Podcasts about judas

Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us on a deep dive through the scripture into the spiritual underworld led by an entity known in scripture as HaSatan. Understanding the enemy of our belief is crucial to successfully living a Torah-observant life.• Reset - HaSatan is restricted, constrained, and limited by Yahweh• Matthew 16:21 – You could be an adversary/satan to the plans of Elohim• Matthew 16:24 – Stop being an adversary and deny yourself• Matthew 16:13-21 – Peter acknowledges Yeshua as Messiah• John 6:54-71 – This is too hard to hear• Eat my flesh and drink my blood?• Do you agree with Messiah?• Don't get mad at Judas, these things had to happen• Luke 22:1 – Judas had a “satan moment”• Parenting in the '70s• An adversarial spirit entered, not possessed, Judas• John 13:1 – You don't understand yet• John 13:10-14 – Wash each other's feet?• John 13:16-17 – Blessed if you do them• John 13:18-20 – If you receive them, you receive me• John 13:21-27 – Judas was allowed to betray Yeshua• John 13:28-34 – You've got a bigger problem• John 13:35-38 – Why do we run our mouths so much? Listen to the Afterburn tomorrowSubscribe to take advantage of new content every week.To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwidehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Una fe que se defiende no solo con argumentos, sino con una vida transformada: en este episodio reflexionamos sobre cómo la cosmovisión bíblica nos ayuda a enfrentar el estrés, amar al prójimo y legar una fe viva a la generación venidera.

The modern deliverance movement teaches about various spirits in operation that are alleged in Scripture. These demonic entities are named after Biblical people such as Judas, Absalom, Leviathan, and Jezebel. While Jezebel has been a common spirit discussed in this movement, a new demon has been rearing its mythical head over the past several years. According to individuals such as Emma Stark, this demon is active and stealing people's destinies. Is this spirit found in Scripture?Join me as we consider this teaching in light of Scripture. My info:Website: http://www.lovesickscribe.comSubscribe to my blog here: http://eepurl.com/dfZ-uHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovesickscribe/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovesickscribeblog

Jesus declared he would not eat the Passover again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. Dr. John explores this final Passover meal, unpacking the symbolism of the four cups, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs that point forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He reveals why Jesus had overwhelming passion for this meal—it was both the last before his suffering and a preview of the greatest celebration to come, yet shadowed by Judas' betrayal.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we know what the weather will be, what the stock market will do or how our job interview will turn out, we can adjust accordingly. In this 10-message series, Dr. John Neufeld teaches on Jesus' words and actions from Luke 21-22. Jesus points to the end of the age and describes what will be. While He doesn't answer our question of "When?", Jesus tells believers how to be ready. If we live as prepared people, the timing of Jesus' return will not catch us off guard.

Mark 14:43-52 shows an interesting view of Judas. While it labels him the betrayer, it still has language that suggests a level of compassion for the very man who handed Jesus over to his death. Is it possible to have compassion for Judas? What does this mean for how we perceive those who have betrayed us personally? Join us as Carlos and Dallas break down this passage together.

Fr. Rob Kroll joins Patrick to discuss Hope in Despair (3:28) what is hope as Theological virtue? What is the Despair? (16:53) Jasmin - I struggle with a few things...mainly faith. My son and my marriage also. Really having a hard time to move forward with faith. Confirmed Catholic and went to Catholic School. Always passionate about it, but not always the best Catholic. Find myself falling into the same temptation. How can I be a Peter and not a Judas? (24:41) Break 1 Andi - I'm on my way to spiritual direction with my priest because I've suffered the same thing the previous caller has been through. I'm going to do what I need to do and seek spiritual direction for scrupulosity. (31:42) Joan - Can I be forgiven for not raising my own children because I was homeless and had 3 abortions. I have been to confession, but I don't feel forgiven. (38:12) Break 2 (39:00) Email from Mary – How do you have hope in infertility? Theresa - I went to a lifetime confession. Listed all the sins I ever did and got absolution for everything. That life me so far up. Everyone says God forgets your sins, but what bothers me is talk about the end times and everyone is going to know everyone's sins. If the sins are forgiven, why do they talk about that?

Acts Series  Message: 03 Episode: 3 of 3 Broadcast: November 11, 2025 Key Verses: Acts 1:13-26 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his powerful teaching through the book of Acts with a message titled "Triumph and Tragedy," based on Acts 1:13–26. As the disciples gather to seek God's direction after Judas' betrayal, we're reminded that even in seasons of loss and uncertainty, God is still at work fulfilling His purposes. Pastor Michael unpacks how God brings triumph out of tragedy and how we, as believers, can remain faithful and prayerful in times of transition. These teachings will help equip you to walk through life with confidence as a follower of Christ—grounded in God's truth and ready to apply His Word in every situation. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

The prophets warned that the day of the Lord would be darkness, not light—so why would anyone desire it? Dr. John connects Jesus' second coming teaching with the necessity of Passover, examining the dark conspiracy to kill Jesus, Satan's entrance into Judas, and the mysterious preparations for the meal. He reveals that just as ancient Israel needed the blood of the lamb to escape judgment, we need the greater Passover Lamb before the day of the Lord can be good news rather than terror.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we know what the weather will be, what the stock market will do or how our job interview will turn out, we can adjust accordingly. In this 10-message series, Dr. John Neufeld teaches on Jesus' words and actions from Luke 21-22. Jesus points to the end of the age and describes what will be. While He doesn't answer our question of "When?", Jesus tells believers how to be ready. If we live as prepared people, the timing of Jesus' return will not catch us off guard.

EP209 - El camino final de Judas

Acts Series  Message: 03 Episode: 2 of 3 Broadcast: November 10, 2025 Key Verses: Acts 1:13-26 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his powerful teaching through the book of Acts with a message titled "Triumph and Tragedy," based on Acts 1:13–26. As the disciples gather to seek God's direction after Judas' betrayal, we're reminded that even in seasons of loss and uncertainty, God is still at work fulfilling His purposes. Pastor Michael unpacks how God brings triumph out of tragedy and how we, as believers, can remain faithful and prayerful in times of transition. These teachings will help equip you to walk through life with confidence as a follower of Christ—grounded in God's truth and ready to apply His Word in every situation. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Daily Dose of Hope November 10, 2025   Scripture - John 18:1-18   Prayer: Holy God, We come before you today in humility and awe.  You are a good God.  You, who put the stars and planets in motion, also created us.  You care about the most minute details of our lives.  You have numbered the hairs on our head.  Thank you for loving us.  Thank you for caring so much.  Help us be put even a small reflection of your love toward those around us.  More of you and less of me, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently in the book of John, as we walk through the whole of the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Today, we start John 18.   We start in the Garden.  Unlike Mark's Gospel, Jesus does not plead that the cup be taken from him.  Rather, he steps forward and boldly declares that he is Jesus of Nazareth, the one they are looking for.  The Garden of Gethsemane is a common place.  He is not hiding and he is not apprehensive.  He offers himself in place of his disciples who are there with him.  He affirms the anti-violent path given to him by God and rebukes Peter when he cuts the high priest's slave's ear off.  Jesus will not allow anyone, including Peter, to deprive him of his role in God's victory.  Jesus knows he is innocent, he knows this is unjust, but he also knows it is necessary so he will do what must be done, not for his sake but for ours.   I always wonder what Judas is thinking in this moment.  Does he have a sense of satisfaction?  Or, is there part of him that has regret?  Does he see Jesus' innocence and begin to see what he has done?  I don't think we will ever know but I can't help but wonder.  Judas was a complicated character and if we are honest, we've all been Judas at one time or another.  We have all betrayed Jesus.   Speaking of betrayal, we also get to read about Peter's first denial of Jesus to the servant girl in the high priest's courtyard.  The first of three, of course.  What was going on in Peter's head?  We know he had to be scared to death.  Was he praying?  Had he forgotten everything Jesus taught him?  Was he trying to figure out how to just get out of the situation alive?  I mean, he was Jesus' very best friend.   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Ever thought you'd never betray Jesus? Peter thought the same thing. In this episode, we dive into one of the heaviest passages in Scripture—Judas's betrayal, Peter's denial, and the Last Supper. But here's the uncomfortable truth: we're all Judas. We all betray Jesus for way less than 30 pieces of silver.From understanding the true meaning of the Lord's Supper to wrestling with why Jesus's blood wasn't shed in vain, this message will challenge how you see your own faithfulness to Christ. We also unpack particular redemption, God's sovereignty, and the security we have as believers.In This Episode:* The real reason Judas betrayed Jesus (and why we do it too)* What the Last Supper actually means (it's not transubstantiation)* Why Peter denied Jesus four times, not three* How small betrayals lead to bigger ones* The security of Jesus's finished work on the crossChapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:34 - The Context: Passover Week 4:10 - Judas's Betrayal & What We Betray Jesus For 9:03 - Preparing for the Last Supper 11:00 - “One of You Will Betray Me” 15:25 - The Difference Between Lord and Rabbi 17:12 - The Last Supper Explained (Not Transubstantiation) 23:31 - The Hillel: What Jesus and the Disciples Sang 26:31 - Peter's Denial (Actually Four Times) 30:31 - Particular Redemption: Jesus's Blood Wasn't Spilled in Vain 35:38 - After the Amen: Where Have You Betrayed Jesus?Connect With Us:

Ever thought you'd never betray Jesus? Peter thought the same thing. In this episode, we dive into one of the heaviest passages in Scripture—Judas's betrayal, Peter's denial, and the Last Supper. But here's the uncomfortable truth: we're all Judas. We all betray Jesus for way less than 30 pieces of silver.From understanding the true meaning of the Lord's Supper to wrestling with why Jesus's blood wasn't shed in vain, this message will challenge how you see your own faithfulness to Christ. We also unpack particular redemption, God's sovereignty, and the security we have as believers.In This Episode:* The real reason Judas betrayed Jesus (and why we do it too)* What the Last Supper actually means (it's not transubstantiation)* Why Peter denied Jesus four times, not three* How small betrayals lead to bigger ones* The security of Jesus's finished work on the crossChapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:34 - The Context: Passover Week 4:10 - Judas's Betrayal & What We Betray Jesus For 9:03 - Preparing for the Last Supper 11:00 - “One of You Will Betray Me” 15:25 - The Difference Between Lord and Rabbi 17:12 - The Last Supper Explained (Not Transubstantiation) 23:31 - The Hillel: What Jesus and the Disciples Sang 26:31 - Peter's Denial (Actually Four Times) 30:31 - Particular Redemption: Jesus's Blood Wasn't Spilled in Vain 35:38 - After the Amen: Where Have You Betrayed Jesus?Connect With Us:

In the shadow of betrayal, we discover the most profound display of love the world has ever known. This exploration of John 13:31-35 takes us into the upper room where Jesus, fully aware that Judas has just left to betray him and that Peter will soon deny him, speaks not of bitterness or self-protection, but of glory and love. What makes this moment so extraordinary is the timing—Jesus declares his glorification not after the resurrection, but in the very moment betrayal is set in motion. This challenges everything we think we know about glory, revealing that in God's kingdom, glory doesn't come after pain is avoided, but when pain is embraced through obedience. The message confronts us with a penetrating question: where have our loves become misaligned? Every betrayal, whether we've experienced it or committed it, flows from loving something or someone more than Christ. Yet here's the beauty—Jesus was betrayed for betrayers like us. His love absorbs our failures, the cross cancels our debt, and his blood makes room at the table for those who walked away. This isn't just ancient history; it's an invitation to examine our own hearts and to let the love we've received reshape how we love one another, making our communities a compelling witness to a watching world.

Acts 9:1-22But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.  And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Series: N/AService: Sun AMType: SermonSpeaker: Caleb Wray

No confundamos la gracia con el libertinaje, si lo hacemos estamos actuando equivocadamente.Base Bíblica:Judas 1:3-7 NVIQueridos hermanos, he deseado intensamente escribirles acerca de la salvación que tenemos en común. Ahora siento la necesidad de hacerlo para rogarles que sigan luchando vigorosamente por la fe encomendada a los creyentes una vez y para siempre. El problema es que se han infiltrado entre ustedes ciertos individuos que desde hace mucho tiempo han estado señalados para condenación. Son impíos que cambian en libertinaje la gracia de nuestro Dios y niegan a Jesucristo, nuestro único Soberano y Señor. Aunque ustedes ya saben muy bien todo esto, quiero recordarles que el Señor, después de liberar de la tierra de Egipto a su pueblo, destruyó a los que no creían. Y a los ángeles que no mantuvieron su posición de autoridad, sino que abandonaron su propia morada, los tiene perpetuamente encarcelados en oscuridad para el juicio del gran día. Así también Sodoma y Gomorra y las ciudades vecinas son puestas como ejemplo al sufrir el castigo de un fuego eterno por haber practicado, como aquellos, inmoralidad sexual y vicios contra la naturaleza.https://bible.com/bible/128/jud.1.3-7.NVI

1) What is the relationship between experience and scripture?2) Why are Ephraim and Dan omitted from the list of the tribes in Revelation 7?3) Should or should we not associate with unsaved relatives?4) Are the turmoil and problems we have in so many churches a sign of the day we are living in, or the coldness and lack of Christian love in the hearts of believers?5) Was Judas predestined to betray Christ?6) Does the parable of the ten virgins teach that one can lose their salvation?

A bearded Coley and plain faced Hussey debate Cynewulf's ethnic ideological steamroller with special guest appearance by a demon, Judas (not the one you think), and a very stern war-lady. Plus an anisette and smoke blasted cocktail.

Cette semaine dans ComicsDiscovery, nous avons eu la chance de recevoir Aniss El Hamouri, l'auteur du bouleversant Ils brûlent, publié chez 6 Pieds Sous Terre.Au fil d'une discussion passionnée, nous sommes revenus sur son parcours, ses débuts dans le fanzinat et sa manière unique d'aborder la bande dessinée. Ils Brulent d'Aniss El HamouriLe premier tome avait été un énorme coup de cœur collectif pour l'équipe.On lui avait même consacré un mini podcast sur Instagram pour partager notre enthousiasme à chaud.C'était en juin 2023, avec Diane, Judas et moi (James). On y parlait de tout ce qui nous avait frappé dans cette lecture.

Acts Series  Message: 03 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: November 07, 2025 Key Verses: Acts 1:13-26 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz continues his powerful teaching through the book of Acts with a message titled "Triumph and Tragedy," based on Acts 1:13–26. As the disciples gather to seek God's direction after Judas' betrayal, we're reminded that even in seasons of loss and uncertainty, God is still at work fulfilling His purposes. Pastor Michael unpacks how God brings triumph out of tragedy and how we, as believers, can remain faithful and prayerful in times of transition. These teachings will help equip you to walk through life with confidence as a follower of Christ—grounded in God's truth and ready to apply His Word in every situation. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

What if Judas wasn't just a betrayer, but the first to politicize Jesus? Judas's story exposes a much older problem: the temptation to make Jesus “fit” the system. Domenic Scarcella (author of the book and Substack Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen) returns to argue that Judas tried to make the Messiah more respectable to rulers, trading costly faithfulness for public influence. From the temple clashes of Holy Week to today's culture wars, they trace how disciples drift when we ask Jesus to fit the system instead of following Him out of it.  Domenic explains why anti-Christ means impostor (not merely opponent) and how post-Constantine Christianity flipped from persecution to privilege, and why coercion never appears in Jesus' toolkit for discipling nations. From Caesar to modern politics Domenic and Craig trace how compromise creeps in when disciples trade the cross for influence,and faithfulness for respectability.  Constantine's empire did to the Church's soul, and how grace keeps the Gospel alive even when the Church gets it wrong. “Judas didn't hate Jesus…he just wanted Him to be more compatible with the government.” If you've ever wondered what it means to follow Jesus in a world addicted to power, this conversation will challenge and comfort you. The Kingdom of God still runs on love, not control.  We cover: Judas was the “normal” disciple, and that's what makes him dangerous The difference between Antichrist and Contra Christ (imposter vs. opponent) Why Jesus never used coercion or political force How Constantine flipped Christianity from persecution to privilege Hope for the remnant: good neighbors, bad citizens under “No King but Christ”  

3.  How is it possible for God to decree that men should commit certain sins, hold them responsible in the committal of them, and adjudge them guilty because they committed them? Let us now consider the extreme case of Judas. We hold that it is clear from Scripture that God decreed from all eternity that Judas should betray the Lord Jesus.

En el episodio de hoy de Plan de vida estudiaremos acerca:Judas se ahorcaJuicio de Jesús ante PilatoLos soldados se burlan de JesúsLa crucifixiónMuerte de JesúsEntierro de JesúsLa guardia en la tumbaQue tu lectura bíblica sea guiada por el Espíritu Santo hoy.¡Únete a ⁠⁠⁠nuestra comunidad en Facebook⁠⁠⁠ donde podrás hacer preguntas mientras leemos la Biblia juntas y conocer a otras mujeres que también están usando el plan!Síguenos⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sitio web⁠⁠⁠Recursos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast semanal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Estudios bíblicos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Academia de Relaciones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠El plan en YouVersion

Send us a textA single question in a heavenly courtroom—“Where do you come from?”—pulls back the curtain on spiritual reality. We walk through Job 1:6–12 and sit with the tension of a scene where the sons of God report, Satan slips in among them, and God draws a confession that reshapes how we think about suffering, authority, and the limits of evil. This isn't abstract theology; it's the backbone of hope when the hedge thins and life hurts.We read the passage closely and confront common myths many of us absorbed without noticing. Scripture never paints Satan as once-holy or as a celestial choirmaster; Jesus calls him a murderer from the beginning. And “god of this world” does not crown him king over creation. In Job, the adversary roams the earth yet stands before God to answer and to ask. He proposes that Job's devotion is bought with blessing. God sets a boundary that both permits the test and proves who reigns: “All that he has is in your power; only upon himself do not put forth your hand.”Along the way, we trace how evil often moves unnoticed—Judas keeping the bag, Peter resisting the cross—while the Lord unmasks the heart of the matter. The real contest is worship: is God worthy when gifts are gone? By watching this dialogue, we learn that spiritual warfare is real but regulated, suffering is painful but purposeful, and Christ reigns now, not later. If Satan needs permission, your story is not adrift; it is held.Listen and reflect with us on sovereignty, discernment, and steadfast faith when accusation rises. If this helped you see Job—and your trials—with clearer eyes, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to tell us what shifted for you.Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

En el episodio de hoy de Plan de vida estudiaremos acerca:Judas acuerda traicionar a JesúsLa última cenaJesús lava los pies a sus discípulosJesús predica la negación de PedroJesús ora en el monte de los OlivosTraicionan y arrestan a JesúsPedro niega a JesúsJesús ante el ConcilioQue tu lectura bíblica sea guiada por el Espíritu Santo hoy.¡Únete a ⁠⁠⁠nuestra comunidad en Facebook⁠⁠⁠ donde podrás hacer preguntas mientras leemos la Biblia juntas y conocer a otras mujeres que también están usando el plan!Síguenos⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sitio web⁠⁠⁠Recursos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast semanal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Estudios bíblicos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Academia de Relaciones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠El plan en YouVersion

Hay Santos más populares que otros, esto me ha llevado a reflexionar sobre concretamente de dos que recien acabamos de celebrar, aqui te presento mi hipótesis. 

Nesta poderosa ministração, "Dos Homens Maus, os Piores São os Religiosos," o Pastor Adeildo Nascimento confronta a religiosidade que afasta pecadores da graça de Jesus Cristo. Muitas pessoas vivem longe do Evangelho por não se acharem "justo suficiente" ou "santos suficiente" para a igreja.O Pastor Adeildo critica aqueles que se colocam como "santos inalcançáveis", comparando-os ao fariseu e ao sepulcro caiado — branquinho por fora, mas com "podridão total" por dentro. Ele enfatiza que Jesus se irritou especialmente com esses mestres da lei que impedem outros de entrar no céu.A Santa Ceia não é para os merecedores, mas para os que reconhecem sua indignidade. O pior modo de participar é se achar merecedor, pois a graça se instala quando o mérito humano acaba. Deus resiste ao orgulhoso e soberbo, mas dá graça aos humildes.Entenda a diferença entre a tristeza segundo Deus (que produz arrependimento e salvação) e a tristeza segundo o mundo (que produz morte, como em Judas).

Christian College Sex Comedy: Part 25 Being Subversive Isn t As Much Fun As It Looks In 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels.             Friends stand by you through the struggles your enemies create   "You are depraved and despicable," Mhain seethed. "I get that a lot; now get out," I growled back, "because I have a thousand other bitches who are, scratch that, 999 other bitches, Doctor Kennedy is growing on me; the rest I'm not so sure about, who are making my life miserable." "Don't get your hopes up, Mr. Braxton," Doctor Kennedy warned me. "I'm happily married." "Cool," I responded. "I hope to be like that one day." "Happily married?" Virginia inquired. "No; a female law professor at an all-girls school," I grinned. "It sounds like a real cool job." "Feel free to hit him," Dana interrupted. "I swear that is the only way to get him to learn anything; or the only way we will discuss at this moment." Ah, sex. I thought my life had gone on a bit too long without the mention of sex. "It is also a fun form of stress relief." A painful blow rocked my shoulder and nearly sent me sprawling. "You are right," Gabrielle noted clinically. "I feel better." Fuck, she hits hard. I look at her and try not to get pissed off and say something stupid. She makes my life difficult but my existence at FFU makes her life far too interesting as well. Whack! Someone hit me with a briefcase. "I have to agree," Doctor Kennedy confirmed. "It has a therapeutic quality to it." "Bloody hell," I blurt out. "Everyone, please stop physically abusing Zane," Ms. Goodswell snapped. "He's a student, for Pete's sake. He's not subject to corporal punishment." "Virginia, have you ever punched or slapped Zane?" Dana teased. "Give it a try before dismissing it out of hand." "He likes spanking," Barbie Lynn beamed happiness as she skipped by on her way to my/our bedroom. Technically, it is mine, Vivian's, Barbie Lynn's, Rio's, and Mercy's, plus whoever is feeling lonely on a given night. As for the spanking, I'm more of a giver than a receiver, but I doubt explaining that right now would be appropriate. "Uhmm, okay, I think that is my cue to leave," Virginia piped up. "I have rounds to make," Gabrielle added. "I'm going home to my family," Doctor Kennedy headed out. "I'm going to stay here, kick back, and watch some Pay-per-view," Dana grinned. "What are you going to watch?" Hudson inquired. "BBC America has this show called Copper that I've been meaning to catch," Dana informed her. "Mind if I watch an episode with you?" Hudson asked. "Sure, knock yourself out. You can pick the second show," Dana yawned. "It's only Zane's money after all." The rest of my guests filed out and I retired to the showers and then to my room. The day's stress revealed itself as the women curled into bed calmly and soon were cuddled together, including the odd ones out. On the far side we had the rather unusual appearance of Valarie. Next to her was Rio, who had her arms wrapped around Mercy. Mercy was snuggled against Barbie Lynn who held the middle spot. I was on my side, face-to-face with Barbie Lynn. After a few minutes, Vivian came to bed, wedged up against my back, and put an arm over me. I was in close proximity to several beautiful women but as long as no one doused the room with an aphrodisiac, we'd do just fine. "Zane," Barbie Lynn whispered, "my vibrator burned out this morning, and I'm terribly horny." Oh, fuck!   Barbie Lynn gazing down at me, I'm not sure another guy should ever see this because it could break one's heart to see it once and never again. She's built a faint sheen of sweat on her body already and she's looking at me with a definite Zen to fuck. My cock is cocooned deep inside her rectum, rubbing inside as she rotates forward on her hips. The distant, dreamy look in her eyes flashes to alertness as she catches me looking at her; 'hi' she whispers. I nod and smile so she inclines into me so that we can start kissing. She leads in with her tongue along my lips. I touch the tip of her tongue with my own, snaking inside her mouth before we are done. She starts murmuring, deepens our kiss, and begins rubbing my nipples. "Vivian?" Valarie says softly. She snuck around the bed to settle behind my guardian. "Yes?" Vivian replies. She is on her side watching Barbie Lynn and I. "I, umm, Valarie moans. Out of the corner of my eye I catch it as Val's hand brushes Vivian's hair off her neck and her lips start suckling on the exposed flesh. Vivian closes her eyes briefly but doesn't move Valarie away. "Oh, Baby," Barbie pants with barely an inch separating our lips, "I know I say this often but I so love this. You tear me up inside and I want it so bad all the time, it scares me." "Vaginal sex with you scares me," I tease back. "Will it be even better?" she draws in an even deeper, breast flaunting breath. "You never know, but you are so damn good at everything else, I can't imagine you doing anything but haunting my dreams forever," I say, as I coax her movements with my hands on her hips, flanks, and thighs. Barbie shows her appreciation by running her hand through my bangs and pushing my hair back so that she can cover my forehead, eyes and nose with kisses. "You like that romantic shit, don't you, Mercy-slut?" Rio grumbles playfully from the other side. "Yes," Mercy whispers. I know Rio well enough to know that when a spiteful reply isn't immediately forthcoming, she's dusting off (and unchaining) her Better Angel. Mercy is looking at Barbie Lynn and me, her head facing sideways as she lies on her back. Rio crawls on top of Mercy, prompting Mercy to open her legs, and locks her hands over her head to gaze down on her. "Your skin is so pure, your hair so black, and your eyes so full of passion, it breaks my heart to look at you, My Little Whore," Rio begins. She leans in and bites Mercy's earlobe, causing her victim to moan and buck up slightly. "Mercy, you give and give, making me so hot inside that I want to grab you and never let go." "Really?" Mercy gasps. "I, " "Don't get used to this," Rio growls with famished sexual enticement. "But, well, I want you to know that I hope all our children look just like you." Poor Rio was running out of material. It was terribly uncomfortable for me to show her where to go. I ran my hands over Barbie's body, which is an absolute torture I am forced to struggle through repeatedly. I start by massaging Barbie Lynn's tits, rotating three fingers over the nipples before rolling up the whole meaty breast in my palms. Barbie Lynn starts pushing back on my cock harder and grunting to the rhythm. "Damn, Mercy," Rio teases, "I love these titties." She accentuates by sucking the top third of one breast into her mouth and twirling her tongue around it. Vivian gives a visible shiver from her side of the bed; Valarie has done something to her beneath the sheets to turn her on. In the interim while I have been watching Rio and Mercy, Valarie has been working over Vivian, temple to shoulder, with her lips. Now I see Vivian pulling up her left (upper) leg until it is resting snugly against my upper ribs, giving someone easier access to her snatch. She's also put her left arm behind her back between herself and Valarie. I'm starting to wonder if there is something in the air filters of my place, some undiscovered aphrodisiac mold, fungi, or spores that turns nice, virtuous girls into promiscuous bi-sexual vixens. To the best of my knowledge and belief, neither Valarie nor Vivian had the slightest lesbian tendencies before they started coming to my room. I give Barbie Lynn's luscious orbs one final squeeze before migrating my hold down to her ass, giving each cheek a double-slap. Barbie Lynn exhales a huff of ecstatic relief as the impact travels through her. Rio smirks and follows suit, her hand reaching between their thighs, prying Mercy's leg up, up and up until Mercy's knee is nearly at her breast. "Your body is the first female form that I've ever lusted after," Rio murmurs as she rubs and pats Mercy's buttocks. "I think I've always wanted you, to taste you on my tongue, your scent strong in my mind and your sweet, sweet ass under my hand." Mercy brings one hand up to stroke Rio's cheek as she gives a strangled sob. No matter how much Mercy fears loving a woman, Rio can chisel that away and get her to love openly and freely. Barbie Lynn bounces up and slams down on me repeatedly as she is coming to the end of her fuse. "Zane, Zane, oh yeah," she pants. Vivian chooses this moment to sneak her climax in on the rest of us. I am vaguely aware of her biting her lip, rocking her hips under the sheets, and perspiration beginning to bead on her lower lip. "Holy God, Christ, and, my, hot damn, Val, ugh, Oh, God!" Vivian squeals as Valarie vigorously whips her hand in a tight pattern, cloaked from sight but obvious to the knowledgeable. Vivian's clit, lips, and the gateway to her cunt are all supers-stimulated. Valarie cools her down and holds her with enough strength to stop Vivian from rolling face-first into the sheets. "Jesus Loves Me!" Barbie Lynn screams one last time. Her body bows, her breasts thrust forward and up, bouncing so deliciously while her thighs tremble in climax. Her anal muscles rippling from sphincter toward my cockhead are grinding me toward orgasm. Finally, she collapses against me, still twitching and fighting for breath. With my arms wrapped around her, I roll us over toward Mercy and Rio, placing Barbie Lynn on her back. Barbie Lynn has her legs pulling back before I can even move to push them back. While I had never fully pulled out, I was nearly there. I shove my hips forward, forcing my cock back in hard, causing Barbie Lynn to grunt, her mouth to gape open, nostril flaring, as her eyes squeeze shut. "Oh, hell, yeah," Barbie Lynn gasps, "hammer me!" "Oh, fuck," Valarie moans, "I am so lonely." Vivian is still roaming her hands over Valarie's special place, picking up the pace as she's inspired by Barbie Lynn's passion. Rio expresses her perverse nature by going at Mercy slow while the rest of us are going gangbusters. "Here is my baby-smooth, tasty friend," Rio says as she kisses Mercy's bald twat. Rio pushes her thighs apart, her leg muscles taught while laying on the bed. Rio's restraint could only last so long. Every lick became more insistent, every nibble elicited a greater yelp, and every hip-thrust by Mercy into Rio's hungry mouth was more desperate. Valarie gives off one long, cavernous growl, then screams in between Vivian's shoulder blades. "Damn," Vivian whispers, as a sympathetic orgasmic shiver coasts through her body. I'm pushing up on my knuckles, Barbie Lynn's legs between them as I rise up until my bulbous head is fixed in her sphincter; then I slam down once more. She's rocking her hips up to maximize the depths I reach as she cries out, again and again and again. When I finally let go, I feel a volcano of lust, frustration, and fulfillment exploding out all at once. Barbie Lynn's head sways rapidly side to side as she comes unglued. "Zane, Jesus loves me, Jesus Loves Me!" she howls loud enough to shake the glass panels overhead. Those words ringing in my ears are going to haunt me in whatever church I go to. "Ugh, ugh, ugh, Love, right there, feels so good," Mercy drags out with shallow breathes. "Umm, Rio gurgles. Mercy has gotten quite wet and visibly aroused. I'm sure Rio has worked a finger or two into the action and in Mercy's ass. Mercy starts bouncing off the sheets as she hisses out the last of her restraint. "Mother-fucker-god-damn!" Mercy cries out. Rio growls, slurps, and sucks up Mercy's cunt juice while lapping up and down her slit. "That's my baby," Rio's fluid-marked face looks up from between Mercy's legs and smiles. "Was that good for you?" Rio asks? Mercy nods dreamily. "Are you a happy little whore?" Rio teases. Again, Mercy nods with pleasure. "Did you use the 'L' word, Ass-fuck slut?" Rio hardens. This time Mercy realizes her mistake and shudders. She raises her head and looks into Rio's eyes. "Yes. I'm sorry, Rio," Mercy mumbles. "Sorry isn't going to cut it this time, Bitch," Rio sneers. "Tomorrow morning you are going to get it coming and going, all day long." I am actually aware of what that threat means. "Okay," Vivian sighed, with more contentment than annoyance, "we've all cum so let's try and get some sleep." "I haven't gotten off yet," Rio chuckled. I knew what I had to do before someone else volunteered my services. "Come here, Rio." I smile to her and extend a hand. "Let me get another taste of my best bro." "I'll clean you up," Barbie Lynn grins up at me, as she wiggles her body around my own so she's on top again. She slithers down my torso, waggles my still mostly hard cock against her lips, then begins to take it into her mouth. Barbie Lynn's tongue licks along my shaft as she gobbles up more of my rod. I expect Rio to come over but Mercy, following along and lying on her belly, her head propped up on her hands and elbows as she watches my blonde angel's skilled fellatio, is a bonus. Rio ends up near my pillow, one hand on my chest and the other resting between Mercy's ass cheeks. Her fingers are definitely sliding in and out of Mercy's cunt. If Mercy is a bit sore, she's smart enough not to complain to her Mistress about it. "What do you have in mind, Zane?" Rio catches my gaze. "I want your teeth tearing up the mattress with your ass up in the air as I plow you through the headboard," I inform her. I make a focus group assessment of the situation by slipping a finger into her cunt, she's creaming already. For Rio, the greater physicality of the sex, the better it is for her. She'll let me have my foreplay and some good loving, but she goes wild over the raw, brutal act of sex itself. "I think you are ready to put that smile on her face," Barbie Lynn taunts Rio as she informs me she's finished. "Come with me," Barbie Lynn turns to Mercy. "My nipples need some attention. Can you do that for me?" After checking with Rio, Mercy gives a hungry look and lick of the lips at Barbie Lynn. Barbie crawls over Mercy to land on her back on the far side. Mercy twirls around and latches on to Barbie Lynn's left breast with such rapidity, it momentarily causes my visage to blur. "I want some of that," Valarie suddenly blurts out. She makes her own quick trek around Rio and me as we are still positioning ourselves to come swooping down on Barbie Lynn's right side. The right nipple disappears into our school biker girl's mouth with a decidedly audible smacking of the lips. Val's hand starts to stroke the inside of Barbie Lynn's thigh but Mercy's free hand reaches over and starts tweaking Valarie's closest nipple. Yes, I definitely must check the air filters. Rio resumes her sensually crawl my way and I give her a beguiling look to lure her in. I'm on her in a flash once she's close enough for me to make my move. She screeches like an alley cat but I've got a hand on the back of her head and the other on her hip as I slam her face first into the pillow. "Bastard," she screams through the fabric, but she's not following through with the anger. "Give it up, Bitch," I snarl back. My cock slides full-throttle all the way into her cunt on the first pass. Her cunt feels like slick, melted butter as I bottom out in her hole. At the same time, I let up on her head a bit. "Oh, fucking-A," Rio gasps. "Did someone sneak a gerbil up behind me or is it Needle-cock pretending he's a man?" I give her another powerful slam. "Oh, fuck, stop that." "What? Too much for the bitch whose had it all?" I tease Rio. "I swear, if I spit up, my ovaries," she chokes, "we are, going to have, words." "Words like I'm the best fuck you've ever had'?" I taunt Rio between packing her cunt as full and deep as I can. She's squealing and moaning yet thrusting back strongly against me all the way. I move my hand off Rio's hip and take hold of a breast, squeezing and torturing the nipple. She's snarling like a wounded tigress now. She possesses no acceptance of defeat, no surrender to exhaustion, and no fear of pain; in fact, what we are doing is a turn-on. I'm actually becoming beaten up by all the impact of my hips against Rio's ass. Within ten minutes, her fluids are all over her crotch and mine and she's actually starting to dribble down her thighs and onto the mattress. "Zane, don't forget she's your friend," Vivian sounds worried. "Shut, up," gasps Rio, violently and with passion. This is what Rio craves right now, a brutal fucking, and she's not going to be denied by Vivian's compassionate sensibilities. "Ah, fuck me, fuck me, break me, you bastard," Rio pants. "Hammer me, Bitch!" she screams, and that's all she can take. She has some sort of seizure, thrashing and pulsating all over the place. For the second time tonight I'm shooting my seed into a woman; this time Rio's cunt. I plunder Rio's barely responsive form for several more savage thrusts until I'm spent, collapsing with my full mass on top of her, which is not my normal form but I want Rio to feel warm and encompassed by me at this moment. I make sure that some of my weight is taken onto my knees and elbows so I don't suffocate my crazy best friend. "Zane," Rio pants a half-minute later, "that vice-like bump you were feeling with that horse-cock of yours, " "Yes?" I respond softly. I pull her hair out of her face as she turns it to the side so she can speak clearly. "That was my cervix, dumbass," she giggles. "Next time I want my uterus scrubbed, I'll call a fucking gynecologist." "Hardy-har-har," I chuckle. "Doing it with a Princess Barbie Pony Action Figure doesn't qualify as bestiality, you bimbo, and it certainly doesn't give you horse-cock experience." "Rio, you are kind of gross," Vivian chastises my buddy. "Thank you," Rio pants, "I knew you cared." "Behave, Rio, and next time it's going up your ass," I murmur into Rio's ear. "Oh, that's just cold, Bro," Rio pouts as she wiggles her tight ass against my semi-flaccid cock. "A person uses the threat of denying anal sex to a girl as a means of enforcing polite behavior," Vivian ponders as she flops on her back and stares up at the stars through the glass ceiling. "Worse, it makes sense to me. What has happened to my life?" "Rio, are you okay?" Mercy whispered. Rio turns her head the other way to address her lover: "My cunt is numb, my hips feel dislocated, I'll be pulling pillow fiber out of my teeth for a week, and I think he bruised a nipple, I feel fucking awesome." "I'd ask Zane to do it to me again but I know Vivian would choke me out," Rio snickers. "I know what I am going to do, though: In the morning I'm going to have Zane pounding your ass as hard as he fucked me right now so I can hear you cry and scream." "Um, okay," Mercy answered, trying not to sound too anxious. "Damn," Valarie mutters. "I hate being a virgin, and I'll pimp slap the first one who suggests anal sex. All I want to do is get laid without the repercussions." No one said anything for a minute. "I'll help with that," Barbie Lynn and I volunteered almost at the same time. "Bed," Vivian laid down the law. Thankfully, the rest of us were too tired to argue. POWER PLAYFULNESS At our five a.m. wake up, I swept up Valarie into a six-nine, her on top. Barbie quickly got behind Val and began licking my nose, the back of Val's cunt, and teasing her butthole with tiny probes. At first our biker babe resisted and grumbled with her mouth around my cock, but Barbie Lynn was as relentless as she was sensually enticing. Val returned the surprise by slamming her thighs together as the dam of her sexual frustration burst; she clamped her thighs tightly on my head and bucked so hard she bounced us off the bed as she screamed. There were no words to it; the scream was primal, violent and somewhat frightening. The other remarkable thing was that Barbie Lynn retained her hold on Valarie's ass cheeks and kept tongue-fucking Val's anus. Valarie's mouth had released my cock seconds before orgasm. She gave it an occasional swipe of the tongue until her last orgasmic quivers stopped. I motioned for Barbie to let up and when she did, Valarie collapsed beside me. "Oh," Valarie panted, "that was good. That should tide me over until lunch time." "Showers, everyone," Vivian reminded us. There were a few groans but cleanliness was an inevitable bonus for all of us, and Rio, if we bundled her up and took her squirming, griping form with us. Rio gained a measure of revenge by announcing to my shower buddies that I had an unresolved morning blowjob begging for attention. Brandi elbowed two girls aside to bend over at the waist and take me in. Opal was kind enough to stroke Brandi's kitty from behind, getting us off almost at the same time. Opal gave me several finger scoops of Brandi's nectar to slake my sexual thirst. I was busy getting a taste of Opal with a bonus clitoris massage when Iona dragged me away. Outside the showers, I bent down, wrapped my arms beneath Iona's towel-clad posterior, and lifted her up so that she was looking down at me. "Thank you," I smiled at her. "You've always got my back." "You are welcome," she beamed happiness back down at me, "and it is my pleasure, Zane. Do you think we can go motorcycle shopping Thursday?" "Sure, that won't be, oh fuck, it's Wednesday," I gasped. I realized I had confused Iona. "I told Erin I would call her Monday and totally lost track, of a woman," I blinked. "I don't think that's ever happened before." "You have a ton of things going on," Iona comforted me while hovering above me still. "I think she'll understand." "Thanks again, Iona," I sighed as I let her slide down my body. "Can I sleep with you tonight?" she asked. "Of course," I grinned. "Are you going to give me your scrumptious behind?" Iona's smile grew even brighter. "You will have to wait and see," she teased me before racing off to her room. I made my way up to my room for a short workout and a few minutes meditating. I was peripherally aware of Paige coming into my room and rummaging around (i.e., she wanted me to know she was there without noticeably ruining my concentration). The main distraction was Rio and Mercy getting dressed. They had both long since moved all their belongings into my place; that wasn't a problem because of the massive space I had. The problem was, it is insane to put two pseudo-lesbian young lovers who are new to their relationship into a space where they are constantly tantalized by each other's naked or scantily clad bodies. Mercy couldn't resist reaching out shyly and touching Rio's lesser erogenous zones. Rio couldn't resist bending Mercy over the bed, licking her from behind, and/or spanking her, just a few taps but that hardly helped them get their clothes on. Today, Rio added the extra complication of inserting a vibrating ass plug into Mercy's ass and taping a vibrating egg against her clit. She was finishing up the work when I felt a glimmer of evil intellect enter my mind. "Hey, Rio, why don't you do the same thing?" I suggested. "Are you going to ring my bell?" she teased me. "No. I actually thought you would share with Mercy," I clarified. "Share what?" Valarie questioned as she entered the room. "They are each going to have a vaginal and anal stimulation device, theoretically with the other having the controlling mechanism," Paige stated. She held up two pairs of bra & panties for me to examine, gossamer peach bow-knot or strawberry crotchless/cupless. "I don't know, Babe," I mused. "I'd have to see you naked to make a determination." "You've seen me naked, my Boy-toy," Paige gave a wicked turn of the lip. "I, I have no recollection of it," I confessed. "Maybe it was that blow Rio gave me upside my head. I guess I need to see your nude, nubile form once more." "Oh, my poor baby," Paige pouted. "Someone as helpless as you cannot afford to lose any of your already inadequate brain power. I really should help you out." She was knee crawling up the bed, unbuttoning her shirt. When she was only a few feet in front of me, she sat down and worked her skirt off as well. She wasn't naked; she still had her knee-high socks on. "You really ought to cover those little boobies up," Rio taunted Paige. "Someone is going to think Zane has a middle-schooler up here." Paige's head turned and I could feel her anger, but before she could spew forth her vitriol, I latched on hungrily to her closest teat and sucked it in on one gulp. Paige gasped and thrust her body against me. Soon her hands were running through my hair as I soaked up her tender flesh and swelling nipple. I also stroked my hands down her body. My left hand drifted from right below her suckled breast, along her smooth, flat stomach, before dropping south until I cupped her sex. My right hand went down the ribs and around to her ass. I weighed and fondled her small yet firm buttocks, then reached between her cheeks and rubbed over her sphincter without pressuring it. "Paige," I said quietly as I released her nipple, "today go with the peach." "Umm, maybe I will," Paige teased me with a nibble to my neck, "after all, there are a very few things you are good at, and female sexiness is one of them." "Paige?" I continued. She was a little more suspicious now. Our relationship had always been rocky. "I appreciate you giving me some space the last few days," I thanked her. "It has really helped me get my head on straight." Paige's eyes lit up once more. She had sacrificed (in her mind), and I had noticed and was grateful. "I'm surprised you noticed," she started to say, then abruptly softened. "You mean a lot to me, you really do." I put my hands on each side of her jaw and pulled her into close face-to-face contact. "Paige, bouncy, bouncy," I whispered into her ear. Paige gasped slightly and twisted her head to make eye contact, looking somewhat expectant. "Meet me for lunch and I'm going break that ass open," I taunted her quietly. Rocky the squirrel must have snuck up on me and then clubbed me with Bullwinkle the Moose because her response was, "Okay," while she looked at me with a mixture of fear and lust. "Are you sure?" I was curious. "If that is what you really want," Paige responded. "Oh, I don't want to do it until you feel ready, Paige. We'll wait," I confessed. "I will have to think of something else to do with you at lunch today." All Paige did was grin in a very mysterious way. She held that look until Valarie put a hand on each ass cheek and pulled them apart. This time, someone had snuck up on Paige. "Hey!" Paige gasped. "What are you doing?" "Encouraging you to get dressed," Valarie chuckled. "Otherwise, Zane and I are going to slip one finger into your pretty little cunt and rub them in and out like a buzz-saw. Then we will smear your juices over your face and force you to go to breakfast smelling like sex." My girls really need to work on their 'discouraging' speeches. "I should get dressed," Paige hiccupped with reluctance. "Peaches, got it." Paige scurried away and began dressing while eyeing Valarie and me. "Oh, yeah," I joked with Valarie, "that terrified her." "Ask her about the party; then it will make sense," Valarie snickered. In the annals of female migration through my bedroom, Vivian wasn't really sneaking up on anyone, but her presence didn't send up shockwaves of alarm either. "Zane, we need to be heading out soon," she greeted me. She greeted Valarie by putting a hand on her shoulder and rubbing it. Quickly enough, Paige got dressed, Rio and Mercy got their acts together, and we gathered up Iona, Barbie Lynn, Brandi and Opal before heading down to join the rest of feminine humanity that constituted my dorm. My old (way back in Chapter 3) buddy Easter Valentine had me rate the top ten Christian Rock bands which was made much more difficult by my utter disbelief that there was actually something called Christian Rock, color me biased. Breakfast passed uneventfully, as did Assembly, before things began happening. First off, I touched base with Erin now that she was most likely awake. "Hey Erin, this is Zane," I started off, "and I am so sorry that I blanked on my promise to call you. Can I make it up to you and Gerry?" "Oh,um,okay, I guess," she drew me out. "What do you have in mind?" That was a good question; what was I going to do to make it up to them? "Have you ever heard of the SYFY network?" I asked. "Sure, Eureka, Warehouse 13, Being Human, and Lost Girl," she answered. "Saturday night they are showing Ice Spiders versus Snow Beast, I know, great title; right? And I'd like it if you two would come over to my house, get some pizza, and watch it with me," I offered. "Let me think about it, yeah, we'd be glad to come by and eat something," I could feel her grin coming through the airwaves. "Okay, one more question; how do you feel about three-ways?" "I've never been part of one but I'm willing to give it a try," Erin sighed happily, "if I must." "It's a date, then," I agreed, and after trading 'goodbye's', I hung up and caught my crew gathering outside. As I made my approach I saw Heaven give me a look and a smile then turn on Rio. "Handmaiden's Duty, Rio," Heaven beamed maliciously. "What do you want, you old cow?" Rio sneered right back. "Give me your controllers." Heaven grinned as she held out her hand to Rio. Mercy gulped (the two boxes controlled her vibrators) and Rio looked stunned. "Hand them over." Technical Mercy would have been immune, except it was Rio with her controllers. "How?" Rio mumbled. She looked around for support but found some sympathetic eyes, not comrades in arms. She angrily slapped Heaven's palm as she handed them over. Heaven handed those two small white devices to Hope, then reached out toward Rio once more. "Give me the ones Mercy is holding for you, too," Heaven snickered. Rio snarled before motioning for Mercy to hand them over to her. In short order, she handed those over to Heaven as well. "I'll be expecting those back at ten o'clock (one hour from now)," Rio growled. "Of course," Heaven chuckled. "I'll see you then, Sweet-cheeks." "God damn it," Rio leaned into me and whispered, "who, ah, hmm, betrayed me?" Apparently, someone was playing with her controllers. By the way Mercy developed a little tremble and a blissful smile, someone was having a go at her too. "I swear to God, it wasn't me," I shrugged. "Well, it wasn't Iona, she'd never do that to Mercy," Rio mused, then, "Paige! That little cunt did this to me." "I don't know if she did it or not," I pleaded, "but please don't kill her." Rio was several seconds in responding as she wobbled slightly and skipped a step. "Two fucking vibrators," Rio glared at me. "What were you thinking?" "Liking it?" I teased. "Love it," Rio gasped. "Mercy?" "Mumph," Mercy gasped. Added to the smile on her lips, I had to see that as an affirmative. Ms.  Goodswell's class was good but what came afterwards was far more amusing. "What do you mean, you traded them to some random upperclassmen?" Rio snarled. "Oh, I had to explain what they did. When I told them they were inside you, they jumped at the chance," Hope nodded serenely to the furious Rio. "How am I, oh, oh, oh, yeah, supposed to get them back?" Rio fumed. "Maybe they will run out of power soon," Mercy put a positive spin on things. "I put long-life batteries in those bitches this morning," Rio grumbled. "They can go for 24 hours of continuous use." "I insisted that they be returned to Zane at nine this evening," Christina said in a detached manner. "I swear, I'm going to tie down all you bitches one weekend and then we will see who's so superior," Rio seethed; "Dildos and lube all around. Arrgh," Rio growled. She staggered over to the closest wall and put her hand against it to stop from falling over. "Some whore just discovered the '10' setting," she gasped. "I was going to say something cruel," Hope stated, "but now it would be redundant." "Rio and Mercy, stay hydrated," Chastity suggested. "I'll pick you up between classes to, decrease your difficulties." "Thanks, Chastity," I patted her arm. "Heaven and I will watch after Mercy," Christina chimed in; being surprisingly helpful to someone she had shown no interest in before now. Christina was all about responsibility and since this was Heaven's stunt (or so it seemed), she was doing 'the right thing'. "Classes everyone," Vivian insisted. Thankfully I had one capable adult in my life. I hoped that me turning her into a vibrant bi-sexual didn't change that. Today I received an hour's warning of my lunch appointment with Doctor Victoria Scarlett, our beloved Vice-Chancellor. I let Paige know that I had to postpone our get-together. "It is good to see you, she was going to say 'Mr. Braxton' but she was sensitive to my preferences, ", Zane. How are things going on this first full day of our experiment?" "Well, Doctor Scarlett, let me say that you are even more deftly beautiful than you are deceptively manipulative," I countered. "As to your question, my efforts to corrupt your intentions precede a pace." She smiled, shook her head, and walked around the table, stopping when she was in front of my chair-bound form. "Come now; the tribal elections have begun. Seven leaders have been named and the rest of the tribes should do the same tonight," she informed me. "What were you able to accomplish yesterday?" Oh, so that was today's tune. I stood up and cupped her facial cheeks. "What do you think you are doing?" Victoria Scarlett mumbled. I pressed in and kissed her, leading by example as opposed to words. Her hands pressed against me. She wasn't shoving so I didn't stop. Victoria didn't even make a token effort to keep her mouth shut, though her tongue refused to play an overly active part in my French kiss. My hands didn't wander and my body didn't thrust against her. "I think I'm working out our relationship, your Kahina to my Pelagius," I responded, our faces only inches apart. Victoria rested her hands on my hips so I placed mine on her shoulders. "Kahina, have you been reading my works?" she smiled far too seductively. You would figure that a dedicated, righteous Christian theoretician would have body proximity issues. Not Victoria, damn it. "The only things hotter than smart, sexy chicks are smart, sexy, and sensually lethal chicks," I allowed. "This could be construed as sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual behavior," Doctor Scarlett grinned, all bold and gracious. "A 'no' on your part would suffice," I assured her. "Not you, Zane; me," she corrected me. "You are my student, after all, and my hands are on your hips." I arched an eyebrow; she kept smiling so I went back in for a kiss. Three minutes later I had worked over her lips, eyelids, cheeks, jawline, and the left side of her neck, and it was getting me nowhere except closer to a sexual-deprivation induced coma. "Damn, you are good," I panted. "I think this is something we need to work through first before we can constructively move on," she related patiently. She was trying to break me with her highly developed self-control. I had to figure out what the hell I was doing wrong. Overt sexual contact, breasts, buttocks, pubic area, was off-limits, or was it? Lingerie; why did Scarlett wear racy lingerie? I slipped my arms around Victoria's waist and pulled her off the desk and into me. I caught a slight, over-confident smirk on her lips. We started kissing again, Scarlett somewhat passively, as always, and me out to disguise my intentions. She didn't protest when my fingers wandered below the beltline or when I traced out the very risqu lines of her panties. Fighting the urge to yank them up and make her squirm, I languidly let my fingers dig into her skirt and hook the bottom elastic of her panties, then slowly wiggled the fabric gently. She gave me a few uninterrupted seconds before I sensed her inner struggle begin; did she stop me and give me this round in the struggle, a psychological edge over her, or did she see if she could tough it out. She went with the spiritual resistance. Once I had my fingers inside, I could move freely forward and back. I avoided the cunt and the bottom of her ass. I was able to make the bottom of her panties a very tight fit, allowing the thrumming of my tugs to vibrate along her most sensitive spots. Victoria's nostrils flared, her breath caught, and after a daring but futile attempt to distract me with her tongue, she broke our lip embrace and put her head on my shoulder. I immediately stopped what I was doing and waited for her to speak. "Oh, this is not good," she muttered to herself. Then after a pause, "Thank you for stopping. How did you know what to do?" "Where to begin," I answered. "You are beautiful, passionate, and a woman who appreciates fine fabrics on your skin. I stopped because I'll fight you with every tool I can, but I won't violate you," I added. Victoria looked up into my eyes. "You see me as Kahina?" she changed the subject. "You have this tragic, fervent yet noble character that charges with a burning blade into the face of adversity," I waxed romantic. "The last Christian Queen of the Berbers who, when faced with the inevitability of her defeat, sent her sons to the enemy for their protection while she sought death in battle against the Islamic invaders." "I'm not very martial," she countered. "Ah, but in the Greco-Roman culture our faith grew up in, you would be considered a Patrician's daughter, versed in Socrates and Virgil as well as St. Augustine," I made my argument. "Besides, martial valor is in the job of the tribesmen; it is the job of the Queen to provide leadership, hopefully in the right direction. You are a smart damn cookie so the comparison is apt." "Thank you." She then pursued her agenda. "What have you been up to?" "I'm creating a democratic system with your tribal leaders as the parliament, a selected group of girls to become judges, and another group to become enforcers of the rule of law," I responded. "Technically, I remain the guy at the top of the pyramid, so that's a victory for you." Her look told me I hadn't made an end-run around her Grand Plan, which was pretty unsettling. I was missing something. "Why do you let me put my hands on you?" I questioned. "I can't take pleasure in the mannerisms of a proficient young man?" she countered. "Care to prove that?" I challenged. I had her in a minor trap of her own connivance. "Very well," she bowed with a smile on her lips. "Turn around and lean over your desk, if you dare?" I directed. She accepted my orders and did as requested. I knelt down behind her and placed my hands on her ankles before rubbing upward in slow but strong finger-furrows. I teased my way up to her stocking line, grinding the silk hose into her skin, making her flesh shiver from the stimulation. I had her trembling by the time I migrated upwards to the elastic at the top of the stocking, past the garter, and onto her pliant warm thigh. As I brushed against the tuck of her butt-cheek and thigh, Victoria moaned. "Stop," she whispered. "Do you really want me to stop," I inquired, "or do you want me to stop before you reveal something?" I ceased my activities, waiting on her reply. "You know the answer," she panted briefly. I moved off and up, placing my hands on her shoulders and pulling her back up to my chest. "Can you promise me to consider the possibility that a woman wants something outside the realm of motherhood and spiritual purity?" I suggested. Doctor Scarlett turned around while remaining in my grasp. "The body may feel a certain way but you must resist those impulses from the Devil," she told me. "Fortunately, you are the only one on campus that can elicit such response." "Huh? Seriously, I can only imagine the kind of sexual trouble the women on campus can get into, unless you don't believe in Sapphic impulses either," I grinned. "Homosexuality is a myth," Victoria stated firmly. "There are misdirected desires and abnormal passions, but men don't lie with men and women don't lie with women, except as a perversion of the normal, natural order of things." Oh, here we go again, I groaned. "I hate that you would think that way. It stands in opposition to God's Love in my eyes and portrays you as a weak creature given over to the Devil's lure of fearing, hating, and even denying what is mostly a good thing, namely, compassion for one another," I sighed. "How can you have compassion for instincts you can hardly understand?" she posed. "I've been with men before," I informed her; "on more than one occasion." "What?" Victoria was stunned. She struggled to get away from my arms and I let her. "You have such a strong ardor for so many female students. How can you be tricked into perverse practices?" On the bright side, I'd finally gotten under her cool exterior; on the downside, I had shaken her faith in me. "Can I incite a rational moment, please?" I said calmly. She was halfway around the desk when she stopped and nodded. "Okay," the Vice-Chancellor responded with a careful edge. "How am I any different than the man you thought me to be two minutes ago?" I led off. "I certainly liked your body and you appeared to appreciate the touches I gave you. How does anything I did with anyone else before touching you matter? You are very attractive to me. Am I now repulsive to you?" "Those are multiple questions," Victoria seemed suddenly weary. "You are the same person you were a minute ago, but I had forgotten that you are a boy, not a man, and boys have infatuations with unusual, rebellious ideas. With your Father dead, it seems you were rudderless. You are definitely not repulsive to me. I admire you, but you also reveal yourself to be immature. Would you please leave? I need to reconsider some things." "No," I replied. "No? No, you won't leave, or no, I've committed some grievous error?" she inquired. "You believe I'm a boy, you don't believe in homosexuality," I answered, though I fondly day-dreamed of Victoria and Barbie Lynn, or Hudson Lane, the school lawyer, in a lesbian tryst, "but I don't want your newfound doubts in me making you change, specifically how you treat yourself." "You want me to keep wearing lingerie," she sliced to the heart of the matter. "It is a simple pleasure you allow yourself, the only one I can detect. I will certainly be a source of displeasure for you in the future; don't let me do you harm over my careless confession," I pleaded. "My indulgence is a form of weakness," she argued. "Wrong," I fought back. "It is a 'fuck you' to temptation. It makes you stronger. Doctor Scarlett, I have never had a woman hold out as long as you did this afternoon. If you change the way you dress, then I win and you lose because I've proven you don't have faith in your own convictions." Victoria was contemplative for a moment, frowning, then slowly letting a smile win out. "Come here," she beckoned. I came up and she kissed me, not a fevered rush but a smooth, subtle thing, driven by curiosity more than passion. "You are going to require more work than I imagined," she eventually commented. "Have you forgiven me?" I asked. "Have I returned to being a good boy?" "Yes and yes." "Does this mean I can cop a feel? Ya know, a freebie?" I hoped. She kept looking up at me as she studied my features. "You are going to be a whole lot of work, Zane," she answered, "and no, no free fondling of my private parts." I growled up at the ceiling. "Damn it, woman," I snarled. "Stop trying to break me to your will." "Mr. Braxton," she patted me on the cheek, "I have no idea what you are talking about." Yeah, right. We ve Come So Far The Festivities Committee broke up once more. I was helping Mrs. Jaspers to her car since she'd taken a tumble in her home and her ankle was a bit sore. I had to return to the conference room to find my usual crowd of women overstaying the meeting, Mrs. Sahara Penny, Kendra Bainbridge, and Rochelle Wellington. "Hello, Kendra. Those frills around your collar are very enticing to the eye," I jibed. "Did you come tonight with some ulterior motive?" "No!" she snapped. "I am not that kind of woman." "Technically, if you've had children, you are that kind of woman," Sahara chimed in. "I am not a fornicator," Kendra defended herself. "No one said you were," Rochelle smiled at her rival's discomfort. "All Zane did was give you a compliment and a gentle teasing." "After his 'date' with the Reverend's wife, I am not sure any of us can be considered safe from Mr. Braxton's intentions," Kendra spat. Sahara's laugh was musical. "Yes, Kendra, I was positively scandalized that Zane would approach me with such blasphemous intentions as the Gospel of Judas, Pistis Sophia, and the origins of God's true word," Sahara grinned too sweetly. "I am sure that is what was on his mind," Kendra insinuated. She was probably coming to regret being tricked into talking to the Preacher's wife. "What would that be?" Rochelle prodded. Kendra's mouth gaped. "Well, we all know what Mr. Braxton is up to at school," she rebounded snootily. "Oh, so you have seen his website," Sahara pointed out. Kendra turned a deep shade of red. "Well, I, with everything going on," she sputtered, "we need to know how to keep our daughters safe." "Oh, Kendra, I agree," Rochelle smiled my way. "I think we can all agree that young Ms. Masters (Barbie Lynn) was lucky to escape Zane's clutches." "Yes," Sahara added sternly, "apparently she's been lucky on a nightly basis." Hey, now! Why is everybody picking on me? Half the time she's on top. "You make it sound like she enjoys, that, what he does to her," Kendra fought back. "Yes," sighed Sahara, "I can understand how horrible it must be to be crying out God's name while having sex." "Several times a night," Rochelle added. "I have such sympathy for the poor girl." "You do know that it is plausible Ms. Masters seeks me out for our mutual enjoyment," I groused. "After all, it's my bedroom and my shower we are seen in." "The Devil is known to be a great seducer," Kendra countered. "You've lured her into debauched behavior." "Oh, well, Kendra, you are on to me. I guess my deep-seated lust for you will remain unquenched," I groaned. "That's not fair," Rochelle chided me. "You are neither a tool of the Devil nor prone to give up on anything you desire, so apologize to Kendra for the sarcasm." "I apologize for making light of your concerns, Mrs. Bainbridge," I nodded toward Kendra. "Very well," Kendra snorted. "Perhaps counseling with Pastor William would do you some good." Oh, like that was going to happen; I was right in ol' Bill's preferred age range and gender. Added to that, I had sort of threatened to have him murdered for threatening Sahara Monday night. "I would prefer to be guided by someone I didn't have a desire to toss out of a fast moving aircraft," I allowed myself to say. Kendra gasped, Sahara became very still, and Rochelle choked. "Wha-, what makes you say that?" Sahara asked cautiously. "He insulted my Uncle Tim within the hearing of Aunt Jill," I answered. "I really couldn't stand Uncle Tim but would rather put my hand in a garbage disposal than let someone cause her pain. He apologized at that time but I have not forgotten." "Have you ever worried about being a bit too bloody?" Rochelle cautioned me. "I ask a lot out of life; I risk more than most and I accept that the price I pay may be higher," I replied. "I believe in the Rule of Law and I believe in punishing the wicked who attempt to abuse the rules for their own agenda. If the price is blood, then blood it shall be; if I can get a heartfelt repentance instead, so much the better." "Aren't you simply forcing your world view on everyone else?" Rochelle questioned me. "Absolutely," I admitted. "My world view is relatively easy to understand; keep to your word, accept that others will be different, and live and let live. I would prefer that my friends and I be left alone. If I have to use physical force to protect my views, I can live with that." "What of the Christian virtues of forgiveness and 'do no harm'?" Sahara countered. "I make a lousy Christian at times," I looked embarrassed. "You seem to have very little time for Christ in your life," Kendra responded snidely. "Really?" I muse. "I go to church six days a week, I get quizzed on some sort of Bible lore at least twice a day, and I come to this meeting once a week. I know sin is not a balancing act but I think I do some good." "Maybe if you gave less energy to carnal pursuits and more to Christian righteousness, you wouldn't have so many sins to balance," Kendra pronounced. "And here we are, three women of relatively good looks, discussing righteousness and virtue, Kendra," Sahara smiled. Kendra gawked at her. "Yes, I imagine I looked something like you look now when I saw Zane's devious trap Monday night." "What do you mean? We are talking about Zane's sexual lifestyle," Kendra rebutted. "No. You are talking about Zane's sex life; the rest of us are talking about sin, forgiveness, and virtue," Rochelle smiled in a superior manner. "But, but you, both, Kendra stammered. "I asked Zane about his world view," Rochelle corrected. "And I asked him about Christian forgiveness and 'do no harm', as I recall," Sahara smiled sedately. Kendra gaped like a fish out of water. "Yes, but now that I know about Mrs. Bainbridge's obsession with my bedroom antics, I'll make sure to show her more attention," I nodded. "I mean, there is an attraction that mature women possess that girls cannot equal. There was a long silence that followed that statement. "Zane, you wouldn't dare do, all, all of those lewd acts to one of us, would you?" Kendra stuttered. "I can't imagine what would make me refuse consensual sex with anyone in this room," I grinned at her. "But we are married women," Rochelle teased me. "Thus consensual, I don't want to break up a happily married couple but I don't like seeing a woman trapped in a relationship solely because she thinks there are no other options," I explained. "Women deserve to be free, and quite frankly, unhappily married women have built up an exciting reservoir of carnal energy." "Zane, I find it difficult to believe that a young man as kind to this committee as you have been would make us disrobe one article of clothing, run your rough hands over every inch of our bodies, and then force us to perform all kinds of vile sexual acts on and for you," Rochelle kept taunting me. My guess was that she was really pissed on learning her husband was having an affair with one of his employees in the Mayor's office. "You wouldn't do that to Kendra, would you, Zane?" Sahara quizzed me. "What do you mean?" I seemed confused. "She's one of the hottest MILF's in the parish; all the guys in Bible Study say so." "Wha, what?" Kendra gulped. "Milf, Mothers I'd Like to Fornicate with," I told her. "I know that!" Kendra snapped, clearly disoriented and unsure of herself. "Certainly you've noticed the men's eyes follow you around the church every Sunday after service?&

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Job 25; Mark 13-14 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey together through the scriptures and let God's Word point us to the Living Word—Jesus, who alone has the words of life. On this November 3rd, Hunter, your host and Bible Reading Coach, invites you to join listeners from around the world as we read and reflect on passages from Job 25 and Mark 13-14. Today's episode takes us from the somber wisdom of Job to the heartbreak and hope found in Christ's final days—beginning with betrayal, denial, and suffering, and culminating in Jesus' unflinching love and promise of renewal. As Hunter guides us, we're reminded of our own weaknesses and deafness to God's voice, and yet also of Christ's faithfulness to heal, restore, and make us new. Stay with us for a time of scripture, prayer, and encouragement that together we may listen, receive, and walk in God's enduring love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The sufferings of Christ have started. They begin with a promise, a kiss, a sword, and a severed ear. We're all deaf, so it seems, to God's Word. We've all denied and betrayed the living Word. We're all suffering, as it were, with severed ears and lips that betray. We use our lips to declare our allegiance and our affection. And in the end, we deny and we run away and we betray three times. Loyal Peter uses his mouth to deny that he even knows Jesus. And the most disloyal Judas uses his mouth to betray Jesus with a kiss. Loyal and disloyal alike can't get their mouths to be true. Everyone lies, everyone denies. Their mouths don't work, in part because their ears don't work. Jesus has been telling them that he is the one who will fulfill all Scripture. He is the suffering servant Isaiah spoke about; he would win their victory by his suffering and death. Time and time again, he tried to tell them, but they can't hear it. Like the temple guard, their ears have been severed, unable to hear. It appears we've all been rendered deaf to the word of God. But Jesus is unflinching in the face of our lying lips and deaf ears. Jesus will continue to fulfill all scripture. He will continue on his journey to the cross and he will heal our ears along the way. He will reattach ears that have been severed, unable to hear, causing them to hear again the life-giving words of the Gospel. And when he is done, he will create something even more amazing. He will create new hearts, making us completely new from the inside out. New mouths, new ears, new hearts, new women, new men from every tribe and nation, language and tongue, all will be made new. That's what Jesus has done. Sometimes my mouth and ears and heart, they don't work. But Jesus is unflinching. Even now he is completing the job he set out to do. And faithful is the one who began his good work in you. He will be faithful to complete it. Hallelujah. My prayer is that we would live in the Spirit. Then our mouths and ears and hearts will work and we will be awakened to the miracle of the resurrection to life and hope through Christ. That's the prayer that I have for my soul, friends. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Job 3 3:1-10 Job curses the day of his birthJob pours out his grief and pain in a bold and dramatic way. It does not seem to be that Job is specifically addressing anyone specifically in Job 3:1-10. The fact there are so many psalms of lament show how common this is for the people of God. Job's frustrations throughout the book cannot be blamed solely on his friend's words because he speaks before they speak. One writer described Job 3 as “one of the most depressing chapters in the Bible” (Alden, 71). However, those who are presently experiencing this kind of pain may identify with and find great comfort in these words. Psalm 88 is filled with darkness. It is a psalm of lament that has no ending of praise and hope. The final word of the Hebrew text and most translations of Psalm 88 is the word darkness. I have found that preaching that psalm has led many people to come out and say seriously, “That was encouraging.”Job's longing to have never been born is similar to the request of Elijah (I Kings 19:4) and Jonah (Jonah 4:3) for the LORD to take their life. They knew life was in God's hands and they asked him to take their life and they did not take matters into their own hands. There is a difference between Elijah and Jonah, however. Elijah is broken because his ministry as a prophet has been rejected. Jonah is discouraged because the Ninevites have responded to his message and repented and been spared by God. Jonah wanted the LORD to take his life because the wrong people listened and obeyed his preaching. Jeremiah 20:14-18 Jeremiah had the difficult task of speaking for God and giving an unpopular message to a wicked people.[1] There are several similarities between Jer. 20:14-18 and Job 3. Both deals with cursing the day of one's birth (Job 3:1, 8; Jer. 20:14). They both mention the announcement of a male child (Job 3:3; Jer. 20:15). Blocking the womb is described in both (Job 3:11; Jer. 20:17). Both use the same Hebrew word trouble (Job 3:10; Jer. 20:18). The hyperbole of Jeremiah 20:14-18 is even more stunning than Job 3:1-10. He asks that the LORD bring judgment upon the man who announced the happy news to his father that he had a son. Jeremiah asks that the judgment against him be like the judgment that fell on Sodom and Gomorrah (20:16; Gen. 19:25-26). He curses the man because he did not kill him before his birth (20:17).  Clearly, the innocent man who brought the news to Jeremiah's father of his birth should not have literally taken Jeremiah's life in the womb. The text is speaking in using the most extreme exaggeration and overemphasis to say that he wishes he was never born. The words of Matt. 26:24 that it would have been better for Judas if he had never been born do not emphasize his stress in life but the horror of his judgment after death.  While we would be worried about anyone near us who uttered the words of Job 3:1-10 or Jer. 20:14-18, the text does seem to show that thoughts like these and expressing these thoughts may be part of the life of some of God's faithful servants. When we feel completely broken, these passages affirm that many who have sought to follow God have felt the same way. These passages may give us guides for words we can use if we face similar circumstances. They neither curse God nor take His name in vain (Ex. 23:7; Lev. 24:10-16). They do not curse their parents (Ex. 20:12; 21:14). They do vent their frustration that they were born at all. While their efforts to write themselves out of history are not logical, they are understandable. Job and Jeremiah give full expression to their desires within certain limits and boundaries that they will not pass.

Monday, 3 November 2025   Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58   “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that the people were offended at Jesus. Because of this, He said that a prophet is not without honor except in his fatherland and in his house. With that stated, Matthew next records, “And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.”   A new word, apistia, faithlessness, is seen. It is derived from the negative particle a and pistos, faithful. Therefore, depending on the context, it means not faithful, unfaithful, unbelief, an unbeliever, faithlessness, etc.   The preposition preceding this, dia, through, signifies that the cause of His not doing many miracles was their unbelief. In the parallel account in Mark 6, this is stated more firmly so that it is understood –   “And He could not do any miracles there, if not a few infirm, having laid the hands, He cured.” Mark 6:5 (CG)   This is similar to what Jesus said to the apostles after the transfiguration –   “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?' 20 So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'” Matthew 17:19-21   In Nazareth, the unbelief of those who resided there kept Jesus from being able to cure them. In the case of the apostles, their faith blocked the healing process. Either way, a lack of faith was a hindrance to what otherwise could have been possible.   Life application: Unfortunately, it is common today for people in charismatic churches, or who carry around the name it and claim it attitude, to accuse those who have health problems, financial problems, etc., of lacking faith.   They strut around like roosters, boasting of the supposed spiritual superiority as if they have access to such things on a whim. This type of attitude laughingly extends to claims of being able to protect homes from tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.   This is neither acceptable nor responsible. We live in a fallen world. People get sick, we have troubles and trials, and people die. Such things are a part of human existence. God is not looking for super spiritual showoffs.   Rather, He is pleased with the simple faith of those who trust in Jesus despite their trials and troubles. Nothing in Scripture ever says that believers will be immune from the woes of this world. In fact, just the opposite is true, both in spiritual and physical matters.   Don't let the arrogant, boastful, and theologically uninformed rob your joy in Christ through such false claims or accusations. Rather, pity them. Because when their times of trial and woe come upon them, and they will, they will have nothing to fall back on.   Be responsible, read your word, and have faith in God and His promises, despite the trials and catastrophes that come your way. In this, God will be pleased with you.   “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4   Lord God, we know that we are ordained for trials and troubles in this life. Despite this, we thank You for the promises You have given us in Christ Jesus. Whatever happens now, no matter how great and troubling it is, we know it is temporary and just a glitch on our path to eternal glory in Your presence. Thank You for the surety we possess in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Matthew 13   13 And in that day, Jesus, having departed from the house, He sat by the sea. 2 And they gathered to Him, great crowds, so too He, having in-stepped into the boat, sat. And all the crowd, they had stood on the beach. 3 And He spoke to them, many in parables, saying, “You behold! He went out, ‘the sowing to sow.' 4 And in his sowing, some, indeed, it fell near the road, and it came, the birds, and it devoured them. 5 And others, it fell upon the rock-like, where it had not much earth, and immediately it out-rose through not having soil depth. 6 And sun, having risen, it burned, and through not having root, it desiccated. 7 And others, it fell upon the thorns, and they ascended, the thorns, and they choked them. 8 And others, it fell upon the good earth, and it gave fruit. Some, indeed, hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty. 9 The ‘having ears to hear,' he – hear!”   10 And the disciples, having come, they said to Him, “Through what in parables You speak to them?” 11 And having answered, He said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries ‘the kingdom the heavens.' And to them, not it has been given. 12 For whoever he has, it will be given him, and he will superabound. And whoever not he has, and what he has, it will be lifted from him. 13 Through this I speak to them in parables, because seeing, not they see, and hearing, not they hear nor comprehend. 14 And it fulfills upon them Isaiah's prophecy, saying,   ‘News you will hear and no, not you might comprehend, And seeing, you will see and no, not you might see. 15 For it thickened, the heart of this people And their ears, heavily they heard, And their eyes, they shut, Lest not they should behold – their eyes, And they should hear – their ears, And they should comprehend – the heart, And they should return, And I will heal them.'   16 And you, blessed the eyes, because they see, and the ears, because it hears. 17 Amen! For I say to you that many prophets and righteous, they passioned to see what you see, and not they saw, and to hear what you hear, and not they heard.   18 You, therefore, you hear the parable, the ‘having sown.' 19 Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not comprehending, the evil, he comes, and he seizes the ‘having been sown in his heart.' This, he is, the ‘having been sown near the path.' 20 And the ‘having been sown upon the rocky places,' this, he is, the ‘the word hearing and immediately with joy receiving it.' 21 And he has no root in himself, but he is temporary. And having come pressure or persecution through the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 And the ‘into the thorns having been sown' this is the ‘the word hearing,' but the care of this age, and the delusion of wealth, it strangles the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 And the ‘upon the good earth having been sown,' this, it is ‘the word hearing and comprehending' who surely he fruit-bears and it yields – some indeed hundred, and some sixty, and some thirty.”   24 Another parable He near-set them, saying, “It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field. 25 And in the ‘sleeps the men,' he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away. 26 And when it sprouted, the grass, and it yielded fruit, then it appeared, also, the darnel. 27 And having come, the servants of the housemaster, they said to him, ‘Lord, not good seed you sowed in your field? Whence, therefore, it has darnel?' 28 And he said to them, ‘Enemy! A man did this!' And the servants, they said to him, ‘You incline, therefore, having gone, we should gather them?' 29 And he said, ‘No! Not lest gathering the darnel, you should uproot with them the wheat. 30 You allow both to co-grow until the harvest. And in the harvest season, I will say to the harvesters, “You gather first the darnel, and you bind them into bundles to incinerate them, and wheat you collect into my barn.”'”   31 Another parable He presented them, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field. 32 Which, indeed, it is least of all seeds. And when it may be grown, it is greater than the tillings, and it becomes a tree, so the birds of the sky come and encamp in its branches.”   33 Another parable He presented them, “The kingdom of the heavens, it is like leaven which a woman, having taken, she concealed in flour – three measures – until it all, it leavened.”   34 All these, He spoke, Jesus, in parables to the crowds, and besides parable, not He spoke to them. 35 So it should be fulfilled, the ‘having been spoken through the prophet,' saying,   “I will open My mouth in parables. I will blurt things having been concealed from foundation – world.”   36 Then Jesus, having dismissed the crowds, He went into the house. And His disciples, they came to Him, saying, “Expound to us the parable of the fields' darnel.”   37 And answering, He said, “He, the ‘sowing the good seed,' he is the Son of Man. 38 And the field, it is the world. And the good seed, these, they are the sons of the kingdom. And the weeds, they are the sons of the evil. 39 And the enemy, the ‘having sown them,' he is the Traducer. And harvest – it is the age's consummation. And harvesters – they are messengers. 40 Therefore, just as it is gathered, the darnel, and fire – it consumed, thus it will be in the age's consummation. 41 The Son of Man, He will send His messengers and they will gather from His kingdom all the snares and those doing lawlessness. 42 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth. 43 Then the righteous, they will irradiate as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The ‘having ears,' let him hear!   44 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like treasure having been concealed in the field, which a man, having found, he concealed, and from the joy of it, he withdraws and all that he has he sells and he buys that field.   45 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a man, a merchant, seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, having found one highly valued pearl, having departed, he has sold all – as many as he had, and he purchased it. 47 Again, the kingdom of the heavens, it is like a seine having been cast into the sea, and from every kind having been gathered, 48 which, when it was filled, having dragged upon the beach, and having sat, they gathered the good into vessels, and the bad they cast out. 49 Thus it will be in the age's consummation. The messengers, they will go out and they will separate the evil from the righteous' midst. 50 And they will cast them into the furnace of the fire. There, it will be the lamentation and the gnash of the teeth.”   51 Jesus, He says to them, “These all, you comprehend?”   They say to Him, “Yes, Lord.”   52 And He said to them, “Through this, every scribe, having been discipled in the ‘kingdom the heavens,' he is like a man, a house-master, who – he ejects from his treasure newbies and oldies.”   53 And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence. 54 And having come into His fatherland, He taught them in their synagogue, so they are outstruck and say, “Whence this, this wisdom and the miracles? 55 Not this, He is the artificer's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, not they are all with us? Whence then this – these all?” 57 And they stumbled in Him.   And Jesus, He said to them, “Not, he is, a prophet dishonored if not in his fatherland and in his house.” 58 And through their faithlessness He did not, there, many miracles.

This powerful exploration of John 13 confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we are all capable of betraying Jesus. Through the parallel stories of Judas and Peter, we're invited to examine the hidden corners of our own hearts where unchecked sin, self-preservation, and comfort-seeking can lead us away from faithful discipleship. The sermon reveals Jesus in his full humanity—troubled, distressed, and deeply hurt by the impending betrayal of those closest to him. Yet even as he identifies Judas as his betrayer, Jesus extends bread to him, an act of honor and service that demonstrates love even toward the one who will facilitate his death. The central question pierces through our comfortable Christianity: Does our love of Jesus exceed our love of our sin, ourselves, and our desire for a faith custom-fitted to our comfort level? We see two paths diverge—Judas, whose love of money and self-created religion led to despair and death, and Peter, whose bumbling, chaotic love for Jesus ultimately brought him back to repentance and a life wholly given to Christ. The difference wasn't in the severity of their failures, but in where they turned afterward. Peter understood what he declared in John 6:68: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' This message challenges us to honest self-assessment and accountability, reminding us that spiritual blindness can creep in gradually until we're indistinguishable from Judas at the table, asking 'Is it I?' while already knowing the answer.

Acts 9:1-191 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Join us as Pastor Brian unpacks John chapter 21 and the idea of Peter's repentance and Judas's lack of repentance.

Judas betrayed Jesus. The devil used Judas to betray Jesus. we need to learn from Judas and not listen to satan.

Halloween Reformation Day and Martin Luthor The Five Solas All Hallowed Eve Brad and David are not in costumes. ------------------ Mark 14:32-52 (ESV) Jesus Prays in Gethsemane 32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled. A Young Man Flees 51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

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The Gospel of John Week 18 Scripture: John 13:21-14:6. We pick up with the rest of the story of the Lord's Last Supper that Passover evening. Pastor shares what the layout may have looked like at this meal. Where people were at around the table, that they were reclining vs sitting, that they ate with their right hands and laid on their sides resting their heads in the left hands. As the story continues, Jesus shares that He knows one of His disciples is going to betray Him. John asks who it is that will do that and Jesus says that it is the one I give this bread to. And then Jesus hands the dipped bread to Judas and he takes the bread and leaves. After Judas leaves Jesus says, "Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once."  What strange words to say after exposing that He will be betrayed….. Why say them? Jesus is going to be arrested, beaten, scourged and die - how does this bring glory?  It's because Jesus is looking ahead, He's looking beyond the immediate to what lies ahead - His glorification. Hebrews 12:2 tells us, "For the joy set before Jesus, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Jesus' glorification is accomplished in following the Father's will, the path to Victory and in glorifying the Father by doing so.  When Jesus is on the cross the Father is glorified because everything the Father had intended, everything that He had planned is now coming to fulfillment through His obedient Son, Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus goes on in John 13:34-35 telling them to love one another as He has loved them. And then He tells Peter that he will deny knowing Him before the rooster crows. Pastor shares great info on what "rooster crow" is and that it wasn't a rooster crowing, but that was the way they told time. The Romans divided the evening watch into four watches: 6-9pm = evening 9-12am = midnight 12-3am = rooster crows 3-6am = dawn We can see Jesus use these four terms here: "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (Be Awake!) Jesus is telling Peter that sometime between midnight and 3am he will deny knowing Him three times. Then we move into John Chapter 14 where Jesus tells the disciples "Do not keep allowing your hearts to be troubled any longer. You believe in God. Believe in me." When we face troubled times, we believe in God - meaning we are to trust Him. And Jesus is saying believe in Him, Messiah, - trust in Him, He's our Savior..  And then He tells them "I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."  And what the disciples understand from the Jewish scriptures is that Jesus is talking in wedding language.  Pastor shares Jewish tradition around wedding planning and weddings and what we see in the Bridegroom (Jesus) and His bride (the body of believers.) This wedding/marriage talk is Jesus' way of expressing Hies deep love for us. Jesus is the groom and He is calling us to realize how much He loves us. Thomas says, "Where are You going, Lord?" And Jesus says, "I am the way. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  Getting to heaven is not about being a good person, because no one is truly good - all have sinned. It's only through faith in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross and His resurrection that we go to heaven. Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01     ⁃    The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels.      ⁃    The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible.  Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

Daily Dose of Hope October 31, 2025 Scripture – John 13:18-38 Prayer: Abba Father, We come to you today, grateful for your love and care in our lives. Thank you for your presence and your peace. Help us to gather our scattered thoughts and set aside distractions so we can focus on what you have for us today. In the next few moments of silence, Lord, help me be still and know that you are God...We give you all the glory, Lord Almighty. Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan. As most of you know, we have been going through the Gospels and Acts. Today, we finish up John 13. In John's Gospel, there is an extended text about Jesus predicting Judas' betrayal. When asked who will be the one to betray him, Jesus says the one he dips the bread and offers it to. Jesus then dips the bread and gives it to Judas. He tells Judas to do what he is going to do and do it quickly. I often wondered why the disciples didn't notice this interaction more. They seem someone oblivious and lost in their own thoughts. Maybe they each wondered if they could be the one to betray their Master? John writes of a point in which Judas allows Satan to enter him. He had previously been influenced by Satan but now he has allowed the devil to have his way with him. At first, he opened the door a little. Then, he just opened the door wide. The devil had been feeding him lies, and Judas started believing them, totally and completely. The devil tempted him with money, and Judas found 30 pieces of silver more valuable than the God. Jesus told Judas that joy was to be found in sacrificially serving others, but Judas believed that Satan's way of putting self first was better. We recently went to a clergy training on deliverance, led by Pete Bellini, a professor at United Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. It was absolutely incredible and I would highly recommend Dr. Bellini's books. But one of the things that Dr. Bellini said was that we as Christ-followers cannot be possessed by Satan. We belong to Jesus so we can never totally belong to Satan. But we can become oppressed. We can open the door to the demonic through various means, i.e. porn use, messing with occult-related activities, and when we do so, demons can attach themselves to us. Satan can oppress certain parts of us. We may not even be aware of it. That is when deliverance is necessary. So, was Judas possessed or oppressed? Did he know Jesus? Did he believe? I don't know if we will ever know this side of heaven. Most of the scholars I read said they thought he was totally possessed by Satan at the end. Who knows? I would love your thoughts. Let's move on in our passage. Verses 34 and 35 are really incredible, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." It's as if, in two sentences, Jesus has summarized all his teachings to his disciples. And they aren't easy because they center on how we love one another. If we were to take these verses and look at church history, we would wonder if we were looking at the same faith. Christian history has done horrific things in Jesus' name. I think he must weep and mourn at this. Everything Jesus did was about teaching others to love and serve each other. And somehow, this got terribly corrupted. As we keep reading, Peter makes a very bold, ambitious claim that even if everyone else fell away and disappeared, he would not. Jesus doesn't mince words. He tells Peter that he will betray Jesus three times by that night (or as the text says, by the time the rooster crows two times). But Peter, and all the others, insist that they will follow Jesus even until death. I've thought about this a lot. At this time, the disciples still don't understand Jesus' ministry or purpose. They think they will follow him no matter what but we know what happens. They all scatter once Jesus is arrested. Peter does deny him three times in just a few short hours, consumed with fear for his own safety. When push came to shove, they weren't quite as invested in Jesus' mission as they thought. But then things changed. After the resurrection, the disciples were changed in fundamental ways. Peter, who was initially impulsive and fearful, becomes strong and bold, a superb leader in the early church. After experiencing both the risen Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit, their whole outlook on life is transformed. And all of them, except for John, are martyred for the Gospel. They do end up following Jesus to their own earthly death, just not in the timing they expected. I've asked this question before but it's worth repeating - would you follow Jesus to the point of giving up your life? If you were being tortured and persecuted for your faith, would you stay faithful to Jesus or would you give in to the pressure and deny Christ? It is not outside the realm of possibility that such a situation could exist for us. Afterall, it does exist for Christians all over the world. Reflect on this and spend some time in prayer. Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Friday, 31 October 2025   Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? Matthew 13:55   “Not this, He is the carpenter's Son? Not His mother, her called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus returned to His fatherland and began teaching in the synagogues. The people were amazed and wondered where He got His wisdom and abilities to perform the miraculous. They next exclaim, “Not this, He is the artificer's Son?”   It is a new word, tektón, an artificer or craftsman. This could be in wood, stone, metal, etc. The general thought and tradition is that Joseph was a woodworker. However, some believe he worked in stone. There is a stone quarry in the area of Nazareth where objects have been found, such as cups, that have been fashioned out of stone.   From the time of Homer down, the word was used to define a woodworker, such as a carpenter, joiner, shipbuilder, etc. To limit Joseph to one specific trade or another may be to limit the application of the word. For all we know, he was a general artificer who worked in wood, stone, etc.  Continuing with the query, the people continue, saying, “Not His mother, her called Mary?”   They are not asking this as if they could be wrong, as in, “We thought He was Mary's Son? No?” Rather, the reason for the question is that they definitely know He is Mary's Son. Thus, they know all about His family line. He is not a mystery to them. Rather, He grew up with them. And more, they next ask, “And His brothers James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?”   The word used is adelphos, coming from the connective particle a and the word delphus, the womb. Thus, it literally means, “of the same womb.” That is the sense that should be considered here. However, for the cult of Mary who insists she was a perpetual virgin, it is argued that the word can be extended to people in close personal relationships, of the same people (such as Jews), etc. It can also be applied to those born to one of two parents, etc.   In other words, in order to justify their stand, the claim by those of the Mary cult is that these are Joseph's sons but not Mary's. The normal and reasonable sense that anyone reading this without a bias or presupposition would agree upon is that this is speaking of Jesus' brothers from Mary, especially when she was just mentioned prior to these words.   The point of the questioning by these people is that their words otherwise form an emphatic proclamation. “We know Jesus! We know His father's trade, and we know His mom and siblings!” With such a knowledge base about Him, they will next reveal why this understanding is important to them.   Life application: In reading the record of Jesus in the gospels, it is inconceivable that someone would suddenly start highlighting Mary as the key figure in the narrative. She is hardly mentioned at all. Her purpose for being mentioned clearly centers on Jesus, and then she is not mentioned other than incidentally at any other time.   To focus on Mary as those in Roman Catholicism do makes as much sense as focusing on Mary Magdalene, who is mentioned way more than Mary, the mother of Jesus. But the devil knows how to misdirect people. He has done it since our first parents in the Garden of Eden.   In getting people to take their eyes off the Lord, he has the ability to rob them of the prize, meaning a right relationship with God and the surety of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. If this can be passed down from one generation to the next, the level of veneration will normally increase.   This is certainly the case with the cult of Mary. It has become a global phenomenon that has robbed innumerable souls of properly directed faith in Jesus. Don't be swayed away from what God wants us to focus on when we read Scripture. That is Him and how He has revealed us in the coming of Jesus Christ.   May we hold fast to Him, fixing our eyes on Him, and never being distracted from that goal and focus all the days of our lives –   “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:1-3   Glorious God, the whole world is trying to rob us of our focus on You and what You have done in the giving of Jesus Christ. Leading that attempt is the devil, who is ever striving for us to turn from You and to do things our own way. Give us wisdom, strength, and the fortitude to stand against this and to fix our eyes firmly on Jesus. Amen.

Episode 1 - Judas - "Villains of the Early Church: And How They Made Us Better Christians" In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss the "mystery of Judas." An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: What happened to Judas? Was it simple greed that snapped him? That seems unlikely. Thirty pieces of silver was a good bit of money, but Judas was doing all right with his embezzling racket. The Gospels don't tell us his motivation most likely because their writers just didn't know. It was a mystery to them as it is to us. And a lot of the Christian legends that later grew up about Judas seem like popular attempts to psychoanalyze him. Judas was also present for the Last Supper, having a miserable time as Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray him: “The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24). John tells us that the disciple whom Jesus loved—John himself—asked Jesus who the betrayer would be. “It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it,” Jesus responded, and then dipped the morsel and handed it to Judas. Yet the others still didn't understand what Jesus meant when he said to Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:26–27). Was he sending Judas out to buy more food? Or to make a donation to the poor from the money box? “So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out,” John says, adding the significant detail “and it was night.” Judas walked out of the Last Supper and into the very symbolic darkness (John 13:30). But he knew where to look for Jesus when he came with the police. Judas and the rest of the disciples had often been with Jesus in that pleasant park across the Kidron Valley, the garden of Gethsemane (see John 18:2; Mark 14:32). That was where Judas led the soldiers to arrest Jesus. The post VEC1 – Judas – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Today, we'll cover Matthew's account of the crucifixion including Christ's death on the cross, but stopping shy of his burial, saving that section for our next reading. We begin with the account of Judas confessing his guilt in betraying Jesus, and the response from the chief priests and elders is one of indignant apathy. Fraught with grief, Judas hangs himself and dies. Though he has been charged as guilty before the Jews, Jesus now stands trial before the governor, Pontius Pilate. Though he finds no guilt in Jesus, he condemns him in order to keep a riot from starting. After Jesus is mocked and beaten by the Roman military who oversaw his custody, he is led to the cross and crucified between two criminals. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Pastor Joel Miller joins Doug today ------------------ Mark 14:32-52 (ESV) Jesus Prays in Gethsemane 32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled. A Young Man Flees 51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm

In this powerful close to the Ten Commandments series, Pastor Treigh Martinez exposes the hidden sin of coveting — the internal desire that gives birth to every other sin. Using the stories of Eve, David, and Judas, he reveals how misplaced desire separates us from God and leads to destruction. But there's hope: contentment is found only in Christ, our greatest provision. This message calls believers to reject the love of the world, resist the lust of the eyes and pride of life, and return to the table of covenant with gratitude and holiness.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Luke 6:12-16 - Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, He called His disciples to Himself, and from them He chose Twelve, whom He also named Apostles: Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Father Stephen Lesniewski joins Terry to discuss, Servant of God, Father John Hardon, S.J.

Gospel  Luke 6:12-16 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Reflection There's an interesting way in which we need to understand the distinction between a disciple and an apostle. Disciple is a word that means a learner, someone who's constantly growing and changing. And an apostle is one who has been especially empowered and then sent forth to do a task. What is interesting about the two is that they really are one. We are always learners. We are always open to new insights and new ways of seeing the mystery of who you are in us. And then we also know that you empower us. You send us forth to do things. Nothing is more important than we embrace both these roles as we continue to grow and establish your Kingdom. Closing Prayer Father, bless us with the awareness of we never, ever are finished in our work with you. We are always open to new insights, changes. And then we're also so blessed to have your power, strength flowing through us as the Holy Spirit engages us in ways to establish the Kingdom. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

¡Vótame en los Premios iVoox 2025! Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Meditación predicada durante una Adoración en el Colegio Mayor Alcor sobre el Evangelio de los Santos Simón y Judas, Apóstoles. El Señor vela nuestro sueño en oración con el Padre y el Espíritu Santo y, a pesar de nuestros defectos, quiere contar con nosotros para encender una luz en todos los corazones.Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Meditaciones diarias. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/874295

814 They Attempted Again To Seize Him, But He Escaped Their Clutches, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 10:39-42 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation NET 39 Then they attempted again to seize him, but he escaped their clutches. 40 Jesus went back across the Jordan River again to the place where John had been baptizing at an earlier time, and he stayed there. 41 Many came to him and began to say, “John performed no miraculous sign, but everything John said about this man was true!” 42 And many believed in Jesus there. RSV 39 Again they tried to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. 40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John at first baptized, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him; and they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there. Reflection on Scripture: Imagine the ridiculous idea. A group of  religious policemen go try and arrest the creator of everything on the earth they walked. When I read this I am overwhelmed by the irony of it all. Jesus on many occasions escaped capture. He would not go until his time came. Even when he was finally captured he did so knowingly. He even told Judas to betray him  quickly. For us to assume that we can dictate God's plans is such a spiritually immature and damaging mindset.  Yet we are not above this mindset. We like to think we control our world. We like to feel empowered. In some ways this is something God has created within us. Our Godly drive to improve the world around us is good. If we are not careful we can get captured by the idea that we can bend God to our will. Equally unhelpful is that God wants to help us to do whatever we want. God wants our development and perfection and only he knows what it is.  With that said I do believe God wants us to learn to pursue good autonomously. Also I think he wants to empower us to engage with Him regarding our plans. I think this is drastically different than us being a law unto ourself and pursuing our own selfish desires and claiming it is what God wants. I believe that God wants us to reach out to him and plead for discernment regarding our lives. The goal should always be for us to seek God's will not to bend God's will to our own. I want you to ponder   Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Fr. Mike guides us through Judas Maccabeus' last battle, his death, and his succession. We learn that part of Judas and Jonathan's victory involved fighting fellow Jews living in the land who were not living according to God's laws. Fr. Mike points out that when the enemy is in the inside, it is especially heartbreaking. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 9, Sirach 24-25, and Proverbs 23:1-4. 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.