Podcasts about lord christ

You get out of church membership what you put in to it. We discover tonight in Romans 12 that when it comes to congregational life (including our worship and preaching), whatever we put into it, is what we get out of it. We are reminded that we are saved to serve in the church not merely to be 'canteen Christians' acting like customers and consumers only. Instead, when we love our church, our service in church should be motivated by mercy, gifted by grace and focused by faith. When we realise this and practice it, we can truly say about serving: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

This archive edition is upon request from a listener. What follows is the original audio track from August 29, 2024. Our text comes from Philippians 3:         "He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). The gospel story sounds too good to be true. It is the story of sheep rescued from a dark and fearful wilderness by the strong arms of a fierce shepherd. It's the story of children released from prison, of demons unmasked. It is the story of fearful disciples in a storm-tossed boat; the storm stilled by the command of their Master. It is the story of sick people healed, of blind people seeing. It is the story of dead people coming to life. It is the story of the God-man. It is the story of God who is captured, sentenced, and crucified by His own people. His friends weep and his enemies laugh. And all because of a snake. The gospel is a story about a snake who experienced the thrill of evil victory. "I have won," he hissed. "God lays in the grave." But as the sun rose over the horizon chasing the darkness from the garden, the guards ran with it, and the unexpected happened. The story turned. There was one more chapter to be written. The Shepherd came out of the tomb; God was alive. Heaven and earth shouted for joy; the angels danced, and the Father smiled as His Son went off to find His friends. And the snake; he lay in the dust; his head crushed; his tail quivering as life left him. It is a story that we are part of. That Sunday morning, many years ago is our story. The resurrection is part of our Christian faith, its cornerstone. As we read the resurrection story our hearts are stabbed with joy. We dance with the angels as good triumphs over evil. We are glad, our faith is not in vain, Christ arose. But… This life and this present world are subject to sin. We seldom think of sin as vanity, but it is. Life is vanity when it has no meaning. If we do not know the meaning of life, why live? why do anything at all? Most people don't like that question because it is too deep; it gets too close to the answer that life is not worth living; that there is no purpose to it. This is the haunting refrain of the book of Ecclesiastes. Vanity means emptiness, fluff, a fistful of wind, a pocketful of nothing. It means to pay the mortgage for all your working days and then to die. It means working hard and running fast and getting nowhere. Vanity is a political speech that means exactly nothing. Vanity is the hope that tomorrow will be different, that there is gold at the end of the rainbow; vanity is wisdom and folly, hard work and laziness, laughter, seriousness, and everything, because everything leads nowhere. In this life, we struggle against this sin. We fight against sin in our own lives. We struggle against sin in the world. We push against greed, and we bite our tongues to keep from lying. We stand up for the oppressed and give money to the poor. We seek to elect politicians who strive for justice. When our eyes fill with longing for another's toys, we turn away. But so often it feels like it's all in vain. The world does not get any better. And we, well, we don't seem too either. We cry out with Paul, “What a wretched person I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death, to vanity?” But because of the resurrection we can also answer with him, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25). The resurrection gives us something to hope for in the future. While we struggle against sin today, we know that tomorrow sin will be gone. While our bodies are weak today, we know someday they will be strong. The gospel is our story. We too will be changed. Christ will transform our lowly bodies. They will no longer be subject to disease or age or sin or vanity. Christ will transform our characters to be like his. We will have no more inclination for lying. Our eyes won't covet our neighbour's stuff. As surely as Christ opened the eyes of the blind and stilled the storms, he will transform us. There is hope for us. Thanks be to God. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:   May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.  May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Friends of the Rosary,Lord Christ says today in the Gospel (Luke 12:35-38),"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival."In today's reading, Jesus is calling us to be vigilant for the Second Coming. The Lord tells the parable of the faithful servant whom the master finds vigilant on his return from a wedding.  The creed we recite every day says, “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.”And the liturgy states it clearly: “As we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” In Eucharistic Prayer IV, we find, “As we await his coming in glory...” Toward the end of the New Testament, we read, “Come, Lord Jesus!”Whenever the end times may be, each of us must prepare for Christ's second coming at the end of our lives.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠October 21, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

What does it mean to “reflect Christ”? It's a rather unusual use of words. Has anyone ever said to you, “You reflect your mother”? No, usually we say something like “You look like your mother,” or “You remind me of your mother,” or “That's exactly what your mother would say.” If I reflect my mother, even though I don't look like her, people might comment on how very similar my mannerisms, words, or way of life are to her. That, of course, is because she raised me, and it's only natural that I would take on her ways and attitudes. For example, my mother would always clean the house really well before going away for a few days, so I do the same thing. I just don't want to come home to a dirty house. But my husband found this strange. Nobody's going to be here so who cares how it looks? That's the way he saw it. But I'm like my mother. I watched how she did things, and I followed her in her ways. In that way, I reflect my mother. Obviously, it's very important who we choose to reflect. Thankfully for me, my mother was the best person in the world for me to emulate. But I know that's not true of everyone. Maybe you're having to deal with some ways of doing things you learned from someone, but they're not positive or helpful. That's another “kettle of fish,” as we say. I want to talk about how we who call ourselves Christ-followers—people who have claimed the gift of salvation Jesus offers and have placed our faith in him, becoming children of God—should and can reflect Christ particularly on our jobs. Of course, we should reflect Christ in all areas of our lives, but I want to look at it from the perspective of reflecting Christ in the often-godless environments you may encounter on your job. Your job is typically not a place you can take time to open the Bible and share your faith. You're there to do a job and do it well. But there are so many ways you can reflect Christ as you do your job—things that will perhaps open doors for you to share your faith. You just need to be intentional about it, and that's what I'm hoping to help you with. Reflect Christ in Your Thought Life and Attitudes Everything begins in your thoughts. The Bible says as we think in our heart, so we are. What you allow yourself to think about and what you refuse to think about is critical to success in any area of your life. Did you know you have the power through Christ to put wrong thoughts and wrong thought patterns out of your head? And if you know that, do you practice it? Your thought life will determine your attitudes. Think about your attitude toward your job. Are these thoughts mostly positive or mostly negative? If you see your job as simply a duty required of you to pay your bills or a necessary drudgery, I suggest this attitude does not reflect Christ. Maybe you really want a job but not the one you have. So, it's your attitude toward your specific job—the work environment, the people you deal with, the job content itself. Do you face most of your days with a sense of drudgery? With a “It's time to make the donuts” attitude? If so, believe me it shows, and it is not a reflection of Christ. In writing to the Christians in Colossae, Paul said: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24). If you want to reflect Christ on your job and please the Lord Jesus, make sure you keep your attitude toward your job in good shape. You're working for the Lord, so work at it with all your heart. Others may never appreciate your good work, but you will receive a blessing—an inheritance—from the Lord as a reward. That means you don't bad-mouth the company, the boss, your coworkers—never! It doesn't mean you stick your head in the sand and ignore wrong practices or behavior, but unless you're doing something to make matters better,

It's Time to Grow Up and Be Serious • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give There comes a time in every believer's life when the Lord calls us out of spiritual infancy and into spiritual maturity. We can't afford to stay comfortable, complacent, or caught up in cycles of procrastination any longer. The truth is, activation is the opposite of procrastination. One moves by faith; the other is hindered by fear, doubt, or laziness. And the Bible is clear — God honors action that's fueled by faith and obedience. We can talk about wanting revival, breakthrough, and anointing, but if we're not willing to move when God says move, we'll miss what He's trying to pour out. You cannot walk under the anointing if you're making excuses and putting off what the Lord has already told you to do. Let's look at what the Word of God says about growing up, being serious, and becoming activated followers of Jesus Christ. 1. Ephesians 4:14–15 (NKJV) “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.” 2. James 1:22 (NKJV) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” 3. Proverbs 6:9–11 (NKJV) “How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” 4. Romans 12:11 (NKJV) “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” 5. 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NKJV) “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 6. Colossians 3:23–24 (NKJV) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” 7. Philippians 3:13–14 (NKJV) “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 8. 2 Timothy 1:6–7 (NKJV) “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Beloved, it's time to grow up and be serious about your walk with Jesus Christ. The Lord is calling His people into full activation — no more delay, no more excuses. The hour is late, and the harvest is great. You can't carry the anointing while carrying procrastination. It's time to rise, to move, to obey, and to believe that what God said, He will do. Stop waiting for the perfect conditions — step out now. Stop talking about what you'll do “someday” — start doing it today. The power of God will meet you when you take that first step of faith. Remember: activation is the opposite of procrastination, and obedience is the key that unlocks anointing. This is your season to grow, to act, and to walk in purpose. God is ready to move — the question is, are you? CCLI: 21943673

Love must be sincere… Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality (Romans 12:9a, 13) Hospitality, as a practise of the Christian life, means more than opening our homes to people. It is rooted in God's own character and behaviour. Jesus helps us understand. First, Jesus came to earth. When we think of hospitality, we often think about inviting people into our spaces. When we do that, we remain in a comfortable place, and largely in control of the situation. We can expect people to play by our rules when they enter our space. But Jesus came to earth. He turns the concept of hospitality on its head. He comes into our space. And he sends us out, he says ‘Go'. Go into other people's spaces. Part of Christian hospitality then, is to let go of the control that comes from being in our own spaces and learning how to live and move in some else's. Are there places we don't want to go? Are there places that make us uncomfortable and therefore we stay away? I think the honest answer is yes. As a pastor, I have been invited into many spaces that were unfamiliar, in which I really did not know how to behave. I'm sure that I made a mess of some. But in such spaces, I have learned to ask a simple question, why did you invite me here, or what would you like me to do while I'm here. Such questions empower people; it lets them set the agenda. It also reminds me that there is much I don't know and that people might not need anything from me but my presence. Second, because Jesus lived as a human, he can sympathize with us. The book of Hebrews makes a big deal about this. How long did Jesus live here? About 33 years. How can we sympathize with people if we don't invest time in walking with them? An essential component of Christian hospitality is the ability to sympathize with other people. This can not be rushed. So, hospitality invites us in for the long haul. It calls us to pay attention to people, to set aside our own agendas, especially our answers to people's problems and to listen. We tend to view people as projects that we get to fix. Once, fixed, we move on to the next. People are not projects. Each human bears the image of God. Does this understanding of hospitality unnerve us? Does it seem more difficult than just inviting someone over? Of course, it does. But remember this, after Jesus returned to the Father, he sent his Spirit. God's Holy Spirit now makes his home in us. He empowers us to be hospitable. He helps us love like God loves. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Islington Baptist is a church for the Islington and wider Newcastle community sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermons / Bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings.Romans 161 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them.16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.All the churches of Christ send greetings.17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[f] faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Islington Baptist is a church for the Islington and wider Newcastle community sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermons / Bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings.Romans 161 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them.16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.All the churches of Christ send greetings.17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24]25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Love must be sincere… Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality (Romans 12:9a, 13) This terse command, practice hospitality, is sandwiched into a meditation on love, an attitude of the mind that leads us to bless others in practical ways. The beauty of our love and our hospitality will only be revealed when they are deeply rooted in the love and hospitality of our God and empowered by his Spirit. Other places in scripture also address hospitality. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it”. This is preceded by the instruction to keep loving each other as sisters and brothers. Luke describes the church this way, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:44-45). Hospitality within the church family naturally leads to hospitality to those not part of the family. As Luke finishes, “and the Lord added to their number daily” (47). In the context of a famine, we also discover hospitality. God sends his prophet Elijah to a widow. He finds this woman preparing a last meal for herself and her son. After that they will die of starvation. Elijah has the nerve to ask her to prepare some bread for him first. Talk about hospitality to a stranger! He follows up his request with this promise, “this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land'” (1 Kings 17:14). The widow did as Elijah asked. She fed him and family until the Lord provided rain. For me, she is the prime example of human hospitality in the Bible. Hospitality has often become an act of impressing others, of showing off. We show case our homes, our decorating abilities, our capacity to put on a meal, our ability to entertain. Unless we can imitate Martha Stewart or some celebrity chef, we feel inadequate. Such hospitality is about us, portraying a sense of having it all together. The Christian discipline of hospitality is not about us. We cannot give out of our abundance. It will never be enough. Rather, we need to give out of God's provision. He has provided us with resources, not to hold onto tightly, but to hold loosely, so that they easily slide out of our fingers towards those God invites us to love. We need to develop the faith of this widow, who acted hospitably towards Elijah, trusting in God's provision for herself and her family. God promises that he will provide for us. Jesus says, “But seek first [God's] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (clothes, food, shelter) will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Trust in this promise enables us to practice hospitality. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Love must be sincere… Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality (Romans 12:9a, 13) Hospitality. Many of us don't like that word. Yet here it is…an aspect of sincere love. Thus, a part of Christian discipleship. In Christian Reformed churches, the elders are charged with the promotion of fellowship and hospitality in the congregation, recognizing that it is essential to the life of the Christian church. The word has fallen on hard times, partly because it is misunderstood. But also, because we do not spend enough time reflecting and preaching about God. We frequently focus on ourselves. What does God have to do with hospitality? The Bible opens with God's hospitality. He plants a garden for the humans: “trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food” (Genesis 2:9). When everything goes wrong in the garden, what happens? God shows up ‘walking in the garden in the cool of the day' calling out to the humans, ‘where are you?' Its long been understood that it was normal for God to come and spend time with his people. But now they were hiding. There are two things we should pay attention to here: God creates space and time. Both are essential components of hospitality. Israel's promised land is described as “a land flowing with milk and honey”. God took Israel, a nation severely oppressed by Egypt, to a land of plenty, to give them rest, Sabbath. God intended it to be a space for them to flourish and prosper where he could live among his people: space and time Isn't Jesus arrival in this world another example of God's hospitality? We use a big word, incarnation, to talk about this. It has its usefulness, but it hides the remarkable implications of Jesus' arrival. John, one of Jesus disciples, wrote that Jesus ‘made his dwelling among us' (John 1:14). In other words, he made his home on this earth with us. Jesus spent time eating and drinking with people and inviting others to join him. To Zacchaeus he said, “Come down from that tree, I must go to your house today” (Luke 19:5). Space and time. Why did Jesus come to make his home among us? Was it not to create a new community on this earth? A community in which all peoples, no matter what their language or colour or place of origin, can find a home? (Eph. 2:19; Rev. 5:9). As God was bringing Israel towards the promised land, he told them, “So, you also must love outsiders. Remember that you yourselves were outsiders in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). If that was true for Israel of old, it is equally true of the church today. Paul wrote, “Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1). As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Love must be sincere is the theme fleshed out in the rest of this chapter and beyond. The biblical significance of love has eroded so it needs our careful attention. Let's remember that godly love is not an emotion. It is an attitude, a mind-set, an aspect of the renewed mind. We are commanded to love; it is therefore a choice we make, a matter of the will. Without the enabling grace of God, none of us can love in the way the Bible calls us to. Such love is never the product of our human wills. But our wills are involved. The Holy Spirit fosters it within us. It is our job to cooperate with the Spirit in developing a consistent mind-set of love toward others. We must work actively to put love into effect in our relationships. The Christian who nurtures an attitude of love will act in the ways that Paul describes here. Such love acts in accordance with God's good and perfect will (12:2). Discernment is an aspect of this love: hate what is evil; cling to what is good (9b). Ironic, isn't it, that the exhortation to love is followed immediately by a command to hate. But we should not be surprised, for love is not blind sentiment. Rather, love passionately seeks the best for the one loved. Thus, it must hate everything evil that is incompatible with the loved one's highest welfare. Paul's word for ‘hate' suggests a very strong aversion, an abhorrence, a loathing, a vomiting out. Whereas his word for cling, suggests supper glue, a bonding like two pieces of steel welded together. Love must be sincere is the positive version of the command, “do not kill.” The Heidelberg Catechism offers us this explanation of that, “I am not to belittle, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor--not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds--and I am not to be party to this in others…By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness” (Q 105 & 106). When love encounters what is evil, it refuses to participate, nor does it merely look the other way. Love dares to confront someone doing evil, not to judge or browbeat, but to inspire righteousness. On the other hand, love “clings to what is good.” To repel evil and cling to good, love must know the difference. How can we train ourselves in the ways of love? Anyone who has tried knows its not easy. Like all Christian virtues, prayer and scripture are the beginning. How else will we know God's version of love? We can also get our minds engaged in other ways. How about watching an episode of a favourite Netflix show or a chapter of a favourite novel? Then discern the ways in which the characters practice love or the lack there of. We may find some brilliant nuances of love right among our favourite characters. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Message Take Aways:1. Wives are called to submit to their husbands understanding that yielding to his God ordained headship is part of their Christian obedience—“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-242. Husbands are to recognize their high calling to imitate Christ in their marriage by selflessly serving and loving their bride as their own body—“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:453. Husbands and wives are to be united in solidarity as they mutually commit to God's design for marriage and redeem it to glorify Him—“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

Message Take Aways:1. King Solomon experienced great success in the construction of his palace courts as the Lord blessed and enabled his efforts—“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:332. Huram's diligent craftsmanship reminds us of the need to hone our gifts, talents, and skillsets to utilize them in serving the Kingdom of God for His glory—“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-243. King Solomon completed the work that was entrusted to him by relying on the wisdom, support, and resources that were divinely provided by the Lord—“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

     Love must be sincere (Romans 12:9a).      This little phrase, “Love must be sincere”, is the heart of Romans 12. Everything that has come before--the stuff about personal transformation: “…in view of God's mercy…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice to God…be transformed by the renewing of your mind…discerning God's good, pleasing and perfect will…” and the stuff about the relationships within the church, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others…”--all of this leads into “Love must be sincere.”      The phrase has no verb. Its as if the apostle is saying, “Love that is sincere will…” and then he spends the rest of the chapter telling us what sincere love looks like.      In our culture, the word love has become rather vague. It's lost its crispness. We love sweaters and the weather, and we love each other. It's a feeling that comes and goes like a wave in the bay. So, what is love and what makes it sincere?      The word used here is agape. So far in Romans all references have been to the ‘love of God'—as demonstrated on the cross (5:8), as poured into our hearts (5:5) and as doggedly refusing to let us go (8:35, 39). This is a pursuing, wooing, winning back kind of love. The lover willing to sacrifice himself for the beloved. This is our reference point, our example. But it is also our source. This love has been poured into us. Now it flows out. Love is the essence of Christian discipleship. Romans 12-15 are a sustained encouragement to let love govern and shape all our relationships. At the end of the chapter, Paul will write about love for our enemies (17-21), but first he portrays it as pervading the Christian community (9-16).      ‘Sincere' means ‘without hypocrisy'. Acts and words of love must not be pretend. We should not tell someone we love them, when we really don't. Neither should we act in love, when we despise or even hate someone. For early Christians, the primary example of non-sincere love was Judas, betraying Jesus with a kiss. This was hypocritical love in its vilest form.      In this matter of sincere love Christian discipleship is counter cultural. Feelings are paramount. “If I don't feel like it, I don't have to do it.” But for Christians love is the law (13:8-10). If we don't feel loving, we need to change our attitude; our hearts need to change. We need to love like God loves us. How does that happen? The cure for a non-loving heart is not to try harder. It is to look to God, to see his love for me. For Christians, confession of sin is not about feeling bad, it's the road to experiencing God's mercy again. Love begins with a view to God's mercy. Only with our eyes fixed on Jesus, can our love become sincere. So, let us fix our eyes on him. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comColossians 3Believers must set their hearts and minds on heavenly things, not earthly desires. Having died to their old lives and been raised with Christ, they are called to cast off sinful behaviors like immorality, anger, and slander. Instead, they should clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Forgiveness is key, just as Jesus forgave them. Above all virtues, love binds everything together in perfect unity. Paul emphasizes letting Christ's peace rule in their hearts and encourages believers to be thankful. The message of Christ should dwell richly among them, expressed through teaching, wisdom, and songs of praise. In all they do, they are to act in the name of the Lord Jesus. Lastly, Paul addresses family dynamics, encouraging wives, husbands, and children to embody Christ's presence within the home. If we are raised in Christ, we must flee old habits that no longer define us in Him, like sexual sin or bitterness toward others. In our daily lives, we should actively choose purity of heart, compassion, and forgiveness, even when it is hard. When tensions rise at home, work, or with friends, we must remember to let Christ's peace guide our responses. Love must be the foundation of everything we do, being featured in our family. In every situation, whether speaking, working, or serving, we are called to do it all in Jesus' name with thankfulness. True transformation is about growing into the image of Christ—reflecting His character and honoring Him in every relationship, every decision, and every moment.   Loving Father, thank You for raising us to new life in Christ. Help us to set our hearts on things above and to let go of anything that pulls us away from You. Clothe us with character traits that emulate Christ. Empower us to forgive as You have forgiven us, and let Your peace rule in our hearts. May love guide all we do, and may the message of Christ dwell richly within us, especially in our marriage and homes. Whatever we say or do today, let it be in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to You always.  Thought Questions: What helps you keep seeking things above and set your mind on heavenly things? How is this more than morning prayer and bible study? In what way is love the perfect bond of unity? What helps you show patience, compassion, and forgiveness for those who wrong you? “It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Why is this mindset vital in the home, with marriages and relationships between parents and children?

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us (Romans 12:4-6a).      What does it mean to be part of a church? Does showing up on Sundays for worship services count? Maybe. There are many ways to answer that question. Our text offers two.      Before we discuss those, let's remember that when the New Testament uses the word church it did not have in mind the formal structures we know today. Church referred to the people who followed Jesus Christ. They had little structure and no history; they were simply the people in the Roman Empire who believed that this Jesus was Lord and Christ. In a place like Romans 12, the apostle Paul begins to lay out what belonging to this group means. What does he say?      First, the flow of Romans 12 implies that I cannot fully “renew my mind” without the active help of other believers. I cannot understand what the Bible teaches apart from dialog with others who are reading that same Bible. I cannot live the life of a disciple of Christ apart from the nurturing context of a community of believers who encourage me, pray for me, and set an example for me. I cannot discern the blind spots in my obedience to Christ without other believers to point them out to me.      In verse 3, Paul rebuked an attitude of arrogance. We think of ourselves “more highly than we ought” and so conclude that we do not need the help of others. To go back to our question, “What does it mean to be part of a church?” Our passage tells us that we need the input of other Christians. To be part of a church means to receive help in Christian thinking and living from others. I need the church, the body of Christ.      Second, we must participate in the church to help others grow. Whatever gift we have been given, we are under obligation to our Lord to use it to serve his people. Other Christians need what each of us has to offer. As the human body is at a disadvantage without a foot, or an eye, or a kidney, so the church is harmed when the full array of gifts is not being exercised within it. Notice how strongly Paul puts this, “according to the grace given to each of us.” If we disassociate from the church, we are hindering the flow of God's grace. We are God's sponges of mercy, first to the church and then beyond.      This is also why we need to think of ourselves with sober judgement. We should not consider our personal resources as personal possessions. They are gifts of God to be used for his glory. All of us who follow Jesus receive gifts to be used for the upbuilding of Christ's church. We each have gifts of grace to offer each other.      So, putting these two together: I need the church and the church needs me! As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB) 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB) 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Colossians 3:17 (NASB) 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. 1) The Christian's Pattern 2) The Christian's Prescription 3) The Christian's Priority

Key Bible Verse: "Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Colossians 3:23-24

••• Resurrection Glory, Segment-2 of 2, Ep 396b . ••• Bible Study Verses: Romans 6:4-9, Luke 10.19, Romans 8.11, 1 Corinthians 15:13-19, Luke 24:13-49, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 1:21, 1 Kings 19.11, Luke 24.21, James 1.8, John 2.5, Matthew 14.22-33 . PART-A BIBLE VERSES:1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 1 Kings 17:17-24, 2 Kings 4:18-37, 2 Kings 13:14-21, Luke 8:49-56...••• "Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection." Watchman Nee 1903-1972 † ••• “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead", 1 Peter 1:3, KJV . ••• What are 3-ways the resurrection of the Lord Christ should affect our lives? ••• What are 2-reasons why there's a gap between what the bible says and practice? ••• What are the 5-purposes for the resurrection in our lives? ••• What are the 7-steps to live in the reality of the Risen Christ? ••• What is the difference between the Logos and the Rhema Word of God? ••• How was St. Peter able to walk on water? ••• What does it mean to live in the light of the glory of resurrection?••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you would be more intentional about living in the glory of the resurrection of the Lord, Christ Jesus? PART-A QUESTIONS: ••• How do we know our lives are not futile and that we have eternal life? ••• What should change in the believers' lives through the resurrection of The Lord Christ Jesus?••• Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on September 13, 2025 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in its mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Stacey Franco, https://www.instagram.com/staceyfranc0/, on unsplash, Art Direction by gil on his mac with free mac layout software . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes .••• SHARING LINK: https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/250830-the-secret-behind-the-believers-dominion-p6-s2-ep396b . ••• † http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Watchman-Nee-Quotes/ . Watchman Nee, Ni Tuosheng, or Nee T'o-sheng (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng), an early 20th Century giant Christian author & church leader. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison & was severely persecuted by the Communist CCP. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, & others, he founded the massive church system that would be known as the "Local churches". He became a Christian in 1920 at age 17 & began writing in the same year. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 .••• FERP250830- Episode#396b GOT250830 Ep396b . ••• The Secret Behind the Believers Dominion, Part-6: Resurrection Glory, Segment-B . Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've all been wronged, sometimes by those closest to us, or those who we trust the most. So, how do we respond, especially when we know that we can't truthfully claim our own righteousness and demand God's wrath against those who have hurt us. Oftentimes we hold our feelings inside, keeping our thoughts to ourselves, which only makes things worse. In God's mercy, He has given us words to express in prayer, words found in Holy Scripture, that encapsulate our deepest pains and struggles. This passage from Jeremiah is another gem for the wounded. Chad meditates on this passage and points us to the great healing and redemption found in Christ alone. Mikaela Adams sings a beautiful lament entitled "Christ have mercy". Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi More from the hosts: Chad Bird Lyrics to "Christ Have Mercy" Heal me O Lord And I shall be healed Save me Lord And I shall be saved You are my praise  You are my salvation You are my God I shall not be ashamed   Chorus: On the last day Every knee will bow And every tongue confess That you are Lord Father forgive them The foolish and proud When their vain laughter was heard And forgive me Lord Christ have mercy   Lord have mercy  “Where are you Lord?” Won't you return Like you said in your word  Christ have mercy Don't let me fall away There's nothing that You have not seen There's nothing that You have not heard      Let me not hesitate To follow in your way I And I will not desire That dark and woeful day Let my words and deeds Be gracious and thankful For you are my hope In the day of evil   Lord have mercy When those who say “Where are you Lord?” Won't you return Like you said in your word  Lord have mercy Don't let me fall away There's nothing you don't see Or that you have not heard

The world is full of lies. Political and religious lies abound.The Bible cuts through all those lies and declares that our heavenly Father (יהוה) is the only true God and that the human person Jesus is the Lord Christ.  The Bible declares that there is no mystery about how many God is. There is no identity confusion about who or how many God is.  Humans can know that the Father is the only God, that there is no other besides Him.  But people refuse to believe.  But a remnant does believe. Believers in One God, the Father, take courage. The Mystery of the Trinity: Solved! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUqWXumvcp5ooVFOM6INeL0_D1tw-R4p4 “Jesus Can'tBe a Mere Human” https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUqWXumvcp5rLIOHUtJWBc6Sg8HQf4sfL One GodReport, Bill Schlegel https://www.youtube.com/@billschlegel1

Although atheism is rife in our country, is not an even greater disaster those who go to places of Christian worship and yet, in God's eyes, fail to offer to him the heart-felt worship he seeks. The wide variety of Churches must surely indicate this.   But we must avoid a judgmental attitude, that is God's prerogative, however we cannot help seeing some of the differences between first century Christianity and that which exists today. .Our first aim must be to make sure we ourselves are approaching God and His Son in the way he desires.Our second aim should be to try to help others whom we fear are failing in their approach to effectively worship God.  Now Jesus, in confronting this failure, bluntly said that the type of worship he was seeing was ”in vain.” How tragic that any worship is in vain.  One cannot totally blame the atheist and agnostic when they turn their backs on Christianity as they see such a contradictory mix of churches .A major reason why we read the Bible every day is to get a right understanding of what God and his Son Jesus, require of us. Only through God's word do we learn how they should be served and worshipped.In today's reading (Mark 7) Jesus calls the Pharisees and Scribes “hypocrites”[v.6], that is, people who put on a false front.  He quotes what God caused Isaiah to prophecy (as in his 29th chapter v.13); for God declared, “This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, in vain do they worship me; teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.”[v.7]How much worship today is pleasing to God?  Only God knows, but the above quotation shows there are two aspects we must get right.  Our attitude of heart, worship is not just a ritual, it must reflect the desires we feel in our heart.  Secondly, that the things we teach and believe are truly confirmed by God's word.Words we read a week ago in the last chapter of Romans spring to mind, “watch for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught; avoid them.  For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites …” [v.17,18]  Let us make sure our appetite is fed every day by the word of God, the words of Jesus ringing in our minds, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” [John 6 v.35].

Walk As He Walked (audio) David Eells – 7/30/25 Use It or Lose It Saints, don't miss any opportunity to eat your Bread of Life from heaven every day. Partaking of the Word of God and fellowship with those who share it is of utmost importance. We're told in Exo.16:4 Then said Jehovah unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or not. The Israelites didn't obey God in this, and they murmured and fell in the wilderness. When, because of worldly pursuits we pass up the chance to eat our manna today with the excuse that we will do it tomorrow, we miss the only chance we had that day to eat that manna and prepare our soul for the wilderness. 19 And Moses said unto them, Let no man leave of it till the morning. 20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and became foul: and Moses was wroth with them. All excuses aside, people do what is important to them. Our spiritual man must be fed or he dies. If the kingdom is not first in a person's life, God will find someone else who values what He has to offer. Let's read Mat.22:4 Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made ready my dinner; my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come to the marriage feast. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast. And it will happen just like this. And in Luk.14:15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. 16 But he said unto him, A certain man made a great supper; and he bade many: 17 and he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for [all] things are now ready. 18 And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a field, and I must needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 And the servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor and maimed and blind and lame. 22 And the servant said, Lord, what thou didst command is done, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain [them] to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say unto you, that none of those men that were bidden shall taste of my supper. 25 Now there went with him great multitudes: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, (We are to hate the Psuche or soulish life that separates us from the God life of Zoe, which is provided in the manna.) he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. I pray for you that God will be first in your life. You have the opportunity now to prepare for the wilderness. Without taking advantage of this, you will fall away and someone will take your place. Hence the warning: “Let no man take thy crown”.   Time in the Word Sanctifies https://youtu.be/wNWvxexMri0?si=WclLLtgQFUfXLynY December 27, 2019 (Davids notes in red) The following is a transcript of this short video: There was a recent study by the Center for Bible Engagement where they pulled 40,000 of the general population in the U.S. from [ages] 8- 80, and they just wanted to see how we are engaging with Scripture. They discovered something that actually became the profound discovery of the entire study. They were not even looking for this, but it became the highlight of the study. They found that when we are in the Scriptures one time a week, and that could be in church on a Sunday, where the pastor says to open your Bible, and we hear the message. One time a week had a negligible effect on some key areas of the peoples lives, which I'm going to spell out more here in a moment. Two times a week also had a negligible effect. At three times a week, there was a “blip” on the map, like there was a heartbeat; something happened. Then there was a profound discovery. When we're in the Scriptures four times a week, it literally spikes off the chart. You would expect that it would be like 1, 2, 3…. I mean that there would be a gradual incline on the effect and impact that would have in your life, but it was literally, 1, 2, 3, 4 – then something radical happens. (How much more powerful it is to obey the Word and get your portion of the Manna every day like the bride.) What kind of behavior is being affected to this extent? At four times a week in the Scriptures, feeling lonely dropped 30%. Anger issues dropped 32%. Bitterness in relationships, such as the marriage relationship, and that with your kids, and so on, drops 40%. Alcoholism drops 57%. Feeling spiritually stagnant—you know, if there was one area when I'm talking with people, that they'll be honest about, is they just feel spiritually stagnant when I ask them the question: “How much time do you spend in the Scriptures?” If they're in the Scriptures four times a week or more, that dropped 60%. Viewing pornography drops 61%. Now, look at this: sharing your faith jumps 200% because you have confidence in God's Word. And discipling others jumps 230%. Wow! That's Amazing! (So, what happens when you get your manna every day since the Word is our manna? Christ in you! And if we seek first the Kingdom everything else will be taken care of.)   Let No One Take Thy Crown David Eells Rev.3:10 Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that [hour] which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown. Once, for the purpose of crucifixion, I was being judged by some people who had not gone through the suffering, nor had they made the sacrifices that I had made to serve the Lord. I asked the Lord why He was not chastening these people as He had clearly done in the past with others who had done the same thing. He told me that He had chastened them. Then He showed me several ways He had done this. Not wanting to think or say something that was also false judgment, I asked the Lord to give me a sign that what I heard was truly from Him. He gave me the sign as confirmation. One thing that He showed me was that He gives the opportunity for many to walk in the light that they are given. Then, after a trial period, if they refuse to walk in this light, God takes it away, and they walk in a lesser glory, a lower position in the Kingdom. The deeper discernment they once had is taken from them, and they go back, deeper into Babylon and walk less in His temple and more in the world. Verse 12 He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name (Greek word meaning nature, character and authority) of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem (the Bride), which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. God pointed out to me several people whom I had taught deeper things. They rejoiced to see these things. Yet, after continuing to walk in willful disobedience in areas that were shown to them, the deeper understanding was taken out of their minds. They fell back into foolish Babylonish churches and doctrines that they would not have considered before. The same happened to Jesus' disciples in John 6:66, although the 12 stayed saying “thou hast the Words of life”. Over the years, I have watched as some people in this situation have left my care, and others have come to take their place in order to be tried by the Word in the same way. Again, verse 11 I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown. We are always being tried to prove whether we are worthy to walk in greater glory, which of course, is walking in more light and purity. Those who walk by faith will find power to obey and will grow from glory to glory. We have this by faith in 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. All of the people of God are at this time manifesting one of these glories. Joseph shared a dream that clearly showed this. Starting as a star glory, he went to his cross in Egypt and was promoted in glory above his brethren, the children of Israel. We grow from star glory to moon glory and then to sun glory as we continue to walk in the light that God continues to give us. Joseph shared a dream in Gen.37:9 ... behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars made obeisance to me. 10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? The answer was, Yes. As we walk in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we manifest more and more glory. This is true of physical death, burial, and resurrection. It is also true of spiritual death, burial, and resurrection as we walk in this world and come into the Zoe life of Christ. Paul gives this revelation in 1Co.15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: (And so it was with Jesus and the saints raised at the out resurrection.) 44 it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual [body]. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall (Greek; “Let us”) also bear the image of the heavenly. So by faith we reckon ourselves to be dead unto sin and alive unto God. But the glory of our resurrection bodies will be different as he says. Friends, to whom much is given much is expected, as Jesus said in Luk.12:48 ... And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more. The moral of this story is that if you want to keep the light you have, or if you want to receive more light, you must walk in the light you have. The time always comes when those who have eyes to perceive and ears to understand have abundance and restoration. Those who do not value this perception and understanding enough to walk in it will lose even what they have. Jesus teaches this in Mat.13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath (understanding), to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables; because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And unto them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall in no wise understand; And seeing ye shall see, and shall in no wise perceive. Because Israel did not walk in the light given to them, God took it away and gave it to the Gentiles. In the coming days, the reverse of this will happen. We read this in Rom.11:15 For if the casting away of them [is] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead? 16 And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree; 18 glory not over the branches: but if thou gloriest, it is not thou that bearest the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. Uh, oh! No unconditional security. 22 Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they continue not in their unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wast cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and wast grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree; how much more shall these, which are the natural [branches], be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in; 26 and so all Israel shall be saved (Meaning the physical Jews and the spiritual Jews who are circumcised in heart.): even as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer (Jesus in the Man-child Reformers); He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. On an individual basis this happens too. So, as we have seen, let “no one take thy crown.”   Overcome Evil with Good “Warriors of Truth” Victoria Boyson - 10/26/2008 (David's notes in red) (Keep in mind that Victoria's revelation is true of the elect only.) While in prayer, I was shown a vision. I saw misguided people who were the enemies of Truth, rallying together to deceive the saints; they were being guided by demonic forces that used them like toys. Great effort was being made by the realms of darkness to bring confusion and to stir up strife among the brethren to break up friendships that gave strength and encouragement to the saints. (From God's perspective, this is to test the strength of the body and remove the spots and blemishes.) I saw the enemies of Truth entering the lives of those who have been wounded by rejection and held in bondage by fear. (These spirits must be removed, many times through faction, for this makes one unstable and a danger to the body.) They spoke demonically induced lies with great power to deceive them in their weakened condition. (slander) Ironically, the lies of darkness actually seemed like “real truth” to them, and the enemies of Truth seemed like great saints. They appeared as though they were God's answer for the loneliness and pain they were feeling, so they opened their hearts to them. Because they came into agreement with their lies and their love grew painfully cold, they began to attack their brothers and sisters in Christ with accusation and judgment. (The spirit of faction moves in them.) Consequently, their attacks against them unleashed powers of destruction on the Church. Just when it seemed that the saints would falter under the heavy assault, I saw the great warriors of heaven rally their armies in preparation to invade Earth and dispel the enemies of Truth. (Including the wicked among men) They only awaited the command to do so by the saints -- for their cry for help. Under the weight of accusation, the saints began to weep. Their tears unleashed the army of heaven to attack the realms of darkness. (The warriors born of heaven are the Man-child reformers who bring both judgment and grace. And also the mighty angels.) It was then that I saw a heavenly warrior filled with great power, radiating a glorious light, entering the home of my enemy. This man had been used by the realms of darkness to rain down curses on my head; he was very jealous and filled with hatred toward me. However, even though I knew his dislike for me was great, I feared for him because the power of the heavenly warrior was great. I saw the warrior standing before him and drawing his sword, which was enormous and gave off a great light. I wondered at the sight of what was about to occur and thought, “Can it be God's will to destroy my enemy?” I heard the warrior speak in answer to the question of my heart and say, “I have been given authority to execute the judgments of the Lord”. Then the warrior, standing over my enemy, raised the sword and thrust it into his heart. It was difficult for me to watch because I truly loved my enemy and had prayed for him for a long time. I did not want to see him destroyed. Indeed, I had wept and prayed that he would completely surrender his life to the Lord and not allow the enemy to use him any longer. The warrior knew the thoughts of my heart and spoke again to me saying, “This sword is the Sword of Truth, and will dispel the lies of darkness that have taken over his heart”. (Ultimately, this will only work for the elect as we have seen for God himself sends delusion to some. 2Th 2:10-12 and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.) Then I looked at the sword and saw that, in its radiance, it seemed to be alive and pulsating. As its large blade rested in my enemy's heart, the Light it held began to fill his body; like melting gold, the Light seeped into his chest. At first, he lay motionless as if the sword had no effect on him, but then I saw his face cringe as if in pain, and I sensed brokenness enter his heart. Sorrow was invading his soul as the truth of his actions was shown to him. The spirit of repentance was dispelling the demonic lies, and darkness was fleeing from him as tears ran down his face. I looked again to watch the heavenly warrior who had come to execute the judgments of the Lord on my enemy. He watched with determined anticipation as the sword did its work on the man. (This will work for the elect, but no one had this sword more than Jesus and Judas had rejection, yet Jesus said, “One of you is a devil.” I have heard the Lord say to me that certain persons were not elect also. In this case the body was cleansed of Judas' who was not saved.) Turning to me, the warrior told me, “Your love for this man made this possible for him. I came to him only because you chose to love him despite his attacks against you and your family. You chose to love him, and because your Father loves you, He was compelled to touch the man for your sake”. (If a person has faction and witchcraft, which always comes with slander that is supernatural to deceive, you must obey scripture or you will be taken out. Tit 3:10-11 A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; 11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned. Rom 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.) I was shocked! I wept at the words the warrior spoke because I knew that it was only because of my love for Christ that I loved my enemy. In myself, I wanted to hate him. Indeed, I wanted him to suffer as he had made me suffer. My first thoughts at the onslaught of his attacks against me were to call upon God to execute vengeance against the man. But I saw that the longer I clung to thoughts of judgment toward him, the more distant Christ became to me. It was only because of my desperate need and love for Christ that I forced myself to pray for him. I asked God to give me love for him because I simply had none of my own. I had no desire to forgive, but I asked God to give me that as well. And when He had changed my heart, I could honestly say, “I love him” and mean it. (Jesus said that We must forgive from the heart or be tormented.) It scared me to remember how easy it would have been for me to condemn the man and how close I came to doing it. It was truly only because Christ loved me that I felt the need to love this man. Could that one small decision to love and forgive him have brought about his redemption and activated the armies of heaven to fight for him? (Yes!) I was astonished to think that his deliverance at this moment came only because of that one small choice I made to stand with Christ. Now, I stand in awe as I see the transformation of someone I thought was unredeemable. (Even though Judas was not elect he was treated with Love by Jesus who was innocent. We are commanded to love our enemies whether they become friends or not. Psa 109:3-5 They have compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause. 4 For my love they are my adversaries: But I give myself unto prayer. 5 And they have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love. As Jesus said, “Many are called but few are chosen” [Greek - elect]. Pro 29:1 He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.) I had, in the past, desperately pleaded with God to remove him from my life, so he would no longer have the power to hurt me. I couldn't understand why He wouldn't do it. It was, however, because He wanted to use me to change this man's life, and in the process of helping him, my own heart was transformed as well. (Yes, true) Yes, his redemption has truly changed us both. My earthly enemy was not my enemy after all; he was the treasure that the Lord had longed to uncover, if only I were willing to help Him. Now I see the warriors of Truth have invaded other lives across the earth as the hearts of the saints have cried out for the souls of men. They are liberating the lost from the darkness that bound them as these saints of Christ cling to the cross of love and hold it high above them in a defiant reply to the attacks of the accuser of the brethren. The treasured friendships among the saints that seemed hopelessly broken are being miraculously restored, and they have received a greater level of appreciation for one another. The cold love that had tried to force them to fear one another has been flung aside and radical, selfless love has become their war cry! Darkness had them bound, but THE TRUTH Himself has set them free, and whom the SON sets free is free indeed! (When a person has rejection and fear of rejection, they can be saved by love, but when faction grows to a level that they cannot resist it even deliverance usually does not last as it was with Jesus dealing with Judas and the Pharisees.)   Spiritual Warfare for Souls David Eells - 08/21/2016 Salt is known as a preservative, which we should be to mankind. What Jesus is to us, we should be to others, but He said, Mat.5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. (Because Christians have not been salt, they are now being trampled under the feet of the Beast army. This is what happens to those who don't seek to bring salvation in all its forms to mankind. For such a time as this have we come to the Kingdom. Let us intercede to the King and do His warfare against His enemies.) We can see a time of war in these verses, which represents the David ministry. Then we see a time of peace under the Soloman ministry. Jer.48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of Jehovah negligently; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. Heb.4:12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Unless we swing the sword of the Word, our enemy will win against us. We must do this on the personal front against the enemies of our souls and the souls of others. We must do this on the political front against the DS satanists who would take us and the nation we live in into captivity physically. We must do this on a personal front against those principalities who would poison our bodies with their chemtrails, plagues, or diseases, or send other curses upon us.) Here is a Sword. Isa.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 Jehovah, and their righteousness which is of me, saith Jehovah. Luk.9:1 And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. And 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. 2Co.2:14 But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph (meaning celebration of the victory) in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place. Mar.11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. (Greek: Have the faith of God.) 23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them. 25 And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Psa.103:20 Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, Ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Psa 2:1 Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord, and against his anointed, … (Who is the Lord's anointed? 2Co.1:21 Now he that establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; 22 who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.) Back to our text: saying Psa.2:3 Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision. 5 Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure: 6 Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will tell of the decree: the Lord said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him. Eph.6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Psa.144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, And my fingers to fight: 2 My lovingkindness, and my fortress, My high tower, and my deliverer; My shield, and he in whom I take refuge; Who subdueth my people under me.  

Key #1 - He will guide you through your SubmissionJeremiah 29:11 (NIV)“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Key #2 - He will empower you through your ServiceColossians 3:23-24 (NASB)“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Key #3 - He will change you through your Surrender Philippians 2:5-8 (BSB)“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.”

Key #1 - He will guide you through your SubmissionJeremiah 29:11 (NIV)“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Key #2 - He will empower you through your ServiceColossians 3:23-24 (NASB)“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Key #3 - He will change you through your Surrender Philippians 2:5-8 (BSB)“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.”

July 13 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 23 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12 KJV “I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Philippians 3:12 NLT “Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.” Philippians 3:12 AMPC “which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2:17 KJV “For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.” Colossians 2:17 NLT “Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ.” Colossians 2:17 AMPC “knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24 KJV “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:24 NLT “Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).” Colossians 3:24 AMPC “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 KJV “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” 1 John 1:5 NLT “And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way].” 1 John 1:5 AMPC “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” 1 John 2:27 KJV “But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.” 1 John 2:27 NLT “But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].” 1 John 2:27 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

July 12th, 2025:  St John Gualbert - Sanctify the Lord Christ in Your Hearts; St John Gualbert - Forgiveness is Key; Ss Louis & Zelie Martin - Sanctification in the Married State; St John Gualbert - Forgiveness Through the Cross

This royal psalm sets out the blessings God bestows on his King and the service the King renders to the Lord. Divine strength is at the beginning and the end of the whole, which points far beyond David to the Lord Christ, the King of kings. In concluding the psalm, we find a good desire for the saints to possess: "Be exalted, O Lord!" There is a good dependence for saints to profess: "in your own strength," at once a confession of our own weakness and an expectation of God's power. There is a good delight for saints to pursue: "we will sing and praise your power!" This is a good response to the wickedness of the world and the weakness of the church, which we should cultivate now and which will be fully realised at the coming of Christ.

Your Nightly Prayer

Second Samuel 19 Take Aways:1. While David eventually made his return as the rightful king of Israel, so Jesus Christ will make His return as the Messianic Lion of Judah, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords—“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.” Revelation 1:72. Mephibosheth experienced reconciliation with David as he genuinely sought a restored relationship with his king above all else; may our relationship with King Jesus be the ultimate goal and priority in our lives—“Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” 1 Chronicles 16:113. As King David sought to reward the faithful Barzillai for his generous service to the king and his people, so King Jesus will reward those who have faithfully served Him with a genuine and sincere heart—“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

John 15: I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV) John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV) 1. Bear Fruit by How You Live John 15:8-10 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love (NIV) Psalm 1:1–2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (ESV) Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV) Galatians 5:19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (NLT) Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (ESV) 
 2. Bear Fruit by How You Love John 15:10-12 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (NIV) Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)
 3. Bear Fruit by How You Last John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (NIV) Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (NIV)

Today's Passage: Colossians 3:22–4:1Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.Today's Prayer: Father you despise slavery and bondage. May we be reminded in this passage of how you parted the Red Sea for Your people to escape from slavery in Egypt. Even more, may we be reminded of how you defeated death on the Cross that we may escape from the ultimate slavery of sin.  Father, many today are still enslaved or labor in menial or humiliating arenas. Would you give any of us who are trapped by others or by our own circumstances to live transcendent above those circumstances knowing that any work we do for You stores into an eternal account that can never be stolen. Lord, help us work for You as our only audience. Whether our plight is from others who have abused power or by our own hands of enslaving debt, give us sincere hearts to know work was given to us before evil entered the world. It is a glorious thing to work with our hands and minds as you've created us to in Your image.  Lord, additionally, help any of us who manage or lead others to do so in a manner that builds them up versus tears them down. Help us to love those under our authority in a way that doesn't promote ourselves or abuse any power we've been given. Rather, help us see our role as helping each of them flourish in God's mission for their lives. NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

Marketplace Entrepreneur for the Kingdom of God • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org Please help us fight back and take a stand: www.ToddCoconato.com/give We are in a critical hour where the lines between sacred and secular are blurring—not because we're compromising the Gospel, but because God is invading every sphere of society through His people. The Church is not confined to the four walls of a building. In fact, many of the greatest battles and victories of this generation will not take place in pulpits, but in boardrooms, offices, construction sites, online platforms, and homes. You don't have to be a pulpit preacher to be in full-time ministry. If you're called to the marketplace, then you're on the frontlines of spiritual warfare, influence, and kingdom advancement. 1. Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 2. Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” 3. Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV) “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” 4. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” 5. Acts 18:1-3 (NKJV) “After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila… with his wife Priscilla… because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” 6. Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV) “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” 7. Isaiah 60:1-3 (NKJV) “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” 8. Luke 19:13 (NKJV) “So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.'” 9. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV) “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 10. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (NKJV) “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth.” 11. Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV) “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy… or he who gives, with liberality… he who leads, with diligence…” God is raising up Josephs, Daniels, Deborahs, and Esthers in the marketplace—leaders who can manage resources, interpret dreams, influence kings, and save nations. You may not stand in a pulpit, but your calling is no less holy. Your business is a platform for truth, your clients are a mission field, and your profits can fund revival. This is the hour to rise up as a kingdom entrepreneur—set apart, filled with the Spirit, and unashamed of the Gospel in the business world. CCLI: 21943673

Series Title: Ready For Mondays Subtitle: Finding Purpose in the Work You Dread “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV) There is already purpose in what we all do, but we have to choose to live it out Work Is Not A Curse, But A Purpose “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 God works through the attitude we bring to our workplace God Cares About The How, Not Just The What “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Work becomes worship when you do it for God. Your Workplace Is A Mission-Field “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13-14 (NIV) How Can I Reflect Jesus In My Workplace? 3 Ways To Live Out Your Faith Tomorrow: 1) Pray Before You Clock In 2) Encourage Someone at Work 3) Look For Moments For Jesus To Shine Through You “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Matthew 20:26-27 NIV Whoever, wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

So deplorable a state! Charles Spurgeon1 Corinthians 2:1, "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God." Many pastors have grown 'professional' in their service, and preach like automatons, wound up for a sermon, to run down when the discourse is over. They have little more care for the souls of men, than if they were so much dirt! Too many pastors are fascinated with . . . technical trifles about words, fancies of speculation, or fopperies of oratory. God forgive us if we have fallen into so deplorable a state! "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." Romans 16:18

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Baptist Church of Waterford is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Follow the Lord Christ Subtitle: Mark: Devotionals Speaker: Tim Davis Broadcaster: Grace Baptist Church of Waterford Event: Devotional Date: 4/28/2025 Bible: Mark 8:34-38 Length: 35 min.

Lord, use me as thou wilt, Do with me what thou wilt; Promote thy cause, let thy kingdom come,Let thy blessed interest be advanced in this world!O do thou bring in great numbers to Jesus! Let me see that glorious day, and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls; Let me be willing to die to that end; While I live let me labour for thee to the utmost of my strength, Spending time profitably in this work, both in health and in weakness. It is thy cause and kingdom I long for, not my own. WHAT PREVENTS RISK TAKING?BARRIERS TO ENTRYFEAR OF FAILURE & LOSSFEAR OF UNKNOWNLACK VISION & TARGETED MISSION “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but happy is he who keeps the teaching.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭18‬ ‭WHY PEOPLE LACK PASSION FOR PURSUIT?APATHYCOMPLACENCY & LAZINESSDEFEATED & DEFLATED BY PAST“The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭19‬ ‭HONEST SELF-ASSESSMENT PURPOSEWHAT DEFINES YOUWHAT FULFILLS YOUWHAT DRIVES YOUPERSPECTIVE WHO'S MOST IMPORTANT WHO'S MOST IMPACTED WHO'S MOST EMPOWEREDPLANHOW IS GOD HONOREDHOW ARE PEOPLE SERVEDHOW DOES IT EXPAND KINGDOMSTEPS TO PURPOSEFUL SOVEREIGNTY 1. Don't Just Wait—Take Action2. Work Hard and Be Bold3. Don't Be Ashamed to Pursue What You Want4. God Blesses Those Who Take Initiative1. Don't Just Wait—Take Action    •    James 2:17 – “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”    •    Proverbs 14:23 – “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”    •    Ecclesiastes 11:4 – “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”→ If you wait for the perfect conditions, you'll never act.2. Work Hard and Be Bold    •    Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”    •    Proverbs 10:4 – “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”    •    2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”3. Don't Be Ashamed to Pursue What You Want    •    Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”    •    Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”    •    2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”4. God Blesses Those Who Take Initiative    •    Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”    •    Deuteronomy 8:18 – “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

SEQUENCE HYMN # 435 At the Name of JesusAll stand. GOSPEL READING Luke 19:28-40PriestThe Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,"Blessed is the kingwho comes in the name of the Lord!Peace in heaven,and glory in the highest heaven!"Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."PriestThe Gospel of the Lord.PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ. THE SERMON

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. SUMMARY: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21) –This was Christ's prayer to the Father. This was His prayer for his disciples, but also for us. This was Christ's cry—that the interpenetration between Christ and the Father should also be evident in His sons. SHOW NOTES: From the time when Christ was on earth, He has been bringing His sons into a oneness. The key to the oneness with one another is to penetrate into one another's hearts and spirits. The Holy Spirit welds us together by the words we speak and the daily practical things we do with each other and for each other. We believe to be brothers and sisters in the Father's family, but we cannot produce this depth of relationship ourselves; He must complete this. We cannot wall off our brothers and sisters, but need to believe that God can speak through them. It's the grace of God that enables us to become the Father's family. QUOTATIONS: God is looking for a family, and He is looking for that family to melt together by His Spirit. We're releasing one another from the inability in our personalities, in our spirits, whatever, in our being from being one. What is the relationship that Christ had with the Father? He had oneness. It's as if you walk in the Light as He is in the Light, then you have fellowship. We'll have all the family spirit that we want to see as we focus on Him, and He becomes all in all. It's the Lord Christ in one another; our oneness may start with our personal relationship with the Lord in the sky, but that transitions to Christ in the earth. He's manifesting Himself as Christ in His many-membered body. Our disagreement is evident in many cases of lack of the cross or lack of finishing the cross, because when you finish the cross, you are a different creation. Grace, Lord! Make me into that person who is totally Yours! REFERENCES:

Aly McCroskey, wedding photographer and host of the Oh Happy Day Podcast, shares a powerful perspective of what it means to live out your faith behind the camera. With over a decade in the wedding industry, she shares how beauty, service, and the Holy Spirit collide on event days. From unexpected rainstorms to soul-deep reflections on identity and calling, Aly's story is equal parts inspiring and practical. This episode is a vibrant reminder that even in high-pressure, creative work, Jesus shows up. HIGHLIGHTS On Obedience:  "How many times have I not been obedient to the Lord when he was nudging me to do something like that? Because I was afraid, afraid of how my client would act, afraid, you know, would happen forget, you know, that something in or seem inappropriate. And so that was such a good reminder to me to pay attention when the Holy Spirit is nudging you to do something. Because not only is that affecting you and your spiritual life, but it had an effect in my client, who was not a particularly religious person and showed her a glimpse that God cares about her and even small things about the weather on her wedding day." On the character of God: "God reveals aspects of his character to people in their various industries. Like people in medicine know different things about God than I might know as a photographer. And it really takes doing our redemptive work in the world, whatever that is, and sharing about it with others to sort of give humanity a full picture of God is really like and the things that he cares about."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript Learn more about Aly & her work Wild Cotton Photography  Wild Cotton Photography Instagram Oh Happy Day Podcast Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24) And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:9)  

Get Your House in Order: Living Prepared and Righteously • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.toddcoconato.com/give   1. Isaiah 38:1 (NKJV) “In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.”'”   2. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”   3. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NKJV) “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”   4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”   5. Romans 13:11-12 (NKJV) “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”   6. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”   7. 1 Timothy 3:4-5 (NKJV) “One who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)”   8. Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”   9. Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”   10. James 1:22 (NKJV) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” CCLI: 21943673  

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER: (not tax-deductible) You can find out how to become a monthly partner including how to receive your "thank you" gift - our bonus podcast called "Digging Deeper." God t: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Romans 16:17–20 - [17] I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. [18] For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. [19] For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. [20] The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (ESV) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen -- Support our SPANISH TRANSLATION podcast: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportSpanish -- Support our HINDI TRANSLATION podcast: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportHindi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.    

A true confession is not simply a matter of speaking a truth; rather, it is a matter of speaking the truth that is demanded under the circumstances. In fact, it is entirely possible to lie or to deceive with the truth. To say that it was the Romans who crucified Christ is entirely true, but to advance that particular truth in order to deny the truth that the Jews murdered the Lord Christ would be to lie with a truth. This is a tactic that Satan has employed from the very beginning. Today, we most often see this playing out with Christians who run to their doctrinal statements or confessions when faced with novel problems. The battles of the Reformation era were important (and remain important), but they are not the things that Satan is attacking today. The man who holds up his confession and denies that he could ever be wrong because he has Abraham (his doctrinal statement) as his father has become a pharisee who follows after Satan's footsteps in lying with the truth. Confessions must not become idols, and the battles of centuries ago are not the battles of today. To look upon the bronze serpent because God commanded it is one thing; to worship the bronze serpent because you have distorted what it was is another matter entirely. Satan is rightly called a serpent — do not give him the opening he needs. Show Notes See Also Further Reading Parental Warnings None.