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Tuesday Night Service - The Great Stumbling Block To Devotion Part 3 - Pastor Mark RalstonNew King James VersionMatthew 25:34-42Isaiah 1:182 Timothy 4:6-8Romans 7:19-25Psalm 1:1-6 (NASB)For more from Reformation Church please visit: www.reformationchurch.co.uk

Wisdom, Pt. 8 | October 27, 2024Pastor Bria GilmoreProverbs 4:7 (ESV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.Proverbs 13:3 (NASB) One who guards his mouth protects his life; One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.Wisdom says be careful with the weapon you're carrying because it is powerful!Proverbs 18:21 (NASB) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.James 3:7-10 (NASB) For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. WISE WORDS 1.  Wise words bring healing.Proverbs 12:18 (NASB) There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.Are my words mending or breaking what's around me? Are they healing or hurting?2. Wise words bring life.Proverbs 15:4 (NASB) A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.What in my life is thriving and what is dying? What words have shaped those things?3. Wise words come from good stewards.Matthew 12:36 (NASB) But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.How am I stewarding the breath of God inside of me? We Pray:Psalm 141:3 (NASB) Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.Psalm 19:14 (ESV) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Paul was fiercely committed to his beliefs, even when he was wrong. In this episode, Dot and Cara explore how God transformed Paul's passion on the road to Damascus and used him in unexpected ways. From his boldness in Romans to his tenderness in 2 Timothy, Paul's life is a powerful example of living on mission. Settle in with a cup of coffee and join us as we look at the life of Paul!Got a question about today's episode or something else you'd like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! Episode recap:Start by writing down Philippians 3:3-8 (0:14)Paul was a go-getter who was determined to stamp out Christianity (2:26)That same passion turned toward making disciples once he became a believer (9:00)We see through Paul's writings how he matures and is humbled (12:30)Peter was called to spread Gospel to the Jews, Paul was called to the Gentiles  (17:45)Why Cara loves Paul's writing in the book of 2 Timothy (24:47)Paul exemplifies the life of a godly man (27:20) Paul never lost sight of his purpose (32:40)Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at hello@dotbowen.com.Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook Scripture Verse: Philippians 3:3-6 (NASB)“For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”

Friend, study and share the Gospel, listen for Holy Spirit's affirmation of your worth in Christ, be reminded of the highest price that was paid to redeem you. Ephesians 3:14-21 NASB “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through Holy Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” ============================= Show Notes: ============================= Gospel Garage is a Christian Motorcycle Ministry which includes Saturday night church online. Saturday's at 7pm PST at https://gospelgarage.online.church​​ Sign up for Gospel Garage Weekly Bulletin: https://gospelgarage.ca​​​​​​​​​​ ============================= Connect With Us: ============================= Instagram: https://bit.ly/2GjW2kw TikTok: / gospelgarage Twitter: / gospel_garage1 #GospelGarage #MotorcycleMinistry

Living For Something Greater  Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV)“our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”John 18:35-36 (ESV)“'Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?' Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'” John 17:14-16 (ESV)“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”Matthew 6:9-10 (KJV)“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”1 Peter 1:1 (ESV)“To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion…” 1 Peter 2:9-11 (NASB)“But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers”Hebrews 11:13 (NASB)“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”Hebrews 11:10 (NASB)“for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)“we are ambassadors for Christ”Philippians 3:20 (NASB)“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”1 John 3:2-3 (NASB)“we know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

Message for 1/14/2024 "Don't Rely on Flesh" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Genesis 2:15-17 - The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— 17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Jeremiah 17:5-8 NASB - This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 For he will be like a bush in the desert, And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt that is not inhabited. 7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose trust is the Lord. 8 For he will be like a tree planted by the water That extends its roots by a stream, And does not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought, Nor cease to yield fruit. Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. Proverbs 23:4-5 - Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. 5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. James 4:13-16 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it's here a little while, then it's gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Jeremiah 17:5-6 NASB - This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 For he will be like a bush in the desert, And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt that is not inhabited. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NASB - 7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose trust is the Lord. 8 For he will be like a tree planted by the water That extends its roots by a stream, And does not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought, Nor cease to yield fruit. Matthew 11:28-30 - Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Romans 8:10-16 - And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. Galatians 5:22-23 - But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Ephesians 3:20 - Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 MSG - God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ezekiel 36:26-27 - And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. John 3:6-7 - Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don't be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.' Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Jeremiah 17:8 NASB - For he will be like a tree planted by the water That extends its roots by a stream, And does not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought, Nor cease to yield fruit.

Take God's hand and let Him lead you this season, Mama! Join us for today's podcast! “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.” Psalm 73:23-24 (NASB)For your FREE holiday printables, click HERE, then visit the "Bought a Book?"  tab!Find our book "Holidays with the Help Club" HERE.Partner with Help Club HERE and help us reach moms worldwide with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

We have begun October and tonite is the 10 th day of the 10th month on the Gregorian calender. Ten is the number of wholeness and this is a wholeness month. God is working on keeping our minds on Him to build strength and wholeness for our double portion time! We are in the Hebrew month of Tishrei at the start of the year after the Feast of Tabernacles and we passed through 2 holidays in one day - Shemini Azteret / Simchat TorahShemini Atzeret began at sundown on October 6th and ends soon after sundown on October 8th. Shemini Atzeret is another yom tov, where God says He wants one more day with His people. There was to be a rest that day. It was alsoSimchat Torahwhich is a day where there is remembrance for one Torah cycle ending and another beginning. During those days the nation of Israel declared war. On a day of rest , the enemy waged war. Let us recover what was lost and put our minds in a place of peace again as we pray and seek the Lord and keep our minds in perfect peace. The enemy seeks to keep our minds on earthly things- let us stand firm in the faith and watch him flee! Gird your mind with truth! Yeshua made a way for us to have His peace !Romans 8:6 (NASB) For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, Psalm 122:6-9. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. "May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces." For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, "May peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.John 14:27(NASB)Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”Philippians 4:5-7 (NASB) Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Church and The Kingdom                                                                                              Four Realms of Authority1.     Self 2.    Church 3.    Family 4.    Civil Life  “Church” The church = A local gathering of Believers  The Church = Every person who has decided to follow Jesus in every geographical place. Kingdom of God - Gods ways and will expressed on the earth. Matthew 13:33 (ESV)“He told them another parable.'“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.'”  Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NASB)“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of Hisgovernment or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” Psalm 145:11-13 (NKJV)“They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”Daniel   What does God Expect of Us? 5.    Submission to Jesus' Authority - Voluntary Matthew 6:9-10 (NASB)“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 (NASB)“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” 6.    To Live a Life Aimed at Loving Service Ephesians 5:1-2 (NASB)“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…“ Cue: Growth Track Slide - AV Has this ready 7.    Be Unified - Submitting to One Another Zechariah 14:9 (NASB)“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.” John 17:22-23 (ESV)“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. “ Ephesians 4:1-7 (ESV)“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.” 8.    Realize: Christianity Is Not Just About You Ephesians 2:13-22 (ESV)“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Matthew week 5   Matthew 2:5 ESV   5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:       Hebrews 4:12 ESV   12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.       2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV   16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.       Matthew 24:35 ESV   35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.       Joshua 1:8 NIV   Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.       Isaiah 31:4a NASB   For this is what the Lord says to me:   “As the lion or the young lion growls over his prey,       Psalm 1:1-3 NIV   Blessed is the one   who does not walk in step with the wicked   or stand in the way that sinners take   or sit in the company of mockers,   2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,   and who meditates on his law day and night.   3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,   which yields its fruit in season   and whose leaf does not wither—   whatever they do prospers.       Matthew 2:5-6 ESV   5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:   6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;   for from you shall come a ruler   who will shepherd my people Israel.'”       Matthew 2:7-9 ESV   7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.       Matthew 2:10-12 ESV   10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.       Matthew 2:13-15 ESV   13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”       Hosea 11:1 NASB   When Israel was a youth I loved him,   And out of Egypt I called My son.       Exodus 4:22 NASB   22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Israel is My son, My firstborn.

Acts week 62   Acts 9:15 ESV   15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.       Acts 21:1-3 ESV   And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo.                     1 John 2:17 ESV   17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.       Acts 21:4-6 ESV   4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.                     Acts 20:22 NIV   22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.       Acts 11:19 NIV   19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.       Acts 21:7-9 ESV   7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.       Acts 21:10-14 ESV   10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”       Mark 8:35 NASB   “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.          

John 8:12 NIV   “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”       Jeremiah 25:8-11 NIV   8 Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: “Because you have not listened to my words, 9 I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.       Jeremiah 29:10-11 NIV   10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.       Genesis 3:15 NIV   15 And I will put enmity   between you and the woman,   and between your offspring and hers;   he will crush your head,   and you will strike his heel.'       Genesis 12:7 NIV   The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.       Galatians 3:16 NIV   16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.       Genesis 49:10 NIV   The scepter will not depart from Judah,   nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,   until he to whom it belongs shall come   and the obedience of the nations shall be his.       Isaiah 7:14 NIV   14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.       Micah 5:2 NIV   “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,   though you are small among the clans of Judah,   out of you will come for me   one who will be ruler over Israel,   whose origins are from of old,   from ancient times.”       Isaiah 35:5-6 NIV   Then will the eyes of the blind be opened   and the ears of the deaf unstopped.   6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,   and the mute tongue shout for joy.       Psalm 41:9 NIV   Even my close friend,   someone I trusted,   one who shared my bread,   has turned against me.       Psalm 22:16 NASB   For dogs have surrounded me;   A band of evildoers has encompassed me;   They pierced my hands and my feet.       1 Peter 3:15 NIV   15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,       Ephesians 1:18 NIV   I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people       1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV   3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.       Hebrews 6:18-20 NIV   God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.       Titus 2:11-14 NIV   11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.    

3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. Psalm 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. John 8:31-32 NASB 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. Ephesians 6:17 NIV Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. 3) The CONTEXT of Scripture Always MATTERS. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Philippians 4:13 NIV I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Revelation 3:20a NIV Here I am! I stand at the door and knock… 1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known. Proverbs 1:7a NASB The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge… 2 Timothy 2:14-17a NIV 14 Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. 3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. 3) The CONTEXT of Scripture Always MATTERS. Questions: 1. What does it mean that Scripture was written FOR US even though the people writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit were not writing TO US? How are they different? 2. What does it mean for a Scripture to be PRESCRIPTIVE? What does it mean for a Scripture to be DESCRIPTIVE? Why does understanding this matter? 3. Why is context so important? What does it mean for us to use the entirety of the Bible as the lens for viewing all things?

Sermon Notes: Ephesians 1:15-23 Series: Text Messages Title: Revelation Date: 8.14.22 Location: Perris Valley Church 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, Ephesians 1:15-16 (NLT) Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, Romans 1:8 (NLT) Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. Point number 1 in your notes: When a church is dedicated to Jesus, other people know about it.   Ephesians 1:17 (NLT) asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.   Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.   Colossians 1:9 (NASB) For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Point number 2 in your notes: Revelation is the activity of God, not the ability of man.   1 Corinthians 14:6 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful.   Revelation 1:1 (NASB) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John,   Galatians 1:12 (NASB) For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.   Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,   Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT) “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Point number 3 in your notes: Something that has been enlightened, was formally darker than it is now.   Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.   Romans 8:24-25 (NIV) For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.   1 John 3:2 (NASB) Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.   Ephesians 1:19-22 (NLT) I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. Ephesians 1:23 (NLT) And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.   Point number 4 in your notes: It is the parts of the body that are to complete the desires of the head.     2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV) For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Sermon Notes: Ephesians 1:7-14 Series: Text Messages Title: When a Good Plan Comes Together Date: 8.7.22 Location: Perris Valley Church   Ephesians 1:7 (NLT) He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.   Ephesians 1:8 (NLT) He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.   1 Corinthians 1:20-23 (NLT) So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense.   Ephesians 1:9 (NLT) God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan.    Point number 1 in your notes: God has always had a plan but only revealed his plan to who He wanted to when He wanted to. Still, not everyone knows God's plan.   Colossians 1:27 (NASB) to whom God willed to make known what the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory.     Ephesians 1:10 (NLT) And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.    Ephesians 1:10 (NIV) to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.   Point number 2 in your notes: God's plan is to bring His entire family home through Christ.     Philippians 2:9-11 (NASB) For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.     Colossians 1:16 (NASB) for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.     Romans 11:25 (NLT) I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ.     Ephesians 1:11 (NLT) Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.     Point number 3 in your notes: Part of God's plan is to give an inheritance to ALL members of the family.     Titus 2:14 (NLT) He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.     Ephesians 1:12 (NLT) God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.      Ephesians 1:13 (NASB) In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise,     Romans 10:17 (NIV) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. John 1:12 (NJKV) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:     Ephesians 1:14 (NLT) The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.     Point number 4 in your notes: Christians have already received the first payment of their inheritance.     2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (CSB) Now it is God who strengthens us together with you in Christ, and who has anointed us. 22 He has also put his seal on us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment.

Words that Never Fail  Hannah's Vow: 1 Samuel 1:11-17 (ESV)“And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore, Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him.” 1 Samuel 2:12 (ESV)“Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord.” Samuel Hears the Voice of the Lord: 1 Samuel 2:26 (ESV)“Now the young man, Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with Man.” 1 Samuel 3:1-21 (ESV)“Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.” Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So, he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”  Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore, Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.'”  So, Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.  Therefore, I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.”  And he said, “Here I am.” And Eli said, “What was it that He told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that He told you.” So, Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.” Divine Revelation“Hearing God's Voice” How Does God Speak Today? Logos ·      His written, revealed, and abiding word. Greek for “word.”Rhēma·      Spoken, revealed word. 1 Peter 1:23-25 (NASB)“For you have been born again … through the living and abiding word [logos] of God. For, all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flowers fall off, but the word of the Lord abides forever. And this is the word [rhēma] which was preached to you.”  Who Does He Speak To? Everyone  Five Reasons for Silence  1.      You don't Recognize his voice, yet1 Samuel 3:7 (ESV)“Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” 2.    Ignoring His Voice 3.    Hard Heartedness Hebrews 3:7-8 (ESV)“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.” Disobedience produces hardness. Obedience produces sensitivity. 4. Fear 5. Tested by the Word  Psalms 105:16-21 (ESV)“When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions.” James 1:2-4 (ESV)“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV)“…Your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Obey the Last Word! Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” 

Series: Priorities Title: First thing first Date: 5/15/22 Location: Perris Valley Church   Romans 12:2 (NASB) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.   Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.   Here's point number one in your notes this morning: God, by his own nature, cannot be second.   Point number 2 in your notes is this: There is always somebody or something helping us write our priority list and put them in order.   Point number 3 in your notes is this: You cannot hide your priorities from God.   Exodus 20:3 (NASB) You shall have no other gods before Me.   Point number 4 in your notes is this: Our behavior is going to show how honest we are about our priorities.   Exodus 20:12 (NASB) 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you.   Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) and let's consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.   Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB) Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.   Proverbs 13:4 (NASB) The soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made prosperous.   Mark 8:36-37 (NASB) For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?

Summary:Is there a process to becoming God 's friend?God places before us relationships to use in order to bring about His will in us.As we give in or submit to His will for us, this is choosing to be His friend.Show Notes:• A relationship is like sand paper or rocks in a tumbler, taking off the ‘rough edges'• “My command is that you love each other as I have loved you.”• Everything is a choice, where will we place ours?• “What you do to the least of these My brethren”• It is our choice as He will not cross our will to force usReferences:John 15:12-15 NASB12. “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.13. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.14. You are My friends if you do what I command you.15. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.Mark 3:35 NASB“ For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”Matthew 25:40 NIV“ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'Deuteronomy 11:26-28 The choice of a blessing or a curseQuotes:• He comes to a point where He can say we are His friends• I want to be a friend of Jesus Christ• It's a daily choice, a daily initiative• Every step in God is a personal choiceTake Away:Each individual can choose to be God 's friend, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Sermon Manuscript: Acts 9:10-20 Series: Acts Title:  Why . . . If I can't stand them? Date: 3/13/22 Location: Perris Valley Church   Acts 9:10-12 (NASB) Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”    Acts 9:10-12 (NASB) But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”    It's okay to ask God for clarity. It's not okay to disobey.   Acts 9:15 (NASB) But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;    God always has a reason for His directions, even if we don't understand . . . or agree.   1 Timothy 2:7 (NASB) For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.   Acts 9:16 (NASB) for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.”    Matthew 10:38-39 (NASB) And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.   2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NASB) Are they servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift at sea. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.   Acts 9:17 (NASB) So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”    God's instructions are to find, help, console, and spiritually feed our brothers and sisters . . . even if we don't like the people God is asking us to find.   Acts:18-20 (NASB) 18 And immediately something like fish scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”   God Transforms lives on purpose and for a purpose.  

Now what? After you've made a mistake in life, what do you do next? Today, we discuss three ways people typically handle mess ups. Do you find someone or something to blame, try to justify your mistake, or do you own it? One of these choices can make you a better friend, family member, or even coworker, and the other two choices will cause you to lose integrity. We used the following website to help us gather information for this episode: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/integrity We referenced the following scriptures in today's episode: Proverbs 10:9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 28:6 (ESV) Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. Proverbs 11:3 (ESV) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 20:7 (ESV) The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him! Psalm 84:11 (NASB) For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

The Master theme of the BiblePart 6 – the identity of the Lamb Isaiah 52:13 – 53:13; John 1:29 Recap – the lamb – master theme Progression from Necessity to Identity A rescuer would come – Genesis 3:15 A lamb necessary sacrifice – Genesis – 4 – Abel's offering A lamb provided as a substitute – Genesis 22 – offering of Isaac A lamb is slain – Exodus 12 – the Passover – blood applied A lamb (goat) for atonement (of sin) – Leviticus 16 – sin offering A lamb (goat) for expiation (of sin) – Leviticus 16 – sin removed A lamb - a Person – Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 – the suffering Servant The Lamb identified – as That Person – Jesus Christ – John 1:29 A lamb for sin – Genesis 4 A lamb for an individual – Genesis 22 A lamb for a family – Exodus 12 A lamb* for a nation – Leviticus 16 A lamb for the many – Isaiah 53 A Lamb for the whole world – John 1 A suffering servant (52:14; 53:4-5, 7, 10, 12) Isa 52:14 NLT Stricken, Smitten by God and afflicted (53:4) Wounded, bruised (53:5) Oppressed, afflicted, led as a lamb to slaughter (53:7) “it pleased the Lord to bruise Him” (53:10) Bearing His own cross (John 19:17) A sinless servant (53:9) Isa 53:9 (53:9) No violence, no deceit, committed no sin John 8:46 – which of you can …accuse me of sin? Luke 23:4 – I find no fault in this Man – Pilate Philippians 2 – in very nature, equal with God Had to be sinless to save sinners A silent servant (53:7) Sheep silent when sheared or slaughtered Matthew 26:63 – but Jesus kept silent before high priest Did not argue with Herod – Luke 23:9 His silence surprised Pilate – Matt. 27:14 A substitutionary servant (53:4-8, 10, 12) A saving servant (52:15; 53:11) Lord Jesus Christ became the substitute. The result: Sprinkle many nations The Innocent took the place of the guilty – Heart of the gospel Made sin for us 2Cor 5:21 NKJV Part 2 – the Lamb Identified John 1:24-36 NASB Lord Jesus Christ identified as Lamb of God All OT prophecies and types of the Lamb culminate in this moment OT Prophecies of Messiah – point to this moment John the Baptist – forerunner, baptism of repentance Recognizes Jesus Christ as the greatest One Behold! Joh 1:29 NASB Imperative Look! Focus! Consider! Proclaims the identity of the Lamb of God Vs. 30 – clearly points to Christ as eternal Deity One of the greatest moments in history The Joh 1:29 NASB The Lamb vs. a lamb Exclusively the Lamb of God Act 4:12 Not “a” person, but “that” Person – the Lord Jesus Christ Lamb Joh 1:29 A lamb required for sin Jesus came as a Lamb to give His life Mark 10:45 NASB “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” All other lambs pointed to this One Of God Joh 1:29 NASB The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Not appointed by man or self- appointed Sent by God the Father “This is my Beloved Son” Baptism – Mark 1:9-11 Transfiguration – Mark 9:7 Greater than all vss. 27, 30, 34 Who takes away Joh 1:29 Takes away – “bears away” – Gr. - airō (ah'ee-ro) Expiate – to remove or carry away – scapegoat (Lev. 16) Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Joh 1:29 NASB The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Our greatest problem creating our greatest need Jesus Christ came to meet our greatest need No limit to salvation or atonement – 1John 2:2 NLT He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 1Pe 1:18-19 NLT For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. (19) He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

Welcome to Wednesday, August 4th! Today's episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled: Rules For Growth: God's Word Thanks for listening! If you desire further information, you may request it from wordgiver@gmail.com. Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995} * * * * * *   Rules For Growth: God's Word A couple of months ago, an individual complained that he didn't think he was growing in his Christian faith. I inquired about what he was doing to promote his spiritual growth. His response provided the answer he was seeking. "Not much, I guess!" My reply was, "No investment, no return!" I reminded him that we will not grow in our faith unless we do what God commands us to do. I continued with, "In all likelihood, without doing so you will go backward in your faith." He wanted to know where to start. I told him that he needed to begin reading and studying his Bible and that the gospel of John was an excellent first book. I encouraged him to read the entire book and then to re-read and study a chapter a day for 21 days. I often recommend the Gospel of John this book provides an understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Many of us are lax in our study of God's Word. Oh, we do open it to follow along with the sermon on Sunday morning or to participate in an adult Bible Study, but do we read and study it every day? As we ingest the Word of God, it causes our faith to grow. Romans 10:17 NASB So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. As we read and study the Word of God, we recognize its truth and have the desire to more fully commit and yield our lives to the God of the Bible. By definition, that is spiritual growth. God's Word also points out our sin. Since we still have our old nature, we are still prone to sin. Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB points out the effectiveness of God's Word to shed light on our sin. Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  [13]  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer. Our goal is to head off falling into sin before it happens. As we delve into God's Word, we come into contact with verses such as: Psalms 119:11-16 NASB I have treasured Your word in my heart, So that I may not sin against You.  [12]  Blessed are You, LORD; Teach me Your statutes.  [13]  With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth.  [14]  I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.  [15]  I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways.  [16]  I shall delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. By definition, God's Word provides a standard by which are to live. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;  [17]  so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. The individual I noted at the beginning of this devotional checked back in with me several weeks ago. He now feels like he is making progress in his spiritual walk. Tomorrow I will share another Rule for Christian Growth . . . Prayer. Let's Pray, Gracious Heavenly Father, Help us to realize the privilege we have of free access to Your Word. May we find joy in reading and studying it every day. We ask that You would guard our hearts against falling away from the Christian faith. Strengthen our faith and trust in You today. In the Name of Jesus, Amen!          

Acts 19:1–2 NIV - While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2  and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 Myths About the Holy Spirit 1. The Holy Spirit is junior varsity Acts 5:3-4 NIV - Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?  4  Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” 1. Holy Spirit is eternal Hebrews 9:14 NIV - How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 2. Holy Spirit is all-powerful Luke 1:35 NIV - The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Romans 8:11 NLT - The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 3. Holy Spirit is omnipresent Psalm 139:7 ESV - Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 4. Holy Spirit is omniscient 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 NASB - For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 5. Holy Spirit is creator Genesis 1:1–2 NLT - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2  The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:26 NIV - Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Job 33:4 NLT - For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Matthew 28:19 NIV - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  Luke 3:22 NIV - and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” John 15:26 NIV - “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. Acts 2:33 NIV - Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 10:38 NIV - how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV - May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 1 Peter 1:2 NIV - who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 2. The Holy Spirit is scary and weird 1 Corinthians 14:32-33 NIV - The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.  33  For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. John 14:16 NIV - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— Romans 8:26 NIV - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:14 NIV - For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Luke 9:38–39 NIV - A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39  A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. Galatians 5:18 NIV - But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16 NLT -   So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Acts 2:4 NIV - All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 3. The Holy Spirit is an optional part of my faith Galatians 3:3 NLT - How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 1. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV - And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 2. Don’t neglect the Holy Spirit 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV - Do not quench the Spirit. 3. Desire more of the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18 NLT -   Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, Luke 11:13 NIV - If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

(1 Corinthians 1:18 NASB) For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:22-25 NASB) For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, […]

“There is so much unrest with the lies coming our way, we need to know the truth.” Today Stacy talks with author and Bible teacher Luanne Botta about the armor of God.  You are not going to miss this power packed episode where Luanne passionately shares the truth about who we are and what we have in Christ. This will set you free!   About our Guest: Luanne Botta is an author, Bible teacher and speaker who brings the gospel to life through the Word and personal testimony.  Her high energy and joyful spirit of encouragement bring an authentic transparency, making her an endearing and powerful speaker. As a high school teacher at a private Christian academy for almost 20 years, well-liked by her students, Luanne found herself in a unique role, guiding hundreds of young people through God’s Word with her uncompromising, take-no-prisoners way of speaking the truth while still showing them unconditional love. Her passion was igniting them to live their lives with a higher standard than the culture around them. From these years of ministry and the heartache experienced by her students in their teen years, Luanne authored two books to equip young people with the truth, Young Hearts. Pure Lives (for girls), and The Warrior Within (for guys). She served on the team for national singer, speaker and author, Kathy Troccoli, traveling the country as part of a ministry that has ushered thousands of women to the throne of God’s grace. The release of Luanne’s  newest book, Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God, will be out May 2021! Scripture:  Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-17 (NASB)- Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Gird your loins with the Gospel of Truth – John 14:6 (NASB) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Breast Plate of Righteous – 2Corinthians 5:21(NASB) He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Shod your feet with the Gospel of Peace – John 14:27 (NASB) "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. Take up the Shield of Faith – Romans 4:20-21 (NASB)  yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.   The Helmet of Salvation 2Corinthians 10:3-6 (NASB)- For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,    The Sword of the Spirit which is the Living Word of God 1John 4:4 (NASB)- You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. Isaiah 54:17 (NASB)- No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And you will condemn every tongue that accuses you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord. Hebrews 4:12a (NASB)-  For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword.   Books: “Young Hearts, Pure Lives” by Luanne Botta “The Warrior Within” by Luanne Botta   Links: http://www.luannebotta.com To give to the ministry of Moms in Prayer: Support Our Mission | Moms In Prayer International Moms in Prayer International- www.MomsInPrayer.org

Ephesians 2:8 (NASB) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; Hebrews 4:16 (NASB) Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. John 1:14 (NASB) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Matthew 6:15 (NASB) But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. 1 John 1:9 (NASB) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Luke 17:3 (NASB) Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/matthew-gaff/support

Mark 4:14 (NASB) The sower sows the word. Galatians 6:8 (NASB) For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. The Mustard Seed Matthew 13:31-32 (NASB) 31He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” The Sower Explained Matthew 13:18-23 (NASB) 18 “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 20The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/matthew-gaff/support

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Matthew 6:14-15, quoting from the NASB: “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Forgiveness is a choice. If my spouse does something that offends me, I can decide to be hurt, to rehearse the offense in my mind and to allow frustration, anger, and unforgiveness to set in. Conversely, if I keep my wits about me and follow Jesus’ instructions, I will choose to forgive and move on. Peter asked, “How often should I forgive?” Not knowing to forgive is not the issue; choosing to forgive hits at the heart of the struggle. Jesus instructs us not to withhold forgiveness, but to freely forgive. What about forgiveness in the workplace? Is forgiveness measured out by good or bad performance? Too many headlines read like this: Commander Jones was relieved of his duties because leaders lost confidence in his ability to effectively lead and perform assigned duties. There is no question leaders have a responsibility to uphold workplace performance standards and maintain good order and discipline. Consequences properly follow violations, but Jesus’ admonition to forgive also pertains to workplace justice. Marginalizing or devaluing one who has erred or denying such a one a path to restoration of workplace fellowship is not Christ’s brand of forgiveness. Leadership fosters growth out of genuine value placed on each person. It is best to let the mind of Christ guide workplace forgiveness and restoration acts. I almost erred by allowing a worker’s prior disciplined misstep to determine whether I would hire this person. A decision not to hire her would have meant that a less qualified person would have been selected for the position. As I asked the person about her previous infraction, she said to me, “At some point someone has to give me a chance.” The fact is, she had suffered the consequences several times over for her mistake, and I was in a position to make her pay once more. Forgiveness is a life restoring, healing act, extended in obedience to Jesus’ teachings and His examples. That hiring decision turned out to be one of my best actions as the worker became a highly responsible top performer. Whether in a personal relationship or in the workplace, Jesus’ admonition to forgive remains. As servant leaders, how we forgive and restore is a mark of obedience to Christ’s commands.   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, turn anger and hot emotions over to God as an expression of godly character and with an earnest desire for the best for others. Second, do what God has instructed and trust Him for the results. Take every thought captive to the knowledge of Christ. Third, exercise responsible leadership by maintaining good order and discipline but refrain from devaluing one who has come under discipline.   // Monthly Evaluation It’s time for a quick monthly evaluation. Click here to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.   // About the Narrator Tom Schmidt was raised in a family of nine on a dairy farm in Kansas. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, graduating in 1970 with a commission in the Infantry. He served for 25 years in command, staff, and instructor assignments, ranging from platoon to Department of the Army level. Tom and his wife, Jean, also served on OCF staff as Field Representative at Ft. Leavenworth and Director of Field Operations.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Hebrews 5:9 (NASB) And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, Job 36:4 (NASB) For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you. Deuteronomy 32:4 (NASB) The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. God is perfect we can all try but without Christ we will always fall short. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/matthew-gaff/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/matthew-gaff/support

Today’s Scripture reading comes from 2 Corinthians 1:20, quoting from the NASB: “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” Spare me the goat trails. Just give me a straight answer! Ever had one of those days when all you wanted was a straight answer? If the Corinthian people ever desired a straight answer, Paul gave it to them. God’s promises are “Yes,” and the appropriate response is “Amen” (so let it be). There’s no gray, no verbal spin, only a matter of fact “Yes.” Leaders operate in a fact-based realm that sometimes calls for rapid fire decisions. Paul, Silvanus and Timothy preached a fact-based gospel. In our flesh, so much of what we say is colored with political viewpoints and opinions, but God has not called us to deal in questionable, opinionated answers. His Word is sure and certain. How can we know that His Word is true? Consider Paul’s approach, written about in Acts chapter 18: “When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the Word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.” Paul’s unwavering confidence in the Lord’s intent and direction enabled him to speak truth and to move on when his message was rejected. Are you seeking clarity from God on a matter but are uncertain that you are hearing correctly? Here is a thought: Do not ask for something for yourself but ask that His will in that situation be done and earnestly desire to be part of the answer. God cannot say no to what He has already said yes to.   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, how do we know the truth? Those who continue in His Word know the truth. Second, God grants clarity to the concerns of our heart as we spend time with Him and seek His guidance. Third, are you embracing the promises of God, or are you relying on your own understanding?   // About the Narrator COL Laurence Mixon, USA, a 1986 graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, retired in June 2016 after a 30-year career with the Army and transitioned to an Army Senior Executive assignment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He served on the OCF Council from 2011-2019 and has also been active as a local leader in OCF. He and his wife, Tracey, have 8 children.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Jordan T. Hall -- lawyer, realtor, dad, author, blogger, home improvement guy -- shares his top 3 tips on exactly HOW to graduate from college with zero debt. These are practical applications any college bound individual will want to consider and put into play as highlighted in his book Every Degree Debt Free. But this episode is not just for prospective college students. Jordan and I also chat about the mindset of DECIDING. Or we might call it resolve and determination. As a believer we also discuss the concepts of Time, Talent, and Treasure and how everything we do, everything we put our hands and our minds to, we can do to the glory of God. And listen, Jordan shares a personal story toward the end of the show that will drop your jaw! It’s about a huge wad of cash and a riding lawn mower. Tune in today! THEME VERSES: Mat. 6:24 (NASB): “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth...." Prov. 22:7 (NASB): And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. Luk. 12:34 (NASB): “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. CONNECT WITH JORDAN: Jordan T. Hall website and blog -- get his monthly $$$$ saving tips here: http://jordanthall.com/ Every Degree Debt Free book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Every-Degree-Debt-Free-Graduate-ebook/dp/B07BGW9TG1 Need a realtor in the Frankfort, KY area: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-agent/profile/jordan-hall-P411921164 Need a bit of home improvement in the Frankfort, KY area (Facebook biz page): https://www.facebook.com/HallBrothersHomeImprovement/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jordan-T-Hall-246689722572755/ STAY CONNECTED WITH ME: Start with a Grateful Heart blog & website: https://www.startwithagratefulheart.com/ Choose 2 Think Merch & More: https://teespring.com/stores/choose-2-think-merch-more Click Here to Save $5 with this PROMO CODE --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/victoria-walker/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/victoria-walker/support

A Certain WORD in an Uncertain WORLD! SHIFT Series Week 3 For the last few weeks we have been talking about the SHIFT that is taking place in the body of Christ! Because of everything that has happened in our world recently – as a church we need to be ready to make the shift and be ready for the greatest revival the world has ever seen. So much has changed in the space of 3 months…it almost doesn't even seem possible. So much uncertainty. John 1:14 (KJV) 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The Word of God is much more than mere communication through language. The Word is personal, interactive, and alive. We not only have the “BIBLE” or Word of God, but we have the WORD made flesh, that now lives in us by the Holy Ghost. We are not just like everyone else. In reference to the end times Daniel says.. in Daniel 11:32 KJV “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” In our day, right now…we have so much uncertainty…so much information…but not all information is TRUTH… we see this in – Daniel 12:4 KJV “….shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Media is messing with you? …We need to KNOW our God like never before…We HAVE a CERTAIN WORD! We know He lives within us if we have received His Spirit because Ephesians 1:13 KJV says… “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” The Psalmist said… Psalms 56:4 KJV “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” If you read Jeremiah Chapter 7… you will discover God talking to Israel about listening to bad advice and uncertain and deceptive words…this also applies to the church which is spiritual “Israel” He challenges them… Jeremiah 7:8 NASB ““Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail.” Do you know what is worse than not having information? Having misinformation but believing it to be true and rearranging your life because of it, spiritually, emotionally, and so on. Ecclesiastes 8:6-7 NASB “For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man's trouble is heavy upon him. If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen?” That is why this is so important for us today…there is way to much UNCERTAINTY outside of God right now – we need to lock on to a CERTAIN WORD!! Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” This is the shift that is taking place today… The People that Know their God will be strong and do exploits… Those who take hold of the CERTAIN WORD!! This is that day, now is that time… Everyone else is uncertain and letting uncertainty cause them to panic and fear…to do things that uncertain people do… But we have a CERTAIN WORD… There are some things we KNOW…not just because the Bible tells us so…but also because we have experienced the truth of them in our own lives! We KNOW that God LOVES US… We KNOW that GOD is real, and He is in Control of everything!! We KNOW that GOD is coming back very soon…Just like He said… We KNOW that if we are ready…Filled with His Spirit, Baptized in His Name…and living a holy life – we will meet Him when He returns… We KNOW while we are here…God is still our Jehovah Rapha (The Lord that Heals) We KNOW that Jesus is our Jehovah Jireh… Isaiah 55:10-11 (NASB) “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. His Word is forever settled…. He Is the Same Yesterday, today…and forever… His Word is the Lamp for my Feet, the light for my path His Word is from Everlasting to Everlasting… The Word of God formed worlds. The flood of Noah's day was by the Word of God. The world as we know it is being held by the Word of God. When the end of the world is come God will destroy this world by His Word. Psalms 107:17-22 NASB “Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all kinds of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! Let them also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of His works with joyful singing.” Matthew 8:5-10 (KJV) 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. FEAR IS FAITH IN THE ENEMY GET A HOLD of the CERTAIN WORD   Take God at His Word – The principles of the Word of God can come alive in your life!! What Stronghold needs to come down in your life today?What sickness needs to be healed? What MIRACLE do you need right now? What COMMITMENT do you need to make? Repent of your sins and turn to God Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ to have your sins washed away Be filled with the Gift of the Holy Ghost today!

A Certain WORD in an Uncertain WORLD! SHIFT Series Week 3 For the last few weeks we have been talking about the SHIFT that is taking place in the body of Christ! Because of everything that has happened in our world recently – as a church we need to be ready to make the shift and be ready for the greatest revival the world has ever seen. So much has changed in the space of 3 months…it almost doesn't even seem possible. So much uncertainty. John 1:14 (KJV) 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. The Word of God is much more than mere communication through language. The Word is personal, interactive, and alive. We not only have the “BIBLE” or Word of God, but we have the WORD made flesh, that now lives in us by the Holy Ghost. We are not just like everyone else. In reference to the end times Daniel says.. in Daniel 11:32 KJV “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” In our day, right now…we have so much uncertainty…so much information…but not all information is TRUTH… we see this in – Daniel 12:4 KJV “….shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Media is messing with you? …We need to KNOW our God like never before…We HAVE a CERTAIN WORD! We know He lives within us if we have received His Spirit because Ephesians 1:13 KJV says… “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” The Psalmist said… Psalms 56:4 KJV “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” If you read Jeremiah Chapter 7… you will discover God talking to Israel about listening to bad advice and uncertain and deceptive words…this also applies to the church which is spiritual “Israel” He challenges them… Jeremiah 7:8 NASB ““Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail.” Do you know what is worse than not having information? Having misinformation but believing it to be true and rearranging your life because of it, spiritually, emotionally, and so on. Ecclesiastes 8:6-7 NASB “For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man's trouble is heavy upon him. If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen?” That is why this is so important for us today…there is way to much UNCERTAINTY outside of God right now – we need to lock on to a CERTAIN WORD!! Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” This is the shift that is taking place today… The People that Know their God will be strong and do exploits… Those who take hold of the CERTAIN WORD!! This is that day, now is that time… Everyone else is uncertain and letting uncertainty cause them to panic and fear…to do things that uncertain people do… But we have a CERTAIN WORD… There are some things we KNOW…not just because the Bible tells us so…but also because we have experienced the truth of them in our own lives! We KNOW that God LOVES US… We KNOW that GOD is real, and He is in Control of everything!! We KNOW that GOD is coming back very soon…Just like He said… We KNOW that if we are ready…Filled with His Spirit, Baptized in His Name…and living a holy life – we will meet Him when He returns… We KNOW while we are here…God is still our Jehovah Rapha (The Lord that Heals) We KNOW that Jesus is our Jehovah Jireh… Isaiah 55:10-11 (NASB) “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. His Word is forever settled…. He Is the Same Yesterday, today…and forever… His Word is the Lamp for my Feet, the light for my path His Word is from Everlasting to Everlasting… The Word of God formed worlds. The flood of Noah's day was by the Word of God. The world as we know it is being held by the Word of God. When the end of the world is come God will destroy this world by His Word. Psalms 107:17-22 NASB “Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all kinds of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! Let them also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, And tell of His works with joyful singing.” Matthew 8:5-10 (KJV) 5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. FEAR IS FAITH IN THE ENEMY GET A HOLD of the CERTAIN WORD   Take God at His Word – The principles of the Word of God can come alive in your life!! What Stronghold needs to come down in your life today?What sickness needs to be healed? What MIRACLE do you need right now? What COMMITMENT do you need to make? Repent of your sins and turn to God Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ to have your sins washed away Be filled with the Gift of the Holy Ghost today!

Hello friends, and Happy Tuesday to you. I realize with some chagrin that I missed wishing you a happy Star Wars day yesterday, but I can wish you a happy Cinco De Mayo today. Today's Bible readings include Numbers 11 and 12, Psalms 49, Isaiah 2 and Hebrews 10, which is our focus passage. Today we finish up our discussion of The Perseverance of the Saints, or Once Saved Always Saved, which basically deals with the question: Can a Christian lose their salvation? Part One of the series was episode 121 Part Two was Episode 124 And today is the finale, The Return of the Jedi of our discussion of the Perseverance of the Saints. This is an important theological discussion, but it is a very, very important practical pastoring and real life spirituality question to consider, especially in the West. The fact is that there are many in the U.S. and other Western countries that proclaim Jesus with their lips, but deny Him with their lifestyle, as the old quote goes. In other Words, they are Christian in name only. Perhaps this is because they made a one time decision eons ago in their childhood, or perhaps it is because they grew up in church, or grew up with a very religious mom, or in a very religious area, or what have you. In the same way that almost everybody that grows up in Alabama is either an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan - whether you like/know anything about football at all - many people born into religious families or churchy areas consider themselves Christians. However, it needs to be understood that Jesus Himself did not consider being a follower of His to be something you are born into, something you naturally inherit from your parents, or a decision you make in the heat of the moment when the choir is on the third verse of "Just as I Am," and the preacher is pleading for sinners to come, and you walk the aisle simply because you got caught up in the moment. Generally, when Jesus called people - He told them to FOLLOW HIM, and He meant that quite literally. Matthew left his money and his tax collecting business and began to literally FOLLOW Jesus all around the country. Peter, James, John and Andrew abandoned their fishing business and followed Jesus. Mary Magdalene and the other ladies that took care of Jesus and the disciples left their lives behind, and literally travelled around the country with Him - hanging on His every Word, and serving Him actively. The Jesus way, however, is not how usually how churches have treated following Jesus over the past few decades. Instead, many churches, pastors and evangelists have preached for 'decisions,' which is when you give a message and an invitation at the end of it, and invite people - usually with a strong emotional appeal - to give their lives to Jesus - usually by praying and 'asking Him into your heart." I think there are many good things about proclaiming the good news in a way where somebody should be led to make a decision, but the fact is that most Western churches don't follow the pattern of Jesus and the disciples when proclaiming the Gospel, and that has led to many more people making decisions for Christ than actually becoming genuine followers of Christ. As we discussed in episode 124 - this is not a terribly big surprise, because Jesus shows in in Mark 4 - the Parable of the Sower - that many of the people who receive the Word of God - even some who receive it joyfully - do not ultimately go on to be saved. They believe for a moment in time - maybe an extended moment in time - but their belief is not actually a saving belief in Jesus, because 'they have no root,' and they don't persevere in following Him. Hebrews 2, 3, 6 and 10 all contain strong warnings to followers of Jesus - urging them to not quit, but to persevere and continue on in the faith. Hebrews 10 contains a particularly sober warning for any who would backslide (a fancy old-school religious term that basically means moving away from Jesus and His teachings.): 26 For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who disregarded the law of Moses died without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the one who has said, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge his people. 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.... 35 So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10 Some see in those verses a strong warning against falling away - a warning that true Christians can and do fall away, and when they do, they are potentially lost forever, unless they quickly turn back and follow Jesus. Others see a strong exhortation to hold onto faith, and find great assurance (in other Bible passages) that genuinely saved Christians won't lose their salvation because they are held secure not by their own strength, but by the power of God. Seminary professor and author Wayne Grudem addresses this question head-on in his most excellent Systematic Theology, making a convincing case to believe that a genuinely saved Christian will not be lost: There are many passages that teach that those who are truly born again, who are genuinely Christians, will continue in the Christian life until death and will then go to be with Christ in heaven. Jesus says, I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:38–40) Here Jesus says that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. He says that he will raise that person up at the last day—which, in this context of believing in the Son and having eternal life, clearly means that Jesus will raise that person up to eternal life with him (not just raise him up to be judged and condemned). It seems hard to avoid the conclusion that everyone who truly believes in Christ will remain a Christian up to the day of final resurrection into the blessings of life in the presence of God.2 Moreover, this text emphasizes that Jesus does the will of the Father, which is that he should “lose nothing of all that he has given me” (John 6:39). Once again, those given to the Son by the Father will not be lost. Another passage emphasizing this truth is John 10:27–29, in which Jesus says: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. Here Jesus says that those who follow him, those who are his sheep, are given eternal life. He further says that “no one shall snatch them out of my hand” (v. 28). Now some have objected to this that even though no one else can take Christians out of Christ’s hand, we might remove ourselves from Christ’s hand. But that seems to be pedantic quibbling over words—does not “no one” also include the person who is in Christ’s hand? Moreover, we know that our own hearts are far from trustworthy. Therefore if the possibility remained that we could remove ourself from Christ’s hand, the passage would hardly give the assurance that Jesus intends by it. But more importantly, the most forceful phrase in the passage is “they shall never perish” (v. 28). The Greek construction (οὐ μή plus aorist subjunctive) is especially emphatic and might be translated more explicitly, “and they shall certainly not perish forever.” This emphasizes that those who are Jesus’ “sheep” and who follow him, and to whom he has given eternal life, shall never lose their salvation or be separated from Christ—they shall “never perish.”3 Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 788–790. He further elaborates on the perseverance part of the Perseverance of the Saints doctrine here: While Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that those who are truly born again will persevere to the end and will certainly have eternal life in heaven with God, there are other passages that speak of the necessity of continuing in faith throughout life. They make us realize that what Peter said in 1 Peter 1:5 is true, namely, that God does not guard us apart from our faith, but only by working through our faith so that he enables us to continue to believe in him. In this way, those who continue to trust in Christ gain assurance that God is working in them and guarding them. One example of this kind of passage is John 8:31–32: “Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” ’ Jesus is here giving a warning that one evidence of genuine faith is continuing in his word, that is, continuing to believe what he says and living a life of obedience to his commands. Similarly, Jesus says, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22), as a means of warning people not to fall away in times of persecution. Paul says to the Colossian Christians that Christ has reconciled them to God, “in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard” (Col. 1:22–23). It is only natural that Paul and the other New Testament writers would speak this way, for they are addressing groups of people who profess to be Christians, without being able to know the actual state of every person’s heart. There may have been people at Colossae who had joined in the fellowship of the church, and perhaps even professed that they had faith in Christ and had been baptized into membership of the church, but who never had true saving faith. How is Paul to distinguish such people from true believers? How can he avoid giving them false assurance, assurance that they will be saved eternally when in fact they will not, unless they come to true repentance and faith? Paul knows that those whose faith is not real will eventually fall away from participation in the fellowship of the church. Therefore he tells his readers that they will ultimately be saved, “provided that you continue in the faith” (Col. 1:23). Those who continue show thereby that they are genuine believers. But those who do not continue in the faith show that there was no genuine faith in their hearts in the first place. A similar emphasis is seen in Hebrews 3:14 (NASB): “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm to the end.” This verse provides an excellent perspective on the doctrine of perseverance. How do we know if “we have become partakers of Christ”? How do we know if this being joined to Christ has happened to us at some time in the past?10 One way in which we know that we have come to genuine faith in Christ is if we continue in faith until the end of our lives. Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 792–793. Finally, Grudem concludes with a pastoral call to hold fast and hold firm to the Gospel and to Jesus: At this point, in terms of pastoral care with those who have strayed away from their Christian profession, we should realize that Calvinists and Arminians (those who believe in the perseverance of the saints and those who think that Christians can lose their salvation) will both counsel a “backslider” in the same way. According to the Arminian this person was a Christian at one time but is no longer a Christian. According to the Calvinist, such a person never really was a Christian in the first place and is not one now. But in both cases the biblical counsel given would be the same: “You do not appear to be a Christian now—you must repent of your sins and trust in Christ for your salvation!” Though the Calvinist and Arminian would differ on their interpretation of the previous history, they would agree on what should be done in the present. But here we see why the phrase eternal security can be quite misleading. In some evangelical churches, instead of teaching the full and balanced presentation of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, pastors have sometimes taught a watered-down version, which in effect tells people that all who have once made a profession of faith and been baptized are “eternally secure.” The result is that some people who are not genuinely converted at all may “come forward” at the end of an evangelistic sermon to profess faith in Christ, and may be baptized shortly after that, but then they leave the fellowship of the church and live a life no different from the one they lived before they gained this “eternal security.” In this way people are given false assurance and are being cruelly deceived into thinking they are going to heaven when in fact they are not. Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 806.

Hello friends, and Happy Tuesday to you. I realize with some chagrin that I missed wishing you a happy Star Wars day yesterday, but I can wish you a happy Cinco De Mayo today. Today's Bible readings include Numbers 11 and 12, Psalms 49, Isaiah 2 and Hebrews 10, which is our focus passage. Today we finish up our discussion of The Perseverance of the Saints, or Once Saved Always Saved, which basically deals with the question: Can a Christian lose their salvation? Part One of the series was episode 121 Part Two was Episode 124 And today is the finale, The Return of the Jedi of our discussion of the Perseverance of the Saints. This is an important theological discussion, but it is a very, very important practical pastoring and real life spirituality question to consider, especially in the West. The fact is that there are many in the U.S. and other Western countries that proclaim Jesus with their lips, but deny Him with their lifestyle, as the old quote goes. In other Words, they are Christian in name only. Perhaps this is because they made a one time decision eons ago in their childhood, or perhaps it is because they grew up in church, or grew up with a very religious mom, or in a very religious area, or what have you. In the same way that almost everybody that grows up in Alabama is either an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan - whether you like/know anything about football at all - many people born into religious families or churchy areas consider themselves Christians. However, it needs to be understood that Jesus Himself did not consider being a follower of His to be something you are born into, something you naturally inherit from your parents, or a decision you make in the heat of the moment when the choir is on the third verse of "Just as I Am," and the preacher is pleading for sinners to come, and you walk the aisle simply because you got caught up in the moment. Generally, when Jesus called people - He told them to FOLLOW HIM, and He meant that quite literally. Matthew left his money and his tax collecting business and began to literally FOLLOW Jesus all around the country. Peter, James, John and Andrew abandoned their fishing business and followed Jesus. Mary Magdalene and the other ladies that took care of Jesus and the disciples left their lives behind, and literally travelled around the country with Him - hanging on His every Word, and serving Him actively. The Jesus way, however, is not how usually how churches have treated following Jesus over the past few decades. Instead, many churches, pastors and evangelists have preached for 'decisions,' which is when you give a message and an invitation at the end of it, and invite people - usually with a strong emotional appeal - to give their lives to Jesus - usually by praying and 'asking Him into your heart." I think there are many good things about proclaiming the good news in a way where somebody should be led to make a decision, but the fact is that most Western churches don't follow the pattern of Jesus and the disciples when proclaiming the Gospel, and that has led to many more people making decisions for Christ than actually becoming genuine followers of Christ. As we discussed in episode 124 - this is not a terribly big surprise, because Jesus shows in in Mark 4 - the Parable of the Sower - that many of the people who receive the Word of God - even some who receive it joyfully - do not ultimately go on to be saved. They believe for a moment in time - maybe an extended moment in time - but their belief is not actually a saving belief in Jesus, because 'they have no root,' and they don't persevere in following Him. Hebrews 2, 3, 6 and 10 all contain strong warnings to followers of Jesus - urging them to not quit, but to persevere and continue on in the faith. Hebrews 10 contains a particularly sober warning for any who would backslide (a fancy old-school religious term that basically means moving away from Jesus and His teachings.): 26 For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who disregarded the law of Moses died without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the one who has said, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge his people. 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.... 35 So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10 Some see in those verses a strong warning against falling away - a warning that true Christians can and do fall away, and when they do, they are potentially lost forever, unless they quickly turn back and follow Jesus. Others see a strong exhortation to hold onto faith, and find great assurance (in other Bible passages) that genuinely saved Christians won't lose their salvation because they are held secure not by their own strength, but by the power of God. Seminary professor and author Wayne Grudem addresses this question head-on in his most excellent Systematic Theology, making a convincing case to believe that a genuinely saved Christian will not be lost: There are many passages that teach that those who are truly born again, who are genuinely Christians, will continue in the Christian life until death and will then go to be with Christ in heaven. Jesus says, I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:38–40) Here Jesus says that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. He says that he will raise that person up at the last day—which, in this context of believing in the Son and having eternal life, clearly means that Jesus will raise that person up to eternal life with him (not just raise him up to be judged and condemned). It seems hard to avoid the conclusion that everyone who truly believes in Christ will remain a Christian up to the day of final resurrection into the blessings of life in the presence of God.2 Moreover, this text emphasizes that Jesus does the will of the Father, which is that he should “lose nothing of all that he has given me” (John 6:39). Once again, those given to the Son by the Father will not be lost. Another passage emphasizing this truth is John 10:27–29, in which Jesus says: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. Here Jesus says that those who follow him, those who are his sheep, are given eternal life. He further says that “no one shall snatch them out of my hand” (v. 28). Now some have objected to this that even though no one else can take Christians out of Christ’s hand, we might remove ourselves from Christ’s hand. But that seems to be pedantic quibbling over words—does not “no one” also include the person who is in Christ’s hand? Moreover, we know that our own hearts are far from trustworthy. Therefore if the possibility remained that we could remove ourself from Christ’s hand, the passage would hardly give the assurance that Jesus intends by it. But more importantly, the most forceful phrase in the passage is “they shall never perish” (v. 28). The Greek construction (οὐ μή plus aorist subjunctive) is especially emphatic and might be translated more explicitly, “and they shall certainly not perish forever.” This emphasizes that those who are Jesus’ “sheep” and who follow him, and to whom he has given eternal life, shall never lose their salvation or be separated from Christ—they shall “never perish.”3 Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 788–790. He further elaborates on the perseverance part of the Perseverance of the Saints doctrine here: While Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that those who are truly born again will persevere to the end and will certainly have eternal life in heaven with God, there are other passages that speak of the necessity of continuing in faith throughout life. They make us realize that what Peter said in 1 Peter 1:5 is true, namely, that God does not guard us apart from our faith, but only by working through our faith so that he enables us to continue to believe in him. In this way, those who continue to trust in Christ gain assurance that God is working in them and guarding them. One example of this kind of passage is John 8:31–32: “Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” ’ Jesus is here giving a warning that one evidence of genuine faith is continuing in his word, that is, continuing to believe what he says and living a life of obedience to his commands. Similarly, Jesus says, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22), as a means of warning people not to fall away in times of persecution. Paul says to the Colossian Christians that Christ has reconciled them to God, “in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard” (Col. 1:22–23). It is only natural that Paul and the other New Testament writers would speak this way, for they are addressing groups of people who profess to be Christians, without being able to know the actual state of every person’s heart. There may have been people at Colossae who had joined in the fellowship of the church, and perhaps even professed that they had faith in Christ and had been baptized into membership of the church, but who never had true saving faith. How is Paul to distinguish such people from true believers? How can he avoid giving them false assurance, assurance that they will be saved eternally when in fact they will not, unless they come to true repentance and faith? Paul knows that those whose faith is not real will eventually fall away from participation in the fellowship of the church. Therefore he tells his readers that they will ultimately be saved, “provided that you continue in the faith” (Col. 1:23). Those who continue show thereby that they are genuine believers. But those who do not continue in the faith show that there was no genuine faith in their hearts in the first place. A similar emphasis is seen in Hebrews 3:14 (NASB): “For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm to the end.” This verse provides an excellent perspective on the doctrine of perseverance. How do we know if “we have become partakers of Christ”? How do we know if this being joined to Christ has happened to us at some time in the past?10 One way in which we know that we have come to genuine faith in Christ is if we continue in faith until the end of our lives. Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 792–793. Finally, Grudem concludes with a pastoral call to hold fast and hold firm to the Gospel and to Jesus: At this point, in terms of pastoral care with those who have strayed away from their Christian profession, we should realize that Calvinists and Arminians (those who believe in the perseverance of the saints and those who think that Christians can lose their salvation) will both counsel a “backslider” in the same way. According to the Arminian this person was a Christian at one time but is no longer a Christian. According to the Calvinist, such a person never really was a Christian in the first place and is not one now. But in both cases the biblical counsel given would be the same: “You do not appear to be a Christian now—you must repent of your sins and trust in Christ for your salvation!” Though the Calvinist and Arminian would differ on their interpretation of the previous history, they would agree on what should be done in the present. But here we see why the phrase eternal security can be quite misleading. In some evangelical churches, instead of teaching the full and balanced presentation of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, pastors have sometimes taught a watered-down version, which in effect tells people that all who have once made a profession of faith and been baptized are “eternally secure.” The result is that some people who are not genuinely converted at all may “come forward” at the end of an evangelistic sermon to profess faith in Christ, and may be baptized shortly after that, but then they leave the fellowship of the church and live a life no different from the one they lived before they gained this “eternal security.” In this way people are given false assurance and are being cruelly deceived into thinking they are going to heaven when in fact they are not. Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 806.

DwellYour Words for 2020Welcome to our 9th week of meditating on your words submitted for the new year. While this was going to be our last week of the series, there were so many great submissions we've decided to extend it a few more weeks. This week's word is Dwell.Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. - 2 Timothy 1:14 (NASB)Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? - 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NASB)For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:14-21 (NASB)May you come into a greater understanding of God's desire to dwell within you.Thank You!Become a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, please consider becoming a monthly patron. Creating space for people to connect with God in this busy world is so vital.As a patron, you empower us to continue producing and developing tools for people to connect with God, discover identity, and awaken purpose for their lives. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.comWe Need You!Cultivate Connection is listened to in 129 countries and averages 2,000 listeners a week. Help us reach even more people by sharing this episode on Facebook, Instagram, via email, or whatever other way you prefer.Visit our Facebook page and share your thoughts or ask a question. We read every comment and love responding!Leave a review on iTunes or your favourite podcast app. Your ratings and reviews mean a lot and help this podcast get discovered by others.And lastly, subscribe to Cultivate Collection Weekly, our email providing you with resources and inspiration to help you grow your relationship with God.

Stir up your Mind! 2 peter 3:1-10 Jesus is Coming back!! *Next to faith, the return of Christ is the most discussed topic in the Bible *1,845 times mentioned or alluded *One out of thirty verses *One-fifth of the Bible deals with the end of days and/or the second coming *For every one verse about His first coming, there are eight about His second coming *Twenty-one times Jesus personally referred to it *Fifty times we are told to be ready for it John 14:2-3 Look back at the scriptures Looking back at the prophets (“holy prophets”) We become lethargic; or drowsy (spiritually) We need to be woken or stirred up Prophecy cure for spiritual drowsiness The day of the Lord (see v. 10) Nineteen times in the Old Testament: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Joel, Amos Zephaniah, Zechariah Four times in the New Testament God dramatically and miraculously intervenes in human history: bringing the greatest distress the world has ever known culminate in the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ Old Testament references: Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 46:10; Amos 5:18: Isaiah 13:6 NASB Wail, for the day of the LORD is near! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Jeremiah 46:10 NASB For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of hosts, A day of vengeance, so as to avenge Himself on His foes; And the sword will devour and be satiated And drink its fill of their blood; For there will be a slaughter for the Lord GOD of hosts, In the land of the north by the river Euphrates. Amos 5:18 NASB Alas, you who are longing for the day of the LORD, For what purpose will the day of the LORD be to you? It will be darkness and not light; New Testament references: Jesus’ teachings : Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; Apostles’ Records: 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1-2; Revelation 6-19 Memorize Men’s study Martin Luther Look around at the scoffers The prophets predicted scoffers and mockers Isaiah 5; Jeremiah 17; Ezekiel 12; Malachi 2 A scoffer: is someone who treats lightly what should be taken seriously Dictionary - someone who laughs and speaks about a person or idea in a way that shows that they think that person or idea is stupid or silly We’ve all met them Scoffers - living for their temporary pleasures …dismiss talk of God's judgment and accountability Scoffer’s Worldview They say we live in a closed, naturalistic system, and events move along without any kind of cataclysmic event from heaven Uniformitarianism; the present philosophy in “science” and culture – a doctrine! Present is the key to the past Geology 101 Incorrect – 1) the Creation; 2) the Flood; 3) excludes Providential work and care of God 2 Peter 3:3-4 Biblical Worldview we live in an open system where God is at work Verse 5: the creation account in a single verse: God shaped the earth between two areas of watery mass Genesis 1:6-10 Water part of the original creation and became part of the original destruction (see v. 6) Flooded (v. 6) Greek word katakluzó; it was a punctuated event where God interrupted the flow of history The flood - explains otherwise inexplicable things in the natural world: Inland seas - worldwide Coal deposits – worldwide Fossil record Sea life fossils in Himalaya 2 Peter 3:5 Look ahead for our saviour 2 Peter 3:8 What seems to us like a long time is a short time to God Why is it taking so long? God not affected by time - counts things differently 2000 yrs ~ 2 days  Little boy His patience is not shortened: merciful! – good news for you & me – unbelieving loved ones. His promise is not slack: God is merciful, but is punctual Longsuffering is the Greek word makrothumeó Makro – (macro = big, large) + thumeó - to burn, or literally, temper God withholds his wrath until He finally spills it out in judgment Exodus 34:5-8 NKJV

This Wednesday evening Pastor Joe Schimmel teaches us through the scriptures to have mercy with others and how important Christ like traits are. James 2:13(NASB) For judgment will be merciless […] The post Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement appeared first on Blessed Hope Chapel Church – Simi Valley, CA.

This Wednesday evening Pastor Joe Schimmel teaches us through the scriptures to have mercy with others and how important Christ like traits are. James 2:13(NASB) For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Knowing Who You Are And Whose You Are Makes The Difference Romans 8:14 (NASB) For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.  The mature children of God are those [the Greek is quite emphatic: “those and only those”] who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.   (NCV) The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them.   Biblical maturity is not gauged by how much you know about God, but by how much you're becoming like God by following His Holy Spirit. Those who can be trusted to follow the Holy Spirit will be trusted with greater revelations from the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-24 (NLT) Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. THEN you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions... 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results [fruits] are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension [contention, strife], division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the [desires of the] Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self- control... 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Romans 8:5-8 (NASB) Those who live according to [after the manner of, act in accordance with, in agreement with, conform to] the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.   Those who identify with their old nature cannot please [be agreeable with, seek to be like, fit together with] God. Romans 8:13 (NASB) If you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds [passion and desires] of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. Hebrews 5:13-14 (NASB) Everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to [is inexperienced in] the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature [complete, perfect in character], who because of practice [habit of use] have their senses [organs of perception] trained [to exercise naked, disciplined] to discern [YLT - both] good and evil. There are secrets that God will only reveal to those who follow His Spirit in pursuit of being like Him. 1. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you      [Jesus said in John 16:13 the the HS would lead us into all the truth]   2. Ask yourself, “Which nature is trying to influence my actions?”      [You old nature apart from Christ or Your new nature in Christ?]       The old nature has to be crucified for the new nature to flourish - Galatians 5:24.    3. Practice Resistance James 4:7-8 (NASB) Submit to [humble yourself before] God. Resist [stand against, oppose - opposite to] the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God [come close, join] and He will draw near to you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/spiritlifechurch/message

Marks Of A Master Builder:They finish what they start & have completed the process many times! Luke 14:28-30 (NASB) For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish. They accomplish things with less effort [it's become a lifestyle]. They are able to build things on a larger scale. They are experts at making the process simple and transferable.  It has been proven that “growth creates complexity and complexity kills growth.”  Master Builders are skilled at getting the best results in the fewest steps.  They know that they can't do it on their own. [relationships are secret behind their success] They teach others to do what they have done with the same results. Romans 14:17-19 (NASB)  For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.   God created you to be a master at building up other people! 1 Corinthians 3:10 (NASB)  According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. “The Lord gives authority for the purpose of building up not for tearing down or destroying.”   Jesus said He would show us how to connect with people so that we can connect people to Him.   The Father wants you to be a master at connecting with people. The Father wants you to be a master at empowering people!  2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB) The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.   The Father wants you to be a master at releasing people to go and multiply. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/spiritlifechurch/message

This Sunday Pastor Joe Schimmell talked about how important it is to restore a brother back to Christ by snatching him out of the fire. Galatians 5:13 NASB For you […] The post Rescuing the Fallen From the Fire-Part 3 appeared first on Blessed Hope Chapel Church – Simi Valley, CA.

This Sunday Pastor Joe Schimmell talked about how important it is to restore a brother back to Christ by snatching him out of the fire. Galatians 5:13 NASB For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another

But God… Raised You From the Dead! Simple words – powerful truth The Great Interrupter 45 times in the Bible D. Martyn Lloyd Jones – “these two words in and of themselves contain the whole of the gospel of Christ.” “But God” – radically transforms who we are But + God = nothing is impossible Eph 2:1-10 We Were Dead – vs. 1 Eph 2:1 NASB And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Separated from God Unbeliever is dead – lack capacity or desire to respond to or understand spiritual things Spiritual death began with Adam’s sin – “by one man…” Dead person – cannot improve their condition Only remedy – must be born again – John 3:7 Eph 2:1 NASB And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Sin – hamartia – “miss the mark” Could be unintentional but still an offence 173 times in NT Trespass – paraptoma - cross known boundary – side step Deliberate action Willful act We Were Wandering – vs. 2-3 Eph 2:2 NASB in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Walked – peripateó,– “tread all around” Could be also interpreted as meander – wander without goal or purpose – like browsing a store and buying unintentionally All we like sheep have gone astray (Isa 53:6) Robert Robinson – Prone to wander We Were Made Alive – vs. 4-5 Eph 2:4-5 NASB But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), But God!!! – “Understand those words – they will save your soul” – J.M. Boice Contain the whole gospel – M. Lloyd-Jones Saved person - has “but God” moment Understood need, repented of sin, trusted God through Jesus Christ I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind, but now I see Why did God do it? Rich in mercy – vs. 4 Lamentations 3:22 – through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed Because of His great love John 3: 16 Made alive together = quickened (KJV) suzóopoieó = reanimated conjoined with – made alive When – at a time when you were in rebellion, while we were sinners (Rom. 5:8) We are in a New Place – vs. 6-7 In Christ – 85 times in Paul’s writings Positionally – in heavenly places in Christ Jesus - now Literally – in heavenly places – later Living and looking for heaven in our walk today Looking to Lord Jesus Christ’s return Not an event but a person We will be with Him Ages to come - riches of His grace in kindness toward us We are His Workmanship – vs. 6-7 Eph 2:10 NASB For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Vs. 10 – 2 parts: God’s work in you His workmanship - poiéma—an exquisite masterpiece which is made from fabric Liberated from stone – illus. God’s work through you Created in Christ for good works Works with the weakest of us "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27) Very important – Saved for good works not by good works (vs. 8-9) Philippians 3:20 - For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 1 Thessalonians 1:10 - and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. Titus 2:13 - looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus

God's Kingdom Is Coming   Matthew 6:10 (TPT) Manifest Your kingdom realm [come and begin your kingdom reign], and cause Your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven. Isaiah 9:7 (MSG) His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness He brings. If God's Kingdom Is Ever Increasing, Then Our Faith Should Ever Be Increasing as well.   Faith Is How You Tap Into Heaven's Resources & How You Release Those Resources Onto The Earth.   There are 3 categories to lies that hinder our faith! 1. Lies that you believe about God. 2. Lies that you believe about yourself. 3. Lies that you believe about others. Lies First Mentioned In Scripture: Numbers 23:19 God is not a man that He should lie [be a liar]. Hebrews 8:16 Says, ...it is impossible for God to lie.     Lies first in regards to Satan: John 8:44 Satan does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.     You Are Influenced By What You Believe The Most! Romans 1:18-20 (NASB) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. You Can Have Faith & Unbelief At The Same Time! Mark 9:17-25,28 (NASB) Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute [speechless]; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out. I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it. 19 And He answered them and said, "O unbelieving (or perverted) generation, [to distort, misinterpret, corrupt] how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me! 20 They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. 21 And He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!" 23 And Jesus said to him If You can!?  All things are possible to him who believes. 24 Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, I do believe; help my unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean [impure] spirit, saying to it, You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.  - 28 When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, Why could we not drive it out?   The gospel of Matthew 17:20-21 records that answer this way; Because of the littleness  of your faith [faithlessness, not fully persuaded, lacking confidence]; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 [ But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.] --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/spiritlifechurch/message

The Sexually Confident Marriage 02.10.19 Family Pastor Casey Valencia. Anointed Marriage SeriesGenesis 2:23-25 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman,Because she was taken out of Man.” For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NASB)For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.Personalize 3 Biblical Concepts:SanctificationPossessVessel1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification. Sanctification1 Thessalonians 4:4That each of you know how to possess his own vessel…2. Possess- Not RepressList of Lies:Sex is DirtySex is for MenIf a man feels tempted it’s your fault1 Thessalonians 4:4Young’s Literal TranslationLearn your vessel to possess in sanctification and honor1 Corinthians 7:5Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.1 Thessalonians 4:4That each of you know how to possess his own vessel…3. Vessel2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselvesSexual Confidence in a Married Couple3 Factors:VulnerabilityHonorFunVulnerabilitySex is a spiritual act by which God glues together two selfish people to accomplish His will in the world. -Belah Rose2. HonorHebrews 13:4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Proverbs 5:18-19 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love.I blame my mother for my poor sex life. All she told me was the man goes on top and the woman goes underneath. For three years my husband and I slept on bunk beds. - Joan Rivers.3. FUN. 1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?Practical Take-Aways: Pray about your Sex Life. Then talk. Learn your weaknesses. Pray. Find a safe person. Talk. Parents, Talk to Kids.

This Sunday morning Pastor Joe Schimmel speaks on new life in Christ through grace and peace, multiplied to us in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord, seeing that His Devine power has granted us everything pertaining to life. 2 Peter 1:4-6 (NASB) For by these He has granted to us His precious and […]

In this Sunday’s message Pastor Joe Schimmel continues to talk about staying focused on His will. To be sober minded and living lives in light of His coming. Titus 2:11-14 (NASB) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, […]

In this Sunday’s message Pastor Joe Schimmel talks about staying focused on His will. To be sober minded and living lives in light of His coming. Titus 2:11-14 (NASB) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and […]

Today we listen to a message from Pastor Joe Schimmel on running the race of faith and continuing in Christ. We look at King Asa and King Hezekiah and learn what TO do and what NOT to do. Ecclesiastes 7:7-8 (NASB): For oppression makes a wise man mad, And a bribe corrupts the heart. The […]

Today we listen to a message from Pastor Joe Schimmel on running the race of faith and continuing in Christ. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Ecclesiastes 7:7-8 (NASB): For oppression makes a wise man mad, And a bribe corrupts the heart. The end of […]

This is the eleventh class on the book of Hebrews. This Bible class was taught at the Pilot Point Church in Pilot Point Texas. The following is the outline of the class. God's Most Frightening Warning Hebrews 6 (NASB) 6 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do, if God permits. GOD’S WARNING Hebrews Chapter 6:4-8 A 4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Hebrews 6(NASB) 4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened 2. and have tasted of the heavenly gift 3. and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 4. 5and have tasted the good word of God 5. and the powers of the age to come, 6. 6and then have fallen away, 7. it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Hebrews 6(NASB) 4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened 2. and have tasted of the heavenly gift Hebrews 2 (NASB) 9But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 6(NASB) For in the case of those who have once been enlightened 2. and have tasted of the heavenly gift 3. and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6 4. 5and have tasted the good word of God 5. and the powers of the age to come, 6. 6and then have fallen away, 7. it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. IN CHRIST 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace • EPH 1 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38 4You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4 3You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. John 15 Calvinism Hebrews 6(NASB) 4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened 2. and have tasted of the heavenly gift 3. and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 4. 5and have tasted the good word of God 5. and the powers of the age to come, 6. 6and then have fallen away, 7. it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Different categories of falling away 1.Apostate= someone who leaves Christ for another savior it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame 2. Judaizer= someone who wants to hold on to Christ and Judaism Galatians 5 (NASB) 1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. 2Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Different categories of falling away Apostate= someone who leaves Christ for another savior 2. Judaizer= someone who wants to hold on to Christ and Judaism 3. Backslider= someone who leaves Christ to go back into the world 2 Peter 2 (NASB) 20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. 22It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.” You can restore a Christian caught in sin. Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Different categories of falling away Apostate= someone who leaves Christ for another savior 2. Judaizer= someone who wants to hold on to Christ and Judaism 3. Backslider= someone who leaves Christ to go back into the world 4. Unloving Christian = someone who does not love the brethren -----1 John3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 1 Corinthians 3(NIV) 16Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. Different categories of falling away Apostate= someone who leaves Christ for another savior 2. Judaizer= someone who wants to hold on to Christ and Judaism 3. Backslider= someone who leaves Christ to go back into the world 4. Unloving Christian = someone who does not love the brethren 5. False teacher = someone who knowingly perverts a gospel tenet about Jesus Galatians (NASB) 8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! The 5 Great Points of the Gospel: Incarnation 2. Cross 3. Resurrection 4. Ascension 5. Second Coming Different categories of falling away Apostate= someone who leaves Christ for another savior 2. Judaizer= someone who wants to hold on to Christ and Judaism 3. Backslider= someone who leaves Christ to go back into the world 4. Unloving Christian = someone who does not love the brethren 5. False teacher = someone who knowingly perverts a gospel tenet about Jesus 6. Lukewarm Christian = don’t care, selfish Christians Revelation 3:14-19 (NASB) 14“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: • The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the [a] Beginning of the creation of God, says this: • 15‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will [b]spit you out of My mouth. 17Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. IN CHRIST 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace • EPH 1 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38 Hebrews 6(NASB) 4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.  You can restore a Christian caught in sin. Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Hebrews 6 (NASB) 6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned. Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}