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Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Today's episode will help us understand how to activate the priesthood of all believers and empower everyday people to step into their God-given calling. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7 In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts dive into the seventh principle of disciple making – the equipping and releasing of the priesthood of all believers. Drawing from studies by Bobby Harrington and insights from Ephesians 4, they emphasize the importance of lowering the bar for entry into ministry while increasing support and accountability. The discussion highlights the need to break down the professional laity divide, allowing everyone to participate fully in God's work. Personal anecdotes illustrate how ordinary individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or roles, can be used powerfully by God. The episode closes with a call to action for both church leaders and individual believers to embrace their roles in the Kingdom and equip others to do the same. Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome Back to The Disciple Maker's Podcast 00:36 Introduction to Disciple Making Principles 01:12 Principle #7: Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood 01:51 The Shift from Old Covenant to New 02:46 Breaking Down Professional Ministry 04:35 Practical Steps for Church Leaders 06:12 Encouraging and Empowering Believers 06:37 Personal Testimonies and Experiences 11:32 The Importance of Speaking Life into Others 12:20 Early Preaching Experiences 13:58 The Rat Trap Illustration 14:25 Early Preaching Experiences 14:57 Mentorship and Opportunities 15:49 Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood 18:11 Lowering the Bar of Entry 18:21 Personal Responsibility in Ministry 19:31 Empowering Individuals for Ministry 24:33 The Power of God in Everyone 26:41 Encouraging Initiative in Ministry 29:34 Conclusion and Resources Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: The episode kicks off with Josh and Jason having some fun, channeling their inner newscasters as they introduce The Disciple Maker's Podcast. Right away, they hit on the heart of the conversation: the Church isn't just for professionals — every believer is called and equipped to take part in the mission. This episode dives into one of the ten core disciple-making principles: activating the priesthood of all believers, a concept drawn from Bobby Harrington and Discipleship.org. Josh and Jason unpack how the Church often sidelines most people, treating ministry like a spectator sport — a few “professionals” on the court, while the rest just watch from the stands. But Jesus calls everyone to get in the game, and the Holy Spirit gives us all what we need to play. They explore the shift from the Old Covenant, where only priests (Levites) had access to God, to the New Covenant — where all believers are invited to serve and represent Him directly. It's a powerful reminder that ministry isn't reserved for a select few. Josh also highlights the common “professional vs. laity” gap in churches and argues for lowering the barriers so anyone can step into ministry, with the right support and accountability along the way. He shares his own story — starting as a nervous, underprepared teenager giving his first sermon with a makeshift object lesson — and how mentors spotted potential and gave him room to grow. That experience shaped his path and reinforced the power of empowering others before they feel “ready.” Josh and Jason also push church leaders to create meaningful opportunities beyond simple Sunday roles like handing out bulletins. The goal? Equip people to share the gospel and make disciples, not just fill a slot. One story really drives this home: Josh tells of a woman in his church who felt called to serve in nursing homes. When she asked if she needed permission, Josh simply told her to go for it — God had already called her. They wrap up by encouraging leaders to remove obstacles, invest in people, and hold them accountable as they step into ministry — because when the Church unleashes the priesthood of all believers, lives change. Josh closes with a reminder: the same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in every believer, so there's no need to wait for permission. He invites listeners to check out resources at Discipleship.org and teases the next episode, where the conversation will continue
So in accordance with the LORD's command the people of Israel gave the Levites certain cities and pasture lands out of their own territories. Joshua 21:3 GNB
Now, we are in the study of the book of Numbers, and we are dealing with the Levitical family, and we see that primarily there are three families that that make up the Levites, and we talked about that last week, so let's go back to where we concluded last week, and that is in the book of of numbers. Chapter Three, the book of Numbers. To donate please visit us at: https://loveisrael.org/donate/ Checks may be sent to: LoveIsrael.org 6355 N Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953 Feel free to download our MyBibleStudy App on telephone https://get.theapp.co/yjjq we don't know how long we can post the teachings on YT https://www.instagram.com/mybiblestudyofficial/ To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1256/29
The book of Numbers now tells us of Moses giving his final instructions to the people – as the LORD directed him. The people had completed their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, all the unfaithful had died and now their children under the leadership of faithful Joshua together with Caleb and the faithful Levites would cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. It occurs to us that there is a parallel in this to what is to soon occur when Christ establishes his world-wide kingdom.Think about this. The LORD tells Moses as they are “by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, ‘Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you pass over the Jordan … then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places.” [Ch. 33 v.50-52]Similarly, when God sends Jesus back to this earth it will be a time of “punishing the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity” [Isaiah 13 v.11], but it will also surely be a time of removing all the things that people “worship” today – the things which are a modern equivalent of what the Canaanites had built and worshipped!Some of the things that will no longer exist are obvious; the Casino's and gaming houses for example. If TV, DVDs and the like are to continue to be available, there will be a huge purging of the things in them that pander to fleshly thinking and doing..Jesus said, “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin” [Matt. 13 v.41]. When the people of Israel entered the promised land initially they were full of zeal and destroyed cities like Jericho, but they failed to complete the work and so the warning of Moses we read today came true. That which they “let remain, shall be as barbs and thorns in your side and they shall trouble you” [v.55].It is obvious, with Christ in control as the King of the world, this will not happen in his kingdom. We need to make sure we develop a mindset now that will welcome and fully appreciate a cleansed earth. Pollution will be removed from the physical earth and also the things that pollute human minds. Concerning the future Jerusalem God told Jeremiah, “I will bring to it health and healing … this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before all the nations of the earth” [Ch.33 v.6,9] How wonderful to be there! Don't you think so?
Let's go deep into Deuteronomy 10, and I will write it for you in the flowing style you like — storytelling, explanation, and meaning together, not in a bullet point or segmented format. Deuteronomy Chapter 10 — A Call to Fear and Love the Lord The chapter opens with Moses continuing to speak to Israel, reminding them of God's mercy even after their rebellion at Mount Sinai. He recalls the moment after the people had sinned by worshiping the golden calf, how God in His justice was ready to destroy them. Yet, in His mercy, God gave Moses the command to chisel out two new stone tablets like the first ones — because the original tablets of the covenant had been broken in anger at their idolatry. Moses carved out the tablets and made an ark of acacia wood to house them, as God instructed. He ascended the mountain once more, and there, in the presence of the Almighty, the covenant was renewed. God Himself wrote on these new tablets the same commandments He had given before. This moment was a sign of God's willingness to forgive and restore His relationship with His people, even after they had strayed. Moses then tells how the Levites were chosen to carry the ark of the covenant, to stand before the Lord and serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in HisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.
Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Barry, TX (2:13) - Is there anything true about the Neanderthal man? YouTube (7:57) - When the Great White Throne Judgement occurs, will the people be in new bodies at that point? John, MA (10:01) - What was the vow that Jephthah made in Judges 11? Who was the last king of Israel? Was King Herod the last king of Israel? Camille, NJ (15:39) - Is it okay for a divorced man or woman to remarry? Alojsha, YouTube (19:36) - Why were the Levites not counted with the other tribes? YouTube (21:41) - Before Moses, what did the people have to go by concerning God's word? Was there more than just oral tradition? Jose, Ca (23:27) - What is your take on prophecy and speaking in tongues? YouTube (26:00) - Can a person who is truly saved lose their salvation? Bruce, NJ (33:31) - Do you think the thief repented on the cross? Mike, email (36:49) - Why does guilt for past sins come back from time to time? Facebook (38:53) - Was the Bible, or Old Testament, rewritten in the time of Noah? Leslean, NY (40:49) - When Jesus turned water into wine, did it have alcohol? Tina, NJ (45:03) - Is there any correlation between 2 Samuel 8:2 and Jesus writing on the ground when the adulterous woman was caught? Daniel, email (46:42) - Why does the prophet in 1 Kings 11:35-36 only speak about eleven tribes? Tom, NJ (47:55) - Why do Jude and 2 Timothy reference Enoch, but the books of Enoch aren't included in the Bible? Janice, NY (53:08) - Can you explain Matthew 16:28? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org
Hey there OOBTers! Today, we're diving into Numbers 7-9, and these chapters are jam-packed! We'll start with a long (and I mean long) list of offerings in chapter 7 — each tribe brings their gifts for the dedication of the tabernacle. It might feel repetitive, but there's something beautiful about the equal participation of all God's people. Then, in chapter 8, we see the Levites set apart for their work, a reminder that God calls His people to specific roles in His grand story. But chapter 9? That's where things get really interesting. We revisit the Passover — a crucial moment of remembrance for Israel — and then we get this incredible image of God's presence leading His people through the wilderness. The cloud by day, the fire by night — where God moves, they move. Also, don't miss the connection we'll unpack to Jesus in the wilderness and Lent. Just like Israel followed God's presence through the unknown, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and relying on God. And as we study these chapters today, we find ourselves in the season Lent — journeying toward Easter. This season is a time of reflection as we wait on and draw closer to God, much like Jesus did in the wilderness. Just as Israel depended on God's presence to guide them, we're invited to trust His leading in our own lives. Amazing. Simply amazing... So, honestly, though, what does this mean for us today? How do we lean into God's presence and trust His timing? Let's explore all of that together, shall we?! I can't wait! For the full episode show notes, please go to mfahring.com/numbers-7-9
1 Chronicles 16:1-7 (KJV) So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. 2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. 3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. 4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: 5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals; 6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. 7 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.
In the passage of scripture that we're going to be looking at in this time of study, there's an emphasis on the Levites. Now the Levites took a unique position. We know that there is a concept of the firstborn, and we learn in the scripture that God has called the Levites, this tribe, in order that they would replace the other first born from all the tribes, that they would serve as the firstborn. To donate please visit us at: https://loveisrael.org/donate/ Checks may be sent to: LoveIsrael.org 6355 N Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953 Feel free to download our MyBibleStudy App on telephone https://get.theapp.co/yjjq we don't know how long we can post the teachings on YT https://www.instagram.com/mybiblestudyofficial/ To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1256/29
In the passage of scripture that we're going to be looking at in this time of study, there's an emphasis on the Levites. Now the Levites took a unique position. We know that there is a concept of the firstborn, and we learn in the scripture that God has called the Levites, this tribe, in order that they would replace the other first born from all the tribes, that they would serve as the firstborn. To donate please visit us at:https://loveisrael.org/donate/Checks may be sent to:LoveIsrael.org6355 N Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953Feel free to download our MyBibleStudy App on telephonehttps://get.theapp.co/yjjqwe don't know how long we can post the teachings on YT https://www.instagram.com/mybiblestudyofficial/ To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/1255/29
Numbers 26 tells of the census that was taken of the new generation – those who were above 20 years of age, when 38 years earlier God had destined their fathers to die in the desert because of their failure to believe God could give them the Land He had promised to Abraham.This generation would be stedfast in the ways of the LORD. It would be that way for at least one and a half generations – see Joshua 24:31. Some of the more numerous tribes declined in number during their wasting away in the wilderness. There is almost a direct relationship between the rebellions started by certain tribes and their significant reduction in population prior to the entry into the Promised Land. These numbers were used together with a distribution by lot to determine the size of the land each tribe would inherit. There was no census for the Levites as Yahweh was their portion. The other salutary lesson from this chapter is the inheritance that would be given to faithful Caleb and Joshua, who wholly followed Yahweh with their heart; at the time that the bull of the nation were consigned to perishing in the wilderness because they yielded to their evil hearts of unbelief; and failed to trust in “the Living God”. Proverbs 18 is about friendship its benefits and its obligations. Verses 1-8 outlines wise thinking and the words which the wise speak – words which bring blessings to those who heed what was said. By contrast verses 6-7 tell us that a fool's mouth is an invitation to strife and his words continually bring trouble upon his head. Gossip is the way of the fool and those associated with him will experience total disaster. Verses 9-19 speaks about the need for diligence in order to be successful. These are contrasted with the true protection, which never fails, the name of Yahweh is a fortress (v10). Those who trust in the LORD are imperishable. They are indestructible. The life of the faithful is in the hand of their Maker. They need have no fear of men, because of their reverence for the Almighty – Matthew 10:16-33. Read aloud slowly. Contemplate this message for how you will live your life before your Sovereign and as a witness to your community. The wise men speaks of pride preceding a fall (v12). We are told to listen before speaking (v13). Generosity paves the way for acceptance (v16). Don't win an argument via persistence – be prepared to agree through a lot, ie it doesn't matter if you never win. If you simply win through aggression, or because you won't stop arguing you have lost a friend and a great deal more (v18). Verse 19 tells us that if your insistence creates a rift then it can only be healed via great efforts and immense sufferings. Verses 20-24 tell us, yet once again to be diligent in order to live adequately. What a great lesson verse 21 teaches – your tongue can save another person, or destroy them. A Godly companion in life is an aid and blessing in our walk towards the kingdom of God (v22). Be a close friend rather than a ruinous babbler (v24). According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provided the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi. Philippians is called Paul's letter of joy and its theme is, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle described his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city – colony which was heavily Roman in every way. He told them of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all ‘brethren' were happy – there was a group of false believers (known as Judaisers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that continued living would be for the benefit of the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ's mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every believer. As God's Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone; yet he suffered as a servant the death of the cross. Now he is exalted at the Father's right hand with the name of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45). Believers bare the responsibility of shining as lights among this twisted world. He showed that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrated Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. Their own lives were put behind the course and purpose of the gospel.
Deuteronomy - The Feasts of the Passover, of Weeks and of Booths; Administration of Justice, Portion for the Levites, Spiritism Forbidden.Luke - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath, Parable of the Guests, Parable of the Dinner, Discipleship Tested.
Worship Leader Taylor Cummings reminds us that every moment spent in God's presence is precious, highlighting the value of simply standing before Him and offering our love and service. Her message encourages us to use times of waiting or transition to focus on our relationship with God, demonstrating that our availability to Him is what truly matters.
The Jewish Levites were servants to the priests; the Gentile Nethinim were servants to the servants!
When the Tabernacle in the wilderness was completed Moses had the Levites present an accounting of all the gold, silver and bronze used in its construction - down to the shekel. Moses was perhaps the most powerful and trusted human in the world because he spoke with God face to face. The fact that such a man as Moses felt it necessary to give a public accounting sends a strong message that it is vital for all those in positions of public trust to be honest and transparent in their handling of public funds. This speaks to the corruption being uncovered in our government today.
Numbers - Cities for the Levites, Cities of Refuge, Inheritance by MarriageJohn - Healing the Man Born Blind, Controversy over the Man, Jesus Affirms His Deity
*Parshas Pekudei* אֵלֶּה פְקוּדֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן מִשְׁכַּן הָעֵדֻת אֲשֶׁר פֻּקַּד עַל־פִּי מֹשֶׁה עֲבֹדַת הַלְוִיִּם בְּיַד אִיתָמָר בֶּן־אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן׃ These are the records of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of the Pact, which were drawn up at Moses' bidding—the work of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. Subscribe/Listen/Share onepasukpodcast.com
Welcome back to the podcast! Tithing is one of the most debated topics in Christian circles. Many believers have been taught that they must give exactly 10% of their income to the church, often based on Old Testament commands. But is this what the Bible truly teaches for New Testament believers? Let's find out!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now -- Let's explore some common misconceptions about tithing and what God really expects from us when it comes to giving.Misconception #1: Christians are commanded to tithe.Many Christians believe that tithing is a requirement under the New Covenant, but the truth is that tithing was originally part of the Mosaic Law given to Israel. The 10% tithe had three main purposes:Support for the Levites (and Temple) – The tithe funded the priestly tribe of Israel, who had no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21-24). Numbers 18:21 – “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”Festivals and Worship – Part of the tithe was meant to be used for religious feasts and celebrations in worship of God. Deuteronomy 14:23 – “Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God... so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”Provision for the Poor – A portion of the tithe was used to help widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Deuteronomy 14:29 – “The Levites... and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”So: The Old Testament tithe functioned more like a national tax than a purely voluntary religious offering. When combined, these tithes amounted to about 23.3% of a person's agricultural income over a three-year cycle—closer to a national tax supporting both religious and social functions in Israel. Unlike modern church tithing, which is often seen as an act of personal giving, the Old Testament system was more like a structured government tax ensuring the well-being of the nation.The New Testament mentions tithing in a a grand total of four passages:Hebrews 7:1-10Hebrews 7:5-6 (NLT) Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham. But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham.Context: This passage discusses Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) and connects it to Jesus' superior priesthood. However, it does not command Christians to tithe but rather uses tithing as a historical reference to highlight the greatness of Christ's...
SummaryThe PRESENTATION focuses on the life and reign of King Hezekiah, highlighting his unwavering trust in God and his significant reforms in Judah. It contrasts Hezekiah's faithfulness with the wickedness of his father, Ahaz, and illustrates the importance of cleaving to God, obeying His commandments, and restoring true worship in the temple. The speaker encourages the audience to learn from Hezekiah's example, emphasizing the need for personal sanctification and the transformative power of God's Word in their lives.Highlights
It is not merely a logistical chapter on land distribution but a deeply spiritual message about holiness, justice, and mercy among God's people. This chapter reveals God's care for the Levites, His provision for the innocent, and His unwavering commitment to uphold justice in the land He has given His people. ⸻ Verses 1–8: Provision for the Levites God commands Moses to designate forty-eight cities for the Levites, scattered throughout the inheritance of the other tribes. These cities include pasturelands for their livestock and daily needs. •Spiritual Insight: The Levites, chosen to serve God in the tabernacle, were not given a tribal inheritance of land like the others. Instead, their inheritance was God Himself (Deut. 10:9), and these cities ensured their integration among the people as spiritual leaders and teachers of the law. Their dispersion symbolized God's Word being near to all. •Application: God's ministers are to dwell among the people, not above them. The community should support those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. Their presence in every region also represented accountability and access to God's wisdom. ⸻ Verses 9–34: The Cities of Refuge Six of the forty-eight cities were to be designated as cities of refuge, where a person who had killed someone unintentionally could flee and find safety from the “avenger of blood” (a family member seeking justice). •Three cities were to be located east of the Jordan, and three west, making them accessible to all. Key Principles of the Cities of Refuge: 1.Mercy and Justice Intertwined The cities of refuge were not to protect murderers, but those who committed manslaughter—unintentional killing. Once the person fled to the city, the community was to hold a trial to determine guilt or innocence. 2.The Role of the High Priest If found innocent, the person had to remain in the city until the death of the current high priest. After that, they were free to return home. •Symbolism: The death of the high priest points prophetically to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16), whose death sets the guilty free. 3.No Ransom for the Guilty God made it clear: no bribes, no shortcuts, and no ransom could substitute justice for a murderer. •The land would be defiled if justice was not served. 4.Blood Defiles the Land God declares that bloodshed pollutes the land, and the only atonement for such blood is the blood of the one who shed it. •This echoes God's deep value for human life, created in His image. ⸻ Spiritual Reflection The Cities of Refuge are a beautiful blend of grace and order, a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ as our refuge. Like the manslayer, all of us have sinned, often unintentionally, and we need a place of safety. Christ receives us, protects us, and takes the punishment we deserved. •Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” •Hebrews 6:18 – We who have fled for refuge may lay hold of the hope set before us. ⸻ Modern Application 1.Refuge in Christ: Are you carrying guilt? Jesus offers refuge—not to hide sin, but to transform and release you. 2.Justice in Community: God demands justice but also provides mercy. Our legal and social systems should reflect both. 3.Support for Servants: Do we honor and support those who serve in spiritual roles like the Levites? 4.Value of Life: Do we uphold the sanctity of life in our culture? God takes the shedding of blood seriously. ⸻ Conclusion Numbers 35 isn't just about cities—it's about the heart of God. He is both just and merciful, protective and holy. He provides places of safety, demands justice in the land, and shows us through the Levites and the High Priest what it means to live in covenant with Him. As we journey through life, may we remember that Jesus is our refuge, and He calls us to build communities that reflect His heart.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.
Ever wonder why the Bible includes so many detailed instructions? In today's episode, God gives the Israelites specific jobs for carrying the Tabernacle, rules for staying pure, and a beautiful blessing over His people. At first glance, it might seem like a lot of rules—but when we dig in, we see something deeper. These chapters show us God's holiness, His order, and His care for His people. And the best part? It all points to Jesus. In this episode, we're talking about: How the Levites carried God's presence with reverence Why purity and holiness mattered (and still do!) The Nazarite vow and how it connects to Jesus The famous Priestly Blessing ("The Lord bless you and keep you…") — and what it means for us today! Plus, I'll share how reading the Bible chronologically with The Bible Recap and watching The Bible Project videos in order has been a total game-changer and how I believe it will be for each of you as we continue our studies together on OOBT! For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/numbers-4-6/.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to today's episode of the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey together through the scriptures, letting God's word speak to our hearts. I'm your host, Hunter, and on this 84th day of our trek through the Bible, we're diving into the book of Joshua, chapters 21 and 22, Psalm 47, and 1 Corinthians 10. Today, we'll explore how the Israelites obeyed God's commands, dividing the land among the Levites through sacred lots. We'll also witness a tense moment among the tribes as potential conflict is resolved through understanding and faith. Then, we'll look to the New Testament for Paul's reminder of the struggles we face and the victorious life we are offered through Christ. Join me as we walk through these passages and open our hearts to the transformative love of God. Let's get started! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Paul is reminding us that we all struggle in the desert. We all experience temptation. In the Old Testament, the struggle in the desert took these people out. They failed to believe. They failed to enter into what God had done and who they now were. They were God's special possession. God had delivered them out of slavery into freedom. God had given them a land as their own, but they succumbed to the temptation of unbelief, and it resulted in their bodies being littered across the wilderness. They never realized who they were and how they were to exist, but not for us. Paul doesn't want us to get confused and think that these desert wanderings are some kind of example for us or to think that it is somehow analogous to us, to the normal Christian life to struggle and die in the wilderness, to struggle and fail with temptation, to have our bones littered about in the desert. No. The normal Christian life that Paul is pointing us to is the life of Christ living and abiding in you, the victorious life. Overwhelming victory has happened in Christ on the cross. Where Adam failed, Christ has won. First Corinthians fifteen twenty one says, for since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being. For as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ Jesus. The consequences of Christ's victory have fundamentally altered your being. You are no longer a slave. You are his special possession. You're his child. And this act of deliverance wasn't just for some obscure little tribe in North Africa. No. It was done for all humanity. You are in him. You have been drawn into the very life of God. This is the truth of your being, and it's all a gift. Will you have challenges? Will you have temptations and suffering in this life? Yes, you will. But that does not change what has happened to you. And the spirit's life in you now has made a way for you to endure through all these struggles in the grace and the peace of our Lord. Second Peter one four says, god has enabled you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. The truth of our being is that Christ has made us partakers of his divine nature. The way of our being is now empowered by the nature of god himself, his presence in you. And here's the thing. I can go on and on talking about this. And some of you are thinking that maybe I have. But the truth is this, only god can reveal god. And so my prayer today is that god will reveal himself to you. He'll reveal the truth of your being to you that you will begin to realize what he did on that cross has changed everything. You are his. You are forgiven. You are loved. You are made new. You've been given freedom, and you've been given a new land to live in, a land that is flowing, flowing with life in him. As the revelation of Christ breaks forth in your heart, in your mind, you'll have a new power to live a new way, the way of faith and hope and love. It will be a self-giving life, a radically forgiving life, a co-suffering life. It'll be the cruciform life of Christ living his life in and through you. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. And that's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, and my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. 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Jacob's wrestling match; Jacob's sons' rebellion; Intermarriage?; Family lineage; Melchizedek? (Righteous king of Salem); Walking with many souls; Building altars; Binding together by love; Forgiveness; Wedding feast?; Birthright; Shem's long life; Jacob's sight; Jacob -> Israel, Abrahm -> Abraham; Joseph's path; Learning to be Israel; Bondage?; Human resources; Tax exemptions; Jesus' appointed 70; Sanhedrin; "Beersheba"; Corrupt judiciaries; are you in bondage?; Gen 49:1; Last days?; Ex 1:5; The way of Moses; Freewill offerings; Fair shares?; Problems exist over time; Bible about government; Ex 16:3; Fleshpots?; Civil government; Cities of blood; Jacob's warnings to his children; Ruben; Unstable water?; Leban's deals; resh-aleph-hey-beit; Treachery; Biela?; Envy of power; Cities of refuge; Simeon and Levi - instruments of cruelty (Hamas); mem-kuf-resh-resh-tav-hey-mem; Opposing faith; Oppression; Circumcision?; Socialism; "Instrument" - kuf-lamad - "vessel"; NGO?; Temples and daily bread; Oppression/Leaven; Judah - praise; No force allowed; Matt 20:25; Luke: 22:25; Covetous practices; Scattering; Zebulon; Issichar; Burying talent; Dan - judge; Gad; Asher; Naphtali; Joseph - blessed; Benjamin - wolf; Jacob's death and burial; The burial cave; Gen 13:2; Abraham's wealth; Sacrifice of the Red Heifer; Courage; Paying your way; Recompence; Ex 20:23; Ex 32:3 golden calf; What's God's plan for you?; Prov 1:10 One Purse; First fruits; Burning up for God; Levites = living stones of the altar; Social safety net; Charity alone; AOC Speech?; Ignorance; Foolishness; 1 Sam 8; John the Baptist; Exercising authority; Saul's folly; Useful idiots; Doing what Christ said; Bribery; Communist manifesto; False Christians and Jews; Learning righteousness; Seeing God's message; Power of choice; Honor the Lord.
As noted in previous episode introductions, we are in a section of Numbers that includes a lot of numbers and repetition, but take heart: after this episode, we'll begin the narrative section of Numbers that covers the 40 years of Israel wandering in the wilderness. With that being said, take note in today's episode that things begin well in Israel, and leaders from every tribe bring an equal offering for the dedication of the tabernacle's altar. Moses and the Levites follow the directions given by the Lord, and there seems to be general feeling of anticipation and obedience. It won't be long, however, until the Israelites lose heart and rebel against the Lord's commands.Numbers 7 - 1:00 . Numbers 8 - 13:56 . Psalm 52 - 18:22 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
John 1:24-28 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. Jesus wasn't one to draw attention to Himself. The Pharisees, priests, Levites, and Jews did not know that Jesus was greater than John the Baptist. They were proud of themselves for being in the know. If anyone was somebody of religious, spiritual, and social significance, they must surely have their approval and attention. That's why the Pharisees sent the priests and Levites to question John about who he thought himself to be. He was making a stir, and they had to know everything about him to maintain control. But John surely unsettled them with this statement about Jesus that He was among them, in their midst, but they didn't know Him. Even more unsettling was the fact that John did know Him and considered Him to be so far above himself in significance that even a servant who untied His sandals was far more worthy of honor than John. And John wasn't insignificant. He was becoming a celebrity among the common people. We may be encouraged by the humility of Jesus. The fulness of God was standing in their midst in complete submission to the Father, waiting for His time to reveal the Father—waiting 30 years. We are encouraged to walk in Jesus' humility if He is life to us. We don't need attention, glory, or fame from men. We simply need to wait upon our Father to reveal His Son in us, in His timing, wherever He leads us. Love flows out of humility, or maybe it's humility that flows out of love. Hm. I'm not sure which is the truth. Perhaps both are true. Nevertheless, today, let's walk in humility, not seeking the glory of men, but humbly walking in this world with Jesus to love whoever, whenever, wherever He desires. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
Numbers - Aaron's Rod Buds, Duties of Levites, The Priests' PortionMark - The Transfiguration, All Things Possible, Death and Resurrection Foretold, Dire Warnings
Return of the Man-Child (3) (audio) David Eells – 3/19/25 Taking up where we left off, we read, And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel (Mat.2:6). We know that Jesus is always going to be the Shepherd; He's always going to be the King David over Israel. God is never going to change that, but there are some things that He might change, as we'll see. Previously, we learned that the Lord said, A body didst thou prepare for me (Heb.10:5). The Lord, Son of God, came in a body that was prepared for Him through Mary, a body of the Son of Man. We know that God's plan was for Jesus to leave an individual body and return in a corporate body so that He could minister all over the world. Today we are going to see the first-fruits of those who have fully entered into this by the grace of God. In other words, the first-fruits will be a body like the body of His temple that He spoke about when He said, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up (Joh.2:19). (21) But he spake of the temple of his body. And we've discovered that's referring to His corporate body. We know that the Lord comes in every one of us. For instance, He says, Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate (2Co.13:5). (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. Jesus Christ is in you! All through the Old Testament, Jesus was coming in vessels of honor through whom He ministered. For example, it says this: (1Pe.1:10) Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that [should come] unto you: (11) searching what [time] or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. The Spirit of Christ was in great men of the Old Testament and that's what made them great men. He is the Shepherd; He is the Ruler; He is the King David and always will be, but He's going to repeat history because That which hath been is that which shall be (Ecc.1:9). I'm reminded of a very famous text that speaks of Who Jesus is: (Isa.9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (or “Father of eternity,” literally), Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. God called Jesus to repeat history Himself. He was a King David in His day, Who was given, once again, the reins of government, which is in total agreement with what the Bible says about Him. (Luk.1:31) And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: (33) and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. So He would receive the throne of David forever, just as the Bible speaks about when it states, David shall never want (“lack”) a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel (Jer.33:17). For example, the Bible says this: (Jer.33:14) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. (15) In those days, and at that time, will I cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David (now, this was a long time after David); and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. (16) In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is [the name] whereby she shall be called … That's a very strange text, but if nobody had changed what word was actually there in the Hebrew, that's what they would have had to translate; the word is “she.” It's strange because in Chapter 23 the word is “he,” but here it is “she.” Some people think, “Well, he made a mistake and they replaced it with ‘he.'” They didn't translate what was really there. The word, “she” is used quite often in the Bible when referring to a corporate body of people and that's what this is. This is a corporate body, which God calls the “branch,” that is raised up as the seed of David. We know that Jesus Christ is our David on His throne all the way up through eternity, but as we saw earlier, the Spirit of Christ comes into many men and we have seen many from the beginning of Scripture to the end who are types of the Man-child. The Spirit of Christ comes into them and uses them, like a body of the son of David. (Jer.33:16) In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is [the name] whereby she shall be called: the Lord our righteousness. Notice that this is a corporate body of people, “our righteousness.” (Jer.33:17) For thus saith the Lord: David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel. Now we know that Jesus the Son of God has been given the authority of David's throne for eternity, but the question is, what is the “man” that He abides in who does this work? This is what the branch is; it's a corporate body of men in whom the Spirit of Christ rules and reigns. (Jer.33:18) Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt-offerings, and to burn meal-offerings, and to do sacrifice continually. (19) And the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, saying, (20) Thus saith the Lord: If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, so that there shall not be day and night in their season; (21) then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he shall not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers. In other words, this is from the time of David up until the time of Christ and until our time; so it appears that He never broke His covenant with David. There was always a David upon the throne. Isn't that amazing? I would suspect that you could not recognize this corporate body according to the flesh. (Luk.17:20) … The kingdom of God cometh not with observation. We're talking about a spiritual Israel, a spiritual Jerusalem, and a spiritual David. Many people recognize, that Jesus was the Son of David and that He was born of the seed of David according to the flesh (Rom.1:3), but He was declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit (4). What body could the Lord be choosing in our day to fulfill this covenant of a man in whom Jesus Christ lives to occupy the throne? Well, it's the body of the Man-child (Revelation 12:5), which we've spoken of. (Jer.33:22) As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured; so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me. I am sure you could look at that in a certain way, meaning multiplied throughout history, but I suspect it also means (and the Lord likes to hide things like that) that in these days there will be a great number of Davids and that this, “the Lord our righteousness,” is a very large group of people. (Jer.33:25) Thus saith the Lord: If my covenant of day and night [stand] not (Is it still in effect? I would say so.), if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth; (26) then will I also cast away the seed of Jacob, and of David my servant, so that I will not take of his seed to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (The seed of David is to be rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.): for I will cause their captivity to return, and will have mercy on them. In these days, we know that even with the natural seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, a remnant of them is once again going to turn to the Lord God of Israel. We read in the last study that in Revelation 12, the son of David, this Man-child is caught up to the throne of God. And here we see the Bible says, Blessed be the Lord thy God, who delighted in thee, to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God (2Ch.9:8). Many people see the Man-child caught up to the throne of God in heaven, but the Lord God is calling David's throne on Earth His throne. This is the throne of God. In fact, it says here, At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord (Jer.3:17). Jeremiah is talking about the New Jerusalem on Earth. There is still a throne of David. Not in natural Israel, but you can find it in spiritual Israel because we know that Jesus Christ is the Son of David, the eternal Lord of His Kingdom. And He's also coming in a body, A body didst thou prepare for me (Heb.10:5). You may say, “That was referring to the body of the individual Jesus.” That's true, but everything repeats and it always repeats on a larger scale. We have the Word of God for that, which cannot be broken (Joh.10:35). So we have to believe that it will be the same thing once again. The Lord told me many years ago, “Everything that has happened in the Gospels and in the Book of Acts will happen again, except the cast of characters will be multiplied many times over.” The Lord thy God, who delighted in thee, to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God (2Ch.9:8) is true of Jesus. It's true of the body of Jesus and we've already spoken of the manifestation of the body of Christ, that we all claim to be by faith, and rightly so. But we've discovered that there is also a manifestation of the body of Christ, that is, those in whom Christ lives. If Christ lives in you, then you manifestly are the body of Christ. We've taught that we grow into this wonderful position 30-, 60- and 100-fold, according to Jesus Himself, so God is fulfilling it in that way. Let me share something else with you. Remember that the Lord told me that the Gospels were a type of the first 3½ years of the Tribulation period and the Book of Acts was a type of the second 3½ years. Now we know that other types of the end-time Man-child show different similarities. For instance, Joseph brought God's people through the seven years of famine, which is a type of the seven-year Tribulation. We also know that Moses took God's people geographically halfway through the wilderness and we know that Revelation chapters 12 and 17 speak of the first and second 3½ years, respectively, and call the “wilderness” the “Tribulation.” Moses went halfway through the wilderness and then was glorified. When I say halfway, I'm not talking about time-wise, but in geographical distance. Some people, myself included, believe that the Lord brought His people across what we now call the Gulf of Suez, high up near where Succoth was, where the Gulf narrowed down quite a bit. Then He carried them across the Sinai Peninsula, where they crossed the Gulf of Aqaba, which they called the “Red Sea.” Apostle Paul said, Mount Sinai in Arabia (Gal.4:25), not in Sinai. Arabia is east of the Gulf of Aqaba. I had heard years ago that the explorer Ron Wyatt had come across the pillar that the Israelites had erected to identify the place where the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea and it was on the eastern shore of Aqaba. They also discovered out there the mountain that Exodus 19 speaks of being burnt and charred on the top because God's presence came down on it, which was Mt. Sinai, and found it as a place called Jabal al-Lawz, which means “the Mount of the Law.” That's interesting because that's where Moses received the Law. If you look, which I have, on several maps, you can see where the Israelites left Egypt and crossed the Gulf of Suez. And if you follow that on down to Jabal al-Lawz and then follow that point and return back up to where they crossed into the Promised Land, you find that it is like an isosceles triangle (where the two legs are approximately even). I thought the Lord was pointing out to me at that time that Moses went halfway through the wilderness (meaning 3½ years) and at that point he was glorified. Like Moses, Jesus went 3½ years through His ministry before He was glorified. I believe that Mount Sinai is Jabal al-Lawz in Arabia. Many signs seem to confirm that, even though the Saudi Arabians have fenced the mount off. They do not want Christians going in there. By the way, at the foot of Jabal al-Lawz is the altar where the golden calf was set. Of course, the golden calf isn't there anymore, but the altar is. There are quite a few other artifacts there, including several hieroglyphics depicting the golden calf scratched into the rocks in the area of the altar. These finds make it very plain that this is the correct spot and I believe Ron Wyatt even took pictures of chariot wheels submerged in the Gulf of Aqaba, which further makes the case that it was the real Red Sea, not the Gulf of Suez. It would have taken the Israelites three months to travel from Egypt to Jabal al-Lawz. It took them a lot longer to get to the Promised Land because they were disobedient by worshipping the golden calf, but it was geographically halfway. I believe the Lord was showing me the two 3½-year periods of the wilderness Tribulation. At any rate, we have a pretty good confirmation right here: (Exo.34:29) And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses' hand … The two tables of the Testimony are the same thing as the Tables of Witness, the Two Witnesses. The Man-child is going to give to God's people the Two Witnesses, upon whose heart the Word of God is written, not upon tables of stone. There's a fulfillment here of that. (Exo.34:29) And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him. In other words, Moses had come face-to-face with God. We know that we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory (2Co.3:18). This is the type and the shadow here of God's people, at least the first-fruits, coming into the Image of God. It even says, The first of the first-fruits of thy ground thou shalt bring unto the house of the Lord thy God (Exo.34:26). There is a type of the first-fruits here and it is Moses. It would have been Jesus in His time, but here it's Moses. So after Moses came face-to-face with God, Moses manifested His glory. I believe what's being said here is that this is a glorified soul, not a glorified body. The Man-child goes through three stages of perfection. I believe that when Jesus started His ministry, He was perfected in Spirit by the Holy Spirit because He was anointed with the Holy Spirit. And when He was crucified, that's a parable about our being crucified, too, in a crucifixion of self 3½ years into the Tribulation. When a parable is first shown (and the Bible does say that Jesus was a sign (Isaiah 7:14), or in Hebrew, an uwth of something to come), it's literal, and the next time it's spiritual. So we see that the first-fruits, who are only spiritually the Man-child and not physically, as Jesus was, are the spiritual fulfillment of this parable. In the midst of the Tribulation period, the Man-child is going to be glorified in soul because “self” has been crucified. At the end of the Tribulation period, he will be glorified in body. The progression is first spirit, then soul in the middle, and then body. These are the three stages of perfection that God is bringing Himself to in His people. In fact, When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day (2Th.1:10). And also, But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2Th.2:13). Let's continue in Exodus. (Exo.34:30) And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. (31) And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses spake to them. They must have run on down the road because they had to turn around and return to him. (Exo.34:32) And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai. (33) And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. (34) But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the veil off (because he wanted to see the Lord clearly, face-to-face), until he came out; and he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. So, Moses was in communication with God face-to-face, but with the children of Israel behind a veil. This will also be so with the ministry of the Man-child. Jesus said, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner (Joh.5:19). Jesus was in close fellowship with the Father; He walked in the Spirit; He saw the Father and He saw the people. Yet Jesus walked also behind a veil, as the Scripture clearly shows us, and we'll see that shortly. (Exo.34:35) And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone; and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him. We're told the same thing about the first-fruits. (Heb.10:19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, (20) by the way which He dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh. So we enter into the presence of God through the veil, which is to say, through His flesh. Jesus' flesh was a veil. The people did not see the real Jesus. They didn't see the glorified man underneath that veil of flesh; they saw the veil. However, when the Lord went into the presence of God, He was in Spirit where there was no veil, speaking with the Father. This is the same thing we see here with Moses. Moses was a type of Jesus and a type of the Man-child. We're getting a description here of the kind of ministry that the Man-child is going to have and it's just like Jesus' ministry. Seeing God face-to-face makes us capable of manifesting God before His people. (2Co.3:18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. From behind that body of flesh, called a veil, there was a glorified soul, ready to walk through the other half of the wilderness. Now we know that Moses went all the way through the wilderness, but that's only part of the picture. If we look at other different types of the Man-child, they'll show other parts of the whole picture. For example, we can also see Jesus in Acts where it says, And when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not (Act.16:7). So Jesus was a type of the second 3½ years of the Man-child during the Tribulation. We know that because the second part of the Tribulation started at the end of Jesus' ministry when He was crucified and it ended with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, which was the destruction of the Harlot by the Beast. We see that the second 3½ years starts at the end of the first 3½ years and extends to the point of destruction of the Harlot by the Beast. The Book of Acts represents the 40 years between Jesus' ministry and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Forty is the number of tribulation. We're seeing here a perfect parallel between Moses and Jesus. Some have thought that Jesus did not have a ministry after His 3½ years, but He did have a ministry of guiding His people for 3½ years, just like Moses went the other half of the distance through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Moses brought the people all the way and, in type, Jesus did that, too. His glorification in the second 3½ years represents what Moses was when “his face shone.” What we're really referring to in the end times is a glorified soul underneath a body, with the body being the veil that permitted men to look upon that which is glorified and have fellowship without being frightened. We would call it bearing fruit “100-fold.” When the Lord sows the seed of the Word in our hearts, it's to bring forth Himself in us, 30-, 60- and 100-fold (Matthew 13). That's not referring to the body; that's referring to the fruit of Christ in the soul, or in the heart, and that is what we are here for. What makes the first-fruits the first-fruits, is that they have come into this glorified soul and they have come into the crucifixion of self, which is the type that Jesus showed us. If we look at the timing of Exodus 34, we find that it falls in the middle of the Tribulation period. How do we know that? Well, for instance, in Chapter 32, we see what happened there was, they made the image of the beast and worshipped it. That's a pretty clear sign of being the middle of the Tribulation period. What came along with worshiping the image of the Beast, according to Revelation 14, was the mark of the Beast. So we see them there in Chapter 32 bowing down to this image of the beast and we see God's rebuke of them, and we see the Tables of the Testimony were cast down and broken. (Exo.32:19) And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. We know the two Tables of the Testimony represent the Two Witnesses corporate body because “witness” and “testimony” are the same word. So Moses the Man-child, as a type of Jesus Christ, brings the two witnesses with the Word of God written upon their heart to the people of God, which is what Jesus did with His disciples when He sent them out two-by-two. They were a corporate body of two witnesses to go to God's people and bring the Law, that was written upon their hearts, to them. It's an exact type and shadow of what we see here. However, it says here, he saw the calf and the dancing (in other words, the people were worshiping the image of the beast): and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount (Exo.32:19). So not only did Jesus bring the Two Witnesses, but the people in their sins “broke” them. I believe that the Apostle John was the only one who died a natural death of old age. The rest of the apostles were all killed. The apostates “broke” their Two Witnesses. We see what God says about this situation a few verses later: (Exo.32:26) Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Whoso is on the Lord's side, [let him come] unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. These are the only people who did not worship the image of the beast from among the camp of God's people. We're told that God has chosen us to be a kingdom of priests. (Exo.19:5) Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine: (6) and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation … In other words, all of God's people were called to be priests because we all offer sacrifices unto God and we especially offer up this body as a living sacrifice unto the Lord. On the altar of the fiery trial, the old flesh is burned up, which is what our sacrificial life is supposed to be. The people who did sacrifice, the Levites, did not join in with the rest in worshiping the image of the beast. The true Levites, the tribe that followed God, were God's inheritance. It was the firstborn from among all of Israel who were His inheritance and then God changed that to be the Levites. Those priests were His inheritance, He said, and God was their inheritance. Those Levites were the ones who were on the Lord's side. (Exo.32:27) And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, Put ye every man his sword upon his thigh, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor. Well, as you know, those who worship the image of the Beast are slain because they no longer belong to the body of Christ; they belong to the Beast. The mark of the Beast is the sign of his ownership and those on whom have the mark, belong to him. They are dead; they're no longer living. The Levites will have the authority to bring great judgment on the earth and, again, we're talking about the middle of the Tribulation period because we're referring to the mark and image of the Beast being manifested. This was the time that Moses was glorified; this was the time when the Two Witnesses were beginning to be killed. (Rev.11:8) And their dead bodies [lie] in the street of the great city (that's Babylon, not Jerusalem), which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. (9) And from among the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations do [men] look upon their dead bodies three days and a half, and suffer not their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. “Three days and a half” is half of the seven “days” of the 70th week of Daniel 9, which makes it 3½ years that the Two Witnesses will be killed. From the time of the middle of the Tribulation to the end of the Tribulation, they are being killed. When they finish their testimony, this great group of witnesses (prophets) will be allowed by God to be killed and they're resurrected in the last trump of Revelation 11:15. But in response it is Moses, it is the Manchild, who sends the Levites forth to slay the members of the body of the Beast. (Exo.32:28) And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. (29) And Moses said, Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, yea, every man against his son, and against his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day. (30) And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make atonement for your sin. (31) And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. (32) Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. Moses wanted to take the place of the people, which is also what Jesus did, but how many of you know that Jesus' sacrifice will not apply to everybody in the end? (Heb.10:26) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. People who live a life of willful sin and indulgence in the world will die. As the Bible says, If ye live after the flesh, ye must die (Rom.8:13). Walking after the flesh is to take the mark of the Beast because the mind of the flesh and the works of the flesh is to take the mark. Those people who are walking in sin willfully and do so up until death will have no sacrifice. (Exo.32:33) And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. In other words, God would not take the sacrifice of Moses for those people who worshipped the image of the Beast and took the mark. In fact, in Revelation 14:9-11, He says that there is no sacrifice for them. This is a way of separating those people who are Christian in name only from those who are Levites, the kingdom of priests that God said would come. “Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” That sounds like reprobation to me. (Exo.32:34) And now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine angel shall go before thee; nevertheless in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them. (35) And the Lord smote the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made. This is clearly referring to the time of the middle of the Tribulation period, when Moses in type as the Man-child is glorified, at least in soul underneath that body of flesh, in order to carry them all the way to the Promised Land, which in one parable we would call the “Kingdom of Heaven.” At the end of the seven years, that's exactly where God's people go. Just like Noah, they'll be in the Ark; it lifts off and they're in the Kingdom of Heaven. I think it would make a very good study to do an Internet search for “Jabal al-Lawz” and learn about some of the things that have been discovered about this particular mountain. Again, it's not located in the middle of the wilderness by time; it's only the middle of the wilderness by geography, by distance. But that's where the altar of the golden calf was and that's where the fire burned the top of the mountain and where Moses was given the Law to give to the people. It's very interesting. Actually, the first time Moses was on the mountain was way back in Exodus 19 and this is the second time he's on the mountain because this had to fulfill the type. So we have Joseph going, as a type of the Man-child, seven years, and we have Moses, as a type of the Man-child, going through the first and the second half of the Tribulation, which were both called “the wilderness.” Now we have Jesus also going through the two halves, in the Gospels and the Book of Acts, as well. As we said earlier, the Spirit of Jesus was surely in those disciples. Jesus said, It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life (Joh.6:63). His words went into those disciples and recreated Himself in them. The spirit in them was the Spirit of Christ. He had taken on a new body, but it was still the Spirit of Christ. When the first-fruits show up, I believe very shortly, in our day, this is what we're going to find. They are the body of the Son of David which sits upon God's throne. It's not a throne somewhere up there in the sky, but it's the throne here on the earth that spiritually is the leadership of God's people. The throne is the place of leadership. I had quoted Jeremiah earlier, but only a part of it. It says, At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it (So you know it's not natural Jerusalem because the Gentiles are coming to it.), to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart (Jer.3:17). This is the end time, obviously, because this has not been true at any time in history. It has to be the “latter days” because, truly, when these people come to the throne, God has perfected them, matured them, and made them ready for the Kingdom of Heaven. (Jer.3:18) In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north (which was captivity) to the land that I gave for an inheritance unto your fathers. Our early church fathers were given all of the land for an inheritance, but for 2000 years we have not entered into it. It was the same with Israel. In the beginning, God gave them the whole land, which represented the Land of Promise, but I don't think they ever set foot on any more than about a third of it and actually take possession of it. Well, in these last days, we are going to take possession of all of the land that was given to our fathers; we're going to take possession of all of the Land of Promise, representing all of the promises of God that we're going to walk in. We are going to enter into the land of rest. (Heb.4:3) For we who have believed do enter into that rest … We're actually going to keep the real Sabbath, not the shadow, and it is to walk in all of the Land of Promise that the Lord gave unto us. Once again, God's people will be walking as the early disciples walked. They'll be walking in the power of God, in the anointing of God and in the knowledge of the truth, only this time it will be the latter rain. When he began to walk with God, Moses was the one who had the former rain (or the latter rain, in type) because God took of the anointing that was upon Moses and put it upon the 70 elders. If you remember, that's the same thing that happened to Jesus. Jesus was the One Who came with the former rain and He was the only One Who had it, but the people whom He raised up as disciples were later given this anointing. When Jesus first sent His disciples out during the first 3½ years, they didn't have that anointing. What they had was authority given by the Lord. He said, “You go and do this,” and they went out and healed the sick and cast out devils and raised the dead (Matthew 10). Jesus was their authority. But then He said that God was also going to send “another Comforter” (John 14:16) and we know that was the Holy Spirit Who came in the middle of the Tribulation, on Pentecost, in the middle of the seven years and at the end of the 3½ years of Jesus' ministry. The disciples received the former rain and went out with that anointing to do the works of Jesus. Jesus said the Spirit of God shall take of mine, and shall declare [it] unto you (Joh.16:14). One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to recreate in us, through the anointing (because “Christ” means “anointed”), the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to do that without the anointing, which breaks the yoke (Isaiah 10:27). It is Not by might, nor by power (meaning man's might and power), but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (Zec.4:6). The Lord is about to make this possible. The anointing that was upon Moses, the Lord later took and put upon those 70 elders. Jesus also had 70 whom He sent out and the anointing came upon them. I especially like what it says a little further down in the text. (Jer.3:19) But I said, How I will put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of the nations! and I said, Ye shall call me My Father, and shall not turn away from following me. He had already said, “Neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart.” Wow! This is awesome! I dare say, that most of the people of God do not know Him as Father. They know Him as “God,” a very distant name. But know Him as Father? This is the relationship the Lord is going to establish by bringing us into the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19). Jesus was the Son of God and always called Him “Father.” Get out your concordance and look it up. He did not call Him all the names that the Jewish Christians or the Judaized Christians wanted to call Him. Jesus called Him “Father” and this is what He says we will call Him. This is what we'll know Him as – as “Father,” like Jesus knew Him. He used the term over and over, all the way through the Gospels. These people are going to be coming back out of the land of the north (as we see from Jeremiah 3:14 on down), out of bondage, back to Zion. Zion is the place where King David ruled and Zion is the place where Jesus ruled, not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. Jesus was ruling in a new city of Jerusalem and the Apostle Paul told the disciples that they are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb.12:22) while they were on the earth. So, once again, God is restoring the Kingdom. As Jesus came to restore the Kingdom, the Man-child is coming to restore, to rebuild spiritual, heavenly Jerusalem on this earth and to sit as the body in whom the King Jesus Christ lives. God has said, David shall never want (“lack”) a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel (Jer.33:17). Inside that “man” is going to be the King of kings and He is going to get all the credit. The King of kings is coming inside the body of the Son of David. Glory be to God! Isn't it neat the way God has put this parable together over and over, so we would understand sooner or later? Father, in the Name of Jesus, we thank You so much, Lord, for helping us to see these wondrous things and we enjoy seeing the New Testament in our time, Lord, the Gospel time period. You are going to repeat this again. Oh, what a wondrous time we are coming to! A time of great glory, a time when the Lord Himself is coming to fellowship with us and live in our midst, as He lived in the midst of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, Lord. He came in the midst of His people. Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us,” and we thank You, Lord. We want so much for You to live in our midst. Those people who bowed to the golden calf, You were angered with and said You would no longer go in the midst of those people because they were a stiff-necked people. Lord, we know that's true of those who worship the image of the Beast, but it's not true of Your true people, who are Your true Levites, Your chosen ministers. Lord, we praise You and we thank You for the privilege of having You walking in our midst. We ask You, Lord, to finish the promise that You gave us, the promise that You gave to the fathers. Cause us to walk on all of the land that You gave to them, Lord, which our forefathers lost out on during the Dark Ages all the way up until the time we are in now. Thank You for being our Father and our Savior, in Jesus' name. Amen.
In Chapter 21, God provides the Levites with a distribution of land and reminds them that He alone was their inheritance. In chapter 22, we see the eastern tribes return home with blessings beyond borders to share with their brothers.
(Nehemiah 8:1-12) In Nehemiah 8, revival breaks out as the people, freshly restored in their identity prompt Ezra to read and teach the Law. As they hear it, they are deeply convicted, leading to collective repentance, yet Nehemiah and the Levites remind them that sorrow alone cannot sustain devotion. Instead, they must move forward in the assurance of God's forgiveness, for true strength comes not from endless mourning but from the joy of the Lord. This joy—rooted in God's delight over His people—propels them into a renewed life of obedience, not out of fear, but with boldness and confidence in His love. Revival is not merely about turning from sin but about stepping fully into the freedom and strength found in God's joy.
Today's Scripture passages are Leviticus 2 | Leviticus 5:1-13 | Numbers 18 | Hebrews 6:13 - Hebrews 7:14.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Send us a textWelcome to today's episode! We're tackling a vital question: How can we stop conflict before it starts? Drawing from Joshua 22, we'll explore practical, proactive steps to prevent discord in our communities. Join us as we learn from biblical examples of clear communication, humility, and unity that help keep strife at bay.Episode NotesProactive Prevention:Conflict isn't just about mending what's broken—it's about nipping issues in the bud.Just as doctors prevent illness and lawyers advise on avoiding legal trouble, we must learn strategies to stop discord before it escalates.Biblical Case Study (Joshua 22):The context: After dividing the land, two-and-a-half tribes remained on the east side of the Jordan.Joshua commended their obedience and sent them home, but a misunderstanding arose when they built an altar as a memorial.This act, intended to honor their shared victories, was misinterpreted by the other tribes as an act of rebellion.Key Lessons in Conflict Prevention:Direct Confrontation: Address issues early with honest, face-to-face communication rather than letting grievances fester.Open Dialogue: The nine-and-a-half tribes avoided war by forming a committee, meeting their brethren, and clearly explaining their intentions.Unified Purpose: Emphasize a shared mission and remind each other of the blessings and responsibilities bestowed by God.Practical Application:Whether in your family, church, or community, don't let minor misunderstandings grow into major disputes.Approach conflicts with humility, clarity, and a willingness to compromise—just as Joshua's people did.Remember: True unity is built on direct, loving communication that preempts division.Thank you for joining us as we explore these timeless strategies to prevent conflict. May this message inspire you to foster unity and proactive peace in all your relationships. Christian or otherwise.Bonus Q&A.Why Did God Choose the Tribe of Levi?The tribe of Levi was uniquely chosen by God to serve as Israel's priestly tribe, dedicated to spiritual leadership and the care of the Tabernacle and, later, the Temple. But why did God specifically choose the Levites for this sacred role? The Bible gives us clear insights into His divine reasoning.1. The Levites' Zeal for GodOne of the most decisive moments leading to the Levites' selection occurred in Exodus 32 during the incident of the golden calf. When Moses descended from Mount Sinai and saw Israel's idolatry, he called out:“Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him.” (Exodus 32:26, NIV)2. A Replacement for the FirstbornOriginally, God had consecrated the firstborn of every Israelite family to serve Him (Exodus 13:2), but after the golden calf incident, He replaced them with the Levites:“I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn … the Levites shall be mine.” (Numbers 3:12, NKJV)Support the showFor an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Numbers 26 records the second census of the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This census takes place after the previous generation, which had been condemned to die in the wilderness due to their disobedience, has nearly passed away. The chapter serves both a practical and symbolic purpose, reaffirming God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their failures. Key Themes and Events in Numbers 26 1.The Purpose of the Census •The first census, recorded in Numbers 1, was conducted to organize Israel for military and administrative purposes. •This second census, taken near the end of Israel's wilderness journey, determines how the land of Canaan will be allocated among the tribes (Numbers 26:52-56). •It confirms that God has sustained the people, even after the previous generation's rebellion. 2.The Census Results •The chapter lists the population numbers for each tribe, excluding the Levites, who are counted separately since they have no land inheritance. •The total number of men aged 20 and older able to go to war is 601,730, slightly less than the first census (603,550 in Numbers 1). •The changes in numbers show the impact of divine judgment (plagues, rebellions) and God's continued blessing. 3.Notable Events and Figures Mentioned •The Fate of Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 26:9-11): The chapter reminds readers of how Korah's followers were swallowed up by the earth, but his descendants survived and later became significant figures in Israel's worship. •Zelophehad's Daughters (Numbers 26:33): The mention of these women sets the stage for an important legal case in Numbers 27, where they seek inheritance rights, showing early biblical discussions on women's rights. 4.The Judgment on the Previous Generation •Numbers 26:64-65 states that none of the men from the first census, except for Joshua and Caleb, were still alive. This fulfills God's promise that those who doubted Him would not enter the land. 5.The Levites' Census •The Levites are counted separately (Numbers 26:57-62) because they do not receive a land inheritance but are dedicated to serving in the Tabernacle. •The total number of Levite males is 23,000, counted from one month old and up. Spiritual and Theological Lessons •God's Faithfulness: Despite Israel's failures, God ensures a new generation will enter the Promised Land. •Divine Justice: The consequences of rebellion are evident, as the older generation does not survive, emphasizing that sin has consequences. •Preparation for the Future: The census is a step toward fulfilling God's promises to Abraham about the land inheritance. •Hope and Renewal: Though the previous generation perished, the next generation stands ready to receive God's promises. Numbers 26 serves as a pivotal transition, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another as Israel stands on the brink of entering Canaan.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.
John 1:19-20 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” What an important question. Who are you? In the next few days, we will see John's answer to this question. All we learn from this verse about John is that he didn't deny Jesus and made it clear that he was not the Christ. For him to even have to deny that he was the Christ reveals the power and anointing that was on John. They knew he wasn't normal and that the power of God was upon him. Have you ever been asked the question, “Who are you?” How would you answer it? What is your identity? May I help you think about it? I've learned four identity principles by thinking about Peter's answer to Jesus' identity that may help you. Peter said about Jesus, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” He essentially said that he knew who Jesus' father was, knew that God was His power source, knew that He was vitally connected to God, and revealed God. So, these four principles have determined and still determine who you are. Father. Who are your fathers? To whom do you belong? Your earthly father and your spiritual father determine your identity course. You derive your name from them. Power. Who or what is your power source? Identity is about power. We look for someone to belong to who has the power to give us significance, acceptance, and affirmation. Connection. With whom are you connected? Since we all have a need to belong, when we find someone or some organization that we think has the power we are looking for, we will connect with them. Revelation. Who do you imitate or have you imitated? Once we decide to connect with someone, we will imitate them to show them that we are like them. Does this help you answer the question, “Who are you?” I hope you'll think about it. There's no way we can live to love unless God is our father. He is our ultimate power source; we connect with Him through Jesus Christ, and we reveal that connection through our lives as we love. The way we live our lives reveals our true identity. It's not what we say; it's what we do and say. If our father is the living God, and He is love, then His love will be revealed through our lives as we live with Him. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
Now, we are in the study of the book of Numbers, and we are dealing with the Levitical family, and we see that primarily there are three families that that make up the Levites, and we talked about that last week, so let's go back to where we concluded last week, and that is in the book of of numbers. Chapter Three, the book of Numbers. To donate please visit us at: https://loveisrael.org/donate/ Checks may be sent to: LoveIsrael.org 6355 N Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953 Feel free to download our MyBibleStudy App on telephone https://get.theapp.co/yjjq we don't know how long we can post the teachings on YT https://www.instagram.com/mybiblestudyofficial/
Now, we are in the study of the book of Numbers, and we are dealing with the Levitical family, and we see that primarily there are three families that that make up the Levites, and we talked about that last week, so let's go back to where we concluded last week, and that is in the book of of numbers. Chapter Three, the book of Numbers. To donate please visit us at: https://loveisrael.org/donate/ Checks may be sent to: LoveIsrael.org 6355 N Courtenay Parkway Merritt Island, FL 32953 Feel free to download our MyBibleStudy App on telephone https://get.theapp.co/yjjq we don't know how long we can post the teachings on YT https://www.instagram.com/mybiblestudyofficial/
The Testimony of John the Baptist 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he […]
Moses continues to receive instructions from the Lord, and today's episode begins with instructions for the priests in eating their portion of the sacrifices to the Lord. Recall that the Levites will not be given large portions of land when they enter the Promised Land; instead, the Lord will be their portion. For their service in the tabernacle, they will receive portions of food from the offerings given to the Lord, and thereby be sustained. Or reading continues by considering which sacrifices are acceptable, which days are to be set aside for Sabbaths, and which days are to be set aside for worship, celebration, and remembrance.Leviticus 22 - 1:01 . Leviticus 23 - 7:57 . Psalm 47 - 16:38 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Send us a textWelcome:Welcome to today's episode in which we look into the story of the Levites—the often-overlooked, yet essential, ministers of God's people. Just as many of us remember the sting of being left out on the playground, the Levites remind us how important it is not to forget those whose work underpins our spiritual lives. Join us as we explore how God's provision for the Levites teaches us about dedication, ministry, and the privilege of serving Him.Episode NotesThe Forgotten Ones:The Levites, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance. Instead, their “inheritance” was to serve in God's house by caring for the Tabernacle and teaching His Word.Their role was crucial—they maintained worship, preserved the law, and facilitated the spiritual life of the nation.Lessons on Ministry & Inclusion:Just as being left out on the playground stings, neglecting those who minister among us can weaken our community.God's design calls us to honor and support His workers. Proverbs 3:9 reminds us to “Honor the Lord with your possessions,” a principle that extends to supporting the ministry.Practical Takeaways:Reflect on how you can contribute to and support the work of God's kingdom—whether by serving, encouraging, or giving.Recognize that every role, no matter how seemingly small, is part of God's grand design for His people.Broader Spiritual Message:The Levites teach us that our true inheritance is not measured in land or wealth but in our commitment to serve and uphold God's Word.Let their example inspire you to be an active participant in God's work, ensuring that no one who serves Him is ever forgotten.Enjoy the episode as we unpack these insights and challenge ourselves to remember and uplift those who labor in the Lord's vineyard!Support the showFor an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
In this Bible Story, Joshua leads God's people through the Jordan river. God parts the Jordan, and splits the waters so Israel could walk through towards the promised land.This story is inspired by Joshua 3:7-5:12. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Joshua 3:13 from the King James Version.Episode 52: As the spies share the good news with the people of Israel, hope rises in their hearts. With hope rising in the people, a confidence, given by God, is rising in the heart of Joshua. So Joshua leads the people to the bank of the Jordan river and instructs the Levites to go before them into the river carrying the Ark of the Covenant, the moment their feet enter the Jordan, the waters part, and Israel is led across the river on dry land just like they were years ago under Moses.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's sermon, Pastor Adam discusses the significance of tithes and offerings as a biblical foundation for supporting the church and its ministers. Drawing from Ephesians 2, he emphasizes that believers are part of God's household, which is built on the cornerstone of Christ and guided by the teachings of the apostles and prophets. He illustrates how the Old Testament tithe system was designed to care for the Levites, who served God full-time, and how this principle carries over to the New Testament, where ministers are to be supported through the generosity of the congregation. Ultimately, Adam encourages the church to embrace abundant generosity not just to meet individual needs but to reflect the blessings of God through communal support and service.Thank you for tuning into today's message at Bold City Church! We pray it encourages you in your faith. Share with a friend who could use these words, too! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @boldcitychurchDownload our app on iOS and Android
In today's sermon, Pastor Adam discusses the significance of tithes and offerings as a biblical foundation for supporting the church and its ministers. Drawing from Ephesians 2, he emphasizes that believers are part of God's household, which is built on the cornerstone of Christ and guided by the teachings of the apostles and prophets. He illustrates how the Old Testament tithe system was designed to care for the Levites, who served God full-time, and how this principle carries over to the New Testament, where ministers are to be supported through the generosity of the congregation. Ultimately, Adam encourages the church to embrace abundant generosity not just to meet individual needs but to reflect the blessings of God through communal support and service.Thank you for tuning into today's message at Bold City Church! We pray it encourages you in your faith. Share with a friend who could use these words, too! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @boldcitychurchDownload our app on iOS and Android
Daily Dose of Hope March 9, 2025 Day 1 of Week 50 Scripture: Nehemiah 10-13; Revelation 8 Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope. This is the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan. We start week 50 today. That is hard to believe. Congrats on all of you who have read almost the entire Bible!!! Today, we are back in Nehemiah for our Old Testament reading. We begin in chapter 10 with the people making a commitment to follow the Law. They know it, now they will live it. Jerusalem is the capital and the holy city. It had the leaders and the temple employees but it needed real citizens to make it a defensible community. It wasn't easy to live there. They still had the residents actively serving as guards. The gates are complete, the wall is done, but that doesn't mean there won't be opposition. They still haven't let their guard down. To live in Jerusalem, at that time, meant to be a rotating security guard of sorts. A number of people volunteered to form the nucleus of the city. We find their specific names listed in chapter 11. These were real people with real families and responsibilities who volunteered to do whatever they could, even if it was a significant interruption to their lives, in order to make Jerusalem a functioning society. Sometimes God asks us to interrupt our lives for his work in this world. Let's move on to chapter 12. After the wall was dedicated, there was much joy among God's people. But after the music and celebration ended, Nehemiah made sure the people understood the importance of tithing. As they were seeking to be in alignment with God's Word, this was of vital importance. The first fruits and tithes of the people provided for the work of the priests and the Levites, as well as any other need associated with the worship of God and his work in the world. Tithing is still of vital importance. Throughout Scripture, God calls his people to give 10% of their earnings to him. This isn't because God needs our money. Rather, it is a matter of heart. All we have comes from God–everything! As an act of obedience, he then calls us to give part of our resources back to him for his work in the world. In my experience as a pastor, people really struggle with this. This is an estimate but I would guess only about a fifth of our church truly tithes. Giving10% may feel hard at first but once you do it, it is actually quite freeing. You know you are in compliance with God's Word and God always blesses that. For me, it is also an important acknowledgment that God is Lord of my life and I'm trusting him with my all. Do you tithe? Why or why not? In chapter 13, we find that Nehemiah has to return to serve the king of Babylon. God had called him to Jerusalem for a season, he was obedient, and then he had to go back to his day job. But after some time (we don't know how long but it must have been quite awhile), Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem. He finds that the people were not obeying the Law as they had promised to do. There were issues with the tithes and the temple, people were not obeying the Sabbath, and there was intermarriage with the pagan people who lived around them. Nehemiah does his best to institute reforms once again so the people would be in alignment with God's law. This wasn't easy. The people had grown comfortable in their ways. After each set of reforms, Nehemiah asks God to remember what he has done and honor it. Nehemiah was an honest and Godly man who simply wanted to serve God well and teach his people to do the same. Who are the Nehemiahs among us? Who are those men and women who seek to serve God and lovingly encourage others to do the same, even when it's hard and even when the people don't want to hear it? Our New Testament reading is Revelation 8. The interlude is over. It's time for the seventh seal to be opened. After watching the last seals be opened, John is probably expecting something really big but this time, there is nothing but...silence. The Scripture says there is silence in heaven for about half an hour. Silence is often a way to show reverence to God in worship. There are whole religious orders that take vows of silence before God. I don't know about you but, as an extroverted extrovert, I struggle with silence. It is in long, extended periods of silence that we are faced with our own thoughts, our doubts, and our struggles. That's not always fun. But I've also found tremendous value in silence-it's in those long periods of silence that I take time to really engage with God and allow time for listening, for resting in the presence of God. Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, “We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature—trees, flowers, grass—grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence ... We need silence to be able to touch souls.” Could it be that we learn the most from God in the silence? What has been your experience? God can also use silence as a method of preparation. We find this in today's Scripture. After the silence, things get pretty intense. The seven angels who stand before God are given seven trumpets. The prayers of God's people (symbolized by the incense) make their ways to God's nostrils. And then, the trumpets blow and God's wrath is poured out on the earth. The purpose of the trumpet blows is to warn the unbelievers of God's impending wrath and judgment. There is something about a trumpet that makes you take notice. It's quite loud, so loud in fact that there is no way to NOT notice it. Take notice, these angels are saying. Pay attention! Turn from your wicked ways and acknowledge God! Who do you know who has not yet acknowledged God? Are there people in your life that need to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Read the words of the apostle Paul from 2 Corinthians 6:1-4 and the unbelievers in your life in prayer. As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
JOHN 1:18-30 - BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD - BRIAN SUMNER - 2025JOHN 1:18 "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ' as the prophet Isaiah said.”24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "To support this channel and partner with Brian in Ministryhttps://www.briansumner.net/support/For more on Brianhttp://www.briansumner.nethttps://www.instagram.com/BRIANSUMNER/https://www.facebook.com/BRIANSUMNEROFFICIALTo listen to Brians Podcast, click below.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Purchase Brians Marriage book at https://www.amazon.com/Never-Fails-Da...Brian is a full time "Urban Missionary" both locally and internationally with a focus on MISSIONS - MARRIAGES - MINISTRY. Since coming to faith in 2004 doors continued opening locally and internationally to do more and more ministry with a focus on Evangelism, Outreach Missions, Marriage, Counsel, Schools, Festivals, Conferences and the like. Everything about this ministry is made possible because of people personally partnering through the non profit. God Bless and thank you. †Support the showSUPPORT THE SHOW
Fr. Mike underscores the importance of obeying God as he reads from Numbers 4 and Deuteronomy 4. We also read Psalm 88 and learn how it foreshadows the darkness Christ endured on the cross. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
We are beginning the book of Leviticus; the title basically means, “pertaining to the Levites,” as this book dives deeper into the responsibilities of priests and the divine-human relationship codified on Mount Sinai. These are instructions on how an impure people can be made holy by obedience to a perfect God. We'll look at four kinds of offering today. The burnt offering is given with prayer or praise to seek God's face and favor. The grain offering is generally offered along with another offering. The fellowship offering emphasizes fellowship with the Lord by having a communion meal. Finally, the sin offering is given to atone for sin that has been committed. Leviticus 1 – 1:15 . Leviticus 2 – 3:57 . Leviticus 3 – 7:34 . Leviticus 4 – 10:09 . Leviticus 5 – 17:32 . Proverbs 16:1-16 – 22:03 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
The Levites went from Zeroes to Heroes when they stood up for Yahweh's covenant in the face of the golden calf. From then on, they were responsible for “stewarding the sacred” as it related to life and blood. What does it mean to be “pro-life” like the priests were and how does that impact how we view others? Find out as the guys discuss the concepts found in chapter 6 of “Priestly Presence.”
Fr. Mike clarifies some questions surrounding the Tribe of Levi and talks about what it means to be held to a higher standard as a leader in your community. Numbers 3, Deuteronomy 3, and Psalm 87. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.