Podcasts about lord christ

“Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me” (Philippians 1:24-25). Yesterday, Pastor Michael reflected on Paul's indifference, even hope in anticipation of his death, but also of his commitment to life for the sake of the church. In today's verses, Paul dives further into why he is committed to remaining an active part of the church that God is forming among the Gentiles. Paul's reasons for staying include the church's “progress and joy in the faith” as well as giving them reason to “boast in Christ Jesus.” Now, if you're like me, growing up reading this passage and others in Paul's corpus of letters where he makes similar statements, you might be asking yourself, “Doesn't Paul sound a bit arrogant? Does the church really live or die by Paul's presence?” Perhaps you're willing to concede that Paul, significant character that he is in the story of Scripture, may be justified in such a claim. He started a lot of churches, had a pretty compelling way of talking about Jesus, and certainly was used by God in some remarkable ways.  However, Paul's confidence in the importance of his presence with the church is not rooted in his particular talents. He is not confident merely in his own gifts for the church, but the necessity of his role as part of the body of Christ as a whole. This means that the claims he makes about the progress and joy of the church, and the fact that believers can boast on account of him are words that can and should apply to any member of a church. We are likely familiar with Paul's teaching on this subject in a different letter, his letter to the Corinthian church, where in chapter 12 he speaks of the necessity of all members of the body of Christ: “Suppose,” Paul says, “the foot says, ‘I am not a hand. So I don't belong to the body.' By saying this, it cannot stop being part of the body. And suppose the ear says, ‘I am not an eye. So I don't belong to the body.' By saying this, it cannot stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? God has placed each part in the body just as he wanted it to be . . . You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.” The reason that Paul is convinced that he must stay with the church to encourage its progress and joy, to give it a reason to boast in Christ, is because this is true of every single member of the body. Each member of Christ's church becomes an essential part of what God is doing in the world.  Are you as convicted as Paul is that you are necessary to the body of Christ? Do you go to church on Sunday morning, provide leadership as an office bearer, on a ministry team, leading youth of various ages, or volunteering in any other capacity within Immanuel or beyond its walls in the assurance that your presence makes a tangible difference–that it will lead to others' progress and joy in the faith, a reason to boast in Christ Jesus?  If your answer to this is “no,” read Paul's words again. They are as true of you, no matter who you are and what your role is in Christ's body, as they were of Paul, transformative leader that he was. If your answer to this question is “yes,” what are you doing to make sure that others around you are convinced of the same truth? We are Christ's body, and we have reason to remain members of one another and remind one another of why that is significant–for the sake of mutual joy and progress in the faith. For the sake of Christ and his kingdom. So 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body (Philippians 1:21-24). Thanks to Kyra for her wonderful series on “New Hope”. Now, back to Philippines. Our text helps us to accept our own impending death, a topic many avoid. Historically, people died at home, with family present. In many places, this is still the case. But in Canada, many die in hospitals or nursing homes, often alone. Their bodies are quickly moved to the morgue or sent to the crematorium, families not knowing what to do with death. It is the worst possible event for those who believe they have an inalienable right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. We cope with death by ignoring its existence. When I started in ministry, most families had a notion of what to do when a loved one died. Today, I often hear the question, “What are we supposed to do?” There are no cultural norms or rituals for responding to death. Preparation for it is avoided. Consider the effort put into staying young and fit. Into this vacuum, Christians enter with a different story. Paul is writing from his prison in Rome, knowing that execution is likely. So, both Paul and the Philippians are confronted with the specter of his imminent death. Paul is conflicted in this passage. He sees advantages both in dying and in staying alive. Paul has been saying, “Living well means seeking the glory of Christ.” This has been his motto since he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. When he dies, he will finally be with Christ and his sinfulness will no longer detract from his Lord's glory. As Christians, we believe that there is life after death, even the resurrection of our physical bodies. And that life is better than this one. Many people do not have this hope. To be with Christ is far better than to be here, says Paul. Do you believe that? When we do, it impacts how we live and how we view death. Paul's conflict is that he also believes the Philippian church still needs his service: “…it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” He is willing to stay. He is willing to sacrifice his own gain for the sake of the church. He lives what he will later write, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (2:4). Paul believes that continued life is a greater sacrifice than dying. Let me put it plainly, physical life or death are not of ultimate importance to Paul. Living means carrying out his calling to preach Christ and dying means gaining conformity with Christ's death and fellowship with him. He hopes for the outcome that will most clearly advance the gospel of Christ. This strikes us as strange if we have allowed the comforts of our present physical existence to have higher priority than Christ. Paul is astonishingly indifferent toward his own death. He invites us to take the same attitude. This is not, of course, to say that mourning is out of place for the Christian when loved ones die. The fact that they are with the Lord does not take away from our experience of loss. Tears are proper for believers. Jesus himself wept. We can face our own death with assurance, but not with indifference to those who will miss us. 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 22:1-5). Coming to the end of working through themes related to suffering and healing in connection with the New Hope program and hearing stories about our siblings in Christ in the global church, today we are going to talk about the opportunities for “looking forward” in community which are necessary to healing. In the final weeks of the New Hope program, we invite participants to complete two activities. First, we invite them to write down a source of pain, a sin, a situation or relationship causing suffering which they have reflected on over the course of the program, and write it on a slip of paper. We then burn these slips of paper at the foot of a wooden cross, with prayer and singing, choosing to surrender them to God. Having led the New Hope program over the course of a week in South Sudan, I was doubtful about its impact on some participants. There were three young women in my group who had not answered any of the questions during the week, had not eagerly participated in the rehearsal of the stories from Scripture, and had not engaged with me after the sessions alongside their peers. I had continually prayed for them each evening when the sessions were over, but I was not sure that the program was making the kind of headway it usually made. These young women had stories of tremendous pain–fathers shot dead in front of them in tribal conflict, young pregnancies as a result of sexual violence, and one girl who was living in a refugee camp in South Sudan having fled the bombing of her city in Sudan just months before. Could these stories and simple activities really have made any difference? On the afternoon we brought the slips of paper–and with them pain, suffering, and sin–to the foot of the cross, my perception of the way that God works was challenged. Girls were invited to give testimony of what God had begun to do in their lives that week. And what do you know? The three girls from my group who gave testimony to the others present, through tears and with thanksgiving to God, were the three girls I had assumed unmoved. God does not always work healing miracles for us to see. Others' healing, it turned out, was not about me. Us churchy people, perhaps especially leaders, are not always good at remembering that. When any one of us engages in healing, outreach, ministries of mercy–they are not about us. The people we serve will know our intentions very quickly. We need to have the courage to get out of our own way and allow ourselves to become channels of the Spirit. God will work; what is required of us is a humble acknowledgement of the privilege it is to participate. The second thing we do to wrap up the New Hope program is to engage with the passage from Revelation that we read for today: “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” I'll never forget the time I led New Hope with an intercultural group of young adult Egyptians, western expats, and Sudanese refugees living in Egypt who, when they acted out this story together, and without prompting, interpreted the line “And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” and began to take imaginary leaves off the tree and pass them to one another. This is indeed the beautiful work that is ours to do. When we begin to heal, by God's grace, we find the strength of the Spirit enabling us to extend that healing to others. And to recognize that we are part of a global and diverse church is to break down all barriers that existed in that room in Cairo, Egypt, but also in our community here in Hamilton–differences of personality, culture, ethnicity, race, nationality, experience–which led these young people to embrace the eschatological vision of Revelation and pull it into their present. May we too be compelled by this vision, arms outstretched, tree of life leaves in hand, offering friendship and belonging, healing and new life.  So 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?     How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts     and day after day have sorrow in my heart?     How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God.     Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”     and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love;     my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise,     for he has been good to me” (Psalm 13). Continuing to work through themes related to suffering and healing in connection with New Hope and hearing stories about our siblings in Christ in the global church, today we are going to talk about lament. In the fifth week of the New Hope program, participants engage with the story of Jesus' crucifixion, and they hear the words of Christ's own lament on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus is quoting the beginning of Psalm 22, a lament which would have been well-known by the Jewish onlookers and similar to Psalm 13, our text for today. Lament psalms like these are prevalent in Scripture, particularly in the Psalter. In fact, individual psalms of lament are the most common type of psalm in the Psalter. As we've just noted, Jesus himself, in his death on the cross, affirms the centrality of lament to the Christian experience of suffering. And yet, even as the importance of lament is being recovered in some church contexts, we are still often uncomfortable with this practice. John Calvin loved the psalms and wrote a commentary on them, describing the Psalter as an “anatomy of all parts of the soul.” Yet, many churches today continue to be ill-equipped with liturgical resources for the practice of lament. Perhaps this is because lament disrupts the status quo evident in popular modern cultural scripts related to suffering such as “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” or “mind over matter.” In answer, lament psalms give scriptural testimony to the importance of allowing space for deep grief, fear, betrayal, and anger, and inviting God to meet us there.  On another note, the language that these lament psalms use, addressing God directly and inviting him into suffering or questioning his role in it, challenge another impulse common in our context–that suffering can only be effectively dealt with through medical or psychological interventions, and that spiritual and religious traditions are only for the seasons that things are going well or for the private lives of individuals, not to be engaged in the public sphere (something the church regrettably and often unintentionally confirms when we fail to engage in lament in corporate worship and allow it to translate into public action for justice).  In one New Hope group I led, a training for ministry leaders from around the world who were learning the program so as to be able to pass it along to their own ministry teams, one of the leaders confessed in frustrated tears to the group that they could not engage in the activity for this fifth week of the program. The activity involved writing a lament using four simple prompts: First, “Jesus, these things happened to me…” Second, “Jesus, I am/I feel…” Third, “Jesus, the worst part of this was…”  The fourth prompt was the most challenging for the leader because it then makes the same movement that Psalm 13 does in the last couple of verses when it says, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise,  for he has been good to me.” The fourth prompt asks participants to finish this statement: “But I believe (or want to believe because I've heard this about you) that you are…” This prompt indicates that lament is not an expression of the worshipper's own experience or personal desires exclusively, but always grounded in God's character and faithfulness. It's often the greatest challenge because, in the midst of deep suffering, it is only natural to wonder about who God is and what he is up to. What we came to together as a group of ministry leaders when we discussed our members' challenge with writing this part of the lament is that this final phrase is not simply tritely hopeful or falsely optimistic. Rather, it is an acknowledgment that the source of our complaint or our pain is something which not only offends and causes us pain, but it is actually an offense to God himself. The Bible's testimony is that the sin and evil which causes harm to God's beloved creation, including each of us, is even more painful to God. Thus, lament faithfully insists that God be who God has revealed himself to be.  If you'd like to try writing a lament of your own today, I'll include the prompts in the notes of the podcast. God is not threatened by your complete honesty about your pain. He chose to make known his character and promises to his people. So you can freely answer: How are you hurting today? What do you believe, or want to believe, about who God is? 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors. Lament Prompts Jesus, these things happened to me: ____________________________ Jesus, I am/I feel ____________________________ (suffering, hurting, in pain, discouraged, desperate) Jesus, the worst part of this was ____________________________ But I believe (or want to believe because I've heard this about you) that you are ____________________________  

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?' ‘You see the people crowding against you,' his disciples answered, ‘and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?'' But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering'” (Mark 5:25-34). This week, we are continuing to work through themes related to suffering and healing in connection with the New Hope program and hearing stories about our siblings in Christ in the global church. If you haven't been following along with this series, feel free to look back to last Wednesday's podcast intro which will provide some context. “Go in peace,” Jesus said to the woman in front of him, “and be freed from your suffering.” I read these last words and look up, and I see the woman's shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. The silent tears rolling down the young man's cheeks. Tears fill my own eyes. God is doing something in this room, and to say anything else, to add anything to Jesus' own words seems somehow wrong.  It is week four of the New Hope program, it's February of 2024, and I am gathered in a room full of my friends, most of them Sudanese refugees living in Egypt, those forced to flee when the war broke out again in Sudan in April 2023. A war that most of the world had, at this point, largely ignored for the better part of a year. A war which had resulted in more than 150,000 deaths of civilians through a combination of bombings and massacres but also malnutrition and disease resulting from lack of access to basic life necessities. The woman across from me, weeping, had escaped from Sudan and into Egypt the previous spring, having been held at gunpoint by officials, separated from both her older brother and the man she had intended to marry just weeks after the war broke out. The young man with tears running down his face escaped with his aunts, but neither of them have been able to re-establish contact with any other loved ones who remained in Sudan–at least as far as they know–since the beginning of the war. They face discrimination daily in their lives in Cairo, treated as outsiders by most they encounter. The group has just walked through the story of the bleeding woman and her encounter with Jesus through a visualization activity which ends with an invitation for the listener to do as the woman did, to tell Jesus the whole truth. To tell him their story. We paused for silence. Then the words of Jesus, “Daughter, son, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” They hang in the air in the room. “Amin, amin, amin,” a woman's voice says through tears, as though with the voice of the woman in the story herself, “bashkorak ya rob.” Or, in English, “Amen, amen, amen, thank you God.”  In my mind, there isn't any kind of exegetical work or systematic theology (necessary though those things are) that does a better job of explaining what Jesus does than what happened in that room that day. I think the invitation for us, in reading this story, is much the same as it is for New Hope participants. To walk through the story and allow it, allow Christ, to encounter us as we are.  So who are you in the story today? Are you the woman, struggling desperately forward, believing that to touch Jesus will mean your healing? Are you the disciples, skeptical of Jesus' encounter? Are you in the crowd of onlookers, watching in wonder or judgment? Are you being given the opportunity to, like Jesus, extend belonging and mercy to someone in pain and fear, desperate to believe who he is, desperate for transformation? No matter where you are in the story, it is for you, as are Jesus' words–to claim as your own and to offer to others: “Daughter, son, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”  So 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

“And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road!     Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” For this is what the high and exalted One says—     he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place,     but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly     and to revive the heart of the contrite. I will not accuse them forever,     nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me—     the very people I have created. I was enraged by their sinful greed;     I punished them, and hid my face in anger,     yet they kept on in their willful ways. I have seen their ways, but I will heal them;     I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel's mourners,     creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,”     says the Lord. “And I will heal them.” (Is. 57:14-19). Today, we are continuing to work through themes related to suffering and healing in connection with the New Hope program and hearing stories about our siblings in Christ in the global church. If this is your first devotional this week, and this doesn't sound familiar, the first few minutes of Wednesday's episode provide more context. In the third week of the New Hope program, we talk about barriers to our healing and in our relationships with God, others, and ourselves. We read Scripture together and do a drawing activity to demonstrate how we see these barriers. In one group, a young woman sat staring at her paper for the better part of ten minutes as the women around her created detailed images of the barriers they perceived in their own lives. When the time was nearly up, she scribbled down two words and showed them to the group: “sin” and “suffering.” “I can't figure out where one ends and the other begins,” she said. “What part of my pain is my fault, and what part is other people's fault. It seems easy for the rest of you to find the line, but I don't know how.” This young woman had suffered from several addictions and escaped an abusive relationship. She, like so many others in her circumstances, had been shamed by others into blaming herself for what she had experienced. She wondered aloud to her group whether God's grace was for someone like her. She had left her home country and run far from the source of her pain, but as is true of many in these circumstances, to escape physically is only to have one of many barriers removed. Today's verses from Isaiah draw us into the situation of the people of Israel post-Babylonian exile. Following closely after chapters which speak hopefully of God's redemption of his people from their captivity by a foreign empire, the later chapters of Isaiah, including today's passage, reflect a kind of disappointment among the people. They were free from exile but not experiencing the kind of dramatic restoration they had expected their freedom to bring. They were back in the land of their ancestors, but their holy cities had become a wilderness, and there were serious divisions in the community about pressing ethical issues. They had been forced to recognize the reality of their sin, as well as the persisting effects of the suffering inflicted on them in exile. Like the woman in New Hope, the line between their own responsibility and that of others was blurry. They had moved physically out of captivity, but barriers in relationship with God and others remained.  What is God's response in today's passage? He reminds them that he lives “in a high and holy place” but that this does not prevent him from being “also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit.” He acknowledges his anger at their sin, but promises healing, guidance, and restoration for mourners.  For God, the barriers that his people construct, whether due to their own sin or to protect themselves from the pain inflicted by others, like the young woman in New Hope, are not insurmountable: “Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people,” he commands. To those of us who live with–or watch people we love live with–the lingering effects of sin or suffering, and to those of us for whom the line between them remains indiscernible, causing us to wonder whether God's grace is wide enough, receive this promise to his people: “I have seen their ways, but I will heal them . . . Peace, peace, to those far and near, says the Lord.” So 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day” (Gen. 1:27-31). For those of you who listened to yesterday's reflection, you will recall that Pastor Michael is away for the week, and so we are going to take a break from our progress through Philippians. For a few days, I'm going to walk us through a week of devotional reflections based on themes of a program called New Hope, which I participated in and led during my time serving in Egypt and South Sudan. If you didn't get the chance to listen yesterday, I invite you to go back and listen to the first couple of minutes to get a sense of what the program is and how it will shape this week's installments of Wilderness Wanderings. The first time I led the New Hope program was with a group of Egyptian women and girls. About half the group were employees of a non-profit serving unhoused children and youth; the other half were unhoused youth themselves. In particular, in this group, were several young girls who were teenage mothers. In an honour-shame culture like Egypt, a teen pregnancy has impacts often beyond what we can imagine in a western context. These girls did not have any family support system, lived in a shelter (one of just two I am aware of in the whole city), and were cared for by non-profit staff. In week two of the New Hope program, we read the story of creation together, including today's verses, and reflect on what the story tells us about God and about us. The three things about today's verses which resonated most with the young women in the group were the fact that they are created in God's image, that God gave them a task–to be fruitful and to rule, and that God called all that he created good. One of the girls, through tears, remarked that she found hope in God seeing everything he had made and calling it very good: “That,” she said, “is very different from the way that everyone else sees me and my baby. Is it really how God sees us?”  The verses we are looking at today are known in our tradition as the “cultural mandate,” humanity's God-given vocation at the time of creation. It might seem curious to some of us to start here. I've said I'll be taking us through a series on suffering and healing, and at the point these words enter the story of God, there is no suffering and thus no need for healing. But that's exactly why we need to start here. Just as the girls recognized so poignantly, the cultural mandate reveals how God sees all of us, all of his creation. Before we can talk about the corrupting forces of evil which cause suffering, we need to understand God's intention for creation. Before we talk about healing, we need to understand humanity's telos, the way in which we were created and what we were created for. Only then can we discern the reason that suffering impacts us in the way it does and, ultimately, the end to which our healing is meant to bring us: As the girls recognized, to the dignity of identity with the Creator, and the empowerment to participate as co-creators of life in all its forms. So 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

While Pastor Michael is away for the week, we are going to take a break from our progress through Philippians, and I'm going to walk us through a week of devotional reflections based on a program that I participated in and led five times during my time in Egypt and (briefly) in South Sudan. Just for today, our reflection is going to be a little bit longer than usual so I can provide some context for this. The program is called New Hope, and it was developed by a team of licensed clinical psychologists and counsellors, church planters, and resource specialists in teaching Scripture in oral cultures, focused on multiplying healing in suffering communities.  Rather than taking us through the entirety of the program (not possible in short reflections like these) I am going to lead us thematically through elements of it, focusing on key Scriptures which illustrate the themes, and sharing with you brief stories of the ways that I witnessed healing through them. I trust that as we daily encounter Scripture and the stories of our siblings in Christ in the global church, we will experience the Holy Spirit drawing connections between their stories, our own stories, and God's great story, directing our attention to the way that our God works through his word and his church to multiply healing for the sake of his kingdom. Our text for today is from Gen. 45:4-8: “Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.' When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt'” (Gen. 45:4-8). These verses come from the end of the story that groups tell together in the first week of New Hope, the story of Joseph–favoured son of Jacob, who is sold into slavery by his brothers, accused of sexually assaulting his first master's wife, sent to jail, interprets dreams for the king of Egypt and his servants, and is eventually released and put in charge of years of plenty and famine in the land of Egypt and its surrounding regions. Here at the end of the story, Joseph, second in command over all of Egypt, makes himself known to his brothers, who have appeared before him without recognition to receive food during the famine. It is a remarkable ending to a complicated story full of suffering in many forms. This part of the Joseph story also provides the vision statement for the New Hope program, a paraphrased version of the words we have just heard Joseph speak to his brothers upon the revelation that he is still alive. The goal for New Hope participants is that they would be able to come to terms with their suffering in such a way that they can truthfully say with Joseph, “Do not be afraid. You meant to harm me. But God has used what has happened for good. Not just for me, but so that many other people can be saved.”   Like Joseph himself at the beginning of this narrative, most people beginning the New Hope program are highly skeptical about the truth of Joseph's words to his brothers. Perhaps, in the midst of your own suffering, you are too. “Don't be afraid,” (or don't be distressed, in the version we read today), is how Joseph begins. Well, that's already quite something. It's the most frequently given command in Scripture, and perhaps it has been a comfort to you in seasons of suffering. But for others, maybe it just feels like an extra burden for an already difficult season. If you look closely at the contexts this command is given in Scripture, it quickly becomes apparent that this is one of God's instructions which is not necessarily meant to logically cohere with the circumstances in which it is given. For example, it is offered to the Israelites at the shore of the Red Sea, while Pharaoh's army is hot on their tail, by Jesus to Jairus when he comes to him with his daughter on the brink of death, and by Peter in his letter to churches scattered throughout Asia Minor and facing intense persecution. All of these people have good reason to be afraid, and the command is not a judgment of their fear, but an expression of God's heart for his people–that he does not desire their fear nor the circumstances that cause it. Thus, with this command, suffering individuals or communities are invited to witness in hope to something that is beyond their immediate reality. The command “do not be afraid” is not all that Joseph says. He goes on to insist not only that it was God, and not his brothers, who sent him to Egypt, but that he did so for the salvation of Joseph's brothers and the many others who received food during the time of famine through his leadership. Joseph is able to see redemption in his pain, and able to forgive his brothers because he has taken note of God's presence with him and his plan not only for him in the midst of his pain, but for others encountering suffering whom God has cared for through Joseph's presence. If Joseph's declaration is a difficult one to hear today because God's redemption of your pain still feels an impossibly long way off, I would draw your attention to Genesis 39. Just a few chapters before Joseph's words in our passage for today, three times (vv. 2, 21, 23), the narrator of the story notes that “the Lord was with Joseph.” This does not mean that Joseph was free of his suffering. He remained in slavery and then in prison. His circumstances did not change, but God was present with him there. And he is present with you. To trust that, and to trust with Joseph that God works for good, even in suffering, not just for us, but so that many might be saved, is not easy. For some of us in the midst of pain, it may be beyond our capacity right now. And that's okay. Your uncertainty is not a liability to God because he is not confined to what we can imagine. So do not be afraid.  As you go 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:18-21). Yesterday, Kyra adeptly explored Paul's ability to rejoice in the proclamation of the gospel, even when that proclamation comes from impure motives. This rejoicing leads him to reflect on his current situation: imprisonment for the gospel. He expects deliverance by either of two means: release from prison or death. It doesn't matter which. Both are a good end if he does not bring shame to Christ. Is Paul being flippant about his life? Does his life have only marginal value? Not in the least! To understand this, we remember the first great commandment, “love the Lord our God will all of our being” (Mark 12:30). This includes our bodies. Secondly, we recall Jesus words in Luke 9:23, “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Since he met Jesus on the road to Damascus Paul has been practicing this kind of life. He has been dying and rising with Christ. Daily denying himself. Daily loving God with his body. Daily facing death for and with Jesus. Daily experiencing Christ's new life. His life hinges on his Lord's death and resurrection. Having daily lived this kind of life, Paul is convinced that through the prayers of the Philippian Christians and the Holy Spirit, God will deliver him, either by release from prison or by death. Following Jesus, Paul has daily picked up his own cross—a thorn in the flesh, enduring suffering and hardship, bearing grief, tending to difficult relationships, repenting from sin. In this work of dying to self: relinquishing control, admitting weakness, grieving well, turning from sin, offering forgiveness and blessing to enemies—Paul has learned what it means to face death well. To face it, indeed, with hope and trust that the Spirit works to bring the new life and fruitfulness of Christ in every circumstance. As he writes in 2 Corinthians 4:10-11, “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” That's how Paul lived. Paul knows the Lord may secure his release from prison. Even so, he will die soon. He knows that. He is an old man. But, since he has lived for many years, picking up his cross daily, dying to himself with Christ, and thereby, discovering the new life of Christ in his own body, he can rejoice. He has discovered that dying to self always leads to new life in Jesus. The future holds no fear for him: he will keep living for Christ or gain all the glories promised for believers. An old Christian tradition says that the role of the church is to prepare us for a good death. When we live for ourselves, life is always too short. There is never enough time to satisfy our itches. Death cannot be good. When we live for Christ by dying to self, then life and death are not so different. Then physical death is just another way of dying to self to be filled with the life of Christ. Do you live in this way? Do you already now practice for a good, Christian death? If not, you can start today. 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Philippians 1:5-18). Last week, Pastor Michael talked about the challenge of praying for and loving our fellow believers who frustrate or disappoint us by their words and actions. In the verses today, Paul adds a layer of complexity in being obedient to this command. There are some, he says, who preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, with selfish ambition and not sincerity, to stir up trouble.  Many of us have likely encountered people, whether in-person in churches we have attended, or in online ministry or other spaces, and discerned that perhaps their motives in sharing Christ with others are not entirely pure. We are regularly exposed to stories of the corruption of church leaders whose ministries are centred around ego and personality, and yet in those same places are congregants who speak about transformation, of conversions, baptisms, healed bodies and relationships, care for the poor and oppressed. What do we make of such collisions of beauty and brokenness? In the words of Paul in today's verses, I think we see a couple layers to the way we are called to respond. First, is the necessity to name what is wrong, to call out false motives, to bring to light abuses of the gospel message for the sake of personal advancement. There is a temptation to read this passage as a sort of “ends justify the means” approach to ministry, to ignore the twisting of scripture and mistreatment of persons through a misreading of the text which declares, “Well, Paul said that we must rejoice whenever the gospel is shared! Sometimes that requires us to put up with the consequences of bad leadership.” But before Paul's declaration of joy, he names the false motivations of envy, rivalry, selfish ambition, and stirring up trouble. He draws the church's attention to those who would presumably use the message of Christ in such ways, with the intention to put them on their guard, not to excuse their behaviour. This is the first thing Paul does, and to forget this has been, in the history of the church, to use passages like this one to sanction or turn a blind eye to much abuse. When he has called out the failures of leaders, Paul then gives thanks for the preaching of the gospel in spite of the falseness of those who have done the preaching. Now, how is it that he can do that? How do we ourselves follow this pattern without the mistake we have just identified? First, we need to examine ourselves. Rather than being too quick to identify ourselves as the Philippian church, subject to false motives of others, we need to discern our own false motives, our own twisting of the gospel to serve our own ends, and our own limitations to see how Christ is at work among those with whom we might disagree, those whom we might be tempted to “stir up” our own trouble for.  Second, we are called to develop, by the Spirit, a capacity to do what is at the heart of the gospel (but also one of its most challenging expectations): To live in paradox. To find redemption in brokenness. To anticipate resurrection as we contemplate the cross. To hope in the “already and not yet” of new creation.  To give thanks for a gospel message preached even with false motivation as Paul does in these verses requires profound spiritual maturity and prayerful discernment with the community of the church. It requires condemning and pursuing consequences for what is false and still desiring what is true, even when it means we have to do a lot of untangling to find it. This kind of work can be deeply painful, and so it is critical that we remember that to bring beauty out of brokenness, redemption out of sin, led Jesus on the road to Golgotha, to his very death on a cross. And so, as we do this work, we are not alone. And it is for this reason that we can, even as Paul did in chains and subject to the trouble-making of others, rejoice. So 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

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

Brothers and sisters, here is what I want you to know. What has happened to me has actually helped to spread the good news. One thing has become clear. I am being held by chains because I am a witness for Christ. All the palace guards and everyone else know it. And because I am a prisoner, most of the believers have become bolder in the Lord. They now dare even more to preach the good news without fear (Philippians 1:12-14). It is easy to become discouraged. We confront a constant flood of bad news. On the day I'm writing this, the opening pages of the Hamilton Spectator include these headlines: wildfires, two dead, cop killer trial, suspicious home explosion, a shooting, several other deaths, increased tariffs, more on the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas. Quickly our horizon becomes clouded with nothing but bad news. We begin to despair. This is nothing new. The Philippians had their own flow of bad news. This new little Christian community was already under threat and ostracized from their pagan neighbours. Now news comes that their founding pastor, Paul, is in prison. If Paul was jailed—would they be next? Was following this Jesus worth it? Suffering, or the prolonged exposure to the suffering of others, can lead to despair and difficult questions. Fear creeps in. Trust erodes. In beginning his letter with prayers of thanks and joy for the Philippians, Paul attempts to cut the roots of this hopelessness. Now, he addresses the situation directly. Yes, he's in prison. But, “What has happened to me has actually helped to spread the good news.” These chains are not what they seem. They have become an opportunity for witness—an opportunity to live in the humble, self-giving way of Christ. God is using these chains for good. Others have taken notice. Many Christians in Rome—noticing the impact Paul's imprisonment is having--are now encouraged to proclaim the gospel. They are willing to take loses for Jesus, the one who gave everything up for them. Hopelessness, despair, and fear can always creep up on us. It is easy to become discouraged. Ironically, these chains offer us a different story. Paul lives in the power of Jesus, has everything he needs in Jesus. He proclaims a God who knows how to bring good out of the bad. A situation in which hope may have eroded becomes a launching pad for it. Because Jesus is alive, Paul does not need to fear death. Because Jesus is alive, Paul has a good word of hope and life to speak, even to his captors. Paul had already lost all things in Jesus, what more could Caesar do to him? In that situation, Paul was free to live for Jesus with joy and thanks, despite his chains. And he brought an uncommon hope to all. This utterly unexpected, counter-cultural witness to Jesus in the way of Jesus, is what turned heads and empowered the church. These verses come to us to encourage us. As Paul writes elsewhere: nothing can separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38).  And as Jesus himself says: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” So as with Paul in his chains, let us take heart today and do not be afraid—Jesus is with us, no matter the suffering we face. 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). Paul, having expressed his prayerful gratitude for the Philippian church and demonstrated how it is that believers are called to love one another in spite of shared brokenness, in today's verses records for the church the very words of his intercessory prayer for them. His prayer contains several elements—that they would grow in love and knowledge, be filled with righteousness, and that all of this would be to the glory and praise of God. He begins with the request that their love “abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” Paul has already, as we have explored, expressed the mutual love between himself and the Philippian church in Christ. And yet, he begins with a prayer for a further increase in love, this time for the sake of discernment. The love that Paul calls this church to is not just a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is a posture of the heart which must also be accompanied by wisdom so that it may be expressed rightly through what Paul describes as “pure and blameless.” However, Paul's prayer is not only about right behaviour. He prays that the church will be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” It is through belief in Christ's righteousness and growing love for him and for one another, as discussed yesterday, that their lives will come to display the fruit of righteousness in what is pure and blameless. Chapters 2 and 3, the theological core of this letter, will go on to talk more about what the righteousness of Christ looks like, so stay tuned. Finally, Paul prays that this transformation in the community in Philippi would be “to the glory and praise of God.” With this, Paul indicates that there is a relationship between what the church does, what we believe, and how we praise God. In other words, Christian ethics, doctrine, and worship are all connected. When one of these elements is disregarded or disrupted in a church community, we feel its impact deeply. We will see Paul address related challenges in the Philippian community later in the letter.  You too can likely testify to this in your own experience with churches you have been a part of. When we are not sure what we believe about God, it can be hard to make decisions about how to live our lives. When ethical questions are pressing and divisive within a community, it can be hard to worship together on a Sunday morning. These are just a couple of examples, and solutions are not simple.  So where do we start? Well, with Paul, we are called to pray for our communities, that we may grow in love and discernment which will instruct us in the integration of our worship, belief, and practice. And we remember that in all of this, Christ walks with us. It is his righteousness with which we are filled. And it is his grace which gives us peace even as we do this work imperfectly, recalling Paul's earlier words that we can be confident that he, Christ, who has begun a good work in you, in us as his body, will carry it on to completion.  So 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.  

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:7-8) Yesterday, we heard about Paul's joyful, thankful attitude in prayer for the Philippians. Now, it appears that he needs to defend these attitudes -- “It is right for me to feel this way,” he begins. Always giving thanks, always praying with joy—it does sound a little too good to be true. Have you met such a church? I have seen my fair share of ‘irreconcilable' differences between Christians. Let's think about our fellow church members. Can we say about all of them: “I thank God every time I remember you…In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…I have you in my heart…I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus”? The more Christians we get to know the more challenging this becomes. We cut each other off in the parking lot. We cut each other off when voicing our opinions at meetings. We make light of each other's pain; we stay away from people in pain. We make rude comments about each other online. The church is full of sinful, broken people (just like you and me). Most Christians can name a few in their own congregation that have caused frustration, anger, or hurt. And Paul wants us to partner in the gospel with people like that? -- judgmental hypocrites, insensitive leaders, short-sighted fanatics, culture warriors, political partisans? It's often easier to strike out on our own: to another church, to another denomination, to be spiritual but not religious – do our own thing with God. The Philippian church was full of sinful, broken people. Paul will allude to some of that. And yet, despite who they were, Paul writes these words of thanks and joy. Knowing some might not believe him, he gives his rationale -- “Because all of you share in God's grace with me.” In other words, “When I look at you—when I remember you—I don't think of all the wrinkles and stains—the sin spots. They're not the most important thing about you. When I look at you—I see the good work of God. I see the saints—the holy people of God in Christ Jesus who have believed in Him and so have received His grace to cover all their failures and faults. We share in that grace together. We share in that fellowship and partnership in the gospel, together. We share in the bonds of Christian love, together. And because of that—because you and I are in the heart of God and he in ours—you are in my heart as well.” Love covers over a multitude of sin (1 Peter 4:8). Such love comes from God. Only when we see this grace of God in others, when we see them as saints because the Spirit dwells in them, can we come to love them as we ourselves have been loved. It is in recognizing and sharing in the grace of God that we can give thanks for our fellow church members. Only then can we hold them in our hearts. May our eyes be open to the grace and face of Christ in our fellow Christians and in the church.  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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:1-2). Daily editions of Wilderness Wanderings are back for the months of June and July. At Immanuel, we have hired Kyra Schat to work as a pastoral intern for these months, and she and I will reflect on the letter to the Philippians. Here is a meditation on the opening verses. In ancient days, there was a standard pattern used to begin a letter. Paul used that formula, making slight modifications whereby he offered hints of the issues to be addressed. In these opening verses, there are two things to note: the phrases, “servants of Christ Jesus” and, “holy people” (or saints). Paul uses the first phrase to describe himself and Timothy. The word servant, better rendered as slave. There is an unmistakable undertone of humility and submission in this self-description. Paul, nearing the end of his life, has served many years as an apostle, planted numerous churches, and in other letters heaped up his credentials. But here he willingly names himself a slave of Jesus Christ; nothing more. He models a humility which later he will urge the Philippians to follow. Although Paul is God's apostle, set apart and called by God to his task (Gal. 1:1, 15), and although Timothy is an approved co-worker with Paul in this important service (Phil. 2:22), Paul refuses to mention these high qualifications. Instead, he emphasizes their common role as slaves of Christ Jesus. On the other hand, he gives the leaders of the Philippian church their appropriate titles of dignity. In this small way, he shows concern not for his own interests but for the interests of others (cf. 2:4). This stands as an example for all Christians and particularly for church leaders. Life in the church is not about advancement, nor the gathering of titles and honours. Not then, and not now. In our churches, the difference between elders, deacons and pastors is not one of status. None of us should minimize our place in the church because of our role; nor should we seek applause or honours. He names the Christians “saints”, referring to their status as the people whom God has called and set apart as his community. It has nothing to do with our modern notion about being holier than others. Rather, it's a calling to live our lives according to the pattern laid out by Jesus, empowered by his Spirit. This term reminds us that we are united with one another not by our own decision but by God choosing us to be his treasured possession (cf. Ex. 19:5–6). We tend to miss this in our democratic society in which the individual has the ultimate choice, many of us choosing which church to belong to. In reality, we are brought together in Christ's blood and called to follow Christ together. This greeting hints at Paul's main concern: Christian unity. One critical means of achieving it: humility, placing the interests of others ahead of one's own. We should not claim the privileges that rightfully belong to us, but look out for the interests of others. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God, keeping your eyes on the humility of Christ Jesus: 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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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)

INTRODUCTION Paul next applied the implication of this exhortation to various groups of Christians. "What is beyond question is that the three paragraphs which follow are given as examples of Christian submission, and that the emphasis throughout is on submission." He addressed six groups: wives and husbands (3:18-19), children and FATHERS (20-21) and slaves and masters (3:22-4:1). In each of the three pairings, the first partner is responsible to be submissive or obedient However the second partner is also to show a submissive spirit. All are to relate to one another as unto the Lord. This is one of several "house-rule" lists in the New Testament (cf. Eph. 5:22—6:9; 1 timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:1-10; 1 Pet. 2:18—3:7). The writings of some Apostolic Fathers also contain such lists. "Too much so-called 'holiness teaching' emphasizes a personal relationship to Jesus Christ without any attempt to indicate its consequences in terms of relationships with the people we live and work with. In contrast to such holiness-in-a-vacuum, which magnifies experiences and minimizes ethics, the apostles spelled out Christian duty in the concrete situations of everyday life and work." When God controls us, we experience harmony in the home and in the workplace, in spite of possible friction, tension, and opposition there. Up to this point Paul has been describing how we ought to live In what might appear at first to be an abrupt change of direction, Paul begins to describe how various family members are to conduct themselves The responsibilities of wives The responsibilities of husbands The responsibilities of children The responsibilities of fathers The responsibilities of servants or employees The responsibilities of masters or employers 3. But the subject matter is really not so abrupt as it may appear, for Paul mentioned earlier... How the church is to treat each other How we are to put on certain attributes which show we love Christ...and it is through family relationships that we can often do this more successfully than in any other way! 4. How can this be? It is through our families that we interact so much with the society in which we live... Thus it is through our families we have great potential to demonstrate the wisdom of God... The same principles that underlie the gospel message (submission, love, sacrifice, obedience, honesty, fairness) are to be displayed in our family relationships By example, then, we can demonstrate in our families what is truly good and right (i.e., God's will), and prepare others to be receptive to the gospel message!   Thus Paul is not abruptly changing direction, but continues to talk about those sort of things which are crucial to having a "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called". The root problem is pride and wanting first place in everything Satan: Is 12 Submission involves voluntarily putting oneself under another's authority              The idea implicit in the term is “to place under” (in the active voice).  As it is found in our text, the idea would be, “to subordinate oneself” or “to place oneself under.” In general terms, submission is the placing of oneself under the one to whom we submit. Since we are commanded to submit ourselves one to another, we are to place all others above ourselves. This idea is certainly not foreign to the New Testament, nor is it found only where the term “submit” is employed:             It is the love of our Lord which prompted Him to subordinate His own rights and privileges, and to humiliate Himself by taking on human flesh, and then by death on Calvary. In His first coming, Jesus not only submitted Himself to the will of the Father (see Matthew 26:39), He also submitted His interests to the interests of lost sinners, whom He would save by His death, burial, and resurrection:             Phil. 2:3-8 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.            I doubt that any one word can sum up the heart of what the Scriptures mean by submission. Let me suggest several words, each of which identifies a certain element of submission. The first word is “surrender.” Submission is a voluntary act or surrendering one's rights or will. The second word is” sacrifice.”  The third is “service.” The service which is rendered those to whom we submit often involves a sacrifice. It costs us something to render service to the other person. A fourth term is “authority,” while a fifth is “obedience.” When we submit to one who has authority over us, we should evidence this submission, in part, by our obedience. On the other hand, when we submit to those under our authority, we evidence this with sacrificial service. The final term is “priority.” Those to who we submit have, in some manner, priority over us, our rights, our pleasure, or our will.   Mt 8:5-10 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." 7 And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." 8 The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 "For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! Submission involves Sacrifice and Responsibility Jesus gave up His rights yet maintained His responsibilities. The biblical concept of authority emphasizes responsibility, not tyranny Responsible authority does not wield power; it serves with it." The writer to the Hebrews has much to say about the sacrificial aspects of our Lord's earthly ministry (see chapter 9). We must distinguish between what we are as a person in Christ and what role we are to portray about Christ and His church. We are all given a role to play, but a subordinate role does not imply an inferior relationship to Christ. If someone were to protest that the role they have been given to play is beneath them, Let's remind ourselves that we are not worthy of any role. We were, as sinners, worthy only of Christ's eternal wrath. Any role is a privilege. And, also, that in order to achieve our salvation at Calvary, Jesus took on a role which was beneath Him. Finally, I would say that the values assigned to our roles by our culture are opposite to those assigned by God. Do you think it demeaning to hold a position of service? Our Lord has taught us that to be the greatest is to serve, and not to be served (Matthew 20:20-28,           Mr 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.").    Why, then, should we agonize about any role which God has graciously given to us? A CALL TO WALK IN MATRIMONIAL HARMONY (18-19) DUTIES OF WIVES (18) Submit to their own husbands, as to the Lord (18) DUTIES OF HUSBANDS (19) Love their wives Don”t be bitter towards them FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES THE DUTY OF CHILDREN... (20) Children are to obey their parents in a way that honors them But there are also spiritual repercussions - cf. Co 3:20 ("for this is well pleasing to the Lord") THE DUTY OF FATHERS... (21) Fathers are charged negatively.. DON'T provoke children (i.e., put unreasonable demands on them, exasperate them) Lest they be discouraged THE DUTY OF SERVANTS OR EMPLOYEES... (22) In the First Century A.D., servants or slaves were an intricate part of many households, which may explain Paul including instructions to them and masters in this and parallel passages - cf. Eph 5:22-6:9 Christians who were servants or employees we could say in today's setting were expected to demonstrate the proper kind of obedience required of all Christians... Obedience in sincerity of heart, as to Christ Himself, not with eye service, as men-pleasers Obedience with fear of God, Holy and reverential fear of God[i] - cf. Ph 2:10 Obedience with good will, as to the Lord Obedience with an understanding that the Lord is an impartial Judge In this way even slaves or employees in today's setting could demonstrate by example what true obedience was according to the Will of God Col 3:24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Paul reminds the believers that there are rewards to come for the good and faithful servants of Christ. Christians are to work as if they are in God's service: they ‘serve the Lord Christ'. This is their calling, so they are to do the best they can and pray for grace and protection (Matt. 6:13). Whatever believers do for their Savior here on earth it will not be regretted; in fact, when they reach heaven they will wish that they had given more to him who gave everything for them (John 21:15–17). Ultimately, we do not work for our employer but for the Lord Jesus Christ. Understanding this principle will help produce a better and healthier attitude to work and allow us to do the unpleasant tasks with patience. There are rewards promised and waiting for believers in heaven after a lifetime of faithful service[ii] Col 3:25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. THE DUTY OF MASTERS OR EMPLOYERS... (4:1) Those Christians who had slaves (like Philemon) were charged to treat their servants in very special ways: " give your bondservants what is just and fair", i.e., their treatment of slaves should be governed by the same sort of principles given to the servants...             1) "with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ"             2) "not with eyeservice...but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart"            3) "with good will...as to the Lord, and not to men" By their example, masters could demonstrate the proper exercise of authority, and reveal much about how our Master in heaven rules over us in the kingdom of God! This series of warnings is actually a practical application of Colossians 3:17: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” It is by His power and authority that we should live in our daily relationships. If He is the preeminent One in our lives, then we will love each other, submit to each other, obey, and treat one another fairly in the Lord.[iii] Our Lord Jesus became a slave in order to bring about our salvation (Mark 10:45), and thus also became an example of submission for slaves (1 Peter 2:18-25). Paul often referred to himself as the Lord's slave (see Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 9:19). Beyond this, every Christian has been delivered from slavery to sin, and has become a slave of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:16-20; 14:4; 1 Corinthians 7:22). And so the instructions which Paul gives to “slaves” applies to every Christian, as Christ's slave. Paul contrasted masters according to the flesh with the Master of the human spirit, namely, Jesus Christ. Christian slaves owed their earthly masters obedience. Obedience demonstrated their submission to Christ. "Christianity does not offer us escape from circumstances; it offers us conquest of circumstances." Earthly rank has no relevance in heaven As we review this section of duties, we need to remind ourselves that only a WORD filled or Spirit-filled believer will be able to fulfill them (3:16-17). Essentially what Paul urged was humility that expresses itself in loving submissiveness to others rather than arrogant self-assertiveness. CONCLUSION It would be well for us to review Ephesians 5:18–6:9 and note the parallels between that passage and the one we have just studied. This section of Ephesians emphasizes being filled with the Spirit, while the Letter to the Colossians emphasizes being filled with the Word; but the evidences are the same: joyful, thankful, and submissive living. To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled by the Word. The fullness of the Spirit and the fullness of the Word are needed in the home. If family members are controlled by the Spirit of God and the Word of God, they will be joyful, thankful, and submissive—and they will have little trouble getting along with each other. Christian employers and employees will treat each other fairly if they are filled with the Spirit and the Word. The heart of every problem is the problem of the heart, and only God's Spirit and God's Word can change and control the heart. Can the people who live around you detect that you are filled with the Spirit and the Word?[iv]   [i] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 78). Day One Publications. [ii] McNaughton, I. S. (2006). Opening up Colossians and Philemon (p. 79). Day One Publications. [iii] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 145). Victor Books. [iv] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 145). Victor Books.          Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?              John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.               “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32             Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.              hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F             The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

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

"Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free." Ephesians 6:7-8  In the business world, customer service can be so much more than just a transactional duty; it can be a sacred ministry. When we approach each interaction with the mindset that we are serving not only our customers but also God, we transform ordinary exchanges into extraordinary moments. As Galatians 5:13 reminds us, "Serve one another humbly in love." This is our call to action. Consider how Jesus interacted with those around Him. He fed the hungry and healed the sick, demonstrating that serving others is at the heart of our purpose. Every time we assist a customer, we have a chance to embody that same spirit of compassion. “In the realm of business, customer service is the altar where compassion meets commerce,” reminding us that our work can be an expression of grace. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." To improve customer service, let's cultivate a culture of empathy. Listen actively to your customers' needs and respond with genuine care. Show that you value them as individuals, not just numbers. Remember the words, “Caring Beyond Expectations.” This commitment will not only enhance customer satisfaction but also create lasting relationships. Every interaction is an opportunity for ministry. Whether through a warm greeting or a thoughtful follow-up, let's strive to uplift and inspire those we serve. “Compassion in Every Interaction” should be our guiding principle. We will witness profound connections blooming in our workplaces as we embrace this mindset. Amen. Luke 12:35 says, “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning." Amen. Prayer for the Day!Dear Lord, grant us the wisdom to see our work as a ministry. Help us to treat each customer with kindness and respect, reflecting Your love in all we do. May our actions bring joy and healing to those we encounter. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

The promise to pour out the Spirit of God at Pentecost was the last installment of God's plan to rescue the world from Adam's fall.This sermon concludes the Resurrection series of the Lord Christ and the victory of the promised Messiah.

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.

The God who saves is the God who keeps his people for the glory to come. The everlasting life he bestows cannot be conquered even by death. The Lord Christ fully understands and entirely embraces the Father's will—it is his delight to glorify God and to bless men.Here we see the Father's will acknowledged, that salvation is in accordance with the divine purpose from before the foundation of the world. Then we trace the Father's will expressed, described both in terms of divine purpose and human experience—the Father's purposeful gift to the Son, and the beholding of and believing in the Son on the part of those who are given. Finally, we notice the Father's will accomplished, for the Father intends that the Son should raise up those given to him at the last day, and the Son intends that he will raise up all who trust in him. All this leads to great confidence and willing service to the Lord who saves and keeps, who is to be trusted with the beginning, the continuing, and the completing of our salvation.

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.    

In this message Pastor Vern teaches on what it means to make Jesus our Lord. https://www.pacbible.org/

This week on Table Talk, Pastor Kyle is back joined by Pastor Nick. In this episode Pastor Kyle starts off the conversation asking about children's ministry songs from the past, eventually getting to Zacchaeus was a wee little man. The Pastors delve into the story of Zacchaeus how his longing to right his wrongs led to his redemption through the Lord Christ, who declared Zacchaeus a Son of Abraham showing is unwavering obedience to the will of God.

Scriptures: Jesus the Light 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Jesus the Creator John 1:1-3, Who is Lord: Christ of Caesar? by Steven Nichols Jesus as Lord? The Lord Jesus Christ God has made Jesus Lord Acts 2:36, He is our one and only Lord 1 Corinthians 8:6, He is Lord of the Sabbath Mark 2:28, The vengeance of our Lord Jesus 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, Believers are to obey the Lord Jesus Luke 6:46, Believers fellowship with Jesus Christ the Lord 1 Corinthians 1:9, A mark of a believer is saying Jesus is Lord 1 Corinthians 12:3, Believers are to put on the Lord Jesus Romans 13:14, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Romans 10:9, John 20:28, Making Jesus the Lord of our Lives Ephesians 3:14-17, inner strength-v16, indwelling Christ-v17, Acts 10:12-14, Philippians 2:9-11 Application Point: Surrender to the Lord Jesus!

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.

Following last week's episode with Jamie Winship, Haley and Dustin share a few thoughts on how finding your God-given purpose can feel inspiring … and often intimidating.    For some, finding their purpose happens in a moment with clarity and certainty. For many, it happens gradually over time with setbacks, questions, and ongoing discovery. Trying to answer, “Why am I here? What is my purpose?” can feel overwhelming.   That's why for this episode, we want to replay our discussion on finding your purpose in life. In this conversation from episode 7, Haley and Dustin break down the difference between purpose and calling, along with common setbacks and misconceptions we face when finding our purpose.   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more    (07:25) Purpose in Creation and Scripture  (13:26) Purpose and Calling in Faith  (22:02) Discovering Our Calling Through Trials  (28:40) Infusing Your Work With Purpose  (32:11) The Purpose of Life  (34:53) God's Purpose Through Trials and Age  (39:39) Purity of Intimacy With God  Hope for the Heart resources   Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night   God's plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON    -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   Isaiah 43:6-7 – “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”   Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”   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.” John 21:21-22 – “When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'” John 21:25 – “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Acts 13:36 – “Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”   Romans 1:6 – “And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”   Colossians 1:16 – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”   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.”

Sunday February 23, 2025 at the Hub City Church The Fearful Example of Barnabas v. Ananias | Acts 4:32-5:11 The Birth of the Church | a teaching series through Acts Sermon by Tadd Anderson | Lead Teaching Pastor Sermon Notes: The good news of the great GOSPEL EXCHANGE is that while we all DESERVE DEATH and eternal SEPARATION from God, those in Christ receive FORGIVENESS of SIN and eternal LIFE with God INSTEAD! Romans 1:29-32, 6:23, 8:6-9, 13 // Ephesians 2:4-5 “The Lord Christ comes to convinced sinners with His invitation: “Poor creatures! How sad is your condition! What has become of the beauty and glory of the image of God in which you were created? You are now in the deformed image of Satan and even worse, eternal misery lies before you. Yet look up once more; behold Me! I will put Myself in your place. I will bear that burden of guilt and punishment which would sink you to hell for ever. I will be made temporarily a curse for you, that you may have eternal blessedness.” — John Owen The gospel radically CHANGES ALL who receive it into people who FREELY OVERFLOW with GENEROSITY to others, especially FELLOW MEMBERS of God's redeemed FAMILY. 2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:6-8 SOMETIMES, God allows His coming WRATH on UNREPENTANT SINNERS to be poured out SOONER than expected as a fearful REMINDER to others that FAITH really is a matter of LIFE and DEATH. Ref. Leviticus 10:1-7 // Joshua 7:1 // 2 Samuel 6:6-7 The shocking divine execution of Ananias and Saphira is a reminder to us: - To SPEAK the TRUTH with one another. (Eph. 4:24-25) - That salvation is by GRACE through FAITH, NOT by WORKS. (Eph. 2:8-10) - To CONFESS and REPENT of KNOWN SIN. (Acts 3:19 // 1 Jn. 1:9 // Prov. 28:13) The Hub City Church is a local expression of the church in Crestview, Florida, making disciples Who Believe the Gospel, Abide in Christ and Obey the Word to the glory of God. Join us next Sunday at 10am. 837 W James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536.

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Work is a gift God has given us. Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him. 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 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. - Hebrews 13:20-21 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” - Luke 16:10 Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him. - Work is WORSHIP. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do... - Ephesians 6:7-8 - Work is worship. - Work is AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE JESUS WITH OTHERS. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house… - Matthew 5:14-16 …In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. - Philippians 2:14 - Work is worship. - Work is an opportunity to share Jesus with others. - Work is A PROVISION. …Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him.

It was a hot summer day when my oldest son and I were out working in the yard. I was doing the mowing; he was doing some clipping around the rocks; working just a little bit behind me where I had just mown. And I noticed that he was working pretty hard, and I glanced at him. I was pretty pleased with how he was doing, and I just kind of gave him a quick smile and went back to work. About ten minutes later he walked up to me and I could see his lips moving, but I could not understand what he was saying because of the lawn mower was so loud. So, I turned the mower down and I said, "What did you say, son?" And he said, "Dad, would you do that again?" And I said, "Do what again?" He said, "Would you give me another smile like you did a few minutes ago?" And then this is what I'll never forget. He said, "Dad, you know, it's your smile that keeps me going." Talk about a melted Dad! "It's your smile that keeps me going." He had decided that a father's approval was worth working for. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Whose Smile You're Working For." In our word for today from the Word of God the Apostle Paul tells us whose smile he was working for. Galatians 1:10 - Paul says, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God?" By the way, that's a good question to ask looking in the mirror today. "Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Wow! Paul said in essence, "I've decided who my audience is. I've decided whose applause I'm interested in. I've decided whose smile I want." And frankly he's saying, "It just doesn't matter to me what men think of what I've done, but I want to know that my Lord Jesus is smiling when the day is over and saying, 'Good day. Good job, faithful servant.'" Now, when you work, and sweat, and minister, and sacrifice; when you do all those things that you do for your family, who are you doing it for? Even the simple things of household chores, homework, tasks you have to accomplish at work. Who are you doing it for? The answer to that question makes all the difference in the fulfillment factor and the meaning of what you're doing. Years ago, author Keith Miller told in one of his books about getting close to the Oklahoma college football team at a time when they had the longest winning streak in college history. For years they had not been defeated. And he went to a practice at the invitation of the soon tp become immortal Coach Bud Wilkinson, and he said after a couple of days there that he found out what their secret was. They lived for Monday. Yeah, that's when they watched the movies of the game with Coach Wilkinson, because as it turned out it really didn't matter to them what the sports writers said. And even though there were say 50,000 people in the stadium, it really didn't matter ultimately whether they cheered or jeered. And it didn't really matter even what the rest of the team said. They waited for one thing. They waited for the coach's verdict on how they had played that day. And Keith Miller said, "The secret of that football team's winning was that they played only for the coach." How about you and me? Are you playing for the stands, you playing for the other people on the team, playing for the writers, the publicity? I'll tell you this: ultimately every other audience will prove disappointing and unappreciative. You do it for your family, sometimes they'll disappoint you. For your church, for some Christian leader, for your employer, for your teachers? Count on it, sometime they're going to let you down. But the Bible says, "We serve the Lord Christ." And the thrill of that is taking today's activity and saying, "Lord Christ, I'm doing it all for You."

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the inspiring call to give God our best work, no matter where we find ourselves. Life can often feel overwhelming, with distractions and demands pulling us in every direction. But what does it truly mean to offer our best to God? We'll explore biblical teachings and practical insights that encourage us to approach our tasks with excellence and intention. Through stories of individuals who transformed their work into acts of worship, we’ll discover how dedicating our efforts to God not only glorifies Him but also brings fulfillment and purpose to our lives. Join us as we challenge each other to strive for excellence and remember that our work is an extension of our faith. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! In what ways have you dedicated your work to God? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How has giving your best work changed your perspective on your daily tasks?

Living Above The Line • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give   1. Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” 2. James 1:19-20 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” 3. 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.” 4. Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 5. Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” 6. Romans 14:12 “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” 7. 1 Peter 1:15-16 “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” 8. Galatians 5:16 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” 9. Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” 10. Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

It's very strange to imagine this strange event that inaugurates the public ministry of Christ: The holy and sinless Lord standing in line with sinners to be baptized. It makes sense that sinners like you and me would present themselves to John to confess their sins and be baptized, drowning the sins of their old life in the waters and emerging, resolved to live a new life. Why does Christ present himself to be baptized? Not to receive forgiveness for his own sins but for ours. Not so that he can live a new life but so that we can. Christ takes our own sins to the waters baptism, on our behalf, as if they were his own sins. Now that is radical solidarity!

It's Monday, December 30th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.   I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Attacks on Christians in India during Christmas A spate of violent attacks marred the 2024 Christmas celebrations across India despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolling the virtues of love and harmony taught by Jesus Christ in his Christmas speech, reports International Christian Concern. Prime Minister Modi belongs to the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently ruling the country. Still, he attended the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India in New Delhi. During the function, Modi gave a speech stressing the importance of strengthening the spirit of love, harmony, and brotherhood in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. MODI: “The teachings of Lord Christ, celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood. It is important that we all work to make the spirit stronger.” He also greeted the people during Christmas on X, posting photos and videos of himself attending the Catholic Christmas event. However, this did not deter many pro-Hindu groups from disrupting the Christmas celebrations in churches, schools, public places, and even people's homes. In many cases, Hindu nationalists acted brazenly despite the presence of police. 179 dead in South Korean airplane crash At least 179 people are feared dead after a plane carrying 181 passengers skidded off a runway as it landed and smashed into a wall at a South Korean airport, reports CNN. The tail of the plane was the only part that appeared to remain intact as flames engulfed the aircraft, sending a plume of black smoke into the air, according to NBC News. The Jeju Air flight was returning from Bangkok when the horror unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea, located 180 miles south of Seoul. South Korea's emergency office said the jet's landing gear appeared to have malfunctioned with a bird striking the aircraft among the theories that could have possibly caused the crash.  There were wails in the airport's arrivals hall as families wept loudly when a medic announced the names of 22 dead passengers. They were identified by their fingerprints.   Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had prostate removed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent prostate removal surgery for two hours in an underground facility on Sunday after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement, reports The Jerusalem Post. Biden regrets withdrawing from the presidential race President Joe Biden regrets having pulled out of this year's presidential race and believes he would have defeated Donald Trump in last month's election – despite negative poll indications, according to a Washington Post profile. Former President Jimmy Carter died at 100, defended gay marriage as a Christian And finally, Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and devout Baptist known for his charitable work and longtime service as a Sunday School teacher, has died at the age of 100, at his home in Plains, Georgia on Sunday afternoon, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946. In July, the couple celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, with their union currently standing as the longest marriage of any U.S. president. Carter only served one term in office when President Ronald Reagan successfully won the White House as skyrocketing inflation and the Iran hostage crisis dropped his approval ratings. Since leaving office, Carter has become known for many charitable efforts, including decades of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. In a candid interview with Huffington Post's Marc Lamont Hill, Carter explained that he did not see that homosexual marriage was in conflict with the Bible. CARTER: “I never have run across any really serious conflicts between my political obligations and my religious faith.” HILL: “How about gay marriage?” CARTER: “That's no problem with me. I think everybody should have a right to get married, regardless of their sex. The only thing I would draw a line on, I wouldn't be in favor of the government being able to force a local church congregation to perform gay marriages if they didn't want to.  But those two partners should be able to go to the local courthouse or to a different church and get married. That's no problem.” Hill had this follow-up. HILL: “Would Jesus approve gay marriage?” CARTER: “I believe He would. I don't have any verse in Scripture.” HILL: “No, no, but just intuitively yeah” CARTER: “I believe that Jesus would approve gay marriage. That's just my own personal belief. I think Jesus would encourage any love affair if it was honest and sincere and was not damaging to anyone else. I don't see that gay marriage damages anyone else.” However, in Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus defined marriage explicitly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. He asked, “Haven't you read, that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,' and said, ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?” Later, in that same interview, Carter claimed that he had a personal, Biblical problem with the vast majority of abortions as a Christian. CARTER: “I have had a problem with abortion, you know, and this has been a long time problem of mine. I have a hard time believing that Jesus, for instance, would approve abortions unless it was because of rape or incest or if mother's life was in danger.” Sadly, that conviction that he should protect most babies destined for death by abortion was meaningless because he refused to let it interfere with his commitment to the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. CARTER: “So, I've had that struggle, but my oath of office was to obey the Constitution, which is interpreted by the Supreme Court. So, I went along with that.” Truth be told, as a self-proclaimed Christian, Carter's allegiance should have been to uphold the sanctity of life for all babies. After all, Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than man.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, December 30th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com).  Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

“Ye serve the Lord Christ.” — Colossians 3:24 To what choice order of officials was this word spoken? To kings who proudly boast a right divine? Ah, no! too often do they serve themselves or Satan, and forget the God whose sufferance permits them to wear their mimic majesty for their little hour. Speaks then […]