Podcast appearances and mentions of messiah john

Dr Kenneth Bruce So That You May Believe The Unhurried Messiah John 7:1-9

Dr Kenneth Bruce So That You May Believe The Unhurried Messiah John 7:1-9

Flashback Episode: Year in John – Episode 16: When challenged by His brothers about being known, Jesus pushes back and decides to go to a Jewish festival anonymously instead of publicly with His brothers or His disciples. Discover why this is and why this matters to us living today! Join the discussion on the original episode's page: Click Here.Listen to this episode and/or subscribe on ReflectiveBibleStudy.com...

Takeaways from this study Take your inner life as seriously as your outer actions. Leviticus' focus on heart (לֵב lev) and kidneys (כְּלָיוֹת kelayot) shows that God weighs desires, motives, and conscience, not just visible behavior (Jeremiah 17:10; Psalm 26:2). Name and examine your desires before they become actions. James 1:14–15 shows temptation starting as inner desire, then moving to action and consequence. Regularly ask, “What is pulling me right now? What am I ‘being carried away and enticed' by?” Seek wisdom, not just willpower, in temptation. James 1:5–8 connects trials, desire, and the need for divine wisdom. Pray specifically for wisdom to see your patterns, not only for strength to resist them. Engage community for honest feedback and sharpening. Peace offerings were shared meals. Proverbs 27:17 and the study's discussion of accountability highlight that we often cannot see our own inner distortions without brothers and sisters who love us enough to speak. Invite God to “search” you as a regular practice. Use prayers like Psalm 139:23–24 and Psalm 51:6 as patterns. Consciously ask God to expose both your יֵצֶר הַטּוֹב (yetzer ha-tov, good inclination) and יֵצֶר הַרַע (yetzer ha-ra, bad inclination). Cooperate with the Spirit's work of inner transformation. Ezekiel 36:26–27 and Galatians 5:16–17 show that real change comes as the Spirit reshapes the “inner person.” Align with this by saturating yourself in Scripture, prayer, and obedience in small, concrete steps. Aim for wholeness (תָּמִים tamim), not perfectionism. The offerings and James 1 frame maturity as becoming complete and undivided, rather than flawless. The goal is a unified heart, mind, and will that increasingly love God and reflect His character. With all the offerings discussed in great detail, we can easily think the book of Leviticus is just a priest handbook or a barbecue manual. Rather, it's a graphic picture of what must change inside of us when we reconnect with God: approach, cleansing, communion. Leviticus 3 expounds on the שְׁלָמִים shelamim (“peace offerings”) come from the same root as שָׁלוֹם shalom (“peace, wholeness, well‑being”). These offerings picture drawing near. The Hebrew קָרְבָּן qorban/korban (“that which draws near,” or an offering) comes from קָרַב qarav (“to approach”). The worshiper laid a hand on the head of the animal, symboling the giving of oneself, and after that act the offering drew near to God's presence. Body parts as metaphors It's one of the Heaven-sent metaphors in Israel's Mishkan (“dwelling place,” the tabernacle) shown to Moshe (Moses). Leviticus names kidneys, liver, and fat repeatedly. These are symbols for the inner life — desire, conscience, moral depth. The kidneys (Hebrew: קלַיּוֹת kelayot) function biologically to filter and regulate. In Scripture, the kidneys carry a range of meaning. The root verb כָּלָה qalah means “accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish.” That range fits both biological function and the spiritual metaphor of consumption or obsession. Scripture often pairs לֵב lev (“heart”) and kelayot as the inward places God examines: Jeremiah 17:10; Psalm 26:2 and Psalm 73:21. Psalm 16:7 in some translations renders kelayot as “mind” or inner guidance: “I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; indeed my heart instructs me in the night” (NASB95). The kidneys rejoice when truth is spoken (Prov. 23:16). God examines inner motives and then gives each person according to deeds. In short, the inward parts register God's message when they are tuned rightly. Greek and Hebrew language shift The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, called the Septuagint (LXX), renders kelayot as νεφροί nephroi and lev as καρδία kardia. The book of Revelation preserves the Hebrew metaphor of heart and kidneys from the Septuagint. Elsewhere in the New Testament the inward domain encapsulated into kelayot splits into multiple Greek words: νοῦς nous (“mind”) σπλάγχνα splachna (“inward parts, compassion, deep affections”) συνείδησις suneidesis (“conscience”). The point: where Hebrew often uses a single cluster of images, Greek sometimes parses that cluster into finer parts. Fat and full consumption Fat in the sacrificial meal played a theological role. Fat physically and metaphorically is a sign of abundance. It also burns and produces barbecue flare‑ups. So it helps the offering burn and thus ascend and be fully consumed. The whole burnt offering in Hebrew is עֹלָה olah, “that which goes up”). Metaphorically, the fat also can picture what fuels devotion and what accelerates a response before God. That image tied into the difference between offerings that are shared and those wholly consumed. Peace offering versus sin offering The shelamim offering functions as fellowship. The offering becomes a meal shared by priest and worshiper. Thus, it pictures communion. In contrast, the חַטָּאת khattat (“sin offering”) involves removal and consumption in smoke. While the shelamim has a communal, two‑way dimension, the khattat removes what blocks communion. The khattat answers situations where someone erred unintentionally and needs restoration for reentry into God's presence. Two goats of Yom Kippur Leviticus 16 details what happens on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The qorbanot are two goats serving a single, complex function. One is for Adonai (the LORD) , providing covering for the people's sins, transgressions and iniquities. One is one for Azazel (aka the scapegoat), the one that removes the impurities from the community. Both goats must be תָּמִים tamim (“complete, unblemished”), because either can be selected by lot for each role. What type of offering are Passover and Day of Atonement? Rabbinic and later commentators debated how to classify the פֶּסַח Pesach (Passover) and יוֹם כִּיפוּר Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) offerings based on function and rituals in Leviticus they best match. Debates cluster around three points: Is the Pesach a shelamim (peace offering)? Are the two goats of Yom Kippur a khattat (sin offering), shelamim or a mixture? What theological conclusions follow about atonement, communal versus individual restoration, and messianic typology? On Pesach, many tannaitic and later rabbinic voices note formal differences from ordinary shalomim offerings. Pesach is eaten communally, like many shelamim, but it also functions as a liturgical, protective rite (blood on doorposts) that “blocks” divine plague sent on Egypt during the Exodus. Because of that blocking/marker role, some authorities treat Pesach as having a unique legal status. They argue it is not a simple fellowship meal (shelamim) because its primary purpose in the Exodus narrative is deliverance and household protection rather than mutual sharing with the priests. Others emphasize the shared‑meal and covenantal features and therefore place Pesach nearer to shalomim in function. In short: Pesach carries features of shelamim (communal meal, shared participation) and features unlike a typical shalomim (apotropaic blood sign, national deliverance), so rabbinic writers sometimes call it a hybrid or acknowledge it as sui generis. Yom Kippur's two‑goat rite generated extensive debate because Leviticus 16 presents simultaneous elements of expiation, transfer and removal, and priestly atonement. One goat (for the LORD) receives the sacrificial procedures (blood sprinkled, incense, entrance to the Holy of Holies) and thus resembles khattat and olah (whole burnt) features of atonement and covering. The other goat (la‑Azazel) bears the confessed sins and is sent away, acting as a removal or scapegoat. Rabbinic commentators therefore wrestled with whether the pair together should be read as two halves of a single atoning ritual (a composite that includes khattat‑like covering plus scapegoat‑like removal) or as two distinct categories performed together. Medieval rabbis (e.g., Rashi, Ramban/Nachmanides) and earlier tannaim (sages) explored these options. Some emphasized the “covering” aspect and aligned the victim offered to the LORD with khattat/olah terminology (atonement, sprinkling). Others stressed the azazel goat's function as expulsion of impurity, aligning it with purification rites yet recognizing that expulsion is not the same as sacrificial expiation. Many rabbis ultimately treated the two goats as complementary: both are tamim (unblemished) and part of a single day's atonement package whose combined effect is both to cover sins before God and to remove their presence from the community. The halakhic (traditional) consequences of these categorizations matter. If Pesach is treated as a shelamim‑type, its sacrificial rules, who may eat, and which parts are reserved for priests follow the shalomim regulations. If it is khattat, special rules (such as the household eating requirement and the paschal lamb's exemption from priestly portions in some discussions) remain justified. For Yom Kippur, classification affects how statutes of ritual purity, priestly service, and the effect of the ritual (covering vs. removal) get interpreted in later law and in theological exposition about the nature of atonement. Some rabbinic writers used the duality to teach that atonement involves both God's covering and forgiveness and the community's need to rid itself of moral stain. Christian and medieval Jewish exegetes later read the Yom Kippur pair typologically: one element as substitutionary covering and the other as expulsion of impurity. Modern scholars often note the practical synchronicity: ancient ritual systems sometimes accomplish a single social‑theological goal via multiple complementary rites rather than by a single classificatory model. Yeshua embodied across offerings Some Jewish commentators have objected to teachings that Yeshua (Jesus) filled roles of multiple offerings. A big contention is that human sacrifice is anathema to the Torah. Another is that one offering can encompass multiple offering categories. The Apostolic Writings identify Yeshua with the Lamb of Passover (John 1:29, 36), as sin‑offering imagery in Isaiah 53, and as the One who covers and removes sin as well as the special red heifer sacrifice (Hebrews 9–10). Look at the proclamation of prophet Yokhanan (John the Baptist): “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 allusion). He also noted how the Gospels and the apostolic writers weave Passover, Firstfruits, Shavuot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) imagery into the Messianic narrative. Messianic festivals and prophetic pattern The teacher traced how festival imagery points to the Messianic era. He mentioned the water‑pouring at Sukkot and Ezekiel's vision of waters flowing from the sanctuary to cleanse and heal (Ezekiel 47). He tied that to John 7 (the “living water” moment in the Feast of Tabernacles) and to the idea that the Messiah pours out God's Spirit. He presented the festivals as stages in a single story, not isolated rites. Spiritual maturity and the goal of Tamim A recurring word was תָּמִים tamim — “complete, mature, unblemished”). The offerings aim for Heaven to covert believers to be tamim. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1‑2 NASB95 The offering shows the shape of maturity: love, self‑giving, and a life presented to God. Testing, wisdom, and formation The lesson stressed that testing refines interior life. James 1:13‑15 (alluded to in the transcript) frames temptation and birth of sin. The teacher urged listeners to ask God for wisdom when trials buffet them. He used the ship metaphor: without wisdom, a person tosses back and forth like a vessel in storms. Wisdom stabilizes the inward parts. It helps us become tamim. Community, accountability, and discernment Several participants emphasized practical formation. The teacher and attendees spoke about discipleship and community accountability. One person described joining groups intentionally designed to expose blind spots. The teacher affirmed Proverbs' wisdom about openness to correction. He also warned about a seared conscience (a heart or “radio” that no longer picks up God's signal) and stressed the need for community to help retune our kidney‑like conscience. Tuning our inward parts From Scripture we can glean concrete spiritual habits. Seek God's testing and ask for examination (Deut. 8:2; Psalm 26:2; 51:6; 139:23-24). Ask for wisdom and discernment in trials (James 1:2-8). Engage with the community of believers (Prov. 27:17; Heb. 10:25). Welcome correction (John 9:40-41; Proverbs 12-15). Cultivate practices that align heart, mind and conscience so your inner parts rejoice when truth is spoken. These are ways to become less “tossed” and more mature (James 1:4, 6-8). Courage, balance, and embodied faith Courage is the capacity to act despite fear. That arises when heart, mind and conscience align and when a community of believers supports us. A 20th century devotional recasting of a Mark Twain quip1 and purported Franklin D. Roosevelt quote2 says, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of God,” drawing on Joshua 1:9 and Deuteronomy 31:6. We must balance empathy and logic to prevent both callousness to suffering and flinching from necessary intervention. Guts and kidneys are a biblical illustration that inner strength involves both feeling and discernment. Teaching not recipe Leviticus teaches a way of drawing close to and being before God. The sacrificial details map inner transformation. Kidneys, heart, liver and fat are metaphors for conscience, desire, moral depth and ample devotion. The Messianic fulfillment in Yeshua gathers several offerings into one work: removal of sin, covering, and restored communion. The Mishkan pattern becomes embodied in the Messiah (John 1:14 alluded sense, “the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us” imagery). How? We ask God for wisdom. We welcome testing. We live in accountable community. We aim to be made tamim — complete and fit to draw near. 1 “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” Epigraph at beginning of chapter 12 of The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson; And the Comedy Those Extraordinary Twins by Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens), Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar, American Publishing Company, New York, 1894, p. 155. Cited by Quote Investigator, Nov. 26, 2019.2 “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”The post Can I really change inside? What the Bible says about a new heart and clean conscience (Leviticus 3; James 1) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.

John 12:9-11 NIV 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.   • • • 1. The Pharisees Saw Jesus as a Threat   • • • John 11:45-53 NIV 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.” 49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.   • • • - The Pharisees are told about Jesus raising Lazarus. They decide to kill Jesus.   • • • John 12:9-11 NIV 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.   • • • - Their motive is revealed—Lazarus, too, was leading people to Jesus   • • • John 12:42-43 NIV 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.   • • • - Fear of Man   • • • 2. Jesus Came to Save Us   • • • John 12:36 ESV 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.   • • • - Light enters the darkness   • • • John 12:46 ESV 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.   • • • - Jesus is the light   • • • John 12:47 ESV 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.   • • • - He did not come to judge, but to save us   • • • 3. The Pharisees rejected Jesus at the Messiah   • • • John 12:9-11 NIV 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.   • • • John 12:19 ESV 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”   • • • Luke 19:41-44 NIV 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.”   • • • John 12:48 ESV 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.   • • • 4. Those Who See Will Have Eternal Life   • • • John 12:44-45 ESV 44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.   • • • John 12:47-48 ESV 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.   • • • - A judge is coming, and will judge on our rejection or acceptance of his word, his commandments, embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, his Son.   • • • Application: Those who see the light, those who follow the light, will be led out of darkness and into eternal life. If we have eyes to see why Jesus came and to see who Jesus is, we will know love and we will know truth. If we accept Christ as the Savior of the world, we will want to show it. We will "show up with palm branches" so-to-speak. Crying out "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"   • • • Other Key Scriptures: John 11:45-53 (NIV) Luke 19:41-44 (NIV) John 12:12-19 (ESV) John 12:35-48 (ESV)

I always find things so amazing that my kids describe as “meh”… Stuff that I feel should bring awe and wonder from the very depths of their beings, and yet they often have decided before seeing it that it isn’t cool. That’s just what it is to be a parent some days! My question is, what are you inviting others to come and see? Jesus gives this simple invitation to two of John’s disciples who are wondering if He is the Messiah John claims Him to be. He invites them to come and see, and when they did they found exactly what they were looking for! This led to Peter, Phillip, and Nathaniel all coming to see Jesus as well. Invitation is common with Jesus. Weather it is the initial “come and see”, or the more intense “follow me” we have been invited into a true, growing relationship with the God of the universe. He doesn’t leave us in invitation, but follows it up with a commission to “go and get”. Have you responded to Jesus? Have you come to see who He is? Have you taken steps to “follow Him”? Are you on mission to “go and get”? Wherever you are, from seeker to missionary, Jesus is inviting you to follow Him. Join us this Sunday as we continue walking through the life of Jesus in our Knowing Him series! - Pastor Ben Key Verse - John 1:43 (NIV) - "The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, 'Follow me.'" For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49549927

Sermon by Hunter Carter

Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us on a deep dive into scripture, into the spiritual underworld, led by an entity known in scripture as HaSatan. Understanding the enemy of our belief is crucial to successfully living a Torah-observant life.• Review• John 8:44 – Your father the devil?• John 8:1 – The leadership tries to delegitimize Yeshua • Leviticus 20:10 – Throwing the first stone?• Deuteronomy 17:8 – They brought her to the wrong person• John 8:9 – Go, and sin no more?• John 8:12 – Yeshua says, “I am the light of the world”• John 8:16 – You know neither me nor my Father • John 8:21 – You shall die in your sin • John 8:30 – You shall know the truth… • John 8:33 – They were living a lie • John 8:34 – A servant to sin • John 8:38 – You do according to your father • John 8:43 – Passing the baton to Messiah • John 8:44 – Playing devilish games • John 8:48 – You have a demon • John 8:50 – You shall never see death at all• John 8:56 – Before Abraham was, I AM• Taught & Stable (2 Peter 3:14-16) • Prayer Listen to the Afterburn tomorrowSubscribe to take advantage of new content every week.To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwidehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us on a deep dive through the scripture into the spiritual underworld led by an entity known in scripture as HaSatan. Understanding the enemy of our belief is crucial to successfully living a Torah-observant life.• Reset - HaSatan is restricted, constrained, and limited by Yahweh• Matthew 16:21 – You could be an adversary/satan to the plans of Elohim• Matthew 16:24 – Stop being an adversary and deny yourself• Matthew 16:13-21 – Peter acknowledges Yeshua as Messiah• John 6:54-71 – This is too hard to hear• Eat my flesh and drink my blood?• Do you agree with Messiah?• Don't get mad at Judas, these things had to happen• Luke 22:1 – Judas had a “satan moment”• Parenting in the '70s• An adversarial spirit entered, not possessed, Judas• John 13:1 – You don't understand yet• John 13:10-14 – Wash each other's feet?• John 13:16-17 – Blessed if you do them• John 13:18-20 – If you receive them, you receive me• John 13:21-27 – Judas was allowed to betray Yeshua• John 13:28-34 – You've got a bigger problem• John 13:35-38 – Why do we run our mouths so much? Listen to the Afterburn tomorrowSubscribe to take advantage of new content every week.To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwidehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Mark 11:27-33 marks the beginning of a series of confrontations between Jesus and Jerusalem's religious leaders. Jesus had overturned tables and halted temple commerce in a bold act of divine judgment, and returning the next day, a delegation of chief priests, scribes, and elders (three groups that made up the Sanhedrin) confronted Him. Their loaded question—“By what authority do you do these things?”—isn't curiosity. They are not seeking to be taught or informed. These men have already begun plotting His death (Mark 8:31). The religious leaders knew of His miracles, heard His teaching astonish crowds, and saw demons flee, yet refused to bow. Mark's Gospel began focusing on Jesus' authority. The One who has authority to forgive sins, calm storms, and feed thousands now stands in the holy courts, and His authority is challenged by those who should recognize it most. Yet, Jesus exposes the authority to which these religious men submit with a question of His own. Trapped between admitting John the Baptist was sent from God (and thereby admitting Jesus was the Messiah John pointed to) or facing the angry crowds who believed John was from God, they answer, “We don't know.” The religious leaders, who claimed to represent God, reveal that their true authority is self-preservation, status, and control. Therefore, Jesus leaves them without any explanation. Having rejected the light, they are left in their darkness. This isn't mere history; it's a mirror for every heart. It is easy to claim Christ's authority in theory. Yet, when He enters our “temple" and starts rearranging our priorities, purging idols, or commanding obedience in our lives, we can respond like these religious men: “Who are you to demand this?” All of us live under authority—either Christ's or our own corrupted version—and Jesus' word exposes which rules us. A day is coming when every knee will bow, either in saving faith or under wrath. This passage isn't academic—it's urgent. Will you submit to the King who cleanses temples and claims lives, or ride the fence like these priests, saying, "We don't know." I. Jesus' Authority Is Challenged (v. 27-28) II. Jesus Exposes Our Corrupt Authorities (v. 29-33a) III. Jesus' Judgment For Rejecting Authority (v. 33)

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In this message, Pastor Alex takes us into the story of John the Baptist from the Gospel of John, showing us what it means to anchor our identity not in what others think of us but in pointing people to Jesus. The sermon invites us to lay down self-promotion, embrace humility, and step into the unique calling God has given each of us to live as witnesses who prepare the way for Christ in our world today.

Encounters with Jesus We are now on day 19 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days, from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! We have seen how Jesus is the ‘I AM’, and by doing so, equates himself with God! Today we look at how two particular individuals reacted when they each encountered this great ‘I AM’! A rich young ruler encounters Jesus! Our first one is found in 3 of the gospels, Matthew 19:16-26 and Luke 18:18-27, but we will look only at the passage in Mark 10v17: As Jesus started on his way; a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honour your father and mother.'" "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" Matthew describes him as a young man (Matthew 19v16-26). Luke describes him as a wealthy ruler (Luke 18v18-27). In Mark’s account, he is simply a man (Mark 10v17-22). Put altogether that makes him a rich young ruler. He runs up to Jesus and falls on his knees before him. He wants eternal life, wants it now and so asks Jesus about it. When he calls Jesus a good teacher, Jesus responds “No one is good—except God alone.” What do you think you are asking? Now Jesus could have been correcting the young man, but more likely Jesus was asking: “Do you know what you are saying and how close to the truth about me you are?” This young man had fully kept the commandments listed by Jesus (Mark 10v19). However when Jesus said to the young ruler that in order to follow Him, he would have to give up all his wealth in order to have treasure in heaven and eternal life, the man left disconsolate. That was a step too far for this man. He wanted his riches and also eternal life but Jesus said he couldn’t have both. He remains the only man to have left Jesus’ presence sorrowful, and that due to putting his trust in his riches and wealth alone. Now riches are not necessarily wrong but they do make trusting fully in God very difficult (Mark 10v23). So what does trusting in Jesus look like? An Outcast Woman encounters Jesus! Now we look at somebody who was despised by the world and an outcast in her community! Reading from John 4v3-10, 23-26 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” Then down to verse 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” Now we come to see somebody who accepted Jesus for who he was. Jesus went via Samaria as it was the shortest route back to Galilee. It was hot. Jesus was thirsty and wanted a drink. His disciples had gone into town to get food. So he asks a Samaritan woman to fetch him some water from the well. That he asked a Samaritan would have been bad enough, but to also talk to a woman! The woman We don’t know the name of this woman. But by looking at this conversation between Jesus and her, we discover several things about her! That she was a Samaritan. There was equal animosity between Jews and Samaritans, hence the end of John 4v9: “(For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” The Samaritans were a mixed race people of both Jewish and Assyrian descent from the time of the division of Israel into two parts and the annexation of the Northern kingdom by Assyria. She was an outcast, which is why she was fetching water at the hottest part of the day! This was probably due to her sexual immorality having had 5 husbands and currently in a 6th relationship (John 4v18). We do know for sure that she was waiting for the Messiah (John 4v25) to come! What does this encounter tell us about Jesus? We see Jesus' genuine humanity. He was tired, drained, hot, thirsty and hungry – normal human feeling and reactions. We know Jesus contravened tradition in that he spoke to a woman who was a Samaritan and a sinner. Respectable Jewish men never did that sort of thing! Hence the disciples reaction in John 4v27! That in asking for water, he was capable of great humility by asking for a drink of water; for by so doing, he was putting himself in her debt. Yet, he knew the woman’s life of sinfulness (John 4v17) and it tells us of his divinity, when he offered her the water of eternal life (John 4v14) would spiritually satisfy her (John 4v14)! He Loved the woman, and gave her the most revealing and explicit statement we have in the Gospels as to who he really was (John 4v26) when he said outright “I Am the Messiah!” Remember, he said that to an outcast and non-Jew! Amazing! When the disciples returned, the woman left her water jar, (quite probably one of her only possessions) and went back to the town to tell other people about this Jesus (John 4v29-30). In the remainder of John 4, we read of the many people coming to faith because of the Samaritan woman’s testimony. Jesus as the ‘I AM’, was ever-reaching out with an all-encompassing forgiveness and love to the poor or rich, learned or uneducated, male or female, wanted or unwanted, Jew, Gentile or Samaritan. Through his exclusive claims there is a great inclusiveness of all who are willing to submit only to Him, as both the rich young ruler and the Samaritan women found out – both with different outcomes – one left dejected and the other left celebrating! Thank you! Right mouse click or tap here to download as a MP3 audio file

After relocating from his hiding place David and his men go to Keilah a fortified town where they had a right to believe that they would be safe. This is because on following instructions from God to go to Keilah and David having rescued the inhabitants of Keilah from the Philistines David rightly expected loyalty from them. In verses 6-14 Saul hears of David's "foolishness" and brings his army to Keilah. David consults God's advice and is told to flee from Keilah as the ungrateful townsfolk would hand him over to Saul. David and his men fled to the wilderness of Ziph where Saul daily sought him; but the LORD protected him. Verses 15-18 tell us that yet again Jonathan is able to find David and encourage him to continue to trust Yahweh who will bring David to the throne. Another covenant is made between the two great friends. Verses 19-29 tell of the Ziphites' treachery in betraying David by telling Saul where David was hiding. When Saul had completely surrounded David and his men a message came to Saul telling him that the Philistines had attacked Israel and Saul must come to protect his people. Yet again we see how the Almighty's providence saved David. Let us put our trust in our Sovereign who will always use His power to preserve His people for His kingdom. Psalms 17 and 54 were most likely written to thank God for His deliverance. Isaiah 66 verses1-2 tell of the greatness of our Omnipotent Creator and His requirement for His children to show Him the reverence that is due to Him. His Word is powerful and the faithful must tremble before God's Word. Interestingly the sect of the Quakers used Isaiah 66 verse 2 as the foundation clause of their beliefs. The sense of the Hebrew of verse 2 that Yahweh is actively seeking worshippers who are similar to Himself: compare Isaiah 57 verse 15. Our God, despite His Majestic Grandeur, is of a humble disposition and can only be worshipped by humble people: James 4 verses 7-10; 1 Peter 5 verses 5-7. Verses 3-4 describe God's detesting of the nation's hypocrisy and formalism in Israel's worship. Verse 5 tells the faithful to patiently endure despite what they had suffered for their choosing God's ways. Verse 6 says that God will vindicate His people and repay their enemies. Verses 7-14 speak of the LORD's blessings on His people at the time of His Son's kingdom. God's first people Israel will become the focus of the worship of the Almighty during the kingdom: Isaiah 2 verses 1-5; Jeremiah 3 verses 16-17; Zechariah chapters 8, 13 and 14. The reborn nation will be centred in Mount Zion. This nation will spring into existence from the time of their acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah: Romans 11 verses 15-36; Galatians 4 verses 21-31. This will be a time of great joy and gladness. Verses 15-23 speak of the final glories of the Creator being brought to fulfilment in the earth. The commencing of this process is a time of severe judgment against the world and its abominations. Verses 18-20 describe some nations receiving more favourable treatment during this time than others and those who have shown favour to Israel will receive mercy from the LORD according to His promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. After Armageddon these nations will assist in the bringing of Jewish people to their homeland. And from among the returning Jews our God will make some of them mortal priests in the Land. Slowly read verses 22-23 aloud and let your mind contemplate the glory of that time when all flesh shall worship Yahweh in the glory of holiness. Verses 24 concludes the prophecy with the total eradication of the wicked.  Matthew 11:1-6 tells us that John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to Jesus from his prison at Machaerus to Jesus asking whether our Lord was the Messiah. Some have seen this as John wavering under an intense trial. I doubt this as John knew from the time of Jesus' baptism that Jesus was Messiah: John 1:29. It would seem that John knew that he had run his race and finished his course. More than likely he was sending his disciples to transfer their allegiance to Christ. Verses 7-19 give our Lord's response to, firstly John's disciples, but more so to the bulk of the wondering crowd who were fickle in their views about John. Jesus tells the crowd that John was resolute - John was not a reed shaken by the wind. Our Lord tells them that John followed his divinely appointed mission without being affected by the refinements of the great people of his time. He was Yahweh's messenger who was the forerunner of the Messiah - the messenger of the covenant: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:67-80. There was no greater man born of a human mother than John the Baptist - excepting Jesus himself. Since Jesus' mission in proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, men and women are exerting themselves to put the kingdom first. John was the last representative of the era of the Law and the Prophets that prophesied of Messiah. Jesus was the beginning of the era of grace and truth: John 1:1-18. Verses 16-19 speak of the crowd's fickleness. They were like the children in the marketplace who when their friends said "we want to play funerals" their friends replied "no we want to play weddings". God in his wisdom had sent them John the Baptist and lastly His beloved Son. The bulk of the crown responded to neither man's beseeching of them. Was Jesus work independent of John's work without avail and unwise? No! Both Jesus and John the Baptist were needed and their missions were complementary to the work of each other. Verses 20-24 record our Lord's denouncing of the unrepentant cities of Galilee - Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida - they had witnessed many miracles and heard the wonderful message of Jesus the Son of God; and yet had failed to repent. Jesus says that Tyre and Sidon would have turned to God had those cities been presented with the works done among the Galilean peoples. Those cities were shown much but showed little response. Their inhabitants will be judged accordingly. Likewise, says our Lord Jesus, that Sodom would have responded better than these two cities in Galilee did. So they will be held responsible for their rejection of the Son of God. In verses 25-27 Jesus offers a prayer of thanksgiving to his Father for revealing His will to the lowly and humble people and hiding it from the self important and proud people who think themselves to be somebodies. In verses 28-30 Jesus appeals to his listeners to yoke themselves together with him. Jesus speaks to all who are burdened in words that remind us of Isaiah 55:1-4. Each of us need the Lord Jesus to help us to bare the load each of us must carry: see also Galatians 6:1-10. When our Lord bares our burden our burden becomes lighter. Like his Father our Lord Jesus is kind and humble and in that understanding we can find rest. In verse 30 his yoke is described as "easy" and the Greek word means 'kindly'. It tells us that in joining with Christ there will be great benefits and kindness experienced. Let us learn this and walk in harmony with our Lord Jesus towards his kingdom. For at that time he will finally bring us into his rest: see Hebrews chapters 3 and 4.

Are we believing like the disciples or like the crowd? While there was response to the work Jesus was doing in his early ministry, there was not an understanding of who He is. Join us as Pastor Justin Carlton teaches on this topic in John 2. 

Today,It is my prayer today that our Heavenly Father will open our hearts to His Wordand help us understand the true nature of His kingdom and how it transforms usfrom within. And that He would guide us by His Spirit to live as citizens of Hiskingdom. ThePharisees were looking for a kingdom they could see. Along with most of theJewish people thew were looking for a grand, political empire that wouldelevate their nation and crush their enemies. They wanted a Messiah who wouldarrive with pomp, power, and a clear timeline. When John the Baptist showed upwith his message, some thought he might be the Messiah (John 1:19-27). But thenthe attention of the nation turned to Jesus, especially after John wasbeheaded. Jesus'response to their question about the kingdom turned their expectations upsidedown. The kingdom of God, He said, doesn't come with “observation”, which meantit wasn't going to come with fanfare or visible signs you can point to and say,“There it is!” God's plan for a visible, millennial kingdom was dependent uponthe Jews' accepting the spiritual truths of the kingdom as preached by John andJesus (John 3:1-12). The mystery parables of Matthew 13 reveal that the plan toestablish an earthly kingdom was postponed because of the Jews' attitude towardthe King. Instead, Jesus answer is that His kingdom is already present, workingin a way they couldn't imagine: within people's hearts. Jesus'words should challenge us to rethink what God's kingdom is. It's not aboutexternal power, wealth, or status. It's not confined to a specific place or adramatic event. The kingdom of God is spiritual, transforming us from theinside out. It begins when we surrender to Jesus as King, allowing Hislove, grace, and truth to reign in our hearts. This kingdom changes how wethink, act, and love others. It makes us humble where we were proud, generouswhere we were selfish, and hopeful where we were discouraged. WhenJesus told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God is within you,” He wasn't sayingthey already had it—they rejected Him! Instead, He was pointing to Himself, theKing standing in their midst, and urging them to recognize the kingdom'spresence through a changed heart. For us, this means the kingdom is alreadyhere, accessible through faith in Christ. It's in the quiet moments when wechoose forgiveness over bitterness, service over selfishness, or trust in Godover worry. It's in the way we reflect Jesus to the world. Jesustaught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come….”. In Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus gave usthe “principles of the kingdom”. Only by the new spiritual birth (John 3:3-7),can we see or enter this kingdom. And then only by His Holy Spirit living withinus can we experience the reality of living by the principles of His kingdom. Today,this truth should challenges us. Like the Pharisees, we can get caught uplooking for God's kingdom in the wrong places, expecting it in materialsuccess, public recognition, or a perfect life. Jesus calls us to look inward.Is His kingdom ruling in our hearts? Are we living as His ambassadors, showingHis love and truth in our everyday actions? Maythe Lord help us to focus on cultivating God's kingdom within. Before I get outof bed each day, I pray the Lord's Prayer to remind myself that I want to experienceHis Lordship in every aspect of my life. Today, would you take five minutes topray and ask God to reveal one area of your heart where He wants to reign morefully, maybe it's an attitude, a habit, or a relationship. Then, take onepractical step to align that area with His kingdom values.   Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank Youfor being our King and bringing Your kingdom near. Help us to seek Your kingdomwithin our hearts, not in the things of this world (Matthew 6:33). Transform usby Your Spirit to live as Your people, reflecting Your love and truth. Guide usin this week's challenge to let You reign in every part of our lives. Amen.

Welcome to Christ's Church at Butler's Sunday service, January 19th, 2025. This live stream will include a time of praise and worship, communion, and a message from pastor, Dale Rabineau. Contact us at (260)868-6924, or online at CCAB4Him.com. We'd love to connect with you!

Send us a textHow does anyone bless God? It is strange sounding yet the Bible exhorts us to bless God and gives examples of people blessing him. Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1 LORD is Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God.Psalm 104:1 Bless Yahweh, my soul.    Yahweh, my God, you are very great.    You are clothed with honor and majesty.The meaning of words is directly connected to the context in which they used. When we speak of blessing such as "be blessed" to another person we are wanting that person to receive something they need or be enabled to accomplish something. But God has no needs! He is the all-sufficent all-mighty self-sustaining eternal holy sovereign one!Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Deuteronomy 10:14So to bless God is to speak of God as he has revealed himself to be to God in praise or thanksgiving. We also can bless God by lifting him high above all to others in words that declare his works especially in the salvation of sinners such as ourselves.Two great examples of blessing God are given around the birth of the forerunner of the Messiah John the Baptizer. Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus, the incarnate Word offers her praise in Luke 1:46ff “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.On the 8th day of John's life on the occasion of his circumcision and naming Zechariah, his aged father's tongue is loosed from his muteness. And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemiesand from the hand of all who hate us;to show the mercy promised to our fathersand to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us  that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,  in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Luke 1:67ffBible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

How does anyone bless God? It is strange sounding yet the Bible exhorts us to bless God and gives examples of people blessing him.Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Psalm 103:1LORD is Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God.Psalm 104:1 Bless Yahweh, my soul. Yahweh, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty.The meaning of words is directly connected to the context in which they used. When we speak of blessing such as "be blessed" to another person we are wanting that person to receive something they need or be enabled to accomplish something. But God has no needs! He is the all-sufficent all-mighty self-sustaining eternal holy sovereign one!Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Deuteronomy 10:14So to bless God is to speak of God as he has revealed himself to be to God in praise or thanksgiving. We also can bless God by lifting him high above all to others in words that declare his works especially in the salvation of sinners such as ourselves.Two great examples of blessing God are given around the birth of the forerunner of the Messiah John the Baptizer. Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus, the incarnate Word offers her praise in Luke 1:46ff "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,...After John's birth his father blesses God Luke 1:67ff

Purchase Indescribable Atlas Adventures here During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli, Dr. Howard and I will exploring a few of the awesome ~ albeit often overlooked ~ theological truisms in the Christmas story. Because while Jesus is of course the main point and the unmistakable Hero of Luke's heartwarming birth narrative, if you read between the lines, you'll find a distinctive trinitarian motif as well. And the Incarnation ~ that is when divine grace was embodied in a baby boy born to an unmarried teenage mom in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago ~ was always intended to be the first of two Advents. Because the infant those ancient shepherds marveled over is the very same Messiah John refers to as the Ancient of Days in the book of Revelation who will return triumphantly to redeem those of us who've put our hope in His unconditional love. In other words, there's an eschatological component to the Christmas story too, y'all! Despite our familiarity with the nativity scene, there's still some gorgeous facets to discover in that proverbial crown jewel of Holy Writ. So please take a break in your “elving” errands and grab a non-fat, no-foam mocha latte with one pump of peppermint, or a hot spiced apple cider with a hint of caramel, or a nutmeg-laced eggnog with extra heavy yak cream, or whatever overpriced, holiday-themed concoction you prefer, and your Bible, then come prop your feet up on the porch with us. We're really happy we get to hang out with y'all today! This podcast brought to you in part by Better Help. Save 10% hereFind out more about CH Ministries here

Delivered 11.17.24

Part of our series of verse-by-verse studies through the Bible. Drawing Near is a ministry of FBC Tipp City. Reggie Osborne: Pastor/Teacher. regosborne1@gmail.com 

When Jay Speights of Rockville, Maryland, took a DNA test, nothing could have prepared him for the results he received. They contained a big surprise—he was a prince of the West African nation of Benin! Soon he boarded a plane and visited the country. When he arrived, the royal family greeted and showered him with a festive homecoming—dancing, singing, banners, and a parade. Jesus came to earth as God’s good news announcement. He went to His own people, the nation of Israel, to give them the good news and to show them the way out of darkness. Many received the message with apathy, rejecting the “true light” and refusing to accept Him as Messiah (John 1:9). But unbelief and apathy weren’t universal among the people. Some people humbly and gladly received Christ’s invitation, accepted Him as God’s eventual sacrifice for sin, and believed in His name. A surprise awaited this faithful remnant. He “gave [them] the right to become children of God” (v. 12)—to be royal children of His through spiritual rebirth. When we turn from sin and darkness, receive Jesus, and believe in His name, we discover we’re children of God, adopted as royalty into His family. May we enjoy the blessings and live up to the responsibilities of being the King’s kids.

Jesus wasn't the Messiah John expected. Now, John was in prison and had a question for Jesus. Seven coordinating blogs can be viewed here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2024/08/25/the-ministries-of-jesus-and-john-differed/ Seven devotional podcasts can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308798/15556983 A video of the story can be viewed here:https://youtu.be/gc29Y0lH6pg

Jesus wasn't the Messiah John expected. Now, John was in prison and had a question for Jesus. Seven coordinating blogs can be viewed here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2024/08/25/the-ministries-of-jesus-and-john-differed/ Seven devotional podcasts can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308798/15556983 A video of the story can be viewed here:https://youtu.be/gc29Y0lH6pg

Today we'll open our Bibles to John 1:35-42 as we continue The Gospel: One Sign at a Time, our year-long study in the gospel of John. In it, Paul shows us the response of the first disciples to Jesus' calling.To hear more of these bible studies, visit PaulTripp.com/John.

Today we'll open our Bibles to John 1:35-42 as we continue The Gospel: One Sign at a Time, our year-long study in the gospel of John. In it, Paul shows us the response of the first disciples to Jesus' calling.To hear more of these bible studies, visit PaulTripp.com/John.

Send us a Text Message.Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comFor an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessStudy Notes: John's Gospel – The Whole StoryPurpose of the Gospel:Structure of John's Gospel:Prologue (John 1:1-18):Jesus as the Life, rejected by some, believed by others.Believers are born of God and blessed by God.Public Ministry (John 1:19 - 12:50):Witnesses:John the Baptist: Declares Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God (John 1:19-34).First Disciples: Recognize Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:35-51).First Miracle at Cana: Disciples believed in Him (John 2:1-11).Cleansing of the Temple: Public see it as a messianic act (John 2:12-22).Nicodemus: Jesus discusses rebirth and belief in Him (John 3:1-21).Samaritan Woman: Recognizes Jesus as the Messiah (John 4).Nobleman's Son: Jesus heals his son; entire household believes (John 4:46-54).Conflict Begins:Jesus Claims Equality with God: Intensifies conflict (John 5:18).Divine Origin and Resistance: Conflicts between belief and unbelief escalate (John 6-8).Climactic Miracles:Healing the Blind Man: Leads to conflict and belief (John 9).Good Shepherd Discourse: Causes further division (John 10).Raising Lazarus: Culminates in belief and a plot to kill Jesus (John 11).Private Ministry (John 13-17):Foot Washing: Symbol of servitude (John 13).Announcement of Departure: Comforts disciples (John 14).Discourse on Relationships: Vine and branches metaphor (John 15).Explanation of Departure: Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 16).High Priestly Prayer: Jesus prays for His followers (John 17).Claims to Deity:Foreknowledge and claims of divinity emphasized repeatedly.Passion Ministry (John 18-20):Arrest and Trial: Jesus identifies Himself as "I am" (John 18).Trial Before Pilate: Affirms kingship (John 18-19).Crucifixion: Jesus fulfills the prophecy of being "lifted up" (John 19).Resurrection Appearances: Validates His victory over death and divinity (John 20).Key Themes:Witnesses: Throughout the Gospel, various witnesses affirm Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.Conflict: A consistent subplot of belief vs. unbelief, highlighting the tension between divine truth and human resistance.Jesus' Claims: Numerous statements affirming His deity, pre-existence, and role as the MessiHigh Vibes And A Mic | Motherhood, Family, International Culture, Wellness, SpiritualityLooking for a relatable and fun moms podcast? Look no further than High Vibes and a...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Jesus' radical ministry reveals His real identity.

Send us a Text Message.For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessThis Podcast is Hosted at;https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comEpisode 1: Introduction to John's Gospel (John 20:30-31)In this new season we we will embark on an in-depth exploration of the Gospel of John, delving into its profound teachings and powerful message about Jesus Christ. This first episode will set the stage for our journey by examining the purpose and significance of this remarkable book.Why Study the Gospel of John?Why should we study the Gospel of John? There are several compelling reasons:It's in the Bible: The Bible, being the divinely inspired Word of God, calls us to understand and embrace its entire message. As ministers, we are tasked with proclaiming the whole counsel of God, and studying the Gospel of John is an integral part of that mission.A Balanced Spiritual Diet: Just as we need a balanced physical diet, our spiritual nourishment must come from all parts of the Bible. While we have explored various books in both the Old and New Testaments, it's now time to delve into the unique and enriching perspective offered by John's Gospel.Understanding Jesus: John's Gospel provides a detailed account of Jesus' life and ministry, focusing on His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. This book is essential for understanding who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish.The Purpose of John's GospelJohn 20:30-31 gives us the purpose of this Gospel: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”John's Gospel was written to:Prove Jesus is the Messiah: John selected specific signs to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.Prove Jesus is the Son of God: Through the words and works of Jesus, John highlights His divine nature.Lead to Belief and Life: The ultimate purpose is to bring readers to faith in Jesus, leading to eternal life and a deeper relationship with God.Key Themes and ConceptsSelected Signs: John carefully chose miracles that serve as signs pointing to Jesus' true identity.Words of Christ: Jesus' profound statements, such as “I am the bread of life” and “I am the light of the world,” reveal His divine nature.Witnesses to Christ: Testimonies, like that of Thomas declaring, “My Lord and my God!” after seeing the resurrected Jesus, affirm His deity.Practical ApplicationBy studying John's Gospel, we will:All of Life for GodThe All of Life for God podcast is an engaging and thoughtful collection of exclusive...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Year in John – Episode 16: When challenged by His brothers about being known, Jesus pushes back and decides to go to a Jewish festival anonymously instead of publicly with His brothers or His disciples. Discover why this is and why this matters to us living today! Listen to this episode and/or subscribe on ReflectiveBibleStudy.com...

"Jesus is the Betrayed Messiah" (John 18:1-18) - Pastor Heiden Ratner

Psalm 122 is one of the fifteen “Ascent Psalms”, also called the “Pilgrim Psalms”. From the title we know that this one was written by David along with three others. One was written by Solomon and the other ten have anonymous writers. There are many commentators that believe King Hezekiah is the person that compiled these particular psalms together to encourage the Jewish pilgrims in their worship as they came to the City of Jerusalem three times a year for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. First in verses 1-2, we see that true worship comes from having a heart for God Himself (John 4:23-24). "Let us go" sounds tame, like an invitation to a tea. "We will go" is the better translation. Whether this was an invitation to someone living far from Jerusalem, or to David living in Jerusalem, the statement expressed determination and dedication. After the tent had been set up and the ark placed in it, no doubt David frequently went there to worship God, for David's love for God's house was well-known (27:4; 65:4; 2 Sam. 7:1-3). He rejoiced at an opportunity to go with other worshipers to praise the Lord. Though he lived in the holy city, David did not take this privilege for granted, for he had a heart for God and for God's house. David was a man after God's own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). The pilgrim coming from a distance would not complain about the journey, for his heart was set on the Lord. Love makes burdens lighter and distances shorter. Next in verses 3-5, we need a heart for thanks and praise. The Lord had told His people that one day there would be a central place where they would worship (Ex. 23:14-19; Deut. 12:5-7, 11-14, 17-19; 14:23; 16:2, 16), and that place was Jerusalem. The Lord instructed David that the place on Mount Moriah where he had built the altar was to be the site for the temple (1 Chron. 21-22). When the psalmist looked at the city, he thought of unity and security. Just as the stones of the walls and houses were "bound firmly together," so the people were bound together in their worship of the Lord and their respect for the throne. But it was the praise of Jehovah that was central (v. 4). God had commanded that His people go to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Ex. 23:14-19; John 4:20-21), and the people went as worshipers and not sightseers. In verses 6-9, we find that we need a heart for prayer. The name "Jerusalem" means "foundation of peace," and yet the city has been a center of conflict for centuries. If we understand biblical prophecy correctly, there can be no peace in Jerusalem or on earth until the Prince of Peace reigns on David's throne (Isa. 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-33). So, when we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are actually praying, "Thy kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10) and "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20). Jesus wept over the city because they were ignorant of the peace God had for them (Luke 19:41-48) and had rejected their own Messiah (John 11:47-48). Our prayers must come from our heart because we love God and love His people. The "prosperity" mentioned in verse 6 does not refer to material wealth but primarily to the spiritual enrichment that comes to those who love God, His Son (born a Jew), His Word (a Jewish book), and His chosen people. "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). Christian believers have a debt to Israel for the untold spiritual wealth they have given us (Rom. 15:25-27). The emphasis here is on the city of God, the chosen people of God (vv. 6-8), and the house of God (v. 9). Today, because we are God's people, citizens of the heavenly country, we must pray for one another and for the ministry of the churches. We belong to each other, we need each other, and we must help each other. We must pray for peace within and among the churches. We must pray for the needs of "our brothers and friends," and surely, we must pray for the lost. A heart for God will surely be a heart filled with praise and prayer. God bless!

Pastor Will continues through the Book of John with a message entitled "Three Men and The Messiah" - John 1:35-42.Other Scriptures Referenced: ​Matthew 11:28-30, Isaiah 53:2, Revelation 22:3-4, Philippians 1:6, Revelation 2:17.Video.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }Audi [...]

Adult Sunday School Series: The I AM Statements of Jesus Lesson 2: I Am the Messiah Presented on 19 November 2023 at Grace Providence Church - Cerritos, CA. Presented by William Furlong www.GraceProvidenceChurch.org Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron preaches that saving faith occurs, not by seeing but believing.

Joshua Rivas:10/15/2023

Here's this week's message!

Legends from the Pacific: Book 1 is available on Amazon. Get your copy today. https://amzn.to/3CIYo6m (Amazon Affiliate link) Who was John Frum? John Frum or Tom Navy, was an American soldier who became a god in the eyes of villagers on Vanuatu, and example of "Cargo Cult".  Discover how a soldier became a god, and where the term "cargo cult" came from.  Featured Song: "One Day Soon", by Ernie Cruz Jr., courtesy of HI*Sessions Join our email list https://legendsfromthepacific.ck.page/32ca50bd23 *We respect your privacy. We will not share your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Visit our store: https://legendsfromthepacific.com/store Theme Song: "Mystery" by Tavana, courtesy of HI*Sessions Sound Effects: Sound Effects Factory Music Coordinator: Matt Duffy AKA DJ TripleBypass Link to this episode on our website: https://legendsfromthepacific.com/144-frum Please give us a rating, write a review, subscribe, follow us, and share us with your friends and family. ***** Join our email list and claim your exclusive unaired episode today: "Hawaii's Faceless Ghost - Mujina" (Unaired Episode) https://legendsfromthepacific.ck.page/32ca50bd23 *We respect your privacy. We will not share your email. You can unsubscribe at any time. Listen to unaired Hawaiian stories, and Kamu's paranormal experiences by becoming a Patreon supporter today: https://www.patreon.com/legendsfromthepacific Send your unusual Pacific experience to be shared on a future episode. https://legendsfromthepacific.com/feedback  Visit our Fan Art Section: https://legendsfromthepacific.com/fan-artwork Instagram: legendsfromthepacific Twitter: LegendsPacific Follow Legends from the Pacific wherever you listen to audio. → Follow via Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-from-the-pacific/id1501091122 → Follow via Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/search/legends%20from%20the%20pacific → Follow via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5qhdkYUl8R7hSw6OZYJLye → Here's our RSS feed: https://legendsfromthepacific.libsyn.com/rss www.LegendsFromThePacific.com

In today's episode, we look at how the disciples of John the Baptist began to follow Jesus. It began with 2 of them, but it quickly progressed as those 2 began to tell others about the Lord. Andrew went and told Peter, while Jesus ran into Philip and told him to come and follow Him. We tie these happenings together with how we are to be as disciples, and how people act after they get saved. This episode will be a blast for those who are thrilled to be saved, and for those who love telling others. At points, it is a little challenging, but it is also very refreshing as well! In our Q&A segment, we were asked this question: Do you feel that God is shocked by how wicked the world has become?We feel confident that you will enjoy the answer to the question, and the study as well!

Friday, 28 July 2023   And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6   In the previous verse, the disciples Paul was speaking to were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Despite this, and unlike Cornelius and his household, it does not say that the Spirit fell on them. Rather, something similar to what occurred in Acts 8 now takes place. They were first baptized. After this, it says, “And when Paul had laid hands on them.”   The word “when” is not in the Greek, it more rightly says, “And Paul, having laid on them the hands.” As this is not what has previously occurred with Paul's baptisms, the Spirit seems to have impelled him to do this. Whether this is the case or not, this is the same order as the events in Acts 8 –   “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:12-17   With that remembered, and continuing in the same order as in Acts 8, it next says, “the Holy Spirit came upon them.”   Nothing like this is recorded in Acts 16 when Lydia and her household were baptized. Likewise, nothing like this is recorded when the jailor and his household were baptized later in Acts 16. Despite this, Luke carefully records the events now, revealing a particular sequence of events that are followed by more details. As it says, “and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”   As the verbs are imperfect, it should say “they were speaking with tongues and prophesying.” This event is not unlike that which occurred in Acts 2 –   “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4   The speaking in tongues and prophesying by these people in Ephesus would also have been as the Spirit gave them utterance. The word “tongues” signifies a known language, not gibberish. Prophesying refers to the praising of God, possibly foretelling, and also possibly forth-telling.   Some possible reasons for how things have transpired here are.   This was to confirm to these Jews that Jesus truly was the Messiah John prophesied of. The evidence of this was the Spirit coming upon them. This was to confirm that their water baptism into Jesus was accepted. As these disciples of John had not been a part of the rejection of Jesus, there was no need to repent offor that as was the case with the Jews in Acts 2. The laying on of hands was to confirm Paul as a true apostle to these people who were first hearing the saving message concerning Jesus.   Life application: The events taking place in Acts 19 are different than any other conversion experience found in Acts. There are good reasons for the things that have taken place as noted above. So, when you are reading the Bible, stop and make notes or lists to reasonably explain what might be taking place.   You can refer to them when evaluating other passages that are similar but which may not be identical. This will help you to more readily grasp why the differences may exist. We are being given instruction concerning what God wants us to know as we read the Bible, but it can be complicated. Making such notes is a good way of helping you to process why things are set forth.   The more time and effort you put into your reading and study of the Bible, the more grounded you will be in your relationship with the Lord who gave you this word to ponder.   Lord God, it is so refreshing to search out Your word and to find wonderful insights into the wisdom that is presented there. May we be responsible to spend quality time in it each day, cherishing its contents and reveling in its wonders! Thank You for Your precious word. Amen.

Two different men named John give us their testimonies of Jesus of Nazareth. How can we resist studying these eyewitness accounts from men called the Baptist and the Beloved? We'll see one of the best missionary tools in history, an approach that can't help but bring curiosity to the seeker of truth. Let's study John, Chapter 1 together.

Today's meditation comes from John 4:1-42. Afterword: I didn't include this story in my "Daughters of Zion" biblical retellings (you can find that here: https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Zion-Biblical-Retellings-Gray-ebook/dp/B08XJLWZG2/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=26DTl&content-id=amzn1.sym.e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_p=e4bd6ac6-9035-4a04-92a6-fc4ad60e09ad&pf_rd_r=ETX87PBBDTT19TDXZC6Z&pd_rd_wg=WUc3Q&pd_rd_r=3c275bbc-e63d-462c-a711-66ae5d526364&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m) only because the theme of that book was miracles experienced by women, and not just biblical stories in which a woman was prominently featured. Otherwise, this would have been one of the big ones. The story only appears in the gospel of John, though it makes sense why John specifically would have chosen to include it. The theme of his gospel is love. The Jews of Jesus' day scorned Samaritans, and from a religious standpoint, it would seem that there were good reasons for this. The Samaritans were Jews who had intermarried with pagans of neighboring nations, violating God's commandments to Joshua (Joshua 23:11-13), and falling prey to the doctrine of Balaam (from Numbers 23-24). God specifically told the Jews not to intermarry with those who worshipped other gods, lest they be led into idolatry. But when Assyria captured Samaria (2 Kings 17:5-41), the Assyrian king sent foreigners into the land who worshipped other gods. The Jews there did intermarry with them, and incorporated their pagan practices into their worship of Yahweh as well. Because of this, devout Jews wanted nothing to do with Samaritans, and wouldn't allow them to worship at their temple. The Samaritans had thus erected their own temple for worship instead (John 4:19-20). Even among her fellow Samaritans, though, this woman was an outcast. This is implied by the fact that she went alone to the well in the heat of the day, rather than in the morning when it was cooler, with all the other women. Her story, as Jesus revealed it, indicates the probable reason for this: her immoral behavior presumably caused the respectable women of the town to look down on her. This was probably why she was so shocked when Jesus spoke to her, even humbling himself to the point of asking her for a favor. (I'm sure He really did want a drink, though, as we're told earlier in the story that He was weary from his journey, and it was mid-afternoon so possibly it was hot, John 4:6. The story never mentions that the woman actually gave Him a drink, so as I wrote the retelling, I kept thinking, He's still thirsty...) Jesus' humility in asking the woman for a favor probably lowered her defense mechanisms initially, but I love how Jesus proceeded to dismantle whatever remained of them with just a few sentences. Every "chick flick" or "chick lit" story features an archetypical down-and-out heroine, embittered by the adversities of life. She then surreptitiously encounters a romantic hero who is the very embodiment of perfection. He's not only handsome, confident, and kind, but also several rungs above her on the social ladder to boot--but he's never arrogant about it. He sees through our heroine's prickly defenses to the soft heart she's trying to protect, and he's absolutely taken with her. From that point on, he pursues her relentlessly, refusing to be dissuaded. Try as she might, she can't resist him--because as frightened as she is of letting herself be vulnerable, all she's ever wanted is for someone to look past her faults, see her for who she truly is, and love her anyway. She falls in love with him in spite of herself... and then of course they live happily ever after. That's how I see this story, and I think it's how John saw it too. It's not a romance in the human sense, and yet (as author John Eldredge would put it), it's "The Sacred Romance," writ small and personal--almost in allegory, though this was also a real woman, too. We are not called the Bride of Christ for nothing. I don't think it's a coincidence that this woman was the lowest of the low in that society, either--and yet, despite that, this woman is the first recorded person to whom Jesus overtly declares His identity as the Messiah (John 4:25-26). Of all people, He chose her to be the first to hear the news--just as later, the formerly demon-possessed Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ. (John is also the only gospel writer to explicitly record this encounter, in John 20:11-18.) If Jesus qualified even these women, then there's hope for all of us.