Podcasts about new king james version nkjv

Bill introduced to require Bible reading in all public schools, sparking constitutional questions - NewsBreakNewsBreak, By LAURA GUIDO, on February 7, 2025https://www.newsbreak.com/share/3794686379971-bill-introduced-to-require-bible-reading-in-all-public-schools-sparking-constitutional-questionsIdaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would require daily Bible readings in public schools, specifically from the King James Version (KJV) or New King James Version (NKJV). Introduced by Representative Jordan Redman and backed by the Idaho Family Policy Center, the legislation mandates that an occupied classroom in every school district read the Bible sequentially each morning, completing the entire book over ten years. The bill's proponents argue that this has historical merit, as Bible readings were common in public schools before the 1960s. However, opponents point out that such a law would be a clear violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. Critics argue that this initiative is not just unconstitutional but also fundamentally ineffective in fostering faith, as passive, mandatory exposure to scripture without discussion or interpretation is unlikely to inspire genuine belief. The comparison is made to literature classes—no teacher would require students to read To Kill a Mockingbird without analysis or engagement. The plan, which dictates a rigid reading schedule, would subject students to some of the Bible's more controversial and inappropriate content, such as violent passages or sexually explicit themes, raising concerns about age appropriateness and teacher preparedness. Some skeptics suggest that the plan could backfire, as forcing students to sit through lengthy, archaic passages from the KJV—a version known for its difficult language—may bore them into disinterest. There is also the issue of Christian exclusivity, as the law would not require readings from other religious or philosophical texts, effectively promoting one religious tradition in a public education setting. Even within Christianity, the KJV is not universally accepted, with many denominations—including Catholics—not considering it a primary translation. The bill's opt-out clause, which requires parental permission, is also controversial. Critics argue that default participation assumes that Christianity is the norm and that non-Christian students must actively excuse themselves, which could ostracize them. Furthermore, precedent from cases like Abington School District v. Schempp has already determined that mandatory Bible readings in public schools are unconstitutional, reinforcing the argument that this legislation would not stand up to legal scrutiny. There is broader concern that this is part of a larger effort to push Christian nationalism, using historical precedent as justification. However, as critics point out, historical precedent does not inherently validate a practice—slavery, segregation, and other outdated societal norms were once common but are now rightfully condemned. The push to integrate religious teachings into public institutions appears to be less about historical tradition and more about maintaining ideological control in an increasingly secular society. Ultimately, this bill is viewed by opponents as a blatant attempt to erode the separation of church and state, forcing religious doctrine into public education under the guise of tradition. Supporters claim it is a benign acknowledgment of America's Christian heritage, but the reality is that it privileges one religious group at the expense of everyone else. With significant legal hurdles and widespread opposition, this legislation is likely to face strong challenges, both in the courtroom and in public discourse.The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.7.3 featuring Scott Dickie, Stephen Harder, Helen Greene and The Ejector SeatBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

Since its conception, the NEW King James Version (NKJV) has been advertised as a "modernization" of the Authorized 1611 Bible. Many Christians tragically take this bait. In this episode, Pastor Jack Young and brother Vinnie Basile will discuss the differences between the two texts and expose the nefarious plots behind what Vinnie likes to call, "THE UNAUTHORIZED VERSION OF 1982." ‭‭II CORINTHIANS 2‬:‭17‬ AV 1611 For we are not as many, which CORRUPT the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. UAV 1982 For we are not, as so many, PEDDLING the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ

Walking in the Joy of the Lord in a Troubled World • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give We live in a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and fear. News headlines often bring discouragement, and many people are searching for peace and joy in the midst of turmoil. But as believers in Christ, we are called to walk in the joy of the Lord, a joy that transcends our circumstances. This joy is not dependent on what's happening around us, but on the unchanging character of God and our relationship with Jesus. Today, we will explore ten scriptures from the New King James Version (NKJV) that teach us how to walk in the joy of the Lord, even when everything seems to be falling apart around us. Nehemiah 8:10 "Then he said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"   John 15:11  "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." Romans 15:13  "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Philippians 4:4   "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" James 1:2-3  "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."   1 Peter 1:8  "Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."   Psalm 16:11   "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Galatians 5:22   *"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."* Habakkuk 3:17-18   "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."   Psalm 118:24  "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."   As believers, we are called to be set apart in the way we live—and one of the clearest marks of our faith is the joy we carry in Christ. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances or the condition of the world around us. Instead, it flows from our relationship with Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, and our trust in the promises of God.  We can walk in true joy and victory in Jesus, even when the world seems crazy. Let us fix our eyes on Him, abide in His presence, and choose joy daily, knowing that He is our strength, our salvation, and our hope. Today, let's commit to walking in the joy of the Lord. No matter what the world throws at us, we can choose to rejoice in the God of our salvation. Let us rely on the Holy Spirit to produce His joy in us, and may our lives be a testimony of God's goodness and peace in a troubled world.

In Pastor Dave's sermon, he explores the concept of generosity and its significance for Christians, emphasizing that God values our hearts above material possessions. Giving with the right heart attitude is essential, as highlighted through the story of Mary's generous act contrasted with Judas' selfishness. Generosity should stem from a genuine desire to give, avoiding pride and selfish motives, as seen through various examples and biblical teachings. Pastor Dave urges self-reflection and a transformation of hearts towards generosity, aligning with God's nature as the ultimate example of giving.John 12:1-6  Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.Proverbs 11:24-26The Message 24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. 26 Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!Mark 14:9 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.Hebrew 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.2 Corinthians 9:7-9 New King James Version (NKJV)So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

In Pastor Dave's sermon, he explores the concept of generosity and its significance for Christians, emphasizing that God values our hearts above material possessions. Giving with the right heart attitude is essential, as highlighted through the story of Mary's generous act contrasted with Judas' selfishness. Generosity should stem from a genuine desire to give, avoiding pride and selfish motives, as seen through various examples and biblical teachings. Pastor Dave urges self-reflection and a transformation of hearts towards generosity, aligning with God's nature as the ultimate example of giving.John 12:1-6  Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.John 6:70-71 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.Proverbs 11:24-26The Message 24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. 26 Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!Mark 14:9 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.Hebrew 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.2 Corinthians 9:7-9 New King James Version (NKJV)So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

The Seven Deadly Sins • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To support this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give The concept of the seven deadly sins is rooted in early Christian teachings and has been a significant topic in the moral and spiritual discourse of the church. These sins are considered "deadly" because they lead to further immorality and separate us from God's grace. Today, we will explore each of these sins with scriptural references from the New King James Version (NKJV). 1. Pride "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18 2. Envy "A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones." - Proverbs 14:30 3. Wrath "For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." - James 1:20 4. Sloth "The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich." - Proverbs 13:4 5. Greed "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." - 1 Timothy 6:10 6. Gluttony "Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags." - Proverbs 23:20-21 7. Lust "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." - Matthew 5:28

10 Attributes of a Spirit Filled Christian • Friday Service   Website: www.PastorTodd.org To support this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Today, we will explore what it means to be a Spirit-filled Christian. We will delve into the scriptures that describe the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and how this empowers us to live a life that glorifies God. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is transformative, enabling us to fulfill God's purposes. Let's examine ten key scriptures from the New King James Version (NKJV) that illustrate this profound truth. 1. **John 14:16-17** "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." 2. **Romans 8:9** "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." 3. **1 Corinthians 6:19-20** "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." 4. **Ephesians 1:13-14** "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." 5. **Galatians 5:22-23** "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." 6. **Acts 1:8** "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 7. **Romans 8:26-27** "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." 8. **1 Corinthians 12:7-11** "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." 9. **2 Corinthians 3:17-18** "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 10. **Titus 3:5-6** "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior."  

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

“How Do We Live A Lifestyle Of Worship”? • Friday Service at the RRC To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give New Book: www.PastorToddBook.com Website: www.PastorTodd.org Church website: www.RRCNashville.org Worship is important to God for several key reasons: 1. **Acknowledgement of God's Sovereignty and Greatness**: Worship is an act of recognizing and honoring the sovereignty, greatness, and holiness of God. It's a way for humans to express awe and reverence for who God is. Through worship, believers acknowledge God's ultimate authority and worthiness of all praise and adoration. 2. **Fulfillment of God's Purpose for Humanity**: In various scriptures, it's suggested that one of the purposes for which humans were created is to worship God (Isaiah 43:7, 21). By worshiping, people fulfill part of their fundamental purpose and design. 3. **Building a Relationship with God**: Worship is a key component of a believer's relationship with God. It's a time of intimate communication and connection. Through worship, believers express their love, gratitude, and need for God, which fosters a deeper relationship with Him. 4. **Transformation and Renewal**: Worship has the power to transform the worshiper. In God's presence, people find renewal, strength, and perspective. It's often in moments of worship that individuals are reminded of God's promises, faithfulness, and their identity in Him. 5. **Spiritual Warfare**: Worship can be a form of spiritual warfare. It shifts the focus from life's challenges to God's power. Biblical examples show worship leading to breakthroughs and victories (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). 6. **Community and Unity in the Body of Christ**: Corporate worship unites believers in a shared experience of God's presence. It builds community and strengthens the collective faith and identity of the Church. 7. **Reflecting God's Glory Back to Him**: Worship is a way of reflecting God's glory back to Him. Just as creation declares His glory (Psalm 19:1), so does worship from His people. It's an expression of giving back to God from what He has given. 8. **Preparing for Eternity**: Worship is seen as a preparation for eternity. In heaven, worship is a continual activity (Revelation 4:8-11). Engaging in worship on earth is, in a sense, a preparation for and a foretaste of eternal life with God. Here are ten key verses from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible that emphasize the importance of praise and worship and the need for faith: 1. **Psalm 100:4** - "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." 2. **Hebrews 13:15** - "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." 3. **Psalm 95:6** - "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." 4. **John 4:24** - "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." 5. **Psalm 150:6** - "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" 6. **Psalm 22:3** - "But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel." 7. **Psalm 34:1** - "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." 8. **2 Chronicles 20:22** - "Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated." 9. **Psalm 147:1** - "Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful." 10. **Ephesians 5:19-20** - "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” King David, known as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22), is often celebrated as a great worshiper in the Bible. His life and writings, especially in the book of Psalms, reveal his deep devotion and heartfelt worship towards God. ### Early Life and Heart of Worship - **Anointed as King**: David was anointed by the prophet Samuel at a young age (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Even before he became king, he was known for his skill with the harp and his love for God. - **David and Goliath**: In his battle with Goliath, David's faith in God was evident. He saw the battle as the Lord's and worshiped God through his trust and declaration of faith (1 Samuel 17). ### Psalms: Expressions of Worship - **Book of Psalms**: David wrote many of the Psalms, which are filled with expressions of praise, worship, and heartfelt prayers to God. They reveal his deep emotional connection with God, covering a wide range of human experiences and emotions. - **Examples of Worship**: Psalms like 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd”) and 51 (a penitential psalm) show his reliance, trust, and worship of God in various life circumstances. ### Instances of Worship in David's Life - **Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem**: One of the most vivid examples of David's worship is found in 2 Samuel 6. David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great celebration. He danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod. This act showed his humility and willingness to worship God wholeheartedly, without concern for his kingly dignity. - **Response to Personal Challenges**: David's response to personal challenges and tragedies also reflected his worshiper's heart. For instance, when his child with Bathsheba was ill, David fasted and worshiped (2 Samuel 12:16-20). - **Plans for the Temple**: Although David was not permitted to build the temple, his preparations and plans for it (1 Chronicles 22) demonstrate his desire to honor and worship God. ### Legacy as a Worshiper - **Influence on Israelite Worship**: David established a new order of worship in Israel, organizing the Levites into groups of musicians and singers for the temple services (1 Chronicles 23:5; 25:1-7). This had a lasting impact on Israelite worship practices. - **A Heart Like God's**: Throughout his life, despite his flaws and failures, David consistently turned back to God with a repentant and worshipful heart, setting a model for heartfelt worship and reliance on God. David's story illustrates that worship is not just about singing or music; it's a lifestyle of reverence, dependence, and love for God. His life is a testament to the importance of a personal, intimate relationship with God, expressed through worship.

Faith Will Be Our Currency • Sunday Service To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give New Book: www.PastorToddBook.com Website: www.PastorTodd.org Church website: www.RRCNashville.org "Faith Will Be Our Currency" In Christian eschatology, the "end times" refer to a period preceding the second coming of Christ. It's believed that during this time, believers will face unprecedented trials and challenges, testing their faith like never before. This concept is based on various biblical passages and themes: 1. **Increased Persecution**: The Bible predicts that believers will face increased persecution and hardship. Scriptures like Matthew 24:9 speak of believers being handed over to be persecuted and killed, and Revelation 2:10 mentions imprisonment and trials for the faithful. 2. **Great Deception**: The end times are characterized by widespread deception. False prophets and messiahs will appear, deceiving even the elect if possible (Matthew 24:24). This environment of deception will test the discernment and steadfastness of believers. 3. **Moral Decay and Lawlessness**: A decline in moral standards and a rise in lawlessness are prophesied (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Believers must maintain their integrity and faith amidst a society drifting away from biblical values. 4. **Spiritual Warfare**: Ephesians 6:12 indicates a heightened spiritual battle against the forces of darkness. Believers will need to rely on their spiritual armor and faith in God to withstand these challenges. 5. **The Love of Many Growing Cold**: Due to increased wickedness, the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Maintaining a heart of love, compassion, and faith in such an environment will be a significant test. 6. **Tribulation and Trials**: The Book of Revelation describes a period of tribulation, marked by natural disasters, wars, famines, and other catastrophes. These events will challenge believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. 7. **The Test of Faithfulness**: In Luke 18:8, Jesus asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” This suggests a testing of genuine faith and perseverance. 8. **The Call for Endurance**: Revelation 14:12 calls for the endurance of the saints, who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This implies that maintaining faith and obedience will be challenging yet crucial. Abraham, often referred to as the "Father of Faith," is renowned for his exemplary faith in the Bible. His life offers several profound examples suitable for a sermon on faith: ### 1. Leaving His Homeland (Genesis 12:1-4) - **Call to Leave**: Abraham (then Abram) was called by God to leave his homeland, Haran, for a land that God would show him. - **Faith in Action**: Despite not knowing the destination, Abraham obeyed immediately, demonstrating faith in God's promise and guidance. ### 2. Belief in God's Promise of a Son (Genesis 15:1-6) - **Promise of Descendants**: God promised Abraham, who was childless and advanced in age, that he would have descendants as numerous as the stars. - **Unwavering Belief**: Abraham believed God's promise, and it was counted to him as righteousness. His faith did not waver despite his and Sarah's old age. ### 3. The Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7) - **Fulfillment of Promise**: God's promise was fulfilled when Sarah bore Isaac. Abraham was 100 years old at that time. - **Testament to Faith**: The birth of Isaac in their old age was a direct result of their faith in God's promise. ### 4. The Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) - **Ultimate Test of Faith**: God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, his long-awaited son. - **Willingness to Obey**: Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his absolute trust and obedience to God. He believed God could even raise the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). - **God's Provision**: At the last moment, God provided a ram for the sacrifice, sparing Isaac. This event is a powerful example of faith and trust in God's provision. ### 5. Seeking a Wife for Isaac (Genesis 24) - **Ensuring the Promise Continues**: Abraham ensured that Isaac did not marry a woman from Canaan but from his own relatives, trusting God's promise concerning his descendants. - **Guided by Faith**: His servant, guided by prayer and faith, found Rebekah, aligning with God's plan. ### Sermon Points: - **Faith in the Unknown**: Abraham's journey is a model of trusting God even when the path is unclear. - **Faith Against Odds**: His belief in God's promise about Isaac, against all odds, highlights that faith often defies human logic. - **Obedience in Faith**: Abraham's readiness to sacrifice Isaac shows that true faith is often tested and proven in obedience. - **Legacy of Faith**: Abraham's life demonstrates that faith has a lasting impact, influencing generations. Abraham's story teaches that faith involves trust in God's promises, obedience to His commands, and the belief that God will fulfill His word, even when circumstances seem impossible. His life is an enduring testimony to the power and significance of faith. Here are ten scriptures from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible that emphasize standing firm in faith and not backing down in the face of enemy attacks or discouragement: 1. **Ephesians 6:13** - "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." 2. **1 Corinthians 16:13** - "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." 3. **James 4:7** - "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." 4. **1 Peter 5:8-9** - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith..." 5. **Isaiah 54:17** - "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord." 6. **2 Timothy 1:7** - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 7. **Joshua 1:9** - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 8. **Psalm 18:39** - "For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me." 9. **Philippians 4:13** - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 10. **Psalm 44:5** - "Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us." These scriptures collectively inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, resist fear and discouragement, and trust in the strength and support that God provides in the face of adversity. Without faith, we can't please God.

1 Timotei 4:1–5 (Depărtarea de credință)1 Timotei 4:1-5 (VDCL)1 Duhul însă spune lămurit că în vremurile din urmă unii se vor lepăda de credință, luând aminte la duhuri amăgitoare și învățături de draci,2 care vorbesc minciuni în fățărnicie, înfierați în cugetul lor, ca și cu fierul roșu,3 oprind căsătorirea și poruncind a se feri de mâncări, pe care Dumnezeu le‐a făcut să fie luate cu mulțumiri de cei credincioși și care au cunoscut pe deplin adevărul.4 Pentru că orice făptură a lui Dumnezeu este bună și nimic nu este de lepădat dacă se ia cu mulțumiri;5 căci este sfințit prin Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu și rugăciune.Primele două versete din textul de mai sus afirmă că în vremurile din urmă unii oameni se vor lepăda de credință acordând atenție spiritelor înșelătoare și doctrinelor demonilor, fără să-și dea seama de acest lucru bineînțeles, și din ipocrizie vor vorbi minciuni, conștiința acestora fiind însemnată cu fierul roșu. Mulți creștini cred că lepădarea de credință din aceste verste se referă la pierderea mântuirii veșnice, pentru că ei interpretează duhurile înșelătoare și învățăturile demonilor ca păcate imorale care, în cele din urmă, îi vor face pe unii creștini autentici să-și piardă mântuirea. Însă, te invit să luăm lucrurile pe rând și să vedem mai întâi în ce constau aceste învățături greșite și apoi cine sunt acei „unii” care se vor lepăda de credință, la ce fel de credință se referă și ce înseamnă această îndepărtare.Înainte de toate, aș dori să menționez că verbul „a lepăda” din versetul 1 ales de traducerea Cornilescu pentru a transla cuvântul grecesc apostesontai (îndemnând îndepărtare sau distanțare) este unul mult prea sever care transmite ideea de renunțare definitivă și ireversibilă la credință, în deplină conștiență de cauză a persoanei. Exclude posibilitatea persoanei de a fi înșelată (vezi expresia duhuri amăgitoare din versetul 1) sau îndepărtarea să fie una temporară cu posibilitatea de revenire.  O traducere mai fidelă a acestui verset ar fi următoarea:1 Timotei 4:1-5 (BTF2015)1 Iar Duhul spune în mod clar că, în timpurile din urmă, unii se vor depărta de credință, dând atenție duhurilor amăgitoare și doctrinelor dracilor.Versetele 3 și 4 descriu unele dintre lucrurile și doctrinele pe care acești oameni le promovează și anume: interzicerea căsătoriei și abținerea de la anumite mâncăruri. Lucrurile relatate aici nu sunt păcate imorale și plăceri trupești în care oamenilor le place de obicei să  trăiască, ci mai degrabă „alte căi aparent bune” și ascetice de a dobândi neprihănirea. Ele sunt învățături și doctrine, dar nu păcate.Aceste învățături sunt îmbrăcate într-o înfățișare de sfințenie ceea ce le face foarte subtile și înșelătoare. Judecând după natura lor, se pare că cei care le propagau, încercau să fie sfinți prin fapte în loc de credință. Ei credeau că sfințenia vine din respectarea strictă a unui set de reguli. Aceste doctrine par să se asemene cu Legea lui Moise și să fie de natură iudaică. Cine pot fi oare acești oameni? Din moment ce pasajul vorbește de o îndepărtare de credință înseamnă că acei oameni au avut contact la un moment dat cu învățătura curată a mântuirii numai prin credința în Cristos. Ei fie au fost atât de convinși încât au fost și născuți din nou, sau s-au alăturat doar bisericii pentru o vreme, însă nu au putut să renunțe pe deplin la Legea lui Moise și nu fuseseră născuți din nou niciodată. Pavel îi numește ipocriți și mincinoși din cauză că una predicau altora, însă ei făceau exact invers în viața lor privată, iar conștiința lor a ajuns să fie insensibilă datorită trăirii lor constante în acel stil de viață. Ei nu mai vedeau seriozitatea contradicției din viața lor din dorința de a apărea în fața oamenilor ca fiind religioși și sfinți. După cum zona în care un animal însemnat cu fierul roșu devine amorțită și insensibilă la durere, așa și conștiința acestor oameni se desensibilizase. Din această cauză, apostolul Pavel descrie conștiința lor ca fiind însemnată cu fierul roșu.E foarte posibil ca acei „unii” influențați de învățăturile iudeilor să fie chiar lideri (păstori și învățători) ai bisericii lui Cristos din Efes, din moment ce ereziile avea legătură cu doctrine care de obicei sunt predicate din față. Mai mult decât atât, în 1 Timotei 1:7, ei sunt descriși ca dorind să fie învățători ai Legii. Dacă aceștia erau născuți din nou, ei îl iubeau probabil pe Dumnezeu, erau mântuiți veșnic prin har, dar din când în când erau „mușcați” de auto-neprihănirea propagată de adepții Legii lui Moise și se concentrau în principal pe faptele lor bune pentru a-I plăcea lui Dumnezeu aici pe pământ, iar aceasta era din cauza lipsei de înțelegere și revelație. Ei nu erau încă pe deplin stabiliți în Cristos și în credința în adevăr în toate domeniile. Aceasta nu înseamnă că își pierduseră mântuirea veșnică, ci că în viața lor de zi cu zi, ei se bazau mai mult pe neprihănirea lor de sine pentru a atrage favoarea lui Dumnezeu, în loc să aplice aceeași credință simplă pe care au avut-o la momentul mântuirii. Așadar, depărtarea lor de credință nu era o cădere ireversibilă din credință, ci o îndepărtare temporară sau limitată doar la unele aspecte ale vieții lor de credință. La fel se întâmplă și în ziua de azi cu mulți creștini autentici din trupul lui Cristos care mai alunecă din când în când în neprihănire de sine sau nu au o credință deplină în adevăr în toate domeniile vieții lor. Pavel nu a avut în vedere aici pierderea mântuirii veșnice. O mulțime de creștini născuți din nou, care sunt încă legaliști și auto-neprihăniți, vor merge în continuare în rai.Din acest pasaj putem extrage și niște principii generale de credință. De exemplu, minciuna diavolului va avea întotdeauna ca rezultat o mântuire bazată pe fapte. Aceasta este atrăgătoare deoarece o religie orientată spre fapte bune pare impresionantă, sfântă și dreaptă pentru alții. Putem examina religie cu religie și vom observa că toate se bazează pe ceea ce faci sau nu faci. Se crede că, astfel, Dumnezeu este îmbunat în cerințele Lui, sau, cu alte cuvinte, lucrările omenești bune Îl temperează, Îl înduplecă pe Dumnezeu. Însă, toate aceste învățături sunt satanice și alimentate de demonic. Adevăratul creștinism nu se bazează deloc pe fapte și lucrări umane, ci numai pe harul lui Dumnezeu.Religiile false ne învață că trebuie să lucrăm pentru salvare, dar creștinismul adevărat ne învață că Dumnezeu a făcut totul în Cristos.Aceasta este o modalitate de a identifica falsurile în învățături. Minciunile lui Satan se referă întotdeauna la același lucru: spiritualitatea realizată prin efort uman și nu bazată doar pe Cristos. Apocalipsa 3:1–5 (Cartea vieții)Apocalipsa 3:1–5 (NTR)1 Îngerului bisericii din Sardes scrie-i: «Acestea sunt cuvintele pe care le spune Cel Ce are cele șapte duhuri ale lui Dumnezeu și cele șapte stele: știu faptele tale. Ai reputația că trăiești, dar ești mort.2 Trezește-te și consolidează lucrurile rămase, care sunt pe moarte, căci n-am găsit faptele tale desăvârșite înaintea Dumnezeului Meu.3 Adu-ți aminte, deci, ce ai primit și auzit! Păzește-le și pocăiește-te! Dacă însă nu te trezești, voi veni ca un hoț și nicidecum nu vei ști la ce oră voi veni la tine.4 Ai totuși în Sardes câteva nume care nu și-au pătat hainele. Ei vor umbla cu Mine, îmbrăcați în alb, pentru că sunt demni de lucrul acesta.5 Cel ce învinge va fi îmbrăcat în haine albe și nu-i voi șterge nicidecum numele din cartea vieții, iar Eu îi voi mărturisi numele înaintea Tatălui Meu și înaintea îngerilor Lui.Aceste versete par să se concentreze asupra faptelor bune, pe ideea de a fi vigilenți, de a nu ne păta hainele și de a fi victorioși. Versetul 5 spune în mod special că numai cei ce vor birui vor fi îmbrăcați în haine albe, numele lor nu va fi șters din cartea vieții sau din cartea celor mântuiți, iar Isus le va mărturisi numele înaintea Tatălui Său și înaintea îngerilor Săi. Una dintre interpretările cele mai des întâlnite ale acestui verset în lumea creștină este că unii oameni născuți din nou nu vor fi suficient de veghetori, nu vor învinge și, în cele din urmă, numele lor vor fi șterse din cartea vieții, chiar dacă au fost odată mântuiți în mod autentic. La prima vedere, aceasta pare o concluzie plauzibilă. Însă, haideți să aruncăm o privire mai atentă la fiecare verset.Aceste cuvinte erau adresate pastorului bisericii din Sardes, care reprezenta, de fapt, întreaga biserică din acel oraș. Ea era formată din două feluri de oameni: (1) mântuiți cu adevărat, (2) și cei care se numeau creștini și făceau tot felul de lucrări bune, morale, dar nu aveau o relație cu Isus Cristos și nu fuseseră niciodată născuți din nou spiritual.În versetul 1, Isus spune acestei biserici din Sardes că are niște fapte și o reputație că este în viață, dar este moartă. Ce este o biserică moartă? Este o comunitate creștină în care majoritatea oamenilor (dar nu toți) se afișează că fiind creștini buni, dar în realitate au o credință moartă. Biserica din Sardes era formată în principal din astfel de oameni. Ei făceau o mulțime de fapte și activități bune pentru comunitatea lor și probabil de aceea biserica din Sardes avea o reputație atât de bună, dar toate acele lucruri pe care le făceau erau fapte moarte pentru că nu veneau din credința în Cristos și erau doar niște fapte bune.  Versetul 2 menționează că lucrările lor nu erau perfecte (sau desăvârșite) înaintea lui Dumnezeu, întărind ideea că acești oameni nu fuseseră născuți din nou. Galateni 5:6 spune că singurul lucru care contează în Cristos este credința care lucrează prin dragoste. Pentru ca orice faptă să fie vie, ea trebuie să fie realizată dintr-o relație bazată pe credință în Cristos prin dragoste. Mai mult, Coloseni 2:9 spune că oricine este în Cristos este deja complet în El. Doar cineva în Cristos este complet și desăvârșit și, prin urmare, poate înfăptui lucrări perfecte înaintea lui Dumnezeu.S-ar putea să fi existat o perioadă în care biserica din Sardes să fi fost pe deplin vie, ceea ce înseamnă că majoritatea oamenilor din ea erau născuți din nou și eficienți în Împărăție. Însă, cu timpul, datorită unei învățături care a fost poate prea inclusivă și prea influențată negativ de cultura societății, biserica a murit. Aceasta nu înseamnă că oamenii care erau născuți din nou și-au pierdut mântuirea, ci înseamnă că biserica pe ansamblu a murit în sensul că unii credincioși autentici au plecat de acolo, s-au adăugat oameni noi și, în timp, cei morți spiritual i-au depășit numeric pe cei vii spiritual. Versetul 4 subliniază că erau, chiar și în acea biserică moartă din Sardes, câțiva oameni care încă nu-și compromiseseră credința și relația cu Cristos făcând lucrări din neprihănire de sine. Aceasta arată că erau vrednici. Nimeni nu poate fi vreodată îndreptățit prin fapte, chiar și dacă acele fapte sunt făcute prin credință. Singurul lucru care îi face pe oameni să fie demni înaintea lui Dumnezeu este neprihănirea lui Cristos și credința în acea neprihănire. Deci, acești oameni și-au păstrat convingerea puternică și credința lor simplă în neprihănirea lui Cristos. Ei nu au diluat și nici nu au murdărit această convingere amestecând-o cu eforturi umane.În versetul 2, Isus încurajează biserica să fie vigilentă și să întărească lucrurile rămase care sunt gata să moară. Ce înseamnă să fii atent sau veghetor? Să presupunem că a fi vigilent se referă la faptele bune pe care oamenii născuți din nou le fac pentru a-și menține mântuirea. Aceasta înseamnă că oamenii din acea biserică trebuiau să vegheze asupra lor înșiși și asupra acțiunilor lor, pentru a se asigura că sunt cât mai sfinți posibil încât să biruiască și să rămână mântuiți. Această presupunere creează câteva probleme semnificative. În primul rând, adăugăm lucrările lor imperfecte la credința în Cristos ca o condiție a menținerii mântuirii. Standardul lui Dumnezeu este sfințenie perfectă, pe care niciun om nu o poate atinge nici măcar după mântuire. Numai Isus a reușit aceasta. În al doilea rând, ei nu puteau ști niciodată dacă mai erau încă mântuiți sau nu. Ei s-ar fi întrebat mereu: „Suntem suficient de veghetori sau trebuie să fim mai atenți? Suntem peste pragul mediu „necunoscut” al vegherii pe care îl are Dumnezeu, dacă există așa ceva?” Nu puteau ști. Așa că „a fi veghetoare ca biserică” nu se poate referi la oamenii născuți din nou și la faptele bune ca o condiție a mântuirii.Versetele 2 și 3 dezvoltă ceea ce înseamnă a fi vigilentă ca biserică. În primul rând, întărește lucrurile care rămân, care sunt pe cale să moară. Ce sunt aceste lucruri? Ele sunt legate de învățătura curată despre credința în Cristos, dreptatea și pocăința, astfel încât oamenii să poată fi mai întâi născuți din nou și să devină vii spiritual. În al doilea rând, amintiți-vă cum ați primit și auzit mesajul mântuirii, apoi țineți strâns de acesta și pocăiți-vă ca biserică, nu ca individ. Scriitorul nu se referă la ceea ce ați primit și auzit, ci la modul în care ați primit și auzit mesajul mântuirii – adică numai prin credință și prin mărturisirea cu gura. Știu că în Noua Traducere Românească (NTR) din care am citit pasajul, versetul 3 spune: „Adu-ți aminte, deci, ce ai primit și auzit!” Însă, în traducerea Cornilescu și Biblia Traducere Fidelă 2015 (BTF2015), versetul 3 spune: „Adu-ți aminte, deci, cum ai primit și auzit.” De asemenea, și traducerea New King James Version (NKJV) din engleză la fel a translat versetul 3: cum ai primit și auzit și nu ce ai primit și auzit. În al treilea rând, o altă dovadă că audiența era formată în principal din oameni nemântuiți poate fi găsită în ultima parte a versetului 3, care spune următoarele: „Dacă însă nu te trezești, voi veni ca un hoț și nicidecum nu vei ști la ce oră voi veni la tine”. Însă, 1 Tesaloniceni 5:4-5 spune că ziua Domnului nu va prinde ca un hoț pe cei care sunt în Cristos, pentru că ei nu sunt în întuneric, ci sunt fii ai luminii:1 Tesaloniceni 5:4–5 (NTR)4 Însă voi, fraților, nu sunteți în întuneric, așa încât ziua aceea să vă apuce ca un hoț.5 Căci voi toți sunteți fii ai luminii și fii ai zilei. Noi nu suntem ai nopții, nici ai întunericului.Acest pasaj clarifică faptul că pentru oameni, a veghea sau a fi atenți, însemna ca ei să vină în Cristos și să se asigure că sunt în Cristos. În acest fel, a doua venire a lui Isus nu i-ar lua prin surprindere ca un hoț în noapte.Versetul 5 din pasajul nostru inițial (Apocalipsa 3:1–5) spune că cel ce va birui nu va avea numele său șters din cartea vieții. Să biruiască ce anume? Tentațiile de a-L părăsi pe Dumnezeu și de a renunța la mântuire din cauza numeroaselor probleme și încercări din lume care le-ar putea apărea în cale? Nu, desigur că nu, ci mai degrabă să învingă păcatul, pe diavolul, moartea și lumea. Cine sunt biruitorii în Biblie? Cine a biruit deja toate aceste lucruri? Acei oameni care în primul rând au venit în Cristos și au devenit credincioși născuți din nou. Fără aceasta, nu se poate învinge nimic, nimeni nu poate nici măcar să încerce să învingă ceva. 1 Ioan 5:4–5 spune următoarele:1 Ioan 5:4–5 (VDCL)4 Pentru că orice este născut din Dumnezeu biruiește lumea; și aceasta este biruința care a biruit lumea: credința noastră.5 Cine este cel ce biruiește lumea, dacă nu cel ce crede că Isus este Fiul lui Dumnezeu?Conform acestui pasaj, este cert că cei născuți din Dumnezeu biruiesc lumea, nu există nicio îndoială în această privință. Credința în Cristos este cea care asigură această biruință, iar acești oameni sunt cei ale căror nume nu vor fi șterse din cartea vieții. Să mai vedem câteva pasaje despre a fi victorioși.1 Ioan 2:13 (BTF2015)13 Vă scriu, taților, pentru că ați cunoscut pe Cel care este de la început. Vă scriu, tinerilor, pentru că l-ați învins pe cel rău. Vă scriu, copilașilor, pentru că L-ați cunoscut pe Tatăl.În acest verset, verbul „a învinge” este la timpul trecut, adică acei tineri l-au biruit deja pe cel rău, doar fiind în Cristos. Mai mult, acest lucru este dovedit de Romani 8:37:Romani 8:37 (NTR)37 Însă, în toate aceste lucruri, suntem mai mult decât învingători prin Cel Care ne-a iubit.Creștinii sunt mai mult decât biruitori prin Cel care i-a iubit. Ei nu înving, ci ei au învins deja în Cristos pentru că El a înfrânt lumea. Deci, a învinge înseamnă a veni în Cristos și nu a încerca să-și păstreze mântuirea până la capăt prin fapte bune. În lumina a tot ceea ce s-a spus până acum, Apocalipsa 3:5 poate fi înțeles în felul următor: „Cei care sunt născuți din nou din Dumnezeu și cred în El sunt cei care biruiesc și care nu vor fi niciodată șterși din cartea vieții”. Este o promisiune și o binecuvântare, nu o amenințare.Acum, din moment ce suntem la subiectul cărții vieții, să încercăm să aruncăm puțin mai multă lumină asupra ei și asupra cui și când este înregistrat acolo. Majoritatea creștinilor cred că Dumnezeu are un așa-numit registru numit cartea vieții în care El adaugă oameni pe măsură ce sunt mântuiți de-a lungul istoriei omenirii sau îi șterge atunci când își pierd mântuirea. Numai cei care rămân înscriși acolo vor moșteni noul cer și noul pământ. Să vedem ce are de spus Biblia despre aceasta și dacă aceste presupuneri sunt valabile.În primul rând, conform cu Apocalipsa 20:15, 21:27 și Filipeni 4:3, este adevărat că Dumnezeu are o Carte a Vieții, iar credincioșii născuți din nou sunt cu siguranță scriși în acea carte, numită și cartea vieții Mielului. De asemenea, este adevărat că numai oamenii mântuiți vor rămâne înregistrați acolo până în ziua judecății. Să citim aceste pasaje:Apocalipsa 20:15 (NTR)15 Oricine n-a fost găsit scris în cartea vieții a fost aruncat în lacul de foc.Apocalipsa 21:27 (NTR)27 Nimic necurat nu va intra în ea și nimeni care trăiește în spurcăciune și minciună, ci doar cei care sunt scriși în cartea vieții Mielului.Filipeni 4:3 (NTR)3 Iar pe tine, adevărat partener de jug, te rog, ajută-le pe aceste femei! Ele au lucrat din greu pentru Evanghelie împreună cu mine, cu Clement și cu ceilalți confrați ai mei, ale căror nume sunt în cartea vieții.În al doilea rând, conform Apocalipsei 13:8 și 17:8, se pare că există o anumită categorie de oameni care nu au fost incluși deloc în cartea vieții de dinainte de întemeierea lumii:Apocalipsa 13:8 (NTR)8 Toți cei ce locuiesc pe pământ i se vor închina, fiecare om al cărui nume n-a fost scris, de la întemeierea lumii, în cartea vieții Mielului Care a fost înjunghiat.Apocalipsa 17:8 (NTR)8 Fiara pe care ai văzut-o era și nu mai este, dar ea urmează să se ridice din Adânc și va merge spre distrugere. Locuitorii pământului, cei ale căror nume n-au fost scrise în cartea vieții de la întemeierea lumii, vor rămâne uimiți văzând fiara, pentru că ea era, nu mai este, dar va fi prezentă.În al treilea rând, Biblia nu menționează nicăieri că oamenii, de-a lungul istoriei, au fost adăugați, sau sunt adăugați, în cartea vieții în momentul mântuirii lor. Pe baza acestor scripturi ale Apocalipsei, putem, cu destul de multă certitudine, trage concluzia că restul oamenilor, în afara celor care s-au închinat fiarei, au fost înscriși în cartea vieții de dinainte de întemeierea lumii, indiferent dacă urmau să fie mântuiți sau nu (voi explica aceasta mai târziu).În al patrulea rând, în Luca 10:20, Isus le spune celor șaptezeci de ucenici, care se bucurau că demonii le sunt supuși, mai degrabă să se bucure că numele lor sunt scrise în ceruri.Luca 10:20 (NTR)20 Totuși, nu vă bucurați că duhurile vă sunt supuse, ci bucurați-vă că numele voastre sunt scrise în Ceruri!Putem presupune din nou cu destulă siguranță că Isus vorbea aici despre cartea vieții. Altfel, nu ar exista niciun motiv de bucurie dacă ar fi doar consemnați în cartea generală a celor vii sau în cărțile pentru judecată. În acel moment al istoriei, niciunul dintre ucenici nu era încă mântuit pentru că Cristos nu murise încă pe cruce. Cu toate acestea, se pare că ei erau deja înregistrați în cartea vieții. Pentru a complica și mai mult lucrurile, Iuda Iscarioteanul era printre acei ucenici și se știe clar că el a sfârșit rău și nu a fost mântuit, deși fusese consemnat în acea carte. El a fost fiul pierzării:Ioan 17:12 (NTR)12 Când eram cu ei, îi păzeam Eu în Numele Tău, pe care Mi L-ai dat. I-am păzit și niciunul dintre ei n-a pierit, în afară de fiul pierzării, ca să se împlinească Scriptura.Apoi avem oameni în Vechiul Testament, precum Avraam, regele David, Daniel și așa mai departe, care au murit fizic înainte ca Cristos să moară pe cruce și, totuși, Biblia dezvăluie că sunt mântuiți cu siguranță și astfel trebuie să fi fost scriși în cartea vieții. Dacă facem un rezumat: (1) unii oameni au fost înregistrați în cartea vieții înainte de a fi mântuiți (de exemplu, ucenicii lui Isus); (2) alți oameni au fost înscriși în cartea vieții însă nu au fost mântuiți în cele din urmă, deși au avut ocazia să facă acest lucru, și știm despre ei că sunt pierduți pentru totdeauna (de exemplu, Iuda Iscarioteanul); (3) iar alți oameni nu au avut ocazia să fie mântuiți în timpul vieții lor, dar ei sunt mântuiți pentru totdeauna și sunt înscriși în cartea vieții (părinții și profeții din Vechiul Testament).Acum, dacă încercăm să punem împreună toate aceste date, o posibilă interpretare care le-ar lega pe toate în mod logic și consecvent, fără a contrazice niciuna dintre ele, și care ar da sens tuturor acestor versete în contextul siguranței mântuirii, este următoarea:1. Dumnezeu fie a știut dinainte în mod clar, fie a hotărât în ​​mod specific (pentru scopurile Sale) că unii oameni nu vor fi mântuiți niciodată. Așa că El nu i-a inclus în cartea vieții dinainte de întemeierea lumii. Aceștia sunt închinătorii fiarei de la sfârșitul timpurilor.2.Restul oamenilor din toată istoria omenirii care urmau să fie mântuiți SAU NU, El i-a inclus oricum pe toți în cartea vieții dinainte de întemeierea lumii. Această ipoteză este susținută de 1 Timotei 2:3–4, unde Dumnezeu spune că El dorește ca toți oamenii să fie mântuiți, deși nu toți vor fi mântuiți. El dă o șansă și acordă beneficiul îndoielii tuturor oamenilor:1 Timotei 2:3–4 (NTR) 3 Acest lucru este bun și bine primit de către Dumnezeu, Mântuitorul nostru, 4 Care dorește ca toți oamenii să fie mântuiți și să vină la cunoașterea adevărului.3. Apoi, începând de acolo, Dumnezeu a șters din cartea vieții pe oamenii care au murit fizic și au părăsit această lume fără să aibă vreodată o credință mântuitoare sau să manifeste vreun fel de încredere în Dumnezeu, corespunzătoare nivelului de revelație pe care l-au avut în timpul vieții lor. Ceea ce vreau să spun prin această ultimă frază este că oamenii din Vechiul Testament care au trăit înainte de răstignirea lui Cristos au avut o revelație limitată a lui Dumnezeu și a mântuirii și nu au avut posibilitatea răscumpărării. Totuși, conform revelației pe care au avut-o, ei au făcut câțiva pași de credință înspre Dumnezeu în timpul vieții lor, au intrat într-un legământ cu El și acea credință le-a fost socotită drept neprihănire. Astfel, Avraam, Isaac, Iacov, Enoh, Noe, Moise, Iosua, David, Daniel, Rahav și alții ca ei, au rămas înscriși în cartea vieții pentru că, după cruce, li s-a dat mântuirea deși erau deja morți fizic. Acum, oamenii șterși nu au fost niciodată mântuiți de la început – adică ei nu au fost mântuiți și apoi și-au pierdut mântuirea activată, ci și-au pierdut mântuirea potențială. Nu au profitat de aceasta în timpul vieții lor.Această interpretare arată dragostea și mila lui Dumnezeu din belșug față de toți oamenii, asigură că cei care L-au primit pe Cristos nu vor fi niciodată șterși din cartea vieții și explică de ce ucenicii, inclusiv Iuda Iscarioteanul, erau deja în cartea vieții înainte de a fi mântuiți oficial. Eu cred că Iuda Iscarioteanul a fost scos din cartea vieții după moartea sa fizică.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses, in the New King James Version (NKJV), that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing.

A reading of Bible verses in the New King James Version (NKJV) that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing

A reading of Bible verses in the New King James Version (NKJV) that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing

A reading of Bible verses in the New King James Version (NKJV) that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing

A reading of Bible verses in the New King James Version (NKJV) that relate to our wellbeing - health, wealth and other promises that pertain to our wellbeing

DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reference this lesson and find out more here / LISTEN NOW: https://evidence4faith.org/portfolio/why-are-there-different-bible-translations/ The New King James Version (NKJV) follows the tradition of the King James Version while trying to update the language to a more modern English. Granted it may not feel like our modern English of 2023. What makes this translation stand out is its balance between a formal and dynamic translation, often dubbed by scholars as an optimum translation. This balance also makes this translation a great Bible to study from.CREDITS: Stock Music provided by mv_production, from Pond5#newkingjamesversion #bible #biblestudy #newkingjamesbible #bibletranslations #whyaretheredifferentbibletranslations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------WEBSITE: https://evidence4faith.org/NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hpazV5BOOKINGS: https://evidence4faith.org/bookings/CONTACT: Evidence 4 Faith, 5821 Bear Trail, Rhinelander WI 54501 , info@evidence4faith.orgMy goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2-3Mentioned in this episode:Help us produce the next course!DONATE: https://evidence4faith.org/give/

Do you feel like you are working Hard and putting in time and seeing no results? Here is the Remedy Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 New King James Version 18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:18 — The New King James Version (NKJV) 18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. --- 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/therealephriampodcastshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/therealephriampodcastshow/support

Good Morning everyone! I have a special treat for you all today! I interviewed Bobby and Cheryl Love! If you know who they are (even if you don't) they went viral for their story on the Humans of New York Instagram account. Bobby had his first run ins with the law at thirteen, by his early twenties he was a master thief with a serious criminal record and then he was slapped with a thirty year prison sentence! Yet even with good behavior, making parole and regaining his freedom weren't guaranteed so he made a plan. He jumped off the back of a prison bus in North Carolina transporting him to do roadwork, escaped on foot to a bus station, fled to New York and reinvented his life. It wasn't until decades later when he was married and had kids that the FBI and NYPD caught up to him! When I tell you his story is amazing... IT. IS. AMAZING!!!!! Bobby and Cheryl Love: Their book "The Redemption of Bobby Love: A Story of Faith, Family, and Justice" is out and you can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Bobby-Love-Family-Justice/dp/0358566053/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+redemption+of+bobby+love&qid=1637525558&sr=8-1 Show Notes: Article on Bobby Love's story: https://www.newsweek.com/humans-new-york-bobby-cheryl-love-fans-captivated-1486069 Humans of NY IG account: @HumansofNY or https://www.instagram.com/humansofny/?hl=en The Story of Joseph: Genesis 37-50 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32 New King James Version (NKJV) "(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;" Romans 4:17 NKJV "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NKJV "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield." Psalm 5:12 NKJV Suicide Help Line: 1-800-273-8255 Schedule a Coaching Session with Me!: https://dwaynestaten.setmore.com/ My Social Media: The Power of Forgiveness Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynestaten/ **New TikTok Page!!** https://www.tiktok.com/@dwaynestaten? Leave me a Voice Message! https://anchor.fm/dwayne-staten5/message Music: Moody by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_moody Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/WJHTZpx9d2o

Today, I interviewed my good friend Stephanie Martinez a New York native, now living in the sunshine state where she learned how to go from a sad girl, to a resilient woman. She came today with a story about forgiving her ex-husband. She saw how her father was a forgiving man, and since he was the example she was able to forgive those who hurt her. This is an episode that is a must listen! Also, please leave us a 5 star written review on iTunes, it helps the podcast get more reach. Stephanie Martinez: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywalkby_faith_/ Show Notes: When Stephanie mentioned that she "fell short", that came from Romans 3:23 New King James Version (NKJV) which says: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" "Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 New Living Translation (NLT) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?" Matthew 5:43-47 NKJV Schedule a Coaching Session with Me!: https://dwaynestaten.setmore.com/ My Social Media: The Power of Forgiveness Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynestaten/ **New TikTok Page!!** https://www.tiktok.com/@dwaynestaten? Leave me a Voice Message! https://anchor.fm/dwayne-staten5/message Music: Moody by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_moody Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/WJHTZpx9d2o

This is a great interview... I had the pleasure of interviewing Danida Cibulka! Danida is a saved felon, stay at home raising her kids Gods way, and has been married for 4 years. She is building a ministry called God's Chosen Loner for those who have felt invisible their whole lives and wants people to know the power of forgiving those who destroyed them and teach people to love and break chains spiritually, mentally, and physically. She comes to us about a story of how she forgave the one who abused her, his wife and her ex-husband! When I tell you so many gems were dropped in this episode... This is an episode you do not want to miss! Danida Cibulka: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006304925350 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danida_85/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@godschosenloner85? Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123011%2Cp_4%3ADanidaWorld&ref=bl_sl_s_ap_web_7141123011 Show Notes: "Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 New King James Version (NKJV) "and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Mark 10:8 NKJV "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 NKJV "Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots." Luke 23:34 NKJV Story when satan tempted Jesus Matthew 4:1-11 NKJV "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over." Psalm 23:5 NKJV "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you," Matthew 5:43-44 NKJV The Story of the 3 Hebrew Boys (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) being Thrown in the Furnace is in Daniel 3:8-25 "‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams." Acts 2:17 NKJV "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23 NKJV "that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NKJV "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV Schedule a Coaching Session with Me!: https://dwaynestaten.setmore.com/ My Social Media: The Power of Forgiveness Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynestaten/ Leave me a Voice Message! https://anchor.fm/dwayne-staten5/message Music: Moody by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_moody Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/WJHTZpx9d2o

This is part 2 in our Forgiveness in Fatherhood series and we have my good friend Sean C. Erby! He comes today about how forgiveness helped him with his children who went on two different paths and how he reconciled with his own father before his passing. This is an episode you do not want to miss! Also, please leave us a 5 star written review, it helps the podcast get more reach! We appreciate you! Sean C. Erby: High Bridge One Barber Shop 6125 Highbridge Rd, Bowie, MD 20720 (301) 809-6888 Show Notes: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 New King James Version (NKJV) "and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us... If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:12, 14-15 New Living Translation (NLT) "If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" 1 John 4:20 NKJV "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." Romans 8:26 NLT "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." Matthew 25:21 NKJV "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [f]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV Schedule a Coaching Session with Me!: https://dwaynestaten.setmore.com/ My Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynelstaten/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwaynelstaten/ The Power of Forgiveness Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288059252211732/ Leave me a Voice Message! https://anchor.fm/dwayne-staten5/message Music: Moody by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_moody Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/WJHTZpx9d2o

Hello Everyone! Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Florence aka Flizzle fellow Christian, husband, father and founder/owner of EFiT! In this conversation we talk about the lessons he learned from forgiving his father and getting out of the victim mentality. This is a conversation that should not be missed! Ryan "Flizzle" Florence: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAMRyanFlo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flizzle/ EFiT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efit.lifestyle/ Going With the Flos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/going_withtheflos/ Show Notes: I mentioned the previous episode where the guest spoke about her father: "Forgiving Those Who Have Passed On with Katia Simpson" I mentioned 2 verses "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 New King James Version (NKJV)& "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11 NKJV I spoke about Jacob and his hip (Genesis 32:22-32) Ryan mentioned renewing your mind, this came from: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 NKJV and "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23 NKJV Ryan also mentioned the peace that surpasses all understanding which comes from: "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 NKJV I mentioned such a time as this, this came from: "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”" Esther 4:14 NKJV My Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwaynestaten/ Leave me a Voice Message! https://anchor.fm/dwayne-staten5/message Music: Moody by Jay Someday https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/_moody Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/WJHTZpx9d2o

In this episode of The KOG Entrepreneur Show - Bible and Business, Pastor C. Allen Moses joins Steven Harris to discuss the theological, practical and business applications of Jesus' teaching in Mark 3:24-25 and Matthew 12:24. This interview was filmed on April 11th, 2020 which was 1.5 months before the George Floyd murder tragedy that became a worldwide event. In this episode, the discussion about the modern-day segregation and racism issue was brought up prior to becoming a national conversation almost 2 months later. The goal of this episode was to launch a series discussing the role of The Church and the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to bridge the issues of racism in America and the world. Mark 3:24-25 New International Version (NIV) 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Matthew 12:25 New King James Version (NKJV) 25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

https://youtu.be/LePDRs4d05E 27 Now it happened, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the people of Ammon, Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, 28 brought beds and basins, earthen vessels and wheat, barley and flour, parched grain and beans, lentils and parched seeds, 29 honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.” We serve a God that provides Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 2 cor 9:8 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. Nehemiah 9:15 New King James Version (NKJV) 15 You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, And brought them water out of the rock for their thirst, And told them to go in to possess the land Which You had [a]sworn to give them. Ps 78:20 Behold, He struck the rock, So that the waters gushed out, And the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?” John 6:35 New King James Version (NKJV) 35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. Psalm 65:9You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; The river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, For so You have prepared it. Matt6: 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. It doesn't mean you wont struggle Deuteronomy 8:3-4 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Matthew 5:6 New King James Version (NKJV) 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Nehemiah 9:21 New King James Version (NKJV) 21 Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; They lacked nothing; Their clothes did not wear out And their feet did not swell. Phil 4: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [d]be abased, and I know how to [e]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Rom 8: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Luke 21: 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. Be Generous Proverbs 3:9-10  9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 11:24-25 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. Seek the lord- Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends ...

Philippians 4:7 New King James Version (NKJV) 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 19:20 New International Version (NIV) 20 It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. 2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV) 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1 Reyes 17:3-7 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 3 Apártate de aquí, y vuélvete al oriente, y escóndete en el arroyo de Querit, que está frente al Jordán. 4 Beberás del arroyo; y yo he mandado a los cuervos que te den allí de comer. 5 Y él fue e hizo conforme a la palabra de Jehová; pues se fue y vivió junto al arroyo de Querit, que está frente al Jordán. 6 Y los cuervos le traían pan y carne por la mañana, y pan y carne por la tarde; y bebía del arroyo. 7 Pasados algunos días, se secó el arroyo, porque no había llovido sobre la tierra. 1 Kings 17:3-7 New King James Version (NKJV) 3 “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. 7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

La Palabra de Dios es vida - The Word of God is life by Roberto San Martín on Sun Jan 12 at 11:00am Hebreos 4:12 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 12 Porque la palabra de Dios es viva y eficaz, y más cortante que toda espada de dos filos; y penetra hasta partir el alma y el espíritu, las coyunturas y los tuétanos, y discierne los pensamientos y las intenciones del corazón. Hebrews 4:12 New King James Version (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

2 Timoteo 4:1-5 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 4 Te encarezco delante de Dios y del Señor Jesucristo, que juzgará a los vivos y a los muertos en su manifestación y en su reino, 2 que prediques la palabra; que instes a tiempo y fuera de tiempo; redarguye, reprende, exhorta con toda paciencia y doctrina. 3 Porque vendrá tiempo cuando no sufrirán la sana doctrina, sino que teniendo comezón de oír, se amontonarán maestros conforme a sus propias concupiscencias, 4 y apartarán de la verdad el oído y se volverán a las fábulas. 5 Pero tú sé sobrio en todo, soporta las aflicciones, haz obra de evangelista, cumple tu ministerio. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV) 4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Santiago 4:13-17 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 13 !!Vamos ahora! los que decís: Hoy y mañana iremos a tal ciudad, y estaremos allá un año, y traficaremos, y ganaremos; 14 cuando no sabéis lo que será mañana. Porque ¿qué es vuestra vida? Ciertamente es neblina que se aparece por un poco de tiempo, y luego se desvanece. 15 En lugar de lo cual deberíais decir: Si el Señor quiere, viviremos y haremos esto o aquello. 16 Pero ahora os jactáis en vuestras soberbias. Toda jactancia semejante es mala; 17 y al que sabe hacer lo bueno, y no lo hace, le es pecado. James 4:13-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow [a]we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Débiles en la fe - Weak in the faith by Roberto San Martín on Sun Dec 22 at 11:00am Romanos 14:1 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 14 Recibid al débil en la fe, pero no para contender sobre opiniones. Romans 14:1 New King James Version (NKJV) 14 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

Roberto San Martín on Sun Dec 15 at 11:00am Santiago 1:5-8 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 5 Y si alguno de vosotros tiene falta de sabiduría, pídala a Dios, el cual da a todos abundantemente y sin reproche, y le será dada. 6 Pero pida con fe, no dudando nada; porque el que duda es semejante a la onda del mar, que es arrastrada por el viento y echada de una parte a otra. 7 No piense, pues, quien tal haga, que recibirá cosa alguna del Señor. 8 El hombre de doble ánimo es inconstante en todos sus caminos. James 1:5-8 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Apocalipsis 2:1-7 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 2 Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Efeso: El que tiene las siete estrellas en su diestra, el que anda en medio de los siete candeleros de oro, dice esto: 2 Yo conozco tus obras, y tu arduo trabajo y paciencia; y que no puedes soportar a los malos, y has probado a los que se dicen ser apóstoles, y no lo son, y los has hallado mentirosos; 3 y has sufrido, y has tenido paciencia, y has trabajado arduamente por amor de mi nombre, y no has desmayado. 4 Pero tengo contra ti, que has dejado tu primer amor. 5 Recuerda, por tanto, de dónde has caído, y arrepiéntete, y haz las primeras obras; pues si no, vendré pronto a ti, y quitaré tu candelero de su lugar, si no te hubieres arrepentido. 6 Pero tienes esto, que aborreces las obras de los nicolaítas, las cuales yo también aborrezco. 7 El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. Al que venciere, le daré a comer del árbol de la vida, el cual está en medio del paraíso de Dios. Revelation 2:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV) 2 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” '

Hebreos 11:1-3 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 11 Es, pues, la fe la certeza de lo que se espera, la convicción de lo que no se ve. 2 Porque por ella alcanzaron buen testimonio los antiguos. 3 Por la fe entendemos haber sido constituido el universo por la palabra de Dios, de modo que lo que se ve fue hecho de lo que no se veía. Hebrews 11:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV) 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

https://youtu.be/XwPr-Uuya-k Spiritually Fit Romans 12:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) Living Sacrifices to God 12 I beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. You've probably read this scripture or even heard it before in sermons This is a powerful scripture if we take the time to analyze what it is actually saying Although often times scriptures like these can be overlooked but Christians need to cling to scriptures like this It says to present our bodies a living sacrifice. (like a gift, we want it to be perfect for God) Not just the parts we want to offer It is not just referring to our physical bodies but our whole body, mind, soul, and spirit as well Jesus sacrificed himself that we may be saved He doesn't ask much, well except lay your life down and die daily for Him That means you lay everything at the feet of Jesus Your goals, plans, desires, dreams, and relationships That's how we continue to renew our minds By constantly seeking Him, because that is all our life should be about We should be yearning to honor God with our whole lives not just the parts we want to give him. By the end of this sermon hopefully I will have given you practical ways that you can present your body a living sacrifice and renewing your mind Story about working out The main thing I realized through this was that these things nutrition, the workout, and rest can be applied to our spiritual lives as well Nutrition Where are you getting your nutrition from? Is it from the things of God, like the word, worship, prayer, church, sermons and godly relationships Or does most of it come from the world. Movies, music, social media, or ungodly relationships If we want to honor God with our whole lives, we must make Him the priority over everything Everything we say or do should be filtered through His word Joshua 1:8 New King James Version (NKJV) 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. His word should be the primary source of our spiritual nutrition It shows us the character of God and what he expects from us It encourages us when we've become weak Its inspiring to see the way He loves us and the extent that He goes to show us how loved we are by Him It also shows us the uncomfortable things, the stuff in our lives that need to be changed The word teaches us how to die to self through the examples that God has laid out from the people in the bible If the word isn't a priority in your spiritual life then you are off the mark Believe me its easy to let the word fall to the wayside. In past I've allowed that to happen in my own life What I do is make it the first thing I do Reading in Nehemiah Theses people listened to the word for half of the day For some people the only scripture they see is when they see a scripture someone else posts on facebook If you let the word fall by the wayside then where does your nutrition come from. Is it the people around you? I want to be very clear on this because the bible is very specific There are people that you do not need to associate with Psalm 1:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV) 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he [b]meditates day and night. If the people you spend the most time with have a negative influence on you more than you can influence them for good, then stay away from them Story about union work I'm not saying t...

La gracia y la fe - Grace and faith, Pastor Roberto San Martin. Efesios 2:8 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 8 Porque por gracia sois salvos por medio de la fe; y esto no de vosotros, pues es don de Dios Ephesians 2:8 New King James Version (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God

Justificados por fe - Justified by faith by Roberto San Martín on Sun Nov 17 at 11:00am Romanos 5:1 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 5 Justificados, pues, por la fe, tenemos paz para con Dios por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo; Romans 5:1 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

La fe sin obras es muerta - Faith without works is dead by Roberto San Martín on Sun Nov 10 at 11:00am Santiago 2:17 Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 17 Así también la fe, si no tiene obras, es muerta en sí misma. James 2:17 New King James Version (NKJV) 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

A special Father's Day message from Pastor Josh Bunton Romans 8:15 New King James Version (NKJV) "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'"

Proverbs 22:6 New King James Version (NKJV) 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, [a]And when he is old he will not depart from it. This is so important for parents to know. In the African community from decades ago. Our children were taught different and when parents felt they needed God they train the children. But God heard their great, great,great, grand parents, grest, great grand parents, and their great gand parents, and grand parents prayers. Today many have forgotten the suffering for us to act a fool and kill each other.