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This Can Be Your Story (Part - 28) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 28) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1792 | 18 Dec 2025
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 27) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 27) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1791 | 17 Dec 2025
A public library in Caleb and Stephen's area has been providing pornographic content to children. What is happening, why, and what should be done about it?Caleb and Stephen's Letter to the Sioux Center Public Library:To the Sioux Center Public Library, together with its director, board, staff, and all else who pertains:May the Lord convict you to read this letter in its entirety. Do not shrink from its words. Be discomforted, but receive the admonishment in humility. Remove Icebreaker, Identical, and every other wicked, ungodly, and perverse “literature” which you make available for public distribution. To be clear: not only should children be protected from depraved content, but also adults.Repent and do what is right — not from fear of man, not out of a duty to the community, but in the sight of God — that you may be forgiven. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 Jn. 18-10). As will be explained further below, this is no matter of simply saying something to the effect of, “We don't personally like the book, but it's hard to decide what should or shouldn't be stocked,” or to “let the parents decide.”First, a brief note on the First Amendment and libraries. We would like to draw your attention to this week's conclusion of Little v. Llano County, in which the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal against the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the county's removal of 17 books from their public libraries. Specifically, they had ruled that there is no inherent right protected under the First Amendment for someone to receive information via taxpayer-funded books from a public library. This decision now applies to the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. If this is the case elsewhere, can—even, ought it not be applied here? Your board has been quoted as stating its “commitment” to “protect access to information.” Should the reception of any and all information or content be protected? There is no true necessity in providing erotica to anyone. Indeed, as your director has said, “Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge and strengthen our community.” How does pornographic, erotic literature inspire learning and advance knowledge? And — given the backlash you have thus far received — how does this strengthen the community?Second, your opinions on the first amendment, the Iowa constitution, and ALA policies aside: We call upon you to realize you are accountable to a Higher Authority (Acts 5:29; Westminster Larger Catechism QA 99, 128-130; Heidelberg Catechism, QA 104; Belgic Confession 36). You are under a law greater than your own policies. This law, God's law, applies to all peoples, unbelievers and believers alike. All mankind will be judged under the same law. If there are any on the board who do not profess Christ, you must hear the gospel and turn from your sins so that you may be saved. If you would hear this message of salvation while there is yet time, please contact us at pastor.rvurc@gmail.com.However, being aware of the demographics of our county, it is far more likely that this board and the library staff are full of churchgoers. If so, what grief you bring upon Christ's name! “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?” (Gal. 3:1)What does the Word of God say of your actions?By providing in your catalog any material with perverse content, you promote peoples' minds to dwell upon that which is prohibited by the holy law. You train peoples' hearts to store up that which defiles the temple of our body (1 Cor. 6:18-20).“Fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not fitting…For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Eph. 5:3-5).” Sexual immorality is not limited to only an outward action, but also when the mind itself is lured to entertain temptation. As Jesus says in Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”We are instead positively commanded to give our minds to holy, good things: “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).Perhaps you object. Perhaps you think, “I'm not responsible for what others do. If they want to read these things, that's for them to decide.” You may as well like Cain (Gen. 4:9) ask the Lord, “Am I my brother's keeper?” Yes, you are. “Do not be deceived,” says Paul, for “Evil company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33), and “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).Concerning sexual immorality and the 7th commandment, Q. 109 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks, Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery? Note its answer well: “We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and Godwants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why God forbids all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires, and whatever may incite someone to them” (see also WLC QA 139). It is clear: you shall certainly be held responsible for your part in distributing that which may lead someone to sin, whether they be adult or child; regardless of the government's position on its permissibility. However, know that your guilt is magnified for involving a child. Indeed, by permitting a child to check out such filth, you pose a stumbling block before them that they trip into sin. To you Jesus says, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:1-2; WLC QA 151).We pray you will heed these warnings with all sobriety, especially if you profess Christ, for “You should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind” (Eph. 4:17). “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).Consider this rebuke as a mercy from the Lord, shining light to expose devilish works. And now being exposed, understand that “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17), “for if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” (Heb. 10:26-27). Can the stakes be any more clear than that? What ought you do?Well, if you would truly be called public servants:* Serve the parents by informing them if a child is seeking adult content (Prov. 17:25; 29:15)* Serve the child by declining to check out any material that would be destructive to their soul, even if it would cost you your job. (Lev. 19:7; Prov. 27:5; James 5:19-20)* Serve the community by refusing to stock wicked books in the first place (Ps. 101:3); by not squandering tax dollars on smut (Prov. 21:20; Lk. 16:10-13). * Discard from your shelves all depraved materials, pornographic writings, even any work which might “shake the hand against God, in defiance against the Almighty” (Job 15:25; Ezek. 20:7; Acts 19:19). * Refuse to contribute to the deformation and denigration of godliness in this area and in this land (Deut. 28:47-48; Dan. 12:10; Matt. 24:12; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; Jude 18-19).And finally, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:7-10).May God have mercy.Rev. Caleb CastroMr. Stephen EvertseRock Valley United Reformed ChurchDecember 03, 2025Iowa Standard interview with Teri Hubbard, the lone dissenting member of the SCPL boardAmerican Library Association “Freedom to Read” statementSioux Center Public Library Circulation Policy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.onceforalldelivered.com/subscribe
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 26) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 26) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1790 | 16 Dec 2025
Sadly Self-Employed I've been thinking a lot lately about greed. That's because in our short break from Song of Songs, we've studied salt covenant in our weekly Zoom classes. Although it's only about eight weeks of material, it's been packed with very practical ideas to improve our spiritual life today. In particular, what's been weighing in my thoughts is the premise that unsavory salt, the kind that has lost its savor, is at its root, greed. In short, our study has dug into Yeshua's question about salt losing its flavor. How do you make it salty again? The salt had savor at some point, but then lost it. If you review the last newsletters, Scripture specified that salt is something that comes from within a person. It is a softness and tenderness toward the Word and one's neighbor. It's the best part of our sacrifices for the Kingdom and Covenant that fulfills it, and without the salt, commandment-keeping is lacking: • Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt. (Le 2:13) We can't put unsalty salt on a sacrifice or work of the Word: • “Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” (Mk 9:50) “Have salt in yourselves ? be at peace with one another.” So if we lose saltiness, we aren't tender any longer. We can actually keep the letter of the commandments, but when it doesn't come from a tenderness within us, it doesn't create peace. That's salt without savor, and those commandments are not acceptable sacrifices for the Covenant, which must not be lacking salt. Defective salt is like a defective animal. No go. Unaccepted. • Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Mt 5:23-24) Leave the gift at the altar, go get salty again, make things right with your neighbor, then return, and the gift will be accepted because it came from tenderness toward the Father, which in turn made you tender toward His creation, your brother: • “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Ge 4:7) Kain was told to put his happy face on with Abel, and then his gift would be accepted. Kain had short-changed the sacrifice by not bringing his best. He didn't bring first fruits; instead, he brought "of the fruit of the ground." Produce, just not his best. Begrudging, for sure. Instead of repenting of his greed, putting on his happy face, and bringing his best, he simply took out his anger and frustration with Elohim by killing his brother. Put another way, we can be about the Father's business diligently, keeping His commandments, and because of worry and distraction about our income, we find ourselves self-employed, like Martha, who resented Mary's relationship to Yeshua in receiving the Word. Daily we have to remind ourselves to make an "upper room" in our twenty-four hours to simply sit before the Father's Word and soak up His Presence in study and prayer. Doing things is important; it is the sacrifice we make for our families and the Body of Messiah. Without the salt from within, however, those works of the Covenant are lacking. The very meaning of sacrifice is "draw near," korban. Does doing a commandment draw us closer to the Father? If not, it may have become our business instead of His. That's unsavory salt and greed. When we salt the mitzvot of the Covenant, we exert ourselves, just as savory salt comes from “within yourselves” to make peace with others. We must exert ourselves commensurate with our “wealth.” While money is the example, the object of our desires is obtained with currency, which can be money, yet we might traffic for influence, power, manipulation, etc. to obtain our desires. Money is simply the currency most commonly used for the transaction to satisfy our greed. Greed is undisciplined and un-discipled desire. Sin. Idolatry of self-serving. It is easy to construe greed as a desire for money, or mammon, yet the less tangibles are nonetheless greedy: knowledge, esteem, security, attention, pleasure, etc. I have seen believers so drunk on the power of Scriptural knowledge that they habitually beat up their fellow servants with the Word. It is no longer the Father's business; instead, they have become self-employed. They use His Word not to draw people near the Father, but to enrich themselves. Maybe with donations, maybe with product sales, maybe with just a shot of self-esteem in soliciting invitations to speak or posting controversial statements designed to create a public dust-up for attention. How can we know when someone is unsavory and self-employed, but they've hung out the shingle of "Kingdom Business"? It's more important to know when WE'VE done it. Remember, unsaltiness is an inside problem. You won't always see it on the outside. The sacrifice may look just perfect on the altar. And Yeshua took donations...a group of women followed him throughout his ministry all the way to the upper room, "ministering to him." They loved him all the way to death (Mt 27:55; Mk 15:41; Lk 23:49,55) Yeshua said controversial things, was a highly-sought-after speaker, and he was definitely in the middle of public dust-ups. The difference is that Yeshua always did what he did and said what he said on actual Kingdom business. He was drawing people closer to the Father or exposing their self-employment in the commandments. His Spirit will help us to search our own hearts so that we don't become "moneychangers," encroaching on the holy places for our personal enrichment and deceiving people who think we're there to serve and help them draw close to the Presence. Instead, we're self-employed, working on our self-esteem needs or securing donations to fuel the fire of our pleasures. This is something ministries need to soul-search daily, and it's something a royal priesthood should soul-search daily. That's all of us. As in my example of the "Nuts" in last week's newsletter, sometimes we have to decide whether we're occupied in interests and ministry we've chosen according to our desire, yet the actual fruit ready to harvest is in a different area. It will be a true sacrifice to do business there, but it's where the Father needs us, not where we want to work. At first. The phenomenon is that if we will adjust our desire to His, sell out completely to draw near to the Father, our desire will actually change. Really! It will! This is what Yeshua tried to tell the rich young ruler when he told him he still lacked one thing even though the young man had kept all the commandments since he was a boy. He lacked the savor of salt with his commandment-keeping. The young man did not have enough faith in The Word, Yeshua, that the desire in his heart for his wealth would be changed by selling it: • "But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Mk 10:22) Salt is faith in the Word. It is what prevents us from becoming self-employed in unsavory commandment-keeping. The rich young man would never know the wonder and joy of finding a coin inside a fish's mouth or sharing a simple breakfast on the beach with the resurrected Messiah. A righteous king. A truly rich man is one who is satisfied with what the Father puts in his hand from above, whether little or much; a truly poor man is one who is never satisfied with what he possesses below, whether little or much. A truly rich man rejoices in exerting himself and his resources in his Father's business; a truly poor man goes away sad. Yeshua asks what we are anxious, worried, sad, and distracted about, even in doing the commandments, for they are how we withhold ourselves from him. These things dilute our salt. They may be our desire, but they are not the "best part" that brings peace, the part that we spend at his feet learning, talking to him, lingering in his Presence. This requires us to exert ourselves to bring the lacking salt. Maybe it means selling off some wrong ideas about things that mean a lot to us. Mary sat at Yeshua's feet. She had to look up to him before she went to work. Martha did it backward. She worked, but because she was self-employed that day, she took out her frustration by blaming Mary and looking down on Yeshua's willingness to "discipline" her sister. She couldn't see he was discipling them both that day. She needed to look up first with joy in his presence. Start with salt, the best part within. What we do each day is His business. When we go into the world to give charity, be kind to others, speak peaceably, reconcile the world to their Creator, and shine the light of obeying the commandments, it will not be a labor of convenience. If we have prepared with salt, though, the exertion will be rewarding and change our taste. Do I mean how we taste to others? Or how we savor our labor for the King? Yes.
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 25) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 25) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1789 | 15 Dec 2025
TRACKLIST: 01. Eugenio Tokarev - Runway 303 (Extended Mix) 02. Talla 2XLC pres. RRAW! - Life Is A Journey (Extended Mix) 03. RAM - RAMbunctious (Extended Mix) 04. Paul Denton - PING (Extended Mix) 05. Roman Messer, Anton Pallmer, Jennifer Rene - When I Hear Your Voice (Extended Mi 06. Doppenberg - Worlds Apart (Extended Mix) 07. Dennis Sheperd, LK, Sarah Ikumu - Higher (Richard Durand Extended Remix) 08. Mark Sherry & Marcella Woods - Can't Live Without Your Love (Darren Porter Exten 09. Michael Milov - Chaos (Extended Mix) 10. Allen Watts - Stimulate (Extended Mix) 11. Asteroid x Pharos T - Time & Space (Extended Mix) 12. John Askew & DJ 34 - Osaka (Extended Mix) 13. Armin van Buuren - Sonic Samba (Rising Star Extended Remix) Pravda Music еженедельная авторская музыкальная программа DJ / продюсера M.Pravda. Каждую неделю обзор новой музыки и эксклюзивных треков. В рамках программы выходят тематические выпуски: "Лучшие треки месяца", "Vocal Trance", "Deep Space Progressive", "Psytrance Special" и другие. ▶ band.link/PravdaMusicRadio ▶ Если вам понравилась музыка, вы можете поддержать автора проекта по ссылке: pay.cloudtips.ru/p/a811f671 __________ #trance #pravdamusic #progressive #prog #melodic #pravda #vocal #underground #electronic #trancemission #radiorecord #tech #trancevocal #trancefamily #mpravda #mix #dj #nonstop #uplifting #euphoric #djset #continuous #radioshow #trancemusic #vocaltrance #tranceset #tranceradio 01. Eugenio Tokarev - Runway 303 (Extended Mix) 02. Talla 2XLC pres. RRAW! - Life Is A Journey (Extended Mix) 03. RAM - RAMbunctious (Extended Mix) 04. Paul Denton - PING (Extended Mix) 05. Roman Messer, Anton Pallmer, Jennifer Rene - When I Hear Your Voice (Extended Mi 06. Doppenberg - Worlds Apart (Extended Mix) 07. Dennis Sheperd, LK, Sarah Ikumu - Higher (Richard Durand Extended Remix) 08. Mark Sherry & Marcella Woods - Can't Live Without Your Love (Darren Porter Exten 09. Michael Milov - Chaos (Extended Mix) 10. Allen Watts - Stimulate (Extended Mix) 11. Asteroid x Pharos T - Time & Space (Extended Mix) 12. John Askew & DJ 34 - Osaka (Extended Mix) 13. Armin van Buuren - Sonic Samba (Rising Star Extended Remix)
14.12.2025 10:00: Andreas Schäfer - Wenn sich alles um Jesus dreht - Johannes der Täufer (Lk. 7, 18-35) - Gottesdienst
O Little Town of Bethlehem December 14, 2025 Elwyn Johnston Micah 5:2 Verse of the Week: "Do not despise the day of small things." principle of Zechariah 4:10 1. God uses small things for His supernatural purpose. “Jesus was born in Bethlehem” Matthew 2:1 Size does not limit God, but the depth of our surrender can. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6 “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” 1 Peter 5:6 “formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor” 1 Timothy 1:13 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15 & 16 God is not looking for flash. God is looking for faithfulness. 2. God will show up “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son” Gal. 4:4 “While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son.” Lk. 2:6 & 7 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 “I'm convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion” Philippians 1:6 “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” Luke 18:27 “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken….everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up…from the city of Nazareth, to…Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David” Luke 2:1, 3, & 4 3. Let the light of Christmas shine through you “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5
Predigt zu Lk 3,1-20
Look at the fruits! Lk 3, 3-18 by Pfarrer Carsten Merker-Bojarra
Andacht zum 14.12.2025 Gute Frucht? 01 Vorspiel 02 Begrüßung 03 Lied: Macht hoch die Tür EG 1 04 Psalm 85 05 Gebet 06 Lied: Mit Ernst, o Menschenkinder EG 10 07 Predigt zu Lk 3,(1–2)3–14(15–17)18(19–20) 08 Lied: Tröstet, tröstet, spricht der Herr EG 15 09 Fürbittengebet 10 Vaterunser 11 Segenswort 12 Nachspiel Predigt & Liturgie: Robert Vetter, Stuhr, Tel. 0421/561578 Christoph Martsch-Grunau, Delmenhorst, Tel. 04221/9813627 Klavier, Gitarre und Gesang: Irina Marchenko, Olga Burmeister, Detlef Korsen und Kirsten Artal Hier können Sie uns Rückmeldung geben: Tel. 04221/9813628 Bitte spenden Sie zugunsten der Aktion Brot für die Welt IBAN: DE10100610060500500500 BIC: GENODED1KDB (Bank für Kirche und Diakonie)
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 24) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 24) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1788 | 13 Dec 2025
Check out this Encore from December 12, 2022 Bible Study: (1:58) ZEC 2:14-17 How did this prophecy come to be? Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab Father explains who the woman clothed with the Son is LK 1:26-38 Father explains a little-known tradition about Mary (24:43) Father gives a history of Our Lady of Guadalupe Word of the Day: To 'over-do-it' with joy (35:33) Caller: (37:48) - Question about Mary as the New Covenant (41:16) - Is the only reason Jesus went to the Holy Land was because he needed to clean house? (43:31) - How can I manage frequenting businesses that support things that are not Catholic? (45:30) - I get emotional when I'm filled with Grace. How can I get religious without getting emotional about it? (47:57) - I think God alone is immortal. How come we are taught that we are immortal?
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 23) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 23) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1787 | 12 Dec 2025
An episode from East River Baptist Church, a conservative, independent body of King James Bible believers located on the Northeast side of Houston, Texas. East River Baptist Church's (ERBC) mission as an assembly is threefold:- To Exalt the Saviour! Eph. 3:21- To Edify the Saints! Eph. 4:16- To Evangelize the Sinners! Lk 24:47 What ERBC believes about the Scriptures: “We believe that the scriptures of both Old and New Testament are verbally inspired of God, that they are the supreme and final authority for faith and practice, and are preserved in the Authorized Version (KJV 1611) of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16. Psalm 12:6-7." What ERBC believes about God: “We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That God is supreme in His person, absolute in His attributes, glorious in His perfection, and eternal in His being. 1 John 5:7." What ERBC believes about Jesus: “We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ. His conception by the Holy Spirit, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, His bodily resurrection, His exaltation at God's right hand, and His personal imminent, pre-millennial, and pre-tribulation return. Ephesians 1:7. ” What ERBC believes about man: “We believe that God created man in His image and likeness (a triune being: spirit, soul, and body) in a state of innocence's, but through temptation, he willingly transgressed, became dead in trespasses and sins. As a result, his posterity (all men) inherited a corrupt nature, are born in sin, and are under condemnation. Romans 5:12.” A message from ERBC to you:“If you are looking for a church in the Houston Texas area that preaches the Truth from God's Word, reach out to us at any time. We would love to hear from you at (281) 399-3030 or on our website https://eastriverbaptistchurch.com/ You may also write to us at:East River Baptist ChurchP.O. Box 983New Caney, TX 77357 Our video messages are also available for you at the following locations:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/eastriverbaptistchurchFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/erbctexas Be sure to Subscribe to our channel and/or Like and Follow ERBC on Facebook so that you will be notified the next time we are live.Have A Blessed Day,East River Baptist Church” The KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast is directly supported by Doss Metrics LLC | Ministry Services based out of Cleveland Texas. If you have any questions regarding this podcast, or the churches hosted on the podcast, please reach out to us directly at dossmetrics@gmail.com or write to us at: Doss Metrics | KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast1501 McBride Rd.Cleveland, TX 77328 God Bless#KJV #BaptistChurches #BiblePreaching #KJVPreaching #KingJamesBible #ChurchSermons #ChristianPodcasts #BibilicalTeaching #EastRiverBaptistChurch #RogerHoots
An episode from East River Baptist Church, a conservative, independent body of King James Bible believers located on the Northeast side of Houston, Texas. East River Baptist Church's (ERBC) mission as an assembly is threefold:- To Exalt the Saviour! Eph. 3:21- To Edify the Saints! Eph. 4:16- To Evangelize the Sinners! Lk 24:47 What ERBC believes about the Scriptures: “We believe that the scriptures of both Old and New Testament are verbally inspired of God, that they are the supreme and final authority for faith and practice, and are preserved in the Authorized Version (KJV 1611) of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16. Psalm 12:6-7." What ERBC believes about God: “We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That God is supreme in His person, absolute in His attributes, glorious in His perfection, and eternal in His being. 1 John 5:7." What ERBC believes about Jesus: “We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ. His conception by the Holy Spirit, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, His bodily resurrection, His exaltation at God's right hand, and His personal imminent, pre-millennial, and pre-tribulation return. Ephesians 1:7. ” What ERBC believes about man: “We believe that God created man in His image and likeness (a triune being: spirit, soul, and body) in a state of innocence's, but through temptation, he willingly transgressed, became dead in trespasses and sins. As a result, his posterity (all men) inherited a corrupt nature, are born in sin, and are under condemnation. Romans 5:12.” A message from ERBC to you:“If you are looking for a church in the Houston Texas area that preaches the Truth from God's Word, reach out to us at any time. We would love to hear from you at (281) 399-3030 or on our website https://eastriverbaptistchurch.com/ You may also write to us at:East River Baptist ChurchP.O. Box 983New Caney, TX 77357 Our video messages are also available for you at the following locations:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/eastriverbaptistchurchFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/erbctexas Be sure to Subscribe to our channel and/or Like and Follow ERBC on Facebook so that you will be notified the next time we are live.Have A Blessed Day,East River Baptist Church” The KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast is directly supported by Doss Metrics LLC | Ministry Services based out of Cleveland Texas. If you have any questions regarding this podcast, or the churches hosted on the podcast, please reach out to us directly at dossmetrics@gmail.com or write to us at: Doss Metrics | KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast1501 McBride Rd.Cleveland, TX 77328 God Bless#KJV #BaptistChurches #BiblePreaching #KJVPreaching #KingJamesBible #ChurchSermons #ChristianPodcasts #BibilicalTeaching #EastRiverBaptistChurch #RogerHoots
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 22) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 22) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1786 | 11 Dec 2025
Lk 1:39-47Mary set outand traveled to the hill country in hasteto a town of Judah,where she entered the house of Zechariahand greeted Elizabeth.When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,the infant leaped in her womb,and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,cried out in a loud voice and said,“Most blessed are you among women,and blessed is the fruit of your womb.And how does this happen to me,that the mother of my Lord should come to me?For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,the infant in my womb leaped for joy.Blessed are you who believedthat what was spoken to you by the Lordwould be fulfilled.”And Mary said:“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”
Suffering is unavoidable. How we view it changes us. Chip shows how to turn suffering into a tool God uses to make us the people we long to be.Life's race: The problem isn't running the race, but passing on the baton. -1 Cor. 9, 2 Cor. 4Five core values we must pass on to the next generation1. Suffer well2. Work unto the Lord3. Manage their wealth wisely4. Make wise decisions5. Live grace-filled livesTransferable Concept #1: Teach them to SUFFER well.A theology of sufferingLife is hard, but God is GOOD! -Jn. 16:33, Ps. 84:11Life is unjust, but God is SOVEREIGN! -Lk. 13, Ro. 8:28Old Testament roots -Ge. 37-50Biblical profiles: Joseph, JesusNew Testament command -1 Pt. 2:21-23How to grow through suffering1. Teach them to face it; to identify what they are CONCERNED about2. PRAY honestly about it3. Help them to share WHERE they are suffering with someone they trust4. Help them align specific SCRIPTURE with their specific situationLife message: SUFFERING is normal!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 21) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 21) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1785 | 10 Dec 2025
With God, grace is eternal; it's not linear. And we, too, can become "full of grace" when we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Readings at this Mass: Gn 3:9–15, 20 | Eph 1:3–6, 11–12 | Lk 1:26–38
Suffering is unavoidable. How we view it changes us. Chip shows how to turn suffering into a tool God uses to make us the people we long to be.Life's race: The problem isn't running the race, but passing on the baton. -1 Cor. 9, 2 Cor. 4Five core values we must pass on to the next generation1. Suffer well2. Work unto the Lord3. Manage their wealth wisely4. Make wise decisions5. Live grace-filled livesTransferable Concept #1: Teach them to SUFFER well.A theology of sufferingLife is hard, but God is GOOD! -Jn. 16:33, Ps. 84:11Life is unjust, but God is SOVEREIGN! -Lk. 13, Ro. 8:28Old Testament roots -Ge. 37-50Biblical profiles: Joseph, JesusNew Testament command -1 Pt. 2:21-23How to grow through suffering1. Teach them to face it; to identify what they are CONCERNED about2. PRAY honestly about it3. Help them to share WHERE they are suffering with someone they trust4. Help them align specific SCRIPTURE with their specific situationLife message: SUFFERING is normal!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 20) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 20) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1784 | 09 Dec 2025
Jesus weiß, was auf ihn zukommt – Teil 2 (Mt 20,17-19; Mk 10,34; Lk 18,31-34)
Fr. Roger J. Landry St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoodie, Yonkers, New York Day of Recollection on Immaculate Mary in the Life and the Mission of Priests Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady December 8, 2025 Gn 3:9-15.20, Ps 98, Eph 1:3-6.11-12, Lk 1:26-38 To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please […] The post Learning from Immaculate Mary How To Live According to Our Identity, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 19) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 19) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1783 | 08 Dec 2025
Finished Genesis; Joseph's bondage; Governments in the news; Treat everyone as individuals (rather than as a group); "Emperator"/Emperor; Supremacy of US federal government; Judiciary act of 1789; Administrative courts; Jury Nullification; Taking oaths; Seeking God's righteousness; Lindsay Halligan; Following the law; Judicial misconduct; Fourth branch of government?; Exercising your responsibilities; Taking care of yourself; Becoming peculiar people; Seeking His kingdom and His righteousness; Leviticus; "Corban"; Voluntary offerings; Seditious Six?; Military oath; Pure republics; "Religion"; War statistics; Lk 22:25; Listed purposes of government; Chicago mayor; Calling police; Caring for each other; People do bad stuff; Fix what we're doing; Walking in faith; Allowing God to punish the wicked; Protecting the innocent; Knights Templar book; Saul; Who's following Moses? Jesus?; Seeing the pattern of the bible; Know thyself; Soundbite Christianity; Welfare; Democratic socialism; Benefits at the expense of your neighbor; Loving the next generation (posterity); Mayor vs Starbucks?; What made America great; Q from Katwellair re Strong Delusion; Finding righteous men in Sodom; Fear of leaving the city; Digging deeper into history; Blaming God?; Consequences for your choices; 1 Sam 8; Why God doesn't hear you; Repentance; Live your life to give life.
Northwest Bible Church – Dec. 7, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and light Intro A. THE SALT OF THE EARTH (Matthew 5:13). The uses of salt. a. add flavor to food. Job 6:6; Col. 4:6. b. preservation. Numb. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5. c. purification. Lev. 2:13; Ezek. 43:24; Ex. 30:35. How do Christians function as salt. a. by holy living and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. b. promoting godly values. Prov. 14:34. B. BAD SALT AS A PICTURE OF AN APOSTATE. Tasteless salt. Not the saved who loses salvation. 1 Jn. 3:9; 2:19 Good for nothing. Lk. 14:34-35 trampled under foot by men. Conclusion
Fr. Eric Nicolai preached this meditation on December 6, 2025 in Lyncroft Centre, Toronto.The theme of the Visitation (cf. Lk 1:39-45). It starts with the annunciation in which the angel informs Mary about two miracles: she will be both virgin and mother of the Messiah, and Elizabeth will give birth, even in her old age. Mary goes with haste to bring her joy, and spread it to others in the family. This is an important role in our life during Advent.Thumbnail: Peter Paul Rubens, left panel of the Visitation from 1612 in the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp.Music: relaxing-piano-music-248868, from Hozana.
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 18) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 18) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1782 | 06 Dec 2025
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 17) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 17) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1781 | 05 Dec 2025
Tracklist: 01. Osman Mousa & EGGSTA - Calling For Me [RISING HRMNY] 02. Eugenio Tokarev - Save Me Now [nomads Music] 03. LÜRUM - Letting Go [Eccentricity] 04. Korolova, Agents Of Time & Conor Ross - Made For Love [Disorder] LIGH SIDE TRACK 05. NIGHTJARS & Zack B - Violence [Deeper Harmonies] 06. Eximinds & Alexander Komarov - Far Away [FSOE Argento] 07. Phillip Castle x Tea Petrovic - New Sensation [RISING HRMNY] 08. DAIJO - Goodbye [Revealed] 09. Skytech & Amber Revival - End of time [Armind] 10. TH;EN, SLVR - Gangs [Future Rave] 11. Dim3nsion - Ring The Alarm (Aldor Remix) [Find Your Harmony] 12. Nitrous Oxide, Simon Gregory & Digital Drift feat. Katey Brooks - Call It Love [Enhanced] 13. KREAM x Alika - Dangerous [Liquid Lab] 14. Tiësto feat. FORS - Bring Me To Life [Musical Freedom] FAVORITE OF THE MOEMENT 15. Schiller & Peter Heppner - Leben...I Feel You (8Kays Remix) [Human Nature] 16. Pavlo Vicci & Claudia Pavel - Close Your Eyes [Coldharbour] DARK SIDE TRACK 17. Hardwell x Olly James - Lights Out [Revealed] 18. Andrew Rayel - Acid On The Train [Find Your Harmony] 19. 39 Kingdom x Chester Young - Enjoy The Silence (RAYEL Remix) [Find Your Harmony] 20. Suncatcher & Exolight & Theia - Broken Down Angel [Amsterdam Trance] 21. Mark Sherry & Marcella Woods - Can't Live Without Your Love (Darren Porter Remix) [Outburst] 22. Ralphie B & Frank Waanders pres Collide1 - Feels Like [Find Your Harmony] 23. Dan Cooper - New Dawn Rises [Nocturnal Knights] 24. AlexSo - You and Me [Reverie] 25. Dennis Sheperd, LK & Sarah Ikumu - Higher (Richard Durand Remix) [A Tribute To Life] 26. Dada Life & Ravekings - Live Loud [Revealed] 27. Liam Wilson & MDDLTN - Inside My Soul [Armada Captivating] 28. Mark Sherry & David Forbes - This is the Phuture [Dreamstate] 29. Wippenberg - You Spin Me Round [DOOF Records] 30. Joyhauser - Lost In The Night [A State Of Trance] 31. AVAO - Dance [Revealed] CLASSIC SELECTION 32. Ayla - Liebe (ATB Remix) [Unsubmissive]
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 16) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 16) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1780 | 04 Dec 2025
Sortir du fantasme pour aller voir ce qui se passe vraiment, c'est la promesse du gemba dans le lean.Et la réalité vraiment surprendre durement.Je l'ai appris douloureusement quand j'ai commencé en tant que manager de transition. Dans ce genre de contexte, il faut aller vite. Mais à faire confiance sans regarder ce qui se passait vraiment, j'ai parfois confondu vitesse et précipitation.Un poste qui met trop de temps à compiler, une dette titanesque pour un projet pas si compliqué, un client qui se retrouve perdu dans l'app.Pratiquer le gemba, c'est simplement d'aller voir ce qui se passe vraiment. Se mettre dans les chaussure de l'autre, le collaborateur, le client, pour comprendre ce qui se passe dans la vraie vie.C'est pas toujours agréable à vivre, mais tellement riche.Dans cet épisode, Marie Pia nous partage ses conseils pour bien s'y prendre.LK : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariepiaignace/Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO5V3GAUxYsHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 15) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 15) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1779 | 03 Dec 2025
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 14) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 14) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1778 | 02 Dec 2025
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 28:11-19 Origin and fall of Satan Ezekiel 28:11-19 Names and titles of Satan Satan ('adversary') - Job 1,2; 1 Chr 21:1 Devil ('slanderer') - Mt 4:5; 1 Pet 5:8 Beelzebul ('lord of flies') - Mt 12:27; Lk 11:15 Belial ('worthless') - 2 Cor 6:15 Serpent - Gen 3:1; Rev 12:9 Evil One - Jn 17:15; 1 Jn 5:18 Accuser of the brothers - Rev 12:10 Prince of the power of the air - Eph 2:2 god of this world - 2 Cor 4:4 Tempter - Mt 4:3; 1 Thes 3:5 Liar, Father of lies - Jn 8:44 Angel of light - 2 Cor 11:14 Purpose of Satan - to oppose God and His purposes . . . regarding unbelievers . . . takes truth away from their minds - Lk 8:12 . . . blinds their minds - 2 Cor 4:3,4 . . . promotes false teaching - 1 Tim 4:1 1 Jn 4:1 . . . regarding believers . . . plants doubt - Gen 3:1-5 . . . tempts to sin - lying in Acts 5:3 immorality in 1 Cor 7:5 pride in 1 Tim 3:6 discouragement in 1 Pet 5:6-10 . . . infiltrates the church with false teachers and false disciples - 2 Cor 11:12-15 . . . causes division in churches 2 Cor 2:6-1 Eph 4:25-27 Conclusion Ephesians 6:10-18 Satan has schemes and subtle ways of troubling us and deceiving us. The only defenses against him are of a spiritual nature . . . salvation in Christ, prayer, the Word of God, resting in our Father.
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 13) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 13) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1777 | 01 Dec 2025
@Grapplemax stalwarts Endboss Gregory & Cryptobro LK join ya #PodcastBoyz to preview GrappleMAX's upcoming 9th anniversary extravaganza, UNITY!ROAD TO 1000 SUBSCRIBERSSupport us on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3Dq05UjChat with us on Discord: https://bit.ly/3qAOIEMFollow Kick To The Gut! Wrestling Podcast:Instagram: https://bit.ly/37NsNjRFacebook: https://bit.ly/2Ydy0yfTikTok: https://bit.ly/3kUdC31Listen To Kick To The Gut! Wrestling Podcast:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30RLtO5Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2CeQt4UBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kick-to-the-gut-wrestling-podcast--3199658/support.
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see that prayer wasn't a responsibility to be pushed into for Him; it was a relationship to be pulled into. It was in prayer where He found rest, strength, and direction, and where He experienced the Father's love most deeply.In Matthew 6:5-8, Jesus offers some straightforward advice on how to pray like He did. 1. Pray systematically – carve out time.Deep, satisfying relationships are a function of time spent together. The same is true with God.However, time seems to be the one thing we run out of fastest! God offers to give wisdom and perspective, guidance and direction, encouragement and confidence through prayer. But I'm too busy to take Him up on His offer. It's been said, “If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy.” Why? Because if you're too busy to connect with God, eventually, you'll make yourself bad. Take a look at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. Jesus and his men stop by, and Martha heads to the kitchen to start preparing a meal. Meanwhile, her sister Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, learning from Him. Martha gets ticked off—not only at Mary, but at Jesus! She's so busy doing “good” stuff, that she fails to do the “better” thing. And it made her worried and upset over things that didn't really matter.For Jesus, being busy was not an excuse to not pray. Instead, it was precisely because He WAS so busy that He intentionally got away and alone to spend time with His Father. And so should we. You will never know Jesus' power until you follow Jesus' pattern.2. Pray secretly – get away and get alone.In Matthew 6:8, Jesus talks about going to your closet to pray. Find a quiet place where you can meet with God. It's alone, in the silence, when we can share with the Lord what He means to us. It's alone, in the silence, when we can pour our hearts out to Him. It's alone, in the silence, when all other voices are shut out, that we can hear the whisper of His still, small voice. It's alone, in the silence, when we can just be with our Father.Can you imagine doing life that way? Here's the thing: You will not drift into this way of life. You must choose it. Text: Mt. 6:5-8; Lk. 10:38-42; Mk. 1:35-36Originally recorded on August 29, 2004, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 12) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 12) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1776 | 29 Nov 2025
Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – LK 21:1-4 – When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” Memorial of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Blessed Mother, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3) Father Matthew Kauth interview on his new book, The Imitation of Saint Joseph, from TAN BOOKS https://tanbooks.com/products/books/saints/saint-joseph/the-imitation-of-st-joseph/ 4) Catholic 101: Part of showing proper reverence at Mass is showing up prepared for Mass. Here are six simple things every Catholic should do to get ready for the Holy Sacrifice https://ucatholic.com/blog/6-things-you-should-do-before-mass/
Check out this encore from December 1, 2023 Bible Study: (1:46) Dn 7:2-14 Father explains the prophetic vision Lk 21:29-33 Jesus discusses the end of Jerusalem Letters (19:59) - Why there was Greek and Latin spoken in Jerusalem (23:26) - Burning coals upon his head (27:10) - The Church in Maine Word of the Day: Ancient of Days (32:38) Callers: (33:39) - Can Father interpret my dreams? (37:33) - The Son of God and the Mother of God (40:53) - How the scroll above the crucifix and how that could be interpreted as 'King of the Jews?' (45:42) - Thanks for helping me in my faith! (48:59) - Are the corporal and spiritual works of mercy equally weighted?
Today is Lā Kūʻokoʻa, the Hawaiian Kingdom's Independence Day! On this day in 1843, the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi was officially recognized as a sovereign nation by Great Britain and France in the Anglo-Franco Proclamation. In this special episode, we speak with ʻĪmaikalani Winchester to hear the history behind Lā Kūʻokoʻa. ʻĪmai is a lead organizer for the annual celebration of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea at Thomas Square. These two national holidays are linked, both commemorating landmark moments of the Kingdom's history in the same year 1843. So in this episode, in commemoration of today's holiday, ʻĪmai is guiding us through this watershed moment of Hawaiian history. Tags: Hawaiʻi, Hawai'i, Hawaii
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 11) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 11) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1775 | 28 Nov 2025
What are you thankful for? That's the question Fr. Bill asks of our Thanksgiving Day Mass attendees, reminding us that we are called to be people of thanksgiving — the word eucharist itself comes from the Greek word for 'thanksgiving'. Consider what you are thankful for as you listen to their responses! Readings at this Mass: Sir 50:22-24 | 1 Cor 1:3-9 | Lk 17:11-19
Check out this great encore show from November 15, 2023! Bible Study: (1:56) Lk 17:11-19 Leprosy, the Kingdom of God, and the healing power of Christ Letters (19:54) - Parable of the Vineyard (21:33) - Why is there so much suffering? (23:24) - why is the Holy Spirit Lord? (24:04) - Is Hell for real? (24:58) - Judging the Law (28:56) - why did the Samaritan go to the priest? Word of the Day: Pity (32:47) Callers (35:42) - Could you explain why the hemorrhaging woman was unclean and what circumstances for those with the blood issues why where they unclean? (38:51) - Family friend committed suicide; what should I say to the family? (42:49) - Why do we say that Matrimony was instituted by Christ when there was marriages before Christ? (44:59) - Friend was divorced was remarried and then her first husband died. Does she still need annulment? (48:52) - Parisa and Rapture from Thessalonians: Rapture is from the Greek, and Latin uses a diff form of that verb. Could you explain, Father?
This Can Be Your Story (Part - 10) | ഇത് നിങ്ങളുടെ കഥയാകാം (ഭാഗം - 10) | Malayalam Christian Messages | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory Podcast - 1774 | 27 Nov 2025
Custom Mary I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone say, "It's just man's tradition. It's just a custom." At its worst misunderstanding, the tradition or custom is seen adversarial to Torah obedience and as evil. As a simply uninformed understanding, it's a lack of research or direction into how Yeshua taught and lived customs and traditions...of men. For instance, the letter of the Torah does not say to go to a synagogue every Shabbat. But how should one "hear" the Word, which is a commandment? Synagogues were an answer to that question. The Torah was read every Shabbat, so Scripture tells us that Yeshua went to synagogue every Shabbat: • And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. (Lk 4:16) Yeshua wouldn't do something evil, so this was a good custom even if the Torah does not say, "Thou shalt enter the synagogue every Sabbath." How to differentiate among the direct mitzvah (commandment), the custom or tradition that helps one to do the mitzvah, and an outright tare? The answer comes from knowing that the Word is the seed from which we grow fruit and that the heart's intent is a vital indicator of the fruit grown from it. My offer to help with a Biblically sound way to look at customs and traditions for believers was to write the booklet: Truth, Tradition, or Tare: Growing in the Word. This brings us back to our topic of hospitality over the last several weeks. Hospitality is how we invite the very Presence of Adonai into our homes, towns, and gatherings. In the following account of hospitality, the hostess is a woman named Martha, and she had a sister named Mary (Miriam). Custom dictated that a host or hostess like Abraham and Sarah provide a safe refuge, water for washing, and food and drink for their guests. It was customary. Traditional. Martha busied herself providing these customary things for Yeshua and his disciples, but Mary was more, well, I'm going to say it...not Custom Mary: • Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Lk 10:38-42) Martha was missing something in her hospitality, just as we can miss it in any custom or tradition we practice: why do we do it? To strengthen our relationship to the Holy One and His Word? Or to earn righteousness or the esteem of others through our own efforts? Yeshua gently pointed out to Martha the important aspect of customary hospitality: it is to strengthen the relationship between the ministry of the Word and the recipients of the Word. To make it come alive. In this case, the Word was literally alive in Martha's home! In fact, Yeshua would have greeted the home with peace when he entered, just as he instructed his disciples to do. Instead of receiving the peace, Martha remained in a state of worry and bother. She did not receive the blessing. Mary, however, was eating and drinking it in, getting to know what the Living Word should be in her life. The custom of hospitality is to enable Kingdom ministry, to provide a temporary little Temple sanctuary for the minister. Martha was not wrong if she wanted to continue preparing food to serve the disciples, but she was wrong if it became contentious and destroyed the very relationships she should be strengthening with other believers. Yeshua was well able to perform a miracle of bread, oil, wine, fish, or any other meal she was serving. He'd certainly done it for others who offered what little they had, and so had Elijah. And I'm sure he was prepared to wait if her meal took longer. After all, he was there to grace her with his Presence, not to grade or promote her on culinary skills. He wanted her to drink him in! To Martha, however, the customary, traditional way a woman of the First Century was viewed as valuable was in her domestic skills. To Yeshua, his custom was to invite all to sit and learn at his feet. Male, female, Jew, non-Jew, slave, free...all could learn and grow in the ministry of the Word. It was the better part of hospitality. It didn't negate the need to feed and house the visiting ministers, the other part, but it was the better part of the whole equation. Perhaps, Yeshua is saying, the point of the serving is forging peace with people and Heaven. Hospitality is the designated vehicle for it. Yeshua didn't pick Martha's home so she could become righteous through serving; he picked her because she believed in him; she already was righteous. She just needed some extra training like he had to correct his other disciples on things like fighting over higher positions, water-walking, and poor demon management. A righteous guest seeks a righteous home for hospitality, and he/she has the authority to bless that sanctuary home with peace: • “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house* is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.” (Mt 10:9-15) *”The House” is a euphemism for The Temple Yeshua clarified hospitality: it is receiving by 1) providing refuge, food and drink, and water for washing as well as 2) receiving his Word. Yeshua had to remind Martha to receive the Word, too. The heart of the Temple was in the hidden place of the ark, the Word of the Torah emplaced between the two cheruvim where the Voice would speak. Out loud. Hospitality is how the average person enters the holy Sanctuary to experience the Voice and Presence of Adonai through His designated ministers of the Word. • “You shall keep My sabbaths and revere My sanctuary; I am the LORD.” (Le 19:30) What did First Century Jews understand about this commandment? And why did Yeshua instruct his disciples so specifically about hospitality as they ministered in his name and authority? Rashi explains it in his comments to Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:30: • “'And revere my Sanctuary.' He should not enter the grounds of the Temple neither with his staff, nor with shoes on his feet, nor with his moneybelt, nor with the dust that is on his feet, i.e., he should not enter with dirty feet. And although I enjoin you to have reverence with regard to the Beit HaMikdash [Temple], nonetheless, ‘you shall observe my Sabbaths; the construction of the Beit HaMikdash does not override the Sabbath.” Contextually, Rashi's point is that Sabbath will occur in every place for all time, and so commandments specific to the Temple services will be overridden by commands specific to Shabbat. As Yeshua understood about the magificent Temple, it would not long endure. Instead, the righteous of the earth would have to function as little sanctuaries in the nations where they lived and were sent. He would continue to build the Temple through them and to send the Presence, the Ruach HaKodesh. In practice, Yeshua sent his disciples to continue his work; in order to do that work, they would need holy homes to provide Temple hospitality. For this, the home would need to be a “worthy” one. The family would need to conduct its daily life toward the preservation of holiness of Shabbat. Such a family was fit for Kingdom ministers, and those minister-guests were obligated to treat it with the same courtesies as they would enter the Temple itself. Yeshua's requirements were identical to the customary Temple protocols for entry. A home that provided water to wash the feet was a prepared holy temple. As the repentant sinful woman washed Yeshua's feet with her tears, receiving his forgiveness, so a righteous home signaled receiving the guest with physical water as well as receiving the Word of shalom he or she brought to the house...and House. The reverence of Shabbat is linked to entering the Temple itself, placing that home in a very high spiritual status, worthy of blessing for its hospitality. The disciples would bless the homes of Custom Marys the same as they would proclaim blessings in the Temple, for the host was standing in to bless them as the priests would bless the tribes coming up to worship, and all, even those "night watcher" servants of exile from among the nations, offered blessings to YHVH.