Podcasts about Jordan River

Send us a textIn Joshua 4, God commands His people to stop, look back, and remember. Twelve stones are taken from the Jordan River, not as decoration, but as a declaration. A visible reminder of God's faithfulness meant to be passed down from one generation to the next.In this episode of The Pursuit of Manliness, we explore The Value of Remembering and why remembering is not weakness or nostalgia, but strength. Biblical masculinity is rooted in men who don't forget what God has done, who mark the moments of deliverance, and who lead their families and communities by telling the story of God's work.We'll talk about:Why God calls men to remember His faithfulnessHow forgetting leads to fear, pride, and spiritual driftThe role of memorials in shaping godly leadershipHow men today can build intentional reminders of God's work in their livesLearn more about The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/ Join The Herd:  https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/join-the-herd Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderRegister for our 2026 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreatSupport the show

Send us a textWhat does it look like for a man to step forward when the path ahead feels uncertain?In Joshua 3, Israel stands at the edge of the Jordan River—promised land in sight, but no bridge to get there. God calls the priests to step into the water first, trusting Him before the way is made clear. It's a powerful picture of biblical manhood: faith that moves, obedience that costs, and leadership that goes first.In this episode of The Pursuit of Manliness, we walk through Joshua 3 and challenge men to consider where God may be calling them to step out in faith at home, in their work, in their walk with Christ, and in their leadership of others. We'll talk about courage, obedience, and what it means to trust God when the waters haven't parted yet.Learn more about The Pursuit of Manliness: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/ Join The Herd:  https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/join-the-herd Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderRegister for our 2026 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreatSupport the show

SummaryIn this episode of "Echoes Through Eternity," Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner delves into the often-overlooked dangers of personality-driven church planting. He highlights how the focus on a pastor's charisma can unintentionally shift Jesus to the background, leading to a church culture that prioritizes metrics and visibility over genuine spiritual growth. Drawing on insights from various thought leaders, including Henri Nouwen and Francis Chan, Dr. Skinner emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Christ-centered approach in worship and ministry, warning against the seductive nature of success that can lead to spiritual complacency.Dr. Skinner also discusses the pressures faced by church planters in today's digital age, where constant notifications and social media can distract from the core mission of discipleship. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own practices and the health of their church communities, urging them to prioritize worship that forms rather than merely inspires. The episode concludes with a call to lead humbly, plant carefully, and keep Jesus at the forefront of ministry efforts, ensuring that the church remains a true reflection of Christ's teachings.Takeaways'The most dangerous churches are not the ones that fail.''Worship does not exist to inspire you. It exists to reorder you.''If the church can't function without you, that is not a compliment.''You cannot rest without checking numbers.''Saying no is a form of faithfulness.'Key Resources from this epsiode.• Eugene PetersonPeterson gives language for longevity over visibility.He names the danger of speed, success, and celebrity in ministry long before social media existed.He reinforces your central warning without sounding reactive.Books to reference (essential)• A Long Obedience in the Same DirectionThis book is a direct antidote to personality-driven planting.It frames discipleship as faithfulness over time, not momentary impact.It fits perfectly with your theme of resisting urgency and re-centering on Christ.• Shawna Songer GainesPrimary voice for the episode's theological frame.Her line—“What is essential is never demanding”—is the backbone.She supplies the foreground vs background image, the Jordan River moment, and Christ-centered worship as re-centering.• Jay Y. KimNames the digital attention problem clearly.Gives language for the inward gaze and how technology disciples us.Helps you connect culture, formation, and ministry drift.church planting, personality-driven ministry, Christ-centered worship, spiritual growth, Henri Nouwen, Francis Chan, digital distractions, church health, discipleship, ministry challenges.Francis ChanServes as the cautionary example.Models humility, confession, and courage to step away.Illustrates how success can still be spiritually dangerous.• Henri NouwenQuoted directly from In the Name of Jesus.You accurately reference his warning about the temptations of relevance, popularity, and power.• Neil Postman-Amusing Ourselves to DeathReferenced for cultural critique.You quote Amusing Ourselves to Death accurately and apply it to digital formation.•

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260119dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 Jesus Is the Lamb of God John the Baptist was appointed by God to point people to their Savior Jesus. When John saw Jesus coming toward where he was baptizing in the Jordan River, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” But in what way was Jesus a lamb? For nearly fifteen hundred years before this, Jewish believers had been commemorating the Passover Festival with a special meal featuring the meat of a lamb. In this way, they never forgot how God rescued them from slavery in a foreign land. While the angel of death had passed from house to house throughout Egypt, he passed over the homes of all who trusted God’s promise by painting their door frames with the blood of a lamb. Years later, the prophet Isaiah compared the coming Messiah to a lamb who quietly and without complaint allowed himself to be a sacrifice for others. He wrote, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). These and many other prophecies from the Old Testament help us understand why John later called Jesus “the Lamb of God.” He was sent to be our substitute, sacrificed in our place. As innocent as a young lamb looks, Jesus was even more pure at heart. The Passover lambs did not complain as they were led to be killed, partly because they did not understand what would happen to them and could not have done anything to protect themselves, even if they had known. But Jesus knew very well how he would suffer and die—and he had all the power of the Son of God to prevent it, yet he quietly and humbly accepted all of it. As the innocent Lamb of God, he came to stand between us and the punishment we deserved. Because of Jesus' sacrifice in our place, nothing stands between us and peace with God. Prayer: Jesus, Lamb of God, you came to take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on me. You willingly came to be my substitute, and with your death you became my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

You may be one decision away from a completely different life. What if the breakthrough you are waiting for is actually waiting for your consecration? The Israelites had to step into flood waters before God parted the Jordan River. What raging river in your life requires a step of faith today? Join Pastor Kevin McGlamery as he begins the new series "All In" with the message "Get Ready for Amazing Things".

Watch the Devotion Based on John 1:29 Making Changes Whether you agree or disagree with the police action taken by our government last week, one thing is clear: it's going to bring change. That operation took months of planning and the coordination of multiple federal assets, and its effects will reach far beyond a single moment. We don't yet know how life will change for the 29 million people in Venezuela. We don't know how it will impact the economies of near-peer competitors who depend on that country. And we don't fully know how it will affect the safety and economy of the 347 million people here at home. What we do know is this—when something like this happens, change follows, for better or for worse. History is full of moments like that. Years, decades, even centuries later, we can look back and see how one decision or one operation altered the course of millions of lives. But there is one event in history, carried out by one individual, that brought a life-changing result for every person who has ever lived, is living now, or ever will live. His name is the Lamb of God. And his single action? He took away the sin of the world. That's what John the Baptist points to in John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Picture the moment. John is standing in the Jordan River, water still dripping from his hands as he points. People turn their heads. They know exactly what he means. They've seen the sacrifices at the temple. They've smelled the smoke, heard the cries of the animals, and watched lifeblood spilled on the altar. They understood that sin demands a price. A holy God demands nothing less. And now John says, This one. This Lamb, who is also God, takes sin away. He lifts it up, bears it, and carries it away. He offers himself as the sacrifice that pays the price for the sin of the world. And when Scripture says “the world,” that includes you. Your sin was lifted up. Your sin was carried away. Your sacrifice was made—in full. Who else could change life for every single person on this planet? Only the Lamb of God. He has changed your life by giving you his life—and by giving you life beyond this one, life with him for eternity. This wasn't a last-minute decision. He planned this from eternity. And his motive is no mystery. He gets something out of it. He gets you. So don't think of yourself as lost in the crowd, just another number, unnoticed or forgotten. You matter to God. You always have. The Lamb of God came to make changes—to change this world and to change your life by taking away your sin. How might that truth shape the way you live today? Prayer: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children and make us heirs with him of everlasting life. Open doors for our ministry to the military so that more war fighters might hear this message and have their lives changed for eternity. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Why did Jesus step into the Jordan River?  Why did the sinless Son of God come to be baptized?  John asked that question.  And, like John, it may have left you wondering why as well.

A new leader is established for Israel and they stand on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. Before that happens, they have to do a few things. On this episode of Bible Backdrop, we start in the book of Joshua and learn about Jericho, two spies and a prostitute. Then we see the nation of Israel finally cross the Jordan as the next generation does what their parents refused to do. 

Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River is commonly thought to be the same rite that is practiced by Christians today. But there are significant differences and much for Christians today to consider carefully in that account – especially John's call to repentance, hearing the voice of God, and the need to "fulfill all righteousness.” When understood in the context of Matthew's Gospel, this phrase helps us focus on what is important and not end up majoring on minors.

In this episode you'll hear about the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River and the incredible words spoken from the heavens. Through him and with him and in him, they are meant for you as well.Readingshttps://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011126.cfmPhotoSt. Brendan arrives on the Isle of the Blessedhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1EaK3yT6XfaZOWe2aXF-01mojbzudpfwc/view?usp=drivesdk

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260112dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1 He Brings Justice “That’s not fair!” How many times do thoughts like that cross our minds? We object when watching the big game and the referee makes an unfair call. We see injustices in the world that are not so trivial, and we wonder, “Isn’t anyone going to do something about this?” We see things people do and say to each other. They hate, and they hurt. We want justice. We long for things to be right. We long for someone to make things right. Time and again, we have been let down by empty promises of those who vow to do what is right. We’ve looked to flawed humans as though they and their policies could make this world right and bring justice that would last. Only one person can do that, the one Isaiah pointed to. People in Isaiah’s day longed for justice. Leaders had let them down. Those who were supposed to serve and help were serving themselves. Those who were supposed to care for people’s souls cared only about themselves. But the Lord’s Servant would be different. Isaiah’s prophecy about the Lord’s Servant points to Jesus, the Lord himself. About 700 years after Isaiah’s word, Jesus would stand on the banks of the Jordan River and be revealed as the one who would bring perfect justice, who would right all that is wrong in the world. Normally, when we demand justice, it’s for others who have done wrong. However, we must admit that we, too, have been in the wrong. We deserved God's just punishment. But Jesus brings justice in a very gracious way. Jesus rights all the wrongs of the world, and our wrongs too. He did that by always doing what was right as our perfect substitute and Savior. He fulfilled perfect justice by suffering under God’s just punishment on the cross to spare us from that wrath. In Christ, we are justified, that is declared not guilty. This is who Jesus is and what he has done! Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I see injustice in the world may I look to you as the answer. As I also recognize the wrongs that I have done, may I look to you as the answer. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

At the Jordan River, something quietly thunderous occurs. The Son of God steps down from the glorious Heavens into the murky water not to be made clean, but to make the waters themselves a divine proclamation. He reveals the secret, robbed from humanity since the drama of the Book of Genesis, when the Serpent tricked our first parents to eat of the Forbidden Fruit. It is tempting to think of baptism merely as an elaborate cultural ritual, or even as an excuse to throw another party. No, it is so much more majestic than that. Baptism is the unveiling.Here stands Jesus, shoulder to shoulder with sinners, though He has no sin of His own to confess. In this act alone we learn something decisive about who He is. God does not reveal Himself here as a distant examiner of humanity, but as One who enters the queue, who wades into our muddied rivers and calls them holy by His presence. When the heavens open and the Father's voice declares delight in the Son, it is not a private compliment whispered for Jesus' ears alone. It is a public declaration of identity.“This is my beloved Son.” Before a sermon is preached, before a miracle is worked, before a cross is raised, the Son is named and loved. The order matters. Jesus does not earn the Father's pleasure; He receives it. And here is the astonishing turn of the Christian story: what is revealed in Him is not meant to stop with Him.For if Christ steps into the waters on our behalf, then we step out of them in His. Baptism, ours and His alike, is not chiefly about our decision for God, but God's declaration over us. In Christ, we are drawn into that same pronouncement of love. We do not become sons and daughters by striving, but by being joined to the Son.Thus the Jordan becomes a mirror. When we look upon Jesus baptized, we glimpse our own true identity—often obscured by fear, failure, or frantic self-invention. Beneath all these lies a deeper truth spoken from heaven itself: you are beloved. And once a man or woman truly hears that, the whole of life, like the river itself, begins to flow in a new direction. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260112dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1 He Brings Justice “That’s not fair!” How many times do thoughts like that cross our minds? We object when watching the big game and the referee makes an unfair call. We see injustices in the world that are not so trivial, and we wonder, “Isn’t anyone going to do something about this?” We see things people do and say to each other. They hate, and they hurt. We want justice. We long for things to be right. We long for someone to make things right. Time and again, we have been let down by empty promises of those who vow to do what is right. We’ve looked to flawed humans as though they and their policies could make this world right and bring justice that would last. Only one person can do that, the one Isaiah pointed to. People in Isaiah’s day longed for justice. Leaders had let them down. Those who were supposed to serve and help were serving themselves. Those who were supposed to care for people’s souls cared only about themselves. But the Lord’s Servant would be different. Isaiah’s prophecy about the Lord’s Servant points to Jesus, the Lord himself. About 700 years after Isaiah’s word, Jesus would stand on the banks of the Jordan River and be revealed as the one who would bring perfect justice, who would right all that is wrong in the world. Normally, when we demand justice, it’s for others who have done wrong. However, we must admit that we, too, have been in the wrong. We deserved God's just punishment. But Jesus brings justice in a very gracious way. Jesus rights all the wrongs of the world, and our wrongs too. He did that by always doing what was right as our perfect substitute and Savior. He fulfilled perfect justice by suffering under God’s just punishment on the cross to spare us from that wrath. In Christ, we are justified, that is declared not guilty. This is who Jesus is and what he has done! Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I see injustice in the world may I look to you as the answer. As I also recognize the wrongs that I have done, may I look to you as the answer. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew 3:1-12In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'”5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.11 “I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Read OnlineJesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:15–17Today, as we enter into Ordinary Time, we hear Jesus' first proclamation of the Gospel as recorded by Mark: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” Those words rang true as Jesus began His public ministry, and they ring true for us today.Imagine the scene. The Eternal Son of God took on flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He grew up in Nazareth with His parents and learned the trade of carpentry from Joseph. At the age of thirty, He was baptized by John in the Jordan River and spent forty days in the desert—fasting, praying, and overcoming the devil's temptations. Afterward, He traveled to the Sea of Galilee and began His public ministry.Though every moment of Jesus' life was sacred, the first words of His public ministry stand out. The long-awaited “time of fulfillment” had arrived, and He began to proclaim, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” All that had been planned from the foundation of the world and all that was revealed in the Old Testament pointed to that moment. All of God's promises were about to be fulfilled.It would be fascinating to go back in time to that moment, knowing everything we know now about Jesus' life and mission, and observe the humble beginnings of the most important activity ever to take place. The ordinary people whom He called and prepared for such an extraordinary task are exceptionally inspiring. The many people who walked by Jesus, not knowing Who He was, magnify Jesus' humility. He hid His glory, relying on the power of His preaching and the workings of grace in the hearts of His disciples—and He continues to do so today.Though we cannot travel back to that historical moment, we should understand that it is a moment that transcends time. Just as Jesus spoke those words long ago at the Sea of Galilee, He speaks them anew today. He says to you, “Today is the time of fulfillment for you!” “Today” is the present moment every day of our lives.We often miss Jesus' proclamation to us because we fail to recognize the extraordinary significance of the Word of God and the immediacy of God's call to repentance. We must respond to that call in the same way that the first Apostles did. Jesus first encounters Peter and Andrew as they are fishing and says, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men,” and they follow. He then calls James and John, who also follow. They do not hesitate. Though Jesus had performed no miracles yet, He had no followers, and was unknown, these men knew they had to follow Jesus. They did so, leaving everything else behind.Reflect today on the very beginning of Jesus' ministry. Like the Apostles, do you make an immediate and complete response to Jesus every time He calls within every moment of your day? What “nets” in your life hold you back from following Him completely? Are there attachments, comforts, or distractions that hinder your response? Do you spend time with the Word of God and in prayer, listening for His proclamation to you to repent and believe in the Gospel? Just as He spoke to Peter, Andrew, James, and John, Jesus speaks to you today: “Come after me.” Do not hesitate to follow where He leads. Do not let this moment pass by—for He is calling you now.My divine Lord, as You began Your public ministry, the full radiance of Your glory was hidden from the eyes of the people of Galilee. Yet as You spoke, Your words resonated in the minds and hearts of those who listened with faith. Draw me now, and in every moment of my life, into this ongoing time of fulfillment. As You call me to repentance and faith, give me the strength to respond fully and without hesitation. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.Image: Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready” – Crossing the Jordan I. Introduction Opening greeting and call to readiness for the Word of God. Reference to the recent week of prayer and fasting as preparation. Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready.” Text reference: Joshua 3:1–5. Key verse: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Connection to the new year (2026) as a “new season” — a place we've not passed before. II. Two Extremes in the Life of Faith Extreme #1: People who think everything depends on God alone. Passive faith; no personal effort (e.g., expecting blessings without action). Extreme #2: People who think everything depends on themselves. Self-striving faith; no prayer or reliance on God. Balanced truth (Joshua 3:5): Human responsibility → “Sanctify yourselves.” Divine power → “The Lord will do wonders.” A biblical tension: God acts, but we prepare. III. Historical and Scriptural Context Israel at the Jordan River. On the threshold of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering. Consequence of earlier unbelief and disobedience. The Ark of the Covenant. Symbol of God's presence and holiness. Instructions: follow it at a distance — reverence before a holy God. The Crossing. Jordan River in flood (½ mile wide); an impossible situation needing a miracle. Spiritual parallel for 2026. Represents transition into a new season filled with both blessings and unknowns. IV. Our Part: “Sanctify Yourselves” Meaning of consecration. To set apart, make holy, dedicate to God's purposes. Synonyms: sanctify, purify, make acceptable to God. Illustration: The church drums. Ordinary objects made sacred through dedicated purpose. Believers are called to the same — living for God's glory. Practical applications of consecration. Self-examination and repentance of sin. Renew commitment to God and His house. Live holy lives — avoid spiritual compromise. Commitment to consistent church involvement and ministry. Stop gossip, negativity, and complaining; unity and obedience bring blessings. Financial consecration: honor God with firstfruits. Lifestyle consecration: avoid ungodly influences; guard media and relationships. Relational accountability and transparency (illustrated through phone example). Personal humility and ongoing sanctification — asking God to search the heart. Examples of sacrifice and faith. Pastor's story about his wife leaving a high-paying law job to serve in ministry. Lesson: Consecration often means sacrifice, but God multiplies what's surrendered. V. God's Part: “The Lord Will Do Wonders” Nature of God's wonders. Miracles, provisions, and supernatural acts demonstrating His glory. Miracles reveal who God is, not just what He does. Hope from Scripture (Romans 15:4). Old Testament lessons written for our learning and to build hope. The same God who parted the Jordan acts today. Faith declaration for 2026. God calls what is not as though it were — the promises are already in motion. Prophetic declarations for the year: Growth in intimacy with God. Healing and restoration (“this sickness is not unto death”). A rising young generation with holy passion. God will rebuke the devourer. Restoration of faith to believe again. VI. Conclusion and Call to Response Call for the congregation to stand, receive, and respond in faith. Affirmation that their fasting and prayer were part of consecration. Encouragement that God will release blessings long awaited. Exhortation to pray, worship, and believe for God's wonders in 2026.

Anointing in Heavenly Places (1) (audio) David Eells 1/11/2026 Shaking Out the Sinners Vision given to Ueli Surbeck I saw the Father standing above me with the world in His hand, and He began shaking it -- violently shaking the world up and down, left to the right and backward and forward, and this is what the Father says: “My church has to be shaken out of the world. I want it out, and I am shaking My church until it comes out of the world! They have become so entwined in the world, it is the only way to get them out”. He continued to shake the world violently (it very much reminds me of the process of harvesting potatoes); as I saw the church being shaken out of the world, I saw 3 things happening in the Church: Preachers were falling out of the pulpits, head first, pulpits started falling out of the Church, I saw the prophets falling, as they fell they lost their mantles, their mantles fell out of the churches and then I saw the reprobates start falling out of the Church; and then the Father said IN THE VOICE OF THE GENERAL, “THEY HAVE MISSED THE HOUR OF THEIR VISITATION”. He said it three times consecutively. “They missed the hour of My visitation.” They think they are somebody, but in fact they are blind and naked. (As it was in the days of Jesus and before every beast kingdom brought them down.) As the prophets fell out and lost their mantles, I saw the Father pick up the mantles and give them to the faithful prophets of the hour that had not missed THE HOUR OF THEIR VISITATION. (Isa.66:15-16) For behold the Lord will come with fire, and with His chariots, like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh; and the slain of the Lord shall be many.   Faith Escapes a Sinking Ship B. A. - 11/04/2011 (David's notes in red) I've been studying and talking to friends lately about faith, and I had the following dream: I was standing on the deck of a large cruise ship when all of a sudden I heard the captain say, “The ship was sinking.” The cry of peril from the captain was so sudden that none of the lustful people below deck had time to prepare at that point, and they began to panic as confusion overtook them. Some were crying out for God to save them, while others were screaming hysterically, and some were cursing God. I saw people running all over the ship, trying to find something that would float (trying to save themselves); everything was in total chaos. I didn't see any of the ship's crew anywhere. (This cruise ship represents the trap of the kingdom of this world and its pleasures. B.A. had all this under her feet represented by standing on the deck, but the rest were trapped by this.) I went up to the bow of the ship and knelt down by the railing to pray. I heard the word “come” in a soft but firm voice. I stood up and looked out over the water into the distant horizon, and I saw a bright light, and there on the water stood an angel of the Lord. I didn't hesitate; I climbed over the railing and dropped down onto the water. It was very interesting; the water felt soft but firm under my feet. My spirit told me not to take my eyes off the angel, to walk forward, and not to look back. (Faith is the only way to escape what comes so naturally to our carnal life. (Mat.14:29) And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me. (31) And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Luk.9:62) But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Gen.19:26) But his [Lot's] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.) I thought it strange that no one on the cruise ship seemed to notice me climbing over the railing. (They cannot see faith nor recognize it as a way of escape without a gift of faith from God. (Eph.2:8) for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of [man's] works, that no man should glory.) As I drew near the angel, the light kept getting brighter and brighter. I noticed that I had no fear, just an overwhelming sense of joy and peace about me. Finally, I reached the angel, and he took my hand, and instantly we were standing on the shore. I asked the angel why there were no lifeboats on the ship, and he told me that no one on that ship could be saved. I then asked the angel why was I on that ship, and he told me it was to test my faith. Then I awoke from the dream. (We need this world and its corruption to test who it is who will prove to be chosen by their faith and its corresponding works to leave this world beast system. (Mat.16:24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?) I couldn't help but think how sad it was that all those thousands of people on that cruise ship died. I thought to myself, what does a cruise ship represent? I believe the Lord was showing me that the cruise ship represented the pleasures of this world and being caught up in fleshly desires. These were all earthly people who were only interested in pleasing the flesh and not getting spiritually prepared. When times get really bad, people who have not prepared spiritually are going to cry out to God to save them, but He will not send them a lifeboat. (Luk.13:24) Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (For lack of faith… Rom 10:17 So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. Spending time in the Word fills one with faith.) (25) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; (26) then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; (27) and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.   Walking on Water Michael Hare - December 2010 (David's notes in red) I had a dream about walking on water. I was on a lake with other people, and on the lake was one of those platforms that kids get on and then jump from into the water. One man just stepped off the platform and started walking across the water. My thought (in the dream) was that if I imagined that the water was solid that I could walk on it, as well. I then imagined that the water was kind of like fiberglass (with the crisscrossing fiber), and I stepped onto the surface. I sank up to my ankles but didn't sink any further. It was like walking on a very mushy surface. I don't remember anyone else attempting to take a stroll on the lake. As I remember, the other man who stepped onto the water didn't even sink; he was right on top of the water. The natural truth here is that we must believe to do the “greater works” that Jesus said we would do. Imagining that He lives in us to do those works is biblical. We must see, by faith, Jesus living in us, and it will be so. (2Co.3:18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. The spiritual truth is we must believe to walk above the curse of the Word, which is the water, in order to live above it.   Floating on Top of the Water David Eells Briefly, I had a dream of floating on top of the water while going upstream while my eyes were on the sun/Son. Others were floating with me but when they went under a tent stretched over the water and the sun was obscured, they sank. (With our eyes on the Son of God who is the Word we can go totally against all nature. The tent represented man's religion which has obscured the promises bringing their experience down to a natural level. Many die before their time.)   Taking Refuge in the Heavenlies Anonymous - 03/22/2011 (David's notes in red) Another couple, my wife and I, were getting ready to lift off in this rocket. (Now I know some minds would perceive a rapture here but the rest of the dream will deny this interpretation.) We were going to leave the earth to escape the tribulation. (To leave the earth means to overcome the world. (Rev.3:10) Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that [hour] which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. The bride escapes to the King's house, as in Esther, and the rest are threatened by the beast. What does the scripture mean by “dwell upon the earth” or “dwelling in the heavens?” These terms are not used physically, as in flying to heaven, as the last sentence of this revelation confirms. I will read the revelation below: Dwelling on Earth or in the Heavens?  And you can listen to the audio: Dwelling on Earth or in Heaven? A second, more physical aspect of leaving the world has to do with separating from it, meaning the refuge we'll have here, is about to be separated from it by an earthquake cracking fault lines down both sides of what looks like a ship or a rocket ship. And the base of the rocket ship is, according to dreams, going to stay on the ground, just as the revelation below says. Both Brad's vision and Warren's dream depict this shape of a ship and connected to the ground on the south or bottom end. On top of that, the brother who had this dream is one whom we have suspected was living outside the boundaries of this ship's fault lines and would have to get on board. Putting this all together, it is clear that one must “dwell in the heavenlies” by faith in Christ in order to be on this ship that is to separate from earth. The rest of this dream seems to say that some are not yet ready to separate from the earthly and so are not yet worthy of escaping the hour of trial. We were all together at the rocket ship, looking at it and making provisions, and talking about the plans of leaving. We then split up to go home and gather what we could. (Literally, this identifies what we have been doing. We gather at our local assembly, which is geographically on the ship, and plan our provisions, and then split up to go home.) I went to a church to convince my family to come. I told them that an earthquake is going to happen in May. (Update: A spiritual earthquake did, in fact, happen on May 14, 2011, when God separated our spiritual earth in TN. We had been warned for almost two years that a spiritual attack from demonic forces was coming to try to destroy UBM and me, but in effect would only separate those who were not to be with us in the ship. It happened just as dreamed.) I said that we have been getting dreams about this, and also scientific articles that back up the dreams. (We had been getting dreams about this ship and scientific articles about it separating from the earth through earthquake faults.) At first, my family was listening to me, then my younger brother and older sister arose (although in the dream I saw her as my younger sister), who started to put doubt in their minds, and it persuaded my family. (The immature will be doubtful of the possibility of leaving the earthly for the heavenly.) Even though I was talking to my family directly, I was not being discreet, and no one in the church even stirred about the news either. I left very frustrated, especially with my dad, because he was hung up on the “once-saved-always-saved” doctrine. He could not see that if you did not leave, the judgment of God was going to be on you. (His dad here represents a spiritual father over his spiritual children above, who do not yet have spiritual eyes to see or ears to hear. Their doctrine makes them think it is not necessary to overcome to escape in tribulation, and so they will not be counted worthy to escape all these things (2 Thessalonians 1:5). (Luk.21:34) But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: (35) for [so] shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. (36) But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.) My wife and I started to head back to the rocket ship and called the other couple, telling them the news of my family. I also told them that it was not so bad that they were staying here as much as it was that I had a strong feeling that my dad's salvation was going to be lost. (The leaders of Christianity who teach such things as unconditional eternal security destroy the motivation for their spiritual children to be counted worthy to escape. These people, if they do not quickly repent, will be lost for this.) I then told them we had a trailer with very little in it, so if they needed, we could put some of their stuff in the trailer to bring it to the rocket ship. (They never did answer if they needed it.) (Very little baggage if any will be needed in the ship or ark as dreams have foretold.) At this point, I knew in the dream that the people who were lifting off the earth were not physically leaving it but were a part of the first-fruits of the Man-child ministry. (The Bride is the first fruits of the Man-child's ministry, as Esther was the first fruits of Mordecai's ministry. “Mordecai” means “little man” meaning, “man-child”. Solomon and the Shulamite are the same parable in the Song of Solomon. In our case, the ship of separation from the earth is the place to escape the earthquake and tribulation, so that in this wilderness, we can train up disciples to go forth with the Gospel in a wonderful revival. We are getting closer to the general call for the saints to go to the ship or ark.) So what is it to dwell on the earth or in the heavens? Let me share this revelation with you called:   Dwelling on the Earth or in the Heavens? Valerie Gleaton - 08/23/2009 (David's notes in red) In a dream, my mother and I were flying in the same direction in two lanes down a highway at a very moderate speed. We were not in any type of vehicle, but felt we were covered by some invisible shield (like a spiritual ark). (Those who overcome will fly “in heavenly places in Christ” above the dangers to those who dwell in earthly realms of this world, but will not use any vehicle or help made by man. (Isa.40:31) but they that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles... (Rev.8:13) And I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a great voice, Woe, woe, woe, for them that dwell on the earth... (Rev.12:11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.) We came upon what appeared to be an intersection. As we came to a stop, we noticed a cartoon-like, life-sized airplane on the ground next to us. The plane had a lot of people aboard looking straight ahead, as if they were in a daze. (Those who religiously make believe they are overcoming while dwelling upon the earth are out of touch with spiritual reality.) My mother and I looked at one another and wondered what they were doing or where they were going. We didn't say anything; we just knew what the other was thinking. I didn't notice any traffic signals, but I had the sense it was our turn to move ahead. After we had taken off, we noticed the airplane did not move ahead. Instead, it stood still with the people still looking ahead in a daze. (Those who sense the light is green by the Spirit and Word advance, but many are stopped at a green light they never see. We have been given the “GO” by all the very positive promises in the Word.) As we continued to the next intersection, we encountered the same type of airplane sitting still. We then noticed there were quite a few of these types of airplanes sitting still on the road. (Planes can't dwell in heavenly places unless they GO forward. The majority never know about the overcoming life because they are drinking the wine of their Babylonish religion and not the Word.) The road began to get so congested that we had to maneuver our way around the planes to continue. (These are the ones who believed in the false pre-trib rapture doctrine. They are waiting to fly away to escape the tribulation and are in a daze at believing a lie.) We ended up at the house of one of my long-time friends. (She is in an apostate church and is reluctant to come out because of popularity.) She invited us in and immediately told me that she wanted me to talk to one of the women from her church because they were having a revival soon, and she thought I should attend. (She has been trying to get me to visit her church for quite some time.) I ended up in this dark, dreary room, sitting in the middle of a bed, and began conversing with this woman. She spoke as if she had great authority and began to tell me how everyone should be teaching and preaching prosperity because it is what we need in this economy. (The apostates comfort themselves with their popular, false hopes of raptures, eternal security, prosperity, and their false, approving god. Tribulation will be a rude awakening from their stupor.) I responded to her by saying that we are entering a season of judgment and we should worship the Lord in spirit and truth. I told her we all need to turn to Jesus in these times. She immediately became agitated and noticed that I was not supportive of the megachurches and their prosperity preaching. She then said, “I have a Doctorate in Divinity”. (Their trust in religious academia and letters behind their name has deceived them.) I told her that her Doctorate was insignificant because Jesus chose simple, uneducated fishermen as Apostles. (Jas.4:6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore [the scripture] saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. As I moved to get out of bed and stand to face her, I noticed that she was eating something, and the crumbs were falling to the floor. She was clutching the food container close to her bosom and was packing her mouth as if she was starving and hadn't eaten in days. (They are starving because they are “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”, which is their true spiritual food.) As I stood facing her, I saw she was a black form and had no defining features. (They have a dark “form of godliness” but are not transformed by the renewing of their mind or conformed by the Scriptures.) I shared with her what I remember from the UBM bible studies when David shared the revelation the Lord had given him that the Gospels and the Book of Acts will happen again in the latter days. Soon after I had said this to her, she vanished. (We pray this means she lost her form of godliness and became spiritual.) End of dream.   Taking the King's City Back R. S. - 09/28/2008 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was camped out under an old bridge, and all I had with me were my sleeping bag, chainsaw, and my three dogs. My twin brother, Reuben, was also there, and he had a sleeping bag and a long plastic gun case. (My identical twin brother Reuben has been dead several years now, since age 21, when he drowned in a lake, but in this dream, he was alive. I think he represents my spiritual man, who has already drowned the old man in baptism and is now battling spiritually. When my brother drowned in 2000, it was like losing my other half.) There was a little town a bit down the road. I told my brother that we should go check out the grocery store. He said, “OK”, but before we left, I put my chainsaw and his gun case close to our sleeping bags where the dogs were. I noticed that the chainsaw was almost out of gas. We walked to the town and went to the grocery store. When I walked into the store, it seemed like my twin brother turned into my one-year-old son, who was named after him -- Reuben. (The name “Reuben” means “Behold a son” and in the dream, he changed into my son or my “fruit”.) I picked him up and put him in a shopping cart. As I was pushing him down the aisle of the store, this guy walked up in front of me and began to yell and curse at me. I was kind of shocked at first because I didn't even know him personally, but I knew we had met once before. Almost immediately after he began to yell at me, my son turned back into my twin brother Reuben again. At this point, I just wanted to leave, but the guy just stayed in front of me, blocking the way to the door, and he seemed like he was on drugs and was full of demons. My brother just walked around me and went up to the guy and began to squeeze the guy's hand really hard. The guy tried to squeeze him back, but my brother overpowered him and pushed the guy over to the side of the aisle so we could both get by. We then made a quick exit through the door. We got out of the store and began to walk back to the bridge where we had been camped out. The guy came out of the store with a few other people following him and began to follow us. As we continued walking, people began to come out of other buildings and houses with different kinds of weapons in their hands. Some had axes, pickaxes, machetes, and all kinds of knives. The entire town seemed like they had become possessed, like the guy in the store. They all wanted to kill us. We just kept on walking until we almost made it to the bridge. I told the people following us that I would sic my dogs on them if they kept coming, but they said that my dogs wouldn't do anything because their dogs were with my dogs. I didn't know what they meant by this at first. When I turned the corner, I saw my three dogs sitting by our stuff, and there were about four or five other dogs there with them. Some were a lot bigger than my dogs. All of the dogs were just sitting there, not doing anything. (I believe the dogs represent trusting in the beastly flesh. We are not supposed to fight in the flesh, which is why they did not defend me. They just sat around with the enemy's dogs, which were even bigger; more flesh. They were all comfortable just hanging around together; they were at ease together, just like how our flesh is at ease with the enemy. As long as we are living in our flesh, others are at ease with us, but when we begin to fight our spiritual warfare, it makes the same people become uncomfortable with us and attack us.) I then thought about getting my chainsaw to see if maybe I could scare all the people away with it, even though I knew it only had a little gas left in it. So I went around the dogs, and as I began to pick up my chainsaw, one of the guys ran at me and threw a hatchet and an ice pickaxe (the kind mountain climbers use). I turned and caught the hatchet in mid-air right before it hit me, and the pickaxe landed just to the left of me. I picked it up and then looked over at my brother, and there were a few guys who had attacked him. He seemed like he had been able to take some of their weapons away from one of them, and he was fighting back. At this point, I began to fight back. I went at them with the hatchet in one hand and the pickaxe in the other, swinging and hacking at them. I took a few of them down, and then I turned and saw that my brother was surrounded. So I ran at the guys who were around my brother and began to fight with them. Once we were both together, we were able to push them back toward the town. They seemed to get afraid of us once we were fighting together. (Once the new man, who is Christ in us, fights with the natural man in submission, we are unconquerable.) Some of them began to run away back to their homes. We kept on fighting until there was only one last guy. We chased him into his house. Then I felt someone put a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see who it was. There was a man who had a crown on his head and a long robe with a sword in his hand. (Now it is Christ fighting in the midst of His people.) There were about two or three other guys with him. I then told my brother, “The King has come”. Then the King with the sword said to me, “Let's go!” I asked, “Where are we going?” He said, “It's time for Me to take back My city on the hill. (Zion the Bride) I'm going to make it shine and we are going to conquer the kingdom”. (I got a picture in my mind of a glowing city on a hill and the verses in Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do [men] light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.) At this time, I remember thinking that the guys we were fighting didn't really matter anymore. We had already beaten them and now we were supposed to go with the King to take back his city. So I asked the King if I could go get some stuff that I had left at the campsite. He said that if I wanted to, I could, but that he was going to take back his city. He then began to leave in the direction where I knew the city to be. I asked, “Are you going to take it back already? Don't you need to raise an army?” He said, “I'm going to take it right now. I will have all I need by the time I get there.” He was very confident that he would take his city back, regardless of how many troops he had. I then felt that if I left him to pick up the things I had left, which weren't much, I probably would not be able to catch up with him before he took his city back. I knew I had to leave with him right then and there. (The main point I felt the Lord showed me was that when the King returned, He was going to take back His city, and if I was not prepared and ready to go, I would be left behind.) We have to forsake all to follow the King. (Mat.19:27) Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have? (28) And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (29) And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.   Birth Like a Breaking Dam  Daniel Paul - 06/21/2011 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was flying above Israel in the Spirit and looking down and viewing the Sea of Galilee below. The Lord then spoke to me and said, “This is a freshwater lake. The water is good to drink”. I knew that this sea represented a holding place of truth. (Jesus was the truth.) Then I began to follow the Jordan River out of the Sea of Galilee. As I followed the river, I understood that this represented truth flowing out of a holding place. It is almost like the Sea of Galilee represented all the truth that man has come to understand by revelation of the Holy Spirit and revelation from the Word of God. (Which is Jesus, the Man-child, Who is the Word made flesh. Jesus was from Nazareth in Galilee. His Word come down to us from Galilee to the Man-child reformers of our day.) The Jordan River was like all of the teachings from pastors, teachers, audio and video tapes, books, radio programs and all sources of available teaching. (More likely this represents the Man-child ministry birthing as it was in Jesus' day to us.) As I followed the Jordan River for quite a while, I came to the Dead Sea. I could smell the Dead Sea before I actually saw it! The smell was putrid and very rank. As I flew over the Dead Sea, I could see salt encrusted on rocks, tree stumps, and other objects that were sticking out of the water. It seemed so dismal and dead. I was very grieved about this sight, and I wanted to know what caused the condition. (Like Ezekiel 47 prophesied, the Dead Sea is having an infusion of fresh water, with it now having even fish swimming in it. This speaks of the beginnings of a revival of reformation truth: https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/commentary-dead-sea-comes-to-life/  (A Reformation of polluted teachings come to life from the original living waters of Jesus.) As soon as the question hit my heart, I knew the answer: this was the church (polluted with false teachings), the salt that was meant to go out into all the world was being held and contained in a confined area with no outlet. It wasn't going anywhere! (This of course results in stagnant poisoning) As sorrow and grief filled my heart, I continued to fly over the Dead Sea (church). I looked, and I could see the end of this Dead Sea. It was stopped or restrained by a large object, which appeared to be a wall. I flew around the right side of the object, and I landed about 30 yards in front of this wall on the dry side of the Dead Sea. I looked up at the wall and realized it wasn't a wall at all but rather a great dam made up of two giant floodgates that were firmly clasped together with a giant black lock. (Like the 3 Gorges Dam) As I looked at these ominous and intimidating floodgates, I was filled with indignation. These gates were massive, probably 200 feet high and approximately 500 feet across. The smell and the feel of the floodgates were very familiar to me. It was the smell and the feel of religion, control and pride. It was the smell and the feel of Jezebel. I felt as if I wanted to tear them down right then and there. The floodgates spoke to me and said, “We are here to prevent a great disaster from happening. If this water were to be let loose without being governed properly, it would create a disaster of monumental proportions”. I was filled with such indignation and frustration. I was confused and could not explain why the floodgates were even there. (The Dead Sea represents everything dead and stagnant about Christianity, which is a curse on those bound in it; on the other hand, it is a blessing in that it has been kept in check by a merciful God and not taken over the earth. It first needs that infusion of fresh water we call revival.) After a while, I realized there was very little that I could do about the floodgates or the black lock. I just turned around and found something to occupy myself. In turning around, I noticed a great dry riverbed leading from the gates. At first, I wasn't sure if it was a riverbed or a lakebed because it was so large. (Representing the masses of lost people waiting for truth to bring them to life.) Then, as I looked at my hands, I noticed that I was carrying two objects. One object was a chisel called “Truth” that actually had the word “Truth” engraved on it. The other was a large hammer called “Spirit”; it also bore the inscription of its name. I wasn't sure what to do with these objects, so I just began using them to carve out large sections in the riverbed. I thought that I would help prepare this river for the work that God would do because I was sure that there was no way that God would put up with those floodgates much longer. (He is now doing something about this. A great storehouse of truth is ready to be unleashed, which will bring healing to the waters and great revival.) After some time of futilely carving large trails across the riverbed, I was startled by a voice behind me. I knew that voice because whenever I heard it, my spirit and soul were both as excited as they had ever been. A great feeling of expectation and a reverent fear filled me. It was the voice of the Lord! I knew He was standing behind me! He asked, “Daniel, what are you doing?” I said, “Lord, I am adding depth and breadth to this dry riverbed with Spirit and Truth”. He put His hand on my shoulder and turned me toward the floodgates. He pointed at the black lock. At this moment, I was aware of what the black lock was and its dark purpose. The black lock was the lies and deception that are used by Jezebel (the religious spirit) to keep them in place. The Lord said to me, “Use Spirit and Truth on the black lock”. (Paul tells us that great delusion will be in these end times, but the good side of the story is that many who have been held in bondage to this Babylonian DS and religious captivity will be released. (2Th.2:9) [even he], whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: (12) that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (13) But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:) So, I flew up to the black lock, grabbing it with my feet, and I began to labor away with Spirit and Truth. It was then that I noticed that there were several other people doing the same thing. I did not see them until I began to work on the black lock. The floodgates were screaming at us, saying, “Who authorized you to do this? You are working against God! (Representing another Spirit, another Jesus, and another gospel and the Pharisees of our day.) You are blaspheming heaven! You are unloving and cruel! You are rebellious and shall be judged!” These lies kept pouring forth, and the floodgates of religion continued to assail us, trying to stop us, but the harder I worked with the hammer of Spirit and the chisel of Truth, the less their words affected me. (This must happen at this time to separate the wheat from the tares and the sheep from the goats.)   Part Two After it had been some time since I had seen the vision of the floodgate, not really knowing how it ended or what happened, I received the second part of the revelation in a different vision. This time, I was flying over an extremely long beach. The beach was covered with hundreds of thousands of large black dots. As I got closer to the beach, I could see that these black dots were actually large circles of men. They were dressed in business suits, but their clothing varied from circle to circle. Each group surrounded a chalkboard, a whiteboard, or a large set of blueprints. They were writing mathematical formulas, studying plans, or writing theories about surfing. That's right, surfing. The kind of surfing that is done in the ocean. Their theories and formulas were very complex, but the funny thing was that none of them appeared to be dressed to surf. In fact, I did not see even one surfboard! (Surfing represents living above the curse, just like Noah's Ark was above the curse of the flood ordained by God's Word. Abiding in Jesus and His Word is our ark. It is dwelling in heavenly places in Christ. The problem is that in many religious “circles” like these, whose formulas do not help them live above the curse. Only those who are dressed up with Christ's Word and works can live above the curse. (Rom.13:12) The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (13) Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].) Just then a large wave came onto the beach, rolling over and up the sand. The water came to about the knee height of the men who were the closest to the ocean. The ones farthest from the water were hit at about ankle-level by the water. Yet not one man seemed to even notice the water. Then I saw thousands upon thousands of surfers on the beach, dripping and soaking wet with the Spirit of God. They had just ridden the wave onto the beach. Most of them had long hair, and they were wearing love beads and peace symbols, plus many were wearing sunglasses with funky hats. I knew this to be the Jesus movement of the 1970s. It was a real revival! These surfers immediately began to approach the groups of men standing around with their chalkboards. They began telling the men about the experiences they'd just had. They were telling them all about their ride on the waves, using all kinds of surfing lingo and slang. This went on for a short time. Then suddenly the men in the groups turned to the surfers and began to condemn them, saying, “You don't know anything about surfing! We are the surfing experts! If you want to know something about surfing, learn it from us!” (These new Christians who were born of the Spirit were seduced by the harlot religions.) Many of the surfers went away. Many others conformed and became just like the men around the chalkboards. Others joined existing groups and some created their own groups. Some even created groups that were not committed to Jesus Christ at all. (Some who were saved by grace and the Spirit were brought into bondage to religion, like the denominational sects of Christianity.) Then I heard the Lord say, “The next wave that comes in will be so large and so powerful that everything on the beach will be removed! (A wave of the truth waters from Galilee with the righteous riding it.) Whoever comes riding the wave in will be the ones standing on the beach”. (The first-fruit reformers) Then the Lord explained to me that before this happens, He would direct the men on the beach to take up their surfboards, paddle out into the sea, and wait on Him for the great thing that He would do. (They are now prepared, and outpouring will come upon them). I somehow knew that only a few would respond because some of those who paddled out would feel like they had wasted their time and would return to the beach. Others would paddle out, get tired or disillusioned and stop short of the distance required to ride the wave in. (Many, when God doesn't move in their time, will take destructive steps for their life.) Still, I saw many others who would take up their surfboards, stand at the edge of the water, either peering out into the sea or calling friends to come with them, and still, they would never actually get in the water with their surfboards. (Those who stand on the earthly will be destroyed. The righteous will ride the clear water from the Galilean to wash away the corruption. They are dwelling in heavenly places, abiding in Christ. The dragon/serpent sends forth a flood of deception and corruption to take down the woman in the wilderness, but the earth swallows the deception, and the woman Church is spared. (Rev.12:14) And there were given to the woman the two wings of the great eagle (a gift of overcoming the world through the Man-child ministry), that she might fly into the wilderness unto her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (by the Man-child just as it was with the Man-child Jesus), from the face of the serpent. (15) And the serpent cast out of his mouth after the woman water as a river, that he might cause her to be carried away by the stream. (16) And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon cast out of his mouth. We have many revelations of the dragon ruling over false religion and faction.) As I continued to consider all these things, I kept looking at the beach. Suddenly, I saw in front of me the floodgates again! It was almost as if I was looking at a split screen. On one side of the screen, I could see the beach covered with men, and on the other side of the screen, I could see the large group of people, including myself, feverishly hammering and chiseling away at the black lock. I noticed, however, something different about the people working on the black lock. There was something different about them than the last time I saw them. All of them, including myself, were clutching surfboards with our feet and somehow being suspended in the air as we continued to work at the lock. (Those who stand in heavenly places in Christ will ride the wave from the Galilean and many who have been held captive will be set free.) Then I knew within myself what was to happen. I was filled with thrilling excitement and so much hope I couldn't stand it. I knew that when the lock broke, the floodgates would fly apart and be dashed to pieces. The water would come through the floodgates with a massive force like a tidal wave. I heard the Lord speak to me again, but this time it was from inside of me instead of outside of me. He said, “All who labored in obedience to what I told them to do will ride the forefront of this wave”. I knew that this wave would go all the way to that beach that I had seen in my other vision, that we would meet up with all those who obeyed the Lord and paddled out into the ocean, and there would be a new day of the church. The church age as we have known it will end, and the True Church will rise up. (Actually, the Bride led by the Man-child reformers will raise up the Church with a true 5-fold ministry. This is just what happened when Jesus the Man-child reformer led the Bride, identified by John as the first-fruits disciples, who followed the Lord and went forth to raise up the 5-fold ministry and the Church.) Later, I heard the Lord say to me, “I, the Father, had My Twelve, the 12 Tribes, and they were cut off. From the stump came a Holy Seed, a new shoot, My beloved Son. And He had His Twelve, the 12 Apostles”. I knew that there were another 12 coming (in these end times) and it would be a work by the Holy Spirit, according to the Word of God, but I do not know what 12 this will be. I do, however, know that though the new thing will come out of the old thing, it will in no way resemble, look like, or operate like the old thing. (Jesus came out of the old thing but didn't look or operate like it. History always repeats, but with larger groups of people. A modern-day 12 Man-child ministry, in whom Jesus lives, will raise up from the 12 spiritual tribes, apostolic forefathers, to go forth and raise up the real five-fold ministries and the Church. [see 12 Man-child revelations ] The greatest revival of true Christianity will cover the earth as persecution burns up the wood, hay and stubble of their lives.) There will be a new Church; through a Holy Bride without blemish, without spot, and without wrinkle. (A holy Bride will come forth from the Church as Esther, Song of Solomon and Psalm 45 teach. Song 6:8-9 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, And virgins without number. 9 My dove, my undefiled, is but one; She is the only one of her mother; She is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed; Yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.) It's been a while since I've shared these revelations of the 12 Man-child ministry, so let me share a few of them with you.   12 Man-children Going Forth Anonymous - 10/9/2008 (David's notes in red) I had a dream about David, and I have never dreamed about him before. In this dream, he was in a large room with the other brethren and me. We were talking together, and for some reason, my mother was with me, and I called her over to introduce her to David. About this time, some men came to take David to another place, and they went off to his right. (Many have taken our Word on the Man-child and passed it on.) Everyone started rushing in that direction. I also started running and came up to a railing with an opening in it. I had the impression that this may have been a stadium or an arena, as I believe there were steps to go down and possibly also levels above. I stood there in the opening to see what was happening. (Stadiums are places where the Word is passed on to increasingly larger circles of people.) I stood there for a bit and then moved to another area. However, there were so many people in front of me that I could not see, so I went back to where I was at first. When I got there, someone said, “It is over; it is finished! Only 12 received this gifting, anointing or equipping for the work ahead.” (I believe it could be 12 from the UBM fellowship.) Everyone was very joyful and excited about this. When I awoke, I pondered this dream for a long time and believe that this was the “Man-child anointing”. I distinctly remember that only 12 were given this anointing. I through UBM have been prophesied for years to be a spearhead for the Man-child ministry. The head of the Man-child body is born first; then the body; then the anointing. This could represent 12 people from UBM, and it could also represent a first fruits of 12 spiritual tribes, passed down through the 12 Apostolic forefathers. In all, there will be 12,000 from 12 spiritual forefathers of 12 tribes, making 144,000 that come into the Man-child ministry.   Twelve at the Feast R.V. - 10/13/2009 (Deb Horton's notes in green) I had a dream about a week or two ago, and it's the first dream I've had with David and me both in it. I've sought the Lord for meaning. I know it is spiritual and it's about preparation, but that's it, besides being very short. I dreamed it more than three times. (2Co.13:1) This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established. Each time I would ask, “What does this mean?” and then the dream would start over: In the dream, there were 11 men, besides David, who made 12. (This is the Man-child company, represented by the 12 loaves of unleavened showbread.) The only one I saw and recognized was David, but I felt we were all very close. We were all mature and wearing white flowing robes with a belt at the waist. There was a long table (representing the Table of Showbread) covered with a white, silk tablecloth (representing the prayer shawl, or tallit) with gold tassel fringe (the tzit-tzit) all the way around. (To the best of my knowledge, the showbread was covered by a tallit.) The plates, forks, knives, spoons, goblets and napkin holders were all of gold and neatly in place. They were very ornate and regal and there was a very pleasing, sweet aroma (frankincense, representing the anointing) wafting through the space. (Lev.24:6) And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the Lord. (7) And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (8) Every sabbath day he shall set it in order before the Lord continually; it is on the behalf of the children of Israel, an everlasting covenant. A voice with love, authority, and power told us to sit down. There was no jockeying for position or placement; we just seemed to know where we were supposed to sit, and we took our places. (2Ch.13:11) And they burn unto the Lord every morning and every evening burnt-offerings and sweet incense: the showbread also [set they] in order upon the pure table... There was a sense that food was on its way. (The Man-child company is the food, the unleavened bread.) I felt the 12 in the room were getting ready to receive something really wonderful, and a call that would be like the ministry of Jesus and even greater. There were six seats on each side of the table, with a place set at each end, but we 12 were the only ones in the space. I say space because there were no walls -- none that I could see -- nor was there a ceiling that I recall. I didn't pay attention to the flooring. I'd ask the question, “What does this mean?” and the dream would start over, but nothing changed.   12-Pointed Star of the Man-child Lion Jena Neal - 12/17/2008 (David's notes in red) In the dream, Jena was at some public showers. Later, everyone went outside into what appeared to be something like a campground. Everyone started to look up because there was a star approaching in the sky. The star was radiating light and had several colors emanating from it like fireworks or Christmas lights. She felt so much joy in her heart and soul. Daniel, her husband, then said, “Baby, it's the first sign”. She had some papers in her hands, and she somehow knew they represented the 12 points on the star. The star was so beautiful and started to move over them, sparkling and shooting light. Everyone started singing the song that says, Praise God from whom all blessings flow, although she knew some people who sang didn't do it from the heart. Jena then fell on her knees and then on her face on the ground. She was overwhelmed with peace, joy, and love. Then something fell into her hand like a wooden dowel of some kind with knobs at the ends. (An ancient scroll representing the Word) She didn't see it, but only felt it. She wanted to praise God but was speechless and overwhelmed with joy. She then woke up, unable to move from the impression. She couldn't go back to sleep for a long time. When she fell asleep again, she had another dream. She (representing the Bride) was driving in a car with her mom (representing the Church) while it was dark. In the sky, there was the face of a lion, but her mom couldn't see it. End of dream. The star announced the coming of Jesus the Man-child and now history repeats. The 12-pointed star represents the birth of Jesus in the Man-child body today, from whom many blessings will flow. The face of the lion is what the earth and evil will see now. First the Lamb and now the Lion.   12 Man-children Alan Charles Simpson - 08/13/2015 (David's notes in red) At first, I see a vision of a man in chainmail (Covered in Armor, representing invincibility.) kneeling behind a shield “at 12:00,” and then there were 11 others. All 12 were on and around the face of a clock in the 12 hourly positions, facing forward toward those who could view the clock with their heads toward the outside edge of the clock. All had on chainmail. (Which was high tech armor that permitted better movement that the old armor.) This seems like the coming Man-child warriors in a defensive position and invincible. The 12:00 represents the beginning of a new day and new time. We are almost there!   Twelve Baby Boys Sandy Shaw, Dreams given 1/28/19 and 1/29/19 (David's notes in red) The way this dream starts, I don't think it's in a hospital, but I saw twelve newborn baby boys. I was looking around to find the mothers or nurses. Each of the babies had a bottle in their bassinets. All the babies were crying at the same time, and all of them wanted milk all at the same time. (The 12 babies acting together “At the same time” represents that a corporate body of the Man-child, new reformer leadership, will be in one accord.) The first one I changed had cloth diapers with rubber pants. Then I picked him up to feed him and noticed that the milk was at the perfect temperature because I had tried it on my wrist. I burped him and put him down, then went to the next one. I did that twelve times and that's when I really realized that they were all male. (The Man-child administration will be all male as were previous types in the Bible, including Jesus' administration.) There was a recliner chair in the back of the room. So I went to sit down, went to sleep, and it only seemed like a few minutes. Then I heard crying, so I opened my eyes, and now the babies were all one year old. (This maturing happens very quickly as in previous revelations, and we can see it happens as a corporate body). As I went each time to feed them, I sang a worship song. On the other side of the room, I saw a table on which their bottles were sitting. They were crying because they couldn't reach them. They had to be fed. (For they were growing so fast) I grabbed a bottle and diaper set, and then I laid them down on a diaper pallet. It looks like a two-inch pad with a pillow and a blanket. Then they fell asleep. I had been singing to them. I did it twelve times. And then I went to the recliner again and fell asleep. I woke up and because they were “tapping” my legs. They're now two years old. One of them said, “Eat; eat.” Now on that table instead of bottles were sippy cups and a bowl of baby food. I grabbed the bowl and went to the carpet in the right corner of the room. And I sat down and fed them there. When the food was gone, we would go get the sippy cups full of milk. And I kept thinking, “There should be clothes for them now.” (The clothes represent them putting on the works of Jesus.) There was a pile of clothes sitting on the right side of the floor. (They are sheep not goats.) Then I thought, “I've got to wash them.” There was a sink in the back of the room. So I threw them in and reached for the SNOW soap. And as I washed them, I noticed that they were immediately dried. I put them on the boys and then gave them their sippy cups. Then we went back to the carpet and sat down and started singing. The three songs we were singing were “Jesus Loves Me, The B-I-B-L-E,” and then “Walking Hand In Hand.” (That's the song I love to sing in Spanish). The boys sang the words that they knew. We had just finished singing when one little boy stood up and said, “When is he coming?” and I said, “Who?” And they all said in unison, “Jesus!” Then I woke up. (I dreamt this twice on January 28 and 29). (Jesus is coming with the anointing of the Man-child administration. Hos 6:1-3 Come, and let us return unto Jehovah; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. 3 And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. He is coming as the anointing on the Man-child body of reformers.) A verse I got at random, Mark 7:15. There is nothing from without the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. (Those who speak against the Word will not be in the Man-child body and will be removed from the leadership by Babylon.)

Matthew 3:13-17Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.' Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.' We don't like resolutions anymore. In fact, most of us probably didn't make a single one this year.Pew Research Center found that about 70 percent of Americans skipped resolutions altogether. When asked why, more than half simply said, “We don't like them.” And honestly, I'm with them. Most of our resolutions have become predictable, boring, and very inward-focused. Just listen to the top five resolutions according to a survey done by You Gov.Exercising moreBeing happyEating healthierSaving more moneyLosing weightYou probably could've guessed them. But these days self-improvement isn't just the focus of our resolutions: it's the focus of our whole society. We're surrounded by a culture that tells us we are always one habit, one purchase, one routine away from becoming a better version of ourselves. Social media feeds us an endless stream of trends, all built on the same promise: if you work harder, focus more, and optimize your time, you will finally be okay. Nearly all of it tells us to cut out distractions — like the people in our lives — so we can walk with a weighted vest and drink mushroom coffee till we are entirely better people, physically and mentally.Who has time for New Year's resolutions when the pressure to improve is nonstop? But resolutions weren't always this way. In fact, for most of their long history, they were almost the opposite of what we know today.The practice goes back thousands of years. In ancient Babylon and Rome, people made vows at religious festivals that were meant to strengthen the whole community: praying together, settling debts, promising to live well with their neighbors and their gods. Even as recently as the 1940s, resolutions were still mostly about how to be a better person with other people. A Gallup poll from 1947 found the top three resolutions were to improve my disposition, be more understanding, and control my temper. That's a very different vision of change than losing weight, getting rich, or optimizing yourself. My favorite legend about New Year's resolutions is the Vow of the Peacock, told of medieval knights. They would gather for a grand feast, and at the center of it all was a peacock: roasted, re-dressed in its dazzling feathers, and carried through the hall. One by one, knights would rise and make their vows upon the bird, speaking promises of chivalry before everyone present. These were not modest intentions, but aspirational, even risky commitments: to courage, loyalty, and love.The Vow of the Peacock, more legend than ledger, shows us what people once believed promises were supposed to be: public, costly, witnessed, and binding; not private acts of self-improvement, but commitments made for the sake of others.And that turns out to be exactly the kind of vow Jesus steps into at the Jordan River.Because when Jesus comes to be baptized, he is not trying to become a better version of himself. He is stepping into a shared, public act: one that binds him to sinners, to repentance, and to the people he has come to save.That's why we get baptism so wrong when we treat it like a spiritual achievement, something you earn once you've spiritually improved enough to be worthy. That's not what's happening at the Jordan at all.In fact, at this point in Jesus' life, he had done nothing. No miracles. No healings. No teachings. And yet God says to everyone gathered, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”God doesn't say, “This is my Son, who kept all his resolutions, who eats the right amount of protein, and walks on water.” There is none of that. No self-improvement, no spiritual résumé, but still called beloved.So if this baptism isn't about self-improvement or earning anything, what is Jesus doing in the water?First, he is doing this for us and with us. By stepping into the Jordan, Jesus is saying, “I am in this with you — all of you who repent, all who need forgiveness, everyone trying to turn toward God.” He does not stand above us, but with us. That's why Jesus tells John, “It is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness.” He chooses not to go it alone. He includes John in the work God is doing. This baptism is a radical act of solidarity, showing us how Jesus will bring about the kingdom of heaven, by working in, with, and through people.And that righteousness doesn't stay with Jesus. The righteousness he fulfills in those waters is given to us in ours. In baptism, our sins are forgiven and we are set back into right relationship with God and with creation. That's why, at every baptism, and every time you remember your own, you should hear God's voice echoing over you: “This is my child, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” With you. God is well pleased.We don't need resolutions to be worthy of anything, no matter what the trends and ads tell us. What we do need, believe it or not, are peacock vows. I know that sounds strange. We don't need to swear chivalry on a bird. But we do need public promises made for the good of our neighbors: the kind that say, out loud and together, “I'm not just here to improve my own life. I'm here for yours.”The good news is we don't need to be medieval knights or stage a ceremony with a roasted bird — even though that does sound fun. What we already have are our baptismal vows: promises made to God, to one another, and for the sake of the world.In the Lutheran tradition, many of us were baptized as infants, when others made those promises on our behalf. But at some point — at confirmation, or later in life — we take those vows as our own: to live among God's faithful people, to hear God's Word and share in communion, to proclaim the good news of Christ in word and deed, to serve all people as Jesus does, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.Yes, keeping these promises will shape you. But their real purpose is to bless others: just like Jesus' baptism, and even those old peacock vows. And we know that resolutions made with others and for others are the ones that last.So here is what I'm asking of you this year: instead of self-improvement resolutions, tend to your baptismal vows. Not for you, but for God and for this world God so loves. Because what this world needs right now is not one more upper-middle-class person chasing a wellness trend or a bigger bank account.In a world that is lonely and anxious, it needs people who will live among and beside their neighbors. In a world flooded with bad news, it needs people who hear and carry the good news of God.In a world that is bitterly divided, it needs people who serve all, especially the scared and the oppressed. And in a world marked by violence and injustice, it needs people who strive for justice and peace — in their hearts, their homes, their streets, and their nation.So now I invite you to rise. Today, on this Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, I'm going to ask you to affirm the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism. After each promise, if it is your intent, please respond, “Yes, and I ask God to help me.”Will you live among God's faithful people…Will you hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper…Will you proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed…Will you serve all people, following the example of Jesus…And will you strive for Justice and peace in all the earth?...Siblings in Christ, these are not modest intentions, but aspirational, even risky, commitments to community, justice, and grace. When we fail, come back to the water. Remember your baptism. Hear God's promise again: You are my child. With you I am well pleased.And if you have not yet been baptized, come talk with me. Because we need you. The world needs you. And Jesus has bound himself to you. Together, we will fulfill all righteousness.Amen.

Celebrated by many Western Christian denominations, including Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and other Protestant Churches such as Methodists and Moravians, The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord commemorates Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, marking the start of His public ministry and the first manifestation of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It's a liturgical feast that concludes the Christmas season, typically observed on the first Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th) in Western Christianity, bridging to Ordinary Time, and it signifies the beginning of Christian life through baptism, uniting believers with Christ. Bishop Robert Barron books available at https://amzn.to/44W7nwN John the Baptist books available at https://amzn.to/3LCfQy1 Gospel of Mark available at https://amzn.to/3X3m9Ba Gospel of John available at https://amzn.to/3AozdbL ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons-Episode 06jan2021 The God Who Enters Our Muddy Waters (Word on Fire Catholic Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does baptism really mean—and why was Jesus baptized at all? That’s what Revs. Trudy and Brittany tackle in this episode of Perspectivs FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. The two female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13–17 through a progressive Christian lens. Together, they reflect on baptism as both a risk we take when we step toward God and a commitment we live out as we step back into the world. This thoughtful conversation explores the dynamic relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist, the symbolism of the Jordan River, and why Jesus’ baptism wasn’t about sin but about solidarity, humility, and embarking on a new chapter. The pastors also unpack why the baptism ritual still matters today, especially in progressive faith communities. Whether you identify as Christian, spiritual-but-not-religious, or are simply curious about faith beyond dogma, this episode invites you to reimagine baptism as a reminder that you are already loved and still being called forward. Episode topics include: Why Jesus insisted on being baptized Repentance vs. transformation Water, movement, and new life Is baptism required for salvation? Communal ritual and remembering our baptism today Continue the conversation with friends and family, at our in-person Convergence group, or online at our Patreon channel with these suggested reflection and discussion questions: What do you believe is the connection between sin and new life? What do we gain, and what do we lose, in the belief that Jesus was sinless? Why do you think Jesus was baptized by God? Short on time? Use these timestamps to jump to a specific topic: 00:00 What Does Baptism Change? Introducing “Stepping In, Stepping Up 02:40 Jesus and John the Baptist: Cousins, Calling, and Possible Rivalry 05:30 Repentance vs. Transformation: Naming Problems and Living Solutions 08:00 Baptism in Jesus’ Time: Who It Was For and Why the Jordan River Matters 10:40 The Power of Water: Movement, Disorientation, and Renewal 11:45 Why Was Jesus Baptized If He Was Divine? 17:30 What Baptism Means Today: Commitment, Not Cleansing 22:40 Remembering Our Baptism in Community 26:30 Reflection Questions for Today

Send us a textThis Epiphany at the Jordan River is deep water; you can't stand on the shore and dip your toes in.  You must take a breath and plunge.  I have Mass on Sunday, January 11 at St. Isidore @ 9:30/11:30 am.frjoedailey@gmail.com

In this sermon, “The Waters Made Holy,” Pastor David Balla proclaims the Gospel through Matthew 3:16, revealing how Christ's Baptism sanctifies all waters for salvation. When Jesus steps into the Jordan River, He does not receive cleansing—He brings it. By entering the water, Christ consecrates Baptism as a means of grace, joining God's Word and Spirit to water for the forgiveness of sins, rescue from death, and eternal salvation.This sermon is preached from a confessional Lutheran (LCMS) perspective, clearly distinguishing Law and Gospel and confessing Baptism not as a symbol, but as God's saving action. Drawing from Scripture and the Church's historic teaching, this message addresses doubt, assurance, repentance, and the daily life of the baptized.If you are seeking faithful preaching on Baptism, real forgiveness, Christ's atoning work, and the certainty of salvation, this sermon is for you.☕ Support this ministry:https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphWebsite written out: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphSubscribe for Christ-centered preaching, Lutheran theology, and sermons rooted in Scripture alone.Five Hashtags#LutheranSermon#HolyBaptism#MeansOfGrace#LCMS#LawAndGospel

The Gemara explains the basis of the disagreement in the braita between Rabbi Yehuda and the Rabbis, and how the second position of the Rabbis differs from the first position in the name of the rabbis in that same braita. Rabbi Shimon's source in the Torah for his view limiting the communal offerings brought in Gilgal is a verse in Yehoshua 5:10, which describes the Jews bringing the Paschal offering just a few days after crossing the Jordan River into the Land of Israel.  The reason the structure of Shilo was built with stone walls while its ceiling was only a curtain is derived from seemingly contradictory verses - some referring to Shilo as a "house" and others as a "tent." Four rabbis each cite a different verse to explain the law that during the period when the Tabernacle stood in Shilo, kodshim kalim and maaser sheni could be eaten anywhere within sight of Shilo. There is also a debate about whether the Tabernacle in Shilo was located in the territory of Yosef or Binyamin.  A braita discusses how many years the Tabernacle remained in each location and explains the calculations: thirty-nine years in the desert, fourteen in Gilgal, fifty-seven in Nov and Givon, and three hundred sixty-nine in Shilo.

Pope Leo XIV warned that human rights and freedoms are under threat. Millions in the Philippines joined the Black Nazarene procession in a powerful display of faith. And, more than 3,000 pilgrims gathered at the banks of the Jordan River to mark the Baptism of Jesus Christ.

Watch the Devotion Based on Matthew 3:13-17 Baptismal Identity In November 2024, a young high school graduate shipped off to boot camp, full of promise, and excited to serve in our nation's military. This was his dream. In mid-December, just a few weeks ago, a family member emailed me saying, “My grandson is being medically discharged. You can remove him from your mailing list.” My heart broke. I said a quick prayer, texted the young man and asked him, “I heard what happened. This must be hard for you. How can I pray for you today?” I'm guessing that you have faced disappointments like this. You planned the mission, anticipated every possible deviation, but when it came time to execute the mission was called off, or it went horribly wrong. You were on track to achieve rank, but it didn't happen. You set goals for your squadron but fell far short. You entered a marriage that was to be for life, but it hasn't. Maybe you were expecting a child who was to fill your house with joy, but that child is no longer with you. When the unexpected derails life, it's hard to see yourself as you once were. When you're no longer carrying out that vocation, or when you've failed horribly at that vocation, or have had a series of unfortunate events that no longer allow you to carry out that vocation, you might be asking yourself, “Who am I? What's my purpose anymore if I am not what I used to be?” My friends, Christ Jesus came to give you identity and purpose and meaning and worth. When he was about 30 years old Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by the prophet John. John knew Jesus was the Son of God, so he tried to stop Jesus. “But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented” (Matthew 3:14-15). Jesus had no sin. He was completely righteous in his living. The righteous thing his Father sent him to do was to completely identify with our sin, our failures, our brokenness, our disappointments. And at his baptism, he became them, took them upon himself as if they were his own. Since Jesus has completely identified himself with your sin he has given you his righteousness – his right living – as if it were your own. His gift comes to you through the hearing of these words. His gift comes to you through the waters of your baptism. In your baptism he puts his name on you, calls you his brother, his sister, sons and daughters of the Father, heirs of a resurrection from the dead and eternal life in heaven. In your baptism he gives you his righteous life which covers over your failures. He gives you his righteous life so that you might know you are not a failure but forgiven, redeemed and restored. Whatever disappointments, failures, heartaches, regrettable decisions you've made in your life, take them to Jesus. Take them to the waters of your baptism and wash them clean. See yourself the way your God sees you; baptized, forgiven, brother or sister of Jesus, dressed in the robe of Christ's righteousness forever. And then go and live that baptismal life. Every morning wake up and say, “I am a baptized child of God. I will live that way today.” Every evening before you lay your head on your pillow say, “Despite what happened today, I am still a baptized child of God, forgiven by my Father in heaven, because he loves me.” That's who you are and who you will be because Jesus says so in your baptism. Prayer: Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children, and make us heirs with him of everlasting life. As we remember in our prayers those who are deployed, keep them faithful to their marriages, pure in their thoughts and intentions. Keep them content and may they find joy in their work. Amen. Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

The Gemara explains the basis of the disagreement in the braita between Rabbi Yehuda and the Rabbis, and how the second position of the Rabbis differs from the first position in the name of the rabbis in that same braita. Rabbi Shimon's source in the Torah for his view limiting the communal offerings brought in Gilgal is a verse in Yehoshua 5:10, which describes the Jews bringing the Paschal offering just a few days after crossing the Jordan River into the Land of Israel.  The reason the structure of Shilo was built with stone walls while its ceiling was only a curtain is derived from seemingly contradictory verses - some referring to Shilo as a "house" and others as a "tent." Four rabbis each cite a different verse to explain the law that during the period when the Tabernacle stood in Shilo, kodshim kalim and maaser sheni could be eaten anywhere within sight of Shilo. There is also a debate about whether the Tabernacle in Shilo was located in the territory of Yosef or Binyamin.  A braita discusses how many years the Tabernacle remained in each location and explains the calculations: thirty-nine years in the desert, fourteen in Gilgal, fifty-seven in Nov and Givon, and three hundred sixty-nine in Shilo.

Chaim Malespin, a U.S.-born sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces' elite Yahalom commando unit, shared insights into his extensive combat experience - which included 800+ consecutive days operating in the terror tunnels in Gaza and Lebanon - and humanitarian efforts in a recent interview with commentator Alan Skorski. Malespin, who immigrated to Israel with his family as a teenager in 1999, has served in the IDF's Combat Engineering Corps, specializing in explosives handling, countering improvised explosive devices and destroying terror tunnels. The Yahalom unit, known as “diamond” in Hebrew, focuses on high-risk engineering operations in combat zones. Malespin has been deployed for hundreds of consecutive days during Israel's ongoing Swords of Iron war against Hamas, leading missions across Gaza, northern Israel and southern Lebanon. He previously saw action in the 2006 Lebanon War, Operation Cast Lead and Operation Protective Edge. His decorations include the Iron Swords War Service Ribbon, Operation Protective Edge Ribbon and Operation Cast Lead Ribbon. When not on active duty, Malespin directs operations at the Aliyah Return Center (ARC), a humanitarian organization he co-founded in 2013 in Israel's Galilee region along the Jordan River. The ARC assists Jewish immigrants, or olim, with integration into Israeli society through temporary housing, Hebrew classes, job training, community activities and basic aid such as food and clothing distribution. Under Malespin's leadership, the center transformed a former hotel into a campus for new immigrants and international volunteers after a multimillion-dollar renovation project in partnership with the Jewish Agency. The organization also hosts volunteers from abroad who participate in service projects in the Galilee and train as “ambassadors for Israel” upon returning home, fostering ties between Israel and supportive global communities. Malespin hosts “The Real Israel” on YouTube and an “Iron Swords” daily podcast, providing updates and perspectives on Israel. The interview highlighted Malespin's dual roles as a frontline soldier defending Israel and a humanitarian leader supporting Jewish immigration and absorption. -VIN News Subscribe to Alan Skorski Reports YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@AlanSkorskiReports Alan Skorski Reports 07JAN2025 - PODCAST

If John the Baptist was calling for a baptism of repentance, why did Jesus insist on being baptized? This week, Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy focus on the purpose of Jesus' baptism, the importance of it being in the Jordan River, and how this is a story about doing things outside of the establishment.Questions for Further Discussion:Themes and ApplicationThe clergy describe Jesus' baptism as both continuity with John's movement and a decisive shift away from it. Where do you see that continuity, and where do you see the break?In what ways does this baptism scene function as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, vocation, or “handing over” of authority from John to Jesus?How does the idea of baptism as participation in God's larger salvific plan challenge more individualistic understandings of faith?Personal ReflectionWhich image from the episode resonates most with you right now: water, Spirit, voice, wilderness, or new creation? Why?How do you respond to the idea that becoming faithful is an ongoing process of “becoming and becoming,” rather than a completed state?When you hear the words “beloved” and “well pleased,” do they feel earned, aspirational, or freely given? How does that shape your understanding of God?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsFr. John raises concerns about how religious movements can become institutionalized and lose their radical edge. Where do you see this risk in the church today?What does Jesus' baptism suggest about leadership, especially spiritual leadership, in contrast to power rooted in authority, violence, or control?How might this passage challenge churches to rethink baptism not just as initiation, but as vocation, solidarity, and mission?Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

When God told Joshua to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River into the land of promise, He didn't just give instructions, He also gave a promise. Join us as we unpack what God said in the start of our first series of the year: "Let's Go!"

Youtube message here! Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 6-8; Luke 3 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 January 3rd, 2026 episode of the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us to journey together through the Scriptures, beginning with the story of Noah and the great flood from Genesis, and continuing into the New Testament with the ministry of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus in Luke. As Hunter reads, he draws powerful connections between the ancient narrative of the dove, sent out by Noah in search of life, and the dove that appears at the baptism of Jesus, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit and the arrival of true life in Christ. You'll also join Hunter for a time of reflective prayer, seeking God's guidance and presence as we walk through a new day. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode is all about creating space to encounter the life and love of God together, being encouraged through Scripture, and reminded that you are deeply loved. Settle in as we explore Genesis, Luke, and the hope found in God's Word—let's begin this day's journey side by side! TODAY'S DEVOTION: He is the proof of life we've all been waiting for. After the flood, Noah released a dove three times in search of life and hope beyond the judgement brought upon the earth. The first time, the dove found nothing but water and returned, a sign that death still prevailed. Seven days later, Noah tried again, and this time the dove returned with a fresh olive branch—a miraculous sign, a picture of God's recreation, his making all things new in seven days. Life was returning. Yet it was on the third release that the dove did not come back; it had found life and no longer needed to return to the safety of the boat. Centuries later, this same symbol—the dove—appears again, descending upon Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River. But this time, no proof is needed: the one who is life itself has come. Jesus stands in the place of fulfillment, greater than Abraham, greater than Moses, greater than all the names and legacies listed throughout Scripture. The Father declares him to be his Son; John announces that he will take away the sin of the world. Jesus is the true and lasting proof of life for all of us. This is a message the dying world longs to hear—a message we ourselves are invited to believe and participate in. The prayer for today is to participate more deeply in this life, to declare his message faithfully to a world longing for hope, longing for the waters of life. For my own soul, for my family, and for you: may we know and drink deeply from the proof of life given in Jesus, our Savior. 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  

Do you realize that John the Baptist speaks to us at every single Mass? When the priest lifts up the Eucharist and proclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God,” those words are straight from John 1:29. In that moment, John the Baptist introduces Jesus to us just as he once did at the Jordan River — pointing to Him as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. The Mass is overflowing with Sacred Scripture: • John the Baptist • John the Evangelist • The Book of Revelation • The Passover Lamb • The Wedding Supper of the Lamb All woven together in one sacred moment. This reflection, on the 10th day of Christmas, invites us to listen more closely at Mass — to hear Scripture come alive, and to encounter Jesus truly present in the Eucharist. If you've ever wondered how deeply biblical the Mass really is, this is for you. Let's get to Mass… and find Jesus. Happy Christmas. Amen.   #PeaceOnEarth #CatholicMass #BeholdTheLambOfGod #JohnTheBaptist

God's appearance in the Jordan River reveals God's presence to the world

Episode 2.70Every New Year feels like standing at the edge of something new. Fresh starts. New resolutions. Another chance.But Scripture reminds us that real change rarely comes through dramatic leaps—it comes through faithful steps.In this episode, Michael and Zach reflect on the biblical meaning of the Jordan River as a place of transition, renewal, and obedience. From Israel entering the Promised Land, to Elijah and Elisha, to Naaman's healing, to Jesus' own baptism, the Jordan marks moments where God brings His people through change, not around it.Using the New Year as a natural pause for reflection, the conversation explores:-Why we're drawn to fresh starts-Why New Year's resolutions often fail-How sanctification works through ordinary, repeated obedience-The difference between chasing goals and walking faithfully in a direction-Why God's grace transforms us slowly—but surelyThis is a reminder that the Christian life isn't about instant arrival, but steady movement—crossing the water one step at a time, trusting the God who goes with us.If you're entering a new year feeling hopeful, hesitant, or worn out, this episode is an invitation to begin again—not with pressure, but with presence.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/QZKkJDKypE8Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart Day Five Receiving My Identity from the Father Scripture “This is my beloved Son,with whom I am well pleased.”Matthew 3:17 Reflection Epiphany continues beyond Bethlehem. The child who was revealed to the nations now steps into public life. At the Jordan River, Christ stands among the people who ... Read more The post Day 5 – Receiving My Identity from the Father – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

In every season of life—especially around Christmas—memories shape us. For some, this season is filled with joy, tradition, and celebration. For others, it carries loss, disappointment, tension, or uncertainty. In moments like these, what we remember—and what we forget—matters more than we realize.In this message from Joshua 4, we step into a defining moment in Israel's story as God leads His people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. After generations of waiting, wandering, failure, and God's relentless faithfulness, Israel finally arrives. But before moving forward, God commands them to stop and build a memorial—tangible reminders of His power, provision, and presence.This message shows us why remembering God's work isn't optional—it's essential. What we don't intentionally remember, we eventually forget. And when we forget, fear, doubt, and discouragement quickly take over. But when we mark what God has done in the past, it becomes our confidence for whatever lies ahead.From the stones set up at the Jordan, to the cross and the empty tomb, Scripture is filled with reminders that God is faithful, even when His people are not. These memorials become anchor points—breadcrumbs that lead us back when we feel lost, afraid, or unsure of the next step.This sermon also celebrates how God is still at work today—changing lives, building faith in the next generation, and using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom.✔ Why intentional remembrance strengthens faith✔ How God's work in us is meant to speak to others✔ Why memorials become confidence for the future✔ How God's faithfulness carries us through every season✔ Why the cross and empty tomb are the ultimate memorial stonesIf you find yourself looking back with gratitude—or forward with uncertainty—this message will remind you that God's past faithfulness is proof you can trust Him with what's next.

Merry Christmas Eve, friend. Today on Pursuing God, we're tracing the journey of Jesus from the manger to the Jordan River — and what it means for your life right now. He wasn't just born to be admired in a nativity scene; He came to be followed. Born in a manger, buried in baptism, and raised to bring new life to anyone willing to say yes. As we light the final Advent candle and reflect on His birth, I want to invite you to consider the personal invitation Jesus offers: to be made new. And for some of you, that next step might be baptism. Let's talk about what it means to go all in — to identify with the One who identified with us.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

In this episode of the Gubba Podcast, we explore a controversial and rarely examined theory: that key biblical events may have taken place in what we now call Utah, and that modern maps may not tell the full story of ancient history. By looking closely at geography, water systems, place names, and historical patterns, we compare biblical descriptions of Judea, Jerusalem, and the Jordan River with striking similarities found in the Utah landscape.This episode examines why certain biblical place names cluster in the American West, how sacred geography may have been relocated over time, and why questioning official historical narratives is often discouraged. We also explore early reports, archaeological inconsistencies, and psychological conditioning around maps, authority, and belief.You don't have to accept every theory presented here—but if you've ever questioned where biblical history really happened, or why some questions are treated as off-limits, this episode will challenge you to look at the land, the Bible, and history itself in a new way.Learn more about this episode at others at Gubba Homestead PodcastShop All Natural Skincare and homestead products made right here in the USA

Why do people get baptized? Rabbi Schneider shares the origins of baptism and how to understand what it means to be baptized in Jesus' name. The Jordan River is central to this Holy Land teaching. Watch now and learn what water, going under water, and rising out of the water symbolizes in the Bible.   **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/azs

Matthew 3:13-17 In the waters of the Jordan River, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power. The Foundation Preacher Podcast is provided to you by WELS Congregational Services. The Foundation resources were created to help churches allow the gospel message heard in worship, to echo throughout the week. Listen to multiple pastors […]

Raising the Bar. Elijah was a hairy man with a leather belt around his waist, hanging around the Jordan River, when a chariot picked him up and brought him to heaven. After that happened, many people scratched their heads in confusion. “Why does he get a chariot ride to heaven? How come he did have... The post Gospel-Homily for Third Sunday of Advent (2025) appeared first on St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251210dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:4-6 Confess Do you ever wrestle with regret? I’m not talking about how you may regret not buying that stock when it was at $20 per share or eating at that sketchy restaurant and getting food poisoning. I’m talking about the regret of the decisions that have left you with shame. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? There was that time when you took things too far. There was that time when, so enraged, you said or did something you can’t take back. Or maybe there is that constant guilt that you carry around because you know your life choices aren’t the right ones, and you’ve been acting on that urge or behavior, even though you know it is wrong. You know that it is toxic for you and/or your relationships with others, and you’ve gone back to it more times than you can count. The people who came to see John preaching at the Jordan River were just like you and me. They wrestled with guilt. They knew shame. And, tragically, when they went to their religious leaders, they were told, ‘Stop doing that! Be better!’ However, John said something else. When they talked with John, they unburdened themselves of that weight of regret and shame. They confessed to their sins that had weighed them down and left them feeling lost. And do you know what John told them? He assured them of their forgiveness! Whatever guilt or shame has brought regret into your life, confess it. Open your heart to God and confess that sin. Because when we do that, God promises that he has forgiven us because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus has paid for all the things you regret, and he promises that you and I are loved and wanted by him. Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me for my past missteps and failures. I am sorry for them. Help me to trust in my Savior Jesus for his forgiveness today and every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251210dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:4-6 Confess Do you ever wrestle with regret? I’m not talking about how you may regret not buying that stock when it was at $20 per share or eating at that sketchy restaurant and getting food poisoning. I’m talking about the regret of the decisions that have left you with shame. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? There was that time when you took things too far. There was that time when, so enraged, you said or did something you can’t take back. Or maybe there is that constant guilt that you carry around because you know your life choices aren’t the right ones, and you’ve been acting on that urge or behavior, even though you know it is wrong. You know that it is toxic for you and/or your relationships with others, and you’ve gone back to it more times than you can count. The people who came to see John preaching at the Jordan River were just like you and me. They wrestled with guilt. They knew shame. And, tragically, when they went to their religious leaders, they were told, ‘Stop doing that! Be better!’ However, John said something else. When they talked with John, they unburdened themselves of that weight of regret and shame. They confessed to their sins that had weighed them down and left them feeling lost. And do you know what John told them? He assured them of their forgiveness! Whatever guilt or shame has brought regret into your life, confess it. Open your heart to God and confess that sin. Because when we do that, God promises that he has forgiven us because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus has paid for all the things you regret, and he promises that you and I are loved and wanted by him. Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me for my past missteps and failures. I am sorry for them. Help me to trust in my Savior Jesus for his forgiveness today and every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

On the 2nd Sunday of Advent we are reintroduced to the strange and wonderful figure of St. John the Baptist. The Gospel tells us that people left the Holy City and traveled into the desert wilderness to be baptized by John. Inspired by this pilgrimage to the Jordan River, we reflect on three practical ways we can prepare our hearts to be ready for God.

John the Baptist and the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A 2025 Gospel Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

We begin by looking at John the Baptist. Matthew 3:1-2 and 5-6 tells us.  "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." Pastor shares a personal visit to the Jordan River with pics of the area. As our story continues we see John calling out to the Pharisees and Sadducees who had come to the Jordan River to see what he was doing. He tells them that they need to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. What John is saying is that when they truly turn to the Living God, it will change them, that their attitude, behavior and thought patterns will be radically transformed.  John goes on in verse 11 of chapter 3 to say, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." John's message was repent. His message was that the Messiah they had been waiting for was coming. He says that the Messiah will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire, the fire of judgement.  People were drawn to John the Baptist because he spoke the truth in love. He wasn't the only one that talked about repentance. The Call to Repentance     ⁃    John the Baptist - Matthew 3:2     ⁃    Jesus Christ the Messiah - Matthew 4:17     ⁃    Apostle Peter - Acts 2:38     ⁃    Apostle Paul - Acts 17:30     ⁃    Holy Bible - 2 Peter 3:9 Repent means to: Change your mind Change your attitude Change your thoughts Change your direction Turn around - do a 180 Repentance IS important. Who needs Repentance?     ⁃    Isn't this the punchline to a joke? - No. Jesus says in Luke 13:3 that unless we repent, we will all perish. Jesus considers repentance to be absolutely essential.     ⁃    Isn't repentance just for bad people? - this depends on how you translate the word bad. The point of comparison is not against people, it is against a holy God. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Matthew 21:31 Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you."     ⁃    This isn't for religious people, is it?  Jesus continues in Matthew 21:32 "For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him." Repentance is for ALL people especially the religious. This teaching brings anger and bitterness from the religious because it exposes them for what they really are not and for what they show to others.     ⁃    Isn't this Old Testament teaching? Yes, but it is also New Testament teaching as seen earlier in this message.      ⁃    Surely Christians don't need to repent? From Jesus we read a series of seven epistles in Revelation. In Revelation chapters 2 & 3 Jesus says the word "repent" 7 times. Martin Luther said in Thesis 1: "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, 'Repent' (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance". If you find yourself rebelling against what you are hearing today - we encourage you to hear the rest of the story. What is True Repentance     1.    I am a Sinner - when I recognize this then I understand that     2.    I need a Savior - turning to the only one who can save us. We are all sinners and we need a Savior. Without Him we are lost forever and it calls us to say     3.    I trust in Christ alone - because the Living God stepped into this world, living a life of perfect obedience and willing went to the cross to pay for rebellion and sin and the one who rose victorious of death. Jesus is that Savior. We are called by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, to trust in the redemption found only in Jesus and then to say     4.    I will live for Him - repentance changes the way we think, the way we look at God and look others and the world, it changes the way we turn to the Living God and hang onto the Lord Jesus who is our Savior and Deliverer and seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit to live a life of faith, obedience, joy and peace, power in Him. This true repentance. Although the call to repent may sound scary, the gift of God through repentance is the greatest joy any one can know in this world and the life of the world to come. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

In this sermon, Chris Romig centers on John the Baptist as a key figure in Advent, emphasizing his role in calling people to repentance and preparation for Jesus' coming. Drawing from his recent trip to Israel and stops at sites like the Jordan River and Qumran, Chris Romig connects the biblical context of John's ministry with contemporary spiritual reflection and practice. John the Baptist is portrayed as the last of the Old Testament prophets, emerging after centuries of prophetic silence to challenge Israel to turn back to God. Chris Romig highlights John's bold, uncompromising message: true repentance means a real change in both attitude and action, not just religious ritual. Referencing John's confrontational preaching—"You brood of vipers"—he notes that John's expectation was for people to demonstrate their faith by living justly, generously, and ethically. The sermon also explores John's possible connections to the Qumran community, known for their spiritual rigor and preservation of Scripture, while distinguishing John's outward, missional focus from Qumran's separation from society. Ultimately, Chris Romig urges listeners not just to prepare for Christmas, but to assess their lives in light of Christ's coming, asking what "chaff" needs to be cast aside. The core message is that Jesus' love calls us to true repentance and transformation—bearing fruit as we prepare to meet the Messiah.

DEC 7th 2025 This powerful exploration of Joshua chapters 3-5 invites us into a profound understanding of what it means to prepare for God's promises. We discover that faith isn't passive waiting—it requires active obedience and sometimes getting our feet wet before we see the miracle. Just as the priests had to step into the flooding Jordan River before the waters parted, we're challenged to move forward in faith even when the path seems impossible. The message beautifully connects Joshua's journey to our own spiritual battles, revealing that the enemies we face aren't just external circumstances but internal struggles that require the circumcision of our hearts. What's particularly striking is the appearance of the Commander of the Lord's army—a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ—reminding us that we never fight alone. The imagery of standing on holy ground, removing our sandals in worship, and recognizing that 'those who are with us are more than those who are with them' transforms how we view our daily struggles. This isn't just ancient history; it's a roadmap for possessing everything God has promised us, teaching us that between what God has done and what He's about to do, there's always a season of preparation, healing, and consecration.

Hello, friend. I hope you're well today.  The last few episodes, we've seen Joshua and the Israelites face one obstacle after another. Well this week is a biggie – crossing the Jordan River. But this story isn't just about getting from one side of a river to the other. It's about how God delivers us from what stands between us and him.

Fr. Mike elaborates on the significance of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. He points out that the location of the Jordan River is particularly noteworthy because it's the same river that Joshua crossed over to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, signifying that Jesus will bring about a new exodus. Additionally, it's the lowest spot on the planet, symbolizing Jesus' humility. Finally, Fr. Mike emphasizes that when we are baptized, we are adopted as beloved sons and daughters of God because what belongs to Jesus by his nature is given to us by God's grace. Today we read Luke 3-5 and Proverbs 25:27-28. 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.

The Wilderness E8 –– In the Bible, God often turns wilderness wanderings into times of testing, purification, and preparation for returning to the garden land. The tragedy of the Hebrew Bible, however, is that when people do return to the garden, they keep following their own distorted wisdom and desires. This is why the beginning of every gospel account features a wild prophet named John, who is out in the wilderness by the Jordan River, preaching a baptism of repentance. It's a symbolic reenactment of when God purified the exodus generation through the deadly chaos waters and treacherous desert. But then Jesus approaches John, also asking to be baptized. Why? In this episode, Jon and Tim unpack the background and ministry of John the Baptizer and how Jesus' baptism connects to his larger Kingdom mission.CHAPTERSRecap of Theme and Setup for John the Baptizer (0:00-15:53)John's Background and Words to the Pharisees (15:53-38:03)Why Jesus Participates in a Baptism of Repentance (38:03-44:47)The Heavenly Announcement After Jesus' Baptism (44:47-51:33)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English, translated by Geza VermesYou can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Lunch Break ft. Abstractv” by Lofi Sunday“Old Record” by Lofi Sunday, Marc VanparlaBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.