Podcasts about just judge

What is Persistent Prayer? Persistent prayer is not you trying to get the Lord to do something He does not want to do, nor is it trying to change His mind or manipulate the outcome. Persistent prayer is a delight to the Father for it reveals the utmost reliance upon Him. Persistent prayer is being assured that beyond the outcome of your need, you remain grounded in knowing the heart and hands of your Maker. Persistent prayer reveals the resilience of a true solder, leaving no room for the enemy's attack to be victorious! Persistent prayer leaves no room for the enemy to abort the mission. Persistent prayer speaks louder than an undisturbed mountain. To the mountain your prayer is like an ax taken to the root. When it falls it crumbles. Persistent prayer is the prelude to your downpour. Persistent prayer withstands adversity because you believe what has already been revealed. Persistent prayer is a steadfast confidence in your petitioning the Just Judge who rules with a rod of iron in the face of opposition, destroying it like clay. Persistent prayer is a refusal to look at the giant, because you're convinced of the goodness of the Lord! 1 Kings 18:41-45 Elijah asked for rain in the season of drought. Date of service April 12th, 2025 www.cathycoppola.org www.hosueofglorychurch.org

What is Persistent Prayer? Persistent prayer is not you trying to get the Lord to do something He does not want to do, nor is it trying to change His mind or manipulate the outcome. Persistent prayer is a delight to the Father for it reveals the utmost reliance upon Him. Persistent prayer is being assured that beyond the outcome of your need, you remain grounded in knowing the heart and hands of your Maker. Persistent prayer reveals the resilience of a true solder, leaving no room for the enemy's attack to be victorious! Persistent prayer leaves no room for the enemy to abort the mission. Persistent prayer speaks louder than an undisturbed mountain. To the mountain your prayer is like an ax taken to the root. When it falls it crumbles. Persistent prayer is the prelude to your downpour. Persistent prayer withstands adversity because you believe what has already been revealed. Persistent prayer is a steadfast confidence in your petitioning the Just Judge who rules with a rod of iron in the face of opposition, destroying it like clay. Persistent prayer is a refusal to look at the giant, because you're convinced of the goodness of the Lord! 1 Kings 18:41-45 Elijah asked for rain in the season of drought. Date of service April 12th, 2025 www.cathycoppola.org www.hosueofglorychurch.org

Jesus, the Just Judge

THANKS Thanks to all you listeners, and to those who have supported me through the years and especially through this most recent hiatus. Also thanks to Marco of the Storia d'Italia podcast (https://italiastoria.com/) for giving authenticity to the Italian quote–which, incidentally, I believe I mistranslated somewhat: It's normally rendered as “when one Pope dies, we make another”, giving additional bluntness to the meaning. IMAGE CREDIT: By Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Photographer name), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34828249 (Via Wikipedia) TRANSCRIPT Welcome to Popeular History: History through Pope Colored Glasses. My name is Gregg, and this is another special housekeeping episode. Vice-Pope Mrs Popeular History and I have a running joke about my superpower, namely that when I say something, it automatically becomes not true. Which, I know, isn't a great power for a fact-based podcaster to have, I mean, there's a reason I haven't told you about this ability of mine earlier. But you can see it at work here, with me announcing just days ago that Popeular History's hiatus would carry on through at least June, and now, well, I assume this isn't news to you since you're the sort of person to tune into this sort of show and it's been a day, but Pope Francis died early this morning. May he rest in peace, and may he find more mercy than anyone deserves in the Court of the Just Judge, as we would all hope to find for ourselves, and as we should all hope for others. In light of that, I'd like to announce that I am revoking my recent proclamation of continued hiatus, meaning yes, Popeular History is back, at least for the duration of the present Sede Vacante, as long as I can physically manage it and my efforts continue to receive both nihil obstats and imprimaturs from Vice-Pope Mrs Popeular History, who, as  it turns out, does *not* automatically succeed Francis as Pope. Apparently, there's a whole different process for that. Who knew? Anyways, here's what to expect. First, as much as I legitimately hate it, it is time to say goodbye to Pope Francis. You will be seeing an obituary on this feed soon, and there will be more tributes and reflections on his papacy coming now that it has concluded. Catholics do not pray only for the living, it's important to pray for the dead as well, so I would encourage you to pray for Pope Francis to find rest in God's merciful embrace if you're willing to pray. We'll conclude this episode with a brief Ave Maria–known in English as a Hail Mary, and I'll go ahead and do an English version as well–for that purpose, for Pope Francis' repose. After some appropriate reflection on Pope Francis and his legacy, there will be the matter of laying him to rest. Once I know when the funeral will be, information that will likely become available after the first General Congregation tomorrow morning, I will make every effort to plan for some form of livestream coverage, possibly as part of a larger group. The general expectation is that the funeral will be this weekend, I'll keep you all posted. As of now, Francis' body is already in an oak coffin in preparation for lying in state, and the Papal apartments have been sealed with wax as per custom. Within the next week, Pope Francis' remains will ultimately make their way to a storeroom in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, or in English, Saint Mary Major. And I just have to acknowledge that “when I go out, stick me in the closet” is *very* on brand for Pope Francis. Though it's also worth noting that it's not like there's you know, a lot of free space for dead popes in the highest tier of Rome's churches, so even if it weren't as on brand for him, well, needs must and all that. Anyways, after Pope Francis is laid to rest in an old closet, any reluctance to talk about the upcoming conclave on my part will vanish. Granted, lots of folks are already taking bets and asking for my lines and predictions, but, you know, I'm not planning to be focusing on that so much this week. This is the time for goodbyes. However, as the Italians say, “Morto un papa se ne fa un altro”: “when the Pope dies, we make a new one” (Marco recording). And so next week, after the funeral, I'll begin to look in earnest at the conclave process, including looking at the Cardinals to hopefully get a first glimpse of the new Pope. Ideally, of course, I'd love to be able to point to an existing episode on whoever is elected when the time comes. And I've got a decent chance of being able to do that thanks to Cardinal Numbers: so far we've talked about over 50 Cardinals on this feed, and I've got dozens more basically researched and scripted, who were awaiting just a bit of touching up before recording and editing closer to their release date. Which actually sounds REALLY promising when you consider the theoretical cap of 120 Cardinal-Electors you're going to hear more about soon in the context of the fact that there are currently more Cardinal Electors than that and no apparent provisions for dealing with that situation. Bottom line, of the 135 current Cardinal electors, I've only got about 30 that I haven't gone in-depth on in some fashion. To be clear, I'm not going to have every Cardinal elector covered in time. It's just not possible with work and family continuing apace. But you're going to see a lot from me in the coming weeks, especially once we're officially in Conclave mode after the funeral. Which brings us back to where started this chat. Let's close tonight by praying for Pope Francis' repose, first in Latin, then in English. I'll be doing both parts of the Hail Mary, since Vice-Pope Mrs Popeular History went to bed a while ago. In nomine Patri, et Filii, et Spiritui Sancti amen: Áve María, grátia pléna, Dóminus técum. Benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus frúctus véntris túi, Iésus. Sáncta María, Máter Déi, óra pro nóbis peccatóribus, nunc et in hóra mórtis nóstrae. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

“A Just Judge” by Leo Tolstoy is a powerful short story that explores the values of fairness, wisdom, and true justice. In this tale, a king hears of a judge in a faraway land known for always making fair and wise decisions. Curious to test the judge's reputation, the king disguises himself and brings a complicated case before him. What follows is a brilliant display of reasoning and honesty that proves the judge's sense of justice is not only sharp but deeply moral.Join us on Story Time with Asha Teacher as we bring to life A Just Judge—a timeless tale that reminds us of the power of truth and the greatness of a truly fair heart.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!The journey through Lent begins with a powerful reminder that this sacred season is fundamentally about conversion. Drawing from the prophet Ezekiel's portrayal of the Lord as the Good Shepherd, we're invited to recognize how Christ seeks out His lost sheep, binds up what is broken, and restores what is wounded.A sense of spiritual urgency permeates this meditation as we contemplate the sobering reality that our time for conversion is finite. "One day, time will no longer exist for us and we will no longer be able to do penance. It will then be too late." These words cut through complacency, challenging us to approach each day of Lent with intentionality rather than carelessness. The mercy of the Good Shepherd will eventually give way to the justice of the Just Judge, and only what we've done for the love of God will carry eternal weight.At the heart of authentic conversion lies the inseparable connection between love of God and love of neighbor. We're called to concrete expressions of charity—consoling someone experiencing difficulties and offering prayers and sacrifices for those distant from faith. The meditation concludes with pastoral wisdom for those concerned about loved ones who have fallen away: more than theological arguments or persuasive reasoning, hearts are prepared for conversion through our faithful prayers and penances.Support the showSponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssSpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylonRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

The book of Romans has been a catalyst for revival — for spiritual awakening and transformation throughout the history of the church. ‌Tim Keller said, "The letter to the Romans is a book that repeatedly changes the world, by changing people."This is part one of our Romans sermon series: The Gospel | Right with God."The Just Judge" is a sermon based on Romans 2:1-16 preached by lead pastor Billy Glosson.This sermon was preached at Mission Church — a church in Morganton, North Carolina in the heart of Burke County.Join us in person on Sundays, 10 AM221 Herron St.Morganton NC, 28655

From the responsorial psalm: "Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked, nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, but delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord."A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 6:17, 20-26, today's readings)And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours."Jesus speaks to the disciples and great numbers of people. They come, as Luke tells us, from Judea and Jerusalem and the wealthy Phoenician regions of Tyre and Sidon. Jesus shares the Beatitudes with both Gentiles and Jews, rich and poor, the satisfied and the hungry. In speaking to them face to face on a level plain as the Just Judge, he raises the lowly and brings to the level of dust the wealthy. The poor are not satisfied in their hunger, and the rich are not satiated by what has brought them to prosperity. The words of Jesus are not mere observations on the state of humanity; his words level mountains. In the Communion antiphon for today, we hear how his words take root and fulfill us, at whatever level we stand in life: "They ate and had their fill, and what they craved the Lord gave them; they were not disappointed in what they craved."God, help me learn to be satisfied less with the food the world offers and rely more and more on the sustenance you provide. Jeremiah reminds me that to stay rooted in you, I am not to put my trust in human beings, in the strength of flesh. Instead, he says, "Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD." The kingdom of God is here and yet to be. Give me the grace and wisdom not to be filled now, not to pursue consolation as an end in itself, but even in the midst of difficulty and suffering to "be glad and leap for joy" at the true food you give me today. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord!Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Welcome to our Christmas Series.   Listen to Mr. Kristian Jones, Youth Ministries Director,   as he preaches on Romans 2:11-16  An Impartial and Just Judge

Read Online“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”  Matthew 7:21It's frightening to think of those of whom Jesus is speaking. Imagine arriving before the throne of God upon your passing from this earthly life and you cry out to Him, “Lord, Lord!” And you expect Him to smile and welcome you, but instead you come face-to-face with the reality of your ongoing and obstinate disobedience to the will of God throughout your life. You suddenly realize that you acted as if you were a Christian, but it was only an act. And now, on the day of judgment, the truth is made manifest for you and for all to see. A truly frightening scenario.To whom will this happen? Of course, only our Lord knows. He is the one and only Just Judge. He and He alone knows a person's heart, and judgment is left only to Him. But the fact that Jesus told us that “Not everyone” who expects to enter Heaven will enter should grab our attention.Ideally, our lives are directed by a deep and pure love of God, and it is this love and this love alone that directs our lives. But when a pure love of God is not clearly present, then the next best thing may be a holy fear. The words spoken by Jesus should evoke this “holy fear” within each of us.By “holy,” we mean that there is a certain fear that can motivate us to change our lives in an authentic way. It's possible that we fool others, and maybe even fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God. God sees and knows all things, and He knows the answer to the one and only question that matters on the day of judgment: “Did I fulfill the will of the Father in Heaven?”A common practice, recommended over and over by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, is to consider all our current decisions and actions from the point of view of the day of judgment. What would I wish I had done in that moment? The answer to that question is of essential importance to the way we live our lives today.Reflect, today, upon that important question in your own life. “Am I fulfilling the will of the Father in Heaven?” What will I wish I had done, here and now, as I stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Whatever comes to mind, spend time with that and strive to deepen your resolve to whatever God reveals to you. Do not hesitate. Do not wait. Prepare now so that the day of Judgment will also be a day of exceeding joy and glory!My saving God, I pray for insight into my life. Help me to see my life and all of my actions in the light of Your will and Your Truth. My loving Father, I desire to live fully in accord with Your perfect will. Give me the grace I need to amend my life so that the day of judgment is a day of the greatest glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured images above: Ascension of the Lord, via flickr

In this session, Erin Warren teaches through 2 Peter 3. Peter gives one final charge to the church: remember and remain steadfast in your faith. Scoffers will come and belittle what you believe. But they overlook truth, and one day, our Just Judge will execute justice. Because God is eternal, He is not slow to fulfill His promise. So, as we wait, be diligent, be alert, and be steadfast, growing in grace and knowledge.  Peter knew suffering, but Peter also knew Jesus. His letters are an encouragement to anyone facing hardships and trials and a reminder that we can be steadfast because our God is steadfast. And when we persevere, what awaits us in eternity is worth far more than anything this world has to offer. Mentioned in this session: Feasting on Truth: Savor the Life-giving Word of God and other studies: FeastingOnTruth.com/Books Way Maker: An Advent Through the Book of Hebrews: FeastingOnTruth.com/WayMaker For more information on this study and to sign up for the Alongside Guide: FeastingOnTruth.com/Peter For recommended resources: FeastingOnTruth.com/Resources For more information on studying Scripture: FeastingOnTruth.com/HowTo For speaking inquiries: FeastingOnTruth.com/Speaking

Title: Enemies Made Into Friends Text: Acts 16:26-34 FCF: We often struggle loving others especially our enemies. Prop: Because God strikes down all His enemies and does so by making some His friends, we must love all, even our enemies. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 16. In a moment we will read from the New English Translation starting in verse 25. You can follow along in the pew bible or in the version you prefer. Last week we saw that in correlation to God being sovereign over His mission and His people responding to His gospel, He has many enemies. We noted that though God allows these enemies to persist, He does so for His glory so that when they are finally put down, His fame will only increase. But we also left one major cliff hanger. The human enemies of God and His children have seemingly won. They were able to beat and imprison Paul and Silas without, as it stood, any response from God. We left Paul and Silas singing and praying in their jail cell as the other prisoners listened in. Where was God? Why did He let this happen to His children? Those answers will come today… and my friends… they come in a big way, especially for a certain warden and his household. Please stand with me out of respect for and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Father, we know that were it not for Your grace we would still be Your enemies. Were it not for Your love, we would still be opposed to You. Among us today we have many stories of how You took a wretch and made it Your treasure. Our lives are living testaments to the power of Your grace. Today, as we look into Your word, show us more of Your amazing grace. Reveal to us the power of Your gospel to destroy even the hardest heart so it can receive Your truth. Renew us today in the strength of Your Right Hand. For Your power unto salvation is the gospel of Your dear Son. It is in His name we ask this, Amen. Transition: Once again, we will go right to the text this morning as we attempt to fit all this in to a reasonable time. I.) God will eventually strike down all His enemies, so we must love all, even our enemies. (26-29) a. [Slide 2] 26 - Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors flew open, and the bonds of all the prisoners came loose. i. Luke includes in his description of this earthquake, just enough details to assure us of the divine agency in it. ii. First, it must be said that earthquakes are quite common in Greece. 1. Some records indicate Greece on average has a small or moderate earthquake every two or three days. 2. Greater earthquakes are less common. The last great earthquake was in 1956 and they are expecting another large earthquake to occur sometime in the next 2-3 years. iii. Second, ancient Greeks would read considerable religious significance into great earthquakes. 1. They frequently built their temples along fault lines. There are two reasons for this. a. Natural springs occur around or near fault lines and they would be sought after for a temple. b. The connection to the gods, specifically Hades or Pluto and the underworld, or even Poseidon or Neptune and the sea would be far clearer as the faults are literally cracks in the earth to the underworld and the abyss. 2. Therefore, an earthquake would already be seen as a divine act. It is simply a question of which divine being did the shaking and why. iv. Third, is the particularity and specificity of which divine being caused this earthquake. And Luke gives us that by recording that all the prisoner's hands were freed and all the doors were opened. 1. Although this earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, the walls did not crumble and the prisoners and the guards were not harmed. 2. The only noticeable result of the earthquake was that the prisoners were freed. 3. It is no small coincidence, nor would anyone think it so, that the earthquake occurs on the one night in which these missionaries who preach the Most High God are imprisoned and then released by such an event. 4. And as we'll see the jailer's response actually points to this fact. 5. He will assume that it is the God of Paul and Silas that is at work here. b. [Slide 3] 27 - When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he assumed the prisoners had escaped. 28 - But Paul called out loudly, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” i. We have commented before on this very issue, but as a jailer it would be your primary responsibility to keep the prisoners from escaping. If you should fail at this task, your life is forfeit. ii. We saw how Herod killed the guards who allowed Peter to escape. iii. The same would be true for this jailer. iv. So, waking from the earthquake and seeing all the doors open he assumed that all the prisoners had escaped. v. If he would lose his life for losing 1 prisoner – how much more would he have to pay for losing all of them. vi. Indeed, he most likely faced crucifixion for his dereliction of duty. vii. Certainly, an act of the gods like an earthquake would excuse him from his failure we would think. But I'm not sure this jailer wanted to take that risk. viii. The honorable way to pay for allowing the prisoners to go free – divine act or not - would be to take his own life. And we see him taking out his sword to do just that. ix. Before he is able to complete the deed, Paul calls out to him loudly from within the inner cell. x. Though Paul was imprisoned unjustly and though the jailer was no doubt unkind and lacking empathy for Paul and Silas only a few hours prior – Paul does not want to see this man lose his life arbitrarily. xi. It is unclear how Paul is able to see him. Whether the light from outside allowed for those inside to see out but not for those outside to see in, or perhaps through divine revelation, we don't know, but somehow Paul knew the suicidal jailer's intention. xii. He informs him that every prisoner is safe and secure. There is no need for him to take his own life. xiii. Most likely, Paul knows that none have left, because they are all in the same prison room together. c. [Slide 4] 29 - Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell down trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. i. After hearing the voice of a prisoner claiming they are all still present – the jailer calls for torches to be brought in so he can verify that this is true. ii. He would not have been alone. He would have had guards helping him to secure the jail, probably members of his household. iii. After the lights are brought in and Paul and Silas are discovered - he falls down trembling before them. iv. Why is he trembling? v. As we have already discussed, earthquakes served as divine omens of judgment. The fact that these men were only here for one night, now freed by a very specific earthquake, and were kind to him even though he was probably not kind to them, clearly proved to this jailer that Paul and Silas' god –– whoever it was – was angry that they had been imprisoned. vi. And if that god was angry at them being imprisoned, that would mean that this god was also angry at him. vii. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. viii. Sure, he won't be crucified for letting prisoners escape… but now he faces something far more dreadful. ix. He faces the judgment of a god whom he has been caught actively opposing. d. [Slide 5] Summary of the Point: Last week we witnessed the apostles face down two enemies of God. Demons and humans. In the power and authority of Jesus' name, the demons were cast out. But last week we stopped short of God's victory over his human enemies. Today we see God acting in such a way that both proves He is above all the false gods that were worshipped by the Greeks and the Romans while simultaneously freeing His people from their grasp. In this process the indomitability of God is on full display. He is not able to be subdued, no creature can tell him no, no one can slap his hand away. The jailer got the point. His fear of this God far exceeded all the would-be gods he had feared in the past. As an enemy of this God, one who mistreated His servants, he was absolutely terrified at what this God would do to Him. But notice what the missionaries did… EVEN BEFORE the jailer knew what had happened. Paul saved his life. My friends, if God will put down all His enemies eventually, then we should love our enemies and show compassion and care for them. What more can you do to the enemies of God than God will do? Did Paul try to cast the demon into the abyss? No. He simply cast him from the slave girl. And Paul could have done nothing and watched this jailer end his own life. But instead, he told him – we are all here. Spare your life. Would I have been so gracious to a man who so recently mistreated me? I shudder to think. We must love all men, even our enemies. Even when they despitefully use us… we must pray for them. Transition: [Slide 6(blank)] But what comes of the Jailer? He is terrified at the coming judgment of God. But what happens? Does God destroy Him? If God truly destroys all His enemies, we might expect that to be the case. Are Paul and Silas as concerned about his soul as they are his life? Let's see. II.) Sometimes God will strike down His enemies by making them into His friends, so we must love all, even our enemies. (30-34) a. [Slide 7] 30 - Then he brought them outside and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” i. Most likely the prisoners are brought out from the inner room into the courtyard of the prison. Once in the courtyard they could get everyone to safety from the compromised building and do a proper head count of the prisoners. ii. It is here that this warden asks the missionaries a question. iii. His question is flawed in two regards. 1. First, it is probably flawed in its scope. a. While it is possible that the jailer had heard the gospel from the lips of the missionaries, or had heard the proclamation of the slave girl, it is more likely that his theological understanding is quite shallow. b. Thus, his question about salvation most likely has to do with the physical judgment of the God that these missionaries served. He wanted them to tell him how to be spared from that punishment. c. He is not far off the mark – but enough to where he doesn't understand the true depth of his need. d. He doesn't understand that it isn't only his mistreatment of this God's men which has led to him being in danger of judgment, but that all his sin has made him an object of the wrath of this God. e. As so many today, he thinks he has only slightly angered the god of the Jews, when in reality He has committed acts of treason against the Most High God, Creator of all that is and was and will be, Who is the First and the Last and beside Him there is no god. 2. Second, his question is flawed in means. a. Like the Jews at Pentecost when they were pricked to the heart and asked what they should do, like the Ethiopian Eunuch who asked what prevents me from being baptized, like the rich young ruler who lacked some command to enter the Kingdom of God, so also the Philippian Jailer asks what he must do to be saved. b. From a pagan perspective, he is probably asking Paul and Silas to prescribe to him a set of sacrifices or rituals which he can execute to square himself to their god and avoid his or her judgment. c. As many do today, he measured his offense on the cosmic scales of human effort, assessing that he would be able to pay the balance he owed by a few heart-felt rituals and sacrifices. If I do enough good it will outweigh my offenses. d. But should man do exactly what God desires, he has done what God has expected. There is no extra credit. Therefore, there is no way to make up the ground you have lost. Saying it a different way, in order to be pleasing to God you must be Holy as He is Holy. And if you violate the law in one point you violate the whole law and are condemned by it. e. Therefore, the question is asked amiss. f. What can he do? Truly? Nothing. He can do nothing. g. So how will the missionaries respond? Will they say – you can't do anything? b. [Slide 8] 31 - They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” i. The way this reads is much like the way the Elisha/Naaman scene transpired in II Kings. ii. The jailer, having seen the Lord's hand in freeing and preserving the prisoners and himself, and trembling in fear at being found opposing such a god, no doubt asks what great feat he must accomplish to be spared judgment. iii. He probably expected a very difficult task. The Greeks and Romans both had mythologies and legends where the gods assigned difficult tasks to people to get on their good side. It is probable that he expected some sort of task for himself to make things right. iv. But as Elisha told his servant to tell Naaman to bathe in the Jordan 7 times, so Paul and Silas (the servants of Jesus) tell the jailer to believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. 1. This is a pregnant statement by Paul. What is he saying? Is he saying, “Say a prayer and then you are saved forever.” No. 2. He says believe on the Lord Jesus - which is a command, that in the Greek, emphasizes its completion or fullness. Believe completely and undividedly on Jesus as Lord. 3. And then he says, if you do this, you will be saved. In the future. Believing completely does not immediately produce this salvation. It is something that occurs sometime after one believes completely. 4. Furthermore, your saving, is also done by someone or something else. It is passive. The believer is receiving the saving not doing the saving by their actions. 5. Now does this statement fully address what the warden is asking? 6. No, not really. But it does indicate that Paul probably understood exactly what the jailer was asking when he said “what must I do to be saved.” 7. Paul understood that the man was afraid of being judged by God and desired to do something to be square with Him. 8. Paul does not prescribe some great task… but instead commands him to believe completely in Jesus as Lord of all Lords and any future judgment he has earned, he will be spared of it. 9. Paul declares that this man must abandon every other lord he trusts in, and trust in only one Lord. Jesus. 10. Then He will be saved. 11. Paul speaks of a future aspect of salvation rather than a present one. Because that is what the Jailer feared. Future judgment. v. Before we move on we must address the last statement here. vi. Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household. 1. Proponents of the infant baptism view point out that here in the Greek the verb believe and the verb saved both occur in the singular form. Proving, they say, that the salvation of the head of the household is applied in one way or another, to the rest of the household. 2. But this construction is not uncommon in the Greek. In fact, the NET translates this in such a way as to help us see how this works. Because we do it in English too. 3. Let me give you a couple of examples in English. a. Wash your hands and you will be healthier, you and your family. i. Now if I said that, would you assume that my whole family will be healthier simply because I washed my hands? ii. Or would you assume that I was saying that if my family does the same, they too will be healthier. iii. Here is another. b. Eat and you will be filled, you and your family. i. This is even less ambiguous. ii. While we could make a case that my whole family would be healthier if only I washed my hands, it makes absolutely no sense that my family will be filled if I am the only one that eats. 4. Basically, the phrase, “You and your family” implies that the same command fulfilled will produce the same promise or reward for fulfilling it. 5. Paul, really, is predicting that the gospel call will go out to his household too. c. [Slide 9] 32 - Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him, along with all those who were in his house. i. Here we see a further explanation of the gospel to both the jailer and his household. ii. Probably his household consisted of his family and his servants, all of which applied themselves to the keeping of prisoners. Therefore, all of them are up at this late hour dealing with this peculiar situation. iii. His household has joined them in the courtyard where Paul and Silas elaborate on their previous gospel presentation. iv. Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, is a true statement, but it certainly could afford to be fleshed out a little right? v. John Calvin called this gospel presentation a “cold and hungry” definition of salvation. vi. And he is 100% right. It is complete… but it would not be enough for the jailer. He will need more. And that is what we see happening here. vii. Believe on him for what? What has He done? What am I being saved from? What am I being saved to? viii. We can assume that the fullest expression of the gospel is given to the warden and his house. d. [Slide 10] 33 - At that hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized right away. i. Remember the situation not a few hours prior. The warden secured them against the wall and left them to a painful and sleepless night. ii. Now, moved by compassion that is only explained by saving faith, like the woman who washed Jesus' feet, he as the jailer washes their wounds. iii. My friends, wardens at this time did no such thing. As a jailer, his task was to keep the prisoners and afford them no luxury. He wasn't even required to feed them. That was the responsibility of their loved ones. iv. But here, he washes their wounds. v. And immediately after this – no doubt in the same water mixed with the blood and sweat of the missionaries, he was symbolically washed of his sins. He and all his house. e. [Slide 11] 34 - The jailer brought them into his house and set food before them, and he rejoiced greatly that he had come to believe in God, together with his entire household. i. Again, we see the fruit of the Spirit follow conversion. His hospitality and care for the missionaries which he formerly sought to harm, is evidence of a changed man. ii. He feeds them. A task which could actually get him in a lot of trouble. Why? He willfully released the prisoners to come into his home and fed them. This is at very least risking his career, if not his skin. iii. And again, we must deal with this final statement here in this text which seems to suggest that only the jailer believed even though his entire household was baptized. iv. There is actually a very good grammatical argument for why the way the NET translates it is quite excellent. But I can give that to any interested this Thursday night at Bible Study. v. Long statement short – the words at the end of the sentence show us that both the rejoicing and the belief in God were shared by the entire house. vi. And how remarkable for God to save not only this jailer, but also open the eyes of his entire house to believe the gospel. f. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: In our last point we saw that our God is indomitable. He is unable to be subdued. He is unable to be tamed. He is unable to be controlled. He is the Most High God. And because of this, he will subdue all His enemies eventually. But in the Philippian Jailer's life – we see that that subjugation is not always punishment. Because our Lord is also gracious and loving, He sent His Son so that all the believing ones in Christ would not perish but be given everlasting life. Sometimes God subdues His enemies by making them His friends. Indeed, He is drawing to Himself a bride, a fold, a priesthood, a unified body of people in Christ. And because of this – as we see both the Missionaries and the jailer and his house do, we must love one another. We must love our enemies and we must love God's people. The missionaries loved this man enough to share the gospel with him and his household. And this jailer loved these new brothers so much he risked his career to care for them. Conclusion: So, what have we learned today CBC? How then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 13] Building from the scene from last week, we know that our God has enemies both spiritual and physical. Although our God is sovereign over all things, He allows His creation to oppose Him in His plan to glorify Himself. And today, we are reminded that eventually God will subdue all His enemies. And He will do so in one of two ways. Either He will judge them for their sin, or He will judge another for it and make them His friend. Either you will be destroyed or you will be destroyed and rebuilt. The Philippian Jailer came to the end of himself, and though he was ignorant of exactly what his problem was or what he might need to do to fix it, one thing he knew for sure. He was in trouble. The God of these missionaries was able to shake the foundations of the prison, release his men and everyone else, and yet this God's followers were kind and even saved his life. As the Lord would have it – the Philippian Jailer's destiny was not to be destroyed someday in the future – but to be destroyed that very night in his jail courtyard, in the wee hours of the morning. He and all his household believed on the Lord Jesus and were remade into new creatures. The missionaries and the Jailer serve as our examples of the one application from this text. We must love all men, even our enemies. This application flows out of the fact that God will destroy all His enemies and some by making them His friends. If this is true, it is Anti-Christ to hate God's children. Since they are the body of Christ, His Son. And, it is Anti-Christ to hate God's enemies, for only He is the judge and will determine whether He destroys them or destroys them and remakes them. But let me make these applications much more concrete so that we may take them into our everyday lives all the easier. 1.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must believe that all men, being enemies of God and deserving His eternal wrath, will eventually be subdued by Him. a. There is a lot in this little statement that we must believe. b. The Philippian jailer feared what the Lord would do to him since he had opposed His servants. c. The earthquake sent him quaking, fearing what their God's reprisal would be on him. d. But he underestimated his status before the Most High God, Creator of all things, and Holy Lord of Glory. e. He did not stand in offense… He stood opposed. f. He did not merely trespass, He mutinied. He was not merely an offender. He was an enemy. g. The scriptures declare to us that all men are enemies of God, children of wrath, of their father the devil, incurably sick with sin, desperately wicked, neither seeking nor desiring God. h. All men are guilty of the whole law and are subject to the only just penalty of breaking the whole law. i. Eternal wrath in a death devoid of God's mercy and empty of His grace. j. Many ask, why is the lake of fire eternal? Why cannot a man pay for his sin and then the Lord restore him to heaven or at least just snuff them out of existence? Why must God preserve their eternal souls to suffer forever? k. Such questions reveal the same shallow understanding the Philippian jailer had of his own sin. l. Sin is so heinous, so terrible, so egregious… it is so unnatural… so diabolical… that were we given all eternity to pay for even 1 sin against our Holy God… My friends… it would not be enough. m. That is why God's wrath is poured out eternally on those who are enemies of God. Because in that eternity – they are no closer to paying for their sin. n. And here is the kicker… o. All men are enemies of God. p. And here is the terrible warning I have for you today. q. All men will be subdued by God. All men will be put down. r. Every enemy of the Lord will be destroyed. One way or another. s. That is a terrifying thought. t. But it only gets worse. u. Let me continue with the bad news this morning. And it is found in something that many men believe that is false. 2.) Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that we are able to make up for or help God make up for our sin by acts of obedience, ritual, or sacrifice. a. The Philippian Jailer assumed, like many today, that his sin was only a minor matter. Something that he could easily make right by performing some act of obedience, some ritual, or paying some penance or sacrifice. b. Like the Philippian jailer this thought divides into two categories. c. Either someone may think that they can do good deeds, or give up things they love for a period of time, or perform certain rituals and this will somehow earn extra credit from God who will apply it to their account and allow them to balance the scales of His justice. d. Or as others concede, Christ has to help us in some degree. They believe He has built up for us a storehouse of merit, and because we still sin, we must continue to add to that storehouse lest we potentially run out. We must keep ourselves in this status of salvation and if we do not, then we risk punishment and even hell. e. But given our discussion about the heinousness of our sin, I hope you realize that such a thing is wholly impossible. No amount of good deeds could possibly make up for 1 offense against the Lord because good deeds are what He requires of us. There is no “extra” credit available for doing what He has commanded us to do. f. My friends, no act of obedience, ritual, or sacrifice could possibly make up for any sin we may commit. g. The bad news is… our sin is a real and deadly problem. h. Our sin separates us from a holy God… And there isn't anything we can do about that. Why? Because we are separated from Him. i. How do you make peace with a God you cannot approach? And even if you could get an audience with Him – what would be your offering to Him? j. Would you approach His holy throne with your righteous deeds? He has declared through the prophet Isaiah that all our righteous deeds are like used menstrual rags. Will you bring these to the Most High God and expect Him to be pleased? Pleased enough to forgive you? k. Nothing we can do can make up for our sin. l. We are wholly and completely destitute. Dead in our sin. m. But now it is time for some good news. Something we must believe. The gospel… 3.) Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must believe that it is in the will of a loving and gracious God, to destroy some of His enemies by making them His friends and conforming them to His Son. a. What must be done with a vessel that does not serve the purpose it was created to serve? b. What does a potter do with a vessel that rips on the wheel? c. He must remake it. d. Yes, God destroys all of His enemies. e. But some of them, He remakes into His friends. He presses them into a new mold. Not the old broken mold of Adam which springs a leak and cannot hold water. f. He presses us into the mold of Christ which is a vessel fit to hold the finest treasures of our Lord. Namely His Spirit. g. God will destroy all His enemies. This is true. h. But some of them will forever praise Him for the glories of His grace because even though they should have been cast into the fire with the rest… i. He chose to save them, remake them, and build them back into a vessel fit for glory. j. What does that mean? 4.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must believe on the Lord Jesus and we will be saved. a. The Holy God, the Most High God, The Creator of all that is, was and will be, The first, the last, the alpha the omega, Yahweh… b. He has supplied exactly 1 way of salvation. i. He loved every nation so much that He sent His only and unique Son, the second person of the Godhead, to humiliate Himself by becoming one of us by taking on a human nature and adding it to His divine nature. ii. This Jesus, who is the Lord of Glory, submitted Himself to a shameful death after living a sinless life, and died as the most wicked sinner that has ever died – having taken on Him the sin of all of His people. And by dying He suffered the full wrath of God for them. iii. By raising again the third day He conquered death supplying a way for all who are in Him to go to the Father of Lights who is the giver of only good gifts. iv. And by ascending He now stands as an advocate for His bride while they are being prepared to be wed to Him. c. My Friends! d. Because you are absolutely, comprehensively, thoroughly, ultimately, exhaustively, extensively, inside out and upside down, through and through, woefully and perfectly wicked and unable to do anything to change it, unable to do anything to prevent this GOD from utterly destroying you… e. WILL YOU NOT BELIEVE? WILL YOU NOT BOW? Will you not cast all your hope on this One who has not commanded you to die for Him so you can be saved, but has died to save you from His own judgment? f. Will you not completely and finally believe no matter what it costs? g. Would you not do something far greater and more taxing to escape the coming eternal judgment of His wrath? h. Why then will you not only believe? i. And I do not speak of a simple mental assent where you just agree that He is who He says He is. j. No. k. I mean a belief that this Jailer had. l. A belief that cast aside everything else in order to obtain it. m. A belief that proves itself out in a changed life. n. One in which… 5.) Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must love one another, even our enemies. a. My friends, there is no such friend of God who is not completely and irrevocably changed by His remaking hand. b. God's people, those He has destroyed and sought to remake… DO NOT LOOK THE SAME AS THEY ALWAYS HAVE! c. This jailer only moments after his beleif was washing the wounds and feeding these prisoners. d. Why? e. Because He wasn't the same. f. Paul and Silas being ambassadors of the Living God, should have been treated like the Kings … but when they were maligned, abused, mistreated, mocked, ridiculed – they neither retaliated nor did they complain. g. Instead, they sang songs of praise to God. h. And when they had a chance to watch the jailer who treated them so poorly, end his life in front of their eyes so they could escape… they stopped him from doing it! i. And when he asked how to be saved – they could have refused, they could have laughed at his flawed question…but did not. They taught him and his WHOLE HOUSEHOLD the word of God. j. My friends… k. You cannot be a Christian and hate one another. You cannot be a Christian and withhold forgiveness from others. You cannot be a Christian and hate your enemies. l. God will put them down, one way or another. That is His role as a Just Judge. m. Our role… is to love one another. Even our enemies. n. Even those who abuse us. o. Even those who spitefully use us. p. Why? q. Because we've been remade. We aren't the same broken jar we once were. r. We hold living water. s. But perhaps your heart looks to the enemies of God and screams what mine often does. t. There is no hope for these people. They are too far gone. u. Or perhaps… you are saying that of yourself. Perhaps you think… you are too far gone too. v. Take heart… 6.) Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” There is no enemy of God beyond His reach to judge or to save. a. There are only two options in front of every enemy of God. b. Either they will be judged by the just judge and they will pay for every crime they have committed against Him… c. Or Christ will. d. That's it. Either Christ has already paid it, or they will pay it. There is no third option. e. Do you realize that Kamala Harris is 1 earthquake away from being your sister in Christ? f. Do you realize that Gretchen Whitmer is 1 opened heart away from being a friend of God? g. I don't care what you've done sinner… or how wicked you've been. h. Paul sought and killed Christians for a living. He did it zealously. He did it joyfully. He did it as a holy charge to the false god he served. He was the Hitler of the early church… And Jesus Christ threw him on the ground, rebuked him and commanded him to serve him. That Paul died that day. And the Paul we see today was reborn in his place. i. No one… is beyond the reach of God's destructive power. He will destroy all His enemies. And that is a great comfort to we, who were destroyed and then remade. j. And it is a terrible warning to you if you remain His enemy… k. But you don't have to succumb to a future destruction. You can be destroyed… right now. l. That is my prayer for you. Let me close with a prayer by the Reformer John Knox Strong and mighty God, You destroy the word of the ungodly and rid the world of tyrants, whenever You decide. No force can resist Your everlasting determination. Now look on Your cause for the sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is time, Lord. Bring to nothing all those things that stand against You and Your holy word. Do not let the enemies of Your truth oppress Your word and Your servants. We seek only Your glory, and above all things wish in our hearts that Your holy name would be glorified among the nations. Grant that we Your servants would speak Your irresistible truth and wisdom. Even though we justly deserve this plague and famine of Your word, we pray that You would release us in our true repentance. We vow before You to better use our gifts, and to order our lives according to Your will and pleasure. We will sing unending praises to Your blessed name, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen. Benediction: Let those who trust the Lord be like Mount Zion, Which cannot be shaken but endures forever. May that same Lord establish you in the Gospel So that all peoples might believe and obey Him Who is the only wise God; the glory is to Him forever through Jesus Christ! Until we meet again… Go in peace!

Hilary teaches on the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which Jesus gave His disciples, when they asked Him how many times should they forgive someone (Matthew 18:21-35). God, our Master and King, has forgiven us a massive un-payable sin-debt, so we ought to forgive one another. We should always be aware of just how much God has forgiven each one of us through the shed Blood of His Beloved Son, Jesus our Messiah. We should always be aware of just how much it cost God to forgive us. The servant who had been forgiven so much, refused to forgive his fellow servant (v29-30), and as a result his master was angry with him, and delivered him over to the torturers (v32-34).We will be separated from intimate fellowship with our Heavenly Father, if we refuse to forgive others. Jesus suffered and died to pay the price for their forgiveness, as well as for our forgiveness. He paid the price for their sins, as well as for our sins. He was punished in our place, and He released FORGIVENESS from the Cross, including for those who crucified Him, saying: “Father, FORGIVE them” (Luke 23:34). If our Lord forgave even those who tortured Him to death, then as His disciples, we must also forgive those who sin against us. When you forgive them, you are putting them into the Hands of God. You release the judgment to God, because you are refusing to be their judge, and they will now have to answer to God. He is the only Just Judge. If we do persist in judging (condemning) them, then our sin of unforgiveness is now worse than their sin against us, because we are now in pride and rebellion against God's Word, which tells us to: “forgive one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Harbouring unforgiveness puts a barrier between us and our Heavenly Father, hindering our fellowship, and it can result in physical sickness, mental sickness, depression and self-hatred (Matthew 18:35).

Hilary teaches on the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which Jesus gave His disciples, when they asked Him how many times should they forgive someone (Matthew 18:21-35). God, our Master and King, has forgiven us a massive un-payable sin-debt, so we ought to forgive one another. We should always be aware of just how much God has forgiven each one of us through the shed Blood of His Beloved Son, Jesus our Messiah. We should always be aware of just how much it cost God to forgive us. The servant who had been forgiven so much, refused to forgive his fellow servant (v29-30), and as a result his master was angry with him, and delivered him over to the torturers (v32-34).We will be separated from intimate fellowship with our Heavenly Father, if we refuse to forgive others. Jesus suffered and died to pay the price for their forgiveness, as well as for our forgiveness. He paid the price for their sins, as well as for our sins. He was punished in our place, and He released FORGIVENESS from the Cross, including for those who crucified Him, saying: “Father, FORGIVE them” (Luke 23:34). If our Lord forgave even those who tortured Him to death, then as His disciples, we must also forgive those who sin against us. When you forgive them, you are putting them into the Hands of God. You release the judgment to God, because you are refusing to be their judge, and they will now have to answer to God. He is the only Just Judge. If we do persist in judging (condemning) them, then our sin of unforgiveness is now worse than their sin against us, because we are now in pride and rebellion against God's Word, which tells us to: “forgive one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Harbouring unforgiveness puts a barrier between us and our Heavenly Father, hindering our fellowship, and it can result in physical sickness, mental sickness, depression and self-hatred (Matthew 18:35).

A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Just Judge Subtitle: Exposition of 2 Peter Speaker: Kevin Lopez Broadcaster: The Bible Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/9/2024 Bible: 2 Peter 2:4-10 Length: 46 min.

A new MP3 sermon from The Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Just Judge Subtitle: Exposition of 2 Peter Speaker: Kevin Lopez Broadcaster: The Bible Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/9/2024 Bible: 2 Peter 2:4-10 Length: 46 min.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21It's frightening to think of those of whom Jesus is speaking. Imagine arriving before the throne of God upon your passing from this earthly life and you cry out to Him, “Lord, Lord!” And you expect Him to smile and welcome you, but instead you come face-to-face with the reality of your ongoing and obstinate disobedience to the will of God throughout your life. You suddenly realize that you acted as if you were a Christian, but it was only an act. And now, on the day of judgment, the truth is made manifest for you and for all to see. A truly frightening scenario.To whom will this happen? Of course, only our Lord knows. He is the one and only Just Judge. He and He alone knows a person's heart, and judgment is left only to Him. But the fact that Jesus told us that “Not everyone” who expects to enter Heaven will enter should grab our attention.Ideally, our lives are directed by a deep and pure love of God, and it is this love and this love alone that directs our lives. But when a pure love of God is not clearly present, then the next best thing may be a holy fear. The words spoken by Jesus should evoke this “holy fear” within each of us.By “holy,” we mean that there is a certain fear that can motivate us to change our lives in an authentic way. It's possible that we fool others, and maybe even fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God. God sees and knows all things, and He knows the answer to the one and only question that matters on the day of judgment: “Did I fulfill the will of the Father in Heaven?”A common practice, recommended over and over by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, is to consider all our current decisions and actions from the point of view of the day of judgment. What would I wish I had done in that moment? The answer to that question is of essential importance to the way we live our lives today.Reflect, today, upon that important question in your own life. “Am I fulfilling the will of the Father in Heaven?” What will I wish I had done, here and now, as I stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Whatever comes to mind, spend time with that and strive to deepen your resolve to whatever God reveals to you. Do not hesitate. Do not wait. Prepare now so that the day of Judgment will also be a day of exceeding joy and glory!My saving God, I pray for insight into my life. Help me to see my life and all of my actions in the light of Your will and Your Truth. My loving Father, I desire to live fully in accord with Your perfect will. Give me the grace I need to amend my life so that the day of judgment is a day of the greatest glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

 I had a moment to think about this event, seeing Jesus as a Just Judge. It wasn't easy, that's for sure!Join my Soul, Mind and Body Group! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOomOLNKo70zgeWxOJEJChlQTrouble signing up? Watch this 90 second video https://youtu.be/wjR0e57MDWYNeed help with prayer, let's do it together with my VIDEO prayer coursehttps://academy.kendravonesh.com/p/go-deepCurious about my story? Check out my book http://smarturl.it/AmICatholicI would love to come speak at your event!https://www.kendravonesh.com/speakingWant more intimacy and 1:1 Coaching?https://www.kendravonesh.com/faith-coaching We can walk daily on my Reality Reflections podcast!https://www.kendravonesh.com/podcast

I had a moment to think about this event, seeing Jesus as a Just Judge. It wasn't easy, that's for sure! Join my Soul, Mind and Body Group!

How can a God who is infinitely holy, just, and good show mercy and grace to sinful and rebellious people? How can a Just Judge let the guilty go free? In this message from Mark 15:1–20, David Platt points to the cross as the answer to these questions. By sending his Son in the flesh to bear his wrath against sin, God provided a substitute for guilty people like us. God's justice and his mercy met at the cross, and as a result, all who trust in Christ can be freed from the penalty and power of sin. 

Allah commands us to act with justice, for He is the most Just Judge. He knows what is in our hearts and minds and will judge all of our deeds according to His justice. He rewards good deeds and punishes those who do evil. Allah will also take into account all of the difficulties that people have faced and grant them rewards or punishments accordingly. On the Day of Judgment, no soul will be wronged in any way, as Allah is infinitely Just. He will separate those who believe in Him from those who do not and calls us to be just in all of our dealings.

Welcome Garry Stevens of the History in the Bible Podcast (https://www.historyinthebible.com/) to talk about the folks whose solemnity we observe today, Peter and Paul! Plus, the early days of the See of Rome, through Clement! In other news, popeularhistory.com is now live, and from now until I am called before the Just Judge, you can expect daily content on this feed! More on all that tomorrow! Also, patreon is now live! Patreon.com/popeular LIBER PONTIFICALIS SECTION MENTIONED: http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/liberpontificalis1.html From the Liber Pontificalis on Peter: "Here he ordained two bishops, Linus and Cletus, who were to present all the priestly service in the city of Rome to the people or to those who came; and blessed Peter was busy in prayer and preaching, instructing the people. 4 He had many discussions with Simon Magus, both before Nero the emperor and before the people; as those whom the blessed Peter gathered to the faith of Christ, he separated them by means of magic and deception. And when they quarreled longer, Simon was slain by a divine nod. 5 He consecrated the blessed Clement as bishop, and entrusted him with the arrangement of the chair or the whole church, saying: "Just as the power of binding and loosing was entrusted to me by my Lord Jesus Christ to govern, so I also entrust to you as the orderer of the various causes by which the ecclesiastical act is carried out." and you are by no means found devoted to the cares of the world; but try to devote yourself only to prayer and preaching to the people."  

There are two types of fear- irrational fear and the fear of God. -Peter opens with an if-then clause.-1. Fear God because he is a Just Judge and paid a ransom.-Fear is deep respect concerning God. He -Jesus- has paid a ransom for us. He has shed His blood. OUr hearts have been changed.-God sees us 1. through the Passover. 2. Levitical system, 3. Isiah 53.-These are where He shows us he is the Lamb of God.-2.Fear God for He has planned our ransom.-God has planned Christ would come as the ransom for us.-The Invisible becomes visible. VS. 19-3. Fear God because He did it all for us. Vs 21-He has done all that is needed for salvation. Fear God for He has made us whole.

The twist on the twisted plot against Jesus. A daily devotional through the Gospel of John with author and speaker Vince Miller.

The just judge will make it right. Daily devotionals through the Gospel of John with speaker and author Vince Miller.

When you enter Heaven's courtroom to do spiritual warfare, you are asking that the will of God, what is written in His books, be released from Heaven and come to earth. All scripture and promises of God are “yes and amen” in the courts. If there is something hindering your prayers, God can reveal that to you in the Courts of Heaven. So then, rather than thinking spiritual warfare takes place on a battlefield, think of it taking place in a courtroom. Entering Heaven's courtroom isn't about changing God's mind. Instead, it is about aligning your soul: mind, will, and emotions, with His. Entering is based on your identity, as one in a relationship with the Just Judge and purchased by the blood of Yeshua, sets the stage for the rest of the proceedings. In the third part of Rabbi Curt Landry's series on spiritual warfare, join him as he dives into why and how to enter Heaven's courtroom…

In this sermon, Pastor Nathan preaches about how God is The Just Judge. We are challenged to overcome evil with good. Listen in to see how we can be Jesus-different […]

Fearing God is ESSENTIAL for REAL LIFE!  But what does it really mean to FEAR GOD and how can we LIVE LIKE THAT?Join Joel and Ryan as they discuss the WRAP UP to the series, Searching for Purpose from Solomon's book of Ecclesiastes.Our God is truly AWESOME in the way that He gives new life to sinful people through faith in JESUS CHRIST.  God is also a JUST JUDGE who takes care of SIN thoroughly and completely through Jesus' death and resurrection.Finding yourself a little downcast or discouraged as we move into the holidays?  Listen and watch On Our Way Home and turn your worship UP as we live in gratitude for all that God has done and IS DOING for us through CHRIST!Email us at cornerstoneonourwayhome@gmail.com

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”  Matthew 7:21It's frightening to think of those of whom Jesus is speaking. Imagine arriving before the throne of God upon your passing from this earthly life and you cry out to Him, “Lord, Lord!” And you expect Him to smile and welcome you, but instead you come face-to-face with the reality of your ongoing and obstinate disobedience to the will of God throughout your life. You suddenly realize that you acted as if you were a Christian, but it was only an act. And now, on the day of judgment, the truth is made manifest for you and for all to see. A truly frightening scenario.To whom will this happen? Of course, only our Lord knows. He is the one and only Just Judge. He and He alone knows a person's heart, and judgment is left only to Him. But the fact that Jesus told us that “Not everyone” who expects to enter Heaven will enter should grab our attention.Ideally, our lives are directed by a deep and pure love of God, and it is this love and this love alone that directs our lives. But when a pure love of God is not clearly present, then the next best thing may be a holy fear. The words spoken by Jesus should evoke this “holy fear” within each of us.By “holy,” we mean that there is a certain fear that can motivate us to change our lives in an authentic way. It's possible that we fool others, and maybe even fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God. God sees and knows all things, and He knows the answer to the one and only question that matters on the day of judgment: “Did I fulfill the will of the Father in Heaven?”A common practice, recommended over and over by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, is to consider all our current decisions and actions from the point of view of the day of judgment. What would I wish I had done in that moment? The answer to that question is of essential importance to the way we live our lives today.Reflect, today, upon that important question in your own life. “Am I fulfilling the will of the Father in Heaven?” What will I wish I had done, here and now, as I stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Whatever comes to mind, spend time with that and strive to deepen your resolve to whatever God reveals to you. Do not hesitate. Do not wait. Prepare now so that the day of Judgment will also be a day of exceeding joy and glory!My saving God, I pray for insight into my life. Help me to see my life and all of my actions in the light of Your will and Your Truth. My loving Father, I desire to live fully in accord with Your perfect will. Give me the grace I need to amend my life so that the day of judgment is a day of the greatest glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2022 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

The Psalm response reminds us that all judgement belongs to the Lord, and one day we will all be held accountable when we stand before the Just Judge. November 22, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Today's readings are from Notebook 5, numbers 1467-1471. Thank goodness that on our Judgment Day it is only Christ that stands and judges us. He knows the big picture of our life. That doesn't necessarily mean that we won't get a judgment of Hell if we have mortal sin on our souls. However, we know that Christ will be a Just Judge. I'm grateful that people here on earth don't get to judge my soul because they don't have Christ's insight.   

The Lord Is a Just Judge

Do you have a need or a situation that needs God's intervention? Take it to the Lord in prayer! But how? The key is to understand the Lord's Prayer. The Lord's Prayer can become very rote, almost automatic, especially if you've grown up hearing and reciting it daily or weekly. However, when you understand the depth of this powerful prayer, you can see what is actually going on in the Courts of Heaven and petition God—the Just Judge—asking Him to manifest on earth what is written for you in the heavenly books. The Lord's Prayer is… Relational communication with God A moment to have an intimate connection with God Time to give Him your total attention … so that He can consume your mind and you can hear from Him. Join Rabbi Curt Landry as he dives deep into the power of prayer and walks you through each verse in the Lord's Prayer, providing practical insights into how to pray it in this encouraging episode of the Ancient Principles, Kingdom Authority podcast.  

A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Pres. Church of Slate Lick is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Faith in the Just Judge Subtitle: Psalms Speaker: Richard T. Crofutt Broadcaster: Reformed Pres. Church of Slate Lick Event: Sunday - AM Date: 9/4/2022 Bible: Psalm 58:1-11 Length: 41 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Pres. Church of Slate Lick is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Faith in the Just Judge Subtitle: Psalms Speaker: Richard T. Crofutt Broadcaster: Reformed Pres. Church of Slate Lick Event: Sunday - AM Date: 9/4/2022 Bible: Psalm 58:1-11 Length: 41 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Reformed Pres. Church of Slate Lick is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Faith in the Just Judge Subtitle: Psalms Speaker: Richard T. Crofutt Broadcaster: Reformed Pres. Church of Slate Lick Event: Sunday - AM Date: 9/4/2022 Bible: Psalm 58:1-11 Length: 41 min.

Today's readings are from Notebook 2, numbers 634-638. Sister Faustina has a conversation with Mary in our readings today.  Mary implores Sister Faustina to get the message of mercy out so that souls can receive it before the Second Coming of Christ. At the Second Coming, Christ will be the Just Judge. We prepare for lots of things in our life, just in case something happens. Do we prepare our souls for the coming of Christ?   

Passage: John 5:22-30 Preacher: Derrick McCarson Series: The Gospel of John Category: Eternity, Heaven, John, Christ , Rapture, Salvation, Hell Summary: If you were to ask the average person on the street today – “Who is Jesus?” You'd get various and contradictory opinions - a prophet, a good moral teacher or an example of love and compassion. Almost no one would describe him as "Just Judge" - yet that's exactly who He is according to John 5.

Join the host as he commands the morning for the Just Judge to enter in on the day of life, Tuesday! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rashad-smith9/support

We are often guilty of doing the very things we would condemn in others. God wants us to focus in our locus of control. we can only control our actions and attitudes we have to entrust others to the Just Judge of the universe who will always judge justly. Our Podcast, Blog and YouTube Links https://linktr.ee/rttbros Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. RSS feed https://anchor.fm/s/127be410/podcast/rss

The Just Judge; the Christian Pharisee; and the Kind, Patient, and Loving Judge

As you listen, we hope you can see Jesus is a Just Judge and we must remain steadfast, faithful, and soft hearted till His return. We need to witness to those who are lost, because we want everyone to experience the love, hope, and salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Discussion Questions 1. What part of this message really spoke to you? 2. Who is someone God is telling you to pray for this week? 3. During this time of chaos and a lot of unknowns what are some ways God can help you construct more faith? Music: Storybook by Scott Holmes. Used with permission.

Let's suppose I stood before a judge with fifty thousand parking tickets; and in my opportunity to speak, I asked the judge, "your Honor, would you please let me go? Continue reading → The post A Just Judge appeared first on Evangelism Explosion.

Today's readings are from Notebook 5, numbers 1467-1471. Thank goodness that on our Judgment Day it is only Christ that stands and judges us. He knows the big picture of our life. That doesn't necessarily mean that we won't get a judgment of Hell if we have mortal sin on our souls. However, we know that Christ will be a Just Judge. I'm grateful that people here on earth don't get to judge my soul because they don't have Christ's insight. 

In a world driven by educated guesses, statistical probabilities and safe bets, the text gives us the basis for reasoned faith in the certain victory of Jesus over his enemies once and for all. He is merciful and loving, but he is also the Just Judge who will conquer his enemies and redeem his people. Are you for him or against him?

Justice for the Persecuted1. The Just Rewards2. The Just Judge3. Justice in Answer to PrayerTime:MorningRead by:Student T. DeJongTexts:2 Thessalonians 1:5–12Acts 17:1–15

The Covenant Renewed / What GOD Requires, The Just Judge, Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery, The Seventh Seal and The First Four Trumpets.

We continue our 'Faith Works' series as Pastor David brings a message called 'The Just Judge' from James 4:11-12

Today's readings are from Notebook 2, numbers 634-638. Sister Faustina has a conversation with Mary in our readings today.  Mary implores Sister Faustina to get the message of mercy out so that souls can receive it before the Second Coming of Christ. At the Second Coming, Christ will be the Just Judge. We prepare for lots of things in our life, just in case something happens. Do we prepare our souls for the coming of Christ? 

Let's suppose I stood before a judge with fifty thousand parking tickets; and in my opportunity to speak, I asked the judge, "your Honor, would you please let me go? I promise I’ll be a perfect driver from now on." Continue reading → The post A Just Judge appeared first on Evangelism Explosion.

Outline:The Son is ComingZeke as The Son of ManJesus as The Son of ManThe Son of Man as Just Judge and Speedy AvengerSaint Athanasius ChurchContra Mundum SwaggerVideo Version

On episode forty-six of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I spoke about the Divine Mercy Chaplet and why you should start praying it (if you are not already). Episode breakdown::15 Syndicate Strategies & The Catholic Company1:30 Introducing the Divine Mercy Chaplet2:30 The Lenten Journey3:30 Why should we pray the chaplet?5:15 Jesus wants to pour out His mercy on us6:30 The Recitation of the Chaplet of Divine MercyQuotes shared during the episode:“Say unceasingly the Chaplet that I have taught you. Whoever will recite it, they will receive great mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy.” (Diary, 687)“It pleases me to grant everything souls ask of me by saying the chaplet. When hardened sinners say it, I will fill their souls with peace, and the hour of their death will be a happy one. Write this for the benefit of distressed souls; when a soul sees and realizes the gravity of its sins, when the whole abyss of the misery into which it immersed itself is displayed before its eyes, let it not despair, but with trust, let it throw itself into the arms of My mercy, as a child into the arms of its beloved mother. Tell them no soul that has called upon My mercy has been disappointed or brought to shame. I delight particularly in a soul that has placed its trust in My goodness. Write that when they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My father and the dying person, not as the Just Judge but as the Merciful Saviour.” (Diary, 1541)Notes:Thank you to our sponsors!Syndicate Strategies, a full-service marketing agency owned and operated by two Catholic business partners for over 25 years. Syndicate helps connect businesses to customers using the most current technology. They can help YOU create powerful, engaging websites and eCommerce stores that bring results. Find out what Syndicate can do for you at syndstrat.com/saints.Check out The Catholic Company for all your Catholic merchandise needs! Use code "GOTTABESAINTS" for 15% off your next purchase!If you enjoyed this episode, please give provide a review and make sure to subscribe!

In the Passover the LORD shows Himself to be the Just Judge and the Gracious Deliverer, and He shapes His people as they experience Him in the Passover ritual.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”  Matthew 7:21It’s frightening to think of those of whom Jesus is speaking. Imagine arriving before the throne of God upon your passing from this earthly life and you cry out to Him, “Lord, Lord!” And you expect Him to smile and welcome you, but instead you come face-to-face with the reality of your ongoing and obstinate disobedience to the will of God throughout your life. You suddenly realize that you acted as if you were a Christian, but it was only an act. And now, on the day of judgment, the truth is made manifest for you and for all to see. A truly frightening scenario.To whom will this happen? Of course, only our Lord knows. He is the one and only Just Judge. He and He alone knows a person’s heart, and judgment is left only to Him. But the fact that Jesus told us that “Not everyone” who expects to enter Heaven will enter should grab our attention.Ideally, our lives are directed by a deep and pure love of God, and it is this love and this love alone that directs our lives. But when a pure love of God is not clearly present, then the next best thing may be a holy fear. The words spoken by Jesus should evoke this “holy fear” within each of us.By “holy,” we mean that there is a certain fear that can motivate us to change our lives in an authentic way. It’s possible that we fool others, and maybe even fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God. God sees and knows all things, and He knows the answer to the one and only question that matters on the day of judgment: “Did I fulfill the will of the Father in Heaven?”A common practice, recommended over and over by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, is to consider all our current decisions and actions from the point of view of the day of judgment. What would I wish I had done in that moment? The answer to that question is of essential importance to the way we live our lives today.Reflect, today, upon that important question in your own life. “Am I fulfilling the will of the Father in Heaven?” What will I wish I had done, here and now, as I stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Whatever comes to mind, spend time with that and strive to deepen your resolve to whatever God reveals to you. Do not hesitate. Do not wait. Prepare now so that the day of Judgment will also be a day of exceeding joy and glory!My saving God, I pray for insight into my life. Help me to see my life and all of my actions in the light of Your will and Your Truth. My loving Father, I desire to live fully in accord with Your perfect will. Give me the grace I need to amend my life so that the day of judgment is a day of the greatest glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Prophetic Worship/Declaration Service - Yes, we are in a season of change, which includes hearing God, obeying God, living our life ALL OUT for Him. Holy Spirit took over the service, and we experienced His presence as we yielded to Him, allowing Him to work on our hearts so that we can embrace His change!

Prophetic Worship/Declaration Service - Yes, we are in a season of change, which includes hearing God, obeying God, living our life ALL OUT for Him. Holy Spirit took over the service, and we experienced His presence as we yielded to Him, allowing Him to work on our hearts so that we can embrace His change!

Today is a new day with a blank slate that the Spirit is about to bring change to. We must be people who live by seeing things the way God sees them. We must embrace His vision. Then we will be happy, blessed, fortunate and enviable. When we give ourselves to the vision the vision will give itself to us.

Today is a new day with a blank slate that the Spirit is about to bring change to. We must be people who live by seeing things the way God sees them. We must embrace His vision. Then we will be happy, blessed, fortunate and enviable. When we give ourselves to the vision the vision will give itself to us.

Jesus says the Book of Truth is being presented to mankind to help them redeem themselves in His Heart. We are being given a choice to proclaim His Glory before He comes back as a merciful Saviour and Just Judge. He will never reveal the date of His Second Coming, but before He comes He is communication with the entire world now so he can show His children His Just Mercy.

God is calling to us to vote—but to vote HIS way for His purposes. The court of heaven has already released what God hates and votes against in Proverbs 6. We must align ourselves with His will and His foundational truths. We have the ability and responsibility to intercede and save generations. When we enter into our positional authority in the heavenly realm, we are empowered to bring the vote of God into reality on the earth.

God is calling to us to vote—but to vote HIS way for His purposes. The court of heaven has already released what God hates and votes against in Proverbs 6. We must align ourselves with His will and His foundational truths. We have the ability and responsibility to intercede and save generations. When we enter into our positional authority in the heavenly realm, we are empowered to bring the vote of God into reality on the earth.

A new MP3 sermon from Founders Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Sovereign & Just Judge Subtitle: Series - Romans 2019-2020 Speaker: Richard Caldwell Jr. Broadcaster: Founders Baptist Church Event: Sunday - AM Date: 10/11/2020 Bible: Romans 9:19 Length: 58 min.

Speaker: Tsjibbe deJong "This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering." (2 Thessalonians 1:5) 1. The Just Rewards 2. The Just Judge 3. Justice in Answer to Prayer

A new VIDEO from Founders Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Sovereign & Just Judge Subtitle: Series - Romans 2019-2020 Speaker: Richard Caldwell Jr. Broadcaster: Founders Baptist Church Event: Sunday - AM Date: 10/11/2020 Bible: Romans 9:19 Length: 63 min.

The Kingdom Divided / Rehoboam in Jerusalem / Jeroboam's Idolatry, Knowing Christ / Reaching Forward to God's Goal, The Priests' Chambers / Outside Dimensions of the Temple Complex, The Just Judge.

1 Peter 1.17-21--Fear the Just Judge by Jerad File

Jump into Romans 2 with us as we see the way Paul levels the ground between Jew and Gentile by revealing the truths about man's state before God as it pertains to righteousness, and God's character in being The Just Judge.

Jesus knew it would be difficult for His followers to continue to pray especially during hard and trying times and so he told them this story of a widow protesting an unjust judge and how she was able to change his mind and how boldly then we ought to protest God to act on our behalf against all forms of oppression. When the "Justice of Jesus" is enacted it comes in a very different way than any human government, judge, or people group can ever bring. The Justice of Jesus is always perfect and full of mercy and this Just Judge and King we must protest if we want to become "overcomers" in an unjust world.

Luke 18:1-8 Sermon Notes 1) Losing Heart, 1 2) The Lousy Unjust Judge, 2-6 3) The Lord, the Just Judge, 6-8 4) The Last Question, 8 Reflection questions: 1. What are some reasons that you sometimes lose heart in God’s promises, or lose heart in doing good? What are some of the ways God tries to encourage us NOT to lose heart? See Gal. 6:9-10. 2 Cor 4:1, 16-17. 2. What does the Bible say about God’s care of widows? What can this teach us about compassion for the needy? See Ps 68:5; Lk 20:47; Lk 7:11-15; Ps 146:9; Proverbs 15:25; Zech. 7:10; Isaiah 1:17. 3. Why is God’s justice good news and not just a scary concept? See Revelation 6:9-11; 11:18.

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.Hebrew words:Avram (Abram) -- great (exalted) fatherAvraham (Abraham) -- sounds like "father of many" (Ab[ram]-hamon)Avram and Avraham are mentioned 345 times in the Bible:He appears not only in Genesis 11-25, but also in Exodus-Joshua, 1 Kings-2 Chronicles, Nehemiah, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Malachi.He also appears in Acts, Romans, 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, James, and 1 Peter.Sarah -- princess. (Note: in Genesis 11:29-17:15, she is Sarai, or "my princess.")Yishma'el (Ishmael) -- "God hears" -- a natural response when at age 86 Abraham finally became a father.Abraham, the man of faith:Faith keeps moving (Genesis 12)!Though the main application is to moving spiritually, still the question remains: Have I ever moved for spiritual reasons? How willing am I to step out of my comfort zone -- even literally stepping out?We go forward, or we go backward! Am I stepping out in faith?Where am I, spiritually?Ur? Spending time with worldly people, in worldly activities? Holding back?Haran? Gone only part-way to the faithful life God has called me to? In a compromise position?Canaan? Gone all the way? Delighting in radical decisions, willing to push myself, open to taking risks?Faith embraces God's promises.The Triple Promise (Genesis 12:1ff):Land -- fulfilled in Joshua 21:43.Nation -- fulfilled in the Exodus. See Exodus 14; 19:6.Spiritual -- fulfilled in Jesus Christ. See Psalm 117, Zechariah 8, Isaiah 49:6, etc.This is a key passage for biblical study.The theme of the whole Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) is thepartial fulfillment of these promises.Some N.T. promises:1 Corinthians 10:13; John 15:16; Mark 11:24; Matthew 28:20.And many more!Faith acknowledges a higher order (Genesis 14).Melchizedek was a priest and king entirely outside the visible people of God. He was "above" Abraham in that he received the tithe from him and he himself (the greater) blessed Abraham (the lesser).In this respect Melchizedek was like the Messiah. See Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7.He is also someone "outside the system" who is clearly in a right relationship with God.Faith believes the unbelievable (Genesis 15).His faith is credited as righteousness even before he has been circumcised.Paul bases his argument on justification by faith (Romans 4) on this point.Note: This in no way means that circumcision (old covenant) or baptism (new covenant) was optional.This does not mean a perfect faith.Abraham tried to take short-cuts on more than one occasion (Genesis 15:2; 17:18).Furthermore, on two occasions Abraham told a lie -- or, technically, a half-truth (12:13; 20:2).Do we believe the unbelievable? For example, that we can change (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), or that this world will some day come to an end (2 Peter 3)?Faith is quick to obey (Genesis 17).Psalm 119:60.Don't procrastinate (procrastinare = Latin: pro [for] + cras [tomorrow)!Faith is authentic (18:25).As Sodom and Gomorrah are about to be judged, Abraham cannot conceive of an unfair God. (Also, his relative Lot is there.)For more on models of authentic prayer, study the Psalms.Faith trusts God with what is precious (Genesis 22).Although God never accepted human sacrifice, Abraham was being tested. And he passed the test.There are 10 parallels between the sacrifice of Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus! (See more at the primary website.)His faith and deeds were working together. See James 2:20-24.In conclusion, to walk in Abraham's footsteps means:To be on the move, and quite possibly lacking financial security.To believe, even when the facts don't paint a pretty picture.To obey, even with only partial understanding.To walk by faith, not fear.To live with a large and low horizon, with expansive hopes for the future.Further study:Biblical:Romans 4:1-22Hebrews 11:8-19James 2:20-24Sons of Abraham / daughters of Sarah: Matthew 3:9; Luke 1:55, 3:8; 19:9; Galatians 3:7; Hebrews 2:16. Notice that Christians are not necessary sons of Jacob (as the Jews were); perhaps "the Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16) refers only to Jewish Christians, and not to all Christians. For more on this, consult Jim McGuiggan's commentary on Romans.Abraham as the "friend of God": 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23.Extrabiblical:The Qur'an mentions Abraham in 21 chapters. The Muslim scriptures assume the reader knows who Abraham is; in fact, they assume the validity of the O.T. scriptures.By the way, the Qur'an never says Abraham sacrificed Ishmael. Or Isaac. The son is not specified! The tradition that Ishmael was offered came later (after the origins of Islam in the 7th century).Some things we learn about God:The Lord will fulfill his promises, but he is in no rush. We get impatient after minutes. With God, decades fly past in the blink of an eye. (See Psalm 90.)The Lord is a Just Judge, who wishes that all choose the right way. See also 1 Timothy 2:4 and Ezekiel 18.Friendship with God is based on our personal willingness to obey.For kids:Lesson from Genesis 15:5-6 (and, time allowing, 22:1ff). Abraham:Looked up. We get faith when we look up, turning to God, not getting sad about things happening to us down here.Believed God's word. Even though he had no children and was very old, he trusted that God would not let him down.Pleased God. God was very pleased with Abraham when he trusted, and did not give up. Especially since he never saw all the descendants God promised. (Adults: see Hebrews 11:39-40. Children will be addicted to instant gratification unless we train them to wait.)He really believed. He was willing to give back to God what was never really his in the first place (22:1ff).Faith means doing something.Other chapters illustrating this point in Abraham's life: chapter 12 (leaving Haran), 17 (circumcision), 22 (offering Isaac).If your family ever has to make a physical move, use Genesis 12 and compare Abraham's journey of faith with your own relocation. (We have had more than one family devotional sitting on the floor of a vacant house, striving to set our family move in spiritual context!)Click for another children's online Bible study, God Tested Abraham.For parents of step-children or half-siblings:Study the lives of Abraham and his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac (Genesis 16+).What are some of the painful experiences in Ishmael's family background?How do you think Abraham's favoring Ishmael over Isaac affected his family?How does it make you feel to know that many families in Old Testament times were complicated?What perspective does this study yield to make you a better parent?How does it empower you to overcome family dysfunction?Key verses:12:3-- All the earth to be blessed through Abraham's seed.15:6-- Faith is credited as righteousness.18:25-- Men and women of faith have an implicit trust in God's fairness. Accordingly, prayer is genuine!

8 December 2019 The Second Sunday of Advent Matthew 3:1-12 + Homily 20 Minutes 22 Seconds Link to the Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120819.cfm (New American Bible, Revised Edition) From the parish bulletin:   Of the “Four Last Things,” the Second Sunday of Advent treats Judgment. While it is superficially pious to ask, “Who am I to judge?” this has nothing to do with our Lord’s admonition: “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). Christians are obliged to judge (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). Judgment is the ability to make a right discernment, and the chronic inability to do that is the definition of insanity. God is the ultimate judge, and all human judgment must conform to his justice. Otherwise, judgment is defective, based on “outward appearance” (John 7:24).    The spiritual director of Blessed Charles de Foucauld, Abbé Henri Huvelin, told a woman who accused herself of pride for thinking that she was one of the greatest beauties in Paris: “Madame, that is not a sin. It is merely a mistaken judgment.”    In the second century, Justin Martyr told the Roman consul Quintus Junius Rusticus: “We hope to suffer torment for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so be saved. For this will bring us salvation and confidence as we stand before the more terrible and universal judgment-seat of our Lord and Saviour.”    Great leaders like King Louis IX were just judges. As he was dying on the Eighth Crusade, he left a testament to his son and heir: "In order to do justice and right to thy subjects, be upright and firm, turning neither to the right hand nor to the left, but always to what is just; and do thou maintain the cause of the poor until such a time as the truth is made clear.”    The virtue of justice is twin to prudence. Naiveté is eviscerated prudence. So for example, the recent capitulation of some Vatican diplomats to the Chinese government was intended to secure justice for Chinese Catholics, but it only issued in their further oppression. Now, the Communists have ordered that if any church is not to be destroyed, it must replace images of Jesus with that of Xi Jinping. The lack of right discernment leads to untold suffering.    The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is transferred this Advent to Monday. A depiction of Our Lady as the New Eve portrays her trampling on the head of Satan, shown as a serpent. This fulfills the prophecy of Genesis 3:15. It is the ultimate act of justice, which Mary, along with all Christians, can do by the power of the Just Judge, “born of a woman” (Galatians 4:4), who is the ultimate crusher of the Prince of Lies.    By no means a Catholic mystic, some inspiration moved Julia Ward Howe to awaken before dawn in the Willard Hotel in 1861 and write with a stub of pencil, the “Battle Hymn” which includes the often-neglected lines: “Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel, / Since God is marching on.”

September 22, 2019 AM ~ Yes, The Just Judge of All the Earth Will do Right! ~ Rev. Carl Kalberkamp

KINGDOM MONDAY!There is a LEGAL SYSTEM that allows us to come before God with Him not as a Father, but the JUST JUDGE!

KINGDOM MONDAY!Our God isn’t just a judge, but He’s a JUST JUDGE.

St. John Paul II Catholic Parish · 0:31 Today is the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071419.cfm St. John Paul II Catholic Parish · 2:28 "We know we are supposed to do good and avoid evil, we know we are supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves, but the problem is: we don't do it." St. John Paul II Catholic Parish · 6:05 "We think 'how can I be a good Samaritan?' But that's jumping ahead. WE are the one's dying in the gutter. Jesus Christ is the Good Samaritan. And He takes on our flesh." St. John Paul II Catholic Parish · 7:35 "We'd like to think that this world is under our control. But the truth is God loves us so passionately that he cares about what you do in every moment of every day. And He loves us enough to allow our actions to have meaning." St. John Paul II Catholic Parish · 7:57 "The four last things: death, judgement, heaven and hell." St. John Paul II Catholic Parish · 8:29 "When we come before Jesus in the Eucharist, we are standing before our Just Judge." St. John Paul II Catholic Parish · 11:10 "The Christological meaning of love of neighbour will shine forth at the second coming of Christ. Indeed at that very moment, it will be seen that the measure by which to judge adherence to Christ is precisely the daily demonstration of love for our neediest brothers and sisters: "I was hungry and you gave me food ..." (cf. Mt 25: 31-46)." -St. John Paul II https://w2.vatican.va/.../docu.../hf_jp-ii_aud_20101999.html

Jesus commanded Saint Faustina in her Divine Mercy Diary: "Write this - before I come as the Just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy."

Jesus commanded Saint Faustina in her Divine Mercy Diary: "Write this - before I come as the Just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy."

God is Just; God loves Justice, but what does that mean for us? How do we as his people practice justice, and what will happen in our city when we embrace the Lord as our Just Judge.

The Just Judge by New Grace

As Paul continues to press home the point that all have sinned and are unable to stand on their own before God, he shows us that God is truly “The Just Judge.”

The Gospel of John reveals the relationship between Jesus and his heavenly Father, establishing Christ as the Just Judge before whom we will all stand.  Our opportunity is to take each day as a precious gift, reconciling our hearts and seeking to follow the Lord with all our heart. March 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In Romans, when Paul says that God does not show favoritism, what does he mean? And how is the answer to that question important when it comes to our understanding about God’s grace? Listen to find out.