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24_12_28 -Ep.344 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Fasting Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Susan's New book – Parenting Manual https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo Norman's New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It's a practical, quick read! https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04 --- **(28:00)** Last week we looked at biblical meditation, Today we consider the spiritual discipline of fasting! **(27:00 – 23:00)** The "one another" commands found throughout the New Testament are critical for followers of Jesus for several reasons. 1. Foundation of Christian Community 2. Reflecting Christ's Love 3. Promoting Spiritual Growth 4. Enhancing Prayer Life 5. Witness to the World 6. Encouraging Humility and Service **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 What Are Spiritual Disciplines? Define spiritual disciplines as practices rooted in Scripture that help believers grow in their relationship with God. Key verse: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Biblical Examples and Spiritual Purpose of Fasting 1. Biblical Examples of Fasting Fasting in Mourning and Repentance: David fasting after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-17 - ). The people of Nineveh fasting in response to Jonah's preaching (Jonah 3:5-10 ) Fasting for Guidance: Ezra fasting for safety and protection (Ezra 8:21-23 ) The church at Antioch fasting before sending out missionaries (Acts 13:2-3 ) Fasting in Crisis: Esther and the Jews fasting before she approached the king (Esther 4:16)) Jehoshaphat proclaiming a fast when Judah was under threat (2 Chronicles 20:3-4 Fasting in Preparation for Ministry: Jesus fasting 40 days and nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2 ) Paul and Barnabas fasting before appointing elders (Acts 14:23) 1.2 The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting Seeking God's Presence and Power: Humble Dependence on God: Aligning with God's Will: **So, Why Fast? Mourning, Repentance, Seeking Guidance, Wisdom, A Crisis, Preparation for Ministry **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2** Section 2: Practical Application of Fasting 2.1 How to Fast as an Individual Preparing for a Fast: Know Your WHY. What's your purpose? Pray and focus on the purpose for the fast. Choose the type and duration of fasting. Plan what will replace food, don't leave a vacuum. Prayer, Bible Reading, Memorization, etc. Types of Fasting: Complete Fast: No food or drink (Esther 4:16, Paul at conversion, Moses on Sinai; extreme circumstances only). 1.Desperate Circumstances: Often connected with life-and-death situations or pivotal spiritual moments. 2.Short Duration: Typically no more than three days unless miraculously sustained (e.g., Moses' 40-day fast). 3.Purpose: To seek divine intervention, guidance, forgiveness, or revelation. Partial Fast: Partial fasts in the Bible involve abstaining from certain types of food or drink rather than completely abstaining. These fasts were often used for extended periods or in specific contexts where individuals focused on humility, devotion, or spiritual preparation. (Daniel 10:3 - 2In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. John the Baptists Lifestyle) 1. Characteristics of Partial Fasts 2. Select Restrictions: Focus on limiting specific foods (e.g., rich foods, meat, or wine). 3. Purpose: Often linked to humility, seeking God's will, or preparing for spiritual encounters. 4.Extended Durations: Commonly longer than complete fasts, lasting days or weeks. Intermittent Fast: Skipping meals during specific times. IE. miss lunch for prayer. Intermittent fasting, characterized by periodic abstention from food or drink for specific times, is not explicitly named in the Bible but can be inferred from certain practices and rhythms. Biblical examples suggest some individuals and communities engaged in fasting at particular times of the day or for designated periods as part of their spiritual devotion. Luke 18:12 – Pharisee fasted twice a week, on a schedule. Characteristics of Intermittent Fasting in the Bible 1.Time-Based Fasting: Often occurred during specific hours of the day (e.g., morning to evening). 2.Regular Patterns: Certain groups, like the Pharisees, observed fasting on scheduled days. 3.Corporate and Personal Practice: Seen in communal settings (e.g., Israel) and individual devotion (e.g., Anna). 4.Purpose: Spiritual preparation, mourning, seeking guidance, or demonstrating devotion. Non-Food Fasts: Avoiding distractions like social media, entertainment, or hobbies to focus on God. The Bible does not explicitly describe non-food fasts in the same way it details abstinence from food and drink. However, certain practices resembling non-food fasts can be inferred from Scripture when individuals or groups chose to abstain from particular activities, comforts, or luxuries to seek God or focus on spiritual matters. Purpose: To demonstrate humility and focus entirely on seeking God during a period of spiritual reflection. Jonah 3:6-7 - The king of Nineveh declared a fast and removed his royal robes as a sign of repentance: "Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes." Purpose: Symbolizing humility and repentance before God. Characteristics of Non-Food Fasts in the Bible 1.Sacrificial Nature: The focus is on denying oneself something of value to draw nearer to God. 2.Symbolic Acts: Often associated with mourning, repentance, or humility (e.g., sackcloth and ashes). 3.Spiritual Intent: Aimed at seeking God, expressing devotion, or prioritizing spiritual over physical needs. **Ask: What is the biggest time waster that draws me away from god? Can you fast from that activity? During the Fast: Dedicate time to prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. Prepare ahead of time so you are ready. Journal your thoughts and prayers to track spiritual growth. Ending a Fast: Break the fast gradually, with thanksgiving and continued focus on God's purpose. **(5:00 – 1:00)** Doctrine of the Month - Salvation *The Need for Salvation * The Provision of Salvation *The Response to Salvation *The Results of Salvation **(1:00)** - “Thank you for listening today! Have you incorporated fasting into your spiriutal life? IS there a place in your life God is calling you to grow where fasting might be the right tools to help you humble yourself before Him? It's worth considering fasting if you are serious about following Jesus! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running. **(00:00)**
Ps. Dan shares from Ephesians 4 the gifts Jesus has given us in the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd & Teacher.
Today, Light of the Valleys invites you to marvel at the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 people, a reminder that he still provides for us today. Message based on Mark 6:35-44.
Your compassion changed that student's whole day!
Why was Jesus' ministry unique?
This message was given by Rev. Mike Cofer at Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church in Liberty Hill, Texas.
Jason Rumbough 3RDTHR-April, 2023
The post Peter's Ministry: Jesus Working Through & In Us appeared first on King's Cross Church.
Andrew Phillips-10/23/22-Ministry-Jesus models service
John the Baptist has been promising the coming Messiah and here He is! Our story comes from Matthew 3.
#truestory #pastorjudejones #edification #transformation #equipping #ministry #church #christianity #revival Friday, 14th of January 2022 Otakada.org Content Count 2,220,488 blog link: https://www.otakada.org/perfect-church-ministry-ministry-jesus-way-true-story-of-pastor-jude-jones-who-fainted-during-church-service-and-encounter-in-the-courtroom-of-heaven-of-nine-9-parts-for-your-edification-and-trans/ podcast link youtube link: Title: Perfect Church Ministry: Ministry Jesus WAY: True Story of Pastor Jude Jones who FAINTED during Church Service and Encounter in the Courtroom of Heaven of Nine (9) Parts for your Edification and Transformation – Equipping Series Hello Friends, this true story of Pastor Jude Jones titled, “Perfect Church Ministry: Ministry Jesus WAY: True Story of Pastor Jude Jones who FAINTED during Church Service and Encounter in the Courtroom of Heaven of Nine (9) Parts for your Edification and Transformation – Equipping Series” written by bro Femi Oluyamoju, a true life story of a mega church pastor will edify you and Transform you to the image and likeness of Christ. There are lessons for everyone – Both in Ministry and as lay Christian. Perfect Church Ministry Jesus way It questions and corrects today's ministry practices in Nigeria that are unscriptural but doctrines and traditions of men calling for revival . It encourages hearing God by yourself and being led by the Holy Spirit so that you can be in the centre of God's plans and purposes for your life. Both in ministry and in our personal work and walk with the Lord. Enjoy! if you missed the last post titled, “Perfect WORDS, Perfect WORKS, and Perfect WONDERS : 7 Decisions that Determine your Destiny – the Decision to pray with POWER By John Hagee and 5 Motivating Reasons to Pray by Dan Hayes“, follow this link : https://www.otakada.org/perfect-words-perfect-works-and-perfect-wonders-prayer-motivation-video-by-john-hagee-and-motivating-reasons-to-pray-by-dan-hayes-prayer/ PASTOR FAINTS IN CHURCH Hearing God Series Femi Oluyamoju No one knew that the man behind the whole program had fainted and passing away in the office. The service was electrifying, it was our yearly praise program. Those who know me, knows I don't do things half way for God. I go all out when it has to do with God. We prepared for 50,000 worshippers, the overflow was designed by one of the best event planners in town. We just changed all our key equipments and instruments to the latest make
Ministry - Jesus Built My Hotrod CHRISTIANS REACT!! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/conversations-with-vin-and-sori/support
Uncovering the truth about our origins from the garden of eden to the present day we talk about original sin and the great divide that happened between men and women that still exists today. Guest: Pastor Alanna Pedder
Uncovering the truth about our origins from the garden of eden to the present day we talk about original sin and the great divide that happened between men and women that still exists today. Guest: Pastor Alanna Pedder
A new MP3 sermon from Texas Oaks Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Messy Ministry - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind Subtitle: Messy Ministry Speaker: James Torrey Broadcaster: Texas Oaks Baptist Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 11/15/2020 Bible: Isaiah 6; John 9 Length: 40 min.
Sermon from the Book of Mark Series from April 19, 2020
1. The direction that Jesus commanded.-2. There is darkness.-3. There is danger.-4. There is distance.
8 Principles of Ministry- Jesus prepares his Disciples to go out into ministry
“Lip or Life Service?” Matthew 21:28-32This Week’s Core Practice: Single-mindedness I focus on God and His priorities for my life.Matthew 6: 24, 31-33“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Scripture: Matthew 21:28-3128 “ But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘ Son, go, work today in my vineyard. ’ 29 He answered and said, ‘ I will not, ’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘ I go, sir, ’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father? ” They said to Him, “ The first. ”Jesus said to them, “ Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier”s Ministry: “Jesus in today’s passage uses His discussion of John the Baptist’s authority with the religious leaders in Jerusalem as a springboard to explain why judgment is coming upon those covenant-breaking Israelites who believe themselves falsely to be God’s true people. The parable of the two sons is the first of three consecutive parables in which our Lord condemns faithless Israelites.The point of today’s parable is straightforward, namely, that it is better to obey without promising than it is to promise and not obey. As Scripture tells us elsewhere, words mean nothing if there are no deeds to back them up. It is easy to profess the truth, but our Father in heaven also demands that we do the truth as well. Those who initially refuse to submit to God but then turn to Him are His children, not those who honor Him with their lips and yet have hearts that never serve Him.Of course, the priests and elders believe they are represented by the obedient son. Jesus, however, has a different estimation. The tax collectors and prostitutes, those whom the leaders see as farthest from the kingdom, are those who in hearing the preaching of John and Jesus have recognized their poverty of Spirit and repented. John Calvin comments that although they are great sinners, “they are greatly preferable to the scribes and Pharisees in this respect, that they do not continue to the end in their vices, but, on the contrary, submit gently and obediently to the yoke which they had fiercely rejected.” It is the son who does not follow through on his pledge that represents the Jerusalem authorities; they have not seen their desperate need of forgiveness and consequently, have not turned from their sin (v. 32; see 3:7–10).Being able to discern the faithful son is actually an act of self-indictment on the part of the leaders. If they can rightly choose as faithful the son who left his disobedience, surely they must also be able to discern in themselves their own lack of righteousness and need of the Savior. Yet they never acknowledge their guilt. Let us never be so confident in our own goodness that we fail to recognize our need of repentance and forgiveness.For Personal Reflection and Discussion:What is the truth contained in the main point of this parable?What motivated the parableWhat is Jesus’ personal application of the parable? (v. 31)What does this parable teach us about service?In what ways are these two sons similar? How do those similarities apply to Jesus’ listeners and those of us that read this parable today?In what ways are the two sons different? Who do they represent?What do you think is the whole point of this parable?What point is Jesus making in verses 31–32? Why does He sound so harsh here?What does it mean that Jesus says the harlots and tax gatherers will get into the kingdom of God before the chief priests and elders of Israel?This parable is different from some of the others, in that there is no burning of one side, like the wheat and tares, and there is no casting of one side into the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Is there any significance to this fact? If so, what is it?Where would you place yourself on the spectrum of the older to younger brother? How does this parable specifically apply to us today…to you today?What Core Competencies do you see positively or negatively in the passage? 30 CORE COMPETENCIES10 FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFSTrinity: 2 Corinthians 13:14We believe the God of the Bible is the only true God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Salvation by Grace: Ephesians 2: 8-9We believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by His grace,through faith in Jesus Christ.Authority of the Bible: 2 Timothy 3: 16-17We believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command our belief and action.Personal God: Psalm 121: 1-2We believe God is involved in and cares about our daily life.Identity in Christ: John 1: 12We believe we have significance because of our position as children of God.Church: Ephesians 4: 15-16We believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today.Humanity: John 3: 16We believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.Compassion: Psalm 82: 3-4We believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need.Eternity: John 14: 1-4We believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and toestablish His eternal kingdom.Stewardship: I Timothy 6: 17-19We believe that everything we are or own belongs to God.10 FOUNDATIONAL PRACTICESWorship: Psalm 95: 1-7We worship God for who He is and what He has done and will continue to do.Prayer: Psalm 66: 16-20We pray to God to know Him, to intercede for others, to let our request be known to Him and tofind direction for our daily lives.Bible Study: Hebrews 4: 12We read the Bible to know God, the truth and to find direction.Single Mindedness: Matthew: 6: 33We focus on the Lordship of Christ and His Priorities for our lives.Spiritual Gifts: Romans 12: 4-5We know and use our spiritual gifts to fulfill God’s purpose in our life and add to the benefit of theBiblical or Transformational Community.Biblical Community: Acts 2: 44-47We fellowship with other Christians to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives,other’s lives, andin the world.Giving Away My Time: Colossians 3: 17We give away our time to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Money: 2 Corinthians 8: 7We give away our money to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Faith: Ephesians 6: 19-20We give away our faith to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Life: Romans 12: 1We give away our life to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.10 FOUNDATIONAL VIRTUESJoy: Psalm 95: 1-7I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances.Peace: Philippians 4: 6-7I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, others, and myself.Faithfulness: Proverbs 3: 3-4I am faithful to fulfill God’s will for my life.Self-Control: I Thessalonians 5:6I have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to choose to control myself.Humility: Philippians 2: 3-4I choose to show consideration for others above myself.Love: I John 4: 10-12I am committed to love others unconditionally.Patience: Proverbs 14:29I am patient with others.Kindness/Goodness: I Thessalonians 5: 15I choose to do the right things in my relationship with others.Gentleness: Philippians 4:5I choose to be thoughtful, considerate and calm in dealing with others.Hope: Hebrews 6: 17-20It is because of the hope I have in Christ I can cope with the hardships of lifeand with death.Notes:
Talking to Founder & CEO of Heels Off Ministry. A non-profit Christian organization aimed towards helping Women in different fields of the Sex industry find their standing with Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/getyourdailydos/message
Dr. Hwa-Young Chong, of the Northern Illinois Area of the United Methodist Church, shares how the incarnation of God in human flesh liberates us from all dehumanizing systems and structures of the world, so that we may freely and joyfully participate in creating our world as a more loving, compassionate, and peaceful place to be. (VOICED BY PROFESSIONAL TALENT) FULL TRANSCRIPT 0:01 When women come together there's nothing we cannot do. Welcome to the WellSprings Journal Podcast, where you will hear from women who have been called by God into lives to speak grace and compassion, that share pain and anger, and that dance life's joys and laughter. Inspiration to call forth your creative spirit await. Listen now. 0:32 A Liberating Incarnation: Bodies, Suffering, and the Church, by Hwa-Young Chong, Northern Illinois Area of the United Methodist Church 0:43 God in Human Flesh – The Word made flesh. How is it possible that the infinite and eternal God has found a home in the finite and temporal humanity? 0:56 At first, incarnation seems contradictory. God comes to our world as a newborn baby? God grows and changes just like one of us? God suffers and dies on the cross? How can divinity and humanity coexist? Yet incarnation powerfully tells us that, in God, the impossible is possible and the unimaginable becomes real. The good news is that the almighty God assumed human body, and by doing so, God became intimate and accessible to the human world. At the same time, God’s own embodiment challenges us to find sacredness in our bodies and to resist any abuse, violence, or injustice forced upon our bodies. 1:50 In our incarnate God, powerfulness and vulnerability become one. God enters our world as a “fellow sufferer.” Theologian Jürgen Moltmann even indicates that all the suffering in history is the suffering of God, when he writes, “There is no suffering which in this history of God is not God’s suffering; no death which has not been God’s death in the history of Golgotha.” As the one who knows the pain of tortured death, God suffers with all suffering bodies, and brings new life to our fragile world. Incarnation has a liberating message for all whose full humanity has been denied, harmed, and oppressed due to their bodily aspects. A liberating incarnation calls for a way of justice for all. 2:45 Bodies in the Bible – When it comes to understanding bodies, there seem to be conflicting messages in the Bible. On one hand, bodies are considered sacred. Both men and women were created in the image of God to reflect the sacredness in human bodies. Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians, affirms that Christians are the “temples of the living God” and human bodies are the holy vessels in which the divine Spirit dwells. Becoming one communal body in Christ brings healing and reconciliation, putting an end to hostility and enmity. The body, or soma in Greek, is used to express the state of “being in Christ.” According to Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, soma, as a key symbol in the early church, evoked “an emancipatory political symbolic universe and vision.” In this regard, body is a powerful symbol of a just community where all are invited to be one with Christ. 3:54 On the other hand, in traditional Judaism and in Jesus’s lifetime, some aspects of bodies—such as sick bodies, dead bodies, Gentile bodies, and women’s bodies — were considered defiled. A woman who gave birth to a son was considered unclean for one week, and a woman who gave birth to a daughter was considered doubly unclean — for two weeks. No unclean bodies were allowed in the temple, and unclean bodies had to go through a ritual purification. Such bodily conditions were used for segregation, discrimination, and exclusion. In this way, the sacredness of bodies was painfully ignored and denied. It is in the midst of both positive and negative understandings of bodies that Jesus reached out to all people. 4:51 Bodies and Jesus’s Ministry Jesus was well aware of the oppressive nature of condemning bodies. Gospel writers witness that Jesus’s ministry extensively involved those who were affected by bodily conditions: lepers, a woman with a bleeding condition, a bent-over woman, and people with visual disability. These people were declared ritually unclean and thus isolated from their communities socially and religiously. The social perceptions and practices also made it difficult for them to participate in community life. Jesus’s healing was, first of all, the healing of their physical conditions, but equally important was the restoration of their status in the community. 5:41 In the healing story of the lepers, Jesus asked the lepers to go to the temple and show their healed bodies to the priests, so that the priests would declare them clean and they could be included in the worshiping community. Jesus similarly declared that the bent-over woman was free from her ailment, indicating that she was not going to be socially restricted. Jesus also rejected linking the body’s condition to spiritual sinfulness. When he was asked whether a man was born blind due to his own sin or his parents’ sin, Jesus responded that it was not due to anyone’s sin. In a similar vein, Jesus ate with prostitutes and so-called sinners, those who were ritually unclean. In Jesus’s parable of the great dinner, when the invited guests did not come to the dinner, the host invited “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame”, indicating that, in God’s kingdom, no one would be excluded based on their social or physical conditions, which was in contrast to the experience of those hearing the parable. 6:54 Jesus, the incarnate deity, defied the unjust laws that alienated people and served to oppress bodies. In taking on human flesh through Jesus, God challenged discrimination and prejudice based on bodily conditions. Jesus embraced stigmatized bodies, a powerful act in both our time as well as his time. In Jesus’s life and ministry, incarnation was a life-transforming and world-liberating power, far from an abstract philosophical principle. 7:31 Bodies and the Church – As we have examined thus far, in Judeo-Christian traditions, bodies were considered to reflect divine grace, and at the same time, were considered defiled. This ambiguity caused much fear, conflict, and division in the church. The bodily aspect of circumcision, which was considered both the physical sign and the spiritual symbol of God’s covenant, was at the heart of the early church’s intense struggle as to whether or not the Gentiles were part of salvation history. By the power of the Spirit, the Jerusalem conference concluded that circumcision was not needed to enter into the Christian community, which provided the springboard for the church to become an inclusive community. Had the insistence on circumcision remained a requirement, many of today’s Christians would not have been able to be part of the church. 8:36 Discrimination based on gender, race, age, sexual orientation, and ethnicity are related intimately to physical features, sabotaging God’s call to embody diversity in the one body of Christ. Despite a painful history that has considered particular bodies to be dangerous, fearful, unclean, or inferior, the church today must live out incarnational theology and strive to be a place where all differently colored, sexualized, and functional bodies gather together safely and confidently. 9:15 Defying the Cultural Norms of Bodies – Incarnation indicates to us that our bodies are the dwelling sites of the divine, yet some cultural and religious expectations of our bodies have become barriers to fully realizing sacredness. The contemporary cultural ideal of women’s bodies as being thin and physically fit or men’s ideal bodies as muscular and athletic, for instance, tend to promote unhealthy stereotypical body images, and may also lead to psychological, physical, and even spiritual problems. 9:54 Conflicting messages about bodies also exist. In Korean Confucian tradition, for example, bodies are gifts from one’s honored ancestors and thus are to be respected. To harm one’s body is to dishonor it. The Buddhist tradition also values all lives, both human and animal, as sacred and worthy of awe and reverence. The practice of vegetarianism in Buddhism can be understood in the large context of respecting all lives and bodies. 10:28 Yet women’s bodies have not always been treated with respect. For example, in Confucian Korea, there was a social stigma attached to women who were childless, asexual, or married more than once. While such prejudices are no longer overtly shared in contemporary Korean culture, women’s bodies still “exist for men’s everyday living and to cater to the male ego.” A sense of shame often has been forced upon female victims of sexual violence, which deepens the trauma and pain inflicted upon their bodies. 11:07 A liberating incarnation defies such injustice done to our bodies. Incarnation powerfully proclaims that God became human in Jesus. Incarnation declares that all bodies are sacred, regardless of color, physical ability, age, fertility, sexual orientation, sexual history, or marital status. 11:31 Stories Written on Bodies – Our bodies tell our stories, and our stories are embedded in our bodies. Racism, sexism, alienation, oppression, fear, and horror are all written on our bodies. 11:49 I will never forget the first time when, as a graduate student many years ago, I met a comfort woman survivor. “Comfort Woman” is a euphemism for women who were forced into sexual slavery during World War II under Japanese imperialism. These women typically were teenagers when they were raped and tortured in captivity. Kap-Soon Choi was one of these brave and courageous survivors who spoke up, even though it was extremely painful to share the oppression and harm done to her body. 12:24 She showed many signs of hardship and physical aging: deep wrinkles, missing teeth, and a bent-over back. Hearing her speak of the pain of having her body “ripped” in sexual slavery was heartbreaking. She spoke of the injustice of sexism and sexual violence, both with her words and with her body. It was transformative for me to experience her presence. This encounter profoundly changed the way I understood the broken body of Christ. The terribly abused bodies of comfort women opened my eyes to understand Jesus’s incarnation in a new way. 13:07 Jesus’s suffering on the cross not only happened once but also continues today in the suffering of men and women due to war, political and economic corruption, sexual violence, unjust marriage systems, commercialization of bodies, buying and selling of sex, and discrimination based on sexuality. Our incarnational God bring us hope by continuously entering into our lives to bring about healing, restoration, and resurrection. 13:41 Body of Christ, Broken for You – “The body of Christ broken for you.” We often say these words during the sacrament of Holy Communion. What do these words mean for those whose bodies have been broken by injustice and violence? 13:59 Each time I participate in Communion, I am reminded of, not only Jesus’s broken body and bloodshed, but also the suffering of women, men, children of all races and ethnicity. At the same time, Communion is a call for justice. Each time we break the bread, we participate in Christ’s vision for a new community. The open table of The United Methodist Church powerfully declares that all God’s people are invited. At this table we are challenged never to forget the suffering of broken bodies among us, and join Christ in an embodied dance of compassion, peace, and justice. 14:45 Holy Communion is a radical form of hospitality. In its sacramental form, the practice of Holy Communion both recalls the table fellowship of Jesus and envisions the eschatological banquet of God’s reign. The practice of table fellowship nourishes bodies, heals brokenness, and builds community. 15:10 A Liberating Incarnation – Our hope is in the incarnate God, who is manifest in our bodies. God’s suffering on the cross should never be interpreted as reflecting the suffering of the world. Rather, a suffering, incarnate God tells us that God will not tolerate suffering anymore. The broken bread of Holy Communion reminds Christian communities that Jesus’s body was broken to end human suffering, and that sharing in the body of Christ is making a commitment never to participate in violence. Holy Communion envisions a Spirit-led community that seeks justice and peace for all people. 15:56 The incarnate God liberates us from all dehumanizing systems and structures of the world, so that we may freely and joyfully participate in creating our world as a more loving, compassionate, and peaceful place to be. God invites us to an incarnational life. This is an invitation to be one body with Christ, to embody Christ’s peace, compassion, and justice in our daily life. The church is called to be God’s reign on earth, living out a liberating incarnation. 16:33 The gospel is in our bodies. God assumed human flesh and lived among us. God dwells in our bodies today. As those who bear the image of God and cradle the spirit of Christ, may the people of Christ’s body live out a liberating incarnation every day! 16:54 The Word became flesh. Thanks be to God! 16:59 Thank you for listening to the WellSprings Journal podcast. Be sure to visit WellSpringsJournal.org to find more resources for the journey.
It’s a sad goodbye to Katie as she’s off to vicar factory, but she joins the team one last time to discuss our Sep cover feature, marking the 100th anniversary of the first woman to be ordained to ministry in a UK denomination. We also revisit the Jesus People Revolution 50 years on from 1967’s Summer of Love, hear how a KGB spy became a Christian church planter, and some of Katie’s Profile interview with ‘America’s best theologian’ Stanley Hauerwas. See the full September edition at https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/September-2017 Get a free copy of the magazine at www.premierchristianity.com/freesample Get the MP3 podcast of Premier Christianity magazine, or Subscribe Via iTunes
Church, the ministry Jesus set up
Jared and Rusty are joined by their wives to discuss the role of family in life and ministry.
Bill Hochstetler - Jesus in John 4, 6 and 10 (Tuesday Ministry; 2009-04-07)
Preached at: New Zion Missionary Baptist Church 8129 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64131 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wisdom-from-the-word-of-god/message
JESUS' HANDBOOK FOR MINISTRY - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (Howard Wylie) by Connect Church SA