Podcasts about Judea

Enjoy this week's session 238 of the Land of Israel Fellowship recorded live on August 17, 2025. (Torah Eikev) Join The Land of Israel Fellowship and gain access to all the Bible teachings from Judea and receive your personal invitation to join the exclusive live online gatherings with families around the world every week. If you enjoyed this recording, join the Land of Israel Fellowship

Between the year 63 before the Common Era, and the year 136 of the Common Era, the Jewish people waged three revolts against the mightiest empire in the world. In retrospect, we can see that these were not only local uprisings, but civilizational confrontations that would echo through history—struggles that pitted the Jewish people's fierce determination to live as a free nation in their ancestral homeland against Rome's inexorable drive to impose order across its vast dominions. What makes these revolts so fascinating is not merely their military drama, but the profound questions they raise about how different civilizations remember and interpret the same events. Recall the way that Rome understood its purpose and its mission, the grand aspirations that fueled Rome's rise and Rome's bloodstained greatness. As Vergil puts it in the Book VI of the Aeneid (in John Dryden's poetic rendering): But, Rome, 't is thine alone, with awful sway, To rule mankind, and make the world obey, Disposing peace and war by thy own majestic way; To tame the proud, the fetter'd slave to free: These are imperial arts, and worthy thee. When Roman historians recorded these conflicts in Judea, they saw rebellious subjects disrupting the peace that Rome had brought to the world. They saw the Jews as ingrates and troublemakers, who refused to appreciate the benefits of imperial rule. But when Jewish historians look back on this period they tend to see something altogether different: a tragic tale of national resistance—a struggle for freedom—to defend the honor of God, His people, and His land. These competing narratives reveal something essential about the nature of historical memory, and the separate moral universes of these rival civilizational traditions. To illuminate and explain this conflict, Mosaic's editor Jonathan Silver speaks with Barry Strauss, formerly a longtime professor of classics at Cornell University, and now a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. His forthcoming book is Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire, to which he brings deep expertise in Roman military history, and also a keen appreciation for the strategic dimensions of these conflicts.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 18:21–19:1 - Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.' Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what you owe.' Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?' Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will My heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart." When Jesus finished these words, He left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan. Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr Saint Maximilian, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3) Bishop Strickland joins Terry to talk about the state of the Church and the world and his new podcast 4) The purging of faithful Catholics

Gospel Matthew 18:21–19:1 Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.' Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what you owe.' Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?' Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart." When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan. Reflection What always stands out to me in this passage is the fact that this man who represents humanity has been given an enormous gift, say $1 million, and turns around and beats up a buddy who owes him five. Why such a split between the two? It's because Jesus is making reference to the awesome gift of forgiving all of our sins in his act on the cross, and we won't forgive our brothers and sisters? when we refuse to forgive our brother over whatever they have done, it's clear that we've lost sight of what's been done for us. That's the key to understand the redemption that Jesus won for us. Freedom from all sin. Closing Prayer Father, you ask that we face our sins, that we own them. But we often don't do that for fear that we will alienate ourselves from you or from ourselves or others. Lead us to a place we accept our selfishness. Face it and change. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,"Lord, if my brother sins against me,how often must I forgive him?As many as seven times?"Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a kingwho decided to settle accounts with his servants.When he began the accounting,a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.Since he had no way of paying it back,his master ordered him to be sold,along with his wife, his children, and all his property,in payment of the debt.At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.'Moved with compassion the master of that servantlet him go and forgave him the loan.When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servantswho owed him a much smaller amount.He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,'Pay back what you owe.'Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'But he refused.Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prisonuntil he paid back the debt.Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,they were deeply disturbed,and went to their master and reported the whole affair.His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant!I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,as I had pity on you?'Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturersuntil he should pay back the whole debt.So will my heavenly Father do to you,unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart."When Jesus finished these words, he left Galileeand went to the district of Judea across the Jordan.

Meditación del Evangelio según San Mateo 18, 21-19,1 por el biblista P. Norberto Padilla, misionero claretiano.Jueves 14/ago/2025, No te digo que perdones hasta siete veces, sino hasta setenta veces siete.Canción: Despiértame (2019), de Cristóbal Fones, SJ----------Lectura del santo evangelio según san Mateo 18, 21-19,1En aquel tiempo, acercándose Pedro a Jesús, le preguntó: "Señor, si mi hermano me ofende, ¿cuántas veces lo tengo que perdonar? ¿Hasta siete veces?" Jesús le contesta: "No te digo hasta siete veces, sino hasta setenta veces siete." Y les propuso esta parábola: Se parece el Reino de los Cielos a un rey que quiso ajustar las cuentas con sus empleados. Al empezar a ajustarlas, le presentaron uno que debía diez mil talentos. Como no tenía con qué pagar, el señor mandó que lo vendieran a él con su mujer y sus hijos y todas sus posesiones, y que pagara así. El empleado, arrojándose a sus pies, le suplicaba diciendo: "Ten paciencia conmigo y te lo pagaré todo." El señor tuvo lástima de aquel empleado y lo dejó marchar, perdonándole la deuda. Pero al salir, el empleado aquel encontró a uno de sus compañeros que le debía cien denarios, y, agarrándolo, lo estrangulaba diciendo: "Págame lo que me debes". El compañero, arrojándose a sus pies, le rogaba diciendo: Ten paciencia conmigo y te lo pagaré. Pero él se negó y fue y lo metió en la cárcel hasta que pagara lo que le debía. Sus compañeros, al ver lo ocurrido, quedaron consternados y fueron a contarle a su señor todo lo sucedido. Entonces el señor lo llamó y le dijo: "¡Siervo malvado! Toda aquella deuda te la perdoné porque me lo pediste. ¿No debías tú también tener compasión de tu compañero, como yo tuve compasión de ti?" Y el señor, indignado, lo entregó a los verdugos hasta que pagara toda la deuda. Lo mismo hará con ustedes mi Padre del cielo, si cada cual no perdona de corazón a su hermano. Cuando acabó Jesús estos discursos, partió de Galilea y vino a la región de Judea, al otro lado del Jordán.Palabra del Señor... Gloria a ti, Señor Jesús#SoyClaretiano #Evangelio #MisionerosClaretianos #CMFAntillasIntro: Lámpara Es Tu Palabra, de Ain Karem

+ Evangelio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo según san Mateo 18, 21-19, 1 Se adelantó Pedro y le dijo: «Señor, ¿cuántas veces tendré que perdonar a mi hermano las ofensas que me haga? ¿Hasta siete veces?». Jesús le respondió: «No te digo hasta siete veces, sino hasta setenta veces siete. Por eso, el Reino de los Cielos se parece a un rey que quiso arreglar las cuentas con sus servidores. Comenzada la tarea, le presentaron a uno que debía diez mil talentos. Como no podía pagar, el rey mandó que fuera vendido junto con su mujer, sus hijos y todo lo que tenía, para saldar la deuda. El servidor se arrojó a sus pies, diciéndole: "Señor, dame un plazo y te pagaré todo". El rey se compadeció, lo dejó ir y, además, le perdonó la deuda. Al salir, este servidor encontró a uno de sus compañeros que le debía cien denarios y, tomándolo del cuello hasta ahogarlo, le dijo: "Págame lo que me debes". El otro se arrojó a sus pies y le suplicó: "Dame un plazo y te pagaré la deuda". Pero él no quiso, sino que lo hizo poner en la cárcel hasta que pagara lo que debía. Los demás servidores, al ver lo que había sucedido, se apenaron mucho y fueron a contarlo a su señor. Este lo mandó llamar y le dijo: "¡Miserable! Me suplicaste, y te perdoné la deuda. ¿No debías también tú tener compasión de tu compañero, como yo me compadecí de tí?". E indignado, el rey lo entregó en manos de los verdugos hasta que pagara todo lo que debía. Lo mismo hará también mi Padre celestial con ustedes, si no perdonan de corazón a sus hermanos». Cuando Jesús terminó de decir estas palabras, dejó la Galilea y fue al territorio de Judea, más allá del Jordán. Palabra del Señor.

Mt 18,21-35.19,1.Se adelantó Pedro y le dijo: "Señor, ¿cuántas veces tendré que perdonar a mi hermano las ofensas que me haga? ¿Hasta siete veces?".Jesús le respondió: "No te digo hasta siete veces, sino hasta setenta veces siete.Por eso, el Reino de los Cielos se parece a un rey que quiso arreglar las cuentas con sus servidores.Comenzada la tarea, le presentaron a uno que debía diez mil talentos.Como no podía pagar, el rey mandó que fuera vendido junto con su mujer, sus hijos y todo lo que tenía, para saldar la deuda.El servidor se arrojó a sus pies, diciéndole: "Señor, dame un plazo y te pagaré todo".El rey se compadeció, lo dejó ir y, además, le perdonó la deuda.Al salir, este servidor encontró a uno de sus compañeros que le debía cien denarios y, tomándolo del cuello hasta ahogarlo, le dijo: 'Págame lo que me debes'.El otro se arrojó a sus pies y le suplicó: 'Dame un plazo y te pagaré la deuda'.Pero él no quiso, sino que lo hizo poner en la cárcel hasta que pagara lo que debía.Los demás servidores, al ver lo que había sucedido, se apenaron mucho y fueron a contarlo a su señor.Este lo mandó llamar y le dijo: '¡Miserable! Me suplicaste, y te perdoné la deuda.¿No debías también tú tener compasión de tu compañero, como yo me compadecí de tí?'.E indignado, el rey lo entregó en manos de los verdugos hasta que pagara todo lo que debía.Lo mismo hará también mi Padre celestial con ustedes, si no perdonan de corazón a sus hermanos".Cuando Jesús terminó de decir estas palabras, dejó la Galilea y fue al territorio de Judea, más allá del Jordán.

Daily Dose of Hope August 13, 2025   Scripture – Luke 7:1-35   Prayer: Almighty Father, Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you, that no matter what this week has held, we can come to you and start over.  We are grateful for your forgiveness.  We are so very grateful for your care and your love.  Help us, Lord, to set aside our distractions, to set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we start Luke 7.   At the beginning of this chapter, we meet the Roman centurion. This is such a great text!  One of the most interesting components of this story is that the centurion came up to Jesus at all.  He would have been part of the Roman occupying force in Judea and Galilee.  It's fascinating that he is presented in such a positive way and that he responds so favorably to Jesus and his message.    It's interesting that this Roman soldier cares so deeply for his slave.  Roman centurions weren't known for their compassion.  But he went to great lengths to reach Jesus and ask for his help.  In fact, this Roman centurion sends Jewish elders to speak on his behalf to Jesus to prove that he has been a patron of the Jewish people.   When most of us approach this passage, our biggest takeaway is the faith of this man.  And it's impressive.  He tells Jesus that he understands authority and chain of command because of his military experience.  He knows that Jesus has authority enough to heal from afar.  That is pretty incredible.  The Jews don't understand Jesus' authority but this Roman soldier does. Jesus responds in amazement at the man's faith and heals the slave.   Jesus is surprised to find such faith in a Roman centurion, faith that far exceeds what he has seen from others in Israel.  It's interesting that Jesus himself is surprised that an enemy soldier could be a model for faith for the people of God.  I think this points to how we shouldn't be surprised that faith can show up in the most unlikely of people and places.    The next part of today's reading always moves me.  There is a woman from Nain whose son has died.  Unlike the Roman soldier, she doesn't seek out Jesus.  She may not have known Jesus at all.  She was most likely consumed with grieving for her only son.  Thoughts of the Messiah and his healing were probably not in her thoughts at all.  Just all-consuming grief.    But Jesus has compassion on her.  He initiates raising her boy from the dead.  And this shows his power over death.  He isn't just a great teacher, prophet, and healer.  He is the Son of God.  Jesus addresses the boy's corpse with a sentence and the boy sits up and begins talking.  A miracle like no other occurs and a mama has her boy back.  I love this.   The last portion of today's reading was Jesus being asked about John the Baptist.  John sends messengers to ask Jesus – Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?  Based on his answer, Jesus is the one and he gives all kinds of reasons why – the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the dead rise, and so forth.  Jesus is already doing the things that the Messiah will do and they are beginning to see signs of heaven on earth.    Well, if Jesus is Messiah, then who is John?  That is what Jesus addresses to the crowd. By saying that Jesus is the one, that means that John the Baptist is not the one.  Jesus points out that John is truly a great man and a great prophet.  He preached repentance of sin and is the one prophesied to pave the way for the Messiah.  Why did so many people go into the wilderness to be baptized by him?  They were yearning for something he had.  John was offering them something they desperately needed – forgiveness and cleansing.  And now Jesus is offering them a different kind of Good News.   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki        

Muchos más recursos para tu vida de fe (Santo Rosario, Oración, etc.) en nuestra web https://sercreyente.com________________Jueves, 14 de agosto de 2025 (19ª Semana del Tiempo Ordinario)Evangelio del día y reflexión... ¡Deja que la Palabra del Señor transforme tu vida! Texto íntegro del Evangelio y de la Reflexión en https://sercreyente.com/cuantas-veces-tengo-que-perdonar/[Mateo 18, 21 - 19, 1] En aquel tiempo, se acercó Pedro a Jesús y le preguntó: «Señor, si mi hermano me ofende, ¿cuántas veces tengo que perdonarlo? ¿Hasta siete veces?». Jesús le contesta: «No te digo hasta siete veces, sino hasta setenta veces siete. Por esto, se parece el reino de los cielos a un rey que quiso ajustar las cuentas con sus criados. Al empezar a ajustarlas, le presentaron uno que debía diez mil talentos. Como no tenía con qué pagar, el señor mandó que lo vendieran a él con su mujer y sus hijos y todas sus posesiones, y que pagara así. El criado, arrojándose a sus pies, le suplicaba diciendo: “Ten paciencia conmigo y te lo pagaré todo”. Se compadeció el señor de aquel criado y lo dejó marchar, perdonándole la deuda. Pero al salir, el criado aquel encontró a uno de sus compañeros que le debía cien denarios y, agarrándolo, lo estrangulaba diciendo: “Págame lo que me debes”. El compañero, arrojándose a sus pies, le rogaba diciendo: “Ten paciencia conmigo y te lo pagaré”. Pero él se negó y fue y lo metió en la cárcel hasta que pagara lo que debía. Sus compañeros, al ver lo ocurrido, quedaron consternados y fueron a contarle a su señor todo lo sucedido. Entonces el señor lo llamó y le dijo: “¡Siervo malvado! Toda aquella deuda te la perdoné porque me lo rogaste. ¿No debías tú también tener compasión de tu compañero, como yo tuve compasión de ti?”. Y el señor, indignado, lo entregó a los verdugos hasta que pagara toda la deuda. Lo mismo hará con vosotros mi Padre celestial, si cada cual no perdona de corazón a su hermano». Cuando acabó Jesús estos discursos, partió de Galilea y vino a la región de Judea, al otro lado del Jordán.________________Descárgate la app de SerCreyente en https://sercreyente.com/app/¿Conoces nuestra Oración Online? Más información en: https://sercreyente.com/oracion¿Quieres recibir cada día el Evangelio en tu whatsapp? Alta en: www.sercreyente.com/whatsappTambién puedes hacer tu donativo en https://sercreyente.com/ayudanos/Contacto: info@sercreyente.com

On today's program: Nathaniel Moran, U.S. Representative for Texas's 1st District, reflects on his trip to Judea and Samaria, international developments surrounding Israel's role in Gaza, and the Trump-Putin summit on Friday. Clay Higgins, U.S.

Enjoy this week's session 237 of the Land of Israel Fellowship recorded live on August 10, 2025. (Torah Ve'etchanan) Join The Land of Israel Fellowship and gain access to all the Bible teachings from Judea and receive your personal invitation to join the exclusive live online gatherings with families around the world every week. If you enjoyed this recording, join the Land of Israel Fellowship

Romans sure loved their pigs. Soldiers were even buried with pig jawbones at Legio in the Jezreel Valley after military feasts (which doesn't sound kosher). They brought pig power to the Levant, but hey, what did the Romans ever do for us?

Israel's bold new Gaza strategy could reshape the region—adding territory, relocating up to a million people, and dividing political leaders. While the IDF's top general pushes back, the government moves toward approval. In a historic first, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Judea and Samaria, backing Israel's sovereignty and sparking controversy. Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation faces fraud claims—but new evidence challenges the accusations. GHF continues delivering millions of meals and expanding operations, remaining Gaza's most effective humanitarian force. If you enjoyed this recording, join the Land of Israel Fellowship

Acts 12 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. No matter what, keep praying. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. No matter what, you still possess peace. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. No matter what, if God opens it, no one can close it.   11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” 12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” 15 “You're out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. No matter what, stay ready to receive. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place. 18 In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19 After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply. 21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. No matter what, God's word prevails.

Paul has shared with the Galatians a brief autobiographyHe completed it with a story about his run-in with Peter- when Peter first came to the Gentile church in Antioch,• he allowed the wall between Jews and Gentiles to collapse◦ but when rigid and dogmatic believers arrived from Judea,◦ he broke away from close contact with Gentile believers• how sad, when a person withdraws from generous gestures,◦ ones that represents acceptance and camaraderie,◦ and make the break for fear of being attacked by narrow-minded zealots- somewhere along the way, Paul left off telling his story• it was a backdrop for the point he wanted to make;• namely, Jesus--and not the law--works God's righteousness into believers

Have you ever wondered how a small group of Jesus' followers turned into a global movement of hundreds of millions?The book of Acts gives us a powerful glimpse into the first three decades of the Church—from 33 AD to 64 AD—when a gospel movement was born. In just 30 years, the message of Jesus began to spread with such force and impact that it has since shaped civilization, culture, education, medicine, freedom, and family life around the world.You could say the gospel has gone viral.Throughout history, people have approached Acts from different angles:The cold scholar sees it as a record of dates, places, and historical figures.The casual admirer treats it like a museum—something to observe from a distance.But the committed disciple reads it as a call to action—a blueprint for continuing the mission of Jesus.Our goal is to respond not as scholars or admirers, but as committed disciples. Let's continue the mission of Jesus Christ, becoming His witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Iread through the New Testament at least twice a year, sometimes even three andfour times a year. I love reading the New Testament, especially the epistles ofthe Apostle Paul as he writes to the churches. And I noticed these last fewtimes as I've been reading how many times the Apostle Paul asked for prayer.And I'm thinking about how if he, this anointed man of God, who writes 13 booksof the New Testament, asks for prayer on many occasions, how much more do I asa pastor, and pastors, need the prayers of God's people?  Today,again I am inviting you to join us in doing the great important task ofintercessory prayer for pastors in India who really have no connections withanybody but a small group of other pastors. The pastors we're working with andpraying for are over 600 men of God that are overseeing over 1300 churchesthey're working with. We have a great leader that oversees and loves them,prays for them, visits them, and encourages them. When I was there with them thispast January, I met with them, preached to them, took pictures of over 400 ofthem and, and told them I would have somebody individually praying for each oneof them.  Istill need at least 300 people to join me on this Pastors in India Prayer Team.So, please consider this wonderful opportunity to join us in the prayer effortand email at: pastormike@pmiministries.org Noticehow the apostle Paul urgently asks for prayers from other people. Romans 15:30-32.“Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of theSpirit to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me that I may berescued from those who are disobedient in Judea and that my service forJerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints so that I may come to you in joyby the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.” Here we seePaul praying for support for his ministry travels and service and asking forprotection against opposition that hinders the work.  InEphesians 6:19-20, Paul asked the church at Ephesus, "And pray on mybehalf that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth to makeknown with boldness the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador inchains, that in proclaiming it, I may speak boldly as I ought to speak."Paul here is praying and asking specifically for prayers to receive the rightwords and the courage to proclaim the gospel fearlessly even while imprisoned.And I can tell you the pastors in India are facing tremendous persecution. Iget emails and text messages regularly from our associates there that tell meabout this and I'll share some of that in the emails that I will be writing toyou.  In1 Thessalonians 5:25, Paul simply request, "Brethren, pray forus." And this is a concise direct appeal for prayer on behalf of Pauland his co-workers in the context of their ongoing ministry and teaching. InColossians 4:3-4, Paul writes, “Praying at the same time for us as well thatGod will open up to us a door for the word that we may speak forth the mysteryof Christ for which I have been imprisoned that I may make it clear in the wayI ought to speak”. Paul is asking for prayer for open doors to preach thegospel and opportunities. We can pray that for these dear pastors. In2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Paul writes: “Finally Brethren, pray for us that theword of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified just as it did also withyou and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men for all men do nothave faith.” My friend, this is the request for prayers that we have forthose pastors in India. That God's word would spread quickly to the 3.4 billionpeople who have little or no access or to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thesepastors are working with many of those unreached people groups.  Willyou please email me and let me know that you'll join our Pastors Prayer Team.  Godbless!pastormike@pmiministries.org

A Sermon for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity Matthew 7:15-21 by William Klock In 597 b.c. the Babylonians conquered Judah.  The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, ordered the deportation of the ruling elite of Jerusalem.  That meant King Jehoiachin, most of the royal family, and thousands of others including many of the priests.  That included Ezekiel.  He had been born into one of the important priestly families.  He was twenty-five years old.  Had everything gone as expected, had everything gone to plan, he would have been ordained a priest at the age of thirty and gone on to serve before the presence of the Lord in the temple.  Instead, with the rest of those Jewish exiles, he sat down by the rivers of Babylon and wept as he remembered Zion—as one of the psalmists put it.  And he wondered how he and his people could ever sing the Lord's song in a strange land. And then, on Ezekiel's thirtieth birthday, he had a vision.  He saw the Lord enthroned in glory and the Lord commissioned him.  Instead of being a priest, the Lord ordained Ezekiel a prophet—a prophet to the exiles and to the people of Judah.  Ezekiel was to announce to his people why they had been defeated and carried off into exile.  He was to accuse his people of their idolatry and of their unfaithfulness to the Lord's covenant.  And he was also to announce that the Lord's judgement on Judah had only just begun.  And so Ezekiel's ministry began with a series of acted out prophecies.  He acted out the coming destruction of Jerusalem with miniatures.  He lay on his side for a year, acting the part of the scapegoat, while eating food cooked over human waste.  He cut off his hair with a sword.  Again, to announce the coming judgement on Jerusalem.  And all for nought.  The Lord told him that no one would listen and they didn't—because Israel's heart was hardened against the Lord. But just because the people wouldn't listen didn't mean Ezekiel's job as a prophet was done.  The Lord gave him another vision, this time of the temple in Jerusalem.  He saw his people worshipping idols in the temple court and then he saw the Lord's glory—the cloud that rested on the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies—he saw that cloud of glory depart from the temple.  And the Lord announced to him that the temple would be destroyed.  Again, because of Israel's idolatry and lack of covenant faithfulness.  Ezekiel accused his people of being like a rebellious wife and like a rampaging lion.  He described Israel and Judah as two shameless and reprobate prostitute sisters.  And he dragged his people into the divine courtroom and put them on trial before the Lord.  They could beg for mercy all they wanted, but the time for mercy had passed.  God's goodness and faithfulness demanded that he judge his people.  For centuries he had shown them his patient mercy, but now is was time for justice.  And that's when word reached Ezekiel that Jerusalem had fallen, the temple had been destroyed, and that the Lord's judgement had come on Judah. But that wasn't the end of Ezekiel's ministry.  The Lord would not leave his people in judgement forever.  If being faithful to his word meant judgement on their unfaithfulness, it also meant restoring them and making them faithful.  And so Ezekiel's prophetic messaged shifted from judgement to hope.  Through him the Lord promised the restoration of his people under a new king, under a David-like messiah.  And the Lord promised to breathe his Spirit into his people to take away their heart of stone and to give them a heart of flesh.  He gave Ezekiel a vision of a valley of dry bones and commanded the prophet to speak his word over those bones.  And the word of the Lord brought them back to life.  It was a promise of new creation.  But the wicked pagan nations still stood in the way of that new creation.  And so the Lord also gave Ezekiel a series of visions in which he defeated the nations.  And then, finally, Ezekiel had a vision of creation set to rights.  That vision begins with a temple.  Not the old temple, but a new one.  A new one infinitely grander and more beautiful than even Solomon's temple.  And after being given a tour of this temple, Ezekiel has a vision of the Lord's glory descending to fill it.  It's the Lord's way of saying that he will not abandon his people forever.  He will be with them again.  And out of this temple's gate flows a stream and as it flows down the mountain from the temple the stream turns into a great river.  Wherever it flows trees and lush vegetation spring up.  And eventually the river flow down into the desert and there it causes a lush garden to grow—Eden restored—a garden named “the Lord is there”. Now, everyone likes that last part.  Everyone wants to hear and to claim for themselves the messages of hope.  No one wants to hear the call to repentance and the warning of coming judgement.  No one would listen to Ezekiel's warnings.  It's not that they didn't hear them—or see them.  It was hard to miss the weird guy playing with action figures or hacking his hair off with a sword or laying on his side and cooking food over poop.  They saw it all.  But they refused to take it to heart.  They were convinced their exile to Babylon was an accident of history, not the Lord's judgement on their idolatry.  But once Ezekiel's prophecies of doom came true, I expect the people were hanging on his every last word of hope.  That's the test of a prophet, after all: does his word come to pass.  Ezekiel's did. And for that reason the people were still hanging onto his words when Jesus came, still looking for and longing for those divine promises to finally be fulfilled.  Because judgement had happened as the prophet foretold, that restoration of the people, that new creation, that new life with God would happen just as surely too.  It was just a matter of time.  So it shouldn't be a surprise that as Jesus preached he drew on the words of the old prophets like Ezekiel.  But it was the same old thing all over again.  The people gathered to hear Jesus preach good news.  They flocked to him for healing and deliverance and miracles that showed the kingdom of God was breaking in.  But they didn't want to hear the warnings.  They gasped when he told them that to see that coming kingdom, to know that garden called “the Lord is there”, they needed righteousness, they needed covenant faithfulness far beyond that of the scribes and Pharisees.  Judgement was coming on Judah again and Jesus was there to create a new people, a new community that would have that righteousness, that would be salt and light, that would be a city on a hill, that would come out the other side of God's judgement to see his kingdom.  The people in Ezekiel's day didn't want to hear that part of the message and neither did the people in Jesus' day.  Ed Stetzer likes to say, “If you want everyone to like you don't be a pastor, go sell ice cream.”  I think Ezekiel (and Jesus) would say the same thing about being a prophet. Our Gospel today is taken from the closing words of Jesus' sermon on the mount.  Jesus has spoken hard words—just as Ezekiel had.  But there was reason to hope.  In him the Lord was finally doing that new thing everyone had been waiting for since the prophets, but Jesus was also condemning their covenant faithlessness and announcing coming judgement.  And so he warns the people—this is Matthew 7:13—“Go in by the narrow gate.  The gate that leads to destruction, you see, is nice and wide and the road going there has plenty of room.  Lots of people go that way.  But the gate leading to life is narrow, and the road going there is a tight squeeze.  Not many people find their way through.”   In other words, “Yes, I know what I've been saying is hard.  Yes, I know it means repentance and turning away from sin and pursuing covenant faithfulness with everything you've got and even then you're going to need God's help, but that's the way to life.  Listen to me, because judgement is coming again and it's coming soon.  (He later told the disciples: before this generation passes away!)  And if you refuse to listen and if you keep going down the wide and easy path you're on, you're as sure to meet that judgement as the people of Ezekiel's day did. “Watch out for false prophets!” Jesus says.  There are people invested in the ways and the ideas and the systems of the present evil age.  They don't want to see you repent and turn back to the Lord.  They know everyone loves ice cream and they're going to show up with a cart full of it and everyone's going to listen to them—because ice cream is a lot more fun than calls to repentance.  “They will come to you dressed like sheep, but inside they are hungry wolves.”  Jesus draws on Ezekiel's condemnation of the leaders of Israel and Judah.  They were like wolves in the midst of the flock, tearing apart the sheep, shedding blood, all for their own gain.  It's always the way of false prophets.  They proclaim what people want to hear.  When the Lord desires repentance, the false prophets proclaim the status quo.  When the Lord desires sacrifice, the false prophets proclaim health and wealth.  When the Lord warns of judgement, the prophets proclaim “Peace!  Peace!”  And so Jesus warns in verse 16, “You'll be able to tell them by the fruit they bear: you don't find grapes growing on thorn-bushes, do you, or figs on thistles?  Well, in the same way, good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit.  Actually, good trees can't produce bad fruit, nor can bad ones produce good fruit.  Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown on the fire.  So you must recognise them by their fruits.”   There's never been any shortage of false prophets in the world.  In the Old Testament the test of a prophet was whether or not what he said came to pass.  The punishment for false prophecy was death.  Brothers and Sisters, claiming to speak the very word of the Lord is serious business.  His words are life.  When people claim to speak for the Lord, but speak falsely, it gives people reason to doubt his actual word.  But people took it lightly in Ezekiel's day, people took it lightly in Jesus' day, and far too many people take it lightly today.  The Old Testament test of a prophet still stands: Do his words come to pass?  But when Jesus warned the people, there wasn't time for that.  Judgement was coming soon.  So Jesus gives another way: look at the fruit.  It was a good test then and it's a good test now.  When someone says, “Thus says the Lord,” look at that person's life.  Does their life show the fruit of the Spirit?  Do you see things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control?  Or are they just selling ice cream and getting rich?  It's always amazing to me how many people flock to men and women who claim to work miracles and who claim to speak for God, but the miracles are false, the words are heresy, and the things they say never come to pass.  But it is a testimony to just how much we like ice cream, how much we'd rather hear “Peace, peace!” than a message about repentance.  Look at the fruit.  If the fruit is bad, the tree is bad and there's only one destination for bad trees: the fire—judgement.  Don't end up in the same place. Look for the fruit.  I know the language of the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit is something that developed later with Paul, but I think it's worth noting that Jesus talks here about fruit.  Too many people look for signs—what Paul would call “gifts” of the Spirit.  But even Paul warns these things can be faked.  Signs and wonders aren't necessarily evidence of a true prophet.  Fruit is the evidence. And Jesus goes on, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; only people who do the will of my Father in heaven.  On that day lots of people will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name, didn't we?  We cast out demons in your name.  We performed lots of powerful deeds in your name.'  Then I will have to say to them, ‘I never knew you.  You're a bunch of evildoers.  Go away from me.'”   “On that day.”  That's language right out of the Old Testament prophets about the coming day of the Lord, about the day of judgement when the Lord will punish evil and vindicate the righteous.  A lot of people thought that just being an Israelite and having the Lord as their God gave them a place in the coming kingdom, but Jesus says that, no, that's not enough.  In fact, he narrows it down even further: a lot of people will think that because they've thought of Jesus as their Lord and done amazing things in his name, that they'll have a place in the kingdom—and not even that will cut it. It's important, I think, to remember here that Jesus isn't talking directly to us.  He was talking to First Century Jews and the judgement he was warning about was the judgement that would come forty years later when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.  Those who would survive, those who would see the birth of the kingdom, would be those who truly identified themselves with Jesus in faith.  The people who followed him in the new exodus through baptism and into whom God would pour his Spirit.  They're the ones—not the ones who merely had an appreciation for what Jesus was teaching or thought of him as a great prophet—but the ones who truly recognised the God of Israel at work in Jesus the Messiah and who became part of his family, this new Israel redeemed by his death and given a new heart of flesh by the Holy Spirit.  They would be the dry bones that lived again.  They would be the ones whom God would deliver from the coming judgement.  They're the ones who would live to testify to the nations of the glory of the God of Israel revealed in the cross.  They're the ones who would live to proclaim the good news to the nations. And so Jesus concludes his sermon with a final allusion to Ezekiel.  In verse 24 he says, “So, then, everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  Heavy rain fell; floods rose up; the winds blew and beat on that house.  It didn't fall, because it was founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn't do them—they will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  Heavy rain fell; floods rose up; the winds blew and battered the house—and down it fell.  It fell with a great crash.”   Ezekiel warned the false prophets about the wall they'd built.  It's a pretty clear reference to the temple just as Jesus' “house” here is, too.  The false prophets had built a wall and they'd whitewashed it and it looked great.  It looked like a wall for the ages.  But when the Lord's judgement came, when he sent the rains and the floods and the winds, that wall came crashing down and exposed its builders as the unfaithful and idolatrous false prophets they really were.  The same thing would happen again.  The people of Jerusalem and Judea looked up to the temple as their hope, but Jesus condemns them.  Not this time as whitewashed walls, but as whitewashed tombs.  They went through the motions of faithfulness, they maintained their ritual purity, they proclaimed their love for and their loyalty to God, but their hearts were far from him.  Because God's heart was in Jesus. Jesus had to come to fulfil the prophecies of hope and life.  He'd come to build God's new temple.  Not one whitewashed with false piety, but one washed with his own blood.  Listen to Peter's call in his first epistle: “Come to him, to that living stone.  Men rejected him, but God chose him and values him very highly!  Like living stones yourselves, you are being built up into a spiritual house—a new temple!—to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that will be pleasing to God through Jesus the Messiah.  That's why it stands in scripture: ‘Look!  I am setting up in Zion a chosen, precious cornerstone.  Believe in him!  You will not be ashamed.'”   The false prophets, the wolves in sheep's clothing, the grifters selling spiritual ice cream, they whitewash false piety, they whitewash selfishness, they whitewash heresies—they whitewash the ugly things of the world.  They proclaim “Peace, peace” in the face of coming judgement.  Brothers and Sisters, don't be duped.  Listen to Jesus.  Stay focused on Jesus.  Think of Peter's confession later in Matthew's Gospel: “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God!”  This is the rock on which Jesus has built his church—his people, his new temple—and not even the gates of hell will overpower it.  Never forget that this is the temple in which his Spirit dwells. Never forget that this the temple from which God's new life flows to the world.  Never forget that this temple is the source of God's new creation.  And it's built on the rock and nothing but the rock that is Jesus. Come to the Lord's Table this morning and be reminded that in Jesus, God has given his own life for you—for us.  Come to the Lord's Table and be reminded that in Jesus, God has breathed his life into our dry bones and made us live again.  Come to the Lord's Table and be reminded that he's made us the precious stones of his temple.  Then be that Spirit-filled and life-giving water that Ezekiel saw flowing out from the temple into the world carrying God's life, carrying his new creation. Let's pray: Gracious Father, in Jesus you have washed us clean from sin and by your Spirit you have renewed our hearts and made the priests of your new temple.  Guard our hearts from the temptations of false prophets and false gods that our desires might always be for you and your kingdom, through Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

He was numbered among the Seventy. Then, when Judas who betrayed Christ had taken his own life, the disciples (120 men and women) convened to choose one who would take his place among the Twelve. They nominated two, Joseph (called Barsabas or Justus) and Matthias, then cast lots. The lot fell to Matthais, who henceforth was numbered among the Twelve (See Acts ch. 1). Accounts of his Apostolate after this vary. According to some, he preached the Gospel in Ethiopia and met his martyrdom there. According to others, after visiting Ethiopia he returned to Judea, where he was tried and condemned by Ananias the High Priest, and stoned to death, then beheaded.

By Kevin Call - When we see the Mona Lisa, what image do we think of? What about George Washington? How about Jesus Christ? They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. With Jesus Christ, do we see the Lamb of God or the Lion of the tribe of Judea? Watch as we cover the vision of Christ in the Throne Room of God.

Send us a textActs 21:8-16On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.Support the show

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,' ” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The Baptism of Jesus9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Temptation of Jesus12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Jesus Begins His Ministry14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Jesus Calls the First Disciples16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. Jesus Heals Many29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Jesus Preaches in Galilee35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. Jesus Cleanses a Leper40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 1:1–45.

On July 29, Gallup published a new poll showing American support for Israel's military action in Gaza at a historic low. But a strong majority (71 percent) of Republicans say they approve of Israel's conduct in Gaza, and that is up from 66 percent in September. Of Israel's military action in Iran, 78 percent of Republicans approve. And 67 percent of Republicans have a favorable opinion of Israel's prime minister. Even as the broader American public continues to cool on Israel, Republican support for Israel's conduct of the war isn't just holding steady—it's actually strengthening. Earlier this week, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, visited Judea and Samaria, and had dinner with the prime minster in the biblical city of Shiloh. Here's what makes Gallup's findings so remarkable: if you spent any time on right-wing social media over the past months, you'd expect to see Republican support for Israel cratering. But peer beneath the surface of the online discourse, and a more complicated picture emerges. Republican voters not only remain steadfast but are actually becoming more supportive, even as influential voices—influential especially with the young—are striking out in a very different direction. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a reliable Trump ally, now calls the Gaza war a genocide. Tucker Carlson's social-media engagement spikes whenever he advances an anti-Israel narrative, hosts an anti-Israel guest, or moots anti-Israel conspiracy theories.  Even some longtime pro-Israel voices from the right have made themselves unwitting tools of Hamas and Iranian propaganda. Our guest this week is the Hudson Institute senior fellow Michael Doran, and our subject is Israel and the American right. Of course, the disjuncture between Republican voters and the most prominent and loudest voices in Republican media is not a new story. When you train your eyes on that fact, the entire Trump era, from his 2016 campaign forward, has seen the emergence of a new media elite whose views simply do not convey the attitudes of their base as well as the president himself does. But of course the Trump era will end in a few years, and the contours and debate within the post-Trump right over attitudes toward Israel is being shaped right now.

IDF plans to control Gaza & eliminate Hamas. Gary Lane interviews Garion Finkel about the NEA's efforts to insert an anti-Semitic narrative in US curriculums. Two Israeli brothers grow grapes in Judea, and a Jewish village lives safely in Azerbaijan.

Today, we'll be in Acts 1 talking about the power of your story…“But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8Ridgecrest exists to reach the lost, build the believer, and connect the people of God to the mission and purpose of God. The Heart Truth podcast is just one way we seek to accomplish our mission online and you can help us by leaving reviews on your podcast platform of choice or by sharing these devotions with someone you know.To let us know how we can pray for you or to find out more about Ridgecrest, take a minute to fill out our Connection Card linked below. https://my.rbcdothan.org/connectioncardIf you'd like to receive our daily devotionals in your inbox, sign up HERE free of charge: https://mailchi.mp/4bcc8628406b/daily-heart-truth-devotionsThe Journey Podcast:Substack: https://thejourneypodcast.substack.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey/id1785079800 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0syXQWFX6IhTZjeJsHWxtM?si=c4c7397b153248f6Ridgecrest Sermons podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ridgecrest-baptist-church-sermons/id1517442154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ir5YcahI8G2SiIjrycB8W?si=0bc532b4f72c4facFind us online Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgecrestDothanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgecrestbaptist/profilecard/?igsh=MWRrZHZwdXprYzhwZw==YouTube: www.youtube.com/@rbcdothanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rbcdothan?_t=ZP-8wfPSkVSuYo&_r=1Our website https://www.rbcdothan.org • ⁃ WATCH LIVE Sunday and Wednesday: https://rbcdothan.online.church

IDF plans to control Gaza & eliminate Hamas. Gary Lane interviews Garion Finkel about the NEA's efforts to insert an anti-Semitic narrative in US curriculums. Two Israeli brothers grow grapes in Judea, and a Jewish village lives safely in Azerbaijan.

Purchase beautiful, boutique products from Israel: https://blessedbuyisrael.com/ Tensions continue to rise as the Israeli government prepares to present a bold new plan for Gaza that could include the occupation of additional territory and the relocation of up to one million residents. Despite strong opposition from IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, the plan—expected to involve five IDF divisions over five months—may be approved by the security cabinet this week. Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson made history with the first-ever official visit to Judea and Samaria by a sitting Speaker, declaring strong support for Israel's sovereignty over the region, a move condemned by the Palestinian Authority and international critics. Amid the political storm, controversy also surrounds the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), accused by whistleblower Tony Aguilar of fraud and misconduct. But new evidence, including internal messages and Aguilar's contradictory behavior, casts doubt on his credibility. At the same time, GHF continues to succeed where the UN has failed—delivering over 109 million meals into Gaza with minimal interference from Hamas. With U.S. backing, GHF is expanding from 4 to 16 aid distribution sites, reinforcing its position as the most effective humanitarian lifeline in the region. Check out the Land of Israel Fellowship: https://thelandofisrael.com/land-of-israel-fellowship/ Follow The Israel Guys on Telegram: https://t.me/theisraelguys  Follow Us On X: https://x.com/theisraelguys  Follow Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theisraelguys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theisraelguys Source Links:  https://x.com/JohnnieM/status/1952807624929431772 https://x.com/KassyAkiva/status/1953126664281510260 https://x.com/KassyAkiva/status/1953150734943543693 https://x.com/fredman_a/status/1952438553423565097 https://www.foxnews.com/world/johnson-dines-netanyahu-landmark-visit-highest-us-official-visit-occupied-west-bank https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-863496 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-863472  

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    In the ESPN 85 Bears documentary one of my favorite stories told is by Mike Singletary trying to figure out his coach Buddy Ryan. He said to another player… he hates me. But his friend on his team said no you misunderstand Buddy. He loves you, you just need to shut your mouth and say yes sir. No matter what Buddy says, just shut your mouth and say yes sir… Shutting the mouth is hard to do, and thats where we are going today.    Luke 1: 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”   And now you will be silent and unable to speak This phrase indicates a divine judgment and sign given to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. The silence serves as both a punishment for disbelief and a sign of the truth of the angel Gabriel's message. In biblical times, being unable to speak was often seen as a sign of divine intervention. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God uses physical conditions to convey a message, such as the blindness of Saul (Acts 9:8-9) before his conversion to Paul.   until the day this comes to pass This specifies the duration of Zechariah's muteness, linking it directly to the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the birth of John the Baptist. It underscores the certainty of God's promises and the importance of faith. The temporary nature of the punishment also highlights God's mercy and the restoration that follows obedience and fulfillment of His word.   because you did not believe my words This phrase highlights the reason for Zechariah's punishment: his lack of faith. In the context of Jewish tradition, faith in God's promises was paramount, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Moses. Zechariah's doubt contrasts with Mary's faith later in the chapter (Luke 1:38), emphasizing the importance of trust in God's plan. This disbelief is significant given Zechariah's role as a priest, who was expected to have a deep faith in God's power and promises.   which will be fulfilled at their proper time. This assures the fulfillment of God's promises, emphasizing divine timing. The phrase reflects the biblical theme that God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1. It reassures believers that, despite human doubt, God's word is reliable and will come to pass. This also connects to the broader narrative of salvation history, where God's timing is crucial, such as the coming of Jesus Christ "in the fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4).   You know my one simple thought here is that our words have such power… Zechariah did not realize the power his prayer had, the power of his words…  So as not to interfere anymore with this fulfilled promise Gabriel shuts him up. Gabriel releases the power of his words and is like… hey before you mess this up even more - not that it won't happen, but you may speak other things into existence that make it hard for your wife, or for your son, or for his future… so just shut your mouth and say yes sir. 

Is the division of The Land imminent?  When is the next UN meeting regard the division?  With what High Holy Day does this scheduling coincide?  What lands will be involved in Eze. 38-39?  What judgments will be delivered upon these involved countries?  Are Orthodox Zionists planning on returning to Ukraine?  From what experience did the elites of Judea learn money magic?  Why was ancient Israel continually attracted to pagan worship?  Are any of these aspects of pagan worship still present today?  What could the celestial body 31/ATLAS bring with it?  Please join me for a look at our exciting and sobering future as Yeshua opens the door to the final prophecies before His return.   FALL OF CHRISTIAN WEST Crypto currency  voted in by US: https://x.com/505Cali2/status/1946500208457585052 Kalergi Plan underway: https://substack.com/@lastcall1/note/c-122832681?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e Is Canada's “dying with dignity” painfree?: https://www.bitchute.com/video/DO1QBiiE6XkW Surveillance in 15-min city: https://substack.com/@stephengarvey/note/m-820235ca-098e-4f4b-9f85-f094f1532d7f?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e 15-min city in reality: https://substack.com/@fallofthecabalofficial/note/c-134501284?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e China – no digital ID, no food: https://substack.com/@endtimesnewsupdates/note/m-a99c0e23-c2fc-4af5-981e-eabad5e54ed3?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e Catherine Fitts, always a sharp mind, connecting the dots, missing $20+ trillion, DOD, vaxxes: https://substack.com/@sensereceptor/note/c-134106879?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e AI can create fake vid's/info: https://substack.com/@paigeturner391634/note/c-134471822?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=12g59e Epstein “List” from 2004-05, according to Josh :  https://joshwho.net/EpsteinList/black-book-unredacted.pdf All states to have an “alligator alcatraz”?: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5407040-alligator-alcatraz-states-who-could-follow/   WWIII Russia threatens US with pre-emptive strike: https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-threatens-west-preemptive-strikes-nato-looks-deliver-patriots-as-quickly-possible US/UK/Israeli forces combined to invade Iran?: https://rumble.com/v6va17x-breaking-news-regime-change-next-us-british-and-israeli-special-forces-to-i.html Knesset to AIPAC – attack Iran: https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/news-selections/world-news/president-of-israeli-knesset-tells-aipac-we-may-have-to-attack-iran-again Henry Gruver, another western country to be attacked in Eze 38?: https://youtu.be/WLpwQ4l-s-o?si=R738VpWwNXRbgsXk Henry Gruver see USA attacked by missiles from Russian submarines along our coasts: https://www.henrygruvertribute.com/part-1-henry-gruver-steve-quayle-russia-to-nuke-the-usa/ Ken Peters, “I saw the tribulation”: https://youtu.be/EHtSCWCSe2Q?si=FmR7zx8sI24Z-s7V   BIOMETRIC ID Opt out of ANY biometric ID:  https://youtu.be/wqSJZhRbc6I?si=YxW03p_QCjWT5vPy Do not comply with Stablecoin: https://youtu.be/kzIeVyEtlsc?si=7zlYg8hjoLPa-wwy Genius Act will allow control just as during Covid vaxx hoax: https://open.substack.com/pub/lionessofjudah/p/while-you-were-distracted-trumps?r=12g59e&utm_medium=ios Peter Thiel – AI will help enforce compliance: https://rumble.com/v6vl64j-peter-thiel-unveils-u.s.-social-credit-score-system-to-eradicate-non-compli.html Sam Altman pitches biometric ID: https://thelibertydaily.com/sam-altman-pitches-world-id-bankers-as-ai-2/ UK to forced private sector to enforce digital ID: https://open.substack.com/pub/thewinepress/p/verify-uk-to-force-private-businesses?r=12g59e&utm_medium=ios   GREATER ISRAEL IDF ordered to stand down Oct. 7: https://youtu.be/IhEN14luMHI?si=_GF9avL6qwJvJbht Israel to annex Northern Kingdom, aka, West Bank (of Jordan): https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lawmakers-vote-71-13-in-favor-of-non-binding-motion-calling-for-west-ban...

Daily Dose of Hope August 7, 2025   Scripture – Luke 5:1-26   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, We give you all the glory and praise.  Thank you for being a God who provides.  Thank you for being a God who heals.  Thank you for being a God who sees past our brokenness and invites us into relationship with you.  Help us, Lord, to grow more deeply in love with you every day.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts. Today, we begin diving into Luke 5.   This chapter's calling of the first disciples is a little different than Mark or Matthew.  It's not an immediate drop everything and follow Jesus kind of scene.  Luke writes about how Jesus is teaching and then does a miracle with the catch of fish.  It's a miracle of abundance and provision.  At a time, having enough to eat was truly a big deal, and Jesus is providing exactly what the disciples need in a physical sense.  It's in that context that he then invites Simon Peter and the others to follow him and become fishers of people.  Jesus wants to provide what the disciples need in a spiritual sense as well.    How do the disciples of 2025 become fishers of people?  By definition, disciples make more disciples. This is something we have historically struggled with as modern Americans.  We struggle with sharing our faith in a sincere, genuine way.  We struggle with living out our faith in ways that create impact.  What has been your own experience being a fisher of people?  Who is the last person with whom you had a spiritual conversation?   We then move on in the text to a healing of a man with leprosy.  I did a deep dive today on what it was like to live with leprosy in first century Judea.  Leprosy, also called Hansen's Disease, was pretty destructive to the Bible.  It is still in existence today in places and environments that are very unsanitary, but it isn't nearly as contagious as the stigma around it suggests.  However, in the Bible, leprosy was a catch-all term to describe all serious skin diseases.  And remember, any skin disease would have made a person unclean and unable to worship in the synagogue or even live a normal life (under the Old Covenant, a leper wasn't allowed to come within six feet of another human).  To make matters worse, it was generally believed that God inflicted leprosy on people for the sins they committed.    Being cured of leprosy would have been life changing.  The world would open back up for that individual.  As we have read through the Gospels, we've seen how Jesus would heal those with leprosy.  In doing so, he gave that person the gift of physical and spiritual community again.  What I love the most about this miracle is that Jesus physically touches the man with leprosy to heal him.  Of course, Jesus didn't have to touch him, but he chooses to.  Jesus touched the untouchable of his time.  He loved the unlovable of his time.  And he gives us that example as well.   The next section of the reading is Jesus healing the paralyzed man.  We read about this in Mark and Matthew as well.  This is the man whose friends lower him through the hole in the roof, because they couldn't get him through the crowd blocking the door.  They were determined to get their friend to Jesus.  They knew it was the only way for healing.  How determined are we to get our friends to Jesus?   Jesus gets bold in this interaction.  He tells the paralyzed man that his sins are forgiven.  Of course, this infuriates the Pharisees.  In their minds, only God can forgive sins and Jesus even suggesting this would be considered blasphemy.  Of course, they have no idea of who they're dealing with.  Jesus is God himself.  Jesus is God and God is Jesus.  His healing goes so much deeper than the physical.    The final portion of today's reading is the dinner party at Levi's house.  Levi is a tax collector.  That means he is an outcast among the Jews.  Remember, tax collectors at that time worked for the Roman government.  They collected the necessary taxes plus they took an extra chunk for themselves.  But Levi believes in Jesus and turns his life around.  And then he invites his friends to join him for dinner.   Jesus invites all of us to join him for dinner, even in our brokenness.  He sees past our brokenness and mess and meets us where we are.  What is important to realize is that he doesn't want us to stay there though.  He wants us to repent and move forward and then invite our friends to join us!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki        

While our allies in the so-called “enlightened" and "moral” West reward Hamas with talk of statehood, Israel is waking up to a deeper truth: we will do what we have to do without their support and we will be stronger for it. The West may proceed to recognize a ghost state, but we will recognize our mission, to reclaim our mission as a nation in all of our ancestral, Biblical homeland including Gaza, Judea, and Samaria, with unapologetic Jewish sovereignty.Join Our WhatsApp Channel: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GkavRznXy731nxxRyptCMvFollow us on Twitter: https://x.com/AviAbelowJoin our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/aviabelowpulseFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulse_of_israel/?hl=enPulse of Israel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsraelVideoNetworkVisit Our Website - https://pulseofisrael.com/Donate to Pulse of Israel: https://pulseofisrael.com/boost-this-video/

Our study begins in Matthew chapter 2.In this chapter, where Jesus is born is of great importance. Why? Because even where Jesus is born fulfills an O.T. prophecy found in Micah 5:2. Matthew wants us to know that this Jesus is God's promised and foretold Messiah. He fulfills this prophecy that tells us where the Messiah was born, that is Bethlehem Ephrata of Judea, in the south, not in the other Bethlehem in the north of Israel. God's prophetical Word is precise and detailed even to the exact city where the savior was to be born.The wise men came to worship the King of the Jews. The Jewish leaders who knew the Scripture as to where the Messiah was to be born, didn't come to worship Him, but the gentile wise-men who came from the east did. What a contrast. Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Matthew 2.

Israel has never claimed ownership of Judea & Samaria Phantom Nation 06AUG2025 - PODCAST

Daily Dose of Hope August 6, 2025   Scripture - Luke 4:31-44   Prayer:  Holy God, We come before you today in humility and awe.  You are a good God.  You, who put the stars and planets in motion, also created us.  You care about the most minute details of our lives.  You have numbered the hairs on our head.  Thank you for loving us.  Thank you for caring so much.  Help us be put even a small reflection of your love toward those around us.  More of you and less of me, Jesus.  Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today is Recharge night in the Garage at 6:30pm.  Hope to see you there for fellowship, worship, prayer, and small community.   Today, we finish up Luke 4.  Jesus is now fully involved in his public ministry.  He is demonstrating the Kingdom of God with his teaching and healing.  In Capernaum, his chosen home, he heals a man possessed by an evil spirit.  He then heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law, and a whole slew of other people who come to him.  There were demons who Jesus casts out and they declare out loud that Jesus is the Son of God.  Jesus quickly rebukes them.  My guess is that it wasn't yet time for people to know him as Messiah.  There was still so much to do.   I want us to notice something.  After Jesus does all this healing, he goes to a solitary place.  Jesus gives us this great pattern of doing work/ministry and then having solitude with his Father.  No matter how busy Jesus is, he still seeks time alone to pray.  The lesson here for us is that the busier we are, the more we need to seek the Father!  We need times of quiet with God.  Every single one of us.   At the bottom of chapter 4, Jesus reiterates his purpose.  He says this in verses 43-44, But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent. And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.  That is why he was sent.  We touched on this yesterday.    I want to say once again that what Jesus was saying was radical.  He was saying that the Kingdom of God is here and he represented the Kingdom. He embodied the Kingdom.  He represented a new way of doing life, demonstrating the reign of God.  So everything he did–all his miracles, his teachings, all his parables---they were all intended to show what the Kingdom of God was like, what the new way of being human was all about.   Why did Jesus feed people? Because in God's Kingdom, in the kind of world that God always intended for us to have, there is no hunger.  Thus, it was only natural for Jesus to feed people. In God's Kingdom, there is no sickness, so Jesus healed people. In God's Kingdom, there is no discrimination, so he elevated the status of those who were rejected by society. He ate with the people that everyone else hated–the tax collectors and the prostitutes–because in God's Kingdom, every single human life has value.   In God's Kingdom, there is justice, mercy, and love. Thus, Jesus offered acceptance. He offered LOVE in everything he did, ultimately giving up his life in the greatest act of love in the history of the world. In everything he did, from the time he sat on the steps and read the scroll from the prophet Isaiah to the cross through the resurrection, all of these give us a picture of the Kingdom of God, the world that God intended, a world in which there is reconciliation, healing, beauty, and wholeness.   I'm sorry to harp on this but I want everyone to see how Jesus' ministry was not just about getting individuals right with God. That's part of it, definitely, but the good news of the Kingdom is more than “you can go to heaven when you die.” It's “you can be reconciled to God now. You can live under the reign of Christ and live life abundant.” Yes, Christ came to ensure individual salvation but it was one part of something much bigger. By dying on the cross and being raised from the dead, there was final victory over sin AND the barrier between heaven and earth was broken for good.  N.T. Wright writes, “The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's Kingdom...It is the decisive event demonstrating that God's Kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven.”   Okay, I've probably rambled enough for one day.  I can talk about the Kingdom for hours, fair warning for future devotionals.   Blessings to all of you, Pastor Vicki    

On today's program: Jim Baird, U.S. Representative for the 4th District of Indiana, comments on House Speaker Mike Johnson's historic trip to Judea and Samaria, Israel's plans for the future of Gaza, and the DOJ's investigation into the Russia

John 7:2-4 Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near. Therefore, His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” As we consider these verses, I want to bring something Jesus said into view that shows an important, stark contrast between Jesus and most everyone else. John 5:30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 5:41 “I do not receive glory from men; John 5:44 “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? Jesus wasn't seeking to be known publicly, but His brothers assumed that was Jesus' ambition. Jesus had one ambition: to reveal and glorify His Father by doing His will on a moment by moment basis. May I encourage you to have the same ambition as Jesus today? Our purpose is essentially the same as His: to glorify God by revealing that Jesus still lives to glorify His Father. We do this by loving with Him. We aren't trying to be good Christians so we will have a good reputation with the public. We're not trying to be publicly known. I was struck by a quote from Nikolai Ludwig von Zinzindorf in Living Life Backwards by David Gibson. “Preach the gospel. Die. Be forgotten.” There's no self-ambition or self-significance driving those words. May our ambition today be to glorify God, to live for His pleasure, by loving with Jesus, preaching the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

Enjoy this week's session 236 of the Land of Israel Fellowship recorded live on August 3, 2025. (Torah Dvarim / Tisha B'Av) Join The Land of Israel Fellowship and gain access to all the Bible teachings from Judea and receive your personal invitation to join the exclusive live online gatherings with families around the world every week. If you enjoyed this recording, join the Land of Israel Fellowship

It's easy to trap ourselves in an echo chamber. After all, it feels good to surround ourselves only with voices that affirm what we already believe—regardless of whether those beliefs are true. But we must ask ourselves: do we truly love the truth, or only when it's convenient? When Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, He calls her to confront the truth of her situation. In the same way, He calls us to face the truth—no matter how difficult it may be—because only then will our hearts and minds be ready for Him to truly transform our lives. --- Scripture: John 4: 1-32 Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman 4 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” The Disciples Rejoin Jesus 27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. 31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”  

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

How do you discern the right moment to witness for Christ and share your story? "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 NASB95 If you would like to partner with us, please visit: https://myloh.church/give

46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you[a] see signs and wonders you will not be lieve.”49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.51 As he was going down, his servants[b] met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour[c] the fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

Acts 1:8: “You will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT ME EVERYWHERE—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We are in DANGER when we COMPARTMENTALIZE our FAITH. Acts 5:1-11 Their love of MONEY and LOOKING GOOD led […]

Have you ever wondered how a small group of Jesus' followers turned into a global movement of hundreds of millions?The book of Acts gives us a powerful glimpse into the first three decades of the Church—from 33 AD to 64 AD—when a gospel movement was born. In just 30 years, the message of Jesus began to spread with such force and impact that it has since shaped civilization, culture, education, medicine, freedom, and family life around the world.You could say the gospel has gone viral.Throughout history, people have approached Acts from different angles:The cold scholar sees it as a record of dates, places, and historical figures.The casual admirer treats it like a museum—something to observe from a distance.But the committed disciple reads it as a call to action—a blueprint for continuing the mission of Jesus.Our goal is to respond not as scholars or admirers, but as committed disciples. Let's continue the mission of Jesus Christ, becoming His witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Have you ever wondered how a small group of Jesus' followers turned into a global movement of hundreds of millions?The book of Acts gives us a powerful glimpse into the first three decades of the Church—from 33 AD to 64 AD—when a gospel movement was born. In just 30 years, the message of Jesus began to spread with such force and impact that it has since shaped civilization, culture, education, medicine, freedom, and family life around the world.You could say the gospel has gone viral.Throughout history, people have approached Acts from different angles:The cold scholar sees it as a record of dates, places, and historical figures.The casual admirer treats it like a museum—something to observe from a distance.But the committed disciple reads it as a call to action—a blueprint for continuing the mission of Jesus.Our goal is to respond not as scholars or admirers, but as committed disciples. Let's continue the mission of Jesus Christ, becoming His witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Saturday, 2 August 2025   But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Matthew 12:15   “And Jesus, having known, He withdrew thence. And they followed Him, great crowds. And He cured them all” (CG).   In the previous verse, the Pharisees, not happy with Jesus having healed on the Sabbath, went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. Matthew next records, “And Jesus, having known, He withdrew thence.”   Of His withdrawal, Mark adds in the words –   “But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea.” Mark 3:7Matthew 3:7   Staying where these Pharisees were would only be like rubbing salt on an open wound. There was no reason to stay and have them further challenge Him at this point. He knew His time had not yet arrived, and so He put distance between Himself and them, going to a location where He could still openly speak to the people.   This is perfectly in accord with His words to the disciples from Matthew 10:23, which say, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another.” Understanding this, it next says, “And they followed Him, great crowds.”   Mark explains the crowds, saying, “And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8 and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him.” Mark 3:7, 8   Therefore, His withdrawal was not in hiding. Rather, it was just to get away from the annoying Pharisees who plotted against Him. With crowds following Him, they would not dare do something to harm Him lest the crowds turn on them. Matthew's next words say, “And He cured them all.”   Matthew returns immediately to the thought of Jesus' healing of others. This is what got the Pharisees in a huff. Their analysis of the law did not allow them to see the logic of Jesus' healing on the Sabbath.   Jesus, however, knew that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, His works were not opposed to Sabbath observance. Rather, they were in accord with it, just as when the priests profaned the Sabbath and yet were guiltless.   Life application: One of the beautiful aspects of being in Christ is what it says in Paul's epistles. First, he writes –   “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14   Because of this state of grace, Paul further says –   “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19   When we, as saved believers, do wrong, God does not impute our sin to us. If He did, we would lose our salvation. As we all do wrong quite often in one way or another, no person would remain saved. But God has placed us under a state of grace where we are free from condemnation.   This is the doctrine of grace. When a person is saved, he is saved forever. His state will never revert to being unsaved. A vast swath of Christianity, however, cannot stomach this truth. They fail to understand what the word grace means. Therefore, they incorrectly teach that one can, in fact, lose his salvation.   That is not grace. That is a continuing state of works. However, these same people, not accepting that they are wrong in their theology, will then accuse those who rightly understand that salvation is eternal, of teaching that it is ok to sin. To them, this must be the case because anyone who would teach eternal salvation must, by default, think it is ok to sin.   This isn't even close to reality. Paul, who teaches the doctrine of eternal salvation, continues in his very next words after Romans 6:14, saying –   “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Romans 6:15   No reasonable thinking Christian would ever assume that being saved means we can willingly sin. If he understands a thing about the judgment seat of Christ, he knows that his eternal rewards are based on NOT SINNING as well as living out lives of faith, because people of faith will do their best to not sin but instead be pleasing to God.   This in no way diminishes the doctrine of eternal salvation. Rather, it exalts God, whose word instructs this doctrine. He has done everything necessary for the believer to be saved and to remain saved forever, despite himself. Such people understand what grace means and are eternally grateful for it.   Lord God, Your grace is seen in how You have saved Your people and then how You have continued to save them, despite themselves. Each of us is living in a body of sin, knowing we were and remain unworthy before You, but You give more grace. Thank You for Your tender, loving care of Your people. Amen.

In this episode, we delve into the history of the Jews – both in the homeland of Judea and the many communities of the Diaspora. From the conquests of Alexander, the Jews navigated through a new paradigm that favored “Greekness” and embraced many aspects of Hellenistic culture, while also trying to uphold the Laws of Moses that linked them back to the glory days of Solomon and David. The flowering of diasporic literature, such as the creation of the Septuagint, was one byproduct of Judeo-Greek interaction. Yet tensions with the Hellenistic monarchies could lead to severe unrest, as will eventually culminate in the Maccabean Revolt. Episode Notes: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/2025/07/30/107-jews-and-judaism-from-alexander-the-great-to-antiochus-iii/) Episode Transcript: (https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/107-jews-and-judaism-from-alexander-the-great-to-antiochus-iii-transcript.pdf) Social Media: Twitter (https://twitter.com/HellenisticPod) Facebook (www.facebook.com/hellenisticagepodcast/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hellenistic_age_podcast/) Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/hellenisticagepodcast) Show Merchandise: Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HellenisticAgePod) Redbubble (https://www.redbubble.com/people/HellenisticPod/shop?asc=u) Donations: Patreon (https://patreon.com/TheHellenisticAgePodcast) Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/hellenisticagepodcast) Amazon Book Wish List (https://tinyurl.com/vfw6ask)

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ ⇒Check out all of Carey's books - for adults and kids, fiction and nonfiction : https://CareyGreen.com/books ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 13:14–23 - “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. [15] Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, [16] and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. [17] And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! [18] Pray that it may not happen in winter. [19] For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. [20] And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. [21] And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. [22] For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. [23] But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.