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John 13:12–17,When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.In the year 1521, an artist named Lucas Cranach published a pamphlet of several woodcut images he had made of the pope. The printing press had been around almost a hundred years, but only a small fraction of the population could read, and so pictures were an important way to get a message across. And in these woodcuts images, Cranach, who was a good friend of Martin Luther, had two panels side by side: on the right side was a depiction of Pope Leo, but on the first side was a depiction of Jesus. And one of his most famous woodcuts features the scene of Jesus in John 13. The text beneath the image is our passage today, John 13:14–17.In this image of Jesus, you can see he is basically doing what the passage says: his disciples, a ragtag looking bunch, are huddled together in line, and Jesus is stooped down on his knees, by a water basin, washing their feet. We're supposed to contrast that image with the image on the other side: it's the pope sitting on an elevated platform, and there's a room full of dignitaries, and they're all in line to kiss his feet. It's clear that the pope is doing the exact opposite of Christ, which is why the heading at the top, on the right side, says, “Antichrist.” Some of you may know, our Reformation forefathers thought the pope was the antichrist — and I just wanna say they were not crazy to think that because the pope literally did antichrist things … And nothing made that more obvious than how the pope treated people so differently from how Jesus did. See John 13 was (and is) a standard of authenticity for every true disciple of Jesus. We should read this passage and ask ourselves: Does anything in my life look anything close to what Jesus is doing here? If you could put a picture of yourself on that right side, what would it look like?I believe it's God's providence that John 13 is our text at the very beginning of 2026. And we're gonna look closely at this passage today, but here's my goal: I want this passage to shape a prayer for our church for this entire year. The prayer is this: that we would grow as joyful servants of one another like Jesus is of us.That's the prayer — and there's a lot we could say about this — but I wanna start with the most basic this morning. Following the words of Jesus in this passage, I want to tell you three reasons we should serve one another like Jesus serves us. Here's the first. We should serve one another like Jesus serves us …1. Because Jesus is our Teacher and Lord (vv. 12–13)Look at verse 12. This is after Jesus has washed his disciples' feet. John tells us that Jesus basically cleaned himself up, sat back at the table, and then he began to teach with his words. See, the whole thing has been teaching, but now it's formal. And the first thing Jesus says, the end of verse 12, is:“Do you understand what I have done to you?”He's implying here that they don't understand, which is what he already said in verse 7. In verse 7, Jesus told the disciples: Hey, you don't get what I'm doing now, but you will later. And now is that later: Jesus is about to explain the meaning of his washing their feet — and we're on the edge of our seats for this!What Jesus did was shocking enough, but now he's gonna tell us the deeper meaning. He starts in verse 13. Verse 13:“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.”Notice the first thing Jesus does here is affirm the disciples. He starts by telling the disciples something they get right. And what they get right is who Jesus is. He is their “Teacher and Lord.”The word “Lord” here could be just a respectful way of talking to somebody with authority, but we know it's more than that in the New Testament. This is a confession of the deity of Jesus. Jesus is God the Son. He is the Lord Jesus. And we would expect this word to be front and center in what Jesus is called.But look at that word “teacher” in verse 13 — it's another way to say rabbi. And “rabbi” or “teacher” — that was something these early Jewish disciples called Jesus, but we don't really use that language today, at least not in our circles. I grew up in the church, and I've been a Christian for about three decades, and I don't know that I've ever heard anyone refer to Jesus as their “Lord and Teacher Jesus Christ.” But why don't we say that? That's a fair question to ask, isn't it? Because Jesus says it is right to call him Teacher, but we don't. So why not?It's actually a simple answer. It's because we combine Jesus as Teacher with his identity as Lord. This comes through in our third baptism vow: We affirm that, “with God's help, we will obey the teachings of Jesus and follow him as Lord, Savior, and Treasure.” “Learn from me”So we may not use the word “Teacher” but it is absolutely implied! This is the way we relate to Jesus as his disciples — we obey his teachings, we follow him. I think it's okay that we don't commonly call Jesus our “Teacher” — but it's okay only as long as we know he is that to us. He's certainly more to us than Teacher, but never less — Jesus teaches us how to live in this world!I think of Jesus's famous invitation in Matthew Chapter 11 to come to him and find rest. Remember he says: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me …” (Matthew 11:29). Learn from Jesus how to live!Or in the Book of Ephesians, Paul warns us not to live like the Gentiles — because their hearts are hardened and they're full of greed — and Paul says, “That is not the way you learned Christ!” (Ephesians 4:20). Hear that? We learn Christ. We learn from him! Jesus is our Teacher. It is right to call him that, but what matters most is that we know that's who he is. And when we know that, when that fact is established, then of course we're gonna do what he says. This is foundational: we should serve one another like Jesus serves us because Jesus is our Teacher and Lord, and he tells us to. And we could stop here, to be honest, because that's enough. But there's more. We should serve one another like Jesus serves us …2. Because Jesus has given us an example (vv. 14–16)This is verses 14–16, and it's really the central part of the passage. So let's read it again, and notice this whole unit is an argument. Verse 14: If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.The logic of what Jesus says is grounded in the disciples' relationship to him — the Teacher/disciple relationship is implied, but Jesus names two more relationships in verse 16: master/servant, and then sender/messenger. We see that in verse 16.Now, what's the same in all of these relationships is that there's a hierarchy, and in each one, Jesus is the superior and we are the inferior. This is vital to the argument. Jesus is saying plainly in verse 14: If I, your superior, have washed the feet on my inferiors, then my inferiors ought to wash one another's feet.And in case we get stuck on the feet-washing part, in verse 15 Jesus explains that what he did was an example bigger than feet. Jesus has given us a model for how we treat one another.He has given us a pattern for all of life — it's not about one specific act of washing feet, but this is about a way of being. This is how we live together as the body of Christ: we serve one another the way Christ served us — which included washing our feet.And so, get this: if our Teacher, our Master, if he went that low to serve us, what would we consider too low in serving one another? See what he did there? Jesus has opened up for us endless possibilities of good works. Because now, following his example, nothing can be too low. Nothing can be too inconvenient. The degree of our serving is not determined by our station, but by the needs of our brothers and sisters. That is not the way it is in the world! Seriously, don't try this at work! Stick to your job description.What About Spiritual Gifts?But the local church is different. And this is where, heads up, we need to be careful with the topic of spiritual gifts. Now we're gonna get there one day in First Corinthians, but let me just offer a word of caution here … There is a school of thought that says it's incumbent that every Christian find a church where they can use their spiritual gifts. But see, the problem with this thinking is that it can lead individual Christians to hop from church to church asking the questions, “Can I use my gift here? … Can I use my gift here? What about here? Here? Who wants this gift?” And look, it's not bad to want to use your gift, but, instead of looking for the church where you can use your gift, how about commit to a church and let the first thing you ask be: What are the needs? Where can I help? Show me the places where I can follow the example of my Teacher and wash some feet!Look, I'm not gonna mention names (because I don't wanna embarrass anybody), but I've seen that kind of needs-first serving in this church over and over again. And when the whole church serves one another this way — in the example Jesus has given us — it is one of the most beautiful, compelling realities on the planet. Because Jesus is the only reason it makes sense. He is our Teacher and Lord, and he gave us an example.Here's the third reason. We serve one another the way Jesus served us …3. Because there is a blessing that comes through doing (v. 17)This is verse 17, and it's a verse that I want everybody to see. There are few keywords in this verse that we're gonna focus on, but first, everybody find verse 17. Chapter 13, verse 17, Jesus says:“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”First word to see here is “blesséd.” This is a wonderful word. It's used 50 times in the whole New Testament, and 40 of those times are by Jesus himself. I think that counts as one of his favorite words! And the most famous place Jesus used this word was during his Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus starts that sermon with what's called the Beatitudes. You've heard these before …“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” …Jesus goes on to mention nine different blesséds, and none of them are what you'd expect. They turn the way of the world upside down — which tells us that Jesus's idea of “blessedness” is probably different too. To be blessed, according to Jesus, does not mean to be comfortable or to have things easy — it does not mean more power, money, and fame (that's the world's idea). But to be blessed according to Jesus means to be truly happy in relation to God — it's about the ‘good life' under the kingdom of God, which is the only ‘good life' that is true and lasting. To be blessed according to Jesus is not cheap fun, but it's a deep joy in God, given by God.Don't we want that? I'll take some of that in the New Year! The Way to BlessingWell, good news! Jesus is gonna tell us how we can get it. Everybody track with me — Look back at verse 17: Jesus starts, “If you know these things” — what things? He's talking about what he has just said. He's talking about the explanation he just gave in verses 14–15 for what he was doing in washing their feet. Jesus is saying: If you know I've given you an example! Or: now that you know I've given you an example! — Hey, it's good to know things isn't it? I'm so thankful that we can read the Word of God and know things about God and about life. It is a gift to know, amen. And we wanna grow in our knowledge! (2 Peter 3:18).But in verse 17, where does Jesus saying the blessing is?Verse 17: “If you know these things — or, now that you know I've given you an example … Blessed are you if you [have a Bible study and talk more about it] …Blessed are you if you [listen to a sermon and take good notes] …All goods things. But what does Jesus say in verse 17?“If you now know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”Do them. Like in real life, actually do the thing. Do what Jesus did!But Your Neighbor DoesYou know, thanks be to God, the heart of the gospel is that we are saved by grace, not by works. Romans 4:4, Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.Amen! We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. It's like Martin Luther said:“God does not need your good works … but your neighbor does.” Your brother does. Your sister does.Listen: there is a blessing from Jesus that you can only have when you serve others the way he serves us. That's why we're joyful servants!And again, the blessing is not comfort. It's not ease. It's not convenience. It's not power, money, and fame. In fact, in the serving it's pretty much the opposite of all those things. There are at least moments of discomfort, difficulty, and inconvenience. You stoop low, at a cost, with no fanfare. But Jesus says, in doing that you will be blessed.And we all raised our hands and said we want that blessing. All that's left is the doing. How Does That Look?What does that look like for you? (Come back at 5 tonight to hear more about this), but I want to ask you now: in this New Year, in what ways are you gonna follow the example of Jesus, and do what he did? Where are the needs in our church, the needs around you, that God would call you to meet?Hey, let me just say: for those of us who are worried about our church growing this year, if we just do this, we're gonna be okay. The question is not: Am I going to be cared for with all these people here? The question is: How can I serve all these people the way Jesus served me?And when we're all asking that … it's beautiful.And look: it starts here. It starts with me; it starts with the pastors. All of us are in the same boat in that we all want to be more like Jesus. I'll tell you a story I thought of last week, and this is kinda crazy, because I haven't thought of this in 22 years, but it popped in my head a few days ago. When I was a freshman in college and trying to figure out God's calling on my life, I went to an FCA event to hear this guest preacher who was talking about calling. And I don't remember his message other than this one story he told, about a dream he had. This guy has preached to people all over the country, and seen a lot of fruit, and he had this dream where he was sitting on a white horse … He is sitting on this horse, looking out over all the people he had preached the gospel to. And then he sees Jesus walking up to him, through this crowd of people, and when Jesus finally gets to him, Jesus looks up and says, “Hey, would you get off my horse?”The guy said: Hey, whatever Jesus is calling you to in life, it's never to be on his horse.We've actually seen in John 13, Jesus calls us to serve like he serves. And I want you to know: your pastors are in this for that. That's my heart for you. And what I'm about to say — I don't mean this as anything different from the past, but I just wanna tell you: with God's help, I'm gonna serve you the best I can this year. With all the grace that God supplies.And that's our prayer together, for all of us. It's that God would grow us as joyful servants of one another like Jesus is of us.That's what leads us to the Table.The TableI want us to sense in a new way the wonder that we are children of God. We are brothers and sisters of Jesus, and one another, and we live by him and for him. It's all grace! All gift! And at this Table we rest in that.We come here to thank Jesus for his cross and resurrection, and to receive afresh all that he is for us — Lord, Savior, Treasure, and Teacher.
New Testament Bible Reading Plan – Audio Version The post Day 3 – Matthew Chapter 3 appeared first on ENCOUNTER.
New Testament Bible Reading Plan – Audio Version The post Day 2 – Matthew Chapter 2 appeared first on ENCOUNTER.
New Testament Bible Reading Plan – Audio Version The post Day 1 – Matthew Chapter 1 appeared first on ENCOUNTER.
The birth of Jesus can be seen as a transformation. It is the beginning of the story and also the beginning of the ending. While it may seem that Christmas should be a season of joy, as told in the Gospel of Matthew, it is both joy and pain. The birth of Jesus brings a newness of hope for us to follow. This message is brought to us by Pastor Jason. The Gospel is from Matthew Chapter 2, verses 13 - 23.
Sunday morning 28th of December, 2025. Matthew Chapter 2 verses 1 to 15
What child is this? How do people respond to the newborn king? When a new monarch ascends to power, some will celebrate, others will remain indifferent, and some will oppose him. The same reactions are seen when reading Matthew's account of the Magi visiting the newborn King in Matthew Chapter 2. The question worth considering this Christmas is, what is my response to the birth of this King? Am I a worshipper? Am I indifferent? Or am I hostile toward him?https://midtownchurch.com/
June 9th, 2025Shawn, Justin and "Other Justin" dive verse by verse into Matthew Chapter 2
In this week's episode, Evangelist Chance Walters shares a Message from Matthew Chapter 1 concerning the Birth of Jesus Christ.
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
Read by Kathryn Grimmonpre - New King James Version of the BibleBook of Matthew (NKJV) - by Female Reader - NKJV Translation - Audiobook with Music - Woman Reading of the Bible - New Testament - Recording and Mixing by Level Audio
"Your house and your kingdom will endure forever." That's God's promise to King David – a pledge and prophecy that came to fruition through the nativity and Jesus' birth. Matthew Chapter 1 opens with a genealogy of Jesus, describing the Messiah as “the son of David and the son of Abraham.” And Luke Chapter 1 corroborates Jesus' tie to David when Gabriel approaches Mary and reveals she will bear a son. Verses 32 and 33 read, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary is being given a prophecy here that we first see recorded hundreds of years earlier in 1 and 2 Chronicles and 2 Samuel – in particular 2 Samuel Chapter 7, verse 16. It is here in 2 Samuel, God, through Nathan, tells David about his everlasting kingdom — a kingdom build and fulfilled through Jesus' loving sacrifice. And that love is the centerpiece of the biblical narrative. The nativity gave way to the cross and the cross gives way to our true freedom and forgiveness. But a full understanding of both the Old and New Testaments — and the prophecy therein — is what opens us to fully understanding what all of this means. Listen to the finale of "Jesus and the Prophecies of Christmas."
Listen to a message by Pastor Steve called, “Responding to the King”. Reading from Matthew Chapter 2.  Watch the full advent service which includes the baptism of Miriam!
Jesus our Deliverer (Matthew Chapter 1) - Sunday, 21st December 2025.Matthew 1:21-23 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.1. God delivered Israel from Pharaoh. Exodus 3:7-8 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 2. God delivered Israel from their enemiesJudges 3:9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.Judges 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left-handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. 3. In Isaiah, God is upset with Israel because they do not look to Him for deliverance.Isaiah 50:2 Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.4. In the New Testament, Jesus delivered from storms, death, demons, sickness blindness, deafness, bitterness and on and on!Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.5. How can I be delivered?Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Listening requires at least 2 people. When you listen carefully and you believe, you will share the news. If you listen closely, you can hear that the heavens are still whispering: "Jesus is here, and God loves you." This message is brought to us by Pastor Sarah. The Gospel lesson comes from Matthew Chapter 1, verses 18-25.
Grace in the Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew Chapter 1) - Sunday, 14th December 2025.1 Tamar. Matthew 1:3 - And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;2. Rahab the Harlot. Matthew 1:5 - And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;3. Ruth the Moabitess. Matthew 1:5 - And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;4. Bathsheba the adulteress. Matthew 1:6 - And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
When we read of the disciples slowness to properly understand Messiah's words, it would do us well to humbly admit that here we see ourselves. Are you ever found naive and ignorant? Would you even know it if you were? Let's find out!
Three more of Jesus Authoritative Teachings from Matthew Chapter 7.
The greatest weapon against your identity isn't a blatant lie—it's a subtle suggestion. The enemy doesn't come up to you and say, "You aren't God's child." Instead, he whispers, "If you are God's child... then why is this happening?"In this episode of Shifts and Ladders, we look at the pattern in Matthew Chapters 3 and 4 to uncover how the enemy attempts to shift you from Sonship to Survival. We analyze the Baptism of Jesus vs. the Temptation in the Wilderness to see exactly how the enemy removed the word "Beloved" and added the condition "If".If you are working 80 hours a week turning "stones into bread" just to prove you are successful, you are falling into a trap. It is time to stop entertaining the "question mark" and stand on God's "period."In this video, we cover:(0:00) The "Subtle Suggestion": How the enemy attacks your identity(1:20) Matthew 3: Why God established "Beloved" (Identity) before "Ministry" (Productivity)(3:30) Matthew 4: The Test immediately follows the Revelation(5:00) The Trap: How the enemy strips "Beloved" to make your identity "Conditionary"(6:50) Stones to Bread: The danger of using your gift to prove your worth(8:40) The Solution: Integration and the power of "It Is Written"(9:15) Question Marks vs. Periods: Living off the Word(10:00) The Challenge: Be a Thermostat and set the temperature this weekQuotes from the episode:"God's pleasure is anchored in Jesus' identity, not his productivity.""The enemy wants you to move from sonship to survival... survival is always conditionary.""When you try to prove your identity, you actually lose your authority.""A suggestion always has a question mark, but a declaration always ends in a period."#Identity #SpiritualWarfare #Matthew4 #ChristianLeadership #RionRobinson #ShiftsAndLadders #BeDoHave
Shawn, Ashely, Justin, and "Other" Justin talk about strategies of evangelism and tackle Matthew Chapter 8:18-22
Send us a textIn this episode of 'Pondering the Bible,' co-hosts Ken Corkins and Rocky Ellison delve into Matthew Chapter 2, focusing on the wise men's visit to Jesus. They discuss the timing of Jesus' birth, the historical inaccuracies of the December 25th date, the significance of Bethlehem, and the wise men's journey from the East guided by a divine star. The hosts also explore Herod's reaction to the news of a newborn king, his deceitful plot, and the practical and symbolic meanings behind the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Additionally, they address common misconceptions about the nativity scene and the true timeline of events.The sermon for this episode is titled "Misunderstood" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermonsNEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock
Shawn, Justin, and "Other" Justin tackle Matthew Chapter 8:14-17 and talk about demons for a little bit
Shawn, Justin, "Other" Justin tackle Matthew Chapter 8:5-13
This episode dives into Matthew Chapters 14-16 and the rich political, communal, and spiritual tensions woven throughout. We unpack the […] The post Called to Treason, Matthew Chapters 14-16 appeared first on Queer Theology.