you need to trust Him for your future, and where you need to be obedient as you wait. Use these prayer prompts: I am grateful to you LORD because ____________. I trust you LORD for ____________.As we look forward to the Advent season, we rejoice in the prophecy of Malachi for John the Baptist, who will pave the way for our Savior. Join us next, as we journey through this year's Advent season through the eyes of John the Baptist this December.This sermon is from 11/30/2025

This week we explore Matthew 3:1-12, in which we meet John the Baptist, who had a simple message: "Prepare the way of the Lord." © Kate Heichler, 2025. To receive Water Daily by email each morning, subscribe here. Here are the bible readings for next Sunday. 

Chapter 1 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by the Gospels. He is Coming - The foretelling and the birth of John the Baptist. John is the last living prophet that paves the way for the coming Messiah - he is the prelude to Jesus' epic coming. Today's opening prayer is inspired by Luke 1:37, For with God nothing shall be impossible. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/  Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notes Matthew 3:1-12 Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-13 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the readings for the second Sunday of Advent, focusing on John the Baptist's message of repentance and the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven. They explore the significance of bearing good fruit in faith, the role of religious leaders, and the historical context of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embodying faith through actions and the continual nature of repentance. In this conversation, Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the themes of continuity between Jesus and John the Baptist, the significance of Isaiah's prophecy, and the transformative imagery of the stump. They discuss the hope embedded in these biblical narratives and the role of Gentiles in the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of radical welcome and compassion within communities. The conversation highlights the intrinsic value of individuals and the potential for renewal and growth, even in seemingly hopeless situations. Takeaways This episode discusses the readings for the second Sunday of Advent. John the Baptist's message emphasizes repentance and preparation for the kingdom of heaven. The concept of the Kingdom of Heaven is often misunderstood as merely a place after death. John's call to produce good fruit is a central theme in his message. The relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus is one of continuity, not separation. The Pharisees and Sadducees are called out for their hypocrisy, emphasizing that all need to bear fruit. The idea of repentance is not a one-time act but a continual process. The imagery of the axe and the winnowing fork highlights the urgency of John's message. The conversation touches on the historical context of the religious leaders of the time. The discussion reflects on the importance of embodying faith through actions. Jesus' message is a continuation of John the Baptist's teachings. Isaiah's prophecy speaks to transformation and hope. The stump symbolizes decay but also potential for new life. God's grace nurtures us even when we feel like a stump. The roots of faith are essential for growth and renewal. Wisdom and understanding lead to peace and transformation. The message of inclusion extends to Gentiles in the faith. Radical welcome is central to the Christian community. Compassion is necessary for healing broken relationships. Communities can thrive by embracing openness and generosity.

Dr. Chris Croghan joins Scripture First to break down the many preaching moments found in this lectionary text about John the Baptist including: Why the wilderness is significant,The definition of repentance,The definition of the kingdom of heaven,Why Jesus calls the Pharisees and Sadducees a brood of vipers, And why you don't need to fear when you hear that the ax is lying at the root of the tree and Jesus has his winnowing fork in his hands.You don't need to make yourself into wheat. You need to receive a promise of forgiveness. CHALLENGE GRANTA Luther House of Study donor is sponsoring a challenge grant. If you sponsor one podcast episode by the end of the year, another podcast episode will be sponsored on your behalf. If you'd like to have your donation doubled, email Sarah Stenson at sarah@lhos.org or go to lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - Addiction GOSPEL Matthew 3:1-12 1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" 4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

Send us a textJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt for this week's episode, in which they consider the readings for Advent 2: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-15 (16-19); Romans 15:1-13; Matthew 3:1-12.They discuss the poetic and prophetic vision of the Messianic King, Paul's exhortation to humility and unity, and John the Baptist's call for repentance.Notes:--Dwell App--Prayers of the People for Pentecost--2019 Book of Common PrayerThe Bible ProjectKingdom, Grace & Judgment: Paradox, Outrage & Vindication in the Parables of Jesus, by: Robert Farrar CaponAdvent ResourcesInterested in the virtual book group for Ask of Old Paths, by: Grace Hamman? Join me here. PDF of the Household Compline serviceAdvent: Season of Hope, by: Tish Harrison WarrenAdvent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ, by: Fleming RutledgeThe Art of Advent, by: Dr. Jane WilliamsWaiting on the Word, by: Malcolm GuiteWatch for the Light: Readings for Advent and ChristmasAll Creation Waits, by: Gayle Boss0:57 Collect1:57 Isaiah 11:1-1020:48 Psalm 72:1-15 (16-19)37:33 Romans 15:1-1350:38 Matthew 3:1-12 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

This sermon explores the origins and significance of baptism and communion, tracing them back to their roots in the Exodus story. It explains that these sacraments are not random rituals but divine institutions commanded by Jesus, prefigured in the Old Testament, and practiced by the church for thousands of years.Scripture ReferencesMatthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission to baptize.Luke 22:7-20: The Last Supper, instituting communion.1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul's instructions on the Lord's Supper.Exodus 12:1-28: The Passover, the origin of communion.Exodus 12:29-51 & 14:1-31: The Exodus and crossing of the Red Sea, the origin of baptism.John 1:29: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God."1 Peter 1:18-19: Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.Key PointsCommunion: The Passover Fulfilled To understand the Last Supper, we must understand the First Supper (Passover). In Exodus 12, God provided a substitute (a lamb) to save the Israelites from judgment. This lamb had to be:Pure: Without defect.Personal: Kept in the home for four days.Killed: A true sacrifice.Applied: Blood on the doorposts (faith in action).Consumed: Totally devoured (we take all of Jesus).Taken in Faith: Eaten in haste, ready to move. Jesus is the fulfillment of this Passover lamb. He is the pure, personal sacrifice whose blood is applied to our lives, saving us from judgment.Baptism: The Red Sea Crossing Baptism is framed by the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). It involves three movements of salvation:Leaving the Old Behind: Just as Israel left 430 years of slavery in Egypt, baptism symbolizes leaving our old life of bondage.Surrendering to God: At the Red Sea, Israel was trapped and terrified. Moses told them, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Baptism declares our trust in God to fight battles we cannot win.New Identity: Passing through the waters, Israel was born again as a free nation. They emerged on the other side with a new identity as worshipers, erupting in song. Baptism marks our entry into a new life and identity in Christ.Why We Do It We practice baptism and communion because Jesus commanded them, the early church practiced them, and they powerfully reenact the story of our salvation. They are not just rituals; they are "sacraments" that mark the church and remind us of who we are and whose we are.ConclusionThe sacraments of baptism and communion are God's way of "resetting our clocks" and marking us as His own. Just as the Passover changed the calendar for Israel, meeting Jesus changes everything for us. We leave behind the old, trust God to fight for us, and step into a new identity as His people.Calls to ActionRemember Your Baptism: If you are a believer, recall the moment you "crossed the Red Sea" and left your old life behind.Take Communion in Faith: When you participate in the Lord's Supper, remember the cost of the Lamb and apply His blood to your life by faith.Stand Firm: If you are facing an "impossible" Red Sea situation, hear the word of the Lord: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis F. Galloway on November 30, 2025, and rooted in Matthew 3:1–12 and Mark 13:24–37, this Advent sermon explores the mystery of time—the difference between the hours that govern our days and God's "eternal now" that breaks into our ordinary lives. Through the voices of John the Baptist and Jesus' call to watch and stay awake, we're invited to prepare our hearts, embody the fruits of the Spirit, and look for the moments when God's time interrupts our own. A reflection on hope, transformation, and the sacred work we do while we wait for Christ to come again.

In the first installment of our Advent series entitled Lo(w) and Behold, Pastor Chan teaches through Luke 1:5-25 on the foretelling of John the Baptist's birth to his father Zechariah and mother Elizabeth.Today's Message Text: Luke 1:5-25 Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

In this message, we explore The Magnificat, Mary's Spirit-filled song of praise in Luke 1, and discover why the church has long celebrated it as a powerful declaration of God's greatness. Tracing the foretelling of John the Baptist, the announcement of Jesus, John's first testimony, and Elizabeth's blessing, we see what prompted Mary's worship and why her response stands in contrast to Zechariah's disbelief. Mary magnifies the Lord for His personal mercy, His justice toward the humble and those who fear Him, and His faithfulness to Abraham and His people across generations. This sermon invites us to join Mary in a life of reverent praise as we trust the God who scatters the proud, lifts the lowly, and remembers His promises forever.For upcoming events and important announcements at Skyline, visit our Facebook page for the latest details!If you'd like to check out more resources, get to know Skyline Church, or donate to our ministry and missions please visit www.skylineofallon.com. Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe to have our Sunday message downloaded straight to your phone each week!

In this episode, Pastor Nate teaches on the first Sunday of Advent and the launch of our Christmas series, “Christmas: The Whole Story.” Our focus was hope rooted in God's promises and His perfect timing.We look back to the prophecies of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2, 6), written centuries before Christ's birth, and noted how God's people waited through generations and even 400 years of silence after Malachi's final words concerning a prophet who would come to prepare the way of the Messiah. Yet in the apparent silence, God was working behind the scenes the entire time.The silence finally broke in Luke 1 with the announcement of John the Baptist's birth, showing again that God answers prayers at the right moment. Zechariah and Elizabeth's story reminds us that God is sovereign and we can trust that he hears us when we pray.Our teaching closes by reflecting on our own seasons of waiting. Advent teaches us to trust that:God keeps His Word.God is always present.God works even when we can't see it.As we continue through Advent, we hold onto the same hope Israel held: the God who fulfilled His promises then is still faithful today!

Brandon Meyers preaches from Matthew 11:1-15

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 3:1-6Advent is NOT Christmas. We do not start with Joy to the World but with John the Baptist in the wilderness and darkness - calling people to prepare.

This week begins the season of Advent which is a time of long-waiting and hopeful anticipation. This year our theme for the season (now through Christmas and Epiphany which we will celebrate on January 4) is What Do You Fear? Our exploration of this theme begins with the story of Zechariah who was a priest and the father of John the Baptist - but he doesn't yet know about his son. So as we remember Zechariah's story, we begin to place ourselves in his shoes. What did he fear? How did the world he lived in, his historical context, evoke those fears for him? How can we relate (or not) to him? And what is our faithful response in our own context? Come along - online or in person - and let's see if we can tend to our fears (and our hopes!) together. Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3EFuujoELA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3EFuujoELA&t=2130sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

As we step into the Advent season, this message from Isaiah 40 invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts for Jesus. In a time filled with holiday busyness—meals, travel, gifts, and endless planning—we're reminded that the most important preparation is spiritual. Isaiah's call to “prepare the way of the Lord,” fulfilled in John the Baptist, points us to the first step of true readiness: repentance.In this sermon, we explore God's tender comfort, the unshakable reliability of His Word, and the breathtaking picture of our Savior as both mighty King and gentle Shepherd. Whether you're beginning a relationship with Jesus or returning to a place of honesty and confession, Advent is an invitation to start on the right foot.Come reflect, be encouraged, and draw near to the One who holds His people in His arms and offers forgiveness, hope, and lasting peace.

We kick off our Advent season podcasts with Pastor Eric in studio to dive deeper into Hannah and Mary's songs and explain how they are connected to one another. Mary's song, known as The Magnificat, is the most familiar, and we sing it every week during Advent services as part of Holden Evening Prayer. These are two of the three songs we will be including this year during Advent services: Hannah's song (1st Samuel 2), Mary's song (Luke 1), and Zechariah's song (Luke 1). All three songs of prayer and praise relate to the birth of a child: Samuel, John the Baptist, and Jesus.

November 30th, 2025 | Attributes of Advent | Luke 1:5-25As we enter the Advent season, Pastor Todd Kaunitz launches a new series exploring the attributes of God revealed in the story of Christmas. In this episode, “Sovereign & Merciful,” we journey through Luke 1:5–25 and witness how God's divine nature is displayed in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth.Pastor Todd reminds us that what we believe about God shapes everything about us. Through the story of an aging priest chosen by God at a divinely appointed moment, we see the sovereignty of God—His absolute rule, His orchestration of every detail, and His power to accomplish the impossible in His perfect timing. Even in seasons of silence, waiting, or disappointment, God is at work for His redemptive purposes.We also see the mercy of God—His compassion toward the hurting, His attentiveness to the prayers of His people, and His tender kindness in giving Zechariah and Elizabeth a long-awaited son. Pastor Todd shows us that God's mercy is not only found in the blessings He gives, but also in the seasons He withholds, shaping us for a greater purpose than we could imagine.This message culminates in the announcement of John the Baptist—the one foretold by the prophets—whose life would prepare the way for the ultimate revelation of God's mercy: the coming of Jesus Christ.If you're walking through a season of waiting, distress, or wondering what God is doing, this episode will anchor your heart in the truth that God is sovereign, God is merciful, and God can be trusted.Do you know JESUS?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER?: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nblongview.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT through giving: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠⁠

This Sunday, we'll begin our Advent sermon series from the Gospel of Luke, called Good News of Great Joy, with the story of John the Baptist's birth. As we do so, we'll hear how God answered the prayers of John's parents and see how God works in the lives of his people so that His blessing leads others to rejoice in God and hope in his salvation.Luke 1.5-25, 57-80

I Am Allowed to be Great Jesus once said that among those born of women, no one was greater than John the Baptist. But what made him so great? It wasn't status, his success, his boldness, his baptizing, or his camel-hair fashion—it was that he faithfully pointed others to Jesus. In this sermon, we explore Luke 7 and what it truly means to live a life that directs people to Christ. Is it possible that there's a deeper level of purpose and power available in your walk with God? Tune in and discover how greatness is defined in the Kingdom.  John 7:18-28 Discussion topics Have you ever been disappointed in God?  John the Baptist knew Jesus personally and still had doubts while in prison. What does this tell us about faith during hard seasons?  Read Luke 7:18-28 - Jesus comforted John by pointing to the evidence of His work—healing, deliverance, good news. What “evidence” do you see of Jesus working in your life or around you right now?  What does Jesus' statement—“among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he”—mean to you?  John's entire life pointed people to Jesus. In what ways can your life and words do the same?  What are some practical ways we can avoid becoming “offended” at Jesus when life doesn't go as expected?  Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

The Christmas season often leaves us feeling scattered and stretched thin. But what if the best preparation isn't about doing more, but about coming home? John the Baptist's birth was announced as part of God's plan to turn people's hearts back to him. This Advent begins with God inviting us home—to forgiveness, peace, and a fresh start.Support the show~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTubeInstagram @dscsienna

The Christmas season often leaves us feeling scattered and stretched thin. But what if the best preparation isn't about doing more, but about coming home? John the Baptist's birth was announced as part of God's plan to turn people's hearts back to him. This Advent begins with God inviting us home—to forgiveness, peace, and a fresh start.Support the show

Pastor Jim Entwistle begins our Advent series "Rejoice: Songs of the Savior's Arrival" with an inspiring message from Luke 1:39-45, exploring Elizabeth's prophetic encounter with Mary.In this powerful opening to our Advent series, Pastor Jim shows us how Elizabeth becomes the first person to recognize Jesus as Lord - before He's even born! Through her story, we discover how waiting becomes the fertile soil where explosive joy grows, and how our small stories are woven into God's grand narrative of redemption.

Sun AM

Pastor Rodney speaks about Three Days of John the Baptist.

Who was John the Baptist, and what was he all about?How did John the Baptist well prepare the way of the Lord and embody the prophetic tradition?Preparing the Way of the LordOutline | Conversation

CLICK TO PRINT READING CLICK TO GO TO COMMENTS 7993 Verses 43-49. And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the statute of the passover; no son of an alien shall eat of it. And every man’s servant that is bought with silver, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat of it. A lodger and a hireling shall not eat of it. In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house; and ye shall not break a bone thereof. All the assemblage of Israel shall perform it. And when a sojourner shall sojourn with thee, and performeth the passover to Jehovah, every male of his shall be circumcised, and then let him come near to perform it; and he shall be as a native of the land; and no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. One law shall there be for the native, and for the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you. “And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron,” signifies information by means of truth Divine; “This is the statute of the passover,” signifies the laws of order for those who are liberated from damnation and infestations; “no son of an alien shall eat of it,” signifies that those who are not in truth and good are to be separated from them; “and every man’s servant,” signifies a man who is still natural; “that is bought with silver,” signifies who has any spiritual truth; “when thou hast circumcised him,” signifies purification from unclean loves; “then he shall eat of it,” signifies that he shall be with them; “a lodger and a hireling shall not eat of it,” signifies that they who do what is good from mere natural disposition, and those who do it for the sake of their own advantage, are not to be with them; “in one house shall it be eaten,” signifies consociations of accordant goods, that they may together make one good; “thou shalt not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house,” signifies that this good shall not be mixed together with the good of another; “and ye shall not break a bone in it,” signifies the truth of memory-knowledge, that this also must be sound; “all the assemblage of Israel shall perform it,” signifies that this law of order is for all who are in the good of truth and in the truth of good; “and when a sojourner shall sojourn with thee,” signifies those who have been instructed in the truth and good of the church, and have received them; “and performeth the passover to Jehovah,” signifies if he desires to be together with them; “every male of his shall be circumcised,” signifies that his truth must be cleansed from impure loves; “and then let him come near to perform it,” signifies that then he shall be with them; “and he shall be as a native of the land,” signifies that he shall be received as he who is in that truth and good, and has been purified from unclean loves; “and no uncircumcised person shall eat of it,” signifies that he who is in the loves of self and of the world cannot be together with them; “one law shall there be for the native, and for the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you,” signifies that he who on being instructed receives the truth and good of the church, and lives according to them, shall be as he who, being already instructed, is within the church, and lives a life in agreement with the precepts of faith and of charity. 7994 And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron. That this signifies information by means of truth Divine, is evident from the signification of “Jehovah said,” when the statutes of the church are treated of, as being information or instruction (see n. 7186, 7267, 7304, 7380, 7517, 7769, 7793, 7825); and from the representation of Moses and Aaron, as being truth Divine; Moses internal, and Aaron external (n. 7009, 7010, 7089, 7382). 7995 This is the statute of the passover. That this signifies the laws of order for those who are liberated from damnation and infestations, is evident from the signification of a “statute,” as being that which is from order (of which below); and from the signification of “the passover,” as being the presence of the Lord and liberation from damnation (see n. 7093e, 7867). As regards that which is of order, which is signified by “statute,” be it known that all the statutes commanded to the sons of Israel were laws of order in the external form, but those things which they represented and signified were laws of order in the internal form. Laws of order are truths which are from good; the complex of all the laws of order is the Divine truth proceeding from the Divine good of the Lord. From this it is evident that the Divine Itself of the Lord in heaven is order, the Divine good the essential of order, and the Divine truth its formal. 7996 No son of an alien shall eat of it. That this signifies that those who are not in truth and good are to be separated from them, is evident from the signification of “an alien,” as being those out of the church who do not acknowledge anything of the truth and good of faith, as was the case with the nations in the land of Canaan (see n. 2049, 2115), thus who are not in truth and good; and from the signification of “not eating of it,” as being to communicate and be conjoined with them, thus to be separated from them. In what now follows those are treated of who should eat the passover together, and those who should not. The supper of the passover represented the consociations of the good in heaven; and in the statutes which follow, it is declared who could be consociated and who could not. In general, feasts, both dinners and suppers, in ancient times were made within the church in order that they might be consociated and conjoined as to love, and that they might instruct one another in those things which are of love and faith, thus in the things of heaven (see n. 3596, 3832, 5161). Such at that time were the delights attending their banquets, and such was the end for the sake of which were their dinners and suppers. Thus the mind and the body also were nourished unanimously and correspondently; and from this they had health and long life, and from it they had intelligence and wisdom; and also from this they had communication with heaven, and some had open communication with angels. But as in course of time all internal things vanish away and pass into external ones, so also did the purposes of the feasts and banquets, which at this day are not for the sake of any spiritual conjunction, but for the sake of worldly conjunctions, namely, for the sake of gain, for the sake of the pursuit of honors, and for the sake of pleasures, from which there is nourishment of the body, but none of the mind. 7997 That the paschal supper represented the consociations of angels in the heavens in respect to goods and truths, see above (n. 7836, 7996); and because it represented these, it was ordained that not only every house by itself should then be together and eat, but also that no others should be consociated except those who represent the conjunction of love such as is that of the heavenly societies, and thus that the rest were to be separated. They who are to be separated were the aliens, for by them were signified those who are not in the good and truth of the church; also the lodgers and hirelings, because by these were represented those who from mere natural disposition, and those who for the sake of gain, did good and truth, and made a boast of them. Neither the latter nor the former can be consociated with the angels in the heavens; but when they are allowed to wander about, as is the case when they first come into the other life, before they undergo vastations of good and truth, then when they come toward any angelic society and feel the sphere of sanctity from the truth of the good of innocence which is signified by the blood of the paschal lamb (n. 7846, 7877), they cannot approach, but forthwith flee away because of fear and aversion. 7998 And every man’s servant. That this signifies a man who is still natural, is evident from the signification of “servant,” as being what is natural (see n. 3019, 3020, 3191, 3192, 3204, 3206, 3209, 5305), thus the natural man. The natural man is called a “servant” because it was made to minister to the spiritual man, and also to obey it, as a servant his lord. 7999 That is bought with silver. That this signifies who has any spiritual truth, is evident from the signification of “buying,” as being acquisition and appropriation (see n. 4397, 4487, 5374, 5397, 5406, 5410, 5426); and from the signification of “silver,” as being truth (n. 1551, 2954, 5658), here spiritual truth, because the servant that is bought is in the internal sense the natural man, and therefore the lord who buys is the spiritual man. How this is cannot be known unless it is known how the spiritual buys for itself-that is, acquires and appropriates-the natural. When man is being regenerated, his internal and external, that is, the spiritual and the natural, at first are at variance, for the spiritual wills what is of heaven, but the natural what is of the world. But the spiritual then continually inflows into the natural and brings it into agreement; this is effected by means of truth; and what the spiritual brings to itself in the natural is called “bought with silver,” that is, acquired and appropriated by means of truth. 8000 When thou hast circumcised him. That this signifies purification from unclean loves, is evident from the signification of “to be circumcised,” as being purification from the loves of self and of the world, thus from unclean loves (see n. 2039, 2056, 2632, 3412, 3413, 3462, 7045). 8001 Then shall he eat of it. That this signifies that he shall be with them, is evident from the signification of “eating,” that is, the paschal lamb, together with the rest, as being to communicate and be conjoined (see n. 2187, 5643). For as before said (n. 7836, 7850, 7996, 7997), the paschal supper represented the angelic consociations in respect to goods and truths; and by the statutes concerning aliens, servants, lodgers, hirelings, and sojourners, who are here treated of, is declared in the internal sense who could be consociated, and who could not. Hence it is that by “eating” is signified to be with them, or to be consociated; and by “not eating,” not to be with them, or to be separated. 8002 A lodger and a hired servant shall not eat of it. That this signifies that they who do what is good from mere natural disposition, and those who do it for the sake of their own advantage, are not to be with them, is evident from the signification of “a lodger,” as being those who do what is good from mere natural disposition (of which below); from the signification of “a hireling,” as being those who do what is good for the sake of their own advantage (of which also below); and from the signification of “not to eat of it,” as being not to be with them (of which just above, n. 8001). That a “lodger” denotes what is good from mere natural disposition, is because lodgers were those who came from other peoples, and were inhabitants, and dwelt with the Israelites and the Jews in one house; and “to dwell together” signifies to be together in good. But because, as before said, they were from peoples out of the church, the good which is signified is not the good of the church, but is a good not of the church. This good is called “natural good,” because it is hereditary from birth. Moreover, some have such good in consequence of ill health and feebleness. This good is meant by the good which they do who are signified by “lodgers.”[2] This good is utterly different from the good of the church, for by means of the good of the church conscience is formed in man, which is the plane into which the angels flow, and through which there is fellowship with them; whereas by natural good no plane for the angels can be formed. They who are in this good do good in the dark from blind instinct; not in the light of truth by virtue of influx from heaven; and therefore in the other life they are carried away, like chaff by the wind, by everyone, as much by an evil man as by a good one, and more by an evil one who knows how to join to reasonings something of affection and persuasion; nor can they then be withdrawn by the angels, for the angels operate through the truths and goods of faith, and flow into the plane which has been formed within the man from the truths and goods of faith. From all this it is evident that those who do what is good from mere natural disposition cannot be consociated with the angels (concerning them and their lot in the other life, see n. 3470, 3471, 3518, 4988, 4992, 5032, 6208, 7197).[3] That “lodgers” are those who do not stay in their own land or in their own house, but in a foreign land, is evident in the following passages:The land shall not be sold in perpetuity; for the land is Mine; but ye are sojourners and lodgers with Me (Lev. 25:23).Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, be not silent at my tear; for I am a sojourner with Thee, a lodger, as all my fathers were (Ps. 39:12).Abraham said unto the sons of Heth, I am a sojourner and a lodger with you; give me a possession of a sepulcher (Gen. 23:3-4).By a “sojourner” equally as by a “lodger,” is signified a comer and inhabitant from another land, but by a “sojourner” are signified those who were being instructed in the truths of the church and who received them; and by “lodgers” were signified those not instructed in the truths of the church, because they were not willing to receive them.[4] As regards “hirelings,” they were such as labored for hire, being servants, but not bought; that these were called “hirelings” see Lev. 19:13; 25:4-6; Deut. 24:14, 15. As “hirelings” were those who labored for hire, by them in the internal sense are meant those who do what is good for the sake of their own advantage in the world; and in a sense still more interior, those who do what is good for the sake of reward in the other life; thus who desire to merit by works.[5] They who do what is good merely for the sake of their own advantage in the world, cannot possibly be consociated with angels, because the end regarded by them is the world, that is, wealth and eminence; and not heaven, that is, the blessedness and happiness of souls. The end is what determines the actions, and gives them their quality. Concerning those who do what is good merely for the sake of their own advantage, the Lord thus speaks:I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd layeth down His life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and deserteth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf seizeth them, and scattereth the sheep. But the hireling fleeth because he is a hireling (John 10:11-13).Egypt is a very beautiful heifer; destruction out of the north is come. Her hirelings are like calves of the fatting stall; for they also have turned back, they have fled away together, they did not stand, because the day of their destruction is come upon them (Jer. 46:20-21).[6] That lodgers and hirelings were not to be consociated in respect to holy things with those who were of the church, is evident from this:There shall no alien eat of the holy thing: a lodger of the priest, and a hireling, shall not eat of the holy thing (Lev. 22:10).And that from the sons of lodgers were to be bought servants who should serve forever, in the same:Of the nations that are round about you ye shall buy manservant and maidservant; and also of the sons of the lodgers that do sojourn with you, of these shall ye buy, and of their family that is with you, although they have brought forth in your land; and that they may be your possession, and that ye may hand them over for an inheritance to your sons after you, to inherit for a possession; ye shall rule over them forever (Lev. 25:44-46).By the “sons of the lodgers” are signified memory-knowledges which are from mere natural light; that spiritual truths shall rule over these is signified by “servants being bought of the sons of the lodgers for a perpetual possession.”[7] But they who do what is good for the sake of reward in the other life, who also are signified by “hirelings,” differ from those just now spoken of, in that they have as the end life and happiness in heaven. But as this end determines and converts their Divine worship from the Lord to themselves, and they consequently desire well to themselves alone, and to others only so far as these desire well to them, and accordingly the love of self is in every detail, and not the love of the neighbor, therefore they have no genuine charity. Neither can these be consociated with the angels, for the angels are utterly averse to both the name and the idea of reward or recompense. That benefits must be imparted without the end of reward, the Lord teaches in Luke:Love your enemies, and impart benefits, and lend, hoping for nothing again; then shall your reward be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High (Luke 6:32-35; 14:12-14).(Concerning meritorious goods and their quality, see n. 1110, 1111, 1774, 1835, 1877, 2027, 2273, 2340, 2373, 2400, 3816, 4007, 4174, 4943, 6388-6390, 6392, 6393, 6478.)[8] That it is so often said by the Lord that they who do what is good shall “have their reward in heaven” (as in Matt. 5:11, 12; 6:1, 2, 16; 10:41, 42; 20:1-16; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23, 35; 14:14; John 4:36) is because before he is regenerated a man cannot but think of reward; but it is otherwise when he has been regenerated; he is then indignant if anyone thinks that he benefits his neighbor for the sake of reward, for he feels delight and blessedness in imparting benefits, and not in recompense. (That in the internal sense “reward” denotes the delight of the affection of charity, see n. 3816, 3956, 6388, 6478.) 8003 In one house shall it be eaten. That this signifies the consociations of accordant goods that they may together make one good, is evident from the fact that the paschal supper represented the angelic consociations in heaven, and that each house of the sons of Israel represented a society in particular (see n. 7836, 7891, 7996, 7997). The angelic societies are all distinct from one another according to goods, and this generically, specifically, and particularly (see n. 3241, 4625). They are consociated who are in similar good. That these make one good, is because everyone arises not from one, but from many; for from many things that are various, but still accordant, there is produced a form which makes a one by harmony; in heaven by spiritual harmony, which is that of the goods of love (see n. 3241, 3267, 3744-3746, 3986, 4005, 4149, 5598, 7236, 7833, 7836). From all this it is evident that by “in one house shall it be eaten” are signified the consociations of accordant goods that they may together make one good. (That “to eat,” namely, the passover, denotes to be consociated, or to be with them, see above, n. 8001.) 8004 Thou shalt not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house. That this signifies that this good shall not be mixed together with the good of another, is evident from the signification of “to bring out abroad from the house” as being to give to another to eat, thus to mix with another good than that which belongs to the society; and from the signification of “flesh,” as being good (see n. 6968, 7850). For the societies in heaven are distinct according to the functions of all the members, viscera, and organs in the body (as has been shown at the close of many chapters). By means of correspondence, the function of each member, viscus, and organ bears relation to a peculiar good distinct from any other. From this it is evident that goods are manifold, and that in order that from them distinct forms may arise, which taken together may constitute the most perfect form of heaven, they are by no means to be mixed together; for if they were mixed together the distinction would be lost. This is signified by the command that they should not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house. 8005 And ye shall not break a bone in it. That this signifies the truth of memory-knowledge, that this must be sound, is evident from the signification of “bone,” as being the ultimate in which interior things terminate as in their base, that they may be supported and not spread asunder. Such an ultimate in spiritual things is memory-knowledge; for all spiritual truths and goods flow down according to order to lower things, and finally terminate in memory-knowledges, where they present themselves visibly to man. That “ye shall not break” denotes that it must be sound, is clear. Memory-knowledge is said to be sound when it admits into itself nothing but truths which agree with its good; for the memory-knowledge is the general receptacle. Moreover, memory-knowledges are like the bones in man; if these are not sound, or in their order, as when disjointed or distorted, the form of the body is thereby changed, and the actions in accordance therewith. The truths of memory-knowledge are doctrinal things. 8006 All the assemblage of Israel shall perform it. That this signifies that this law of order is for all who are in the good of truth and in the truth of good, is evident from the signification of “the assemblage of Israel,” as being all truths and goods in one complex (see n. 7830); thus those who are in the truth through which is good, and those who are in the good through which is truth (n. 7957), consequently those who are of the spiritual church. That all these were to perform the passover, was to represent the liberation of those of the spiritual church who had been detained in the lower earth until the Lord’s coming (n. 6854, 6914, 7091, 7849, 7932); their eating together in one house was to represent the angelic consociations in heaven (n. 7836, 7996, 7997); thus by the whole assemblage of Israel performing it was represented the whole heaven. At that time there was nowhere a church, but only the representative of a church, for which were taken the descendants of Abraham from Jacob. Communication with heaven, and through heaven with the Lord, was given by means of the representatives of the church. For this reason it was enjoined upon that nation to strictly observe all the statutes and all the laws, especially the statutes concerning the passover, insomuch that he who was clean and did not perform the passover was to be cut off (Num. 9:13). 8007 And when a sojourner shall sojourn with thee. That this signifies those who have been instructed in the truth and good of the church and have received them, is evident from the signification of a “sojourner,” as being those who were being instructed and were receiving the statutes and laws of the church (see n. 2025, 4444, 7908). It is said “when he shall sojourn with thee,” because by “sojourning” is signified to be instructed and to live (n. 1463, 3672). Thus by “sojourners sojourning with them” are signified not only those who were being instructed in the truth and good of the church and were receiving them, but also those who were living according to them. 8008 And performeth the passover to Jehovah. That this signifies if he desires to be together with them, is evident from the signification of “performing the passover to Jehovah,” that is, eating it, as being to be together with them (see n. 8001). 8009 Every male of his shall be circumcised. That this signifies that his truth must be cleansed from impure loves, is evident from the signification of “to be circumcised,” as being to be purified or cleansed from impure loves (see n. 2039, 2056, 2632, 3412, 3413, 4462, 7045); and from the signification of “male,” as being the truth of faith (n. 749, 2046, 4005, 7838). 8010 And then let him come near to perform it, signifies that then he shall be with them (as above, n. 8008). 8011 And he shall be as a native of the land. That this signifies that he shall be accepted just as is he who is in this truth and good, and has been purified from unclean loves, is evident from the signification of “a native of the land,” as being one who has been born within the church and is in its truth and good, consequently who has been purified from unclean loves. It is said “a native of the land,” because by “land” is signified the church (that “land” in the Word denotes the church, see n. 566, 662, 1066, 1067, 1262, 1413, 1607, 1733, 1850, 2117, 2118, 2571, 2928, 3355, 4447, 4535, 5577). That “land” denotes the church is because by “land” in the Word is meant the land of Canaan, and by “the land of Canaan” is signified the Lord’s kingdom and church (n. 1413, 1437, 1585, 1607, 1866, 3038, 3481, 3686, 3705, 4116, 4240, 4447, 4454, 4516, 4517, 5136, 5757, 6516). By every land named in the Word the angels do not understand the land, but the nation that was there, and along with the nation there is understood the quality of the nation in respect to its spirituality, that is, in respect to that which is of the church. That the idea of the quality of the nation occurs when its land is named, is known, for this is the case even with men, and more so with the angels, who think spiritually about every natural thing. 8012 And no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. That this signifies that he who is in the loves of self and of the world cannot be together with them, is evident from the signification of an “uncircumcised person,” as being one who is in the loves of self and of the world (see n. 2056, 3412, 3413, 7045); and from the signification of “eating of it,” namely, the passover, as being to be with them (of which above, n. 8001). 8013 One law shall there be for the native, and for the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you. That this signifies that he who on being instructed has received the truth and good of the church, and lives according to them, shall be as he who being already instructed is within the church, and lives a life in agreement with the precepts of faith and of charity, is evident from the signification of “one law shall there be,” as being a similar right, thus that the one shall be as the other; and from the signification of “the native,” as being one who has been born within the church, and is in its truth and good as to doctrine and as to life (as just above, n. 8011); and from the signification of “the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you,” as being one who is being instructed in the truth and good of the church and receives them and lives according to them (of which also above, n. 8007).[2] It is said “in agreement with the precepts of faith and of charity,” on account of the difference; for the life before regeneration is according to the precepts of faith, but after regeneration it is according to the precepts of charity. Before regeneration no one knows from affection what charity is, but only from doctrine; and the man then lives according to the precepts of doctrine, which are called precepts of faith; but after regeneration he knows from affection what charity is, for he then loves his neighbor, and from the heart wills good to him, and he then lives according to a law that is written on him, for he acts from the affection of charity. This state is utterly different from the former state. They who are in the first state are in obscurity in respect to the truths and goods of faith, but they who are in the latter state are relatively in clearness. These see truths and confirm them from enlightenment, while the former do not see truths and confirm them from enlightenment; but from persuasion that the teachings of the church are truths. And because they do not see them from enlightenment, they can confirm falsities equally with truths, and after these have been confirmed, they see them precisely as truths. From all this it can be seen what is meant by living according to the precepts of faith, and what by living according to the precepts of charity.[3] As regards sojourners, it is several times commanded in the Word that no distinction should be made between a native of the land and a sojourner sojourning with them, for the reason that the Gentiles, from whom the sojourners came, are received into heaven equally as well as they who are within the church, when after being instructed they have received the truths of faith. (Of the Gentiles in the other life, see n. 932, 1032, 1059, 2049, 2284, 2589-2604, 2861, 2863, 3263, 4190, 4197.) Hence it was commanded that “as with the native, so with the sojourner;” as in the following passages:And if a sojourner shall sojourn with you, who shall make a fire-offering of an odor of rest to Jehovah; as ye do, so shall he do. As regards the assembly, there is one statute for you, and for the sojourner that sojourneth, a statute of eternity for your generations; as ye are, so is the sojourner before Jehovah. One law and one judgment shall be for you, and for the sojourner that sojourneth with you (Num. 15:14-16).As is the native of you, shall be to you the sojourner that sojourneth with you (Lev. 19:34).One judgment shall be for you; as for the sojourner, so shall it be for the native (Lev. 24:22).When a sojourner shall sojourn with you he shall perform the passover to Jehovah; according to the statute of the passover, and according to the statutes thereof, so shall he do; one statute shall be for you; as for the sojourner, so for the native (Num. 9:14). 8014 Verses 50, 51. And all the sons of Israel did as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. And it was in this same day that Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies. “And all the sons of Israel did as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron,” signifies the performing of obedience according to truth Divine; “so did they,” signifies performance from the will; “and it was in this same day,” signifies a state of the presence of the Lord; “that Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt,” signifies that the Lord liberated from damnation those who were in the good of truth and the truth of good; “by their armies,” signifies these distinct according to the quality of good from truth. 8015 And all the sons of Israel did as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron. That this signifies the performing of obedience according to truth Divine, is evident from what was said above (n. 7944), where similar words occur. 8016 So did they. That this signifies performance from the will, is evident from the signification of “doing,” when the word is repeated, as being performance from the will (as above, n. 7945). 8017 And it was in this same day. That this signifies a state of the presence of the Lord, is evident from the signification of “day,” as being time and state (see n. 23, 487, 488, 493, 893, 2788, 3462, 3785, 4850, 7680). That it is a state of the presence of the Lord, is because it was the day of the passover, and by the “passover” is signified the presence of the Lord, and the liberation of those who are of the spiritual church from spiritual captivity and from damnation (n. 7867). That there was liberation then, is signified by what follows in this verse, namely, that “on that day Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.” That this was on the morrow after the passover, is evident from Moses:They journeyed from Egypt on the fifteenth day of the first month, on the morrow after the passover in the eyes of all the Egyptians, while the Egyptians were burying their firstborn that were slain (Num. 33:1-4).(That the presence of the Lord liberates from damnation those who are in good, and brings those who are in evil into damnation, see n. 7926, 7989.) 8018 That Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt. That this signifies that the Lord liberated from damnation those who were in the good of truth and in the truth of good, is evident from the signification of “to lead forth,” as being to liberate; and from the representation of the sons of Israel, as being those who are of the spiritual church, or what is the same, who are in the good of truth and the truth of good (of which above, see n. 7957, 8006); and from the signification of “the land of Egypt,” as being damnation. That “the land of Egypt” here denotes damnation, is because by the state of the Egyptians is now signified damnation (n. 7766, 7778). (That the Lord liberated from damnation those who were of the spiritual church, that is, who were in the good of truth and the truth of good, see n. 6854, 6914, 7091, 7828, 7932.)[2] Their liberation by the Lord when He rose again is signified by the descent of the Lord to the lower regions, and was clearly shown by the awakening of the dead out of the tombs, of which in Matthew:And the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that were sleeping were raised; and going forth out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared to many (Matt. 27:52-53);their going forth out of the tombs, and entering into the holy city, and also their appearing, were for a testification that they, who had hitherto been detained in spiritual captivity, had been liberated by the Lord, and would be introduced into heaven. In the internal sense heaven is signified by “the holy city;” and therefore it is called “the holy city,” when yet it was not holy but profane, seeing that its people had so cruelly treated the Lord Himself, who was represented in all the rituals of their church, and described in the Word that was among them; and thus who had been the God of their church.[3] The like is signified by this passage in Daniel:At that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book. And then many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, these to eternal life, but the rest to shame and everlasting disgrace (Dan. 12:1-2).And also by this in Ezekiel:Prophesy and say, Thus said the Lord Jehovih, Behold I will open your sepulchers, and cause you to come up out of your sepulchers, O My people; and I will bring you upon the land of Israel, that ye may know that I am Jehovah, when I shall open your sepulchers, and shall cause you to come up out of your sepulchers, O My people, and I shall put My spirit in you, that ye may live, and I shall place you upon your land, that ye may know that I Jehovah have spoken it, and performed it, said Jehovah (Ezek. 37:12-14);where by “the land of Israel” or of Canaan is meant heaven (n. 8011). By these words in the prophet is described the new creation or generation of man, and also the vivification by the Lord of those who are of the spiritual church. 8019 By their armies. That this signifies these distinct according to the quality of good from truth, is evident from the signification of “armies,” as being goods and truths (of which above, n. 7988); “by their armies” signifies that they who are represented by the sons of Israel were made distinct according to the quality of good from truth. (That all in the other life are distinct and conjoined according to goods, see n. 7833, 7836, 8003.) It is said “according to the quality of good from truth,” because all good has its quality from truth, and is thereby varied (n. 3804, 4149, 5345, 5355, 6916). 8020 From the statutes and laws concerning the eating of the paschal lamb, which are treated of in this chapter, it is clearly evident that there are heavenly secrets contained and hidden in every detail, and that without knowledge from the internal sense nothing is known but a mere ritual in an external form, and nothing heavenly, still less Divine. As for instance, why the paschal animal was to be a lamb or a kid; why the animal was to be a male, and a son of a year; why it was to be killed on the fourteenth day of the month; why its blood was to be sprinkled upon the posts and the lintel; why it was to be eaten roasted with fire, with unleavened bread upon bitter herbs, and not raw or boiled in water; why it was to be roasted with its head upon its legs and upon its midst; why they were not to leave anything of it until the morning, and why that which was left was to be burned with fire; why they were to eat unleavened bread seven days, and why whosoever ate leavened bread was to be cut off; why an alien, a lodger, and a hireling were not to eat of it, but a man’s servant that is bought with silver, and a sojourner, if they were circumcised; why it was to be eaten in one house, and none of the flesh taken out of doors; why a bone was not to be broken in it. What these and very many other particulars involve, and why they were commanded, would be utterly unknown, unless the laws of order in the spiritual world to which they correspond, were known, and unless it were known from the internal sense what each detail signifies in that world, that is, in heaven; and especially unless it were believed that in all things there is something spiritual. If there were not something spiritual in the whole and in each detail, the angels who are with man when he reads the Word would comprehend but little, indeed scarcely anything, from the Word; for the angels comprehend spiritually all things that have been described in the Word in a natural manner. 8021ON THE SPIRITS AND INHABITANTS OF THE PLANET JUPITER, CONTINUED.One of those spirits of Jupiter who strike terror by their coming, as already described, applied himself to my left side beneath the elbow, and spoke from there; but his speech was harsh, nor were the words quite discrete and separate from one another, insomuch that I was obliged to wait long before I could gather the sense; and while he was speaking he also interjected something of terror. He said that so it is done on their earth, and that they are sent in advance to a man, before their angels come to him, and in this manner they prepare him. He admonished me also to receive them well when they came. But it was given me to answer that this is not my affair; but that with me all are received just as they themselves are. 8022 Afterward the angels of that earth came, and it was given me to perceive from their speech with me that they are utterly different from the angels of our earth; for their speech was not effected by means of words, but by means of ideas which diffused themselves through my interiors on all sides, and from there had also an influx into the face, so that the face concurred to every particular; beginning from the lips, and proceeding toward the circumference on all sides. The ideas which were in the stead of words were discrete, but in a slight degree. They said that so do they speak with their own people on their earth; and that there also the speech is of the face, beginning from the lips. 8023 Afterward they spoke with me by means of ideas still less discrete, insomuch that scarcely any interval was perceivable; it was in my perception like the meaning of words with those who attend only to the meaning abstractedly from the words. This speech was more intelligible to me than the former, and was also more full. It flowed into the face in like manner as the former, but the influx was more continuous, in accordance with the nature of the speech. It did not, however, begin from the lips, like the former, but from the eyes. They said that so also do they speak with their own people on their earth; but with those there who enjoy a more interior sense and discernment than the rest. 8024 Afterward they spoke in a manner still more continuous and full; and then the face could not concur by a suitable movement; but there was felt an influx into the brain, and this was then acted upon in a similar manner. 8025 Lastly they spoke in such a way that their discourse fell only into the interior understanding; its fluency was like that of a thin aura. I perceived the influx itself, but not distinctly the particulars. They said that there are men of their earth also with whom they speak in this manner, and that they are those who after death are immediately carried up into heaven. 8026 These kinds of speech are circumstanced like fluids; the first kind is like fluent water; the second is like water more attenuated; the third is relatively like the atmosphere; and the fourth is like a thin aura. 8027 The spirit above mentioned, who was on the left side, sometimes interrupted the conversation, admonishing me especially to deal discreetly with his angels; for there were spirits from our earth who occasioned such things as excited displeasure. He also said that he did not understand what the angels spoke; but that he did afterward when he removed to my left ear. His speech then was not harsh as before, but like that of other spirits. 8028 From this it could be seen how the case is with the order in heaven, and from this in the world; namely that when angels are about to come, a spirit is sent before to prepare the way, and that he excites fear, and gives admonition to receive the angels courteously; and that he interrupts; also that at first he does not understand what the angels speak, but afterward when he has been reduced to a better state he understands; in a word, that he is continually at hand, and prepares the lower mind, and endeavors to avert things unworthy. In regard to this there occurred to me a thought about John the Baptist, that it was according to the order of heaven for him to be sent before and announce the coming of the Lord, and that he should prepare the way that He might be worthily received, according to what is written in Matt. 3:3; Luke 1:17; 3:4; John 1:23. 8029 From what has already been occasionally related about the state of man after death, it is evident that there are few who at once enter heaven when they come into the other life; but that they stay for some time beneath heaven, in order that the things belonging to earthly and bodily loves, which they have brought with them from the world, may be removed, and they may thus be prepared to be capable of being in society with the angels. The case is similar with the men of all the earths, namely, that after their decease they are at first beneath heaven among spirits; and afterward, when they are prepared, they become angels. When the spirits of that earth were becoming angels it was given me to see that there appeared bright horses as of fire, by which they were carried up, like Elijah. Bright horses as of fire signify an enlightened understanding (that “horses” in the Word signify what is of the understanding, see n. 2760-2762, 3217, 5321, 6125, 6534); and the “horses of fire and chariots of fire” which carried away Elijah, signify the understanding of the Word as to its interiors (n. 2762). 8030 This angelic heaven to which they are carried away is the first heaven, or the last of the three. This heaven appears to the right from their earth, and is quite separate from the first or lowest heaven of the angels who are from our earth. They who are in this heaven appear clothed in azure dotted with little golden stars; for they believe this color to be the veriest heavenly color. When they are in the world, and contemplate the starry heaven, they call it the abode of the angels; and for this reason the azure color is loved by them. 8031 The spirits of that earth are utterly unwilling to be in fellowship with the spirits of our earth, because they differ in disposition and manners; for they say that the spirits of our earth are cunning, and are ingenious in plotting evils, and that they know and think little about what is good; also that they do not, as they do, acknowledge the one only Lord. Moreover, the spirits of the earth Jupiter are much wiser than the spirits of our earth, of whom they also say that they speak much and think little, and thus that they cannot interiorly perceive many things, and not even what good is. From this they conclude that the men of our earth are external men. 8032 The subject of the spirits and inhabitants of the planet Jupiter will be continued at the end of the following chapter.

Hearts Made Ready Through Repentance | Advent at Divine SaviorThe Christmas season often leaves us scattered, stretched thin, and overwhelmed by everything we think we must do. But Advent reminds us: true preparation doesn't come from doing more—it comes from returning home.In today's message from Luke 1:5–25, Pastor Caleb Schmiege leads us through the announcement of John the Baptist's birth—a pivotal moment in God's plan to turn hearts back to Him. As we begin our Advent series Hearts Made Ready, we are reminded that the season starts not with decorations or busy schedules, but with repentance.Through the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, God shows how He faithfully prepares the way for Jesus by calling His people back—back to forgiveness, peace, and a new beginning. This message invites us all to come home to God.Support the showMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/

Supporting Cast: John The BaptistMark1:1-8Pastor Dan CassNovember 30, 2025

Pastor Justin preaches on Luke 1 about the birth of John the Baptist and what we can learn concerning God's plan for our lives. We are starting a new study on the Gospel of Luke that will take us through Easter 2026.

Baptism is required for salvation. It is the only special thing we have to separate us from the rest of the world's religions, it is commanded, and the Son of God did this as an example for all who will come to believe in Him. This message shows the history of the practice of cleansing spiritual impurities with water from a Hebraic perspective and focuses on the incredible importance of Baptism for salvation of the Christian. Accept Yeshua as the Messiah, repent of your sins, and get baptized as a symbol of being born again into the family of YHVH aka God. Baptism is something that didn't quite come out of the blue but took on more meaning as it drew near for the time of Christ. Washing with water to resolve spiritual impurities is something from Torah that then became something that was used to identify the people of God throughout Judea in the two centuries before Yeshua. In the first century, the practice of mikva'ot was remarkably common, then John the Baptist elevates immersion to being for the forgiveness of sins. Yeshua Himself is baptized by John to show us the example, not because of any need, and the Spirit descended on Him like a dove. The Father even said, from heaven, “you are my beloved Son, in You I am well pleased” when He was baptized. This sanctioned baptism and showed us that it is indeed required. Those who crucified the Messiah, guilty of His murder, confessed their sin and were baptized in His Name on the day of Pentecost, further showing us the requirement for this practice. Peter had to be humbled to be shown that baptism was for all whom God will call to Himself, whether from Israel of the nations.https://firstcenturychristianity.net/baptism-is-required/

The first Sunday of Advent always brings a special sense of anticipation—a stirring reminder that we are a people who wait with purpose. This week at Myrtle House Community Church, Ellen Chapman invited us to rediscover what Advent truly means: a season of preparing, expecting, hoping, and aligning ourselves with the heartbeat of God. Advent isn't just about counting down to Christmas. It's also about looking ahead with longing toward Christ's return. We are waiting people, but we don't wait passively—we prepare. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Without Jesus, we are painfully aware of our own lack, yet with Him, our hearts find hope, meaning, and transformation. God With Us—Our Model, Our Hope Isaiah 7:14 reminds us of a breathtaking truth: Immanuel—God with us. Jesus entered our world not only to save us, but also to model a life fully surrendered to the Father. When we ask, “What would Jesus do?” we're inviting His example to shape our actions, our attitudes, and our responses. The angels declared His birth as good news of great joy for all people (Luke 2:10–11). Advent is a celebration of this joy—joy rooted not in circumstances, but in the presence of Jesus who came near. Preparing the Way Ellen then led us to John the Baptist—the forerunner, the one appointed to prepare hearts for Christ. He knew his calling. He understood his role. And he faithfully pointed others to Jesus. We have the same calling today. God is moving. He is drawing people to Himself. And He invites us—His church—to be ready to welcome, to love, to shine, and to reflect the light of Christ. Our lives tell a story, and what we carry inside becomes what others see. We are called to be salt and light in a world longing for hope. How Do We Prepare Our Hearts? Ellen shared four ways we can prepare ourselves for all that God is doing: 1. Align Our Hearts and Minds God promised in Ezekiel 36:26 to give us a new heart—a heart soft toward Him, shaped by His Spirit. Transformation begins within. 2. Pray Matthew 6 invites us to speak with our Father in the secret place. Prayer aligns us with His presence and His purposes. 3. Read and Learn We prepare by immersing ourselves in Scripture. Knowing God's Word helps us understand His voice and His ways. 4. Be Discipled Growth happens in community. Walking with those who are further along strengthens our faith and builds spiritual maturity. Prepared for a Purpose Preparation is not busywork—it has a purpose. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, and we are called to do the same for those around us. We are bearers of light. Our faith is meant to be lived, not merely spoken. Our actions often speak louder than our words. When we allow God to purify our hearts and shape our character, we begin to reflect Christ more clearly—His humility, His compassion, His truth, His love. There is hope for something better, even in the hardest moments. Advent reminds us that Jesus came once, and He will come again. And until that day, our calling is to align ourselves with His heart and help others meet Him. A Final Encouragement God is on the move. He is preparing His church—calling us deeper, shaping us further, and leading us into a season of greater impact. Let's prepare the way. Let's be the light. Let's align our hearts with His. This Advent, may our lives tell a story of hope.

Locusts, Honey, and Hard Truths For the session to be discussed on December 7, 2025 Matthew 3:1-12 David Cassady Nikki Hardeman David Adams Jaye Peabody Smith Bert Montgomery Daniel Glaze In this episode for the second Sunday in Advent, we discuss Matthew 3:1-12, focusing on John the Baptist's call for repentance and justice. We delve […]

In this four-part series for Advent, Tony Watkins talks to Christopher Ash, Writer in Residence at Tyndale House, Cambridge, about Luke chapters 1 and 2. These chapters are the focus of Christopher's book of Advent devotions, Repeat the Sounding Joy (pub. Good Book Company). In this first episode, Christopher and Tony discuss the birth of John the Baptist.Repeat the Sounding Joy, by Christopher Ash is available from The Good Book Company and other booksellers.Christopher Ash is a preacher, teacher, and writer. After working in telecommunications and as a teacher of maths, Christopher studied theology at Oxford, where he was awarded the Denyer and Johnson prize. He was ordained and served as an Assistant Minister in St. Andrew the Great in Cambridge, before leading a church plant to All Saints, Little Shelford, in 1997. In 2004 he moved to London where Christopher served as Director of the Proclamation Trust's Cornhill Training Course until July 2015.Christopher and his wife Carolyn have been entrusted with three sons and a daughter (all now grown up) and ten grandchildren. They belong to Cambridge Presbyterian church.As Writer-in-Residence, Christopher hopes to encourage younger scholars to grow in faithful loving loyalty to Jesus, and to use their gifts to serve the church of Christ. Christopher's writing mostly focuses on the Psalms.Support the showEdited by Tyndale House Music – Acoustic Happy Background used with a standard license from Adobe Stock.Follow us on: X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

2022-08-01 - Jesus & John the Baptist： Mark 1_1-12 [lvE7yZru9Yk] by Salvador Flores III

Truth always costs something—and in Matthew 14:1–13, we see that cost on full display. In this message, we look at the story of John the Baptist's imprisonment and execution, a moment that reveals what happens when truth confronts corrupt power. John wasn't killed for preaching to crowds—he was killed for challenging a ruler's sin. We explore four themes: how truth confronts power, why faithfulness will cost you, how sin seeks to silence the prophetic voice, and why grief—though real—is never the final word. From the courage of William Tyndale to the boldness of John the Baptist, we are reminded that the kingdom of God advances not in comfort but in conviction. This message calls believers to stand firm in a culture that prefers silence over righteousness and compromise over holiness. Faithful discipleship requires courage, conviction, and a willingness to confront deception with love and truth. The question isn't whether truth is costly—it's whether we're willing to pay the price.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson and Kathryn Schifferdecker as they welcome Karoline Lewis, Luther Seminary's resident Gospel of John expert, for the first episode in John's gospel year. This timely discussion explores John 1:19-34, perfect for the first Sunday after Christmas and sermon preparation for the Narrative Lectionary. In this episode, the hosts unpack John the Baptist's crucial role as witness rather than baptizer in the Fourth Gospel. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John presents the Baptist not as Elijah or "the prophet," but as one who testifies to Jesus's identity. Caroline Lewis illuminates how John 1:29's declaration—"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"—reveals a profound theological distinction: in John's gospel, "sin" isn't a moral category but describes separation from God. The conversation explores first-century Jewish apocalyptic expectations, drawing on scholarly work about messianic figures and prophetic forerunners. Discover why John's Gospel omits the heavenly voice at Jesus's baptism—because Jesus doesn't need confirmation of his identity. Instead, the baptism becomes John the Baptist's moment of witness, setting up the gospel's major theme: discipleship as testimony. Whether you're preparing Sunday's sermon, leading Bible study, or deepening your understanding of John's unique theological perspective, this episode offers rich insights into witness, identity, and relationship with God. Perfect for preachers, lay leaders, and anyone seeking to understand how John's Christmas season texts invite us to "behold" Emmanuel—God with us. Episode Highlights: * John the Baptist as witness rather than Elijah or "the prophet" * The meaning of "Lamb of God" in Johannine theology * Why Jesus's baptism in John serves a different purpose than in the synoptics * First-century Jewish messianic expectations and apocalyptic figures * "Sin" as separation from God versus moral failure * The "come and see" invitation throughout John's gospel TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of John 03:05 The Role of John the Baptist 05:50 Witnessing and Testifying to Jesus 09:12 Understanding Sin and Relationship with God

We hear another song in scripture today. It comes from lips that have been silent for months. The man has grown to trust the Lord through this silent spell. The Holy Spirit leads the proclamation of what was happening for the people of God. God has visited. He is bringing Salvation to the people, light to those who sit in darkness. Join us as we see that we too can be "Standing on the Promises." Chapters (00:00:00) - Standing on the Promises(00:06:35) - There is a Redeemer Coming to Set My People Free(00:13:45) - Zechariah 3: Stand on the Promises of God(00:22:08) - John the Baptist(00:28:25) - Dark Places of the World

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11-14 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us into day 326 of our journey through the Bible, focusing on Matthew chapters 11 through 14. Together, we'll witness Jesus as he teaches, heals, and challenges the status quo—from answering John the Baptist's questions to performing miracles that inspire awe and raise controversy. As Hunter guides us through the stories of faith, doubt, and divine compassion, we'll reflect on moments when Jesus walks unexpectedly into the storms of life and calls us to courage. There are prayers for wisdom, comfort in hard times, and encouragement to lean into God's joy—reminding each of us that we are loved and seen. Whether you're facing headwinds in your own journey, seeking wisdom, or simply longing for the reassurance of God's presence, this episode is an invitation to put down your oars and listen for Christ's voice in every season. Let's gather around the Scriptures and let them shape our hearts, together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Jesus comes to us in the storm. Sometimes, the presence of God can seem almost terrifying—especially when it shows up in places or moments we least expect. The disciples learned this firsthand when Jesus came to them walking on the water in the midst of a storm. They were afraid, worn out from straining against the wind, doing all they knew to do: rowing with their own strength, growing exhausted and maybe even hopeless at the challenge before them. We, too, often find ourselves in the same boat—facing the winds that come against our families, marriages, children, our lives. We dig deep, try harder, and in spite of it all, sometimes feel like we're getting nowhere. The normal response is to keep pushing and striving. But what if, like the disciples, we miss the presence of Jesus in the middle of our trouble, dismissing him as something "unreal," just a ghost amidst our exhaustion? But Jesus steps into that place of fear and futility and speaks, "Don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here." The invitation is to lay down our oars and trust him, to let him meet us where we are, to believe that his presence makes the impossible possible. When we respond, as Peter did, we can experience something different than we've ever known—we can walk on water, move through storms, see a new way forward. Let's open our eyes to see him coming to us, even in the middle of nowhere, even when life feels overwhelming. Let's put down our striving and hear his voice. He's inviting us to courage, not fear; to rest, not more rowing; to faith, not despair. That's the prayer I have for my own soul—that in the middle of my storms, I would recognize the Lord who comes for me. That's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife and children. And it's the prayer I have for you, dear ones: May you see him in your storm, hear his invitation, and find rest in his abiding love. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for this Third Sunday of Advent episode as they explore John the Baptist's profound question from prison: "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" (Matthew 11:2-11) The hosts examine John's struggle with doubt and disappointment while imprisoned by Herod Antipas, offering a deeply human perspective on faith when reality doesn't match expectations. They explore how Jesus responds not with rebuke but with evidence of the kingdom unfolding: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised. Karoline suggests building a sermon around John's central question, exploring themes of expectation, waiting, and what we're actually looking forward to in Jesus' coming. Matt highlights how Jesus' answer reveals kingdom work happening one person at a time rather than through dramatic displays of power, connecting this back to the vision of the Sermon on the Mount from just four chapters earlier. The conversation delves into the meaning of "blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me" and discusses how this might be a subtle correction to John's expectations about the pacing and style of messianic work. The hosts emphasize the importance of "go and tell what you hear and see" as an Advent practice of noticing where God is already at work. The James reading introduces patience as a necessary Advent practice, though the hosts humorously acknowledge how difficult it is to hear "just be patient" when you're suffering or waiting for change. They explore the tension between John's radical immediacy and James' call to patient endurance. Commentaries for the Third Sunday of Advent can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-of-advent/commentary-on-matthew-112-11-7. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Advent and Scripture Readings 01:15 John the Baptist's Doubts and Expectations 04:49 Jesus' Response to Doubts and the Nature of His Mission 10:16 Exploring Isaiah's Prophetic Message 18:45 The Role of the Psalm in Advent 22:06 Patience and Waiting in Advent 23:34  Outro *  *  * Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Q0ZtcMuVm2U.

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A, featuring John the Baptist's prophetic ministry and Isaiah's vision of the peaceable kingdom. In this episode, the hosts examine John the Baptist's dramatic appearance in Matthew's gospel, styled after Elijah as the forerunner to the Messiah. They discuss why John positions himself in the wilderness, his confrontational message to the religious authorities ("brood of vipers"), and how his call to repentance mirrors Jesus' own first words of ministry. The conversation explores John's anti-establishment stance, his popularity in first-century Palestine, and how his expectations of Jesus differed from the ministry that actually unfolded. The discussion of Isaiah 11 delves into the promise of a righteous ruler from Jesse's stump and the beautiful poetry of the peaceable kingdom where wolves dwell with lambs and lions eat straw like oxen. The hosts reflect on how this impossible vision confronts the tragic reality of human nature and our inability to solve our own brokenness, pointing to God's solution in Jesus. Karoline highlights the image of righteousness and faithfulness as the very clothing of the Messiah. The Romans passage brings Paul's climactic call for radical welcome and unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, with Rolf emphasizing the power of blessing as a way God's preferred future breaks into the present moment. The hosts explore two benedictions that offer steadfastness, encouragement, hope, joy, and peace through the Holy Spirit. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Advent and Scripture Readings 03:02 The Role of John the Baptist 05:58 John's Message and Expectations 09:02 The Imagery of Judgment and Mercy 12:00 Isaiah's Vision of the Peaceable Kingdom 18:05 Psalm 72: The Ideal King 19:59 Paul's Call for Unity in Romans *  *  * Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Psn00Y9C5Io.

What motivates you? The high side or the low side? John the Baptist sang the funeral song, and Jesus sang the wedding song, but still the people didn't move. What does it take for you to go deeper with God? Do you need to be yelled and told to repent like John the Baptist, or does the love and celebration of a wedding with Jesus move you? We may not realize it, but it is our choice whether we operate from the low side or the high side. 

Ghost and Ashe in America take viewers deep into Episode 5 of The Chosen, “The Wedding Gift,” unpacking its rich symbolism, biblical foundations, and character-driven storytelling. The episode opens with Mary and Joseph searching for the young Jesus in the Temple, setting the stage for themes of timing, calling, and divine purpose. At the wedding in Cana, Ghost and Ashe walk scene-by-scene through cultural traditions, the honor-based social dynamics, and the added character arcs that build toward Jesus' first public miracle. They explore the tension between practicality and faith through Thomas, the emotional weight of social shame for Dinah and Rafi, and the textured worldbuilding woven into every choice, from hospitality norms to the meaning of wine and the winepress throughout Scripture. The hosts also dive into one of the episode's most powerful additions: the electrifying, invented conversation between Nicodemus and John the Baptist, where prophecy, skepticism, and spiritual hunger collide. With humor, insight, and a touch of reverence, Ghost and Ashe guide viewers through the layered storytelling that makes this episode a standout in Season 1.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1-4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter and Heather invite us into a meaningful journey through the Scriptures as they continue their year-long adventure, reading and reflecting together. It's November 19th, and we're exploring the opening chapters of the Gospel of Matthew—unpacking the lineage and birth of Jesus, the visit of the wise men, Jesus's early life, John the Baptist's calling, and Christ's first steps into ministry. As always, Hunter brings wisdom and encouragement, reminding us that God draws us in so He can speak life into our hearts. Heather shares thoughtful reflections on the nature of grace and the remarkable story of God coming to us—reminding us that, in Jesus, God bridges the gap we could never cross ourselves. The episode is rich with prayer, scripture, and gentle reminders that "you are loved"—all woven with an open invitation to join this community, subscribe, and journey together. Whether you're seeking inspiration, comfort, or just a moment to pause and connect, this episode offers hope, truth, and encouragement for your day. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He came to you because you couldn't come to him. As Hunter and Heather reflected, the message of the law and the prophets teaches us that we need to come to God. John the Baptist shouts it from the wilderness—come to God, confess, and be baptized. But in this story, something unexpected happens: God comes to us. Jesus comes, asking to be baptized by human hands. It's a turning point. John asks, "Why are you coming to me?"—because he knows we are the ones who need to go to God. But the gospel tells us a deeper truth: try as we might, we falter. We know God is worthy of all our allegiance and devotion, yet we fail. The Law reminds us of this vast distance, but Jesus crosses it for us. He comes because we are truly incapable of making the journey to him on our own. That is the good news. God loves us so much that he has come to us, doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. God has not waited for us to show our love for him before he showed his love for us. The news is better than we can imagine—God's love is already here, preceding every striving and every attempt to reach him. Today, let the answer of Jesus to John ring in your heart. He made up the distance for you, because you couldn't. He did this out of love—for you, for the whole world. Let that truth transform your mind and fill you with joy. That is a prayer for my own soul, for my family, and for you: may it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

What's the point of being good if the righteous still must suffer? Although their souls were in conflict, they choose to rely on God. In this message, Pastor Lutzer introduces people who honored God in their suffering like Job and John the Baptist. Even when our souls are in anguish, God is still adequate to meet the deepest needs we have. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

The passage begins with a moment of personal sorrow for Jesus, for He has just received news of the death of John the Baptist. We see that Jesus “withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself” (verse 13). Yet even in His grief, we observe the unrelenting love and compassion of Christ. When the crowds follow Him, “He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them” (verse 14). Notice that Jesus does not dismiss the crowds or send them away. Instead, He takes pity on them, healing their sick and addressing their physical and spiritual needs.

In light of a series of miracles in our readings for today, Fr. Mike focuses on our Lord's compassion and our call to be merciful, as he is. He emphasizes the beauty of God's mercy and his offering of it despite our unworthiness. He also strikes a balance between the goodness of humanity as God's creation and our brokenness due to original sin. Today's readings are Luke 6-8 and Proverbs 26:1-3. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah's response and Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, and also explains why Mary is the Ark of the new Covenant. We learn that through Mary, God begins to fulfill his promises to the people of Israel. Today's readings are Luke 1-2, and Proverbs 25:24-26. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.