Podcasts about Jordan River

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:8­–9 NLT) Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come. I have found that after great blessings in my life, after God works in a powerful way, the devil will be there to challenge it. Think about it. After God had powerfully worked through Elijah on Mount Carmel, the prophet became so discouraged that he wanted to die. After Jesus was transfigured, He came down from the mountain to find a demon-possessed person waiting for Him. After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, after the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove, and after God said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy” (Matthew 3:17 NLT), Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the dove came the devil. The devil will always be there to challenge whatever God has done. It may come after church, after God has blessed you and spoken to you. You may leave the parking lot and get hit with a heavy-duty temptation. That’s the devil’s way. He wants to make your life miserable. Most importantly, he wants to steal anything that God has done in your life. That’s why you need to heed the warning of the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:8–9 above. You need to stay alert to the devil’s schemes in all settings, in good times and bad. You can’t afford to make the mistake of thinking you can anticipate the devil’s every move. You can certainly anticipate some. If you have self-awareness, you know your areas of vulnerability. You’re all too familiar with the temptations that have worked against you in the past. So, in spiritual battle, you’re likely to be hyper-attuned to them and (understandably) diligent about protecting yourself from them. But when those battles are over, and you walk away victorious, Peter’s warning in 1 Peter 5:8 still applies. “Stay alert!” (NLT). Because if the devil can’t get you to give in to temptation, he may be able to get you to overinflate your ego as you enjoy your victory. Pride can be just as enticing as sexual sin. If you start to believe that you deserve more credit, more followers, or more acknowledgment for your spiritual maturity and good deeds, the devil’s got you just where he wants you. Anything that weakens your faith or testimony is a battle victory for him. The same goes for every other believer in the arena, doing battle with the devil. That’s why it’s always a good battle strategy to pray for any person whom you know God is using. The more you step out to be used by the Lord, the more you can expect opposition from the devil. Reflection question: What are some hidden areas of vulnerability, especially when things are going well, that the devil might exploit in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textThe question reverberates through Christian history: Why would a sinless Savior need baptism? Mitchell tackles this profound theological mystery with clarity and depth in this illuminating episode of the Pure Faith Podcast.Diving into the baptism of Jesus recorded in Matthew 3:13-17, Mitchell unpacks three compelling reasons behind this pivotal moment. First, it marked the official launch of Jesus's public ministry at age 30, when Jewish tradition allowed him to formally take on disciples as a rabbi. While Jesus had been discussing Scripture since childhood (as seen during his temple visit at age 12), this moment represented his official step into public teaching.Second, this sacred moment created the divine stage for the Holy Spirit's descent and God's thunderous proclamation: "This is my Son, with whom I am well pleased." This heavenly endorsement announced Jesus's identity to all present—and perhaps even alerted dark forces to the Messiah's arrival, though they couldn't comprehend how his eventual death would fulfill God's redemptive plan.Most poignantly, Jesus's baptism demonstrated his willingness to identify with sinners despite his own sinlessness. This wasn't about elevating humanity to his level but about Jesus descending to ours—the first step in his journey toward taking on our sin at Calvary. Mitchell brilliantly connects this to baptism's consistent biblical meaning of death, burial, and resurrection, tracing this pattern through Noah's flood, the Red Sea crossing, and the Jordan River.Mitchell closes with powerful personal insights, sharing his own adult baptism story despite being baptized as an infant, and urging believers not to delay baptism until they've "cleaned up their lives." The message resonates with both new and seasoned believers: just as Jesus began his ministry with baptism, so should we begin our faith journey—not after achieving perfection, but precisely because we need the transformative power baptism represents.Support the showSupport our ministryCheck us out at purefaithliving.comContact us at purefaithliving.com/contactFollow us on twitter @purefaithlivingFollow us on Facebook at Pure Faith Podcast

In this sermon from Joshua 1, we see God calling Joshua and the new generation of Israel to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land He promised centuries earlier. The lesson is clear: God's promises are certain, but receiving them requires courageous faith, obedience to His Word, and a willingness to step into the unknown. Drawing from Israel's history, New Testament truths, and real-life applications, this sermon challenges us to stop settling for a fraction of what God offers. Whether it's peace, joy, love, or purpose, God has already said “yes” to every spiritual blessing in Christ — but we must walk in them. Like Joshua, we face our own “Jordan Rivers” that test our trust and commitment. Will we remain in the wilderness, or will we step forward in strength, courage, and obedience to claim the fullness of what God has prepared?

THE PASSING of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha was spectacular: A fiery chariot pulled by horses of fire in a whirlwind carried Elijah off to heaven. The whirlwind was a theophany, an appearance by God Himself. The chariot, as Sharon noted, was believed to be the vehicle that carried human spirits to the netherworld—but in this case, Elijah was carried off to heaven. We discuss the location of the event, the plains of Moab across from Jericho, and why that has supernatural significance. For one thing, it's where Moses was buried after his death, and it's probably not coincidental that Moses and Elijah are the two who joined Jesus on Mount Hermon, the “Canaanite Olympus,” for the Transfiguration. The place from which Elijah was caught up was below the ruins of Sodom, at the southern end of the Jordan River called the Valley of the Travelers by Ezekiel. “Travelers” was a term used by the Canaanites for the spirits of the Rephaim, which were venerated by the pagan neighbors of the Israelites. It's also the Valley of Siddim, where the armies of Sodom, Gomorrah and their allies fought the kings of Mesopotamia (Genesis 14). Siddim can also be rendered shedim, which is a Hebrew word meaning “demons”--in other words, the Valley of Demons. In other words, God carried off Elijah from a place that had been notorious for demonic activity for about a thousand years by the time of Elijah and Elisha. We also discuss the final days of the son of King Ahab, Ahaziah, who turned to Baal-zebub (“Lord of Flies”) for healing instead of God. Big mistake! Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. NOTE: If you'e going to Israel with us in October, you'll need to apply for a visa online before you travel. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.50). Log on here: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

Unity changes everything. It invites the Holy Spirit in, strengthens us in battle, and keeps us moving forward together. In Part 5 of Pastor Troy's series This Side of Jordan, we look at the moment the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and the lessons it holds for us today.Pastor Troy unpacks three essentials for victory: consecration, courage, and unity. Learn why we must set ourselves apart for God, stand strong against the pull of the world, and fight for one another's breakthroughs. We'll also explore how to build memorials that honor God for future generations and how to recognize the difference between good and bad compromise.This message is a challenge and a call to link arms, break barriers, and cross into God's promises together!

THE PASSING of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha was spectacular: A fiery chariot pulled by horses of fire in a whirlwind carried the elder prophet to heaven.The whirlwind was a theophany, an appearance by God Himself. The chariot, as Sharon noted, was believed to be the vehicle that carried human spirits to the netherworld—but in this case, Elijah was carried off to heaven. We discuss the location of the event, the plains of Moab across from Jericho, and why that has supernatural significance. For one thing, it's where Moses was buried after his death, and it's probably not coincidental that Moses and Elijah are the two who joined Jesus on Mount Hermon, the “Canaanite Olympus,” for the Transfiguration. The place from which Elijah was caught up was below the ruins of Sodom, at the southern end of the Jordan River called the Valley of the Travelers by Ezekiel. “Travelers” was a term used by the Canaanites for the spirits of the Rephaim, which were venerated by the pagan neighbors of the Israelites. It's also the Valley of Siddim, where the armies of Sodom, Gomorrah and their allies fought the kings of Mesopotamia (Genesis 14). Siddim can also be rendered shedim, which is a Hebrew word meaning “demons.”In other words, God carried off Elijah from a place that had been notorious for demonic activity for about a thousand years by the time of Elijah and Elisha.

Several passages in the Bible describe the Israelites setting up pillars or stones as memorials to remember God's faithfulness and miraculous acts. Two prominent examples are Jacob setting up a pillar at Bethel (read Genesis 28:18) and the Israelites erecting twelve stones at Gilgal after crossing the Jordan River (read Joshua 4:1-9). These acts served as visual reminders of God's presence and provision, helping them to remember His faithfulness_______________________Join me on the 'gram! Get free recipes and tips delivered right to your inbox every Friday!Learn more about your options for working 1:1 with me: https://www.revivewellness.health/services Schedule a free call with me hereTry Syntrax! To try to the most delicious, gluten free, lactose free "top of the line" whey isolate AND save 25% use the code "syntraxallison" at checkout.Want some FREE LMNT? Use this link for a FREE sample pack with any order!Better Bodies discount code "BB15" at checkout to save 15% on my favorite betterbodies gear! Save 10% on PureFactorFormulations supplements with my code "Revive10" at checkout!

Listen today as Pastor Jack Morris continues our series Joshua and The Israelites: A Crossover Experience. The people of Israel have now crossed over the Jordan River into the land God promised them, and in Joshua 4:23-24, we're reminded of God's mighty power and His desire for all people to know and revere Him: “For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over… so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful.” Pastor Jack shows us how remembering what God has done strengthens our faith for what lies ahead. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1528/29

Our God Still Speaks: Real-life Stories Of How God Answers Prayers – Book 1 by Virginia Stewart MetzlerHave you ever wondered if God still speaks today as He did in Old Testament times? Have you longed to see evidence of God's working in your life? Have you struggled because of unanswered prayers? Then you must read Our God Still Speaks. After God led the Old Testament Israelites across the Jordan River, Joshua stacked up stones as a memorial to Him. Every time the Israelites saw those stones, they were reminded of God's faithfulness to them. Similarly, Our God Still Speaks is Virginia Stewart Metzler's own “stack of stones.” It is her written memorial of God's repeated answers to prayer. Virginia and her former husband were missionaries in Liberia, West Africa until he was killed in a tragic plane crash. After she married Les Metzler, they became missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators in the Philippines. This book reveals compelling stories of God's working in their lives and it was written to honor God. Her prayer is that it will motivate, encourage and bless those who still seek Him.Virginia Stewart Metzler was born in Houston, Texas. After high school, Virginia married John Thomas (Tommy) Barnett, Jr., a pilot, and moved to Liberia, West Africa. There they served as missionaries with R. G. LeTourneau for two years. After Tommy's untimely death, Virginia moved back to the U.S. with her two small children, Vicki and Randy. Virginia met Les Metzler after moving to California from Texas. They have now been married 46 years. Virginia and Les served as support missionaries for 14 years with Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Summer Institute of Linguistics. They are the parents of two married children and an adopted daughter Hannah-Joy, a pre-med student. Besides being a wife, mother and grandmother, Virginia is an artist, writer, Bible teacher and discipler of women.https://www.readersmagnet.com/product/our-god-still-speaks-real-life-stories-of-how-god-answers-prayers-book-1/http://www.bluefunkbroacasting.com/root/twia/9723vmrm2.mp3   

August 7, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: What Sins Should We Confess?Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 20:24-42; 1 Samuel 21:1-23:29; 1 Corinthians 1:1-25Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord's Prayer; but before the pastor we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts. (Explanation of What Sins Should We Confess?, Luther's Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There's an old expression used when someone gets stuck on the same topic and says the same thing over and over again; they're a broken record, we say. This is a perfect picture—or should we say, soundtrack—of Christ's Church. God calls his church to be a broken record. Not the kind that blasts an annoying earworm of a song into your head, but a blessed broken record playing the same thing over and over again. And what is that theme song? The record the church is called to keep spinning is the constant refrain of God's steadfast love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.This is why Martin Luther once called the Church a mouth-house of forgiveness. The Church is a megaphone of God's grace and mercy. The Church stands in the wasteland of this fallen world like John the Baptist stood in the Jordan River announcing the Good News: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)This is why Christ builds his Church. You can find entertainment anywhere in the world. You can find social clubs and hobby groups all over social media. There are many good gifts God gives outside of his church, but the one thing we cannot find anywhere else is God's word and sacraments, his Gifts of forgiveness for you. For this reason, Christ built his Church and founded it on forgiveness. For you! His forgiveness won for you on the cross and given to you in Baptism, Absolution, the Gospel, and the Supper. After all, there are only two places where our sin can rest: on our shoulders or on Jesus'. And this is why he came, so that all our sin would rest on his shoulders on the cross. This is also why he gives us his Gifts of confession and forgiveness, and why the Church is a broken record, announcing God's forgiveness on repeat until Jesus returns. In the meantime, Jesus sends pastors to hear our confession and forgive our sin, every Sunday in Divine Service, and privately when guilt gnaws at you, or a particular sin sticks with you like that annoying pebble stuck in your shoe. And when we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Forgive our sins, Lord, we implore, That they may trouble us no more; We, too, will gladly those forgive Who hurt us by the way they live. Help us in our community To serve each other willingly. (LSB 766:6)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

As a result of Moshe's sin of striking the rock, he was barred from crossing over the Jordan River and entering the Land of Canaan. In Moshe's speech to the nation, he recounts how he petitioned God to have this decree rescinded. When studying Moshe's prayer to enter the Land, we discover several incredible insights […]

What would change in your life if you could see what God sees? In this powerful episode from 2 Kings 6, Stephen Davey explores two very different miracles: a sunken axe head and an invisible army. One seems small and personal. The other, dramatic and national. Yet both reveal the same truth—God is always present, always active, and always enough. When a borrowed tool sinks in the Jordan River, Elisha doesn't dismiss it as trivial. He steps in to help because God cares about what weighs us down. Moments later, a terrified servant wakes to find an enemy army surrounding them. But when Elisha prays for God to open his eyes, the servant sees what Elisha already knows—heaven's armies are surrounding the enemy. You'll also hear a timely warning against the modern fascination with angels. While angels serve God's purposes, they are not substitutes for His presence, power, or salvation. This episode reminds you to keep your eyes on the Lord—not the miracles, not the messengers. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or overlooked, “When Your Eyes Are Opened” will help you see the spiritual reality that surrounds you. God is near. His help is real. And His strength is always on time.

As a result of Moshe's sin of striking the rock, he was barred from crossing over the Jordan River and entering the Land of Canaan. In Moshe's speech to the nation, he recounts how he petitioned God to have this decree rescinded. When studying Moshe's prayer to enter the Land, we discover several incredible insights about the nature of prayer, the efficacy of prayer, and what it takes to accomplish world-changing things.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

What would change in your life if you could see what God sees? In this powerful episode from 2 Kings 6, Stephen Davey explores two very different miracles: a sunken axe head and an invisible army. One seems small and personal. The other, dramatic and national. Yet both reveal the same truth—God is always present, always active, and always enough. When a borrowed tool sinks in the Jordan River, Elisha doesn't dismiss it as trivial. He steps in to help because God cares about what weighs us down. Moments later, a terrified servant wakes to find an enemy army surrounding them. But when Elisha prays for God to open his eyes, the servant sees what Elisha already knows—heaven's armies are surrounding the enemy. You'll also hear a timely warning against the modern fascination with angels. While angels serve God's purposes, they are not substitutes for His presence, power, or salvation. This episode reminds you to keep your eyes on the Lord—not the miracles, not the messengers. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or overlooked, “When Your Eyes Are Opened” will help you see the spiritual reality that surrounds you. God is near. His help is real. And His strength is always on time.

Following a standalone sermon, Pathway to Wellness, Tyler talks with Raphael about some of the takeaways from Sihle's sermon, communion, and the baptism of Naaman in the Jordan River. Passage: 2 Kings 5:1-14 If you have any questions about the sermon, fill out the form on the Church Center App.

Daily Dose of Hope August 4, 2025   Scripture – Luke 3   Prayer:  Almighty God, Thank you for today and new week.  Thank you for providing for us, caring for us, and protecting us.  Over thousands upon thousands of years, you have taken care of your people.  We give you glory and praise, for who you are.  Thank you, most of all, for sending Jesus, who moved into our neighborhood so that we could begin to understand your love.  Wow.  There are no words to adequately thank you for the sacrifice that saved our lives.  Lord Jesus, we love you and we thank you.  Help us grow in holiness, continue to transform us so we can be a better reflection of you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.   Today, we dive into Luke 3. I find it particularly fascinating how Luke begins by listing all the rulers of the time.  He is showing us that John and Jesus are doing ministry within a particular geopolitical landscape.  Luke identifies some of the most important rulers of that region. Tiberius was the Roman emperor from 14-37 AD.  Like many emperors, he was known to be cruel, corrupt, and self-obsessed.  His rule served as a significant contrast from the kind of Kingdom ushered in by Jesus Christ.   Then we have Pontius Pilate.  He was governor of Judea from approximately 26-37 AD.  Of course, we recognize him for his role in Jesus' trial and death, which also landed him a mention in the Apostles' Creed.   Herod Antipas is also mentioned.  He was the son of Herod the Great.  The Herod dynasty was set up by the Roman government to rule over the Holy Land.  They considered themselves Jewish, although the Jewish leaders might have argued that point.  The Herods in general tended to feel easily threatened and rule with an iron fist.  Herod Antipas was ruler over the region of Galilee and Luke refers to him a few times.   The high priests who Luke mentions are Annas and his son-in-law, Caiaphas.  Caiaphas was officially the high priest during this time but the presence of Annas still was clearly felt.    Mentioning these real people was important to Luke.  He wanted to show that God is bringing about salvation not in the abstract but in real time, through real events, real people, and in actual places.  It's in the messy, difficult, and complex event of history that God reveals himself and continues his work of redemption.   And the work starts with John the Baptist, who gathers people in the wilderness at the Jordan River.  He quotes some prophecy from Isaiah, suggesting that God's people will be restored among the nations (of course, no one quite understands how they will be restored.) And of course, John talks about Jesus, for whom he has been called to prepare the way.  John is a forerunner of sorts, preparing the hearts of the people for what is to come.  John has no problem speaking truth, he has some pretty harsh words for the people, calling them to repentance and baptism.  Keep in mind, repentance means a sincere turning away from sin and a turning toward God.  This is more than just being sorry.  It is a real change of heart and mind with a desire to be obedient.  John addresses the common people, the soldiers, and even the tax collectors, and how they can repent and begin to produce good fruit.    When John baptizes Jesus, it marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. This call to ministry was accompanied by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and confirmed by God's voice from heaven. It is a beautiful picture of the Trinity. What's interesting and even a bit puzzling about this scene is that John's baptism, as I just mentioned, was one of repentance. It was for sinners to come, repent, and be cleansed. But Jesus was sinless. He had no need of a sinner's baptism. And yet, he chose to go through the ritual. Jesus sought to identify with the people he came to save.   This is a critical part of the incarnation, God coming to earth to become a human being. It's in the incarnation that Jesus becomes one of us. Jesus goes to the people, identifies with them, and gives them a real-life demonstration of who God is and how much God loves them. The baptism was simply the beginning.   The chapter closes with a genealogy of Jesus, according to Luke.  Luke attempts to trace Jesus' family tree all the way back to Adam.  While Luke isn't literally listing every single generation, he is making a point.  Jesus did not come to just save the Jewish people but all people.  We know from the book of Romans that Paul calls Jesus the new Adam, the one who restored what was lost in Adam's sin.  While Adam infected all people with sin, Jesus opened the door to redemption and eternal life for all people who believe in him.   Take a moment and read through this genealogy again, as well as the genealogy in Matthew 1. What are the similarities and differences? How does each author go about telling the story of Jesus' family?   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

August 1, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 17:1-19Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:1-19; Acts 26:1-23“David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul,but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.” (1 Samuel 17:14-15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. God has a pattern of doing things in ways we least expect. Back in Genesis, who did God choose to be the bearer of the promise despite his not-so-brotherly love and deception? Not the older brother Esau, whom we'd expect, but instead, the younger, trickster brother, Jacob. And when it came time for Jacob to bless his twelve sons, who received the blessing that would carry on the promise of the coming Seed? Not the firstborn Reuben, like we would expect, but the fourth in line, Judah.Fast forward several hundred years later and a few more branches down the Messianic family tree, and you'll find God doing the same unexpected thing, choosing the same unlikely people to carry out his plan of salvation. This time, in 1 Samuel, it's David who was chosen by God, first to destroy Goliath, and then, later on, to become king. When God sent Samuel to anoint a new king, once again, he did something unexpected. God didn't choose the oldest son of Jesse, but the youngest. A shepherd boy. Taking no armor with him into battle - an unexpected military maneuver, and using a rather unlikely - but deadly - weapon, David struck down Goliath. And later on, this unlikely shepherd boy became the shepherd king of Israel. And yet, God's unexpected ways of accomplishing his salvation don't stop with David. David's Son and David's Lord carries on in the ancient tradition as God in the flesh continues to do unlikely things in unexpected ways, many of which mirror the first David. Jesus, the Son of David, is born in the city of David, Bethlehem. Jesus, like David, is anointed, not by Samuel, but by water and the appearance of the Holy Spirit, and the voice of the Father in the Jordan River. Jesus, like David says in Psalm 23, truly is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus, like David, slays his enemies in the most unlikely and unexpected way. Not with five smooth stones, but with four nails, a wooden cross, and one stone rolled away on the third day. Jesus, the Son of David, continues his unexpected ways of bringing salvation to you as well. He takes ordinary water and washes away sin. He speaks his word and forgiveness through fellow sinners. He puts his Body and Blood in bread and wine, where the cup of his grace overflows. God's pattern of doing things may be unexpected, but his ways are full of grace, mercy, and goodness which follow us all the days of our lives.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hail! Hosanna, David's Son! Jesus, hear our supplication! Let Thy kingdom, scepter, crown, Bring us blessing and salvation, That forever we may sing; Hail! Hosanna to our King. (LSB 350:4)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

What stands between you and God's grace? In this episode, Stephen Davey tells the story of Naaman—a decorated Syrian general whose impossible situation brought him face to face with a greater power. Though respected, wealthy, and celebrated, Naaman was still a leper. When told that healing could come from Israel's prophet, he set off with silver, gold, and political letters—ready to earn a miracle. But grace doesn't work that way. Stephen unpacks Naaman's journey from pride to humility, from resistance to surrender. Along the way, you'll see how the same two lies still deceive us today: that spiritual healing can be bought, and that God's way can be replaced by our own. Naaman had to dip in the muddy Jordan River—not once, but seven times—to discover that salvation comes on God's terms, not ours. This message offers powerful lessons for anyone wrestling with pride, religious effort, or the desire to earn God's approval. If you've ever thought you had to clean yourself up before coming to God, this episode is for you. Grace is not for sale. Salvation is not a reward. But for those who come by faith, it is freely given—and eternally secure.

What stands between you and God's grace? In this episode, Stephen Davey tells the story of Naaman—a decorated Syrian general whose impossible situation brought him face to face with a greater power. Though respected, wealthy, and celebrated, Naaman was still a leper. When told that healing could come from Israel's prophet, he set off with silver, gold, and political letters—ready to earn a miracle. But grace doesn't work that way. Stephen unpacks Naaman's journey from pride to humility, from resistance to surrender. Along the way, you'll see how the same two lies still deceive us today: that spiritual healing can be bought, and that God's way can be replaced by our own. Naaman had to dip in the muddy Jordan River—not once, but seven times—to discover that salvation comes on God's terms, not ours. This message offers powerful lessons for anyone wrestling with pride, religious effort, or the desire to earn God's approval. If you've ever thought you had to clean yourself up before coming to God, this episode is for you. Grace is not for sale. Salvation is not a reward. But for those who come by faith, it is freely given—and eternally secure.

# Miracles Week 9: The Power of Humility In our ongoing series on miracles, we delve into the story of Naaman from **2 Kings 5:1-19**. This narrative is a compelling illustration of how humility can create space for divine intervention, while pride can obstruct it. ## The Story of Naaman Naaman, a revered commander of the army of Aram, was a man of great power and prestige. However, he suffered from leprosy, a condition that no amount of status or wealth could cure. This story is not just about his physical healing but a profound transformation of his heart. ### Key Themes - **Humility vs. Pride**: The sermon emphasizes that humility opens the door for God to act in our lives. Naaman's journey underscores this truth as his initial pride prevents him from accepting the simple solution offered by the prophet Elisha. It is only through humbling himself and obeying God's directive to wash in the Jordan River that he finds healing. - **God's Use of the Humble**: A pivotal character in Naaman's story is a nameless, enslaved Hebrew girl who suggests that Naaman seek out the prophet in Samaria. Her humble, compassionate whisper sets the miracle in motion, highlighting how God often uses the overlooked and powerless to achieve His purposes. - **Divine Healing and Transformation**: Naaman's healing is not just physical but spiritual. His willingness to obey the simple, humble command to wash in the Jordan signifies a surrender that leads to a deeper transformation. The story illustrates that true healing involves a change of heart and a recognition of God's sovereignty. ## Lessons from Naaman's Journey 1. **Pride Obstructs Divine Grace**: Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions is one of anger and pride. His expectation of a grand gesture reflects a common human tendency to value status and spectacle over simple obedience. **Proverbs 16:18** warns, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall," a truth evident in Naaman's journey. 2. **The Role of Humility in Healing**: Naaman's story teaches that healing and redemption begin when pride ends. The simple act of washing in the Jordan becomes a symbol of his humility and obedience, leading to his restoration. 3. **God's Sovereignty in Healing**: The narrative demonstrates that God's methods may seem simple or beneath us, but they are effective. Naaman's transformation from a proud commander to a humble worshiper of the true God is a testament to the power of God's grace. ## Conclusion Naaman's story is a powerful reminder that God's miracles often require us to lay down our pride and embrace humility. As we reflect on this narrative, we are encouraged to consider the areas in our lives where pride may be hindering us from experiencing God's full blessings. By stepping into the metaphorical Jordan River of our lives, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace. In closing, remember the words from **James 4:10**: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Let us strive to live lives marked by humility, allowing God to work His miracles in and through us.

From Fear to Faith: Crossing Life's Spiritual Jordans explores the transformative journey of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. This powerful message examines how God moves His people through three significant spiritual transitions that apply directly to our lives today: from fear to faith, from shame to honor, and from wilderness to promised land. Discover why God commanded circumcision when the Israelites' enemies were already paralyzed with fear—revealing the principle that God values obedience over opportunity. Learn how God's perfect timing protected His people during their most vulnerable moments, and how this applies to your spiritual journey today. This teaching unpacks the deep significance of God rolling away the reproach of Egypt, transforming 40 years of wandering and shame into honor and purpose. Understand the powerful truth that God's faithfulness isn't dependent on our performance, and how the covenant promise remains intact despite our failures. Explore the significance of the Israelites' first Passover in the promised land and the cessation of manna, revealing how God's provision adapts to our circumstances—extraordinary provision for extraordinary times, ordinary provision for ordinary times. Learn to recognize God's hand in both miraculous moments and everyday blessings. The message concludes with practical applications for moving from fear to faith in your own life, addressing questions like: Where are you placing your trust? What shame are you carrying? How are you recognizing God's provision? Are you seeking God on His terms? Perfect for anyone feeling stuck in fear, carrying shame from past mistakes, or wandering in a spiritual wilderness, this message offers biblical insight on how God specializes in removing what we cannot remove ourselves—sin, shame, and guilt—and replacing it with honor, victory, and a new identity in Him. Keywords: spiritual transformation, overcoming fear, faith journey, shame to honor, God's promises, spiritual growth, Joshua 5, Jordan River crossing, divine timing, covenant faithfulness, identity in Christ, God's provision, wilderness experience, promised land, spiritual maturity

Catalyst Church of Carrollton: 5/4/2025 - “_______” “One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. Let's go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.” “All right,” he told them, “go ahead.” “Please come with us,” someone suggested. “I will,” he said. So he went with them. When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!” “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT

Stepping Into Your Destiny: A Call to ActionIn this inspirational sermon delivered at Tampa Life Church, Pastor Tes Stewart from Spirit of Pentecost in Ontario, Canada, emphasizes the importance of faith and action in fulfilling God's purpose for one's life. He reflects on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land, highlighting their obstacles and God's interventions at the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Pastor Stewart challenges the congregation to move beyond their fears and step into their own 'Jordan River,' symbolizing the barriers they face. He calls for a commitment to action and deeper faith, urging listeners to step into their purpose and destiny, even in the face of uncertainty.00:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks00:43 Honoring Pastor Tisdale and Personal Ties01:44 Introduction to the Sermon: Step In02:25 Scripture Reading: Joshua 3:1303:59 Relating the Exodus Story15:52 Facing the Jordan River21:09 Call to Action: Step Into Your Destiny28:27 Concluding Prayer and Invitation

Join us this Sunday as Pastor Rob Byker continues his series, Daring to Draw Near, with a message from 2 Kings 5:1-19 titled “Even When You Feel Offended.” Naaman, a successful military commander from Aram, came to Israel seeking healing from the prophet Elisha. He expected something dramatic—but instead, Elisha sent a message through a servant telling him to wash in the muddy Jordan River. Offended by the simplicity and lack of ceremony, Naaman nearly walked away. Thankfully, his servants helped him see it was a blessing, not an insult. Like Naaman, we sometimes resist God's ways when they don't match our expectations. But God often works through humble, simple steps—not heroic efforts. As James writes, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Essentially, the message is “Come low. Come humble. Come ready to grieve your sins and then you will find that God “will lift you up.”(James 4:10) Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Accidents are unfortunate. Accidents that lead to death are a catastrophe. Among the myriad of subjects discussed in this week's double Parsha is the law of the accidental murderer. When someone kills accidentally, they are punished by being confined to certain cities from which they mustn't leave. These cities of refuge serve as open-air prisons, which the accidental murderers must remain until the death of the high priest. In this very special and interesting Parsha podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between the death of the high priest and the release of accidental murderers, and ponder the over-representation of murderers on the East side of the Jordan River versus the West.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

Bringing Am Yisrael Together We read in Parashat Matot of the request made by the tribes of Reuven and Gad to permanently settle in the region east of the Jordan River. Beneh Yisrael had captured this territory from the kingdoms of Sihon and Og, and Reuven and Gad – who owned lots of livestock – saw that this land had vast amounts of pasture which was well-suited for their herds. They thus approached Moshe and asked permission to make this area their permanent home instead of crossing into the Eretz Yisrael. Moshe granted their request after receiving their promise that they would participate in the battles waged by the other tribes to conquer the Land of Israel. Surprisingly, the Torah tells that when Moshe distributed this territory, he apportioned shares not only to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, but also to part of the tribe of Menashe. This tribe is not mentioned at all previously in this story. From what we can tell, the people of Menashe did not come with Reuben and Gad to Moshe to ask for this land. Why, then, did part of the tribe of Menashe receive a portion in Eber Ha'Yarden (the region to the east of the Jordan River) together with Reuben and Gad? One answer can be suggested based on a mysterious comment by the Midrash, teaching us about the background to the division of the tribe of Menashe. Back in the Book of Bereshit, we read of how Yosef's brothers sold him as a slave to merchants who brought him to Egypt, where he ultimately rose to the position of vizier. When famine struck the Land of Israel, Yosef's brothers came to purchase grain from Yosef – not realizing that this was his brother. Before they made their way back to Eretz Yisrael, Yosef ordered his advisor – whom the Midrash identifies as his son, Menashe – to plant his goblet in the bag of the youngest brother, Binyamin, to frame him as a thief. Later, after the brothers left Egypt, Yosef told Menashe to run after them and charge them with theft. When the goblet was discovered in Binyamin's bag, the brothers tore their garments, as tragedy had now befallen the family. The Midrash comments that since Menashe had caused the brothers to tear their garments into two halves, the tribe that descended from him would similarly be "torn" into two pieces, with part of the tribe residing in Eretz Yisrael, and the other part residing east of the Jordan River. At first glance, the Midrash seems to be saying that Menashe was punished for causing his uncles anguish. But if we probe deeper, we will see that to the contrary, Menashe was actually given a great privilege to split into two halves. A number of commentators explain that Yosef's intention in framing Binyamin was to determine whether his brothers had fully repented for their sin of selling him as a slave – by putting them in a situation where another younger brother would be in trouble. Yosef framed Binyamin to see if the brothers would do everything they could to save him and bring him home – just the opposite of how they treated him, driving him out of the family. As we know, Yehuda stepped forward to offer himself as a slave in Binyamin's stead, showing that the brothers had indeed fully repented and changed. At that point, Yosef revealed himself to his brothers, and the family was reunited. Menashe made the brothers rend their garments – but in so doing, he brought the family back together. This process, unfortunately, entailed the pain of "tearing," but it had the effect of mending the rupture that had plagued the family for many years. With this in mind, we can return to the story of Reuben and Gad. Moshe feared that Reuben and Gad's settlement across the river would cause a rupture in the nation. The Jordan River was a natural border that could have divided the nation into two, resulting in Reuben and Gad's dissociation from the rest of the nation. Moshe therefore devised a plan – he would have half of one of the other tribes live together with Reuben and Gad across the river. Having half of a tribe on one side, and the second half on the other side, would help ensure that the river would not become a border separating between the two regions, that there would be ongoing contact and communication between the tribes in Eretz Yisrael and the tribes in Eber Ha'Yarden. For this crucial purpose, Moshe selected the tribe of Menashe – the tribe whose ancestor is credited with bringing the family together. Menashe had bequeathed this quality to his descendants, and so they were the best choice to ensure that Am Yisrael remains united despite the geographic separation between them. Just as Menashe had united the family by planting the goblet in Binyamin's bag, so would his descendants assure the unity of the Jewish Nation by living on both sides of the Jordan River and connecting all the tribes with each other.

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Why was Shevet Menashe the only tribe split in two? And why were they chosen to teach Torah on the other side of the Jordan River instead of Yissachar, the tribe known for learning? In this week's Parshas Matos-Masei, we uncover a stunning 250-year chain of ripple effects that will transform how you view every action you take. Through a fascinating Midrash about hidden long-term consequences, discover how Hashem's perfect system of measure-for-measure operates across generations. This isn't just ancient history – it's a wake-up call about every action we take. Prepare to see your daily decisions through an entirely new lens.

This episode of The History of the Bible walks through the conclusion of Gideon's journey—starting with his unconventional 300-man battle plan, through the chaotic defeat of the Midianites, to the personal vengeance that followed. Listeners will explore how Gideon's symbolic use of trumpets, torches, and jars sowed confusion in the Midianite camp, leading to their retreat across the Jordan River. But the battle didn't end there. Gideon pursued the fleeing kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, demanding justice for the death of his brothers.   If you'd like to support The History of the Bible, visit our Patreon Page. Your feedback is valuable to us! Share your thoughts and insights via our feedback form. Let us know how our podcast has impacted you or someone you know by filling out our impact form. If you have concerns about any information presented, please inform us via our correction form.   #Gideon #Judges7 #Judges8 #MidianiteWar #ZebahAndZalmunna #AncientIsrael #BiblePodcast #FaithAndPower #SpiritualLeadership #BiblicalHistory #BattleOfFaith #TribalIsrael #GodsJustice #GideonsEphod #FalseReligion #IsraeliteHistory #BibleTeaching #OldTestamentStudy #HistoryOfTheBible

Pastor Andrev Baltazar from Church Unstoppable in Santa Rosa, California brings an incredible word about how God brings us out of our past bondage and into the breakthroughs of the promises He has for us! God does not just deliver us from our past, He also delivers us into our purpose. The crossing of the Red Sea was a rescue mission, but the crossing of the Jordan River was about release into a promise. God's promise to us is that He will always be with us. What brings you into the promise is forgiveness! How do we cross the Jordan? We have to extract a vision from our seasons of trial. We have to invest into what God is bringing us into. We can't be satisfied during our periods of layover. God wants to move us from survival to significance, rescued to release and Baggage To Breakthrough!

Pastor Andrev Baltazar from Church Unstoppable in Santa Rosa, California brings an incredible word about how God brings us out of our past bondage and into the breakthroughs of the promises He has for us! God does not just deliver us from our past, He also delivers us into our purpose. The crossing of the Red Sea was a rescue mission, but the crossing of the Jordan River was about release into a promise. God's promise to us is that He will always be with us. What brings you into the promise is forgiveness! How do we cross the Jordan? We have to extract a vision from our seasons of trial. We have to invest into what God is bringing us into. We can't be satisfied during our periods of layover. God wants to move us from survival to significance, rescued to release and Baggage To Breakthrough!

What defines Jewish belonging—land, Torah, or loyalty? In this episode, Parshat Matot-Masei sparks a rich conversation between Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash about the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and Menashe who ask to settle east of the Jordan River. They explore Moshe's sharp challenge to their request, the shifting language from “ahuzah” (holding) to “nachalah” (inheritance), and what it means to belong to the Jewish people. The discussion expands to contemporary dilemmas of collective responsibility—from Israel-Diaspora relations to the burden of reserve duty in today's IDF.

Bold faith and unwavering obedience reveal God's power in extraordinary ways. From parting the Jordan River to raising the dead, Elisha's story challenges us to trust God fully and step courageously into His calling. The journey of the old Testament prophet Elisha speaks directly to challenges and opportunities we often face today.

Bold faith and unwavering obedience reveal God's power in extraordinary ways. From parting the Jordan River to raising the dead, Elisha's story challenges us to trust God fully and step courageously into His calling. The journey of the old Testament prophet Elisha speaks directly to challenges and opportunities we often face today.

We delve into a critical moment in Israel's history as described in Joshua 22. After seven years of conquest, Israel finally experiences rest, but a new conflict arises when the eastern tribes build an altar near the Jordan River. Misunderstandings escalate to the brink of civil war as the western tribes prepare for battle, believing the altar breaches God's commands. A delegation led by Phinehas confronts the eastern tribes, only to learn that the altar is meant as a witness to future generations, not for sacrifices. Through dialogue and reason, the conflict is resolved, and unity is restored.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

The Gospel of John Week 3 Scripture: John 1:19-51, Malachi 4:5-6, Psalm 105, Daniel 7:13-14. Today we take a look at John the Baptist, his questioning by religious authorities, the Baptism of Jesus, and meet some of His first followers. As Pastor begins today's class we learn about who John the Baptist was and Pastor shares personal photos he has taken in the location where John lived and preached. John the Baptist is the one who God foretold through Malachi the prophet: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” Malachi 4:5-6  John even dressed like Elijah: leather belt, animal skin clothing, ate locust and wild honey, lived in the wilderness.  John the Baptist was totally devoted to preparing the way for the Messiah. John 1:23 tells us, “John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'” He knew Messiah was coming! Pastor lays out a map of the area around the Jordan River, Dead Sea and Bethany where John lived and preached and offered baptism - a cleansing done in anticipation of meeting God - a ritual washing in Judaism that signified a cleaning off of ones sins - repentance. John 1:29-31, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'  I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” John the Baptist preaches that the Messiah is coming. And He calls Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John the Baptist understands who Jesus is and in verses 32-34 - we read his testimony: “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.  And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One.”” As we explore Jesus' baptism - the question is why was Jesus baptized?  Let's start with why were people receiving John's baptisms - because they realized they were sinners and needed to repent and the baptism represented the washing off of sin. But Jesus is sinless - why doe He get baptized - because it symbolized His willingness to take on all the sins that had been washed into the river. He goes into the water implying He is willing to take all of our sins onto Himself. And that's where the road to the cross begins. In John the Baptist's testimony says that the Spirit come down and remained on Jesus and He is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Jesus is the One who will bring the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Pastor shares an overview of the difference between the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and the Holy Spirit in the New Testament and shows us that we are in the Age of the Spirit. Pastor also shares encouragement for the American church to find its way back to acknowledging the Spirit of God that has been poured out. As our story continues we see Jesus begin to gather the group that would become His disciples. We meet Andrew, Peter and Nathaniel. Pastor gives some interesting insights to these men. Pastor summarizes this first chapter of the Gospel of John:  Jesus is the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us, who is the very glory of the Heavenly Father and who is God come to earth. Join us next week for chapter 2 as we continue to learn about Jesus' identity, about Judaism, about who Jesus the Messiah is, what He is doing and what that all means. We will look at His first miracle - one that many think is trivial - but as we will learn - it is NOT!   Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01     ⁃    The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels.      ⁃    The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible.  Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

We delve into the initial conquest of Canaan led by Joshua and the Israelites. We explore the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, the swift fall of Jericho, and the strategic victories at Ai and in southern Canaan. With Yahweh's divine intervention, including hailstones and an extended day, the Israelites vanquish their enemies, establishing control over the southern territories. The army then shifts to the northern campaign, where Israel faces a massive alliance of Canaanite forces. Despite the overwhelming odds, Joshua leads the Israelites to victory, fulfilling God's commands and demonstrating unwavering faith by destroying captured tools of war. By the end of the campaign, Israel largely controls the Promised Land, marking the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and providing a period of rest from war. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Parashat Pinhas tells the story of Benot Selofhad – the five daughters of a man named Selofhad, who died in the wilderness leaving behind only these five daughters, without any sons. As Beneh Yisrael were preparing to enter the Land of Israel, these women approached Moshe and asked that they inherit the portion in the land that had been earmarked for Selofhad. Moshe consulted with Hashem, who informed him that indeed, when there are no sons, a person's daughters inherit his estate. The Torah introduces this story by identifying Selofhad as "Selofhad, the son of Hefer, the son of Gilad, the son of Machir, the son of Menashe, from among the families of Menashe, the son of Yosef" (27:1). Rashi raises the question of why the Torah found it necessary to mention Yosef in this context. We are, quite obviously, already well-aware of the fact that Menashe was one of the two sons of Yosef. Why are we reminded about Yosef in the introduction to the story of Benot Selofhad? Rashi answers that the Torah wanted to draw an association between these five women and their righteous ancestor, Yosef, whose legacy their carried through their love for the Land of Israel. Yosef made his brothers promise before his passing that they would bring his remains to Eretz Yisrael for burial, out of his deep love for Eretz Yisrael. And his descendants – Benot Selofhad – similarly displayed their commitment to Eretz Yisrael by approaching Moshe and imploring him to give them their father's portion of the land. Later commentators questioned how Rashi saw in Benot Selofhad's request an expression of love for the Land of Israel. Seemingly, they just wanted property; they give no indication that they longed specifically for a portion of Eretz Yisrael. Imagine a youngster is participating in a program and the people running the program are serving pizza and nothing else. If the youngster comes forward and asks for a slice of pizza, does this necessarily show his love for pizza? Of course not. He's hungry and wants food, and pizza is the food that's being served. By the same token, it seems, Benot Selofhad simply wanted property. How did Rashi know that Selofhad's daughters felt special love for Eretz Yisrael? One answer given is that Rashi inferred this from the timing of the request. Selofhad died many years earlier, yet his daughters came forward to claim their inheritance rights only now, as the nation prepared to cross into the Land of Israel. They did not ask for any of Selofhad's possessions throughout all the years after his passing. He undoubtedly had valuable assets, but this did not concern them. The fact that they approached Moshe only now, on the cusp of Beneh Yisrael's arrival in the land, shows that they felt a special connection to Eretz Yisrael, following the legacy of their illustrious ancestor, Yosef. The Netziv (Rav Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin of Volozhin, 1816-1893) offers a different explanation. As mentioned earlier, Selofhad was a grandson of Gilad, the son of Machir. Later (Bamidbar 32:40), we read that the family of Machir was given a portion in Eber Ha'Yarden – the territory east of the Jordan River – as their permanent area of residence. Selofhad, as a member of this family, should thus have had rights to a piece of land in this region, and not in Eretz Yisrael. His daughters, however, asked that they be given a share not in Eber Ha'Yarden, but in the Land of Israel. They would not have been satisfied with territory in the region settled by the Machir family. Due to their great love for the Land of Israel, they insisted on receiving land in Eretz Yisrael instead of the region settled by their father's family – and Rashi thus understood that they, as loyal heirs of Yosef, shared his special love and commitment to the sacred land that Hashem has given us.

God instructs us to remember His faithfulness as a foundation for future faith. In Joshua 4, the Israelites built a memorial with stones from the Jordan River after crossing on dry ground, creating a conversation piece for future generations. God's power was released only after the priests took steps of faith into rushing waters. River of Life Church has its own legacy stones—from its miraculous beginnings in East Missoula to recent provision for a new property. When facing impossible situations, remember that God's power activates with your step of faith, and He sees value in places and people others overlook.

Bold faith and unwavering obedience reveal God's power in extraordinary ways. From parting the Jordan River to raising the dead, Elisha's story challenges us to trust God fully and step courageously into His calling. The journey of the old Testament prophet Elisha speaks directly to challenges and opportunities we often face today.

Bold faith and unwavering obedience reveal God's power in extraordinary ways. From parting the Jordan River to raising the dead, Elisha's story challenges us to trust God fully and step courageously into His calling. The journey of the old Testament prophet Elisha speaks directly to challenges and opportunities we often face today.

The Gospel of John Week 2 Scripture: John 1:1-18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 33;6, Psalm 107:20, Isaiah 55:11, Exodus 40:34, Exodus 33:18. An Overview of the Gospel of John     ⁃    Prologue 1:1-18     ⁃    Jesus' ministry 1:19 - 11:57     ⁃    Passion of Christ and resurrection 12:1 - 21:25 Important terms in the Gospel of John (# = number of times it is used in the Gospel of John:     ⁃    Life: 36     ⁃    Light: 23     ⁃    Witness: 47     ⁃    Believe: 98     ⁃    World: 78     ⁃    Truth: 56     ⁃    Glory: 42     ⁃    Father: 136 Several of these key words above appear in the prologue. Prologue (1:1-18) The prologue begins John 1:1 “In the beginning” which is just how Genesis 1:1 starts “In the beginning.” In Genesis those words introduce creation.  In John those words introduce the new creation - God is doing a new things. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Everything that the Father said through the prophets from the beginning, and what was spoken since the beginning is coming to its fullness and fulfillment in Jesus the Messiah. John 1:1 - “In the beginning was the word.” The following verses help us understand more about The Word. We read in Psalm 33:6 that “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” God's WORD is living and active! Psalm 107:20 tells us that the Word rescues from the grave, just as Jesus rescues us from the grave. - “He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” And then in Isaiah 55:11 we read “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” God's word accomplishes His plans and purposes. Just as Jesus accomplishes the fulfillment of God's promises and plans and purposes.   Everything was created by the Word of Jesus Christ. The Word holds everything together. And Jesus - The Word - was there at the beginning! John 1:1-3 tells us that the Living God loved us so much that he was willing in a way beyond our ability to understand, willing to become one of us, a real human being but also truly and fully God. He gave Himself up for us all and that's the way this gospel begins and that's powerful! John 1:4-5 reminds us of Genesis 1 where we read that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…. And He said let there be light. And in John we read, “In Him was life and that life was the Light of the World!” Those who receive Jesus as Messiah become the children of God - adopted by the Creator of the Universe! Right from the opening of this powerful and amazing book we see who Jesus is - He is the Living God. - He is the Messiah - He is The Word - He is the fulfillment of every promise of God. John 1:6-14  - Pastor talks about John the Baptist who bares witness to Jesus the Messiah as the Light and shares pictures of the Jordan River at the town of Bethany - the traditional site of Jesus' baptism. The Gospel of John is uniquely crafted by the Spirit of God to bear witness to Jesus and to lead people to faith.  It's an easy read but filled with depth! John shares that Jesus wasn't who was expected and that the people didn't recognize Him as the Messiah. Jesus came in flesh to dwell (tabernacle) among us as God did with Moses - Exodus 40:34. Side note Jesus is referred to as Emmanuel in the Old Testament and that means God with us! And He is! John 1:15-18 Law came through Moses - Grace and truth come through Jesus Christ and Jesus is the fulfillment of everything God promised in the Torah. Jesus is not simply a great teacher or merely a worker of miracles, He is the One who is the Only begotten God. In the prologue we see who Jesus is and starting next week we will see what this means and how this works!  Join us! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01     ⁃    The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels.      ⁃    The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible.  Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

A Reason For Hope with Pastor Scott Richards! Sharing the Word one question of the heart at a time. Tags: Visions, Swoon Theory, and The Jordan River

We explore the pivotal moment when the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Through divine intervention, God halts the river's flow, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, mirroring the miraculous Red Sea crossing. This event not only demonstrates God's continuous support but also instills fear in the surrounding nations. We delve into the significance of the twelve-stone memorial set up to commemorate this miracle, and the acts of obedience that followed, including circumcision and the celebration of Passover. These acts marked a new beginning for the Israelites and reinforced their identity as God's chosen people.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

This week's interview features the return of Jordan River, host of the legendary podcast Growcast! Jordan has been on the show many times before, and we consider him a good friend of High on Home Grown. In this episode, we catch up on what he's been working on recently, from exciting new projects with Growcast to some of the standout strains featured in one of their recent Grower Cups! We also dive into some unexpected topics like chiropractic care, and our shared love for plant-based medicines like cannabis, coffee, and psilocybin.

Bold faith and unwavering obedience reveal God's power in extraordinary ways. From parting the Jordan River to raising the dead, Elisha's story challenges us to trust God fully and step courageously into His calling. The journey of the old Testament prophet Elisha speaks directly to challenges and opportunities we often face today.

Bold faith and unwavering obedience reveal God's power in extraordinary ways. From parting the Jordan River to raising the dead, Elisha's story challenges us to trust God fully and step courageously into His calling. The journey of the old Testament prophet Elisha speaks directly to challenges and opportunities we often face today.

By Ray Roberts - The humble Jordan River had significant miracles occur there throughout the scriptures. Let us look together to see some of the ways God magnified the Jordan River.

In this Bible Story, God heals a foreign warrior plagued with leprosy, and who turns down by the King of Israel. Elisha sees this as a perfect opportunity to show all the nations that the Lord is a Lord of healing and power. Naaman is refreshed in the cool water of the Jordan River. As he bathes himself in the river, his sick and dying flesh is replaced with new life. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 5:1-14. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 5:14 from the King James Version.Episode 133: Naaman, now joyfully and powerfully aware of God, rushed to Elisha to proclaim his allegiance to the God of Israel and to give gifts to Elisha. But Elisha would take no gifts for this was a generous act of God. So Naaman departed with dirt from Israel so that he may worship The God of Israel, in his home country. But even in such a moment of joy, evil was at work. Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, gave in to his greed and pursued Naaman for gifts of his own. Little did he know that God saw this and made it known to his master. Gehazi and his descendants would be forced to carry the consequences of his actions forever.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore the final days of Moses as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. Despite his enduring physical strength, Moses faces the reality that he cannot cross the Jordan River due to his past disobedience. Joshua is appointed as his successor to lead the people into Canaan. We delve into the challenges Moses faces, including requests from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to settle outside Canaan, and God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...