One of the original Twelve Disciples of Jesus Christ, known for betrayal of Jesus
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“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT) As an evangelist, I constantly observe how two people who hear the same message will react in two completely different ways. One person will be profoundly moved, while the other will become harder in their sin. We see the very same thing in the story of Cain and Abel. Both men were sons of Adam and Eve. Both were raised in the same home and exposed to the same spiritual message. When we first read their story in Genesis 4, it seems as though they were both believers. But time revealed that Cain was so jealous and embittered that he murdered his brother Abel. The story of Cain and Abel ought to remind us that there are people just going through the motions, spiritually speaking. They give the appearance of being believers, but they have no real relationship with God. Or, as the apostle Paul put it in 2 Timothy 3:15: “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (NLT). That’s the life story of too many people. They are all show and no go. Their faith in God is nothing more than a mere game or act. Paul followed his description with a warning: “Stay away from people like that!” (NLT). Believers, especially young believers, can be led astray by people with an insincere faith. Consider this. You can offer like Cain. You can weep like Esau. You can serve like Gehazi. You can be a disciple like Judas. You can recite long prayers like the Pharisees. You can be a seeking soul like the rich young ruler. You can have lamps like the five foolish bridesmaids. You can do all these things and still be lost. Jesus was referring to God’s words recorded in Isaiah 29:13 when He said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8 NLT). And while spiritual acts may fool many people, they can never fool the Lord. Remember: “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT). That’s why it’s such a short-sighted mistake to take a surface-deep approach to the Christian faith. One day, we will all have to answer for the choices we make in this life. And Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter” (NLT). Jesus offers not just eternal life in heaven but also “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT) in this world. But you can’t experience it if your only concern is looking like a Christian. Jesus demands your whole heart. Reflection question: How can you tell the difference between a sincere and insincere faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today,we're looking at Luke chapter 22:24-30. Jesus has just revealed that Judas isHis betrayer, who went out to gather men to arrest Him and take Him to the highpriest to be crucified. Now, Jesus is still at the table with His disciples,and an astonishing thing happens next. In verse 24, a dispute arises among themabout which of them should be considered the greatest. Thiswas not the first time the disciples had committed this sin (Matt. 20:20-28;Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48), but in the light of what their Lord had said anddone that evening, this latest exhibition was inexcusable. Perhaps the argumentgrew out of their speculating over who would betray Him, or there may have beensome jealousy over the way they had been seated at the table. When you areinterested in promoting yourself, it doesn't take much to start an argument. It'sremarkable that after Jesus washed their feet, shared the Passover, andannounced His betrayal, the disciples are arguing over who will be the greatestin the kingdom. It still hasn't dawned on them, despite Jesus telling themseveral times—back in Luke chapter 9—that He would be crucified. Their disputebegan even then, on the way to Jerusalem, about who would be the greatest. Ican imagine, with Judas among them, they were all thinking, "I'll besitting next to Jesus in His kingdom, ruling over others." They weretrying to position themselves above one another as disciples of Christ. It'ssad that this happens even in our churches today. As Jesus heard themdisputing, He taught them a lesson: "We're not to be like the Gentiles. Inthe Roman Empire, people promote themselves, legally or illegally, doinganything to gain places of honor, power, and authority." It almost soundslike today—people lie, cheat, steal, and act corruptly to get to the top, evenin the corporate world. Jesus said, "That might be the way of theGentiles, who are called benefactors and given titles of honor, striving to berecognized, to be somebody, to be famous. Yet when they get there, they findit's not what it seems." Jesuscontinued, "It's not going to be that way among My people. I'm theexample—I'm the one who serves." He pointed out that those who sit at thetable are honored, part of the authority, but He had just washed their feet,serving them. "That's how it's to be among you," He said. "In Mykingdom, the greatest is the one who serves." OswaldChambers put it beautifully, saying we are to be doormats for people. Nobodylikes someone rubbing the dirt off their feet onto you, but Jesus said that'swhat we're to be. I've always thought, if someone rubs their dirt off on me,hopefully they're cleaner now, and thank God I have the opportunity to serve.It's not always easy to have that attitude, but we look to Jesus as ourexample. In His “Sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes” in Matthew 5:44, Jesus taughtus what our response should be to those who step on us: “But I say to you,love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”. Jesusclosed this lesson on servanthood by reminding them of their future reward inthe kingdom (Luke 22:28-30). In spite of their weaknesses and failures, thedisciples had stood by Jesus during His earthly ministry, and God would honorthem for their faithfulness. We should not mind being servants today, for weshall sit on thrones in the future kingdom! For that matter, our faithfulservice today is preparing us for the rewards we shall receive. Jesus has setthe example: first the cross, then the crown. Wehave something to look forward to, but for now, we are servants—doormats forJesus. I trust you'll be one for someone today as you serve them. Godbless!
In this episode of Bible Reading and Coffee Drinking, we dive into the powerful and emotional events of Matthew 26. From the woman who anoints Jesus with perfume, to Judas' betrayal, the Last Supper, and Jesus' agonizing prayer in Gethsemane—this chapter is full of heartbreak, devotion, and divine purpose. As the path to the cross begins, we see both human weakness and God's unshakable plan of redemption. Grab your Bible and coffee, and let's walk through this sacred moment in the story of our Savior.Also, use the code "Podcast20" to get 20% off our entire store. This is a special code specifically for our podcast listeners! See all our our hoodies, t-shirts, caps and more at https://www.livingchristian.org/store.html.Check out this podcast and all previous episodes on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and more! - https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlNEW DEVOTIONAL: 30 Days With The Lord, A Living Christian Devotional: https://amzn.to/4eXAO7sMY BIBLE: Every Man's Bible: New Living Translation - Find it here: https://amzn.to/3MuDAUSCHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE BELOW FOR CHRISTIAN APPAREL, PRODUCTS, BLOGS, BIBLE VERSES AND MORE:Website | https://www.livingchristian.orgStore | https://www.livingchristian.org/store.htmlPodcast | https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlFOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/living_christian/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/livechristian1 Twitter | https://twitter.com/livechristian1Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/living_christian/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@livingchristianABOUT US:Living Christian believes that our Christian faith isn't just for Sunday mornings in Church. Our faith impacts every aspect of our lives and the challenges we face every day of the week. We want to connect to people who are seeking to determine what Living Christian means in their own day-to-day lives. We are focused on providing resources and products to a community of believers. We provide daily biblical inspiration, motivation and guidance through social posts, blogs and Christian apparel and products.This work contains Music Track The 126ers - Winds of Spring that is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Source: https://directory.audio/free-music/pop/5092-the-126ers-winds-of-springAuthor: The 126ers#christ #christian #christianity #christianblog #christianblogger #verses #bible #bibleinspiration #bibletime #jesusistheway #biblestudy #dailybible #newtestament #oldtestament #thebible #christ #jesuschrist #holybible #lukewarm #christians #christianpodcast #christmas
There is a fair amount of promotion of the need for body building and physical fitness these days. It is a pity there is not as much – indeed more – emphasis on being spiritually fit, it is far more needed – and vital for our own eternal well-being. Our thoughts were provoked along these lines as we read today the 25 verses of the short letter of Jude.He starts by telling us he is the brother of James, so it is usually accepted that he is another half-brother of Jesus. In Matthew 13 v.55, we see that Jesus had a (half) brother, Judas is well as one named James. We assume he is writing in his old age, he addresses ” those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ” [v.1]. Jude sees much evidence of declining faith and writes “appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” [v.3]There is one true faith – a right way of believing and living, but some “pervert the grace of God into sensuality …” [v.4] and this in effect means they “deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” We show we believe not only by our words but by how we live and Jude gives examples from history of so many who, although they made ‘offerings' to God “walked in the way of Cain” and of Balaam and Korah (son of Aaron) who all had intimate knowledge of things divine but who acted in evil ways. [v.11]Jude was obviously living in the last days of the Jewish nation, but his warnings of the approaching end are very applicable to today. “You must remember,” he writes, “the predictions of the apostles … they said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers … who cause divisions, worldly people. But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith … keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” [v.18-21] Only by such building up will we gain eternal life.The result of genuinely doing this will be a real living relationship with our Lord “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.” [v.24] Let us build ourselves up to a genuine state of spiritual fitness, feeding on God's word every day is an essential part of our diet.
Today,we're continuing to look at Luke 22. We are now in the upper room on Thursdayevening with our Lord Jesus Christ and His twelve disciples. In verses 14–16, theyhave sat down at the table to eat the Passover meal with Jesus the night beforeHe will be crucified. According to John's Gospel (John 13), Jesus had risenfrom the table and washed all the disciple's feet which would have includedJudas before they went through the eating of the Jewish Passover. It is afterthis that Jesus reveals the disciple who has already betrayed Him and made adeal with the chief priest (Matthew 26:14). Ona number of occasions Jesus had already hinted to His disciples that one oftheir number was not truly with Him (John 6:66-71), but now He openly spokeabout a traitor in their midst. However, He did not do this just for the sakeof the disciples, but more for the sake of Judas. Jesus had kissed Judas andwashed his feet, and now He was giving Judas another opportunity to repent. Itis most significant that Jesus did not openly identify Judas as the traitor butin a sense had protected him until the very end. Aquestion we all ask is that if Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him, why didHe choose him in the first place? And, if somebody had to betray the Lord, whycondemn Judas? After all, he simply did God's will and fulfilled the OldTestament prophecy in Psalms 41:9; 55:12-14; 69:25; 109:8; Acts 1:15-20. Youmight remember that before Jesus chose His 12 Apostles, He spent a whole nightin prayer (Luke 6:12-16), so we must believe that it was the Father's will thatJudas be among them (John 8:29). But the selection of Judas did not seal hisfate; rather, it gave him opportunity to watch the Lord Jesus closely, believe,and be saved. God in His sovereignty had determined that His Son would bebetrayed by a friend, but divine foreknowledge does not destroy humanresponsibility or accountability. Judas made each decision freely and would bejudged accordingly, even though he still fulfilled the decree of God (Acts2:23). Thefact that the disciples were puzzled by this strange announcement reveals thatthey did not know Judas' true character, their own hearts, or the prophecies inthe Psalms. It appears that they all ask the question after Jesus made thisannouncement, “Is it I?” (Matthew 26:22-25). Nor did they remember the Lord'sstatements that He would be betrayed into the hands of the enemy (Matthew17:22; 20:18). If Peter had fully understood what was happening, he might haveused his sword on Judas! Thereis much about Judas that remains a mystery to us, and we must not speculate toomuch. Judas is certainly a witness to the sinlessness of Jesus Christ, for ifanybody could have given witness against Him, it was Judas. However, theauthorities had to find false witnesses in order to build their case againstJesus. Remember when Judas went back to the chief priest and gave them back theirmoney admitted that he had "betrayed innocent blood" (Matthew27:4). Itis at this point that Judas left the Upper Room to go to the religious leadersand get ready for the arrest of Jesus in the Garden. Judas went out "andit was night" (John 13:30), for he was obeying the prince of darkness(Luke 22:53). Jesus had said, “Woe to that man by whom He is betrayed”. That man was Judas, and for him it was night,and is still night, and always will be night! Wemust also remember that Satan can still appear as an angel of light, and like Judas,sit in our church, stand in the pulpit, serve on the leadership team, and deceiveeveryone as he destroys the church. Paul warned the church about these peoplein 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Oneday Jesus will expose these people for who they really are! In the meantime, weshould be aware! Godbless!
He was one of the Twelve and a kinsman of the Lord according to the flesh (see Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13; according to holy Tradition, Joseph the Carpenter, before he was widowed, had four sons by his wife Salome: James, Hosea, Simon and Jude). As an Apostle, St Jude preached in Mesopotamia, Arabia and Syria, and met a Martyr's end in Beirut. He is the author of the New Testament Epistle that bears his name. His name ("Judas" in Greek, from "Judah" in Hebrew) means "praise".
Listen to the Message from Sunday, June 16, 2025 "Legacy of Love" - Father's Day Message Summary of "Honor's Reward" by Pastor Bryan Hudson, DMin Mark 6:1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Bryan Hudson's talk, Honor's Reward, draws from Mark 6:1–6, where Jesus is dishonored in His hometown and thus unable to perform many miracles. Hudson highlights that it wasn't Jesus' unwillingness but the people's lack of honor that restrained His power. He explains that honor means to value, appreciate, and respect, whereas dishonor is treating something or someone as common or ordinary. Because the people saw Jesus only as “Mary's son” and not as the Messiah, they failed to receive the fullness of what He came to offer. Hudson connects this principle to daily life: you can only receive to the extent that you are willing to honor—whether it's God, people, or opportunities. He warns that like the Pharisees, people can honor God with their lips but remain far from Him in heart, missing out on His blessings. The key takeaway: Honor unlocks potential and blessing; dishonor shuts it down. Let honor be both heartfelt and practical to experience God's best.
Today,we're focusing on verses 14–16, which say, "When the hour had come, He,Jesus, sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, 'Withfervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.For I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in thekingdom of God.'" Most Bible scholars believe that the following verses17–20, which describe the institution of the Lord's Supper, take place at theend of the supper, so we'll come back to those verses. Toget the full glimpse of what is taking place we remember that that it is Thursdayevening, which would have been the Jewish Friday, because sundown begins thenext day for the Jewish people. We also believe these events took place in theupper room in the city of Jerusalem. Whenever I have visited Israel we always goto this location I Jerusalem, not the same building, but an upper room where wetake the Lord's Supper with our tour group. Webelieve that's what takes place in verses 17–20. But before Jesus institutedthe Lord's Supper, the Lord has the Jewish Passover supper with His disciples. Rememberthat Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to prepare for this supper. The lamb hasbeen slaughtered and roasted. Some tell us that the lamb was roasted with apomegranate stick stuck through the middle and another crossway through thelamb, then roasted over the fire for the Passover meal—a picture of the crossof Christ, suffering on a cross, crucified for our sins and your sins. Inverse 14, it says, "When the hour had come," and we've talkedabout the hour that Jesus knew would be on that day, an hour that He would goto a cross and suffer. During this time, the Passover supper takes place inthis upper room. If you want to read the details of what was said in the upperroom, go to John chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, and possibly even chapter 17, whereJesus prays His High Priestly Prayer. We know that prayer could have takenplace in the upper room or on the way to Gethsemane when He left, because John18:1 says, “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciplesover the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciplesentered.” Somethingelse to notice in John chapter 13: the first thing Jesus did when they enteredthe room, as the host of the Passover dinner, was kiss each of the disciples,which means He would have kissed Judas, whom He knew would betray Him. Somebelieve Judas sat on His left and John on His right, as described in John12:23. In the upper room, Jesus washes the disciples' feet giving them anexample of humility. Which apparently the disciples didn't learn from it. Becauselater, after the Passover meal, the disciples argue over who's going to begreatest in the kingdom (Luke 22:24-30). InJohn 14, Jesus tells the disciples not to let their hearts be troubled and givesthem the promise of heaven, the promise that He will come again, and thepromise of the Holy Spirit. In John 15, Jesus gives the message of abiding inHim—He is the vine, and we are the branches. In John 16, He goes into detailabout the Holy Spirit, the Comforter who will come and be with them. Jesusknows the hour has come and says, “I will no longer eat of it until it isfulfilled in the kingdom of God."(v.16). Jesus no doubt said this because He knew this Passover time would fulfillall the Old Testament scriptures of the Passover Lamb. Jesus, that PassoverLamb, is the last Passover. In verses 17–20, we see the institution of theLord's Supper, which is now left for us, the church. Theseare very interesting scriptures. I trust you will get a glimpse into thesuffering of our Lord and understand what He did for you and me in a specialand unique way. Godbless!
====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== DEVOCIÓN MATUTINA PARA JÓVENES 2025“HOY ES TENDENCIA”Narrado por: Daniel RamosDesde: Connecticut, USAUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist Church===================|| www.drministries.org ||===================17 de JunioCuestión de conveniencia«Mientras Labán fue a otra parte a trasquilar sus ovejas, Raquel le robó sus ídolos familiares». Génesis 31: 19La huida de Jacob de la casa de su suegro constituyo uno de los episodios bíblicos más fascinante. Sí, asi como acabas de leer, Jacob huyó de su suegro.En medio de este relato, encontramos una nota intrigante: «Mientras Labán fue a otra parte a trasquilar sus ovejas, Raquel le robó sus ídolos familiares» (Génesis 31: 19, la cursiva es nuestra). Aunque se supone que toda la familia de Jacob adora a Jehová, Raquel, sin embargo, hurta los ídolos de su padre. ¿Qué motivó a Raquel a cometer tal acto y qué lección podemos extraer de este episodio?En su comentario sobre Génesis, Gordon J. Wenham señala tres posibles razones para el hurto de los ídolos: (1) Los ídolos eran un amuleto de protección para el viaje a Canaán. (2) Tener los ídolos le daba el derecho de reclamar la herencia de Labán. (3) La mayoría de los dioses paganos estaban asociados a la fertilidad. Dado que Raquel no podía tener hijos (ver Génesis 30: 1), es posible que hubiera robado los ídolos en su búsqueda de la fertilidad.Si te fijas en las tres posibles razones que motivaron a Raquel a robar los ídolos de Labán, la lección del relato se torna obvia. Las tres implican algún tipo de beneficio para Raquel. Ese es el modus operandi del pecado. Nadie se despierta un día y decide dedicar su vida al pecado y perderse. El cambio siempre es lento y gradual, y comienza cuando creemos que estamos ganando algo con el pecado.En el Edén, Eva creyó que obtendría sabiduría (ver Génesis 3: 6), pero encontró la muerte. Acán creyó que estaba obteniendo un manto, doscientas monedas de plata y un lingote de oro, pero condenó a muerte a treinta y seis israelitas (ver Josué 7). Judas creyó que estaba ganando treinta monedas de plata, pero en realidad estaba traicionando al Hijo de Dios.Así que la próxima vez que llegues a la conclusión de que obtendrás algún beneficio al traicionar tus principios y fallarle a Dios, recuerda las palabras del Sabio: «Hijo mío, si los pecadores quieren engatusarte, ¡dales la espalda!» (Proverbios 1: 10, NTV).
A kiss becomes the ultimate betrayal in this powerful examination of Judas Iscariot's treachery against Jesus. We dive deep into Mark 14:42-65, uncovering the layers of this pivotal moment that set in motion the most important weekend in human history.Discussed in this session is the perplexing question that has troubled believers for centuries—why would Judas betray Jesus? Rather than focusing solely on theories of greed or political disappointment, we examine the deeper character flaws revealed in scripture and conclude that sometimes evil actions stem simply from evil hearts.This episode illuminates fascinating details often overlooked in this familiar story: Peter's impulsive sword attack, the mysterious naked young man who fled the scene, and the stark contrast between the disciples' bold promises and their frightened abandonment when real danger appeared. Each element adds texture and authenticity to this eyewitness account.Perhaps most revealing is the examination of Jesus' trial before the Jewish authorities—a mockery of justice that violated at least 22 of their own legal procedures. False witnesses couldn't align their testimonies, leading to growing frustration from the high priest who finally demanded a direct answer about Jesus' identity. The response would seal his fate but fulfill his divine purpose.Throughout these events, we see Jesus remained silent when falsely accused but spoke precisely when necessary to accomplish his mission. While human betrayal, fear, and injustice swirled around him, Christ maintained perfect control of his destiny.What does Mark's account of this story reveal about human nature, justice, and divine purpose? Listen now and discover how these events still speak powerfully to our world today. Then join us next time as we continue exploring Jesus' profound response to the high priest's question.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
====================================================https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1====================================================DEVOCIÓN MATUTINA PARA JOVENCITAS“PRINCESA”Narrado por: Sirley DelgadilloDesde: Bucaramanga, ColombiaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist Church===================|| www.drministries.org ||===================17 DE JUNIONO CUALQUIERA ¿No es acaso el carpintero, el hijo de María y hermano de Jacobo, de José, de Judas y de Simón? ¿No están sus hermanas aquí con nosotros? Marcos 6:3 ¿Alguna vez te sentiste como si fueras solo una esposa, solo una amiga, solo una hija o solo una madre? Todas nos sentimos marginadas a veces. Jesús lo hizo. Después de resucitar asombrosamente a una niña de entre los muertos, Jesús regresó a su casa en Nazaret con sus discípulos. Aún así, la gente estaba “profundamente ofendida y se negó a creer en él” (Marcos 6: 3b). Que frustrante. Qué triste. Sin duda, Jesús estaba decepcionado por aquellos en su región natal y por los líderes de las sinagogas cuyo trabajo era reconocer al Mesías cuando Él viniera. Pero en última instancia, la identidad, el valor y el poder de Jesús provienen de Su Padre Celestial y no de la validación de ningún ser terrenal. Lo mismo es cierto para ti y para mí. Si hoy se siente ignorada o mal juzgada, lleve esos sentimientos a Jesús y deje que Él la tranquilice. Si no ha recibido el amor y el apoyo de las personas importantes para usted, lleve esa decepción al Señor, que la comprende completamente. Jesús tiene la capacidad de transformar la angustia en paz, cambiar nuestros dolores por fuerza y reemplazar la piedad por poder. Confiemos en nuestro Mesías, a menudo marginado, para dar forma a nuestra identidad y definir nuestro futuro. No cualquiera puede hacer eso.
As Jesus stared down the barrel of a horrific death– drinking the cup of the wrath of God against all sin– He exhibited stunning courage. Even Judas and the soldiers were compelled to bow at the force of His proclamation, “I AM.” Their forced response to Jesus' courage should be our voluntary response: to fall down before Jesus in awe. Christ's courage at the end of His life compels the worship of all. “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11) Take-Home Message: The courage of Christ compels me to worship. The Courageous Christ… Stepped forward into darkness (1-4). Why did Judas betray Jesus? Wrong expectation Wrong treasure Wrong influence Stood up for the disciples (5-9). Submitted to His demise (10-12). Message: The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus Scripture: John 18:1-12 Simple. Authentic. Jesus. Prairiebible.org
Today,as we look at Luke chapter 22, we need to remember the setting behind thischapter, focusing on what was happening in Jerusalem during the week ofPassover, what we call Passion Week. Therewas tremendous excitement this week in Jerusalem as the Passover was takingplace. Over 100,000, perhaps 300,000 or more, Jewish pilgrims had come to thecity. They had been looking for the Messiah for centuries and were expectingthat Jesus, who performed miracles and proclaimed Himself to be the Messiah,might be the one. John the Baptist had proclaimed that He was the Messiah, andmany had repented and followed John. After John the Baptist was killed, Jesuscontinued His ministry of teaching the people, proclaiming the message of theKingdom, healing people and doing miracles, for a total period of three and ahalf years. Jesus Christ was now back in Jerusalem during this week forPassover Week knowing He would be sacrificed as the Lamb of God to take awayour sins. TheJews were excited, but the Romans were scared and worried, thinking this mightbe a time for an uprising. This is likely why Pilate and Herod were both inJerusalem, though Herod would normally be at Caesarea in his palace, and Pilatewould be relaxing in Tiberias. As Roman rulers over Jerusalem and the Jews atthe time, they were present, knowing there could be a riot or uprising. Theywere responsible to Rome to keep peace in the land. As you can imagine, it wasa very electric time. Inthe first six verses, Judas went to the chief priest, elders, scribes,Pharisees, and religious leaders, making a deal to betray Jesus secretly. Theywere afraid that an open betrayal would cause issues with the people, and theyknew the Romans needed to be involved to make it appear as though the Romans,not the religious leaders, were responsible for putting Christ to death. Thereligious leaders were already struggling with their integrity andaccountability, especially since Jesus had publicly called them hypocrites. “Thencame the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb must be killed” (v 7). We believe this day wasThursday, as the Jewish day begins in the evening. (The evening of this daywould have been considered Friday, the day the Passover Lamb would be killed,and the same day Jesus would be crucified.) Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Goand prepare the Passover for us that we may eat." Jesus already knewwho Judas was. He knew from the beginning that Judas was a thief and wouldbetray Him. Jesus knew Judas had already gone to the chief priest and betrayedHim, and He knew a plot was underway to have Him crucified. He knew becausethat's why He came to Jerusalem; He knew what awaited Him there. So,He sent Peter and John secretly, because if Judas knew, he might have hadpeople come to arrest Jesus in the upper room. Only Peter and John knew theplan. When they asked Him where to prepare, He said, "Behold, whenyou've entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water;follow him into the house where he enters." This was unusual becausemen typically didn't carry pitchers of water; women did. Seeing a man with apitcher would stand out, signaling, "That's the guy." He must havebeen a believer. They were to say to the master of the house, "TheTeacher says to you, 'Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover withMy disciples?'" This man, likely a believer already preparing for thePassover, would show them a large, furnished upper room. They went and found itjust as He had said and prepared the Passover. Peterand John purchased the Passover lamb, took it to the chief priests, had itsacrificed and roasted, and waited in the upper room on Thursday evening forJesus and the rest of the disciples to come. Jesus knew what was going on, yetHe still gave His life as a ransom for you and me. Oh, what a Savior! What aSavior!Godbless!
Guardian Shannon is over the moon about the history lessons in the movie and Librarian Carolyn chuckled whenever Andre the taxi driver was on screen while Caretaker SP enjoyed Judson's barbershop appearances. This week's staff enjoys the third, final and favorite Librarian film; link up the Warehouse 13 and Librarian(s) timelines; discuss how Stana Katic is a HUGE step up for the series so far; the 007 spoof and auction budget; the new Library knowledge; give kudos to composer Joseph LoDuca; how Jonathan Frakes personally inspired SP musically; the improved CGI; all the vampire lore; the amazing Bruce Davidson; and the future dynamic casino duo Dealer Carolyn and Pit Boss Shannon. Stay tuned after the outro for some brief bonus clips. We are all saddened that Artie's Attic have come to an end. Thank you so much for listening to our bonus coverage of The Librarian TV movies and all of our podcast episodes. We look forward to discussing more exciting series in the future. Email: warehouse13fancast@gmail.com X: https://www.x.com/syfygurl X: https://www.x.com/ocean363 Best place to find SP: http://www.GonnaGeek.com/discord All music and sound effect used on this episode were purchased on http://www.pond5.com Find more Artie's Attic content and other shows on the Lone Wolf Podcasts network at: http://www.lonewolfpodcasts.com Support Artie's Attic: A Warehouse 13 Fancast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/arties-attic-warehouse-13-fanc
* You can get the sermon note sheet at: http://family-bible-church.org/2025Messages/25Jun15.pdf * Last week we turned to the final day of Jesus the Messiah's earthly life and ministry with the consideration of Judas' decision to betray the Messiah. * Today, we get to focus probably THE most observed portrait of Christ's payment for our sins - the Last Supper. Our observances of this Passover Seder meal that Christ partook with His disciples are commonly referred to as Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Eucharist. * We are told, in the passage that we studying today, that Jesus was intensely desirous of having this meal with His disciples and leaving it as a portrait for us to remember the cost of the covenant which He was purchasing on our behalf. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on June 15, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.
THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD (Acts 1:9-11) Today's message does not have the great theological Bible truths of the last several weeks, but it does have some good Bible history. Our message today is somewhat workman like in that it talks about what the disciples did while they waited on the comforter that Jesus had promised them. Today, we talk about the characteristics of the disciples, and then we discover that Peter is still just as impulsive as he has always been as he tries to lead the group in choosing a replacement for Judas. And then lastly, we will set the stage for our discussion next week on the events of Pentecost. The Bible tells us that the Old Testament Feast of Pentecost represents something—that is, it is the fulfillment of something. The Feast of the Pentecost has been fulfilled in the birth of the church. Pentecost was to depict the beginning and origin of the church. It spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit in the very particular ministry of calling a people out of this world to form the body of Christ, which is the church. Five minutes before the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost there was no church. Five minutes after the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost there was a church. In other words, what Bethlehem was to the birth of Christ, Jerusalem, on the Day of Pentecost, was to the coming of the Holy Spirit. Click on the play button to hear a message on how it was at Pentecost that The Holy Spirit became incarnate. He began to baptize believers, which means that the Holy Spirit identified them with Christ as His body here on this earth. As believers, we are a part of that fulfillment today. Our purpose on this earth today is to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us to gather all of the members of that great body of the church. Jesus is coming again to gather that church up as His bride. Our mission is to spread the gospel of Christ to the uttermost parts of the world. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.
Todaywe're looking at Luke chapter 22. We believe this chapter describes the eventsthat took place on Thursday of Passover Week and what we also call PassionWeek. This is the day that Jesus would prepare for the Passover with Hisdisciples because He knew He was the Passover Lamb. Remember the story of theExodus when the Passover lamb was killed, the blood was sprinkled on thedoorpost and lintel, and the firstborn would be spared. The death angel would “passover” that house because the blood had been applied. Whata beautiful picture when Jesus shows up three and a half years earlier and Johnthe Baptist said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of theworld." The next day John sees Jesus coming again and simply says, "Beholdthe Lamb of God." (John 1:29-35). Today I pray that you and I willbehold Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God, submissive and obedient to His Father andis led as a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7 - “He was oppressed and Hewas afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to theslaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not Hismouth”). And Who takes away our sin, gives us forgiveness, heals us, andgrants us eternal life. ThenI pray that you will behold Jesus, the Passover Lamb of God, in His beauty,courage, strength, death, burial, and resurrection. What a beautiful picture wehave of Jesus in His great love for us, fulfilling John 3:16: "For God soloved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Himwould not perish but have everlasting life." My friend, that word"whosoever" includes you and me. I'mconvinced Jesus Christ and God love every person on planet Earth with aneternal love, and He sent His only Son so that “whosoever—anyone”—can be saved.No one is predestined to be saved or lost; we are all called to salvation. Thedifference is we must choose whether we will believe in Jesus as the Son ofGod, the Lamb of God who alone can take away our sin. When we repent, believeand receive Jesus as our only hope, we discover we are the chosen ones who believed,chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, according to Ephesianschapter 1. We have an eternal choice that everyone has: to trust Christ orreject Him. He is Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Jesusknows all this. He knows why He came into the world—"not to condemn theworld but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-21). We knowmen love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. ThePharisees, scribes, and chief priests rejected Christ because of hypocrisy, andas Pilate points out, because of envy and jealousy. They loved the darkness of theirreligion and sin. And Jesus was infringing on their religious business. Jesusalways challenges religion and religious business. He came to seek and savethat which was lost. Today, trust Him. Duringthis time of Passover, some 100,000 to 300,000 Jewish pilgrims would flood intoJerusalem. Historian Josephus said 250,000 lambs would be slaughtered for apopulation of 500,000 to a million Jewish people. On this Thursday, Jesus ispreparing for the Passover while the scribes, Pharisees, and chief priests areplotting to kill Him. Judas, filled with Satan's animosity and hatred forChrist and God, is led to betray Jesus. This is all taking place as Jesusprepares to be that Passover Lamb. We see the preparation for the supper takeplace in verses 7 through 13 as they prepare for this special commemorative meal!Today,let us remember to get rid of the leaven of sin and bitterness in our heartsand come cleanly to the feast of the Passover with our hearts open, rememberingthe death of Jesus Christ till He comes.Godbless!
Guest host Rich Berra and psychic medium Mark Anthony explore the fears and superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, how the number 13 became unlucky from Judas at the Last Supper to architects not including 13th floors in buildings, plus his psychic investigation of a haunted mental hospital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Webelieve the events in this chapter take place on Thursday of Passion Week, theweek that Jesus Christ will be crucified. Thiswas the time of Passover. There were three major feasts on the Jewish calendar:Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. All Jewish men were expected to go toJerusalem each year to celebrate these, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:16. ThePassover commemorated the time when the people of Israel left Egypt, when thelamb was killed, and the firstborn could live when the blood was sprinkled onthe doorpost and lintel. God had ordained that every year the people of Israelwere to commemorate and celebrate this time of deliverance out of Egypt. Duringthis time, the leaven was taken out of the houses, and the houses were cleansedfor Passover and the Passover meal. This meal will take place on Thursday withJesus and His disciples, and then He'll be crucified on Friday. TheFeast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover, as noted inverse one of chapter 22. In verse two, the chief priests and scribes sought howthey might kill Him, for they feared the people. The very people who shouldhave accepted Christ and acknowledged Him, understanding the Scriptures andthat He was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah,were full of hypocrisy. Remember that Jesus warned His disciples of the leavenof the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Their hypocrisy is revealed: theycleansed the leaven in their houses but not the leaven in their hearts. TheBible says in John 8:44 that the devil is a murderer from the beginning, didnot abide in the truth, and there is no truth in him. My friend, these peoplewere motivated by satanic powers to do what they did. Inverse three, “Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered amongthe twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests andcaptains about how he might betray Jesus to them. " The Pharisees, scribes, and chiefpriests were delighted when Judas was going to do it secretly, and they gavehim money. Judaswas motivated and energized by Satan (John 13:2, 27), for he never was a truebeliever in Jesus Christ. His sins had never been cleansed by the Lord (John13:10-11), and he had never believed and received eternal life (John 6:64-71). Yetnone of the other Apostles had the least suspicion that Judas was a traitor. Wehave every reason to believe that Judas had been given the same authority asthe other men and that he had preached the same message and performed the samemiracles. It shows how close a person can come to God's kingdom and still belost (Matt. 7:21-29). Whydid Judas betray the Lord Jesus? We know that he was a thief (John 12:4-6) andthat money played a part in his terrible deed. But thirty pieces of silver wasnot a large payment for such a great crime, and there had to be something moreinvolved. It is possible that Judas saw in Jesus the salvation of the Jewishnation and, therefore, he followed Him because he hoped to hold an office inthe kingdom. Keep in mind that the Twelve often argued over who was thegreatest in the kingdom, and Judas, the treasurer, surely participated in thoseimportant discussions. WhenJudas understood that Jesus would not establish the kingdom but rather wouldsurrender to the authorities, he turned against Him in bitter retaliation. The"leaven" in his life grew quietly and secretly until it produced"malice and wickedness" (1 Cor. 5:6-8). When you cooperate withSatan, you pay dearly, and Judas ended up destroying himself (Matt. 27:3-5).Satan is a liar and a murderer (John 8:44), and he reproduced himself perfectlyin Judas. Today,we need to beware of the leaven, the unconfessed secret sins and the proud anddeceitful motivations that lie hidden in our hearts. Only the blood of Jesuscan cleanse us as we confess our sins ask forgiveness (1 John 1:7-10).Godbless!
Judas...son of a bitch. Chicago’s best morning radio show now has a podcast! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and remember that the conversation always lives on the Q101 Facebook page. Brian & Kenzie are live every morning from 6a-10a on Q101. Subscribe to our channel HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@Q101 Like Q101 on Facebook HERE: https://www.facebook.com/q101chicago Follow Q101 on Twitter HERE: https://twitter.com/Q101Chicago Follow Q101 on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/q101chicago/?hl=en Follow Q101 on TikTok HERE: https://www.tiktok.com/@q101chicago?lang=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new MP3 sermon from Grace Audio Treasures is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Is there any trace of Judas in your heart? Subtitle: Puritan Devotional Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Grace Audio Treasures Event: Devotional Date: 6/11/2025 Bible: Luke 22:48; Matthew 23:27 Length: 4 min.
Luke 22:48, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" Among all the sins that defile the soul, hypocrisy is especially detestable to God. It is not merely sin--it is sin under the mask of righteousness. It is rebellion, dressed in the robes of religion. No man exemplifies this dreadful evil, more than Judas Iscariot. Judas walked with Jesus. He heard His voice, saw His miracles, and shared in His ministry. To all appearances, he was a faithful disciple--trusted enough to keep the money bag. But beneath the surface, his heart was cold, covetous, and corrupt. His outward profession, masked an inward love for self and silver. And in the end, he betrayed the Son of God--not with a sword, but with a kiss! That which should have been a sign of love and friendship, was desecrated to the vilest of purposes. What a solemn reminder that hypocrisy is often found among the religious! "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!" Matthew 23:27 The most chilling aspect of Judas' sin, is how close he was to the Savior, yet how far his heart remained. He called Him "Rabbi," kissed Him as a friend, and yet sold Him for the price of a slave. Judas kissed and killed his Lord. The kiss and the betrayal came together. Hypocrites betray Christ still in this way: they profess to love Jesus, they kiss Him, they worship Him with their lips--but their hearts are far from Him. Jesus' question pierces like a dagger! "Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" The betrayal was not done in hatred, but in false affection. This is the essence of hypocrisy--using the appearance of devotion, to cover up sin. Many a man has kissed Jesus, and then gone to Hell. Let
Fr. Mike guides us through Jesus' warning of persecution to the people of Israel as we near the end of Mark's Gospel. He also touches on how Jesus' behavior in the Garden of Gethsemane should serve as an example to us, and explains why Judas' betrayal was so heartbreaking. Today's readings are Mark 13-14 and Psalm 68.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.
Judas “went to his own place” while the saints “remain with Jesus.”
Why did Jesus choose to die during Passover? The timing wasn't coincidental but purposeful. Jesus orchestrated every detail of his final days, forcing the religious leaders' hand despite their reluctance to arrest him during the feast.Mark 14:12-21 reveals how Jesus arranged his last meal with extraordinary precision. When the disciples asked where to prepare the Passover, Jesus gave them specific instructions: find a man carrying water (culturally unusual, as this was women's work) who would lead them to a fully furnished upper room. This wasn't luck but divine providence at work—God arranging circumstances down to the minute. The unnamed homeowner who prepared that space played a crucial role in salvation history, providing the setting for Jesus' profound final teachings to his disciples.The Passover itself held deep symbolism Jesus deliberately fulfilled. The unleavened bread represented removing sin from one's life, while the sacrificial lamb pointed to Jesus himself—the ultimate sacrifice whose blood would save people from death and free them from bondage. During this meaningful meal, Jesus predicted his betrayal, prompting soul-searching from each disciple who asked, "Is it I?" Rather than confidently asserting their loyalty, they questioned their own steadfastness—a model of spiritual humility we should emulate.Most moving is how Jesus identified his betrayer as "one who dips with me in the bowl"—a gesture of intimacy and fellowship. Even knowing Judas would betray him, Jesus extended this final act of love. What a profound picture of grace toward enemies! This passage reminds us Jesus wasn't a helpless victim but the divine orchestrator of salvation history, walking deliberately toward the cross to fulfill scriptural prophecies and establish a New Covenant.Have you considered how God might be orchestrating circumstances in your life? Take time today to reflect on where divine providence might be at work, even in details you've overlooked.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== LECCIÓN DE ESCUELA SABÁTICA II TRIMESTRE DEL 2025Narrado por: Miguel PáezDesde: Bogotá, ColombiaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchMARTES 10 DE JUNIOBOOZ COMO REDENTOR Booz se enamora profundamente de Rut y desea casarse con ella, pero existe un obstáculo importante para ello: hay un pariente más cercano que también tiene derecho a ella y a la tierra. Si consideramos a Booz como un tipo de Cristo, esta situación puede revelar una cuestión que está en juego en el Gran Conflicto. Cristo nos ama, pero hay un “pariente más cercano” que también tiene cierto derecho: Satanás. ¿Qué revelan los siguientes pasajes acerca de la pretensión de Satanás respecto de la humanidad? (Job 1:6-11; Mat. 4:8, 9; Jud. 1:9; Luc. 22:31). Cuando Satanás apareció en el concilio celestial, dijo a Dios que venía “de rodear la tierra y andar por ella” (Job 1:7), y cuando Dios le preguntó si se había fijado en el justo Job, Satanás lo reclamó como uno de los suyos, sugiriendo que el corazón de Job no pertenecía realmente a Dios. Es decir, que Job solo seguía a Dios por conveniencia. Según Satanás, Job dejaría de ser leal a Dios si el Señor dejaba de ser benévolo con él. El libro de Judas contiene una breve referencia a una historia muy conocida en Israel, según la cual Moisés resucitó después de haber sido sepultado por Dios mismo (Deut. 34:6). Aunque no tenemos todos los detalles, la disputa por el cuerpo de Moisés da a entender que Satanás estaba reclamando algún derecho sobre él. “Por primera vez Cristo iba a dar vida a uno de los muertos. Cuando el Príncipe de la vida y los ángeles resplandecientes se aproximaron a la tumba, Satanás temió perder su hegemonía. Con sus ángeles malos, se aprestó a disputar la invasión del territorio que llamaba suyo. Se jactó de que el siervo de Dios había llegado a ser su prisionero. Declaró que ni siquiera Moisés había sido capaz de guardar la Ley de Dios; que se había atribuido la gloria que pertenecía a Jehová –había cometido el mismo pecado que hiciera desterrar a Satanás del Cielo–, y que por su transgresión había caído bajo el dominio de Satanás” (Elena de White, Patriarcas y profetas, p. 511). Cristo refutó la afirmación de Satanás, y Moisés fue resucitado (ver Mat. 17:3). En Rut 4:1 al 12, Booz viaja hasta el portal de Belén, la ciudad donde Cristo vino al mundo como nuestro Pariente cercano. Los ancianos se reúnen y finalmente se intercambia una sandalia (símbolo de pertenencia, o propiedad). La puerta de un pueblo era el lugar donde se decidían los casos. Por lo tanto, la escena de Belén es un tipo o representación del Juicio Celestial, ya que refleja la escena del juicio registrada en Daniel 7:13, 14, 22, 26 y 27. No debemos pasar por alto un aspecto crucial del Juicio, y es que este se realiza “en favor de los santos”, pero solo porque Cristo pagó el precio por nosotros, así como Booz lo pagó por Rut para que fuera su esposa.
Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Marvin Steele from Garland, TX. Thank you for partnering with us through Project23. Your support helps people have faith in Jesus. This one's for you. Our text today is Mark 6:1-6: He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. — Mark 6:1-6 Jesus returns to his hometown, Nazareth. This is where Jesus grew up, where he learned the trade of a carpenter, and where people watched him grow from a baby to a boy into a man. And now he's back. But not as a carpenter. But as a Lord. He's teaching with wisdom. He's performing mighty works. He's stepping fully into His divine calling. And what's the response? Listen to the skepticism: “Isn't this Mary's son? The carpenter? The kid we used to know?” They're amazed—but not expectantly and excitedly. They simply can't reconcile who Jesus is with who they remember he was. Familiarity breeds unbelief. They couldn't see the Messiah standing before them—because how they remembered him and formerly knew him for so many years. And because of that, Mark proclaims something staggering: “He could do no mighty work there… and he marveled because of their unbelief.” Let that sink in: Unbelief shut the door on what Jesus wanted to do. Not because he lacked power—but because the people lacked faith. Jesus doesn't force his way upon us, and he doesn't perform signs to show off to his skeptics. He responds to faith, not familiarity. And the warning of this scripture is simple. You can grow up around Jesus. You can hear his teaching every Sunday. You can know the stories, quote the verses, sing the songs—and still not have faith in him. Familiarity is not faith. Proximity is not surrender. Faith is seeing Jesus for who he truly is—and responding with awe, trust, and obedience. So today, the question isn't: “Are you familiar with Jesus?” The question is: “Do you have faith in Jesus?” #FaithOverFamiliarity, #PowerOfUnbelief, #JesusInNazareth ASK THIS: Are you truly seeing Jesus for who he is, or just as someone you've always known? How can familiarity with Jesus sometimes hinder your faith in Him? In what areas of your life do you need to move from knowledge of Jesus to faith in Him? What does it mean for you to respond with awe, trust, and obedience to Jesus? DO THIS: Take a moment to reflect on the areas of your life where familiarity with Jesus has replaced faith and trust. Ask God to reveal new aspects of His character to you today. PRAY THIS: Jesus, I don't want to merely know about You, I want to truly know You and trust You. Help me see You clearly and respond with faith, awe, and obedience today. Amen. PLAY THIS: King of Kings.
NOTAS DE ELENAMaterial complementario de la escuela Sabática para adultosNarrado por: Patty CuyanDesde: California, USAUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchLUNES, 09 DE JUNIORUT Y BOOZOtras medidas aun se tomaban en favor de los pobres. Después del reconocimiento de los requerimientos divinos, nada hay que diferencie tanto las leyes dadas por Moisés de cualesquiera otras como el espíritu generoso y hospitalario que ordenaban hacia los pobres. Aunque Dios había prometido bendecir grandemente a su pueblo, no se proponía que la pobreza fuese totalmente desconocida entre ellos. Declaró que los pobres no dejarían de existir en la tierra. Siempre habría entre su pueblo algunos que le darían oportunidad de ejercer la simpatía, la ternura y la benevolencia. En aquel entonces, como ahora, las personas estaban expuestas al infortunio, la enfermedad y la pérdida de sus propiedades; pero mientras se siguieran estrictamente las instrucciones dadas por Dios, no habría mendigos en Israel ni quien sufriera por falta de alimentos… Tales fueron las medidas que nuestro Creador misericordioso tomó para aminorar el sufrimiento e impartir algún rayo de esperanza y alegría en la vida de los indigentes y angustiados (Historia de los patriar-cas y profetas, pp. 570, 571, 575). Cristo honró también las relaciones matrimoniales al hacerlas símbolo de su unión con los redimidos. Él es el Esposo, y la esposa es la iglesia, de la cual, como escogida por él, dice: "Toda tú eres hermosa, amiga mía, y en ti no hay mancha". Cantares 4:7. "Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella, para santificarla limpiándola en el lavacro del agua por la palabra, para... que fuese santa y sin mancha. Así también los maridos deben amar a sus mujeres". Efesios 5:25-28. El vínculo de la familia es el más estrecho, el más tierno y sagrado de la tierra. Estaba destinado a ser una bendición para la humanidad. Y lo es siempre que el pacto matrimonial sea sellado con inteligencia, en el temor de Dios, y con la debida consideración de sus responsabilidades (El ministerio de curación, p. 275). Cristo va a venir en las nubes y con grande gloria. Le acompañará una multitud de ángeles resplandecientes. Vendrá para resucitar a los muertos y para transformar a los santos vivos de gloria en gloria. Vendrá para honrar a los que le amaron y guardaron sus mandamientos, y para llevarlos consigo. No los ha olvidado ni tampoco ha olvida-do su promesa. Volverán a unirse los eslabones de la familia. Cuando miramos a nuestros muertos, podemos pensar en la mañana en que la trompeta de Dios resonará, cuando "los muertos serán levantados sin corrupción, y nosotros seremos transformados". 1 Corintios 15:52. Aun un poco más, y veremos al Rey en su hermosura. Un poco más, y enjugará toda lágrima de nuestros ojos. Un poco más, y nos presentará "delante de su gloria irreprensibles, con grande alegría". Judas 1:24. Por lo tanto, cuando dio las señales de su venida, dijo: "Cuando estas cosas comenzaren a hacerse, mirad, y levantad vuestras cabezas, porque vuestra redención está cerca" (El Deseado de todas las gentes, p. 586).
* You can get the sermon note sheet at: http://family-bible-church.org/2025Messages/25Jun08.pdf * Over the past several weeks we have been considering the examination of Jesus by the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, who were looking for a way to accuse Him. As we began this consideration, we briefly examined the timing of the Passover tradition to see how Jesus' examination paralleled that of the choosing of the Passover Lamb. We mentioned at that time that we would look at the fulfillment of the feasts later. Today, we have that opportunity. * Today, we turn to the events of the final day prior to His crucifixion. Our text states that it was the time of the Feast of Unleavened Bread which was also referred to as Passover. It is important for us to understand the Old Testament timing and significance of this event. * For though the primary focus of this passage is upon Judas' betrayal of Jesus, there is baked within it the Jewish leaders' betrayal of YHWH at the time of a Feast which set to remind them of their redemption by YHWH. * This message was presented by Bob Corbin on June 8, 2025 at Family Bible Church in Martinez, Georgia.
Last Sunday, I mentioned Solomon as an example of a life of faith that began so wonderfully but ended very tragically. Solomon knew the scriptures well, we know this because of what he wrote in the book of Proverbs, and one such verse that he wrote was Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In fact, according to Proverbs, real wisdom is the Old Testament Law applied to all of life. Yet, at some point, Solomons heart was turned away from God and foolishly pursued what God warned would lead to heartbreak, shame, and disaster. The thing that Solomons father, David, was known for was that he was a man of war (1 Chron. 28:3), which Solomon was not. Solomon was known as a man of peace. The problem was that he pursued peace even if it meant that he ignored the very Law of God that influenced his writing of Proverbs. One of the ways the kings of other nations would enter into a peace agreement or an alliance (i.e. covenant) was by marrying the daughter(s) of the king of that nation. We are told that Solomon, loved many foreign women (1 Ki. 1-2). The problem with this is multifaceted, but here is what God commanded in His word that Solomon ignored: Be careful that you do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their memorial stones, and cut down their Asherim for you shall not worship any other god, because the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous Godotherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they would prostitute themselves with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might prostitute themselves with their gods and cause your sons also to prostitute themselves with their gods. You shall not make for yourself any gods cast in metal. (Exod. 34:1217) Solomon, who had been known for his godly wisdom and the building of the Temple, loved many foreign women (1 Ki. 11:1-2). So what happened? Listen to what the Bible says about Solomons ending legacy: So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as his father David had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abhorrent idol of Moab, on the mountain that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abhorrent idol of the sons of Ammon. He also did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. (1 Ki. 11:68) What Solomon thought would bring peace, contentment, and success... created a crushing burden the wrecked his life and led to the dividing of the nation of Israel into the North and the South. After the death of Solomon, the divisive spirit Solomon was responsible for creating through his many compromises led to the splitting of the nation he loved. The king of the northern kingdom (Jeroboam) established two alternative places to worship to keep those in the North from traveling to the Southern kingdom to worship Yahweh in the Temple that Solomon built. King Jeroboam set up golden calves not unlike the one made by the Hebrews after Moses was up on the mountain receiving the commandments of God; Jeroboam then said to the people: It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt (1 Ki. 12:28). The Northen Kingdom in Israel was known for its rampant and evil idolatry that included child sacrifice and gross perversions of marriage and sex, all while promoting a worldview contrary to the one of their forefathers. After many years of God warning the Northern Kingdom through His Word and His prophets to repent from their sins, and after many years of ignoring those warnings, God used the Asyrian Kingdom to judge, destroy, and exile many of the people. The Southern Kingdom was initially led by Solomons son, Rehoboam. In many respects, the Sothern Kingdom remained somewhat loyal to the faith and vision of their forefathers such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David. There were no doubt periods of idolatry, but there were also seasons of religious reform with an emphasis to return and maintain the worship of Yahweh at the Temple in Jerusalem. Many in the Southern Kingdom believed that because they had Solomons Temple, that they had the presence of God. Eventually the Southern Kingdom grew increasingly nominal in their faith to the point that God also sent them prophets to warn them of a similar fate that the Northern Kingdom suffered if they did not repent. Because they had Solomons Temple, were more conservative, and were not as bad as those in the Northern Kingdom, that they were safe. Eventually the Southern Kingdom became known for their worship of the idols of the nations, instead of their worship of the God of Abraham, Moses, and David. Both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms eventually experienced the crushing burden that their idols created. But it was after the Northen Kingdoms demise and Gods repeated warnings to the Sothern Kingdom to turn from their sins that Isaiah wrote what we read in 46:1-13. Creaturely Idols Create Crushing Burdens for those who Bow Before Them Idols come in all shapes and sizes; they are not only physical creations made with human hands. Idols include established gods worshiped by people groups and cultures, but they also come in the form of ideologies, things, or people that are made ultimate in the heart of their devotees. Some of the ancient idols of long ago have taken different shapes or even cloaked in a different dress... but they are not new. In Isaiah 46, the prophet calls out the worship of the Babylonian gods known as Bel and Nebo about a century before we are introduced to Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. Bel was the chief god worshiped by the Babylonians who was also known as Marduk and believed to be responsible for creation and worshiped as the supreme god. Nebo, the son of Bel (Marduk), was worshiped as the the Babylonian god of wisdom, writing, and scribes. In Isaiah 46, Bel and Nebo are depicted as burdens pulled by cattle; the irony of the way they are depicted is that in the days of Isaiah, when a nation was conquered, because it was believed that their gods were unable to save, the victorious army would put on display in a parade the idols of the defeated people. At least the defeated worshipers of Bel and Nebo can move, but the gods the Babylonians attribute power and knowledge to are stooped over because they are powerless, motionless, and without life. Like every other idol in the world, Bel and Nebo have no power to save or produce what they promise. The weight of Bel and Nebo is crushing even to the cattle forced to transport them. Why? Because according to verses 6-7, Those who lavish gold from the bag and weigh silver on the scale, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down, indeed they worship it. They lift it on the shoulder, carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may shout to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save him from his distress (Isa 46:67). Those who worshiped Bel and Nebo, essentially worship a god of their own creation. All that the gods add to the lives of those who worship them is a burden. The word for burden that is used (mǎś-śā) can be translated weight. There is a universal fact about what people chose to worship: Anything we create to worship... will require its creator to carry it. Idols always promise what they cannot give, and rob those who worship them the life, joy, and salvation that those idols offer. The only thing that created idols offer is the crushing weight of their burden. Unlike the idols of the world, there is only one God who created all things! Because He is the Creator, all of His creation is dependent upon Him. Because He is the Creator, He is the One who carries those who worship Him: Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; and I will carry you and I will save you. To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal, and compare Me, that we would be alike? (vv. 45). The Uncreated God Powerfully and Purposefully Saves (vv. 8-13) Just as He did with the gods of Egypt, the God of Abraham, Moses, and David promised to do the same with the gods of Babylon. The reality and existence of Yahweh puts everything and anyone who would set themselves up to be more than what they are... to shame. Lucifer attempted to usurp the God who made him, God cast Him out and Jesus said of that day: I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18). In Isaiah 14, we are given a glimpse into the heart and motives of Lucifer: How you have fallen from heaven, you star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who defeated the nations! But you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. (Isa. 14:1214) Because God is God, He declares the end from the beginning. What does that mean? It means what He wills, He not only does but accomplishes! What else could verse 10 mean? It is God who is responsible for, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure. There is no room for luck, chance, or karma in a universe with a God who declares the end from the beginning. Because Yahweh is God, he does not need anything from us. There is no deficiency in Him because He is complete; but not complete in the way we think of completion... no, He is infinitely and eternally complete. Only six chapters earlier, we are reminded of how big and great our God really is: Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.... To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him? As for the idol, a craftsman casts it, A goldsmith plates it with gold, and a silversmith fashions chains of silver. He who is too impoverished for such an offering selects a tree that does not rot; he seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman to prepare an idol that will not totter. (Isa. 40:15, 18-20) Think about the foolishness of worshiping something you create with your own hands. Is it not just as foolish to bow down to idols of other shapes and sizes? As great as Solomons Temple was, it ultimately became an idol to the people in that they became more concerned about the performance of worship than who they were worshiping. In Isaiah 66, God reminded Judah why it was that He did not need anything they created: This is what the Lord says: Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, So all these things came into being, declares the Lord. But I will look to this one, at one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word (Isa. 66:12). God does not dwell in temples, and He does not need anything from us. Because there is not a God like Him, He does not need us to carry Him and His promises are not dependent upon our strength. However, what He desires from us is our hearts and our devotion. Now here is the crazy thing about what we learn of God in Isaiah 46, and we see it in verses 12-13, Listen to Me, you stubborn-minded, who are far from righteousness. I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; and My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, And My glory for Israel (Isa. 46:1213). The God who has no equal and cannot be added to, is He who brings His righteousness to those who are far off! If you are a Christian, you were once far off, but now you have brought near! If you are not a Christian, you are still far off, but it doesnt have stay that way! Oh dear Christian, this is great news for you! We have seen Isaiah 46:12-13 in another passage in the New Testament, and that place is in Ephesians: But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13). Listen, there is only One who spoke all that exists by the word of His mouth in six days and rested on the seventh day (Exod. 20:11). There is only One who reduced Pharoah and his gods to nothing with the Ten Plagues (Exod. 7:14-11:10). There is only One who was able to part the Red Sea (Exod. 14). There is only One who is able to make time stand still (Josh 10:13). There is only One who is able to move kingdoms and empires to bring about the birth of His promised Son! There is only One God and there is no other, and it is He who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit He is Yahweh! Christian, it is He who brought you near through the blood of His Son! It is He who made you His Priesthood, His People, and His Treasured Possession. You who were once far off, have become the objects of His love, His mercy, His grace, and are now the apple of His eye! You who ran from Him, have been found by the One who said: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light (Matt. 11:2830). You who were weary and burdened, have found rest in Jesus. Conclusion So here is the rub regarding what we read in Isaiah 46: If it is true that the God of the Bible is God and there is no other; if it is true that the God of Isaiah 46 is God and there is no one like Him, and because of God, that which He wills will come to pass, then dont you think that it is foolish to make or treat anything in your life as equal or greater than He? Yet, there are all kinds of things, dreams, and people in your life competing for the greatest and most valuable place in your life. This is nothing new, for it has always been the tension since the garden of Eden. Just because God found you, does not mean that you will not struggle with and fight against the pull and temptation to substitute God with something else. Adam and Eve faced this struggle in the Garden, and they lost. Abraham wrestled throughout his life with this same struggle. King David struggled and lost on several occasions, the most notable was his desire for Bathsheba. Judas struggled and lost, Ananias and Saphira struggled and lost, and you may be struggling and now you find yourself losing. Anytime we place a thing, person, dream, or ideology above the God whose rightful place in your life in preeminence... you will find the burden to be crushing. We will look at Isaiah 45:22-24, but for now, I want you to consider what it is saying: Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength. People will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. There is only one to whom all will bow, and there is no God like Him... and His name is Jesus: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:811) What you need and what this country needs most is not for anything other than Jesus Christ to be great in your life. He is the hope of the nations.
A Sermon for Whitsunday Acts 2:1-11 by William Klock In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And so the great story began. Six day. God speaks. And creation takes shape. On the first day…on the second day…on the third day…and so on…like a liturgy. In fact, there's a theory that Genesis 1 was written to be used at the dedication of the second temple. Because it describes God creating the heavens and the earth as his own temple. In Genesis 2 we even see that this temple has a holy of holies: a garden called Eden. There he carefully crafts a man from the dust of the earth, breathes his own life into him, and places him in the garden, in that holy of holies, to act as his priest, to care for his temple, and to live in his presence. And then we humans sinned and it all went wrong. But Genesis stands as a reminder of what the Lord intended and how it's supposed to be. The pagans tried to get it back. They built temples for their gods and in them, to represent the gods' rule, they placed idols carved of wood or stone. And attempt to recover Eden, to re-enter that fellowship with God, but on our terms, not his. But Genesis reminds us that God has built his own temple by the power of his creative word and that he created us to be his image, to tend and to keep his temple, and to steward his rule on earth. And Genesis…and the whole story that follows…reminds us that the Lord will not leave us forever cast out. Into the midst of the darkness God spoke again and called forth Abraham and with Abraham and his family, God launched a new heaven-and-earth project. Over and over he showed his faithfulness to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, and to the whole people of Israel. When they were slaves in Egypt he heard their cry and he rescued them. He defeated Pharaoh and the Egyptians and led his beloved people through the Red Sea and into the wilderness. At Mount Sinai the Lord gave the gift of the torah, the law, to Moses and the people. And with the torah he gave them instructions, think of them as blueprints, for the tabernacle. The Lord promised: I will be your God and you will be my people. Once again, the Lord would take up his dwelling in their midst. The tabernacle was a portable temple full of the symbols of the garden of Eden. Wherever the people stopped to camp, they set up the tabernacle, and the glory cloud, the shekinah representing the Lord's presence, would descend to fill the holy of holies. And the torah set the people apart from the nations and taught them how to be holy so that they might be the people who lived with the Lord in their midst. Israel, camped around the tabernacle and the Lord's glory cloud, were a sort of new creation in miniature—heaven and earth, God and human beings back together, even if imperfectly. It gave the people hope. A hope that one day the Lord would truly and fully set this broken world to rights—to make things the way they're supposed to be. And it wasn't just hope for Israel. The Lord intended the watching nations to see his people and take note. That's the climax of the Exodus. Not the Passover or the Red Sea. Those are important—vitally important—parts of the story. But it's Exodus 40, the last chapter of the book, where the Lord's glory clouds descends to dwell in the tabernacle—that's the climax. The Lord once again dwelling with his people. We see it happen again when the Israelites are settled in the land of Canaan. King Solomon builds a permanent temple for the Lord and, once again, at its dedication the glory cloud descends to fill the holy of holies. It was all there as part of the story to point the people in hope to God's restoration of heaven and earth—to the day when the Lord's promises would be fulfilled. Because the Lord didn't just come to Israel and manifest himself in a cloud of glory; he spoke. Israel's prophetic tradition was full of promises looking forward to that day. King David knew the Lord's promises and sang out in prophetic hope of that future day in Psalm 72: May he have dominion from sea to sea…May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him…Blessed by the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Isaiah sang of the coming Messiah who would set creation to rights: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. And when God has done his work through the Messiah, Isaiah sings, the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk similarly would sing out in hope: For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. When the Lord's cloud of glory descended to fill the temple, it pointed forward to that day when he would—when he will—fill all of creation with his glorious presence. Think about this hope that Israel had and how great it was and I think it helps give a sense of just how tragic it then was when Israel failed to keep her end of the covenant and the Lord allowed the Babylonian army to capture Jerusalem and to destroy the temple—his temple. Israel sinned, Israel showed disregard for the law the Lord had given to keep her holy. And worst of all—over and over and over—Israel prostituted herself to the gods of the pagans. It was a deep, deep tragedy. As the Psalmist laments in Psalm 137: By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept. Not just for what was lost, but like Adam and Eve, cast out and weeping over their own disobedience. But even then, in those dark, dark days of exile the Lord still spoke. Through Isaiah and Ezekiel, through Zechariah and Malachi the Lord promised that he would come back to dwell with his people. And yet, as the Gospels begin, hundreds of years had passed and the Lord had yet to return. Israel had returned from her exile. The temple had been rebuilt. The people and the priests went through all the motions. The smoke went up from the great altar. But the cloud of glory had never come down and returned to the temple. And pagan kings still ruled with Israel under their heels. Again, this is where the Gospels begin. St. John describes the darkness, the hopelessness, the absence and then he says that the word became flesh and lived among us…The light shone in the darkness. Brothers and Sisters, the Gospels are about the return of God to his people in fulfilment of his promises. The word—the embodiment of God's creative power—the word took on our flesh and was born of Mary. In Jesus God not only returned to his people, he brought heaven and earth, God and humanity back together in his person. Jesus is the manifestation of the hope of creation set to rights, of the breach between us and God healed. Matthew puts it in terms of Isaiah's prophecy: Jesus is the promised Immanuel: God with us. And as the church has led us through the story of Jesus these last months, we've followed him to the cross where he took on himself the role of the Passover lamb. He died for the sins of his people. And just when sin and death thought they'd done their worst and defeated God once and for all, God raised Jesus from death. It was like the Passover and the Red Sea all over again, only this time it wasn't an Egyptian king and his army that were defeated, it was evil itself. And then, last week, we stood with the disciples and watched as Jesus ascended to take his throne in heaven. And if you know the story of Israel, if you know the Old Testament like Luke's readers did, you can't help but draw the connection. If Jesus' death was a new Passover, then his ascension isn't just his going to heaven to take his throne as king. It's definitely very much that and that's significant, but it also parallels Moses going up Mount Sinai to meet with the Lord. And when Moses came down, he had the gift of the torah, the law, with him. And so now, in today's Gospel, from Acts 2 Luke writes: When the day of Pentecost had finally arrived, they were all together in the same place. I'm sure Jesus' disciples were expecting something. I don't think they knew exactly what. As we heard in last week's Gospel, Jesus said that he had to leave, to take his throne—and the disciples would be sorry to see him go—but that it had to be that way, because Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to empower them. At the last supper he'd said that with his blood he was making a new covenant. They knew that a new covenant would need a new law—a new torah—because the law was what taught the people how to live out their end of the covenant, how to live as the people in whose midst the Lord dwelled. But what that would like was anyone's guess. But when Jesus told them to go and wait in Jerusalem and that he would send the Spirit in a few days, I fully expect they made the connection with Pentecost, because Pentecost—which is just Greek for “fiftieth” because it's fifty days after Passover—because Pentecost was the great feast when Israel remembered and celebrate the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. I think that by this time, the disciples were finally putting things together. They were waiting those ten days with baited breath. Jesus was alive. Jesus was king. Everything was happening just as he promised. So they knew the Spirit would come. But how? And what would happen when he did? And how would the Spirit be a new torah for this new covenant. And so they obeyed Jesus. They waited all together in Jerusalem—probably in that same “upper room” where they'd eaten the Passover. And Luke goes on: Suddenly there came from heaven a noise like the sound of a mighty, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. So many parts of the story come together here. It helps to understand that wind and breath are the same word in both Hebrew and Greek. And so this divine wind sweeps in to the room to breathe the breath of God into the disciples, reminding them of the way God gave life to Adam in the beginning—taking that lifeless lump of moulded clay and animating it, making it as we say, a soul—a living being. But this time it's God breathing life into his new Israel. There's a reason that the one thing the disciples made sure they did during those days of waiting was to appoint Matthias as a successor to Judas. If they were to be the new Israel, they had to be twelve. And now the Spirit comes and breathes the life of God into this new people. But, too, the imagery of the wind filling the house. It doesn't just recall God breathing life into Adam. It also recalls God's presence filling the tabernacle in Exodus 40 and the temple in 1 Kings 8. The way God gives his Spirit is a reminder that Jesus people aren't just a people full of the Spirit. Brothers and Sisters, being full of the Spirit makes us God's temple. Jesus and us—together we're the beginning of God's new creation, the beginning of his restoration of heaven and earth. Jesus has ascended to heaven bearing our human flesh. And in the Spirit, God has come to earth to dwell with us. In us, in Jesus' people, the restoration of Eden has begun. That's why at the head of Jesus' prayer are is that powerful petition: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. I think this is why all through the rest of Acts, stuff keeps happening at temples, whether it's the next couple of chapters as we follow the events of Pentecost and Peter preaching and thousands being baptised or later as Paul confronts the pagans in their temples in Athens and Ephesus. All because in Jesus and his people God's real temple is being built—brick by brick, stone by stone, with each baptism…all laid on the foundation of the death and resurrection of Jesus. So the disciples already knew when Jesus rose from death that new creation had begun. Jesus was the first part of it. And they were so excited to go out and tell everyone that Jesus had to calm them down and tell them to wait. Enthusiasm is never enough. They needed to be made part of that new creation too. And that's what the Spirit does here. One day, when the church's work is done and Jesus returns to finally cast death itself into the lake of fire, God will raise us as he raised Jesus and we will know fully the life he intends for us. But the time for that hasn't yet come. The gift of the Spirit is the downpayment on that life—or to use an Old Testament term for it: the Spirit is the firstfruits of God's new creation. And that's the other part of the feast of Pentecost that comes into this. Pentecost wasn't just the celebration of God's giving of the law to Israel. It was also the festival where the people brought their firstfruits to God. They brought the first of their crops—like a sheaf of wheat—not just to give thanks for the harvest, but in expectant hope of his provision—trusting him for a plentiful harvest. From now on, for Jesus' people, Pentecost is just that: a reminder that the harvest has begun and that the Spirit is sure to make it a plentiful one. But it wasn't just the wind. Luke goes on in verse 3: Then tongues, seemingly of fire, appeared to them, moving apart and coming to rest on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them the words to say. The wind from heaven fills them and the Spirit manifests himself as flame and then they start to speak in other languages. Again, the big story tells us why the Spirit came this way. Genesis explains the origin of different languages and people groups with the story of Babel. It's the low point in human history. Adam and Eve sin in Chapter 3, Cain murders his brother in Chapter 4, and humanity goes downhill from there until, in Chapter11, we've lost all knowledge of God. In their hubris, the men of Babel built a tower to reach heaven and in response, the Lord confused their languages and scattered them. It's a bit like Psalm 2 and Daniel 7 that I mentioned last week. The nations rage, but God laughs. But all the while he has a plan to set us to rights. In Psalm 2 it's the son of David who will reign as king. In Daniel 7 it's the son of man who will be enthroned by the Ancient of Days. And here at Pentecost, the son of David who is also the son of man takes his throne and sends the Spirit who creates a people ready to undo Babel. Luke goes on in verse 5: There were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem at that time. [Remember, because it was Pentecost.] When they heard this noise they came together in a crowd. They were deeply puzzled, because every single one of them could hear them speaking in his or her own native language. They were astonished and amazed. “These men who are doing the speaking are all Galileans, aren't they?” they said. “So how is it that each of us can hear them in our own mother tongues? Luke goes on to list people from countries across the whole Roman empire and some from even beyond that. And the men hearing this go on with the most important detail, “We can hear them telling us about the mighty things God has done—in our own languages.” What does it mean? Brothers and Sisters, this gift of tongues to the disciples was a sign. It was a sign that Jesus truly had ascended to his throne and he now rules over a global dominion. And it means that through his people, through his church, Jesus has inaugurated God's new creation and has begun the work of setting everything to rights—starting with the confusion of Babel. And that's where today's Epistle ends, which is a bit disappointing. I wish we had a Pentecost season where we could at least work through the next couple of chapters. “What does all this mean?” they ask, and in response Peter begins to preach and he explains to the gathered men how this was all in fulfilment of God's promises. These first eleven verses will have to be enough for today. Brothers and Sisters, Pentecost reminds us who we are. Again, think of Israel, rescued from Egypt and then formed as a people in the wilderness—a people defined by the law and by God dwelling in their midst. Pentecost is a reminder to us that in Jesus, God has delivered us from our bondage to sin and death and that he has made us a people defined by his new law: the life of the Spirit. And we don't just have God in our midst; we are indwelt by God himself in the Spirit. Pentecost is a reminder that in making us this Spirit-filled people, God has made us his temple. We are the place where the world meets God. But our calling isn't simply to sit here like the temple on Mount Zion and wait for people to come. Our calling is to be a temple on the move and a temple dispersed—a temple that goes out and meets the world with God and with the gospel—with the good news that Jesus, crucified and risen, is the world's true Lord. You and I have been entrusted with the story. Go out and proclaim the mighty deeds of God and the Spirit will use that proclamation to change hearts and to grow the kingdom. And, finally, Pentecost is a reminder that as God's temple, we are also the firstfruits of God's new creation. We as a people are called to live out the life of God—not just to steward his word and to proclaim his gospel, but to truly be light in the darkness: living out and working for mercy and love and justice, showing the world the value of goodness, truth, and beauty, teaching reconciliation, bringing healing. In other words, Brothers and Sisters, pulling God's future into the present. Not just praying “on earth as in heaven”, but living out that prayer so that all the world will see and doing so in trusting hope that God's promise is true. One day, when the church has done her job declaring the mighty deeds of God, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of his glory as the waters cover the sea. That is what it means to be a “Pentecostal” people. Let's pray: O GOD, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
durée : 00:59:11 - Mauvais genres - par : François Angelier - En un volumineux roman qui tient à la fois de l'Histoire sainte et de la démonologie punk, Philippe Battaglia rebat les cartes du poker divin. - réalisation : Laurent Paulré - invités : Philippe Battaglia Auteur
durée : 00:59:11 - Mauvais genres - par : François Angelier - En un volumineux roman qui tient à la fois de l'Histoire sainte et de la démonologie punk, Philippe Battaglia rebat les cartes du poker divin. - réalisation : Laurent Paulré - invités : Philippe Battaglia Auteur
A woman enters the house of Simon the Leper where Jesus is dining. In her hands, she carries an alabaster jar containing perfume worth an entire year's wages. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours every drop of the precious liquid over Jesus' head. As the fragrance fills the room, so does the indignation of the disciples. "Why this waste?" they mutter. "This could have been sold and given to the poor!"But where the disciples see waste, Jesus sees worship. Where they calculate financial loss, he recognizes spiritual insight. This woman understood what the disciples couldn't yet grasp – that Jesus was preparing for burial, that his time was short. She broke her most valuable possession and poured it all out because she recognized Jesus' infinite worth."She has done what she could," Jesus declares, immortalizing her act of devotion. These six powerful words offer both comfort and challenge to all believers. The Lord doesn't demand we match others' resources or abilities – he simply asks if we've done what we could with what we've been given.The stark contrast between this scene and what follows is jarring. While this woman empties her treasure upon Jesus, Judas leaves to fill his pockets by betraying him. Two individuals facing the same Savior with radically different hearts – one breaking open her most precious possession in worship, the other selling his Master for silver.This powerful account invites each of us to examine our own alabaster jars – those precious resources, talents, and treasures we possess. Are we breaking them open completely in service to Christ, or carefully preserving portions for ourselves? The invitation stands: pour it all out, hold nothing back, for the One who is infinitely worthy. What will you break for Jesus today?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
The Daily Quiz - Entertainment, Society and Culture Today's Questions: Question 1: Who won the 2020 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing the role of Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah? Question 2: From which 1942 animated film is a skunk named Flower? Question 3: Which director directed Men in Black? Question 4: What is the dance traditionally performed by Hawaiian women? Question 5: In which year was Braveheart released? Question 6: Who performed the theme song to the James Bond film No Time To Die? Question 7: What is the Italian word for 'green'? Question 8: What title does the head of government hold in countries with a Westminster system? Question 9: Which of these quotes is from the film 'The Martian'? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Your pod, your stories - it's your podcast! Your midweek little livener to see you through the week. If you have any Dilemmas that you want advice on, step into the circle of trust: mailto:Ladsanonpod@gmail.com Is there 'Something Only You Know' - we want to know your story, let's hear them: mailto:Ladsanonpod@gmail.com (All submissions will remain anonymous - no face, no case.) TOPIC FOR NEXT WEEK: Executions and tortures through the ages; The Rack, The Iron Maiden, Waterboarding, The Judas cradle, should we bring some of these back, is it right these torture is used terrorgation, pyschological torture - Send us an email or DM us on social with your anonymised topics, questions, dilemmas or general feedback: ladsanonpod@gmail.com Follow Lads Anonymous: Instagram: https://bit.ly/47DEwic TikTok: https://bit.ly/3S0w8DB Twitter: https://bit.ly/4b232fI Facebook: https://bit.ly/3uNYN7n Threads: https://bit.ly/43vQNoD If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a review or rating. Love Ricky and Flav x Lads Anonymous intro track and jingles by Alexander Canwell (Engineer Al): https://spoti.fi/3w5fnQB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are you running after Judas? It's an unsettling question, but it's one we must ask ourselves. Judas Iscariot pursued money, influence, and his own agenda, yet his story ended in tragic destruction. In Philippians 3, Paul contrasts this path of earthly ambition with the eternal prize of following Christ. He writes with tears in his eyes, warning us that pursuing the wrong things leads to condemnation, shame, and eternal separation from God. In this episode, Stephen Davey explores Paul's heartfelt plea for believers to examine their direction in life. Are we captivated by fleeting pleasures, worldly possessions, or human accolades? Or are we running with endurance toward Jesus, the only source of eternal joy and fulfillment? Stephen unpacks the Apostle Paul's vivid descriptions of the unbelieving world, highlighting the stark differences between those who chase after the temporal and those who strive for the eternal. This message is a call to stop running in the wrong direction. It's an invitation to leave behind the empty pursuits of this world and run toward Jesus, who offers forgiveness, purpose, and everlasting life. Tune in to recalibrate your focus and rediscover the joy of walking with Christ.
Are you running after Judas? It's an unsettling question, but it's one we must ask ourselves. Judas Iscariot pursued money, influence, and his own agenda, yet his story ended in tragic destruction. In Philippians 3, Paul contrasts this path of earthly ambition with the eternal prize of following Christ. He writes with tears in his eyes, warning us that pursuing the wrong things leads to condemnation, shame, and eternal separation from God. In this episode, Stephen Davey explores Paul's heartfelt plea for believers to examine their direction in life. Are we captivated by fleeting pleasures, worldly possessions, or human accolades? Or are we running with endurance toward Jesus, the only source of eternal joy and fulfillment? Stephen unpacks the Apostle Paul's vivid descriptions of the unbelieving world, highlighting the stark differences between those who chase after the temporal and those who strive for the eternal. This message is a call to stop running in the wrong direction. It's an invitation to leave behind the empty pursuits of this world and run toward Jesus, who offers forgiveness, purpose, and everlasting life. Tune in to recalibrate your focus and rediscover the joy of walking with Christ.
There has only ever been one Judas Iscariot—someone who walked alongside God in the flesh, only to betray Him to His death. Yet, the lessons from Judas' life and where he went astray are deeply relevant to all of us. This powerful message by Ed Buch led many to the altar in repentance during our Sunday morning service. We pray the Holy Spirit will use it to search your heart as well, exposing any areas where your devotion to Jesus may be wanting. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
When it came time to fill the position of apostle, which was vacated with the death of Judas, it wasn't the kind of job Peter and the others could post online and then interview suitable candidates. When it came to identifying the one who would be eligible to fill this spot there was a specific set of qualifications. However, there was one criteria that topped the list. You'll want to hear which one it was and why.
Join us in this episode with our special guest, Anthony Rocco, as he dives into the life of Judas Iscariot, exploring the dangers of living behind a mask of deception and the spiritual lessons it teaches. Anthony challenges listeners to shed their figurative masks and embrace authenticity in their faith journey. Whether passing by in daily interactions or engaging deeply in church, the message underscores the need for genuine connection and truthfulness before God. Through the lens of Judas's life, discover the contrast between earthly intentions and divine purpose, and how secrecy can be a foothold for the enemy. Anthony invites you to reflect on your own life, encouraging a transformative journey towards honesty and openness, where there's no need for performance or pretension.
The Prison hit hard, Woodbury hit harder. This week the Governor strikes back and claims another victim, Daryl is back, and and an uncomfortable reunion makes Lauren even angrier with Andrea. All this and more as we breakdown "Home" and "I Ain't A Judas."Support Us:Venmo: @Zane-Kohler-1Subscribe to our PatreonFollow us on all our socials!! Tiktok | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube |
Guest lists, the fame game, dealing with online negativity, and of course, our favourite books. Dilemmas: Can A Leopard Change Their Spots? Something Only You Know: Power Piss Please tag us (@ladsanonpod) or send suggestions for the next episode's topic. TOPIC FOR NEXT WEEK: Executions and tortures through the ages; The Rack, The Iron Maiden, Waterboarding, The Judas cradle, should we bring some of these back, is it right that these torture is used interrogation, psychological torture - Please send us an email or tag us on social @ladsanonpod If you have any Dilemmas that you want advice on, step into the circle of trust: mailto:Ladsanonpod@gmail.com Is there 'Something Only You Know' - we want to know your story, let's hear them: mailto:Ladsanonpod@gmail.com (all submissions will remain anonymous - no face, no case). Follow Lads Anonymous: Instagram: https://bit.ly/47DEwic TikTok: https://bit.ly/3S0w8DB Twitter: https://bit.ly/4b232fI Facebook: https://bit.ly/3uNYN7n Threads: https://bit.ly/43vQNoD If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and leave a review or rating. Love Ricky and Flav x Lads Anonymous intro track and jingles by Alexander Canwell (Engineer Al): https://spoti.fi/3w5fnQB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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