Podcasts about Naphtali

January 25, 2026. Fr. Tyler's homily for the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. Enjoy! Gospel Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Gospel Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

ENCORE EPISODE Jesus began his ministry in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. “A people who sit in darkness have seen a great light.” It was here that he preached repentance, and called his first disciples. In this episode, you'll hear how he is calling you!Readingshttps://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfm

Father and Annie head to Zebulun and Naphtali and discuss why the people there are in darkness - and explore why these territories are so significant in the mission of Jesus to establish his kingdom as he begins his public ministry and gathers apostles.

Matthew 4:12-23   When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Why Zebulun and Naphtali?

Friends for this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, our first reading from the prophet Isaiah and our Gospel from Matthew both have a section that's a little weird. While most preachers skip over these sections to get to the better-known and understandable parts, I want to dwell, on purpose, on the strange parts—and they have to do with the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Friends for this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, our first reading from the prophet Isaiah and our Gospel from Matthew both have a section that's a little weird. While most preachers skip over these sections to get to the better-known and understandable parts, I want to dwell, on purpose, on the strange parts—and they have to do with the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Jesus calls his first disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson explain how Matthew's version is unique compared to Mark's version and Luke's version as well as the importance of realizing when Jesus says, “Repent!” and “Follow me!” they're imperatives, they're not optional. Jesus is not waiting for you to answer the call. He's claiming you as His own. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls: Care of Souls - AddictionCOURSES Do you like what you learn in the conversations on Scripture First? Luther House of Study has numerous interactive courses available for free on subjects ranging from the Lutheran Catechism to core Christian beliefs. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org to see their available courses, create an account to track your progress, and dive deeper into your learning. SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Naphtali Hoff, PsyD - President of Impactful Coaching & Consulting: Becoming the Delegating School Boss: A Principal's Guide to Reducing Stress and Multiplying Leadership. This is episode 811 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Dr. Naphtali Hoff is an executive and performance coach and trainer. He is the author of Becoming the New Boss, a leadership book that helps new leaders hit the ground running and enjoy sustained success, Becoming the Productive Boss, which helps leaders and their teams get more of the right work done, and Becoming the Delegating School Boss, which helps school leaders clear their plates and empower their teams. More about his work can be found on his website, ImpactfulCoaching.com.  Our focus is Naphtali's latest book - Becoming the Delegating School Boss: A Principal's Guide to Reducing Stress and Multiplying Leadership. Awesome conversation! So much to learn and put to use! Practical! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://impactfulcoaching.com/ https://www.facebook.com/naphtali.hoff https://x.com/impactfulcoach https://www.linkedin.com/in/naphtalihoff/ https://www.instagram.com/naphtalihoff/ https://www.amazon.com/BECOMING-DELEGATING-SCHOOL-BOSS-MULTIPLYING/dp/B0GGZJ4951 Length - 55:51

Saturday, 17 January 2026   And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala. Matthew 15:39   Note: You can listen to today's commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)   You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).   “And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat, and He came to the borders of Magdala” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that there were four thousand men, besides women and children, who comprised the multitudes Jesus fed. With that portion of the narrative complete, and to close out the chapter, Matthew next notes, “And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat.”   They have been on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. With this cycle of attending to a Gentile woman in the allotments of Tyre and Sidon noted, followed by a time in the Gentile-led eastern regions near the Decapolis completed, He got into a boat, “and He came to the borders of Magdala.”   This is a location not named this way anywhere else in Scripture. Some manuscripts note the location as Magadan, meaning Megiddo, but that is incorrect based on Matthew 16:5, which notes they are still in the region of the lake. Rather, the town Magdala in Hebrew is Migdal-el, Tower of God, a city of Naphtali recorded in Joshua 19:38.   This is also known as Al-Majdal (Mejdel) on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, north of Tiberias. Mark 8:10 notes that when they got in the boat, they came to the allotments of Dalmanutha. Saying it this way, there is no contradiction to be found. Just as Jesus went to the “allotments” of Tyre and Sidon, meaning the surrounding areas, in Matthew 15:21, so they went to Magdala in the allotments, meaning the surrounding areas, of Dalmanutha.   Life application: Chapter 15 of Matthew gives a picture of what is going on in the world from the time Jesus fulfilled the law until the rapture. The verses, though literally occurring at the time of Jesus, point to truths after the completion of Jesus' ministry. The New Covenant is now what God is doing in the world. Israel as a whole, however, rejected that.   Though they no longer observe the Law of Moses, they remain bound to it. During this dispensation, they are spiritually led by rabbis, both in their writings in the Talmud as well as in their cultural and religious life.   These are reflected by the scribes and Pharisees who came from Jerusalem (verse 1) to challenge Jesus. Paul explains in Galatians 4:21-31 that the earthly Jerusalem reflects them and their teaching. The main point for now says –   “But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:23-26   In verses 2-9, Jesus explains the state of Israel at this time, living by the laws of men rather than by the law of God. After the introduction of the New Covenant, the law of God is not the Law of Moses. Rather, that is fulfilled.   At this time, religious Israel draws near to the Lord with their lips, but their hearts, because of their rejection of Jesus, are far away from Him.   In verse 11, Jesus stated that what goes into the mouth does not defile. Rather, what comes out of it does. Though that was a truth concerning the traditions of these elders, it is a truth that is spiritually seen in Israel to this day. They refuse to proclaim Jesus.   This is their defilement. But what does Paul say concerning this? In Romans 10, he says –   “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13   The only thing that can cleanse a person from sin is Jesus. Anything else, meaning any other proclamation, defiles that person. As such, Jesus says in verse 14 to let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind, and both will fall into a pit.   In verse 15, Jesus reexplained to dull Peter (later, the Apostle to the Jews) the matter of the heart and what it is that causes defilement. While Israel remains in their state of defilement because of their oral proclamations, something else takes place. This is seen in verse 21, where Jesus “went out from there,” meaning from the Jewish people to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon, a Gentile area.   Tyre (Hebrew: Tsor) signifies Rock. While Israel abandoned their Rock, the Gentiles received Him. That this is speaking of Christ is seen, for example, in Deuteronomy 32:32, where it says, “For their rock is not like our Rock.” There are those who are confident in their rock (tsur), and yet their rock is not the Lord who is the Rock (tsur).   Sidon (Hebrew: Tsidon) signifies Fishery. It is a place for catching fish. Everyone is like a fish. When Jesus said to Simon and Andrew that they would be fishers of men, He meant that men are like fish to be caught.   While in this area (verse 22), a Canaanite woman came to Jesus and begged for compassion for her demon-possessed daughter. Canaan signifies Humbled, Humiliated, or even Subdued. She pictures those of faith who have humbled themselves before the word of Christ.   The issue is the daughter. In Scripture, a son or a daughter is representative of the state of something. A “son of death,” for example, is a person deserving of death. That is his state. A daughter, in this case, is the state of a group of people, such as “daughter of Jerusalem,” “daughter of Tarshish,” etc. What is the state of the Daughter of the Humbled who are also Gentiles?   Jesus said in verse 24 that He had come “if not to the sheep, the ‘having been lost' – House Israel.” Despite there being a New Covenant, with whom was that covenant made? The answer is found in both Jeremiah and Hebrews –   “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” Jeremiah 31:31   The early church did not understand that the word was to go to the Gentiles. That is a major subject found in Acts. It is representative of the disciples' comments found previously in verse 23 when they told Jesus to dismiss her.   It literally took an act of God to get them to see that the New Covenant included Gentiles, first with the Ethiopian eunuch and then the house of Cornelius. Jesus' calling, though, to redeem the House of Judah and Israel, is inclusive of the Gentiles of faith, as seen in this account. It is something prophesied in Isaiah 49:6, but which is revealed in typology here.   The woman was told that it wasn't “good to take the children's bread and cast to the puppies.” In the Bible, dogs represent Gentiles. That is seen in the Caleb series of sermons. Caleb, kalev, is from kelev, dog. It is also seen in the account of Gideon and his men, who lapped like dogs, a typological picture dealing with the Gentiles.   The woman didn't argue Jesus' point. Instead, she noted that “even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table.” Jesus thus remarked concerning her great faith, something evidenced in the Gentile world. At that time, it noted the child was cured. Salvation, in fact, is also directed to the Gentiles. They are brought into the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12).   From there, verse 29 said of Jesus that “He went near the Sea of the Galilee, and having ascended to the mountain, He sat there.” The Galilee has previously been explained as “the Liberty.” It is a picture of freedom from sin. As sin stems from a violation of law, it ultimately signifies freedom from law.   A mountain in the Bible represents a lot of something gathered. In typology, it is synonymous with a large but centralized group of people. Though it is only stated in Mark, the last area noted was the Decapolis, a Gentile controlled area.   Thus, this is typologically referring to a large but centralized group (meaning under Jesus) of Gentile people. The Canaanite woman already established that, but this is an extension of the thought, explaining the result of the dispensation of the Gentiles. In other words, “What will happen in the world once it is established that Gentiles are to be included in the New Covenant?”   In verses 30 and 31, multitudes came to Jesus for healing, so many that they were strewn about Him. It is reflective of the broken Gentile world coming to Christ for healing and salvation. As many came, He healed them so that “they glorified the God of Israel.”   As noted at that time, the term is unique in the New Testament. It suggested the presence of Gentiles on the mountain, but it typologically asserts this fact. Paul's ministry literally shouts out the parallel to this thought in Matthew –   “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:11, 12   Was the God of Israel glorified through this? The answer is found in Romans –   “Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.'” Romans 15:8, 9   And...   “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:18, 19   In verses 32-38, the feeding of the four thousand is recorded. Jesus said they had been with Him three days. In Scripture, three “stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire. ... Hence the number three points us to what is real, essential, perfect, substantial, complete, and Divine.” Bullinger   The time these people have been with Jesus speaks of a divine fullness, something reflected in Romans 11:25, “that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” It goes right back to the state of Israel, noted in Matthew 15:14, where the blind are leading the blind.   While Israel is blinded, the blind of the Gentiles (Matthew 15:31) are brought to sight. The miracle of the bread (think of Jesus, the Bread of Life) and fish (a word which signifies “increase” in Hebrew) speaks of the immense harvest. There were seven loaves, the number of spiritual perfection, and a few tiddlers. However, they were enough to feed the multitude of four thousand. The number is a product of four and tens.   Four is the number of material creation, the world number. It speaks of the entirety of the world hearing the gospel, just as Jesus said it would. Ten is the number where nothing is wanting, and the whole cycle is complete. The entire world of the Gentiles will be evangelized before the end comes.   To demonstrate the immense harvest that will be realized in the church age, the baskets of fragments were collected, totaling seven large baskets. Notice the difference from the feeding of the five thousand –   “And they ate all, and they gorged, and they lifted the superabounding pieces – twelve handbaskets full. 21And those eating, they were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”   “And they ate all, and they gorged, and the superabounding of the fragments they lifted – seven hampers full. 38And those eating, they were four thousand men, besides women and children.”   Whereas a remnant of the twelve tribes of Israel represented by the twelve small handbaskets (Greek: kophinos) was collected, there will be an immense harvest of the seven churches (as defined in Revelation 2 & 3), represented by the seven large hampers (Greek: spuris).   The chapter ended with a location only mentioned here in Scripture, saying of Jesus, “And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat, and He came to the borders of Magdala.”   The town Magdala in Hebrew is Migdal-el, Tower of God, a city of Naphtali recorded in Joshua 19:38. Migdal El is contrasted to the tower of man, meaning Babel and all that accompanies her. Thus, this is implicitly a picture of the ending of the church age, where believers are delivered from the Babylon of the end times recorded in Revelation.   To understand why these conclusions have been made, one should refer to the descriptions of these locations found in the Old Testament sermons given by the Superior Word. Each location, number, or other reference has been drawn from the information already recorded there. Thus, the typology is not new. It has already been seen and has been reused without change, confirming that this analysis of Matthew 15 is sound.   Lord God, Your word is beyond amazing. It is a lifeline for the soul caught in despair. It is a treasure for the seeker of riches. It is a guide for the path of our lives. And Lord, it is so much more. It is so glorious to enter into its pages and find rest for our souls in the Person of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Thank You for this precious word. Amen. Matthew 15   15 Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, scribes and Pharisees, saying, 2“Through what – Your disciples, they sidestep the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they may eat bread.”   3And answering, He said, to them, “Through what – also you, you sidestep the ‘God's commandment' through your tradition? 4For God, He enjoined, saying, ‘You honor your father and your mother,' and the ‘disparaging father or mother,' death – he expires!' 5And you, you say, ‘Whoever, he should say to father or mother, “Gift – whatever if from me you should benefit.”' 6And no, not he should honor his father or his mother. And you invalidated God's commandment through your tradition. 7Hypocrites! Well, Isaiah, he prophesied concerning you, saying,   8‘He neared Me, this people – the mouth, And the lips – he honors Me, And their heart, it distances far from Me. 9And vainly they revere Me,  Teaching instructions – men's injunctions.'”   10And having summoned the crowd, He said to them, “You hear and comprehend! 11Not the ‘entering into the mouth' it profanes the man, but the ‘proceeding from the mouth,' this, it profanes the man.”   12Then His disciples, having come near, they said to Him, “You have known that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled!” 13And having answered, He said, “Every planting that not He planted, My heavenly Father, it will be uprooted. 14You leave them! They are blind, blind-conductors. And blind, if they should conduct, both – they will fall into a pit.”   15And Peter, having answered, he said to Him, “You expound to us this parable.”   16And Jesus, He said, “And yet, you, you are unintelligent! 17Not yet you grasp that all, the ‘entering into the mouth,' into the stomach it contains, and into the john it ejects? 18And those proceeding from the mouth, it comes from the heart, and those, it commonizes the man. 19For from the heart, they come: evil meanderings, murders, adulteries, harlotries, thefts, false-witnessings, blasphemies. 20These, they are, the ‘defiling the man,' but to eat with unwashed hands, not it defiles the man.”   21And having departed thence, Jesus, He withdrew to the allotments – Tyre and Sidon. 22And you behold! A Canaanite woman from those same borders, having come, she cried to Him, saying, “You compassionate me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter, she is demon possessed-badly.”   23And He answered not a word.   And having approached, His disciples, they entreated Him, saying, “You dismiss her! For she cries after us.”   24And answering, He said, “Not, I was sent, if not to the sheep, the ‘having been lost' – House Israel.”   25And having come, she worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, You rush-relieve me!”   26And answering, He said, “It is not good to take the children's bread and cast to the puppies.”   27And she said, “Yes, Lord. And even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table.'”   28Then, Jesus answering, He said to her, “O! Woman, your faith is great! It become to you as you determine.” And she's cured, her daughter, from that hour.   29And having departed thence, Jesus, He went near the Sea of the Galilee, and having ascended to the mountain, He sat there. 30And they came to Him, great crowds, having with them lame, cripples, blind, mutes, and others – many, and they strewed them near Jesus' feet, and He healed them. 31So too, the crowds marveled, seeing mutes speaking, cripples healthy, lame walking, and blind seeing, and they glorified the God of Israel.   32And Jesus, having summoned His disciples, He said, “I gut-wrench upon the crowd because already three days they bivouac with Me, and naught they have that they may eat. And I wish not to dismiss them unfed, not lest they should collapse in the way.”   33And the disciples, they say to Him, “Whence to us in solitude – loaves so many as to gorge a crowd so vast?”   34And He says to them, Jesus, “How many loaves do you have?”   And they said, “Seven, and a few tiddlers.”   35And He ordered the crowds to sit upon the ground. 36And having taken the seven loaves and the fish, and having thanked, He broke, and He gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the crowd. 37And they ate, all, and they gorged, and the superabounding of the fragments they lifted – seven hampers full. 38And those eating, they were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat, and He came to the borders of Magdala.

1.1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”

1.1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.40.34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 – When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet  might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to Him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and He cured them.  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed Him. Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop Saint John, pray for us!Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry discusses Pope Leo’s 10 New Year Resolutions for 2026

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-bd07e9d40c709205c08520f2bc575ca9{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-bd07e9d40c709205c08520f2bc575ca9 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-bd07e9d40c709205c08520f2bc575ca9 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 03 – January 07Revelation 7 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – January 07 Revelation 7 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0107db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible The Church on Earth 1 After this I saw four angels, who stood at the four corners of the earth. They were holding back the four winds of the earth so that the wind could not blow on the earth, the sea, or any tree. 2 And I saw another angel coming up from the east, who had the seal of the living God. He called out with a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to harm the earth and the sea. He said, 3 “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until we have placed a seal on the foreheads of God's servants.” 4 And I heard the number of those sealed: 144,000 sealed from all the tribes of the people of Israel: 5 from the tribe of Judah, 12,000, who were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000, from the tribe of Gad, 12,000, 6 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh, 12,000, 7 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000, from the tribe of Levi, 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar, 12,000, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin, 12,000, who were sealed. The Church in Heaven 9 After these things I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing in front of the throne and of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 10 They called out with a loud voice and said: Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from     the Lamb. 11 All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. They fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, 12 saying:             Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and     power and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen. 13 One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” And I answered him, “Sir, you know.” 14 And he said to me: These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of     the Lamb. 15     Because of this they are in front of the throne of God,     and they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 They will never be hungry or thirsty ever again. The sun will never beat upon them, nor will any scorching heat, 17     for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

Gospel Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet  might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them.  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Reflection This entire week is focused on the coming of Jesus, the major transformation that's happening. John the Baptist is setting himself out of the picture, and into the picture comes this incredible figure of Jesus. And it's interesting that he goes to a Gentile town, not to Jerusalem. And there he starts his ministry, which is so impossible to believe that everyone he encountered, he would heal them. And it was just this beautiful image of a great light comes into the world so bright that it destroys pain and suffering and darkness and evil. It was almost too much for people to grasp, and that's exactly what happened. The beginning of his ministry was difficult because people had no idea what the kingdom of God was really about. Closing Prayer When Jesus came to initiate the kingdom of God, he changed everything. And the most important thing for us, and we pray for it always, is that we'll grasp fully what this new light and life really means. It's not just that we become the receiver of healing, but we also become the partner with God in the work of healing. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.

Prophetic Christmas Judgment? (audio) David Eells 12/24/25 Christmas 2025 Alison Pound - 12/21/25 (David's note in red) It's worth noting that I received the following word just 14 days out from Christmas Day. He previously said that we are right in the season for some specific events He has been warning about for some years now, to come to pass. This is the time of sorrows. Increasing magnitude and occurrence of earthquakes, of wars, deaths, mourning, floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes……. As I was preparing to post this, the Lord said read Psalm 68 [1] Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. [2] As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. The Psalm also says “LET THE RIGHTEOUS BE GLAD”. We are to PRAISE HIM, BECAUSE HE IS A GOOD GOD. ALL HIS JUDGMENTS ARE RIGHTEOUS! The whole chapter can be read below. This is what the Lord said to me on December 11. “That Christmas I told you about, where it would not be celebrated as in other years, this is the one. This year of 2025, Christmas will not be at all like other Christmases. All around the earth, every household will be affected by what I Am doing in the earth. Remember that My judgments are now in the earth and are upon its people. I Am dealing with believers. My people. Those who claim to know Me. I Am about to test all believers in the hardest test they have ever had to endure. Many will not make it. They will be taken away and the next time they awaken they will be standing in front of Me, being asked to account for themselves. This is a very serious time. All of heaven has paused. They take this time very seriously. Most of those on earth are completely unaware of what goes on in heaven, and what I Am about to do on the earth. But this Christmas, they will be right in the midst of My judgments. You know of what I speak. (He has warned of imminent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods in various places, and wars.) Many this year will have no home. Many homes, whole communities have (already) been destroyed by flooding. Lives have been lost. I speak of the fires also. (lives have been lost) And there will be more of both flood and fire.” Psa 68:1-35 For the Chief Musician; A Psalm of David, a Song. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered; Let them also that hate him flee before him. (2) As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: As wax melteth before the fire, So let the wicked perish at the presence of God. (3) But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God: Yea, let them rejoice with gladness. (4) Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: Cast up a highway for him that rideth through the deserts; His name is Jehovah; and exult ye before him. (5) A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation. (6) God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land. (7) O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, When thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah. (8) The earth trembled, The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God: Yon Sinai trembled at the presence of God, the God of Israel. (9) Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, Thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. (10) Thy congregation dwelt therein: Thou, O God, didst prepare of thy goodness for the poor. (11) The Lord giveth the word: The women that publish the tidings are a great host. (12) Kings of armies flee, they flee; And she that tarrieth at home divideth the spoil. (13) When ye lie among the sheepfolds, It is as the wings of a dove covered with silver, And her pinions with yellow gold. (14) When the Almighty scattered kings therein, It was as when it snoweth in Zalmon. (15) A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; A high mountain is the mountain of Bashan. (16) Why look ye askance, ye high mountains, At the mountain which God hath desired for his abode? Yea, Jehovah will dwell in it for ever. (17) The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands: The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the sanctuary. (18) Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led away captives; Thou hast received gifts among men, Yea, among the rebellious also, that Jehovah God might dwell with them. (19) Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, Even the God who is our salvation. Selah. (20) God is unto us a God of deliverances; And unto Jehovah the Lord belongeth escape from death. (21) But God will smite through the head of his enemies, The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness. (22) The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring them again from the depths of the sea; (23) That thou mayest crush them, dipping thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from thine enemies. (24) They have seen thy goings, O God, Even the goings of my God, my King, into the sanctuary. (25) The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels. (26) Bless ye God in the congregations, Even the Lord, ye that are of the fountain of Israel. (27) There is little Benjamin their ruler, The princes of Judah and their council, The princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali. (28) Thy God hath commanded thy strength: Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. (29) Because of thy temple at Jerusalem Kings shall bring presents unto thee. (30) Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds, The multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples, Trampling under foot the pieces of silver: He hath scattered the peoples that delight in war. (31) Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God. (32) Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; Oh sing praises unto the Lord; Selah. (33) To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old; Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice. (34) Ascribe ye strength unto God: His excellency is over Israel, And his strength is in the skies. (35) O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.   Tragedy is Coming Just Praise Him – Glynda Lomax October 25, 2016 (David's note in red) A tragedy is coming that is so immense, so widespread in its effect that all the world will mourn with America. This tragedy will bring about a financial crisis like nothing before it. The shock will cause all to take an inventory of their lives. Many lost will run to Me then, to know more of Me, and you must be ready for this time. You must be ready to answer their inquiries about Me. You must be walking in My ways to model Me before them. I will begin soon to call more of my aging saints home to Me. I do not desire they to see this tragedy. These are the ones who have served Me long and well, and their rewards are great in heaven. The scope of this tragedy will be shocking. Many souls will be lost in what is going to happen. This is My last judgment call to the world to turn away from their sins, to turn to Me, to give Me their hearts. At the same time, many who know Me shall turn away, blaming Me for this tragedy, and laying down their faith. Satan will enter their hearts then and their end shall be far worse than their beginning. Hold tight to your faith, My precious children, do not let the enemy have your souls. Remain steadfast, for I have not forsaken you, and the end of all things is near. NOTE: I had been praying for days about why I keep feeling there will be no Christmas celebrations this year when I got this word. (It seems she had some reluctance. However many prophetic utterances don't come to pass the year they are spoken, but later so many can take warning. Many are just hearing this warning now when others are getting the same warning. Joseph taught that when a revelation is doubled it will come to pass.) I know it would take something huge to stop Christmas in America. Suddenly, I heard rumbling, and what came to my mind was an earthquake. I cannot say it is one, because He did not say that. I cannot say for sure that this (earthquake) will happen before Christmas, because the Lord did not say that. I was concerned about the term “judgment call” as it generally means a summary judgment based on known facts, but then I realized “call” could mean “calling” the lost to Himself. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 2 Peter 2:20-21 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (We have certainly seen this sign.) Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. What we see in these revelations below is the faction in Church and state are trying to take down the righteous, but God is directing their wrath to take them down instead, just as Pharaoh at the Red Sea, or Sennacherib at Jerusalem, or the 3 armies against Jehoshaphat at Jerusalem, etc. The glory of the Lord is going to be seen by the whole world at our Red Sea. The fear and respect of the Lord will be on many from among the nations. A common timing theme in these dreams is Christmas time, which symbolizes the time of the Man-child's birth. The day cannot be ruled out either. Individuals in these dreams represent corporate bodies of people around the world.   Coming Attack and Man-child Provision  Eve Brast - 11/27/18 (David's notes in Red) I had a dream where I was in my paternal grandparents' house in Highland Park in Dallas, Texas. I was in the living room and decided to go down to the basement (in real life there was no basement) to check on my three sons. As I went down the basement stairs, I saw my husband moving large containers of some sort from outside the house through the left brick wall of the basement, as if the wall was an illusion of some kind. (The breaching of a wall on the left symbolizes breaking with our sanctification, or separation from the world.) My sons were all younger in the dream: Noah was 9, Elijah was 6, and Josiah was 4. I called out to my husband over the commotion and asked if I could spend some time with the boys. He never stopped what he was so busily doing, only replied, “They are busy helping me. We don't have time for that.” (The left has always hindered the fellowship of the Bride with the children and this actually came to pass.) Then I heard and felt a shaking sound (I wrote this interpretation in 2018 before the recent revelations: This could represent the shaking coming at Christmas time, OR the time of the Man-child Body's birth, or both? - Even though the timing of Christmas and its traditions are false, it can represent the time of the Man-child's birth, whenever that comes. Why Christmas? We will see.) coming from behind me and I could see a large red CGI dragon in the spirit coming for me. (A realistic 3D animated dragon. The dragon in Revelation 12 is the beast of the first 3 1/2 years, who fails to devour the Man-child and then seeks to devour the Woman Church. From other dreams, we know that we are NOW in the time of the immature dragon, hence a cartoon dragon. I had a dream where this exact dragon was sneaking in a back window of our assembly to devour us. It came and failed.) I then hurried down the stairs and went around the stack of containers that he had brought into the basement, and turned around to see the dragon coming down the stairs. It had yellow eyes. (It looked just like the dragon Smaug from The Lord of the Rings movies.) It said, “I'm coming for you.” I hid behind the containers as it stomped past. Once it was past where I was, I noticed a Christmas tree over to the side of the basement. (Another Christmas time/Man-child birth revelation) So I hurried over and knelt down behind the tree and was praying and telling myself, “If I'm very still, he won't be able to see me.” Noah came over and began to ask me, “What are you doing, Mom?” I told him, “If I'm very still, he won't see me.” Noah laughed and said, “You mean him?”, pointing to the dragon. I said, “Yes.” He then started pushing on me and making me move. The dragon saw me and narrowed his eyes and said, “I see you!” He began to lumber over towards me as I woke up. (Children who are temporarily in the camp of the Left do not understand the true nature of the Dragon. The Woman escaped the Dragon in the dream here by waking up.) I asked Father for a couple of words by faith at random concerning this dream, and my finger was on “I have broken Moab” in Jeremiah 48:38 (Moab was the Children of Lot who factioned away as leftists from their brethren of Israel as a type of the Church) Jer 48:35-46 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith Jehovah, him that offereth in the high place, and him that burneth incense to his gods. 36 Therefore my heart soundeth for Moab like pipes, and my heart soundeth like pipes for the men of Kir-heres: therefore the abundance that he hath gotten is perished. 37 For every head is bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands are cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth. 38 On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets thereof there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein none delighteth, saith Jehovah. 39 How is it broken down! how do they wail! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all that are round about him. 40 For thus saith Jehovah: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle and shall spread out his wings against Moab (the factious in Church and state). 41 Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. 42 And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against Jehovah. 43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith Jehovah. 44 He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon him, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith Jehovah. 45 They that fled stand without strength under the shadow of Heshbon; for a fire is gone forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and hath devoured the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones. 46 Woe unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh is undone; for thy sons are taken away captive, and thy daughters into captivity. (Both of these texts involve a visitation of the Lord to punish the wicked and reward the righteous. The Lord is coming, manifested in the Man-child body ministry by Word and Spirit. Jesus was first born as a baby and later was anointed to Minister. These two stages happen to the Man-child body of our day also.) The second one I received by faith at random, my finger was on “he will carry them in his bosom” in Isa.40:11 (The right and righteous will escape)  In context Isa 40:1-11 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem (the Bride); and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she hath received of Jehovah's hand double for all her sins. 3 The voice of one that crieth, Prepare ye in the wilderness the way of Jehovah; make level in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low (The humble will be exalted and the proud humbled); and the uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain: 5 and the glory of Jehovah shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it. 6 The voice of one saying, Cry. And one said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. 7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass. 8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever. 9 O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (the Bride), get thee up on a high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold, your God! 10 Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, and his arm (Jesus in the Man-child) will rule for him: Behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. (Judgment on the Factious Edomites just before He rewards the Righteous) 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young. Notice the same words “his reward is with him, and his recompense before him” when God saved the Bride from the factious Edomites. And here it is in Isa 62:11-63:3 Behold, Jehovah hath proclaimed unto the end of the earth, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 12 And they shall call them the holy people, The redeemed of Jehovah: and thou shalt be called Sought out, A city not forsaken. 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winevat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yea, I trod them in mine anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments, and I have stained all my raiment. When the Lord separates the factious spirits from some of the factious people, they will return to righteousness, although they will have missed the Bride. Others will die in their sins.   A Remnant of the Faction Begins to Return Around the Birth of the Soloman Man-child Body Eve Brast - 08/08/18 (David's notes in Red) I dreamed this morning that our local UBM assembly was meeting on an upper floor of an apartment building (An apartment represents a body of houses built together into a holy temple in the Lord, as Ephesians says.). The living room was smaller than the Shaw's and there was a small room to the right of the long entry way that was a kitchenette (Where the spiritual food is prepared). We were all sitting in a large circle singing acapella praises to the Lord. David was sitting along the wall where the entryway led into the living room. Michael was on his left, and I was on his right. I (As a type of the last Adam's Bride, Eve) was wearing a beautiful dress with a floral pattern on it. (A symbol of Fruit and beauty being born as in Springtime, by the corporate Bride body.). But I was very weak and thin from fighting a long illness. (Representing the corporate Bride fighting off the faction infection. Faction is division through unforgiveness, criticism, slander, etc. We fought it off in the Church and we saw the same spirits in the government. At this time, Eve actually was fighting off this infirmity, which the medical Journal says comes from an abusive relationship that she has been through. When she had this dream, she wasn't suffering from this, and we wondered what this dream spoke of. This shows us the timing is near for these things. (I believe I represent a corporate body sick of faction. But once the factious leader below was born again and he and others came back into an inferior fold, I was recovering as a body of people. Part of the text was good concerning those Father knows and will bring them back to Him, and the other part is concerning those in the dream who were too fearful to enter the door again.) I couldn't stand or move around for long before I had to sit down and rest. David and Michael had to help me by each holding my arms for support when I needed to stand or walk. But I was slowly regaining my strength day by day. (At that time, there were factious people returning.) Suddenly, the factious leader came through the front door and was encouraging others who had factioned away to enter also. The others had followed him to the door but wouldn't enter. (This represents the outer court of God's house) A couple of men came right inside the door, but were fearful to come any further. (Content to be in the holy place but not the Holy of Holies.) The factious leader himself came all the way up to the threshold of the entryway where the living room began, but wasn't interested in joining our praise and worship. (Not going to return to the Bride in the Holy of Holies, but to a lesser degree, the holy place) He was concerned more about undoing some of the damage he'd caused by factioning some away from the truth. He was trying to get them to come through the door. (The door being Jesus). He kept gesturing to the two men with an inviting motion to come into the entryway further. But they only stood right inside the door. The factious leader was wearing a white Polo shirt and tan shorts. He had an old baby blanket (Infected by memories from childhood), the size of a large shawl, draped around his shoulders. It had a silk edge sewn all the way around it and pink and baby blue stripes. Since it was from the 1970s it was not as white as it used to be and it was faded because of many washings. (He had fallen away from his new birth many times and had many washings so it has faded.) His right hand clutched it at his neck, like he didn't want it to fall off of him. (He didn't want to forget and lose his salvation again) I was shocked to see him with that blanket around his shoulders. I said, “Hey, everyone, the factious leader is here!” And I wanted to go over to give him a hug. So David and Michael helped me over to him. But Brandy was angry and alarmed and said, “He's not for real. He's just here to spy on us all and cause us more damage! Don't touch him!” (We have had dreams and attempts of faction acting as though they are cured to sneak into the body and cause damage. So suspicion is natural.) David and Michael said, “We asked the Lord if it was okay for him to come and got two heads for ‘yes'. But Brandy became incredulous and offended about it. I didn't know what to believe, so I didn't hug him. I decided to go to the kitchenette and wash the dishes. So David and Michael helped me to the counter, and I was able to lean against it for support so I could wash them. After our plates were clean, (Symbolizing the end of faction) I came back out and sat down, R. S., who was sitting at the 12:00 position, was directing the acapella singing and said, “Let's all sing Silver Bells! We'll sing it 6 times.” David was at the 6:00 position. So David and Michael helped me back up and we all held hands and walked in a circular, clockwise direction. (Time going forward) We sang, “Silver bells, Silver Bells, it's Christmas time in the city...” (Symbolizing the time of the Man-child's birth) I became tired and had to go sit down, and I thought, “Christmas time??” Then there was a couch behind the kitchenette in a little room and David was sitting wearing a blue shirt (representing heavenly) and blue socks and he had a baby diaper on. (The birthing of the David Man-child. The anointing could come shortly after, since the Man-child grows up very quickly). Then I woke up. I asked for a general text that covers this dream, and my finger was on Psalm 50:11, “I know all the birds of the mountains” (1-23) 1 A Psalm of Asaph. The Mighty One, God, Jehovah, hath spoken, And called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined forth. 3 Our God cometh, and doth not keep silence (The visitation of the Lord in the Man-child): A fire devoureth before him, And it is very tempestuous round about him. 4 He calleth to the heavens above, And to the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 Gather my saints together unto me, Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. 6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness; For God is judge himself. [Selah] 7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify unto thee: I am God, even thy God. 8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices; And thy burnt-offerings are continually before me. 9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, Nor he-goats out of thy folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the mountains; And the wild beasts of the field are mine. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer unto God the sacrifice of thanksgiving; And pay thy vows unto the Most High; 15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. 16 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, And that thou hast taken my covenant in thy mouth, (We have received this text for the faction) 17 Seeing thou hatest instruction, And castest my words behind thee? 18 When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him, And hast been partaker with adulterers. 19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, And thy tongue frameth deceit. 20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; Thou slanderest thine own mother's son. 21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thyself: But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. 22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver: 23 Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifieth me; And to him that ordereth his way aright will I show the salvation of God.   Remnant of Faction Returns  Anna Stewart - 12/07/18 (David's notes in Red) I dreamed we arrived at the Shaw's for a Wednesday Bible study and a factious leader had returned and was sitting in his old place against the front wall. Brandy was sitting next to him because Michael had left Brandy to share in the bible study because neither he nor David could make it yet. I had the sense that David knew the factious leader had returned, but I felt very uncomfortable that David and Michael were not there. He was thinner in the dream (less flesh) and wearing dark blue (heavenly, yet still in darkness?) and at one point showed his new guitar to someone. More and more people from our local body kept coming in, even those who normally cannot be there, until every person was there. The house changed at some point with two very large rooms to the back added on (Incoming brethren joining us from other places) and the main room where we were become an upper story (Symbolizing the people from the Upper room receiving the outpouring? Original foundation of people on higher level of leadership) with a sliding glass door opening onto a deck on each side of the house. David and Michael finally showed up and David had told the factious leader he couldn't be in there with us. (In Eve's dream, he also did not come into the assembly but was in an outer room. We believed this was a sign that he would come back, but not be in the Bride or be trusted yet because of falling away into faction.) The factious leader was outside on the deck, sometimes on his knees and forearms, sometimes sitting cross-legged. Everyone inside ignored his presence. Every once in a while, he would tap on the glass as if asking for some compassion from someone to let him in. Several times I saw him sitting out there with a pile of quarters on his knee and each time they were either all heads or all tails. I was wondering if he was asking the Lord questions. Things inside went on as normal, some people had brought food, others were eating a little bit and fellowshipping. David was in the back room working hard and I knew he was very busy and tired. At some point I felt led to look up my niece's name, Natasha, who has come to live here, and found in this dream that it meant something along the line of “to take authority and cast out spirits”. (This may be a sign of timing to begin to cast out the factious demons) In real life Natasha means born on Christmas day; resurrection. [In Eve's dream, this man came back with others when we were singing “Silver Bells, It's Christmas time in the city”. The Man-child is coming to the Bride, Jerusalem.] I felt it was from the Lord concerning this man [and likely a body of people he represents] and that I needed to tell David but I was afraid of getting out of place and doing something I shouldn't. I decided to find David and asked if he had a minute. He looked tired and said, “Not really. I have two seconds.” As quickly as I could, I told him what I felt the Lord told me, “to take authority and cast out spirits”. The scene changed and it was getting late and people began leaving for home until there were just a few of us left. Mostly the morning prayer meeting people remained: Eve, Matthew and me, and a few others. Everyone was sitting down, and things were pretty quiet. I realized that I wasn't doing what I should've been doing all along, and got down on my knees and began to intercede for the factious leader who was still outside. (Amen, it is a good time to pray restoration to a remnant of the faction) Then the dream ended.   The Last Holiday, Christmas  Sandy Shaw - 12/03/18 (David's notes in Red)  In this dream was like a scene from the movie, The Last Holiday (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Holiday_(2006_film). A man was sitting on the very edge of a building's top with a bottle of alcohol, contemplating whether he should jump. The building was old and tall, and like the architecture of the Swiss Alps. It was castle-like. Queen La Tifah walks out and says, “What are you doing here?” He says, “I think I'm going to jump!” She says, “It ain't worth it.” Then she sits down next to him. (The last Holiday is Christmas, symbolizing the time of the Man-child's birth. The Queen here represents the Bride and has a false sentence of death on her, which she later finds out is false. The drunk man committing suicide represents the left-wing, delusional, factious people who are committing spiritual suicide through spiritual drunkenness.)  LL Cool J (Jesus) says, “What are you doing?” She (The Bride) says, “I'm trying to get this guy to back into the hotel.” The guy on the ledge says, “I'm not going!” (Factioned away from the body of Christ built together into a Holy Temple as Ephesians says) LL Cool J says, “Well, you let that fool fall then. And you get back in there!” (I.E., separate yourself from them until they repent. Tit.3:10 A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; 11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned.) LL is reaching for Queen La Tifah. But she is a few inches short and he can't reach her, and I'm standing behind him. I say, “Just grab her.” (I.E., Man-child rescues the Bride from the spiritually drunken faction.)  Then, when I saw that he grabbed her, I got his legs and we fell through the window into the building. (The Bride is rescued from the suicidal faction by Jesus in the Man-child)  As I'm trying to get up, I'm no longer there...I'm in a car, in the back seat. The doors are locked, I can't get out, and I'm in a seatbelt that won't unsnap. A big spider was coming toward me and was going to bite me on the leg. But back in reality, I got shook up because I'm on dialysis. And the nurses are shaking me, one was shaking my leg in the area where the spider was going to bite me. (A warning the Pharmakeia is poison and deadly. Many now know this.) The spider was the size of a golf ball, though oblong, the size of one I saw in our garage. (The Bride is rescued in parallel to the first scene)  I received by faith at random (About the factious in Church and government.) Eze.11:7. (In context, 7-12) 7 Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Your slain whom ye have laid in the midst of it, they are the flesh, and this city is the caldron; but ye shall be brought forth out of the midst of it. 8 Ye have feared the sword; and I will bring the sword upon you, saith the Lord Jehovah. 9 And I will bring you forth out of the midst thereof, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you. 10 Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah. 11 This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall ye be the flesh in the midst thereof; I will judge you in the border of Israel; 12 and ye shall know that I am Jehovah: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither have ye executed mine ordinances, but have done after the ordinances of the nations that are round about you. (Judgment on the faction)    Christmas Eve - What is Coming   Winnie Osegueda - 6/8/22 (David's notes in red)  ... I prayed and asked the Lord to show me what was coming and when I fell asleep He gave me the following dream: I dreamt that I was in a very nice suburban area and it was the evening time of Christmas Eve. (Wow Christmas again!  Another confirmation that the baby boy Man-child is coming.) I could see all the houses decorated with colorful Christmas lights throughout this neighborhood on my left. My mother's house was also located on the left side of this suburban neighborhood. (Winnie's mom is being used to represent the apostate church on the left  that all of God's elect are born out of. Many apostates are in idolatry with the world and its traditions of men represented by the celebration of Christmas which is a pagan holiday. There is a connection between the modern day Christmas tree and the ancient symbol for the fertility goddess named Asherah  Jer. 10:1-5 Hear ye the word which Jehovah speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2 thus saith Jehovah, Learn not the way of the nations, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the nations are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the peoples are vanity; for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 5 They are like a palm-tree, of turned work, and speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.) There was a remake of an older movie being made except it wasn't actually a movie; it was really happening. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.   I recognized and remembered this old movie that they were remaking and it was starring Kiefer Sutherland who is an actor who played a great villain in movies in the 80s and 90s, and he was a villain in the movie in this dream as well). (The meaning of the name “Keifer” is a German nick name for someone who was quarrelsome, from an agent of Middle High German kiben, kiven 'to quarrel'. All of the factious are quarrelsome.) They brought in a new "actor" for the remake of this movie who looked just like a younger, rounder-faced version of Kiefer Sutherland. His haircut was like the one Kiefer Sutherland had in the movie "The Lost Boys," a film in which he played a vampire. ("The life of the flesh is in the blood." The spiritual vampires of the apostate churches who are “lost” children who “bite and devour” and suck the life out of people with their contentious and slanderous ways.) Because I had already seen and knew this movie very well, I knew that this Kiefer Sutherland look-alike had a plan to enter into each suburban home in this neighborhood and kill every family. I could see him lurking in the shadows of his brick house spying on the neighborhood through his window on the top floor. (Their leaders are stalkers and “peeping Tom's”.) These families were not suspicious, as he made himself appear to be trustworthy and friendly…  (Rom 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.  18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent. Remember, they are actors.) I was now inside my mother's home... and this new "actor" was there as well. He handed my mother a box of Marlboro Red cigarettes and she accepted them. (She actually smoked these in real life when I was much younger.)  As soon as this actor walked off, I said "NO! NO! Why did you accept them?! Now you're marked!" and she said, "I like Marlboro Reds, so if he gives me Marlboro Reds, I'm going to take them.” (The cigarettes represent receiving bad and false spirits.) (Breath and spirit are the same word in scripture and taking in smoke represents taking in an unclean spirit. If you receive slander from a factious person, you will receive their same spirits.)  She seemed to be very bothered by my objections to her receiving these cigarettes, but I knew how this movie was going to play out, so I was desperately trying to warn her to no avail. (Many in apostasy aren't heeding our warnings currently. They will have to experience judgment before they turn back to righteousness, and still, many won't repent of their wickedness and they will be killed spiritually with an eternal death.) At this point, I knew that this actor was going to come back and kill her because she was marked, and that I had to go. (The mark of the beast) I couldn't stay with her there, or I would be killed as well, as much as it pained me to know what was going to happen. I didn't understand why no one else could see what was happening here. Since this movie was a remake of an old film, it should have been obvious what was going on, but it wasn't to them. (I know people who have seen this happen to others fall into the trap because of disobedience.  John 12:37-40  But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 For this cause they could not believe, for that Isaiah said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and he hardened their heart; Lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, And should turn, And I should heal them.) I left this suburban area to find an escape and I entered into the city. I stopped by a clothing store that I used to go to when I was younger. (We should not shrink back represented by visiting the younger clothing store. Heb. 10:39 But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.)  I recognized one of the women that worked there in the dream, but not in real life. She was an overweight black lady with a fake ponytail. (This represents people who are walking in darkness; who feed the flesh.) She met me outside with a hug and said "Merry Christmas!" I said Merry Christmas as well ... (I don't personally celebrate Christmas, but I believe the Lord is just using this as a parable.) (A parable of judgment on the apostates at the time of the Man-child's birth.)   I noticed that I had a large overweight, gray, striped cat with me and it walked into the store. The cat wanted to stay behind and I agreed that it was best, because I could not escape what was happening with this cat tagging along. (The fat cat represents an abundance of flesh, self will and rebellion. Grey symbolizes lukewarm people, not white or black. These type people will not escape the faction demons because they must be separated from the Bride and ultimately the body itself.) I thought about the verse Hebrews 12:1-2  Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.) (We must leave the weight of our rebellious sin nature behind, represented by the fat, grey cat, if we want to escape the judgment of faction that is coming.) The lady in the store agreed that the cat could remain there in the store, but again, I was sad because I knew what was coming and that they would not be safe if they did not escape. This "actor" would come and kill them too, including the cat. (Psa 37:38 As for transgressors, (or the “rebellious”) they shall be destroyed together; The end of the wicked shall be cut off. And   2Pe 2:12  But these, as creatures without reason, born mere animals to be taken and destroyed, railing in matters whereof they are ignorant, shall in their destroying surely be destroyed.) I left the store and continued up a flight of stairs to leave this area as well, and then I woke up. The dream felt so real that when I woke up I felt like this was still happening, and I was trying to figure out what movie this was that they were trying to remake. (The people who don't learn from His-story are doomed to repeat it.) I asked the Lord for a verse by faith at random and received: Joel 2:19 (15-20 in context)  Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly; 16 gather the people, sanctify the assembly, assemble the old men, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. (Notice: At the time of the attempted attack on the Bride she and the Man-child will be revealed and delivered.)  17 Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God? 18 Then was the Lord jealous for his land, and had pity on his people. 19 And the Lord answered and said unto his people, Behold, I will send you grain, and new wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations; 20 but I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive it into a land barren and desolate, its forepart into the eastern sea, and its hinder part into the western sea; and its stench shall come up, and its ill savor shall come up, because it hath done great things. (The northern army is like Pharoah's army at the Red Sea. It is the end of the persecutors and the beginning of the wilderness tribulation.)

Islington Baptist is a church for the Islington and wider Newcastle community sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon / Bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings.Isaiah 8:19 - 9:719 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 Consult God's instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. 21 Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. 22 Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.9 1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—2 The people walking in darkness    have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darkness    a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation    and increased their joy;they rejoice before you    as people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoice    when dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,    you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them,    the bar across their shoulders,    the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior's boot used in battle    and every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning,    will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace    there will be no end.He will reign on David's throne    and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it    with justice and righteousness    from that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty    will accomplish this.

Big Idea: The Gift that keeps on giving. Isaiah 9:1-61. The great light.Isaiah 9:1-2Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he jumbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. 2. A joyful future.Isaiah 9:3-4You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoiced when dividing spoils. For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressors, just as you did on the day of Midian. 3. The Ultimate Gift. Isaiah 9:5-6For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.Next Steps: Believe: I believe Son of Man wants us to follow his example this week.Become: I will put trust in Son of Man past this holiday season.Be Sent: I will share my faith with someone this month. Discussion Questions: 1.     Do you love giving gifts or receiving them?2.     Do you enjoy the holidays, or do they make you sad?3.     How do you think the people hearing this prophecy felt, knowing they will not live long enough to see it fulfilled?  4.     Which of the titles in verse 6-Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father or Prince of Peace- impact you the most?  5.     How would you describe the Son of Man as the light of the world to someone?  6.     How does “the government will be on His shoulders” change how you view authority and leadership?  7.     Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you where to serve this week.

Down to Earth #4 Love Has Come 1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people…

HIS WONDERFUL PLANS, HIS MIGHTY POWER, AND HIS ETERNAL PRESENCE…GIVES US PEACE Isaiah 9:1-5 ESV But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. [2] The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. [3] You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. [4] For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. [5] For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. Isaiah 9:6 ESV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:7 ESV Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. HIS WONDERFUL PLANS, HIS MIGHTY POWER, AND HIS ETERNAL PRESENCE…GIVES US PEACE

Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.     Isaiah 9:1-7 1  But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.  2 The people who walked in darkness  have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.  5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom,     to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.   Galatians 4:4-7 4  But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

The descendants of the tribe of Naphtali include the Hephalites, the White Huns, and the Vikings. Many of the tribe's descendants settled in places where the tribe of Dan settled.  God was preparing people in different lands, and these people would eventually be the ones to receive the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved

Isaiah 9:1-2 The land of Zebulun and Naphtali had suffered greatly when the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser, invaded. Though Isaiah lived through the growth of the Assyrian threat from paying taxes (2 Kgs 15:19-20) to outright invasion (2 Kgs 15:29), he prophesied about a light that would dawn on this dark situation. Isaiah 9:3-5 Isaiah prophesied a great military victory when their yoke would be broken like the day of Midian (Jdg 6:1-6, 11-16; 7:2-3). Isaiah 9:6-7 This prophecy is in the past tense. By Isaiah's time, the child had already been born. The name was “(A) miraculous strategist (is the) warrior God; (the) everlasting Father (is the) commander of peace.” Theophoric names are about God and not the child: Hezekiah = “Yah (is) my strength”; Eliab = “(The) Father is my God.” 2 Kings 18:5-7; 19:32-37 Although it seemed utterly impossible, God employed a miraculous strategy to defeat the Assyrian army, breaking the yoke from Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Luke 1:76-79 The birth of John the Baptist relates to another fulfillment of Isaiah 9:2 when the light shines on those sitting in darkness (cf. Jn 1:5-8). Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus picked up where John left off. He began his ministry of bringing God's light and deliverance from oppression in the ancestral lands of Zebulun and Naphtali. When he returns, he will fulfill the rest of the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6-7 (cf. Rev 19:11-16). Jesus is the true and better Hezekiah who defeats evil, delivers us from oppression, and establishes peace forevermore.The post For Unto Us a Child Is Born first appeared on Living Hope.

This sermon explores Isaiah 9:6's prophecy of the Messiah by examining the historical context of 8th century BC Israel, when both northern and southern kingdoms had fallen into political corruption, moral debauchery, and spiritual darkness. Pastor Joe Fant demonstrates how God, through the prophet Isaiah, promised a coming child who would be the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This prophecy was fulfilled 700 years later when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee—the very region Isaiah identified. The sermon emphasizes that while human governments and political alliances fail, Jesus established an eternal kingdom of justice and righteousness. God pursues His people even in their darkest moments, and the baby in the manger represents God's zealous love for His people, offering hope, victory over sin and death, and eternal joy to those who turn to Him in faith. Key Points: The historical context reveals three types of darkness in Isaiah's time: political (corrupt kings seeking pagan alliances), moral (idol worship and child sacrifice), and spiritual (turning to demons and necromancers instead of God) King Ahaz in the south and King Pekah in the north both rejected God and led the people into wickedness, seeking protection from Assyria through political alliances rather than trusting God Isaiah prophesied that the regions first devastated by darkness (Zebulun and Naphtali in Galilee) would be the first to see the great light Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by beginning His ministry in Galilee, bringing the light of the gospel to the darkest places first The victory Jesus won through His death and resurrection surpasses even Gideon's miraculous victory over 135,000 Midianites with only 300 men Jesus is the child born and son given who possesses perfect government, eternal wisdom, divine power, and brings true peace The solution to darkness is unwavering loyalty to Scripture and proper fear of the Lord, not looking to worldly solutions God pursues His people even when they are far from Him, demonstrating His zeal and love through sending prophets, His Word, and ultimately His Son Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:1-7 (primary focus on verse 6) Isaiah 8:12-22 (context of darkness and calling to Scripture) Isaiah 1:2-4, 21-23 (description of Israel's moral corruption) 2 Kings 16 (King Ahaz's wickedness) 2 Kings 15:27-28 (King Pekah's evil reign) Matthew 4:12-17 (Jesus beginning ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy) John 1:1-14 (Jesus as the Light of the world) 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (victory over death through Christ)

Jon Jo | Modern Service | Isaiah 9:1-79 [a] But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.[b]2 [c] The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.3 You have multiplied the nation;    you have increased its joy;they rejoice before you    as with joy at the harvest,    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4 For the yoke of his burden,    and the staff for his shoulder,    the rod of his oppressor,    you have broken as on the day of Midian.5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult    and every garment rolled in blood    will be burned as fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,    and his name shall be called[e]Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold itwith justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this

Your Chriamas service might mention Isaiah 9, calling Jesus the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. That's great, but I have never heard the REST of Isaiah 9 quoted.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Chriamas service might mention Isaiah 9, calling Jesus the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. That's great, but I have never heard the REST of Isaiah 9 quoted.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Advent sermon from Flourishing Grace Church, Pastor Benjer opens Isaiah 9:1-7 and invites us to see the Christmas story as the ultimate great reversal. Just like our favorite Pixar stories that move from ordinary life to crisis and then to a surprising, beautiful resolution, the Bible tells the true story of people walking in deep darkness who suddenly see a great light. Long before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied to a people under judgment, weighed down by their own sin, injustice, and idolatry. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali felt the brunt of God's discipline first, but in the kindness of God they were also the first to see the grace and mercy of Jesus when He began His ministry in Galilee. Where there was gloom, anguish, and spiritual night, God promised joy, freedom, and a decisive victory over every oppressor. As we walk through Advent, Pastor Benjer explains that this season is not just sentimental buildup to Christmas. It is a season of honest waiting, longing, and hope, where we learn to pause, rejoice, ask, and yield before God. Isaiah 9 shows us that the light of Christ is not something we produce by trying harder or fixing ourselves. When you stand in deep darkness, you cannot make your own light. Instead, God Himself breaks in. The Messiah shines into the very places we cannot manage, clean up, or control. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light because the light came to them. At the center of this message is the truth that we are not the heroes of our own story. We try to carry the weight of our pain, our sin, our responsibilities, and our fears on our own shoulders. We put our hope in careers, relationships, possessions, or our own strength, only to end up exhausted and disappointed. Isaiah reminds us that the government is on Jesus' shoulders, not ours. He is given four titles that reach beneath our surface desires into our deepest longings. As Wonderful Counselor, He brings divine wisdom and miraculous guidance right into the mess of real life. As Mighty God, He is not just a helpful friend but the victorious warrior who fights the battles we cannot win. As Everlasting Father, He is nothing like the broken or absent fathers many of us have known. His love is constant, protective, and never ending. As Prince of Peace, He does more than calm our circumstances. He gives us peace with God through His life, death, and resurrection. Pastor Benjer shows how the increase of Christ's government and peace will never end. Jesus keeps taking ground in human hearts, homes, churches, and communities. The more we hand over the hidden corners of our lives to His rule and reign, the more we experience true peace, even when circumstances are still hard. The most hopeful line in the passage is that the zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this. It does not depend on our effort, our goodness, or our consistency. God is passionately committed to rescuing, restoring, and redeeming His people. He is zealous for His glory and for your good, and that is why the light of Christ is a gift, not a reward you earn. If you are watching this and feel stuck in darkness, shame, or quiet despair, this message is for you. Your darkness does not disqualify you from the light. It is exactly why the light came. To us a child is born. To us a son is given. Today can be the day you stop trying to be the hero and instead receive Jesus as your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. If you are in or near Bountiful, Utah, we would love to welcome you in person at Flourishing Grace Church. If you are watching from elsewhere, we are grateful to walk with you online as you follow Jesus. Subscribe for more Christ centered teaching, share this message with someone who needs hope, and let us know in the comments how we can be praying for you this Advent season.

Sunday, 7 December 2025   When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. Matthew 14:34   “And, having through-crossed, they came to the of land Gennesaret” (CG).   In the previous verse, Matthew noted that those in the boat came and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly! You are God's Son!” Next, he records, “And, having through-crossed.”   The word, used in Matthew 9:1, signifies to cross through from one side to another. They safely made the journey, despite the storm. Having come to the other side, it next says, “they came to the land of Gennesaret.”   This is a new and rare word, found only once in each of the three synoptic gospels, Gennésaret. It is a word of Hebrew origin. Strong's thinks it may be related to the name Kinnereth, and would thus mean Harps. This seems unlikely.   Another possibility is that it is derived from gan, garden, and Sharon. Thus, it would signify the Garden of Sharon. Another likely possibility would be Garden of Princes, the second half coming from the plural of the Hebrew sar, a prince. However, the plural may designate a fulness as in Princely Garden or Garden of the Prince (Hitchcock).   Of this location, the Topical Lexicon says –    “Gennesaret denotes the fertile plain that stretches for roughly three miles along the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Bounded by the rising hills of Naphtali on the west and washed by the fresh waters of the lake on the east, the plain is celebrated in both Jewish and later historical sources for its mild climate, abundant springs, and astonishing productivity. Josephus wrote that it produced ‘every fruit' in profusion and that its temperate air allowed for continuous harvests. Numerous thermal and cold springs join to form streams that empty into the lake, creating a natural irrigation system. The plain's prominence made its name a convenient designation not only for the shoreline but for the entire lake itself, hence ‘Lake of Gennesaret' (Luke 5:1) as an alternate title for ‘Sea of Galilee' or ‘Sea of Tiberias.'”   John's gospel says that they were heading towards Capernaum when they left the other side. That is in the general area, Capernaum being to the north and Magdala to the south.   Life application: Despite having terrible times on the Sea of Galilee, struggling against the winds and waves, the appearance of Jesus taught the disciples a valuable lesson concerning who He is and our capabilities when we focus, or fail to focus, on Him.   After the ordeal, the sea was calmed, and the boat safely arrived on the other shore. This trip can be equated to our lives. We set out with confidence in where we are going, planning on a particular trip to take a certain amount of time, with a safe arrival at a designated location.   Nobody plans a trip and says, “We'll leave at 6:47 tomorrow, fly to Atlanta, switch planes, and continue towards Montana, but we will encounter terrible turbulence at 3:47 in the afternoon, lose the left wing of the aircraft, and die in a fiery inferno as the plane crashes into the side of a remote mountain.”   We don't know the future, so how can we plan such an event? But despite having a set schedule for arriving at Helene, Montana, we also don't know if we will actually get there or not. Our life is a journey where risk is involved. For most of us, we attempt to make it on our own effort, and usually without God.   But then the troubles come, and for those who are the Lord's, we remember Him, pick up our Bibles, and find Him there with us, reassuring us that He is present with us. With the knowledge of His presence, and with our eyes fixed on Him, we can do the miraculous in this life.   And when our journey is through, we will arrive safely on the next shore. Jesus has absolutely assured us that this is so. His word will never fail, and so let us not get disheartened, no matter what the trial. Nothing can prevent us from being brought safely into God's presence after this life is complete.   “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39   Lord God, our walk can be a walk of confidence and surety if we simply pick up the word, trust what it says, and apply faith in that to our lives. Otherwise, we are like rudderless ships tossed about on a sea of confusion and without hope. But because we know Your word, we know that You are there with us, ever faithful and tenderly guiding us to our final shore. Amen.  

Angel Studios https://Angel.com/HermanJoin the Angel Guild today where you can stream Thank You, Dr. Fauci and be part of the conversation demanding truth and accountability.  Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeOne Question for Mark Kelly and His Supporters // The Tim Walz Matrix // The OTHER Christmas MiracleEpisode Links:Kelly: “People should be able to tell the difference between something that is unlawful and something that is lawful." Welker: "That puts a lot of burden on the troops to make a decision in real time." Kelly: "A reasonable person can tell something that is legal and something that is illegal." Kelly is openly encouraging dissent and threatening prosecutions for actions that Democrats will deem illegal should they reclaim power.The "Double Tap" War Crimes Hoax is a complete joke. Democrat Senator Mark Kelly accidentally admits on air to Rachel Maddow that there were no specific illegal orders from President Trump behind the viral video stunt warning the military to defy the White House.Tim Walz says he takes no responsibility for the Somalis who've been robbing Americans of billions in Minnesota and funneling those dollars back to terr*rists in Somalia. You'll notice he doesn't deny it's happening, of course. Walz is complicit.Tim Walz's new flagWhat Does God's Word Say?Isaiah 9:1-79 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—2 The people walking in darkness    have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darkness    a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation    and increased their joy;they rejoice before you    as people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoice    when dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,    you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them,    the bar across their shoulders,    the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior's boot used in battle    and every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning,    will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,    and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace    there will be no end.He will reign on David's throne    and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it    with justice and righteousness    from that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty    will accomplish this.

Today’s Bible Verse:“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. ” — Isaiah 9:1–2 Isaiah 9:1–2 sits at the beginning of one of the Bible’s most beloved Messianic prophecies and is a cornerstone passage during Advent. This verse speaks directly into seasons of gloom, spiritual darkness, national anxiety, and personal distress — and answers it all with light breaking in, not fading out. Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken

ISAIAH 9:1-7 1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan - 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. NIV 84 LESSON NOTES 1. God speaks His “Nevertheless” into our darkest places. Isaiah 9 erupts into hope directly after a chapter filled with distress, darkness, and despair. God does not wait for people to climb out of their misery—He speaks hope into it. The gospel light shines first where suffering has been greatest (Zebulun and Naphtali). 2. Jesus launches His kingdom from places of deepest suffering. Just as God promised honor to Galilee—the region most ravaged by invasion—Jesus made Capernaum His homebase of ministry. God's pattern is consistent: He brings salvation right into the places of our deepest wounds. 3. The salvation of Jesus is light breaking into the darkness. The Gideon story forms a biblical picture of salvation: sudden, overwhelming light shattering darkness. Jesus, the Light of the World, fulfills this picture—not symbolically, but literally—breaking the power of spiritual darkness. 4. Jesus destroys the works of the devil without the world's weapons. Like Gideon defeating Midian without a sword, Jesus conquers evil not with violence, but through His own self-giving life. He destroys oppression, sin, and death—not by force, but by the power of sacrificial love. 5. The King who comes is both fully human and fully God, establishing an ever-increasing kingdom. The child is born (His humanity) and the Son is given (His deity). His shoulders alone can bear the weight of a government that is eternal, peaceful, and ever-increasing. The four names are royal titles that describe the child-king.  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Where have you most recently experienced “distress, darkness, or despair”? How does the word “Nevertheless” in Isaiah 9:1 invite you to reframe your situation in anticipation of God's coming kingdom? 2. God chose to begin His saving work in the most devastated region of Israel. What might this reveal about where God wants to work in your life—or in your community—right now? 3. Which of the four royal titles in Isaiah 9:6 (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) do you need to hear the most in this Advent season— and why? 4. Jesus destroys the works of the devil not by power or force, but by laying down His life. How might His method reshape the way you approach conflict, suffering, or opposition? 5. Isaiah promises a kingdom that will increase forever. How does the idea of “never-ending increase” in God's goodness shape your hope for eternity—and your endurance in the present?

[Isaiah 9:1] Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.Darkness doesn't always mean __________________.God does some of His best work in the ________________.[Isaiah 9:2 NIV] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.Faith isn't denying the __________________, it's declaring the __________________.[Isaiah 9:6 NIV] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.God's Light rarely arrives the way we __________________, but always in the way we __________________.[Daniel 8:13-14] Then I heard two holy ones talking to each other. One of them asked, "How long will the events of this vision last? How long will the rebellion that causes desecration stop the daily sacrifices? How long will the Temple and heaven's army be trampled on?" [14] The other replied, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the Temple will be made right again."[John 8:12] Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."The Light that came into the world still _________________, still breaks through, and still __________________.[John 1:4-5 NIV] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.Darkness doesn't _________________ a ________________ against the light![2 Corinthians 4:6-7] For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Isaiah 9:1-7 The Need for Hope (v. 1) Gloom Distress Oppression The Nature of Hope (vv. 2-6) Light Joy Peace The Name of Hope (v. 7) His character Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace His Crown A peaceful government A just government A forever government More to Consider Although Mt 4:16 applies the passage as a whole (vv. 27) to Jesus Christ by implication, the NT does not specifically apply to Him the names, or titles, listed in this verse. Some commentators believe Isaiah was describing a Judean ruler to come during his own time; thus, these names were applied to the reigns of Hezekiah, Josiah, and even Ahaz. But even if the names do not recur, as such, in the NT, they fit the ministry and messianic role of Jesus. As a Wonderful Counselor, He is a doer of miracles, wonders, and signs (Acts 2:22) who sends the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to continue His work (Jn 14:26). Hailed as My Lord and my God (Jn 20:28) in His resurrection, Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18). As one with the Father (Jn 10:30), He is eternalalive forever and ever (Rv 1:18). As a member of Davids royal line (Rm 1:3) He is the Prince who brings peace between Jew and non-Jew (Eph 2:14), whose rule over all kingdoms (Rv 1:5) brings an end to wars. Ted Cabal et al., The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007), 1006. A time will come when gloom and darkness (8:22) will be a thing of the past. The gloom on the northern section of Israel came because of discipline. God humbled Zebulun and Naphtali for a while. Though Isaiah was probably using these two tribal names to represent the Northern Kingdom, it is striking that Jesus upbringing and early ministry was mostly in that very area near the Sea of Galilee. His presence certainly honored that area. In 732 b.c. this northern portion of Israel became an Assyrian province under Tiglath-Pileser III, thus humbling the people there and putting them in gloom. Under Gentile domination, that area was called Galilee of the Gentiles. John A. Martin, Isaiah, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1052. The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. Dietrich Bonhoeffer God of hope, I look to you with an open heart and yearning spirit. During this Advent season, I will keep alert and awake, listening for your word and keeping to your precepts. My hope is in you. Matthew Kelly

As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him. For to us a child is born, To us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulder, And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 The Prophetic Context Matthew 4:12-13 Now when he heard that John [the Baptist] had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.... Matthew 4:14-17 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of Gentiles- the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.... - Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.... - Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 The Preeminent Counselor 1. Jesus is all-wise.  2. Jesus is approachable.  3. Jesus is reliable. 4. Jesus is available. As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him. Applications: 1. Come to Jesus with all your struggles and sins. 2. Listen to Jesus through the Word of God. 3. Walk with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 7 ESV The 144,000 of Israel Sealed7 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:5 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,12,000 from the tribe of Gad,6 12,000 from the tribe of Asher,12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,7 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,12,000 from the tribe of Levi,12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,8 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.A Great Multitude from Every Nation9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,    and serve him day and night in his temple;    and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;    the sun shall not strike them,    nor any scorching heat.17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,    and he will guide them to springs of living water,and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” For more information about Redeemer Church Lubbock visit our website at redeemerlubbock.org.

At Bethany, We are God's People who are: Gathered! Connected! Sent!We want to connect with you through this Podcast! Leave us a comment! Tell us where you are at! Leave a Review to help our audience grow!--November 2, 2025 -- ALL SAINTS! -- Pr. Kevin Kritzer -- "Face Down" -- Rev. 7:2-172 I saw another angel coming from the east with the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been allowed to harm the land and sea, 3 “Don't harm the land, the sea, or the trees until we have put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 I heard how many were sealed: 144,000. Those who were sealed were from every tribe of the people of Israel: 5 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 6 12,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 7 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 8 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed. God's People around His Throne in Heaven 9 After these things I saw a large crowd from every nation, tribe, people, and language. No one was able to count how many people there were. They were standing in front of the throne and the lamb. They were wearing white robes, holding palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne with the leaders and the four living creatures. They bowed in front of the throne with their faces touching the ground, worshiped God, 12 and said, “Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen!” 13 One of the leaders asked me, “Who are these people wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered him, “Sir, you know.” Then he told me, “These are the people who are coming out of the terrible suffering. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb. 15 That is why they are in front of the throne of God. They serve him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 They will never be hungry or thirsty again. Neither the sun nor any burning heat will ever overcome them. 17 The lamb in the center near the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs filled with the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” -GWhttp://www.bethanylutheran.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/Bethany.Long.Beach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/BethanyLutheranLongBeach

And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.4 And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,11 In all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land,12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.

And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.2 And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.4 Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.5 And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.6 Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.7 And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;9 Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.10 They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.11 Bless, Lord, his substance, and accept the work of his hands; smite through the loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again.12 And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.13 And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,14 And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,15 And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,16 And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.18 And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.19 They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.20 And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the Lord, and his judgments with Israel.22 And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.23 And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord: possess thou the west and the south.24 And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.25 Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.28 Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 7:23–25. The men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian. Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan. And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. Then they pursued Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan. — Judges 7:23-25 The enemy is on the run. The chaos God caused in the Midianite camp has scattered them, but Gideon knows the job isn't done. If they stop now, the Midianites would merely regroup and return with more vengeance. So Gideon calls reinforcements from Israel. Naphtali, Asher, Manasseh, and Ephraim to cut off escape routes and secure the waters by the Jordan. The mission is clear — don't just win; eliminate the threat, what they should have done in the first place. The pursuit ends with the capture and death of two Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb, marking a decisive blow against the enemy. In our spiritual battles, the first breakthrough is usually only the beginning. God may win a decisive moment, but he calls us to follow through — to pursue, to cut off any possible retreat, to finish what he started. Don't celebrate too early and let your guard down. It's good to break free from one sin, but if you don't build new habits of holiness, you will let the same enemy back into your camp, too. Make a bold stand for your faith, but do not stop short of complete and total obedience. Finishing well means staying engaged until the enemy has no foothold left. In your life, that might mean following up a spiritual victory with accountability, continued prayer, Scripture intake, or cutting off lingering access points for temptation. God doesn't just want to give you a taste of freedom — He wants you to walk in freedom completely. ASK THIS: Where have you celebrated too early in your spiritual battles? What “enemy footholds” still need to be removed from your life? Who could you invite to help you finish well? How can you make sure today's victory becomes tomorrow's testimony? DO THIS: Identify one area where you've stopped short of full victory. Take one specific action today to close the gap and finish what God started. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for the victories You've already won in my life. Give me the perseverance to finish the work You've called me to and remove every foothold the enemy could use against me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "See a Victory."

Tuesday, 7 October 2025   Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, Matthew 13:31   “Another parable He presented them, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel, which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus completed the parable of the sower. Without any intervening thoughts, it says, “Another parable He presented them.”   Whether this was actually stated one parable after another, or if this one is just placed here by Matthew categorically may be debated, but either way, the information is presented to continue to illuminate Jesus' instruction through this teaching method. Understanding this, He was “saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens, it is like a mustard kernel.'”   Two new words are introduced. The first is kokkos, a kernel of seed or simply a grain. As a different word is used for seed, that is not a great choice for translation, although some versions use it. The second word is sinapi, mustard. Strong's said the word may be derived from sinomai, to hurt. Thus, it would explain the biting flavor of the herb.   Those listening would know immediately what Jesus was referring to. Being an agrarian society, the people would understand the various seeds that were available. Further, Mom would have them all around the house for use in the kitchen. In this case, the reason for using the mustard seed in His example will be seen in the next verse, but the people would know it already.   Therefore, His words are not an explanation of the seed. Rather, they will be used as a comparison. As such, it isn't cheating to explain that the mustard seed was the smallest seed used by farmers in the land at the time. Of this eensy weensy seed, Jesus next says, “which a man, having taken, he sowed in his field.”   Mustard seeds grow into mustard plants. These bear more mustard seeds (see Genesis 1:11). Mustard seeds have many uses. They can be kept whole or ground up when used in cooking. They are prized for their nutty, spicy flavor, which is used in dishes such as curries, pickled treats, dressings, marinades, etc.   They are also used in condiments. Beyond these culinary-type applications, they are considered to have health benefits. They can also be used to make mustard oil. These and a host of other uses explain why farmers would have mustard plants in their gardens. Jesus will make His comparison as He continues.   Life application: In Mark 4, the same parable says the following (as translated by the NKJV, et al.) –   “Then He said, ‘To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth.”   This seems to be an error on Jesus' part. The mustard seed is not the smallest seed on earth. How will you take that newly presented information? If Jesus is God incarnate, wouldn't He know this? Will you now close your Bible and give up on your faith?   A few points should clear this up. The first is that despite other seeds being smaller, such as types of orchids, man doesn't sow them into the ground for food, which is what Jesus just implied in His words. There may be seeds that are smaller that are sown (point 1) for food (point 2), though. What if there are?   The word translated as earth in Mark 4 is gé. It does not necessarily mean “the inhabited globe known as Earth.” Rather, it is just as often, or even more commonly, translated as soil (Matthew 13:8), ground (Matthew 10:29), or land (Matthew 10:15), etc. In other words, there is a context to what is being said. When speaking of the coming Messiah in Matthew 4, the word is used when referring to the land (gé) of Zebulun and the land (gé) of Naphtali.   Jesus is sitting in Israel talking to people who live in an agrarian-based economy. When He tells them this is the smallest seed used for sowing in a plot of land in Israel for gardening, He is telling them both the truth and something of which they were perfectly aware.   He was not concerned about orchid seeds in the Amazon jungle, nor were His listeners. There must be a context to every statement made by Jesus, or a challenge against His words is simply given to form a pretext.   If you are presented with a difficulty in what is said in the word, don't close your Bible, curse God for having fooled you into believing He exists when He doesn't (which is kind of ridiculous, because if you are cursing God who doesn't exist, you are wasting your breath!), and then spend the rest of your life mocking Christians for being so blind.   Rather, check out what you have been told, consider the information from the context presented, and understand why Jesus says what He says. When you do, you will find that His detractors are the inane ones. Your faith is well placed. Your hope is in a real Savior who came from the true God who created all things.   Jesus Christ is not wrong in His words about the mustard seed. His detractors are the ones who will stand before Him in judgment someday. Hold fast to your faith.   Glorious God Almighty, thank You for the wisdom of Your word. It is a marvelous place for us to find the truth, to rightly direct our hope, and to find the love that extends from You for Your creatures. Thank You above all that in it, we find Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:33–40. Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East came together, and they crossed the Jordan and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them. Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. — Judges 6:33-40 The Valley of Jezreel was filling with enemy troops — Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples. From a human perspective, this was overwhelming. But then comes a defining moment: “The Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon.” The language is vivid — God didn't just give Gideon a pep talk. He wrapped him in His own Spirit like a warrior putting on armor. Suddenly, the man who once threshed wheat in hiding is blasting a trumpet for war, summoning tribes from all directions to follow him. And yet… clothed in God's Spirit, Gideon feels the pull of the gap — that space between what he believes about God's promise and the confidence to act on it without hesitation. Twice, he lays out a fleece for reassurance. Twice, God answers patiently. It's a moment both victorious and vulnerable — a Spirit-filled man still learning to walk in the courage God has given. Most of us live with a gap — the space between what we believe about God and how we actually live it out. We believe He's faithful, yet we still fear. We believe He provides, yet we cling to our own protection. We believe He calls us, yet we cower when it's time to move. Gideon's story reminds us that the Spirit doesn't nullify our humanity. The Spirit equips us for the fight, but God's patience shapes us for it. He meets us in the gap — not to leave us there, but to move us forward. And here's the pivotal point: the way to close the gap is not to wait until you feel fearless, but to act with the faith you have today. Each step in obedience shrinks the distance between belief and boldness. So what's your gap right now — fear, control, insecurity, doubt? Name it. Write it in the comments. Write it into your journal. Bring it before God. Ask His Spirit to fill it and clothe you. And then take a step that puts your belief into motion. ASK THIS: Where is the gap between your belief and your obedience right now? How has God's Spirit already equipped you for it? How has God shown patience toward you in that gap? What step could you take today to close it? DO THIS: Name your gap, pray for the Spirit to fill it, and take one concrete action today that turns belief into boldness. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for clothing me with Your Spirit and meeting me in the gap between what I believe about You and how I live it out. Help me to step forward today, trusting Your power more than my fear. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Even When It Hurts."

Sunday Service (9/21/25) // Revelation 7:1-8 (ESV) The 144,000 of Israel Sealed 7 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:5 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,12,000 from the tribe of Gad,6 12,000 from the tribe of Asher,12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,7 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,12,000 from the tribe of Levi,12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,8 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed. #DanielBatarseh #Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #sermon #sermons #sermononline #bookofrevelation #bookofrevelations #revelation #revelations #newtestament #scripture #verses #lessons #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #prophecy #prophetic #jesus #jesuschrist Website: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 5:13–18. “Then down marched the remnant of the noble; the people of the LORD marched down for me against the mighty. From Ephraim their root they marched down into the valley, following you, Benjamin, with your kinsmen; from Machir marched down the commanders, and from Zebulun those who bear the lieutenant's staff; the princes of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed at his heels. Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Why did you sit still among the sheepfolds, to hear the whistling for the flocks? Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan; and Dan, why did he stay with the ships? Asher sat still at the coast of the sea, staying by his landings. Zebulun is a people who risked their lives to the death; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the field.” — Judges 5:13-18 Deborah draws a clear line between two groups. Group one: On one side are the tribes who stepped up — Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir, Zebulun, Issachar, Naphtali. They marched into the valley without hesitation, shoulder to shoulder, risking everything for God's mission. Group two: On the other side are those who stayed home — Reuben, Gilead, Dan, Asher. Reuben stalled in “great searchings of heart,” paralyzed by indecision. Gilead stayed put across the river. Dan clung to his ships. Asher kept his feet planted on the shoreline. The difference wasn't ability. It wasn't opportunity. It was willingness. In every generation, God calls His people to step up — but not everyone answers. Some run toward the fight. Others cling to the familiar. Some seize the moment. Others think about it until the moment passes. When God calls, the greatest tragedy isn't weakness — it's unwillingness. The tribes who stayed home had the same God, the same history, and the same opportunity as those who stepped up. But they missed their moment because they chose comfort over courage. You and I face the same choice. God's mission is still moving forward. The only question is — will you march into the valley, or watch from the shoreline? ASK THIS: In what areas of life has God been calling you to step up? What “great searchings of heart” have delayed your obedience? Whose courage could grow because you decided to step forward? How do you want to be remembered when God's story is told? DO THIS: Identify one step of obedience you've been delaying. Take it today — even if it feels risky — and trust God with the outcome. PRAY THIS: Lord, keep me from standing on the sidelines when You call. Give me the courage to step up, and the faith to follow You into the fight. Amen. PLAY THIS: "I Will Go."

1 Chronicles 7 tells of the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim and Asher. The brevity of some of the genealogies is curious i.e. Naphtali in particular. The numerical strengths of some of the tribes are stated but more often than not those details have been omitted. Ezekiel 20 tells of the continued rebellion of Israel (Ephraim) and of Yahweh's judgments on them to purge out the rebels from among them in the wilderness over a forty-year period before bringing a refined and purged nation into the Promised Land. The prophecy of Micah 7 verses 14-15 indicates that the time period will be identical to that under Moses when Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years after leaving Egypt. And so, this era is called "the Second Exodus" and these returning Israelites will be led by the prophet Elijah, who will bring a purged people through the "wilderness of the peoples"; believed by some to be Europe verses see Malachi 4 verses 5-6. Read carefully and note Elijah's mission is to turn these people's hearts to the fathers of the nation - that is to the faith and thinking of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Elijah aided by the Almighty will purify the remnant and execute their Sovereign's judgement on the persecutors of His beloved nation. Zechariah, the prophet, contains much of the details of this time. Luke 17 commences with a woe upon any who would be a cause of serious stumbling to Jesus' disciples. This follows Jesus' comments in verses 1-6 on the need for forgiveness which brought the response from the twelve verses ""Lord to increase their faith". Yet that faith, like the mustard and mulberry seeds, may be tiny but immensely powerful. We are told that when we have done all, we are still unprofitable slaves. We have but done what was our duty. Jesus cleansed ten lepers, yet only one returned with thanksgiving - and he a Samaritan (presumably the other nine were Jews). When questioned about the kingdom Jesus pointed out that the rulers were looking for outward, observable signs; but they had failed to recognise the most visible and evident sign of all - Jesus the King in their midst. He told them to be ready to go to the kingdom and not be caught up with preoccupation with food and drink and multiple marriages - as in the time of Noah. The same warnings applied to Lot's time with the additional problems of involvement with the absorbing commerce of that time. Some will be ready and waiting. Sadly, others will not. Let us be among the ready, rather than have the eagles strip our bones. There was in this prophecy overtones of the coming judgment of AD70 by the Roman eagle. Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:6-10: She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand'?” Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called out Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh, and 10,000 men went up at his heels, and Deborah went up with him. — Judges 4:6-10 What blessings slip through our fingers when we hesitate instead of acting in faith? God had already spoken: “Go, gather your men… I will give him into your hand.” The outcome was certain. Victory was promised. But Barak hesitated. Instead of trusting God's word, he leaned on Deborah: “If you go with me, I will go.” He wanted her presence more than God's promise. Deborah agreed—but warned him: the glory of victory wouldn't go to him. God would hand Sisera over to a woman instead. Barak went to battle, but the lesson was clear: hesitation comes at a cost. God still wins—but when we pause at the edge of obedience, we may miss the full blessing of leading boldly. This is where too many believers get stuck. God calls. The promise is sure. But instead of stepping out in full faith, we hesitate. We stall. We wait for more signs, more reassurance, more backup. Barak still fought, but his hesitation meant he lost the honor of leading with decisive courage. Deborah had to fill the gap. Here's the challenge: don't wait for someone else to carry the weight God put on your shoulders. God's victory doesn't depend on you—but your faithfulness does. Step up without hesitation. Don't miss the blessing because you lingered when God said, "Go." ASK THIS: Where am I hesitating when God has already spoken clearly? What fears keep me from taking the step God is calling me to take? Who might be carrying weight right now because I've delayed obedience? How can I step forward today in faith instead of waiting for more certainty? DO THIS: Pinpoint one area where you've been hesitating. Stop stalling—take one clear step of obedience today. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for hesitating when you've already spoken. Give me the courage to step forward in faith, trusting your promise more than my fear. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Made For More."

After the Great Fire in Frankfurt: Battling the Sabbateans (Nechemiah Chayon). The very famous (and romantic!) Ethical Will https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast

Did he cause the Great Fire of 1711 which burned down the entire Jewish Ghetto of Frankfurt? Was it a case of קַבָּלָה מַעֲשִׂית gone awry?