Podcasts about like abraham

Believers can know, by faith, that our sins are forgiven, we are born again, our eternity is guaranteed, and we are being conformed to the image of Christ. The post Rescued, Part 5: Faith Like Abraham appeared first on Reston Bible Church.

WAIT CONFERENCE'26 | Day 11 | WORSHIP - Magnify the LORD| CHIMDI OHAHUNA Worship as Growth and Revelation In this powerful session of WAIT CONFERENCE'26, we journey into the heart of worship, not as a song or a moment, but as a lifestyle of magnifying the LORD with our entire being. Anchored in Psalm 34:3, this episode unpacks the Hebrew essence of the word gâdal meaning, to grow, to become great, to promote, to make powerful, to praise, and to do great things. True worship, we discover, is not passive. It is a transformative call to grow in the knowledge and revelation of God. As we magnify Him, we are enlarged in spirit, deepened in understanding, and drawn into greater intimacy with the Almighty. Like Abraham, who encountered Jehovah Jireh in the wilderness of lack, we learn that emptiness is often the soil where divine revelation takes root. This episode also explores the paradox of divine intimacy: the closer we draw to God, the more we may find ourselves misunderstood or even distanced from others, just as Moses was when he descended from the mountain, radiant with God's glory. You'll be challenged to reflect on these powerful truths: - Worship as Evangelism: When worship overwhelms you, it overflows, inviting others to encounter God. - Growth Through Emptiness: How seasons of lack can lead to deeper revelations of God's nature. - The Measure of Manifestation: You cannot manifest what you do not know, your revelation of God determines your expression of Him. - The Worshipper's Posture: Sincere worshippers don't argue; they demonstrate God's presence (Romans 8:19). - Study as Worship: Bible study is not for applause but for approval, before God, not men. This is not just another teaching, it's a clarion call to grow, to magnify, and to manifest. Worship is not merely a melody; it is the melody of a life that reveals God in fullness. Beloved, tune in, grow deeper, and let your worship become a testimony to those around you. Jesus is Lord.

(This podcast was previously published on March 18, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   There are many types of needs:   money,  jobs,  information concerning what to do,  encouragement in following God   Regardless of our need, God is our supply and source when we belong to HIM.   The king of Sodom offered to bless Abraham, but Abraham declined and said:   I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,  That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:  (Genesis 14:22-23)   Abraham purposed in his heart that he wanted his provision to come from God and not from man.   James 1:5   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.   Deuteronomy 28:1-2  And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all HIS commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:  And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.   Like Abraham, Moses refused the blessings that man could give to him and chose God for HIS source.   Hebrews 11:24-27   By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing HIM who is invisible.   We are greatly blessed when we choose to make God our source, HIM who is invisible, rather than making man our source on this earth.   *****   I am 83-years-old.  I can only walk a few steps with a walker.  One of our church members took me into her home to live and she helps me.  Recently she failed to come to my room to give me my medicine.  This was very unusual.  Had she fallen on the stairs?  Was she lying there helpless?  How will I get the animals fed? (2 dogs and 3 cats)  What if she has to go to hospital?  Thoughts were raging in my mind.   I began praying and instantly I heard this from the Holy Spirit:  "My God will supply all your need."   It was like having a great weight lift from my body.   I needed information and help and God supplied it at that moment by HIS Word which was brought to my mind and I relaxed, believing that word.   ***   In 1975, I owned a small business.  A man filed a law suit against me.  I hired lawyers to defend me in court.  But the legal fees were eating up all the profit from my little business.  What to do?  I needed wisdom.   My attention was drawn to the following promise of God to HIS people.   Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of ME, saith the LORD.   I began reasoning this scripture:   I'm a Christian now so this promise applies to me.  This law suit is a weapon against me.  The legal fees are a weapon against me.  These weapons against me shall not prosper.  I will dismiss my lawyer and stop the legal fees and go to court without any human legal counsel.   When I released my attorney, he said:  "Joan ... you can't do this.  You don't realize how evil these courts are today.  We are willing to work with you.  It will only cost about $10,000 more to try your case."   $10,000 MORE ... I cried out, "Gordon ... stop ... don't do anything else!"   The following week, Gordon came back to my shop.  He said, "Joan ... we have decided we will try your case without any additional legal fees."   What is going on here?  One week it is going to cost $10,000 more and now it is free?  I didn't hear Gordon mention God in this.   So I replied,  "I'll have to get back with you on this."   I turned to God and began praying:  "What to YOU want me to do?"   I was reminded of a scripture to show me what to do:  Abraham said to the king of Sodom:  "I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,  That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:"  (Genesis 14:22-23)   I knew God was showing me to turn down the "free" legal service.   Several weeks passed.  Fear came in waves in forms of thoughts.  But with each fearful thought, God would remind me of a scripture to settle me.   I recorded all these scriptures on a cassette tape and played the tape when I went to bed each night.  When I awoke in the night, I turned the tape over and began playing it again.   Six days before we were to go to trial, the man dropped all charges against me.   Later my lawyer came back to my shop.  He said, "I want you to know that we have discussed your case at the law firm and we believe what you said happened actually happened."  

Worship means different things to different people. It's a religious thing. It's singing songs.  It's a concert with a light show. It's well, who knows what.  But the question we need to ask ourselves, is what exactly does worship mean to God?   We All Worship Something Well it's great to be with you again this week and we are starting a new series on the programme that I've called, "Worship as a Way of Life". When we hear the word "worship", well, what does it mean? And people who don't have any particular faith in God, it's something, well, those religious people over there in churches or in temples do. Maybe it's candles and incense or something that happens over there somewhere not something that I do. And for some Christians, well, that's what we do on Sunday morning at church before the sermon, we sing songs – that's our worship time. I guess both of those would be true in part, but the notion of worship, from where God sits, is so much bigger and broader than that – not some religious ritual, not just some musical event. When we worship someone or something, we put it above all other things – we pay homage to it. In fact, it directs our lives – we'll sacrifice other things, even though those things are very dear to us, for the sake of the person or the thing that we worship. We all worship something – I mean, I used to worship money and success and recognition. It was the thing that my whole life was centred on and ordered around. I sacrificed my health, my family, my rest, everything for these things that I worshipped and actually, when you look back on it, I was really worshipping myself. We can all look at our lives and ask, "what's at the centre of the life? I mean, what's right up there at the top? Who or what do I worship?" And we know the answer to that when we look at the sacrifices we make for that thing and ask ourselves, really and truly, who or what am I making these sacrifices for? What's at the centre of my life – is it career, is it my family? I mean, honestly ask ourselves, "what is at the centre of my life?" Look at the sacrifices and that's who or what we are actually worshipping. Now we all have different elements to our lives. Obviously, we need to make some sacrifices sometimes. The whole thing of being a parent is sacrificing for our children. And sure, some times at work we have to make sacrifices. But if we get those out of balance – I mean, you see parents who self-actualise through their children; through their children's dancing or through their children's academic achievement and all of a sudden it's completely out of balance. Some people sacrifice their whole lives to their jobs and lose their families – I know what that's like. And so there is a balance and there is a right way of sacrificing to different things but if we take just one thing and get it out of whack, day after day, month after month, we sacrifice and sacrifice and this one thing rises above all of those other things, then chances are that's what we are worshipping. The notion of sacrifice is an essential part of worship – it's not new. The very first time that worship is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis, chapter 22 and verse 5. Abraham was promised by God a son and ultimately, after many, many years he had that son, Isaac, but Abraham had to go through a lot of trials and a lot of uncertainty over a quarter of a century before finally, in his old age, this son, Isaac, was born to him. And so not surprisingly, when Isaac finally arrives, Abraham dotes on this kid – I mean, absolutely dotes on him – because here was the fulfilment of God's promise. He never thought it would happen – he never thought he would have an heir, but God was faithful and God gave him his son, Isaac, with his wife Sarah. But God saw that Abraham was starting to put Isaac before God, Himself and so He called on Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Can you imagine that - to take him and put him on an altar and put him to death? What an incredibly painful thing to do? And on that morning when they journeyed to where God had called them – out to that place – Abraham said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we'll come back." Can you imagine the tussle that was going on in Abraham's heart? Is God first in my life or is Isaac first in my life? Do I put Isaac before God? Is it God or my son? See we think we are worshipping God sometimes but when we look at our lives and ask some hard questions like 'How do I spend all my time? How do I spend my money? How do I spend my energies? How to I spend my passions? Where are my dreams? Like Abraham we can get a real shock. Let's read on, the rest of the story – pick it up at Genesis, chapter 22 and verse 6. "Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son, Isaac and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on, Isaac spoke up and said to his father, Abraham, "Father," "Yes, my son," Abraham replied, "The fire and the wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on. When they reached the place that God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son, Isaac and laid him on the altar on the top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took his knife to slay his son. But an angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, "Abraham, Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said, "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from Me your son; your only son." What God was doing here was testing Abraham's heart. Who do you worship, Abraham? Who do you put first in your life? And at the end of this, both God and Abraham knew the answer to that question. "Now that I see you fear God because you have not withheld from Me your son; your only son." Can I ask you quietly, yet deliberately – who or what do you worship? When it comes to the crunch, the one thing on this earth that is most important to you, would you be prepared to lay it down for the Lord your God? All your hopes and dreams and future and life and career – everything – is God exalted above all those other things in our lives? Worshipping God is about adopting a "God above all" position in every part of our lives. Singing songs of worship is great but do we bow down our lives before God? Do we put God before anything or anyone else in our hearts? Do we worship God? When you look at the Ten Commandments – look at the very first one in Exodus, chapter 20 verse 2, it says: I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt; out of the land of slavery. You will have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them and worship them for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. Now, would the first Commandment be about singing songs? No! The first Commandment is about who we put first – it's about "whom" we worship. The question is do we worship God with our lives?   The Heart of Worship The heart is an important place. One of the most common things that's talked about through the Scriptures is the heart - in fact, it is mentioned five hundred and thirty four times. Several times Jesus made the point that who we are on the outside is a reflection of what's going on in our hearts. In Matthew, chapter 12, He says, For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. And then again in Matthew, chapter 15, Jesus says, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart and these are the ones that make a man unclean, for out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander - these are what make a man unclean." See for me, here is the biggest danger in thinking about worship. "Well, I go to church most Sundays, we sing songs, therefore I worship then I go home." It's kind of like saying, "well, I live in the same house and sleep in the same bed as my wife or husband. I peck them on the cheek in the morning before I go to work. Once a week I make sure I tell them 'I love you', therefore, I love them." See how crazy that is? I mean, my wife isn't interested in a ritual. She wants to know, does my husband love me with all his heart and do I see that reflected in the way he lives and acts toward me? That's why Jesus, when He was asked, "What's the most important of all the commandments, answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." In other words, with what's going on inside you and with what you do. This is the first and the greatest commandment. Worship is something that comes from the heart – it's an overflow of what's happening inside us - it lives there first and foremost, and then it's reflected on the outside in our lives. If we just "do" worship once a week, it's a sham. I mean, I've been there, standing in church, singing songs, mind wandering off somewhere else – that's not worship - that's not what God is looking for any more that a quick peck on my wife's cheek is really loving her. Worship comes from the heart – King David knew that. Listen to what he writes in Psalm 24: The earth is the Lord's and everything in it – the world and all who live in it because He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend to the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who doesn't lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. See, David is saying here – God created the heavens and the earth and He owns them all and if I want to ascend to the hill of the Lord, which meant, "go to the temple and worship Him", I have to have clean hands and a pure heart. A heart and a life that declare, "I put Jesus first." Look again at Psalm 27, where David writes: One thing I ask of the Lord and this is what I seek – that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and seek Him in His temple. My heart says of You, 'Seek His face'; Your face Lord I will seek. See what's going on here for David? Something is happening in his heart – there's a desire; there's a besottedness; an overwhelming urge just to be with God. I was away recently, travelling with the ministry for almost two weeks. The ministry that God's got me involved in is such a blessing and such a delight but each time I have to leave my wife, for me it's an incredible sacrifice. You see, I love her; I want to be with her. When we go out together, more often than not, we are wandering down the street or through the shopping mall, hand in hand. There's a closeness and a desire; we want to be together. That in a sense is what's going on in David's heart for God. "God, I just want to be close to You. I want to dwell in Your house all the days of my life and gaze on Your beauty and seek You in Your temple. My heart says, 'seek His face', and Your face Lord I will seek." There it is – there's the heart of worship - a holy desire after God Himself – not His blessings, just God. Now sometimes we feel like we have wandered off and we feel dry and we feel like we don't have that desire. We all go there some days, so stick with me because later on in the programme we are going to pray for the Spirit of God to light that flame in our hearts – the heart of worship.   Choosing What is Better We are talking today about making worship a way of life – not just some ritual – not just a few songs that we sing on Sunday. So far what we have seen is worship is about sacrifice and there are two parts to that – what happens in our hearts and how that's reflected in our lives. We are going to talk a whole bunch more about that next week; connecting our faith with our day to day life realities. But I just want to kind of introduce that today with a story of two women, Mary and Martha. If you've got a Bible, grab it and open it up at Luke, chapter 10, verse 38. This is what it says: As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where there was a woman named Martha, who opened her home to Him. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations she had made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself – tell her to help me?" "Martha, Martha," said the Lord, "You are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed – Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her." I don't know what your life looks like, but mine truly has more things in it than I have time to get through. This ministry, Christianityworks, is not just about writing and recording radio programmes – it's all sorts of things. It's seeing radio stations; producing material to go with messages; administration; fund raising; managing people – lots of things. Not to mention home and family and church and friends and rest and relaxation. The danger for me, as with many other people, is you get so busy with the urgent things that we don't have time for the important things. And the important things that we tend to squeeze out of our schedule are relationships. Spending time with people; with family; with our wives and husbands (that's why so many marriages fall apart)and spending time at the feet of Jesus (that's why so many people end up drifting away from God). We delude ourselves – "well, I'm out there; I'm busy; I'm serving God. That's what God wants from me - that's the most important thing. If I don't do all this the world is going to cave in." I'm not suggesting that we become spiritual couch-potatoes and do nothing. But have a listen to what happens here – Jesus comes to the house of Mary and Martha. Now Martha is rushing around cleaning and cooking, because they have a guest after all – the Son of God has come to visit. And her sister, Mary, is just sitting at Jesus' feet, listening – her heart being moved and changed and strengthened and encouraged. She's worshipping Him! Martha says, "that's not fair – she should be helping me." So what does Jesus answer? "Absolutely! Mary, get off your backside; stop being so lazy; go and help." No! He says, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is needed - Mary has chosen what is better and it won't be taken away from her." Just one thing – a relationship with Jesus! Just one thing – listening to the Word of God! Just one thing – worshipping Jesus! Looking and listening and being overcome with the desire just to sit at His feet. That's the heart of worship – it's a heart to want to bow down and just be with Jesus. The first Commandment of the Ten in Exodus, chapter 20 is about worshipping God before all other things or people or idols or anything else in our lives. When Jesus is asked, "what's the most important thing?" Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. Are you dry? Are you saying, "I want to do that but I just can't – I feel like God's a million miles away? I hear what you are saying but I don't have that desire in my heart." If that's you right now, we are going to pray. We are going to ask God in the name of Jesus, that He would change that. Come on – let's pray together. Father, You know each one of us - You know where we are - You know the things we go through - You know how we get distracted like Martha with all the cooking and the cleaning and the stuff we have to do in life. Father, forgive us for doing that and forgetting what it is just to sit quietly at Your feet, to listen and to look and to desire and to enjoy You. To have this desire like David, Lord, to just spend time in Your house the rest of our days enjoying Your beauty. Father, forgive us for getting so busy that we have forgotten to do that. And Lord You know that we can't worship You in our own strength. We can't somehow, conjure this up in our hearts. Father, we believe that worship is a gift from You.We believe, Father God, that when we came and accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, You put Your Spirit inside us, that You Yourself have come to dwell in us. Father, we have wandered in these lowlands; in these murky swamps for far too long. We ask that Your Spirit would spark the desire in our hearts. We ask that Your Spirit would give us a heart for worship. And Lord as you change our hearts by Your Spirit, we pray that that will be reflected in our lives. But first Lord, start with our hearts - change our hearts, O God, that we may truly be people of worship. Father, we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Don't get me wrong. I love to go to church and to sing songs and to lift up praises and worship to God. It is one of the most wonderful things – to join together with the people of God in worship. But you know, if our hearts aren't right; if our minds are wandering; if we truly haven't established an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, before we walk into that, how can we worship God? This isn't a guilt trip. I believe God is calling each one of us to come back to Him with a heart of worship and just the smallest bit of faith and just the smallest bit of desire is all that God needs to enliven our hearts and our spirits and our minds and our souls to worship Him. To God be all the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

How do we respond to God when he calls us to his mission? We might believe that we have to have a significant résumé or education to be useful to God's purposes. Or we might feel that we have no part in his mission to be worshipped as the only God among all the nations. However, the story of God's call on Abraham challenges us differently. Like Abraham we have to consider how we respond to God's call. This message from Genesis 12:1–3 helps us see God's supply to us in his mission. 

The Advent season invites us into a journey of hope, beginning with understanding what biblical hope truly means. Unlike cultural definitions that suggest wishful thinking, biblical hope represents earnest expectation of good based on God's character and faithfulness. Simeon's story from Luke 2 demonstrates this perfectly - he had received a promise from the Holy Spirit that he wouldn't die before seeing the Messiah, and he waited with confident anticipation rather than passive resignation. Waiting is inherently difficult for humans, especially in our fast-paced world where multitasking has become the norm. However, our brains aren't designed for multitasking - they rapidly switch between tasks, causing mental fatigue and making stillness feel uncomfortable. Yet waiting is the very thing that transforms us when we approach it correctly. Simeon wasn't passive in his waiting; he was actively led by the Holy Spirit and positioned to recognize God's movement. Three essential truths emerge about hope: it's a choice we make rather than a feeling, it must be anchored on something unchanging (Jesus rather than circumstances), and it's fundamentally a relationship with the faithful God who keeps His promises. Like Abraham, who didn't consider his physical limitations but trusted God's supernatural ability to fulfill promises, we must shift our focus from natural circumstances to our supernatural God. This Advent season challenges us to choose the one thing that matters most - Jesus Himself - making this Christmas centered on Him rather than the busyness and distractions that typically consume December.

7 takeaways from this study Zion represents a spiritual journey from distance to nearness with God, illustrating how outsiders can become fully adopted into the family of faith. The ascent up the mountain (Sinai/Zion) is a biblical metaphor for spiritual growth, higher holiness, and approaching God. That’s mirrored in the Tabernacle/Temple access. Zion, historically transformed from a fortress to Jerusalem, becomes both a place and a symbol of God's permanent, loving presence and intent to dwell among humanity. The vision of Zion in scripture moves from exclusivity to inclusivity, with access widening from a few (Moses, priests) to all people through spiritual transformation. Prophetic writings cast Zion as the global epicenter of peace, divine light, and restoration, spreading blessing to the entire world and fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Zion's story is deeply intertwined with messianic hope, serving as a backdrop for the Messiah's mission and the future creation of a New Jerusalem where God and humanity unite eternally. The ultimate goal revealed through Zion is not just the construction of a holy city. It’s the transformation and preparation of people, making them living parts of God's dwelling place, anchored in hope, restoration and purpose. Last week we saw how the Torah introduces gradations concerning the “foreigner” — from the outsider merely passing through, to the גֵּר ger (“sojourner”) who sojourns among us, aligns their heart with Israel, and is ultimately welcomed in as family. The Torah, along with the Prophets, teaches us that it's not about origin, but about heart and intent. The ger is no longer seen in the eyes of Heaven as foreign, but as those “brought near,” embraced and even adopted just like the native-born (Exodus 22–23; see also Leviticus 19:33-34). Ancient Israel's progression from a group shaped by lineage to a community grounded in shared covenant and faith gives us a pattern for personal transformation. It's a story of being “brought near” after once being far off, echoing Ruth's words: “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). In Messiah, we see this ancient dynamic fulfilled — outsiders welcomed, hearts transformed. Unpacking the Biblical Meaning of Zion Today, “Zionism” sparks many conversations — both spiritual and political. First we need to be grounded in what Scripture actually says about צִיּוֹן Tziyon (Zion). We’ll start in Exodus 24, which serves as a preface to all that follows. סִינַי Sinai, יְרוּשָׁלַיִם Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), and Tziyon become more than just physical places; they are milestones of spiritual ascent. Just as the people encamped at the foot of Sinai, surrounded by pillars (Exodus 24:4), prevented from casually rushing to the top to satisfy curiosity, so too we are reminded that approaching the holy requires invitation, preparation, and reverence. Only מֹשֶׁה Moshe (Moses) was called to the summit, much as only the High Priest entered the קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). Zion as a Spiritual Destination Zion, scripturally, begins as a literal fortress — יְבוּס Yevus (Jebus), captured and transformed by David (2Samuel 5:7). But over time, Zion comes to embody more than a place; it is the “city of David,” the holy mountain where God chooses to put His Name (1Kings 8:1). Like Abraham purchasing a burial place at Machpelah (Genesis 23), David's acquisition of Zion is through both conquest and transaction (2Samuel 24:24), culminating in Yerushalayim, the “city of peace.” Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great King. Psalm 48:2 NASB95 This is more than earthly geography. It's the heart of spiritual longing, a point from which blessing, שָׁלוֹם shalom (peace), and restoration radiate to all nations. Parallelism in Scripture: Zion and Jerusalem Our study examined the poetic device of parallelism so common in עִבְרִית Ivrit (Hebrew) scripture, where ideas are repeated with variation to draw out shades of meaning. “Zion” and “Jerusalem” appear side by side: “For out of Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2 Just as Yaakov (Jacob) and Yisrael (Israel) are used to show different aspects of the covenant people, so too Zion and Jerusalem are sometimes used interchangeably, other times to highlight different dimensions — the city's physical and spiritual identities. Ascending the Mountain: Tabernacle and Temple Scripture draws rich parallels between the ascent at Sinai and the structure of the מִשְׁכָּן Mishkan (“Dwelling Place,” Tabernacle) and בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ Beit HaMikdash (“The House of the Holiness,” Temple). Just as only a select few could fully approach God's presence, so too, access in the Mishkan was restricted — outer court, inner court and finally the Kodesh HaKodashim (Exodus 25:8-9; Leviticus 16:2). Yet in each stage, God's tent grows larger — from the wilderness Tabernacle, to Solomon's Temple, to Ezekiel's expansive vision (Ezekiel 40–48). And that vision for the Day of Adonai will get even bigger for the Dwelling Place. And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. Revelation 21:22 NASB95 Here the יְרוּשָׁלַיִם הַחֲדָשָׁה Yerushalayim HaChadashah (New Jerusalem) becomes the ultimate fulfillment, its impact stretching “1500 miles on each side” (Revelation 21:16) — a perfect cube, echoing the dimensions of the Kodesh HaKodashim. Expanding Access: From Restriction to Invitation What's most inspiring is the progression from exclusivity toward greater access. At Sinai, only Moshe was allowed all the way up. In the Mishkan, only the High Priest entered the innermost place. But Isaiah and Revelation picture a time when the whole world is invited: The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it… its gates will never be closed. Revelation 21:24–25 NASB95 The Hebrew concept of קרב karav (to draw near), from which we get קורבן korban (offering), reminds us that access is by invitation. Yet, as the dwelling place of God grows larger, so too does this invitation: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters.” Isaiah 55:1 Lament and Hope: Zion's Historical Struggles Physical Zion has had many ups and downs, from loyalty to the God of Israel to apostasy to exile to return. After Babylon smashed down the physical walls and desecrated the physical Temple, there was aching loss: “The mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.” Lamentations 5:18 The Holy One, through Isaiah, had rebuked Israel for empty religiosity: “I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.” Isaiah 1:13 NASB95 But this is not the end: God disciplines not to destroy, but to restore because of חֶסֶד chesed (loyal love, loving-kindness). Through loss and exile, Heaven’s goal of restoration dominates: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18 NASB95 God's chesed sustains Israel to become a light to the nations. Zion: The Epicenter of Divine Light and Peace The Prophets envision Zion not merely as a local sanctuary, but as an epicenter for global peace, justice, and knowledge of the LORD. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shined! Psalm 50:2 NASB95 “For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3b NASB95 The book of Ezekiel paints a vision where holiness permeates everything — “the whole mountain is holy” (Ezekiel 43:12). In the climax of Revelation, the New Jerusalem radiates such light that “the city has no need of the sun… for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23 NASB95). At that point, φῶς phos (light) replaces all other natural sources — God's presence in Messiah is all in all. Messiah and Zion: Fulfillment of Promise Zion's destiny and the work of the מָשִׁיחַ Mashiach (Messiah) are intertwined from ancient hope to present reality. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q174) and writings of Second Temple period Jews looked for a צֶמַח Tzemach (Branch) from David to be the key Builder of Zion, a hope fulfilled in יֵשׁוּעַ Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), whom we confess as Messiah. Peter writes: “You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house” (1Peter 2:5 NASB95 Paul compares the Jerusalem below and the Jerusalem above (Galatians 4) — the spiritual Zion (ἡ ἄνω Ἱερουσαλὴμ hē anō Ierousalēm). This is the inheritance of all in Messiah: But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Hebrews 12:22 NASB95 Restoration Is for All: Abrahamic Promise Extended The promise, given to Avraham (Abraham), is that through him “all families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3 NASB95). That blessing is his “seed,” the Seed of Eve Who would crush the head of the Serpent (Genesis 3:15), the Adversary to all who seek reconciliation with heaven. In Zion's transformation — physical city, spiritual symbol and, one day, universal beacon — this promise reaches fulfillment. The invitation is open to all גּוֹיִם goyim (nations, Gentiles), as expressed repeatedly by the prophets and exemplified by early believers in Yeshua as the Mashiakh (Acts 2). Transformation from the Inside Out But the path is not built simply by human effort — a key lesson we drew from comparing the “Hagar method” (self-reliant striving; Galatians 4:22–31) and the “Sarah method” (patience-faith for promise). It is not “we willed it” and so it happens (Exodus 24:3, 7), but “He willed it,” and so it will be (“It is not for your sake… but for My holy name,” Ezekiel 36:22). This transformation must begin within, reshaping motives, cleansing hearts, and preparing us as vessels for His presence. Living as Ambassadors of the Kingdom The people called by the Name of the Holy One of Israel are calling to be כֹּהֲנֵי יְהוָה koheyni Adonai (priests of the LORD; Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6; 66:21; 1Peter 2:9), πρεσβευτοῦς presbeutous (ambassadors) for the Mashiakh (2Corinthians 5:20), letting our own lives reflect the light that shines from Zion, whose light is Adonai and the Lamb (Messiah). Yeshua said we are to share that light to a world darkened with the confusion of the Adversary: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NASB95 The journey to Zion is about building up people as much as structures — a spiritual process forming us, the “living stones” of for the world to see. The hope of transformation is not just for Jerusalem, but for each of us and for the κόσμος kosmos, the whole world. As God promises through the Prophets, restoration is His goal — for Israel and for all creation. Zion is Our Destiny, Our Calling Zion's progression from a conquered hilltop to the city of divine destiny, and finally to the heart of God's eternal plan, mirrors both Israel's journey and our own. The city where God places His name is the symbol of hope, peace, and restoration Messiah brings to all. It reminds us that no loss is final, no exile permanent, and no soul is beyond invitation. So let us ascend together, responding to God's call to draw near, living as “light to the nations,” with hearts open to the transformation He desires, anchored in the promise that “the LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Hallelujah!” (Psalm 146:10 NASB95). May we find ourselves in this journey, yearning for more of His presence, confident in the hope of restoration, and eager to see God's purposes fulfilled in true Zion — and in every heart that welcomes Him. (See the next study on the key spiritual lesson behind all the mentions of “pure gold” in the Tabernacle.) The post Biblical Zion: Our journey from Sinai to the New Jerusalem (Exodus 24; Isaiah 60–61) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.

Sermon Summary: Joshua – Session 11 (Ending the Year Right)   God Calls His People to Possess What He Has Given As the land is divided in Joshua 17–18, God reminds Israel that the inheritance already belongs to them—but they must rise up and take possession. Delayed obedience, fear of opposition, or spiritual passivity keeps believers from fully walking in God's promises. Incomplete Obedience Leads to Future Struggles Some tribes failed to fully drive out the Canaanites, choosing compromise instead of obedience. What is tolerated today often becomes a snare tomorrow. God calls His people to remove what competes with devotion, not manage it. Faith Requires Action, Not Excuses When tribes complained about limited territory, Joshua challenged them to get up and do the work. God had already given them power, but they had to act in faith. Blessing follows obedience, diligence, and courage—not passivity. The Lord Is Our True Inheritance The Levites received no land because the Lord Himself was their inheritance. This points to a greater truth for believers today: our ultimate reward is not earthly security but life with God. Like Abraham, believers are called to live as pilgrims, prioritizing spiritual inheritance over temporary comfort. God Is a Refuge for the Guilty and Broken The cities of refuge reveal God's mercy. Long before sin occurred, God provided a place of safety. These cities foreshadow Jesus Christ as our refuge, where sinners can flee for forgiveness, protection, and restoration. Salvation Must Be Received, Not Ignored A refuge only saves those who run to it. Jesus is God's provision for sin, but each person must choose to enter. Trusting in goodness, effort, or delay is dangerous—Christ alone is the safe place. A Call to Renewed Commitment As the year closes, the sermon challenges believers to: Be honest with themselves Reject spiritual sluggishness Recommit to disciplined faith Place God first without reservation The message closes with hope: when all hope seems lost, the Lord shows up. God remains faithful, and those who trust Him will find safety, purpose, and victory in Him.  

Stepping into the unknown can feel unsettling, especially when God calls us to leave what is familiar and secure. Abraham’s journey in Genesis 12 reminds us that faith often begins without full clarity—only a promise and a calling from God. Like Abraham, we are sometimes asked to trust before we see the outcome, to move forward despite fear, and to depend fully on the Lord. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to obey God even when the path ahead is unclear. As we learn to trust God’s faithfulness, He strengthens us to take bold steps of faith into what He has prepared. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why obedience to God often requires courage before clarity. Discover how Abraham’s response to God models faith in uncertain seasons. Understand why fear does not disqualify faith—but can deepen dependence on God. Reflect on how courage grows when we trust God’s promises over our fears. Be encouraged to step forward in faith, trusting that God guides every unknown. Bible Verse References Genesis 12:1 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/12-1.html Matthew 14:29 (Peter walking on water, referenced) – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/14-29.html Your Daily Prayer Heavenly Father, You know the places in my life where fear and uncertainty hold me back. Give me the courage to trust You fully and follow where You lead, even when I don’t know what lies ahead. Help me release what You are asking me to let go of and step forward in faith, believing Your promises are sure. When fear rises, remind me that You are faithful and always with me. Strengthen my heart to walk boldly in obedience to You.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts. Explore faith-building articles and devotionals at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture passages at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Christian living and spiritual growth resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This morning Anthony Davis continued our Real God, Real People, Real Faith series, focusing on Abraham. Like Abraham, we have a choice - to live for the Kingdom of God or the kingdom of the world

Romans 4:18–21 paints a powerful picture of Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promises, even when every natural circumstance screamed impossibility. Though his body was “as good as dead” and Sarah's womb barren, Abraham refused to let doubt overshadow God's word; instead, he grew strong in faith, giving glory to God. His confidence did not rest on what he could see, feel, or understand, but on the character of the One who had spoken. This passage reminds us that God is faithful—His promises are not limited by human weakness, time, or logic. Like Abraham, we are called to anchor our hope in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not yet exist, trusting that what He has promised, He is fully able to perform.

Everyone of us is getting older a day at a time, and there is no stopping the process. People do what they can to preserve their youthfulness, but the passing years still sweep us along until one day it occurs to us we're getting old. How we handle this revelation is one of the most important keys to productivity and happiness in life. Many people don't like to talk about getting older because It reminds them that in the end they'll die. So they live in a constant state of denial, meaning they refuse to let their conscious mind think about such things, while their subconscious mind tries to cope with growing amounts of anger and fear by itself. In Genesis 25:8 a wonderful statement is made about Abraham. It says, "Abraham breathed his last and died an old man and satisfied with life, and he was gathered to his people." The picture is that of a man who's at peace with God and is satisfied that he has accomplished his purpose in life and is not afraid of what's ahead. Like going to sleep, he simply let go and moved on, and there would be few blessings more precious in life than that. Like Abraham, we need to adjust our perspective on life so that we don't have a negative view of getting old, and when it comes time for us to move on, we too will be satisfied with life and gathered to our people. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation, email us at info@lifelessonspublishing.com and ask for your copy at no charge!  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge.

✨ Faith isn't blindness; it's sight beyond sight. Like Abraham and Moses, faith helps us see the invisible hand of God when life makes no sense. When others see impossibility, faith sees promise. Walk today with eyes of faith, and watch the unseen unfold.This devotional was aired on Radio HCI Today via the WeLove Radio App.

A Sermon for All Saints' Day St. Matthew 5:1-12 by William Klock What does it mean to be “blessed”?  In today's Gospel we hear St. Matthew's telling of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount—or the beginning of it, at any rate.  Blessed is this person and blessed is that person.  But what does it mean to be blessed?  And what's Jesus really getting at with this list: being poor in spirit, mournful, meek, merciful, and so on?  And who is the promise of blessing for?  This past Monday I found myself listening to a sermon by one of these woke, “exvangelical” guys whose ministry is about walking people through the deconstruction of their faith.  If you haven't come across it yet, “deconstruction” is a trendy euphemism for apostasy.  You throw away all the bits of Christianity that you can't harmonise with the secular world, leaving behind a gospelless gospel—like the security blanket I had as a toddler.  I wouldn't get rid of it, so my mom slowly cut it down, a little bit at a time until all I had was a little bit of fabric I could hold.  It wasn't a blanket anymore, but for some silly reason I still found security in it.  These folks do that with the gospel.  This preacher was preaching on the Sermon on the Mount and he started out by holding up Mohandas Gandhi as the one man who followed Jesus better than anyone else in the Twentieth Century.  Gandhi heard these words of Jesus and faithfully followed him.  Never mind that he was also a devout Hindu.  This preacher reduced the Sermon on the Mount to a bracing ethic.  It's Jesus teaching us how to be good and, through that, how to make the world a better place.  It doesn't really matter, he said, if you're Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist.  Jesus just wanted people to live this way and in doing so, we'll know the blessings of a better world.  He took the gospel and turned it into law.  And not even a good law.  The Old Testament law—the torah—has a lot more gospel to it than I think we often realise.  At its heart was that first and greatest commandment: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.  The God who reveals himself in the scriptures.  Not Zeus or Jupiter.  Not the gods of Gandhi's Hindu pantheon.  Not Mohammed's corruption of the biblical God.  Only the God who has made himself known through the law and the prophets, the evangelists and apostles, and most of all through his son, Jesus the Messiah.  Without love for him, no amount of loving your neighbour as yourself will truly heal the hurts of the world.  There is no blessing apart from him—and, more specifically, apart from loving him with all our being. Why?  Because it was our rejection of him that brought sin and death into the world in the first place.  Idolatry—whether it's the worship of false gods or the worship of ourselves—idolatry is the first sin from which all the others and all the world's misery cascade.  This is why God's gracious plan to set his creation to rights began as he reestablished our relationship with him. If we look to the scriptures we see that blessing comes through being in relationship with the God of Israel.  Specifically—because “relationship” is such a squishy modern idea—specifically blessing comes through being in covenant with him.  Think of Abraham.  The Lord established a covenant with him.  The Lord promised Abraham a family and a land and great name.  In a word: blessing.  In return Abraham was to trust him—to live by faith and to give the Lord his allegiance.  And, centuries later, when the Lord delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, consider what he did.  He revealed his glory by defeating Pharoah, his army, and his gods.  He revealed his glory in signs and wonders the likes of which no one had ever seen.  And then he met his people at Mt. Sinai.  He made them a promise: to make them great, to give them a land, and most important of all, to live in their midst.  Their end of the covenant—their promise to God—was embodied in the law.  Like Abraham, they were to live by faith and obedience and to give him their full allegiance—to love him with all their being and to love their neighbours as themselves.  And not just for their own benefit.  The Lord had a greater purpose.  He wanted the nations not only to see his glory, but for them to see the blessing that comes through living in fellowship with him. And so, before he died, as Israel was encamped in Moab and ready to cross the Jordan River to conquer Canaan, Moses assembled the people and reiterated the covenant.  “If you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, if you carefully do all his commandments, the Lord will set you high above the other nations…Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field.  Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb…and blessed shall be your basket and kneading bowl.  Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out.”  And Moses reminded them that this was no mere “duty”.  This was no mere exchange of works in return for a declaration of righteousness.  This was grace.  Through Moses, the Lord reminded the people of all he'd done for them.  He'd rescued them from Egypt.  He'd defeated Pharaoh.  He'd done signs and wonders.  Their clothes had not worn out.  He'd provided every last morsel of food that they'd eaten for forty years.  All so that they would know that “I am the Lord your God”.  In other words, to reveal his love, his grace, his glory, and above all else his faithfulness—to enter into relationship with them and to give them every reason to have faith in him and to give him their allegiance.  To keep the law was to live by faith in the character and promises of God—to love him in return for his love. And this theme rings through Israel's history and Israel's scriptures.  This is what blessing means in the biblical economy.  Think of David's words in Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, not stood in the way of sinners, and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.  And he will be like a tree planted by the waterside, that will bring forth his fruit in due season.”  The prophets use this same language of blessing when they rebuke Israel for having strayed from the Lord.  Blessing isn't just some nebulous idea of things being good—as a lot of people use it today.  Blessing is about creation—and humanity—being set to rights.  If you want to picture “blessing” in your mind's eye, picture Adam and Eve, in the garden, all their needs provided, as they faithfully steward God's creation and live in his immediate presence.  Brothers and Sisters, that's blessing.  David wasn't posting #blessed on Instagram with a picture of his pumpkin spice latte next to the fireplace.  For David it was #blessed with a picture of the tabernacle radiating the visible presence of the Lord in the midst of a people serving and loving and taking care of each other. This is what we've got to have in mind as we listen to Jesus begin to preach his great sermon in Matthew 5.  And we have to remember that it wasn't the reality that Israel knew.  This is why the people were so desperate for the Messiah.  The world is not as it should be.  Israel was most definitely not as it was supposed to be.  They wanted to know God's blessing—not just in the sense of material prosperity—above all, they longed for his presence.  And so, Matthew writes, “Seeing the crowd, Jesus went up the hillside and sat down.  His disciples came to him.  And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Do you want to see God's kingdom, to know him as Father, to know creation set to rights, your sins forgiven, and your tears wiped away?  This is the way.  And it's not a set of ethical guidelines.  Too often we think of it that way.  It's character.  It's a mindset.  It's the character and the mindset of men and women who know desperately that the world is not as it should be.  But not just that.  Gandhi knew well enough that the world is not as it should be.  This is, first and foremost, the mindset of people who know the world as it should be is centred on the living God who created and sustains all things and us living joyfully, lovingly, and faithfully in his presence.  This is the mindset of people who have that image of Adam and Eve in the garden walking with the Lord in the cool of the day in their mind's eye and the longing of their hearts.  It's the mindset of people who have that image of tabernacle full of God's presence in the middle of a people who love him with all their being and their neighbours as themselves. And so it's the mindset of men and women who are not only outraged over sin and evil and longing for God's justice to fall on the people who have done them wrong.  It's the mindset of men and women who know that they've done wrong themselves—who know their own poverty of spirit.  Of men and women who mourn not only the sinful state of the world around them, but who also mourn their own sinfulness and the contributions they've made to the world's sick and sorry state.  It's the mindset of men and women who are meek, because they know that pride and selfishness do nothing more than deepen the world's darkness—who know that pride and selfishness are rooted in the very idolatry that drives God to the margins.  It is the mindset of men and women who, knowing the injustice and the unrighteousness of this broken world, hunger and thirst for God's justice and righteousness.  They long for his return as king to bring an end to evil and to rule with justice, because they know that we can never fix the world on our own and in our own power.  It is the mindset of those who are have known God's mercy and are therefore merciful themselves.  Of those who understand the ugliness of sin and idolatry and run from it, who are pure in heart.  It's the mindset of men and women who know the story and know of God's grace and how he loves sinners and desires above all else to be reconciled with them, and so they themselves become peacemakers and reconcilers. I don't think Jesus' list here is by any means exhaustive.  He preached this sermon more than once.  I expect he preached some version of it just about everywhere he went and it was a little different every time, which is what we see in the parallel passage in Luke's Gospel, where the list of beatitudes is shorter and a little different.  Jesus is describing a mindset using characteristics that resonated with his fellow Jews in that specific time and place.  These were the attitudes needed to counter the problems that infected First Century Israel.  Notably, these are all characteristics deeply rooted in Israel's prophetic tradition.  And I can't help but wonder if he learned this mindset, this character from his mother.  She sang her song, the one we call Magnificat and sing at Evening Prayer, when Elizabeth blessed her on hearing the news she was pregnant with the Messiah.  I wonder if Mary sang that song to Jesus when he was a boy, because we can hear echoes of it in his beatitudes: “My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.  For he hath regarded the lowliness of his hand-maiden.  For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call be blessed.  For he that is mighty hath magnified me and holy is his name.  And his mercy is on them that fear him through all generations.  He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.  He hath put down the mighty from their set and hath exalted the humble and meek.  He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away.  He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, forever.”  Can you hear the echoes? But that's not the end of Jesus' beatitudes.  There are two more and I think they give us the key to how this works.  In verses 10-12 he continues: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of justice [or righteousness—the Greek word means both and there's no easily drawn line between justice and righteousness], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people slander you and persecute you and say all kinds of wicked things about you falsely because of me.  Celebrate and rejoice!  There's a great reward for you in heaven.  For that's how they persecuted the prophets who went before you.” And as we read that we should start to realise that while Jesus is talking about “them”, what he's also doing is outlining his own vocation and ministry.  Jesus would stand weeping over Jerusalem, mourning the unfaithfulness of his people and the judgement that was hurtling towards them like a freight train.  He would let himself be arrested and then stand, unresisting and refusing to retaliate or even to defend himself as he was mocked and spit on and beaten to within an inch of his life.  He would, beaten and bloodied, carry his own cross through the streets of Jerusalem and out to Golgotha.  His clothes would be stripped from him by the soldiers.  And as he breathed his last and died, one of those very soldiers would declare, “Surely this man was the son of God.” We think that when God comes to set the world to rights he'll send in the cavalry.  Most of the Jews in Jesus' day thought the same thing.  The Messiah would come like David, riding at the head of a great army to crush the heads of the Gentiles.  But instead the Messiah went humbly to Calvary.  He let sin and death rise up to their full height and strike him down so that when he rose from the grave three days later, he crushed the serpent's head and overturned the victory of sin and death. Brothers and Sisters, this is how God takes his throne and sets the world to rights.  This is how Jesus becomes Lord.  This is how blessing comes.  In poverty and meekness, bringing mercy and making peace.  And giving his life for the sake of his enemies.  Because any other way would simply perpetuate the very things you and I have done to get the world into the mess it's in. And now that Jesus has done it, our calling as his people is to keep doing it.  As St. Paul says, we're to have the mind of the Messiah.  This mindset has always been the mindset of the faithful people of God and it will be until the mission is one day done.  I suppose if he wanted to, God could simply save his people from their bondage, set the world to rights, and set them free to live in it, but that's not how he does things.  From the beginning he created Adam and Eve to bear his image—that means to be his stewards, to act as the priests of his temple.  And so when he delivered Israel from Egypt, he showed the people his glory and gave them reason to love and trust and obey him.  He established a covenant with them.  He took up his dwelling in their midst so that they would be his light in the midst of a dark world—so that the nations would see and come to give him glory.  He made them stewards of his glory and his grace.  And, Brothers and Sisters, in Jesus he has done the same for us. I started slowly reading through Ephesians this week—which might give you a hint of things to come—and the first thing I was struck by in the very first chapter was how, over and over, Paul proclaims the glory of God that has been revealed in Jesus and the Spirit—and that is also revealed in us.  I couldn't help but think how Jesus goes on after the Beatitudes: “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.  A city can't be hidden if it's on top of a hill…That's how you must shine your light in front of people!  Then they will see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  This is what we see at the end of Revelation: the nations seeing the glory of God revealed in Jesus and his church and streaming to the New Jerusalem to worship him.  Brothers and Sisters, God's glory revealed in us, because he's made us new, and God's glory revealed by us, as we go to live and to proclaim his new creation. It is no easy task, but it is the only way to know and to make known God's blessing.  We go out, knowing our own poverty of spirit, but also the riches of God's grace.  We go out meek and mourning, but also knowing the joy of being coheirs with the King.  We go out hungering and thirsting for justice, but we do so having experienced mercy ourselves.  We go out to battle, paradoxically, with the intent to reconcile.  And as we do this, we also transpose this Messiah-like character into the key necessary to meet our own culture.  In a world of ugliness where truth is now defined as whatever we want it to be and politicians try to win our loyalty with lies and appeals to our greed, we go out knowing that blessed are those who hunger and thirst for truth, beauty, and goodness.  In a culture obsessed with consumption and debt, we go out knowing that blessed are those who are satisfied with the riches of God.  However we do it, Brothers and Sisters, our calling is to go out into the world as light in the darkness, knowing and confident on the one hand that Jesus is Lord and has won the battle, but also going out with the same humility of spirit that took him to the cross.  Knowing that when God rides out to war to set the world to rights, it's not with the cavalry, but to the humility of Calvary.  So, too, must it be with us. Let us pray: O almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.  Amen.

By Neil Crane - In this message we'll look at two specific instances faith in Abraham's life. One an example of tremendous faith and the other an example of lack of faith. From those two instances we'll review several takeaways that will hopefully help us to continue to strengthen our faith.

Who is Melchizedek? In this message, Pastor Jarod asks, Are you living the high life? Not a life of comfort or pleasure, but the high life Jesus invites us into as our eternal High Priest. Through Hebrews 6 and 7, we see that Jesus didn't become High Priest for Himself, but for us — to bless, intercede, and lead us into a life marked by rest, faith, and devotion. Like Abraham, who trusted God through Melchizedek, we're called to live with the same faith — to serve, to give, and to walk in hope. Jesus is still “MelchizedKing,” still priesting, blessing, and building His church today. ____ Partner with New Tribe: Give | https://newtribe.church/give/ ____ Connect with New Tribe: Website | https://newtribe.church/comeexperience/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/newtribechurch Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/newtribechurch YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/newtribechurch

This week in our Courageous Faith series, we’ll explore how Abraham and Sarah trusted God’s promises even when they couldn’t see the outcome. Their story calls us to live in light of God’s goodness, greatness, and calling—with eyes fixed on His future for us.

This week in our Courageous Faith series, we’ll explore how Abraham and Sarah trusted God’s promises even when they couldn’t see the outcome. Their story calls us to live in light of God’s goodness, greatness, and calling—with eyes fixed on His future for us.

I remember standing in the Judean desert one hot afternoon, the kind of heat that presses down on you until your breath itself feels heavy. i remember one August in the mid of summer it reached 125 F. was very Hot and Dry with no wind. The desert has a way of stripping away illusions. In the West, you often imagine spirituality as something decorative, beautiful church buildings, air-condition, some churches i visited so freezing cold inside the church, full of inspiring worship music, or even neatly organized devotional books. But in the Middle East, faith was born in the desert. The wilderness was not decoration; it was the proving ground of trust. The barren landscape taught the early followers of God that survival itself depended on Him. The Aramaic word for today is ܢܣܝܘܢܐ (nesyona), meaning “test, trial, or proving,” from the Semitic root (ܢܣܝ) NSY, which carries the sense of being lifted up and examined to reveal what lies beneath. This word does not mean temptation in the sense of being seduced to sin, as many Western readers imagine, even the translation in the Lords prayer do not put us in temptations is a wrong english translation, the Aramaic word (nesyono) meaning "test, trial or proving" and not exactly temptation, but rather a test of character an opportunity for faith to be proven genuine. In early Syriac Christian writings, nesyona was the word used for the challenges that believers endured, not as punishment but as refinement, like gold tested in fire. Like Abraham in Genesis 22 wanted to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah the Old testement word is (nesyono), i made a compete lecture about it in Twins Biblical Academy. Scripture itself illuminates this beautifully. In Matthew 4:1, we read: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [tested] by the devil.” In Aramaic, this would have been nesyona a testing that revealed the strength of His obedience to the Father. Likewise, in James 1:2–3, we are told: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials [peirasmois in Greek, nesyone in Aramaic] of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” To an Eastern mind, trials were not interruptions of life but the very soil in which faith was meant to take root and grow. For your life today, the wisdom of nesyona speaks a liberating truth: your trials are not random punishments, nor are they meaningless disruptions. They are moments when your trust in God is being drawn out, revealed, and strengthened. Every trial that comes and every hardship will direct you to walk back into your path, like the paths of righteousness in the desert. Just as the desert pressed Israel to depend on manna and water from the Rock, your struggles press you to lean not on your own resources but on the living God. Instead of asking, “Why me?” the better question is, “What is God revealing in me through this nesyona?” The wilderness, though harsh, is where faith matures into steadfastness of trusting your creator. So when you face trials whether they are disappointments, hardships, or seasons of uncertainty remember that God is not absent. He is present in the testing, refining your heart, shaping your character, directing your path and preparing you for fruitfulness that could never grow in comfort alone. For more treasures of Aramaic words, biblical culture, and discipleship insights, visit www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com

In Genesis 12:10-20, Abraham faces a severe famine and chooses to seek refuge in Egypt rather than trust God's promises. Fearing for his life, he deceives Pharaoh by claiming Sarah is his sister, leading to her being taken into Pharaoh's household. When God afflicts Pharaoh with diseases, the truth emerges, and Abraham is sent away with wealth despite his deception. This story reveals Abraham's failures of doubt, deception, and bringing harm instead of blessing, yet also demonstrates God's unfailing reliability, redirection, and mercy. Like Abraham, we often trust in our own 'Egypts' rather than God, but He remains faithful to His promises despite our shortcomings.

God calls us to lay it all on the altar. Like Abraham and Isaac, real faith means trust, surrender, and freedom in Jesus. In this sermon, we're reminded that when we trust Him fully, the Lord always provides.

In Genesis 12:10-20, Abraham faces a severe famine and chooses to seek refuge in Egypt rather than trust God's promises. Fearing for his life, he deceives Pharaoh by claiming Sarah is his sister, leading to her being taken into Pharaoh's household. When God afflicts Pharaoh with diseases, the truth emerges, and Abraham is sent away with wealth despite his deception. This story reveals Abraham's failures of doubt, deception, and bringing harm instead of blessing, yet also demonstrates God's unfailing reliability, redirection, and mercy. Like Abraham, we often trust in our own 'Egypts' rather than God, but He remains faithful to His promises despite our shortcomings.

September 24, 2025 Ezek. 25:12-26:21; Ps. 109:1-21; Prov. 24:1-2; Heb. 11:8-16

Genesis 18:16-33"Like Abraham, Like Jesus: Doing What Is Right and Just, with Trust"Pastor Carl Park

Abraham and Sarah's faith journey- God called Abraham and Sarah to live in a foreign land, dwelling in tents. Like Abraham and Sarah, we are called to live as strangers and pilgrims, remembering that heaven is our home. Part of the journey of faith is learning to trust the promiser when it's hard to see the promises.

God invites us to get out of our comfort zone and follow the fullness of life. Like Abraham, we must leave our place, people and identity to receive His inheritance. Connect with us to receive more encouraging content!Website: https://www.manantialchurch.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/manantialchurchFacebook: https://facebook.com/manantialchurchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/manantialchurchInstagram Pepe Olivares: https://instagram.com/pastorpepeolivares

Listen in as Dr. Chris Winford shares a message.

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” — Genesis 22:2 (NIV) Have you ever felt God calling you to do something that didn’t make sense? In today’s devotional, Laura Bailey unpacks Abraham’s radical obedience in Genesis 22 and what it teaches us about having unwavering faith when life feels uncertain. From trusting God’s provision to surrendering our own plans, we’re reminded that stepping out in faith leads to God’s blessings, promises, and purpose. ✨ Highlights Why Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 22 is a model for trusting God amid uncertainty How God’s provision of the ram foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb The connection between Abraham’s faith and God’s promise to bless all nations Encouragement to say “yes” to God’s calling, even when it defies human logic Living a life of surrender and experiencing the blessings that flow from obedience and faith

Did you know that Abraham had to change the way he thought in order to receive his miracle? Learn how to shift your thinking in today's devotional.----Pre-order your copy of the Rhythm of Rest today:https://www2.fccga.com/storeSubscribe to the Faith in the Morning Newsletter:https://www.kerrickbutler.com/subscribe

In this message from Pastor Finu, we explore Romans 4:13-25 and the kind of faith that stands firm when life feels impossible. Abraham's story shows us that righteousness is not earned through works or law but credited through faith in a God who raises the dead and creates what does not yet exist. Faith is not blind optimism but trust in God's character and promises, even when reality looks hopeless. Like Abraham, our failures do not define us, God's faithfulness does. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are credited with righteousness and invited to rest in the assurance of God's grace. What if faith is not about trying harder, but about letting go and trusting the One who always catches us? Sermon: Faith Works Without You Series: Romans Speaker: Finu Iype Full Service: https://youtu.be/YdyDqJbHMHI Apple Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/apple Spotify Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/spotify Your Next Steps: http://thisisvillagechurch.com/nextsteps Village Kids Online: http://villagekids.online Give: https://thisisvillagechurch.com/give Website: https://thisisvillagechurch.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillageChurch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisvillagechurch/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/thisisvillage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisvillagechurch

Faith Like Abraham

The Challenge of Romans 6Sinclair Ferguson's Devoted to God highlights the difficulty of Romans 6, reminding us that even Peter admitted some of Paul's writings are hard to understand (2 Peter 3:15). Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones once said he would preach Romans when he fully understood chapter 6. The challenge comes from extremes: some argue baptism saves, others claim perfection in righteousness, and our temptation might be to take all this as mere rhetoric that Paul does not really mean it. We might want to say that Romans 6 teaches that once someone is baptized, then they have the Spirit.Adam and Christ: Our Historic IdentityRomans 5 sets the stage by contrasting Adam, who plunged humanity into sin and death, with Christ, the Last Adam, who brings life and justification. Condemnation is a legal verdict of guilt and death, while justification is God's declaration of righteousness in Christ. Our identity rests in one of these two historic figures: either under Adam's curse or under Christ's life-giving righteousness. These figures set a real historic precedent that orients us. We are either in the status of a rebellious sinner or the status of a victor in Christ. Paul emphasizes that being united to Christ reorients us entirely. It is by the Spirit that we want to conform to Christ, live for Christ, and be slaves of Christ's righteousness.Baptism as a Sign of Christ's TriumphBaptism is not a magical act but a sign of God's promise and grace already at work. Like Abraham receiving circumcision in weakness, baptism testifies to God's faithfulness, not our strength. Paul uses vivid imagery: baptism pictures Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, showing that we, too, have passed through the belly of hell in Him. A striking illustration is the shark tunnel at SeaWorld. When you go through this exhibit, you notice danger all around, yet we pass through untouched. In baptism, God pictures that Christ has gone through death and hell for us, and we emerge unscathed in Him. It is a means of grace that communicates a community, and individuals in that community have passed through certain death unschathed.Living as New Creatures in Christ in the Covenant of GraceRomans 6 exhorts us to live out this new reality. We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves of righteousness, set apart as God's people. As we are grounded in the precedent of Christ's victory, we have a new life in our saviour. Yes, we feel the domain of death still holding us, but we are at the same time empowered by God's grace. We know that we struggle in this age because exhortations against sin remind us that the battle is ongoing. Baptism is a sign to the community that our identity is secure because we are grounded in Christ, united to our redeemer by His Spirit, as we take hold of him by faith. Our identity is secure, and we need to believe that we are new creatures in Christ. Baptism is a communal sign of this new identity, both for us and for our children, that we belong to God's covenant people. Our comfort is this: in Christ, we have triumphed over death and judgment, and we live as those oriented toward life, victory, and resurrection in Him. Consciously, we are called to give ourselves over to the new man and push through the struggles of this age. We need to rehearse the truth that we are new creatures in Christ, grounded in a victorious precedent and walking in Christ.

John Newton was a scoundrel before he ever saw a slave ship. He was kicked out of the navy and worked hard to do so. He was disliked on the ships on which he worked. Not only was he sold into slavery, but even being a slave did not get him to stop slave trading when he was freed. Yet, the Lord loved him and called him and saved him out of his misery. The Lord loves saving sinners. Like John Newton. Like Abraham and Sarah. Like us. 1. The shamefulness of sin 2. The confirmation of circumcision 3. The greatness of the gift

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Romans 4 to remind us that salvation is never earned by works, signs, or laws—it is given by God through faith. Paul confronts Jewish objections that Abraham's righteousness depended on circumcision or the Mosaic Law. Instead, Paul demonstrates that Abraham was justified long before receiving any outward sign. This truth is foundational: righteousness comes only by faith, not through religious rituals or lineage. Paul explains that the law was never meant to save but to expose our sin and reveal our need for grace. God's grace is His undeserved favor toward us even when we deserve His wrath. Abraham believed God's promise, and that faith—not his works—was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). For believers today, this means we can trust God's promises fully. Our salvation rests not on fragile human performance but on the solid foundation of Christ's finished work. Like Abraham, we are called to walk in faith—not to crawl across life's “ice” with fear, but to trust the One who secures our steps. Takeaways: Abraham was justified by faith before receiving any outward sign. Circumcision and law-keeping do not save—faith alone does. God's promise always precedes human effort or religious ritual. The law reveals sin and wrath; grace provides forgiveness and life. Salvation is secure because it rests on God's promise, not our performance. Our only response to God is trust in Christ's finished work. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Send us a textAbraham's faith came before circumcision, before the Jewish identity was established—a critical insight that reshapes how we understand salvation. This revelation forms the foundation of our discussion as we explore what it truly means to be justified by faith alone.We dive into the radical nature of God's grace, examining why humans persistently try to insert themselves into the salvation equation. "What part of 'not of yourself' do people not understand?" one participant challenges, highlighting our natural resistance to accepting salvation as entirely God's work. This tendency traces back to our fallen nature—the desire to "be like God" that began in Eden.The metaphor of sheep and goats provides a powerful illustration of divine election. Christ's sheep hear his voice and follow him not because they've made a wise decision, but because they belong to him. As one speaker notes, "Not a single soul that the Father gave to Christ will He fail to bring home." This truth offers profound security while acknowledging God's sovereignty in salvation.Perhaps most sobering is our examination of Christ's words, "I never knew you." These may be the most terrifying words anyone could hear, revealing that salvation isn't primarily about our knowledge of God but about being known by Him. Those truly saved are those Christ has always known as His own.We conclude with the beautiful doctrine of justification—how Christ's perfect obedience is credited to believers. Through faith, we receive his righteousness as if it were our own. Like Abraham, who trusted God despite seemingly impossible circumstances, we're called to a faith that looks beyond present limitations to the God who always fulfills His promises.Ready to deepen your understanding of salvation by grace through faith? Subscribe now and join our community as we continue exploring the transformative truths of Scripture that set us free from works-based religion.Support the show

We learn the power and importance of intercessory prayer in the story of Abraham pleading with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2025/08/03/gods-transparency-and-friendship/ A video of the story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eHOPi_lnOk0

We learn the power and importance of intercessory prayer in the story of Abraham pleading with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2025/08/03/gods-transparency-and-friendship/ A video of the story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eHOPi_lnOk0

Send us a textFaith alone justifies—a cornerstone truth that many believers struggle to fully embrace. This powerful exploration of Galatians 3:6-8 reveals how Abraham's simple belief in God's promises secured his righteousness long before circumcision entered the picture. The timing is crucial: Abraham was declared righteous at 75 but wasn't circumcised until 99, demolishing any notion that external religious rituals contribute to salvation.Like Abraham, we're prone to adding requirements to God's freely given grace. Whether it's baptism, speaking in tongues, or moral performance, our human nature gravitates toward earning what can only be received as gift. When Christ proclaimed "It is finished" on the cross, He meant exactly that—the work of salvation was completed in full, with nothing left for human hands to accomplish.The discussion takes a fascinating turn when examining Jesus' statement that "Abraham rejoiced to see My day; he saw it and was glad." Through eyes of faith, Abraham glimpsed Christ's redemptive work centuries before it occurred. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah (later associated with Jerusalem where Jesus would be crucified) foreshadowed God's ultimate sacrifice, revealing how faith sees what physical eyes cannot.This teaching distinguishes between intellectual acknowledgment and genuine saving faith. Even demons "believe" in God's existence, but true faith involves complete trust in Christ's finished work. God's sovereign choice to save His elect flows from His nature, not external obligation. He saves whom He wills, not because He must, but because He has chosen to do so from before the foundation of the world.Struggling with adding conditions to salvation? Remember Abraham's simple faith and Christ's complete work. Your justification rests not on what you do, but on what has already been done for you. Believe this truth, and let it transform your understanding of God's amazing grace.Support the show

Pastor Randy Lightbourne - ARE YOU LIKE ABRAHAM OR LOT? (FAITH OR SIGHT)  GENESIS 13:5-13Welcome to the "Real Knows Real" where the powerful, fiery preaching of Pastor Randy Lightbourne ignites hearts and challenges listeners to deeper faith and decisive action. Each week, Pastor Lightbourne brings dynamic messages filled with conviction, urgency, and a passionate call to make your calling and election sure. Are you ready to move beyond surface-level spirituality into a profound and transformative relationship with God? Pastor Randy Lightbourne isn't here to entertain but to inspire and provoke meaningful change through heartfelt, scripturally grounded sermons. With a voice that resonates with authority and compassion, Pastor Lightbourne pushes us to critically examine our spiritual standing, encouraging us to live authentically and wholeheartedly for Christ. Whether you're navigating spiritual uncertainty or seeking renewed purpose and clarity, this podcast will speak directly to your soul. Through deeply engaging biblical insights, and an unrelenting passion for truth, Pastor Lightbourne illuminates the path toward a genuine and committed Christian life. Your spiritual journey demands urgency and conviction—make no mistake, now is the time to solidify your walk with God. Prepare to be inspired, convicted, and set ablaze for the glory of God, with the ministry of Pastor Randy!Blessings Abound!

In the final message of the Three Kings series, Pastor Torry Sheppard closes with the story of Solomon, the king whose reign began with unmatched wisdom and blessing but ended in compromise and sorrow. The sermon, titled “What You Don't Steward, Sours,” explores the danger of mishandled blessings and the call to use God-given resources, influence, and opportunities for kingdom purposes.When Winning Isn't EnoughPastor Torry begins by naming a universal experience: achieving something you deeply wanted—only to discover it doesn't fulfill you. Whether it's a promotion, a major purchase, or even success itself, many of us know the strange letdown of getting what we wanted and still feeling empty. He illustrates this through golfer Scottie Scheffler's candid admission before the British Open that, despite being the world's number one, golf ultimately doesn't satisfy the deepest parts of his heart.This echoes Solomon's haunting words in Ecclesiastes 2:10–11:“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired… Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done… everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”If Solomon—the wisest, wealthiest king in history—could admit the futility of pleasure and success, we must wrestle with the same question he and Scheffler asked: “What's the point?”Solomon's Splendor: Humble BeginningsTo understand how Solomon ended up disillusioned, Pastor Torry takes us back to where it began—in humility. In 1 Kings 3, newly crowned Solomon travels to Gibeon, the most sacred worship site in Israel, to seek God's help. In a dream, God invites Solomon to ask for anything he wants. Rather than riches or power, Solomon requests wisdom to lead God's people well.This reveals a profound truth: Solomon saw himself as a steward. He recognized that the kingdom wasn't his—it was God's. And because Solomon sought God's kingdom first, God granted him not only wisdom but also wealth, honor, and peace.For a time, Solomon's priorities were clear: everything he built—especially the temple—pointed to the greatness of Yahweh. Under his leadership, Israel flourished, and even the Queen of Sheba was left breathless at the wisdom, wealth, and glory on display.But as Pastor Torry notes, Solomon's story doesn't end at Gibeon. Over time, his focus drifted. His success became self-serving. The humility that brought him to worship slowly gave way to pride.The Blessing Paradox: A Pattern Through ScriptureThis shift reflects what Pastor Torry calls “The Cycle of Blessing.” It begins with humble dependence on God, which leads to divine empowerment, then to great impact, and eventually to tangible blessing—resources, influence, and success. But often, those very blessings become dangerous when they lead to pride, self-reliance, and ultimately, spiritual drift.This isn't unique to Solomon. Pastor Torry points out that this cycle shows up repeatedly throughout Scripture. We see it in King Saul, who began in humility but ended in rebellion. We see it in David, whose heart for God drifted into sin. And we can see it in ourselves if we're not careful.And this is the paradox: blessings are meant to build God's kingdom, but when misused or hoarded, they sour. From this observation, Pastor Torry provides two guiding truths: Kingdom blessings are for kingdom purposes.What we don't steward, sours.”Crossing the Lines: Solomon's Slow FadeSolomon's decline wasn't sudden—it was a slow, subtle fade. Pastor Torry highlights how Solomon violated the very warnings God gave in Deuteronomy 17: kings must not accumulate excessive wealth, multiply wives, or rely on military power for themselves.Yet Solomon did all of these. He built a palace that cost more and took longer than God's temple. He amassed chariots and gold as symbols of power. He married hundreds of foreign wives who drew his heart toward their gods.The man who once wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” now lived as though he were the exception to God's commands. This wasn't ignorance—it was willful misalignment.How to Break the Cycle: Gratitude and SurrenderPastor Torry then shifts to Solomon's closing words in Ecclesiastes 12, where the weary king offers hard-earned wisdom:“Remember your Creator… Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”Two practices emerge:Gratitude – “Remember your Creator.” Gratitude humbles us. It reminds us that everything we have—wealth, influence, opportunity—belongs to God. It anchors us in the Giver rather than the gift.Surrender – “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Worship is more than a song; it's offering back to God what is most precious. Like Abraham in Genesis 22, true worship is openhandedness—a willingness to live generously and obediently with what God entrusts to us.Conclusion: Which Part of the Story Are You Living?Pastor Torry closes with three invitations:To the blessed: If you've been given much, remember your Creator. Use your resources for God's purposes and expand His kingdom.To the striving: If you're chasing “more,” stop. There's no finish line when “more” becomes your purpose. Fulfillment is found in living for something bigger—God's kingdom.To the disappointed: If success has let you down, find hope in surrender. Real purpose begins when you live for the King, not yourself.Wherever we find ourselves, Solomon's hard-won wisdom still rings true: “Remember your Creator. Fear God. Keep His commands.” When we live this way, blessings remain blessings—they don't sour.

Fr. Martin: Welcome Like Abraham, Listen Like MaryTo support our podcasts, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.holyfamilyorlando.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Holy Family is a vibrant Catholic Parish in SW Orlando near Dr. Phillips, Isleworth, Windermere, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Horizon West, Metrowest. Also, conveniently located near the theme parks (Disney, Universal, SeaWorld) as well as the Orlando Convention Center.

In this powerful message, Pastor Marcus Mecum dives into Genesis 21:1-14 and reminds us that our mistakes don't have to define our future. Abraham made a mistake when he tried to force God's promise on his own terms, but God still kept His word.Your miracle and your mistake can't live under the same roof. At some point, you have to decide which one you're going to feed.

Join us as we embark upon an eight-week journey of faith. Like Abraham's, our journey of faith is not always smooth sailing with no problems or mistakes. God's enduring and patient faithfulness is the true highlight of Abraham's story and ours. It's what makes our faith in Him possible!

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the emotional weight of parenting a child with profound needs, drawing strength and perspective from the story of Abraham and Isaac. What happens when God asks you to trust Him with your child in ways you never imagined? This is a raw, honest reflection on surrender, heartbreak, and the fierce love of a mother learning to release control while holding onto faith. If you've ever wrestled with letting go or questioned God in the middle of your pain, this episode is for you.

God calls every man to be a spiritual father. Like Abraham, we're called to be faithful followers, loving leaders, and humble warriors. That means walking in obedience, laying our lives down for others, and trusting God deeply, even when the path is unclear. Spiritual fatherhood isn't about perfection; it's about surrender, courage, and letting God build something lasting through us.

In this message, Pastor Marco explores the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. Before God would use Abraham to father many nations, He first tested what was in Abraham's heart. God was more concerned with who Abraham was becoming than with what he was called to do. Like Abraham, we shouldn't just ask God, “What should I do?”—but instead, “Who am I becoming?”

In Matthew's very Jewish-oriented account we have seen Jesus lauded as the coming King, we have seen the builders reject the cornerstone, and today we will see the Lamb of God who brings a greater Passover and a greater deliverance. Like Abraham's firstborn, the Son of God is offered to God as a sacrifice, but he also the substitute offered so that we might live. A Jewish audience would have heard and understood all the parallels to Psalm 22, and recalled from Isaiah that the wounds of the suffering servant bring healing. Thankfully, his crucifixion is not the end. Jesus rises from the grave, just as he had said.Matthew 26 – 1:06 . Matthew 27 – 13:43 . Matthew 28 – 23:58 . Psalm 70 – 27:24 .  :::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

"One Year of Saying Yes: A Journey of Faith and Restoration" Join Cherisse as she celebrates the one-year anniversary of Rhythms That Restore! In this heartfelt episode, she reflects on her unexpected path to podcasting, the false narratives she had to overcome, and how God has faithfully guided every step of this journey. Cherisse shares the powerful lesson that has transformed her life: "He is enough, and therefore I am enough." Like Abraham, Moses, and other biblical figures who felt inadequate, she discovered that God doesn't need us to be enough—He simply needs our "yes." She reveals how this podcast began from a place of curiosity and developed through divine connections, including her mentorship with podcaster Wren Robbins and the invaluable support of her friend Liz Krol. This anniversary episode, coinciding beautifully with Holy Week, explores how saying "Here I am, Lord" with open hands creates space for God to work in extraordinary ways. Cherisse shares how Psalm 91:1 has been her anchor throughout the year, reminding her to dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. Whether you're wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, searching for purpose, or simply needing the reminder that God meets us in our weakness, this celebration of faithfulness will inspire you to take your next brave step forward. Connect with Cherisse:  Instagram@RhythmsThatRestorePodcast  Visit cherissehixson.com to explore our newly launched website! Sign up for our weekly emails to receive thoughtful reflections and invitations to upcoming events directly in your inbox. These aren't just another notification—they're designed to be a moment of refreshment in your busy day, something you'll want to print out and keep by your Bible and journal as a guide for your quiet time with God. Follow along on Instagram @cherissehixson01 for daily encouragement and updates on future rest retreats and gatherings. Thank you for being part of this community seeking rest, renewal, and a deeper walk with Jesus.