Podcasts about new revised standard version nrsv

What is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)? Is the New Revised Standard Version a good and accurate translation of the Bible?

Morning MeditationsProverbs 2Moral Benefits of Wisdom Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Proverbs 2:1-11My son, if you accept my words    and store up my commands within you,2 turning your ear to wisdom    and applying your heart to understanding—3 indeed, if you call out for insight    and cry aloud for understanding,4 and if you look for it as for silver    and search for it as for hidden treasure,5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord    and find the knowledge of God.6 For the Lord gives wisdom;    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He holds success in store for the upright,    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,8 for he guards the course of the just    and protects the way of his faithful ones.9 Then you will understand what is right and just    and fair—every good path.10 For wisdom will enter your heart,    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.11 Discretion will protect you,    and understanding will guard you....(continue to read vs 21-35)**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) , NIV, and King James of the Bible.Keep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: holyspiritI.com

Morning MeditationsProverbs 3:13-20The True Wealth and God's Wisdom in Creation Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Proverbs 3:13-20The True Wealth13 Happy are those who find wisdom,    and those who get understanding,14 for her income is better than silver,    and her revenue better than gold.15 She is more precious than jewels,    and nothing you desire can compare with her.16 Long life is in her right hand;    in her left hand are riches and honor.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,    and all her paths are peace.18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;    those who hold her fast are called happy.God's Wisdom in Creation19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;    by understanding he established the heavens;20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open,    and the clouds drop down the dew.....(continue to read vs 21-35)**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: psalmsquotes.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 94Triumphant Song of Confidence (Of David)Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 94God the Avenger of the Righteous1 O Lord, you God of vengeance,    you God of vengeance, shine forth!2 Rise up, O judge of the earth;    give to the proud what they deserve!3 O Lord, how long shall the wicked,    how long shall the wicked exult?4 They pour out their arrogant words;    all the evildoers boast.5 They crush your people, O Lord,    and afflict your heritage.6 They kill the widow and the stranger,    they murder the orphan,7 and they say, ‘The Lord does not see;    the God of Jacob does not perceive.'8 Understand, O dullest of the people;    fools, when will you be wise?9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear?He who formed the eye, does he not see?10 He who disciplines the nations,he who teaches knowledge to humankind,    does he not chastise?11 The Lord knows our thoughts,[a]    that they are but an empty breath....(continue to read vs 12-23)**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: psalmsquotes.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 98Praise the Judge of the WorldMorning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Scripture Meditation: " O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gained him victory."(Psalm 98:1)Psalm 98Praise the Judge of the WorldA Psalm.1 O sing to the Lord a new song,    for he has done marvelous things.His right hand and his holy arm    have gained him victory.2 The Lord has made known his victory;    he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness    to the house of Israel.All the ends of the earth have seen    the victory of our God.4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,    with the lyre and the sound of melody.6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;    the world and those who live in it.8 Let the floods clap their hands;    let the hills sing together for joy9 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming    to judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness,    and the peoples with equity.*This scripture reading is taken from the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. Text from Biblegateway.com.Keep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: Scripture Images

Morning MeditationsMatthew 28The Resurrection of JesusMorning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Scripture Meditation: " But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay."(Matthew 28:5-6)The Resurrection of JesusAfter the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.  But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.'  So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!' And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him.  Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.... (Continue to read Matthew 28)*This scripture reading is taken from the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. Text from Biblegateway.com.Keep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: Scripture Image

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 Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is known for one major change that caused some controversy among American denominations: it replaced gender specific words like “brother” and “mankind” with “brother and sister” and “people.” This translation is known for the effort to be “gender-inclusive.” How does this decision affect the quality of the translation? Is this translation biased? Maybe not in the way you think…CREDITS: Stock Music provided by mv_production, from Pond5#newrevisedstandardbible #genderneutralbible #bible #biblestudy #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/

Disciple Up #291 Louie VS. ChatGPT   Intro – Crazy schedule, origin of this idea, etc.   Here's what the Chatbot wrote, read by Word's voice. I find it fitting and proper to have a software program read what another software program wrote!   Sermon on Salt of the Earth   "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.   "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.   In these verses, Jesus is telling his disciples that they are the salt and light of the earth. Salt is a preservative and a flavor enhancer, and Jesus is telling his disciples that they too must preserve and enhance the world around them. They are to be a positive influence on society and to bring flavor and richness to people's lives.   Jesus also compares his disciples to light. A light cannot be hidden; it shines brightly for all to see. In the same way, Jesus's disciples should not try to hide their faith but should let it shine for all to see. Their good works should be visible to others so that they may give glory to God.   We all have the potential to be the salt and light of the earth. We can enhance the lives of those around us and bring flavor and richness to the world. We can also let our light shine by living out our faith and being a positive influence on society. Let us strive to be the salt and light of the earth, and bring glory to our Father in heaven.   Write a sermon on Ephesians 2   "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.   But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.   In this passage, Paul is describing the state of humanity before salvation, as being dead in sin and under the power of Satan. He is also highlighting the fact that salvation is not something we can earn by our own good works, but it is a gift of grace given to us by God.   God, in his love and mercy, made us alive in Christ, saved us and raised us up with him to sit in heavenly places. This is not something we can earn or deserve, but it is a gift of God's grace.   Paul also emphasizes that this salvation is not just for now but for the coming ages, and that God's grace is immeasurable and eternal.   The message for us today is that we are saved by grace, not by our own works. We can have the assurance that God's love and mercy are available to us, and that we have been raised to new life in Christ. Let us live in thankfulness for the grace given to us and share this good news with others.   Sermon on Romans 6:1-3   "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.   In this passage, Paul is addressing the question of whether or not Christians can continue to live in sin since they are saved by grace. He answers this question with a resounding "no." He reminds the Romans that they have been baptized into Christ and united with him in his death. This means that they have died to sin and are now called to live a new life in Christ.   Paul is emphasizing that salvation is not a license to sin, but it is a call to a new way of life. We are united with Christ in his death, and that means that we have died to sin and are now alive in Christ.   In baptism, we are buried with Christ and raised to new life, just as he was raised from the dead. This new life in Christ requires that we walk in a new way, a way of righteousness and holiness.   The message for us today is that salvation is not a license to sin but a call to a new life in Christ. We have been united with him in his death, and we are called to live in a way that is worthy of our new life in him. Let us strive to live in righteousness and holiness, and to walk in the newness of life that we have received through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.   What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?   The Bible does not specifically mention the term "homosexuality," as it is a modern term. However, the Bible does address same-sex sexual activity in several passages. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 18:22 states, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." Similarly, in the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 states, "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."   It's important to note that these passages, and others that mention same-sex sexual activity, also condemn other sexual practices such as adultery and promiscuity. These passages should be understood in the context of the culture and laws of the time they were written, and not be taken out of context.   The Bible teaches that all sexual activity outside of the context of marriage between a man and a woman is sinful. However, it's important to remember that the Bible also teaches that we are all sinners, and that God's love and forgiveness is available to all who repent and turn to him.   It's important to remember that the Bible teaches that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, are created in the image of God and should be treated with love, compassion, and respect. It's also important to remember that interpreting biblical texts is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the historical, cultural, and literary context, and should be done with the guidance of scholars and theologians.   According to the New Testament who goes to hell?   According to the New Testament, those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and reject his gift of salvation will go to hell. The Bible states that all people are sinners and in need of salvation, and that salvation can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus himself speaks about hell as a place of eternal punishment for those who reject him and his teachings.   For example, in Matthew 25:46, Jesus says, "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." In Mark 9:43-48, Jesus speaks of hell as a place of fire where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.   It's important to note that the Bible teaches that God is a loving God and that he desires that all people come to salvation. However, God also gives each person the free will to accept or reject his offer of salvation.   It's also important to remember that interpreting biblical texts is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the historical, cultural, and literary context, and should be done with the guidance of scholars and theologians.   Is Calvinism a correct interpretation of the Bible?   Calvinism is a theology that is based on the teachings of the 16th-century French theologian John Calvin. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humanity, and the concept of predestination, which holds that God predestines some individuals for salvation and others for damnation.   Many Christians believe that Calvinism is a correct interpretation of the Bible, as it is based on a careful study of scripture and emphasizes the sovereignty of God. Calvinism has also had a significant impact on the development of Christian theology and has been influential in the formation of many Protestant denominations.   However, it's important to note that there are other Christian denominations and theologians that interpret the Bible differently and have different perspectives on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humanity, and the concept of predestination.   For example, Arminianism, which is an opposing theology, holds that God's grace can be resisted and that human beings have the free will to accept or reject salvation, and that is also based on a scriptural understanding.   It's also important to remember that interpreting biblical texts is a complex task that requires careful consideration of the historical, cultural, and literary context, and should be done with the guidance of scholars and theologians.   In summary, Calvinism is a valid interpretation of the Bible, but it is not the only one, and different Christian denominations and theologians may have different perspectives on the teachings of the Bible.   Which is the most accurate Bible translation in the English language?   The most accurate Bible translation is a matter of debate among scholars and theologians. Different translations have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which translation to use often depends on an individual's personal preference and the purpose for which the translation is being used.   The King James Version (KJV) is a popular translation that is known for its poetic language and historical significance. It was first published in 1611 and has been widely used for centuries. However, it is based on texts that are over 400 years old and it may use the language that is not commonly used today.   The New International Version (NIV) is a widely used translation that is known for its accuracy and readability. It was first published in 1978 and has undergone several revisions to ensure its accuracy and clarity.   The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is an ecumenical translation that is used by many scholars and theologians. It is known for its accuracy, and for its inclusive language, which is designed to be more inclusive of women and people of different ethnicities.   The English Standard Version (ESV) is considered as a word-for-word translation and it is known for its formal equivalence and accurate rendering of the original texts.   It's important to remember that any translation will have some degree of interpretive bias, but many of the most widely used translations are considered to be highly accurate and are based on the latest scholarship and research. It's advisable to consult with a pastor, theologian or a Bible scholar to help you choose the best translation for your needs and purpose.

Morning MeditationsMatthew 6:1-14Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Giving to the Needy6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Prayer5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9 “This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,10 your kingdom come,your will be done,    on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us today our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts,    as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]'14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.**This scripture reading is taken from the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: daily-bible-verse.net

In this episode of The Christian Bear I consider the use of war in Christian rhetoric and how Christian nationalists imagine a Jesus who uses guns and supports the Second Amendment.All scriptural quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.Rev. Dr. David Ireland interview - https://life1025.com/2017/08/weapon-prayerRon Tucker Sermon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3gWriAGdQc&list=PPSVI encourage conversation and dialogue. Please reach out to me at:tcbthechristianbear@gmail.comhttp://www.benhuelskamp.comInstagram: @thechristianbear

Few things can rile the Christian faithful like a new Bible translation (see, e.g., John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, etc.). The scholarly and ecumenical translation of choice, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), got a haircut of sorts; it's called the NRSVue (ue = “updated edition”). We give a review. Resources mentioned in this episode: NRSVue in full on Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Revised-Standard-Version-Updated-Edition-NRSVue-Bible List of the major changes: https://guides.library.yale.edu/newtestament/nrsvueSome people who don't like it: https://juicyecumenism.com/2022/01/19/liberal-nrsvue-bible-translation-update/Interview with committee member Dr. Abraham Smith: https://blog.smu.edu/perkins/nrsv-updated-edition/

Morning MeditationsLuke 14:28-33Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.The Cost of Discipleship28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn't able to finish.'31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won't he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and  New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.Keep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: quotegram.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 63Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 63Comfort and Assurance in God's PresenceA Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah.1 O God, you are my God, I seek you,    my soul thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you,    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,    beholding your power and glory.3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,    my lips will praise you.4 So I will bless you as long as I live;    I will lift up my hands and call on your name.5 My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,[a]    and my mouth praises you with joyful lips6 when I think of you on my bed,    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;7 for you have been my help,    and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.8 My soul clings to you;    your right hand upholds me.9 But those who seek to destroy my life    shall go down into the depths of the earth;10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword,    they shall be prey for jackals.11 But the king shall rejoice in God;    all who swear by him shall exult,    for the mouths of liars will be stopped.**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and  New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.Keep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: rbforlando.org

Morning MeditationsPsalm 134Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 134Praise in the NightA Song of Ascents.1 Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,    who stand by night in the house of the Lord!2 Lift up your hands to the holy place,    and bless the Lord.3 May the Lord, maker of heaven and earth,    bless you from Zion.**This scripture reading is taken from the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: primobibleverses.com

The Old Testament is as relevant today as it ever has been.  In this episode of Religion Today, host Martin Tanner explains why it is still relevant and gives tips on how to more easily understand it.  "Genesis" comes from a Greek word meaning "beginning."  Genesis describes the beginning of the earth, heaven, sun, moon, stars, the human race, plants, animals, evil, Israel (God's people), the Jewish religion and many other beginnings.  Understanding Genesis and the other Old Testament books is much easier using the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or Martin's favorite, the Contemporary English Version (CEV).  Do not look at Genesis as a scientific text-book, but instead a description of the model the Jews had to understand the beginning of everything. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morning MeditationsPsalm 34Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 34Praise for Deliverance from TroubleOf David, when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.1 I will bless the Lord at all times;    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;    let the humble hear and be glad.3 O magnify the Lord with me,    and let us exalt his name together.4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me,    and delivered me from all my fears.5 Look to him, and be radiant;    so your faces shall never be ashamed.6 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,    and was saved from every trouble.7 The angel of the Lord encamps    around those who fear him, and delivers them.8 O taste and see that the Lord is good;    happy are those who take refuge in him.9 O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,    for those who fear him have no want.10 The young lions suffer want and hunger,    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.11 Come, O children, listen to me;    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.12 Which of you desires life,    and covets many days to enjoy good?13 Keep your tongue from evil,    and your lips from speaking deceit.14 Depart from evil, and do good;    seek peace, and pursue it.15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,    and his ears are open to their cry.16 The face of the Lord is against evildoers,    to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears,    and rescues them from all their troubles.18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,    and saves the crushed in spirit.19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,    but the Lord rescues them from them all.20 He keeps all their bones;    not one of them will be broken.21 Evil brings death to the wicked,    and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;    none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.**This scripture reading is taken from the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: daily-bible-verse.net

Morning MeditationsPsalm 24Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 24A David PsalmEntrance Into the Temple1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,    the world, and all who live in it;2 for he founded it on the seas    and established it on the waters.3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?    Who may stand in his holy place?4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,    who does not trust in an idol    or swear by a false god.5 They will receive blessing from the Lord    and vindication from God their Savior.6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,    who seek your face, God of Jacob.7 Lift up your heads, you gates;    be lifted up, you ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in.8 Who is this King of glory?    The Lord strong and mighty,    the Lord mighty in battle.9 Lift up your heads, you gates;    lift them up, you ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in.10 Who is he, this King of glory?    The Lord Almighty—    he is the King of glory.**This scripture reading is taken from the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: praisephotograpy.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 98Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 98Praise the Judge of the World1  O sing to the Lord a new song,    for he has done marvelous things.His right hand and his holy arm    have gotten him victory.2 The Lord has made known his victory;    he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness    to the house of Israel.All the ends of the earth have seen    the victory of our God.4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,    with the lyre and the sound of melody.6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;    the world and those who live in it.8 Let the floods clap their hands;    let the hills sing together for joy9 at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming    to judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness,    and the peoples with equity.**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: esty.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 94Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 94God the Avenger of the Righteous1 O Lord, you God of vengeance,    you God of vengeance, shine forth!2 Rise up, O judge of the earth;    give to the proud what they deserve!3 O Lord, how long shall the wicked,    how long shall the wicked exult?4 They pour out their arrogant words;    all the evildoers boast.5 They crush your people, O Lord,    and afflict your heritage.6 They kill the widow and the stranger,    they murder the orphan,7 and they say, “The Lord does not see;    the God of Jacob does not perceive.”8 Understand, O dullest of the people;    fools, when will you be wise?9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear?He who formed the eye, does he not see?10 He who disciplines the nations,he who teaches knowledge to humankind,    does he not chastise?11     The Lord knows our thoughts,[a]    that they are but an empty breath.12 Happy are those whom you discipline, O Lord,    and whom you teach out of your law,13 giving them respite from days of trouble,    until a pit is dug for the wicked.14 For the Lord will not forsake his people;    he will not abandon his heritage;15 for justice will return to the righteous,    and all the upright in heart will follow it.16 Who rises up for me against the wicked?    Who stands up for me against evildoers?17 If the Lord had not been my help,    my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.18 When I thought, “My foot is slipping,”    your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.19 When the cares of my heart are many,    your consolations cheer my soul.20 Can wicked rulers be allied with you,    those who contrive mischief by statute?21 They band together against the life of the righteous,    and condemn the innocent to death.22 But the Lord has become my stronghold,    and my God the rock of my refuge.23 He will repay them for their iniquity    and wipe them out for their wickedness;    the Lord our God will wipe them out.**This scripture reading is taken from the New International Version (NIV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: praisephotograpy.com

Welcome to the First Week of Advent!!! Our scripture this episode comes from the Gospel of Luke 21:34-36 and is read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). A text of this episode's scripture is available online at: https://bit.ly/GoodTheo047 As always, we would love to hear from you so, please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you have heard, a theological question you might have, or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit us online at https://goodtheology.life Also, please rate us 5-stars on your podcast listening service. Our centering prayer for this week is: Our Ears to hear you, Our Eyes to see you, Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Our scripture this episode comes from the Gospel of Mark 13:1-8 and is read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). A text of this episode's scripture is available online at: https://bit.ly/GoodTheo046 As always, we would love to hear from you so, please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you have heard, a theological question you might have, or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit us online at https://goodtheology.life Also, please rate us 5-stars on your podcast listening service. Our centering prayer for this week is: Our Ears to hear you, Our Eyes to see you, Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Morning MeditationsPsalm 95Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 95A Call to Worship and Obedience1 O come, let us sing to the Lord;    let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;    let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!3 For the Lord is a great God,    and a great King above all gods.4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;    the heights of the mountains are his also.5 The sea is his, for he made it,    and the dry land, which his hands have formed.6 O come, let us worship and bow down,    let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!7 For he is our God,    and we are the people of his pasture,    and the sheep of his hand.O that today you would listen to his voice!8     Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,    as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,9 when your ancestors tested me,    and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.10 For forty years I loathed that generation    and said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray,    and they do not regard my ways.”11 Therefore in my anger I swore,    “They shall not enter my rest.”**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: podtail.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 150Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 150Praise for God's Surpassing Greatness1 Praise the Lord!Praise God in his sanctuary;    praise him in his mighty firmament![a]2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;    praise him according to his surpassing greatness!3 Praise him with trumpet sound;    praise him with lute and harp!4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;    praise him with strings and pipe!5 Praise him with clanging cymbals;    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!Praise the Lord!**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: Pinterest

Our scripture this episode comes from Job 42:1-6,10-17 and is read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). A text of this episode's scripture is available online at: https://bit.ly/GoodTheo045 As always, we would love to hear from you so, please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you have heard, a theological question you might have, or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit us online at https://goodtheology.life Also, please rate us 5-stars on your podcast listening service. Our centering prayer for this week is: Our Ears to hear you, Our Eyes to see you, Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Morning MeditationsPsalm 96Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 96Praise to God Who Comes in Judgment1 O sing to the Lord a new song;    sing to the Lord, all the earth.2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;    tell of his salvation from day to day.3 Declare his glory among the nations,    his marvelous works among all the peoples.4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;    he is to be revered above all gods.5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,    but the Lord made the heavens.6 Honor and majesty are before him;    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;    bring an offering, and come into his courts.9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor;    tremble before him, all the earth.10 Say among the nations, “The Lord is king!    The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.    He will judge the peoples with equity.”11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;12     let the field exult, and everything in it.Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy13     before the Lord; for he is coming,    for he is coming to judge the earth.He will judge the world with righteousness,    and the peoples with his truth.**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: verseimages.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 118Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 118A Song of Victory1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;    his steadfast love endures forever!2 Let Israel say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.”3 Let the house of Aaron say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.”4 Let those who fear the Lord say,    “His steadfast love endures forever.”5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;    the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.6 With the Lord on my side I do not fear.    What can mortals do to me?7 The Lord is on my side to help me;    I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord    than to put confidence in mortals.9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord    than to put confidence in princes.10 All nations surrounded me;    in the name of the Lord I cut them off!11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;    in the name of the Lord I cut them off!12 They surrounded me like bees;    they blazed like a fire of thorns;    in the name of the Lord I cut them off!13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,    but the Lord helped me.14 The Lord is my strength and my might;    he has become my salvation.15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;16     the right hand of the Lord is exalted;    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”17 I shall not die, but I shall live,    and recount the deeds of the Lord.18 The Lord has punished me severely,    but he did not give me over to death.19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,    that I may enter through them    and give thanks to the Lord.20 This is the gate of the Lord;    the righteous shall enter through it.21 I thank you that you have answered me    and have become my salvation.22 The stone that the builders rejected    has become the chief cornerstone.23 This is the Lord's doing;    it is marvelous in our eyes.24 This is the day that the Lord has made;    let us rejoice and be glad in it.25 Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!    O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.    We bless you from the house of the Lord.27 The Lord is God,    and he has given us light.Bind the festal procession with branches,    up to the horns of the altar.**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: biblestudytools.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 27Triumphant Song of Confidence (Of David)Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 27Triumphant Song of ConfidenceOf David.1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;    whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold[a] of my life;    of whom shall I be afraid?2 When evildoers assail me    to devour my flesh—my adversaries and foes—    they shall stumble and fall.3 Though an army encamp against me,    my heart shall not fear;though war rise up against me,    yet I will be confident.4 One thing I asked of the Lord,    that will I seek after:to live in the house of the Lord    all the days of my life,to behold the beauty of the Lord,    and to inquire in his temple.5 For he will hide me in his shelter    in the day of trouble;he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;    he will set me high on a rock.6 Now my head is lifted up    above my enemies all around me,and I will offer in his tent    sacrifices with shouts of joy;I will sing and make melody to the Lord.7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,    be gracious to me and answer me!8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”    Your face, Lord, do I seek.9     Do not hide your face from me.Do not turn your servant away in anger,    you who have been my help.Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,    O God of my salvation!10 If my father and mother forsake me,    the Lord will take me up.11 Teach me your way, O Lord,    and lead me on a level path    because of my enemies.12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,    for false witnesses have risen against me,    and they are breathing out violence.13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord    in the land of the living.14 Wait for the Lord;    be strong, and let your heart take courage;    wait for the Lord!**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: psalmsquotes.com

On this episode we learn about our pride and its theological implications on approaching God. Our scripture this episode comes from James 5:13-20. They are read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation. A text of this episode's scripture is available online at: https://bit.ly/GoodTheo042 Also on this episode we answer a question from a listener who wants to know if you need to read the Bible if you don't believe in God. As always, we would love to hear from you so, please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you have heard, a theological question you might have, or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit us online at https://goodtheology.life Also, please rate us 5-stars on your podcast listening service. Our centering prayer for this week is: Our Ears to hear you, Our Eyes to see you, Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Morning MeditationsPsalm 37Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Exhortation to Patience and TrustOf David.1 Do not fret because of the wicked;    do not be envious of wrongdoers,2 for they will soon fade like the grass,    and wither like the green herb.3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;    so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.4 Take delight in the Lord,    and he will give you the desires of your heart.5 Commit your way to the Lord;    trust in him, and he will act.6 He will make your vindication shine like the light,    and the justice of your cause like the noonday.7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;    do not fret over those who prosper in their way,    over those who carry out evil devices.8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.    Do not fret—it leads only to evil.9 For the wicked shall be cut off,    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;    though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.11 But the meek shall inherit the land,    and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.12 The wicked plot against the righteous,    and gnash their teeth at them;13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,    for he sees that their day is coming.14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows    to bring down the poor and needy,    to kill those who walk uprightly;15 their sword shall enter their own heart,    and their bows shall be broken.16 Better is a little that the righteous person has    than the abundance of many wicked.(Psalm 37 has forty verses, continue to read in the NRSV)**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: Amazon.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 94Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 94God the Avenger of the Righteous1 O Lord, you God of vengeance,    you God of vengeance, shine forth!2 Rise up, O judge of the earth;    give to the proud what they deserve!3 O Lord, how long shall the wicked,    how long shall the wicked exult?4 They pour out their arrogant words;    all the evildoers boast.5 They crush your people, O Lord,    and afflict your heritage.6 They kill the widow and the stranger,    they murder the orphan,7 and they say, “The Lord does not see;    the God of Jacob does not perceive.”8 Understand, O dullest of the people;    fools, when will you be wise?9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear?He who formed the eye, does he not see?10 He who disciplines the nations,he who teaches knowledge to humankind,    does he not chastise?11     The Lord knows our thoughts,    that they are but an empty breath.12 Happy are those whom you discipline, O Lord,    and whom you teach out of your law,13 giving them respite from days of trouble,    until a pit is dug for the wicked.14 For the Lord will not forsake his people;    he will not abandon his heritage;15 for justice will return to the righteous,    and all the upright in heart will follow it.16 Who rises up for me against the wicked?    Who stands up for me against evildoers?17 If the Lord had not been my help,    my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.18 When I thought, “My foot is slipping,”    your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.19 When the cares of my heart are many,    your consolations cheer my soul.20 Can wicked rulers be allied with you,    those who contrive mischief by statute?21 They band together against the life of the righteous,    and condemn the innocent to death.22 But the Lord has become my stronghold,    and my God the rock of my refuge.23 He will repay them for their iniquity    and wipe them out for their wickedness;    the Lord our God will wipe them out.**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: Biblepic.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 23Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Psalm 23The Divine ShepherdA Psalm of David.1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2     He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3     he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths    for his name's sake.4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,    I fear no evil; for you are with me;    your rod and your staff—    they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me    in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;    my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me    all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord    my whole life long.**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo ScaifePicture Art: Faithlife - Bible Screen.com

Morning MeditationsPsalm 91Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Meditation of the Day:Psalm 91Assurance of God's Protection1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High,    who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;    my God, in whom I trust.”3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler    and from the deadly pestilence;4 he will cover you with his pinions,    and under his wings you will find refuge;    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.5 You will not fear the terror of the night,    or the arrow that flies by day,6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,    or the destruction that wastes at noonday.7 A thousand may fall at your side,    ten thousand at your right hand,    but it will not come near you.8 You will only look with your eyes    and see the punishment of the wicked.9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge,    the Most High your dwelling place,10 no evil shall befall you,    no scourge come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you    to guard you in all your ways.12 On their hands they will bear you up,    so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,    the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.14 Those who love me, I will deliver;    I will protect those who know my name.15 When they call to me, I will answer them;    I will be with them in trouble,    I will rescue them and honor them.16 With long life I will satisfy them,    and show them my salvation. (NRSV)**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo Scaife

Bible Study with Jairus – 1 Corinthians 5 Seeing With Spiritual Eyes We are challenged when reading 1 Corinthians 5 because the Corinthians were arrogant (weak in dealing with the wicked and arrogant towards God) and did not remove the wicked from their midst. Paul's spirit gathered with them there, and only after Paul judged the wicked in the spirit was the wicked removed. Similarly, today the church is arrogant (weak in dealing with sin and arrogant towards God). The church is accommodating to wicked people and wickedness, so the Spirit of God comes to intervene in order to drive the wicked people and wickedness out. The coronavirus pandemic and the difficulties of this year are all for this purpose. All things work together to drive the wicked people and the wickedness out of the church and other sectors of society so the church can be pure and revival can come. Arrogance and Compromise in the Church In the study of the last chapter, we noted that Paul mentioned three times that the Corinthians were arrogant (1 Corinthians 4:6, 18, 19). They were arrogant towards each other, shown in how they belittled and despised others (4:6); or thought that Paul would not come to the Corinthian church, so they were arrogant (18-19). But Chapter 5 says that the Corinthians were arrogant and did not remove the wicked who were sexually immoral from the church. How are we to understand this arrogance? Let us look at the example of Eli. When God criticized Eli, he said that Eli had more respect for his son than for God, so God had to discipline him severely. From this story, we can see that to respect people more than we respect God is actually a kind of arrogance. Eli didn't discipline his son severely -- he accommodated his own son in his flesh. The Corinthian church did not drive out the sinners, but also accommodated sin and the flesh in the church, so in the eyes of God and Paul, they were arrogant. Don't we have similar examples in modern churches? In some churches in the United States, in order to be "User Friendly," they dare not criticize sin. The church has gradually compromised with sin and become like Eli and the Corinthian Church in the eyes of God. Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4 that some people became arrogant when they thought Paul was not physically going to the Corinthian church. We don't know where Paul was at the time, but it seems that he could not go to the Corinthian church physically. Chapter 5:3-5 (Recovery Version) says: "For I, on my part, though being absent in the body but present in the spirit, have already judged, as if being present, him who has thus done this, in the name of our Lord Jesus, when you and my spirit have been assembled, with the power of our Lord Jesus, to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." This has the same meaning as the ESV. The ESV says "For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." Paul's spirit and the Corinthians gather. But the Chinese Union Version translation is: "Although my body is not with you, my heart is with you, as if I am personally with you. I have already judged those who do this. My heart is also there, in the name of our Lord Jesus, with the power of our Lord Jesus, to hand over such a person to Satan and corrupt his flesh so that his soul can be saved in the day of Lord Jesus." The translation of the Chinese Union Version does not clearly state that “Paul's spirit assembles with the Corinthians,” but uses a metaphor by saying his heart was with them. (A note about translation tools: One of my New Testament professors at United Theological Seminary told me that many theologians believe that the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is one of the most accurate translations of the original text, so we were required to do all exegetical tasks with this version. Because some students in the seminary did not understand the original Hebrew and the original Greek, she also recommended using STEPBIBLE.ORG. This website has a word-by-word explanation of the original text, which is very convenient for reference when you understand English but do not understand the original text of the Bible. The website has only the English Standard Version, but she said that the accuracy of the translation of the English Standard Version is comparable to that of the New English Revised Version, so it is still beneficial.) An Out of Body Experience? Let's focus on verse 5 in the ESV. This experience in which Paul says his spirit is present seems to be an experience like "transformation." We need to study this experience more in order to have a fuller picture of what this chapter is saying. The Bible records the experience of Philip being caught away (Acts 8:30) where Philip's body was raptured, because people later saw Philip elsewhere. But Paul's experience here may only be that he was brought to the gathering of the Corinthian church in the spirit. Many believers in the Charismatic Movement have had such experiences, but many Evangelical brothers and sisters are more cautious about this. I personally have had many such experiences in my dreams. It is like my body did not go to these gatherings, but in my dreams, I attended gatherings of different churches in China. In these gatherings, I not only heard what they said, but also had dialogues and conversations with many people. I have had such experiences often. What is even more strange is that I not only participate in these gatherings, but I also eat and drink with the people in them. From the Biblical example and my personal experience, plus the similar testimonies of many people, I am inclined to believe that this was the experience of Paul being brought to the Corinthian church by God in the Spirit. Paul mentioned in the fourth chapter that because he could not go to the Corinthian church, some people were arrogant. Perhaps he prayed eagerly to God, and the Spirit of God lifted his spirit to participate in the gathering of the Corinthian Church where he judged the evil man. I personally think that this did not happen in a real and physical meeting, but was something that happened in the spirit. If it was something that happened in a real meeting, Paul would not need to write to the Corinthians and ask them to remove the wicked person from among them. The world we live in is a material world, which is visible, but we also have a spiritual world. It is invisible, but it is real. Often what happens in the physical realm is a reaction to what happens in the spiritual realm. And since our spiritual man often receives something first, our soul and body may not be able to keep up. But the close connection between the spiritual world and the material world cannot be denied. Our communication and the links between the two may be beyond our imagination, especially when it comes to the spiritual world. The Importance of Connections We know that even the plants in the forest can transmit information through various methods. Animals can send information to the same species or to enemies through roaring, feces, and so on. If people stay together for a long time, they also pass on information to each other. Some people say that after a couple lives together for a long time, they can transmit hormones to each other. So if a husband and wife sleep in separate rooms, you will find that they become alienated from each other after a long time, which could be the lack of such hormone transmission. In the spiritual world, we may also have a strong connection with the Spirit of God, the spirits of other Christians, and even evil spirits. I once studied the Deliverance Ministry systematically. In the Deliverance Ministry, there is a concept called the "ungodly soul tie." The concept is that if a believer has some ungodly tie with others, such as extramarital sex, he or she will have ungodly soul ties with others. Although you may not have contact with them on the outside anymore, (as in these things happened before you were married or saved), you may still have ungodly soul ties with them. Therefore, the ungodly soul tie becomes a channel for the evil spirits of the opponent to attack you. In other words, if you have ever had this kind of sexual contact with others, but you have not cut the ungodly soul tie through the work of exorcising evil spirits and praying for repentance, the evil spirits from the other party are free to attack you. The Chinese saying "the lotus root snaps but the fibers don't break" can describe this picture very well. Although your relationship is broken, the relationship in your soul hasn't broken yet. Therefore, in the Deliverance Ministry, the special teaching is to cut the ungodly soul tie to help Christians be released from the bondage of evil spirits. There is a normal soul tie between husband and wife and family. But once one party in this tie is tainted, it will also bring damage to the other parties. For example, although we do not need to bear the sins committed by our ancestors, the sins committed by our ancestors will bring us a family curse. Therefore, the Deliverance Ministry also specifically teaches  breaking your family curse through prayer and repentance for the sins of your ancestors. In addition, the example of blood is also a good illustration. Our blood circulates in our body, supplying the different parts, even all the way through our limbs. But once a limb is injured, it needs to be disinfected in time so that the wound can heal as soon as possible. If the wound cannot be treated and disinfected in time, the germs will spread to the entire body of the person through the blood. Each of us in the Body of Christ is part of the circulation of the blood of this divine life. If a person commits a sin and does not deal with it, it will bring the sin into the entire blood circulation, thus causing the entire body to be injured or even die. Paul said, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6). He also said, “Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written 'The two will become one flesh.' But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him "(1 Corinthians 6:16-17). Paul's words in these two places have the same meaning. When we have a normal tie with God and an ungodly tie with others, we must cut off our ungodly tie with others. Because we have a physical tie with a person, we become one with that person. We are tied to the Lord, and we are also one spirit with the Lord in the Spirit. It really is true that the depths of the links of our flesh, soul, and spirit are beyond our imagination.   The difficulty is that, for many of us, our spiritual eyes are not opened; we cannot see what is happening in the spiritual world. For example, when we often watch movies full of foul language, the foul language will pollute our souls and tie our souls with the evil spirits behind the foul language, thus giving the enemy a chance to attack us. It even gives evil spirits a chance to enter us. I used to have to watch certain videos because of my work as a translator, but these videos had some foul language, which made me very uncomfortable. One time I prayed to God to cleanse my soul. As a result, I had a dream at night and found that my hands were covered in green stool. And I saw that there was a cesspool in front of me. Some people were immersed in it. They were still very satisfied, but I felt very sick. Then the Holy Spirit said to me, the foul language is like green stool. Once it contaminates your soul, it is difficult to clean off, so it is best to stay away from it. This dream made me deeply disturbed, so I stopped accepting these kinds of film translation jobs. Although I got some income through these jobs and supported my work of serving the Lord, in the end, I looked past money and refused to let the foul language contaminate my soul. Because God opened my spiritual eyes, I saw that the foul language and uncleanliness would bring great obstacles to my prayers and spiritual life. I won! The opening of our spiritual eyes to see what is happening in the spiritual world is very important. Similarly, did Paul's gathering with the Corinthians in the spirit really happen in the material world, like the rapture of Philip? It seems that this is not the case, but something that happened in the spirit. If it happened in the spirit, did the Corinthians feel it? I believe that the Corinthians did not see Paul in the flesh or through the naked eye, but it does not mean that this matter did not happen in the spirit. Many things often happen in the spiritual world, but we don't perceive it. For example, Hebrews 12 says that many saints in glory look down at us from the sky like clouds, but most of us do not see the saints in their glory. This does not mean that it did not happen. Reassurance for Today Paul's gathering with them in the spirit, as well as his spiritual judgment on the evil man and his epistles, are important reasons that led to the final repentance of the Corinthian church. Why was the Corinthian church unable to drive out the evil man? Because they lived in the flesh, and their leaders also lived in the flesh. They exalted Paul or Apollos, but in fact, they were competing for leadership. These leaders may also have had a certain natural relationship with this sinful man. They could not stand up and remove this wicked person from the church. Therefore, the situation caused Paul to judge the evil man after gathering with them in spirit, and he finally helped the Corinthian church drive him out or chastise him for repentance. Likewise, the Spirit of God is with us in every meeting today. Even if Paul gathering with the Corinthians in the spirit is still controversial, it is still an indisputable fact that the Spirit of God is with us in our meetings today. But can we all feel and see the spirit? Not necessarily. We also need God to open our spiritual eyes to see. Through countless dreams, God has told me that a world-wide gospel revival is coming. Before this revival, God must cast out the wicked who are in power in various fields, including politics, economics, and religion; and place those who love God in a godly way in such leadership positions. Only in this way can a political, economic, and religious environment conducive to the spread of the gospel be established. But when we look at it, we see many wicked people in power. In most cases, we are as powerless, unable, or even unwilling to drive them out, just like the Corinthians. But the Spirit of God is gathering with us to judge these wicked people. These wicked people will soon be driven out from all fields, making way for those who love God. Such changes will not only happen in the United States' democratic society, but also in countries such as China and North Korea that live in a totalitarian society. In my visions, I have even seen a great revival in China where China changed into a democratic country. The reality we see on the outside is often the opposite of the spiritual reality. But we cannot see the spiritual reality with our eyes; we must see it with our spiritual eyes to see the truth. In this way, we can be full of confidence and hope for God's promise.     Written by Sean Song on 5/13/2021

Morning MeditationsPsalm 1Morning Meditations take the time to stop for a moment and embrace inspirational words that refuel us for the day. These moments of inspiration are taken from the Bible and special inspirational readings. Hopefully this time will inspire you as the listener to start your week with hope, joy, love, and peace.Enjoy a moment of meditation today.Meditation of the Day:Psalm 1The Two Ways1 Happy are those    who do not follow the advice of the wicked,or take the path that sinners tread,    or sit in the seat of scoffers;2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord,    and on his law they meditate day and night.3 They are like trees    planted by streams of water,which yield their fruit in its season,    and their leaves do not wither.In all that they do, they prosper.4 The wicked are not so,    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,    but the way of the wicked will perish. (NRSV)**This scripture reading is taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the BibleKeep Listening at www.bhm365.comContact us at info@bhm365.comMusic: "Am I Dreaming", Moments - Soundstripe.comVoiceover Artist: Jo Scaife

This episodes theme comes from 2nd Corinthians 4:16-18. It is read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation and is available online at: http://bit.ly/GoodTheo034 This episode is sectioned into three parts. In the first part, our message is provided by Father Jeremy. In the second part we are guided through the spiritual practice of breathing through prayer and then in the third part Fr. Jeremy and Pastor Sam go down the rabbit hole in discussing this episode's theme. As Always, we would love to hear from you so, please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you have heard, a theological question you might have, or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit us online at https://goodtheology.life Our centering prayer for this week is: Our Ears to hear you, Our Eyes to see you, Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

On this episode of GoodTheology we take a look at the concept of faith. This episode's message is provided by Father Jeremy and our scripture comes from the Gospel of John (10:11-18). It is read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation and is available online at: http://bit.ly/GoodTheo029 This episode's message was inspired by a question posed to us this week so as always, please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you have heard, a theological question you might have, or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit us online at https://goodtheology.life Our centering prayer for this week is: Our Ears to hear you, Our Eyes to see you, Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

On this episode of GoodTheology we take a look at the nature of sin. This episode's message is provided by Father Jeremy and our scripture comes from the First Epistle of John (3:1-7). It is read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation and is available online at: http://bit.ly/GoodTheo028 Also on this episode we answer a question sent to us from one of our listeners. As always, please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you have heard, a theological question you might have, or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit us online at https://goodtheology.life Our centering prayer for this week is: Our Ears to hear you, Our Eyes to see you, Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Bible study with Jairus- Numbers 2 Numbers 2 records Jehovah's arrangement of the encampment of the 12 tribes of Israel around the tent of meeting in the following order: Judah takes the lead in the east, next to Judah is the tribe of Issachar and Zebulun.  To the south is the tribe of Reuben; next to Reuben is the tribe of Simeon and the tribe of Gad.  On the west is the tribe of Ephraim; next to Ephraim is the tribe of Manasseh and Benjamin. The tribe of Dan takes the lead on the north; next to them is the tribe of Asher and Naphtali. The Levites were, of course, not counted.  The names of the leaders, as well as the division numbers in each tribe, were mentioned in addition to recording this order.  Many readers may be confused after reading the names of these unfamiliar tribes, leaders, and numbers.  It's enough to make one's head spin. Just this week, I saw one of my teachers from the United Theological Seminary, post a sentence on Facebook by John Wimber (the founder of the Vineyard Church).  It reads, "When we are losing the encounter of the Lord, we will start counting on people.” I am paraphrasing it as I did not know where it came from. This means that we should focus on meeting the Lord every day instead of the achievements we have done for the Lord. The Bible records David's two sins.  His first sin was committing adultery by marrying Uriah's wife. The other sin was counting the Israelites. This census was the sin of spiritual immorality. Why? As Joab (David's general) said, if David is not satisfied, he can ask God to give him more. Why count Israel? When David was counting the Israelites, his heart became proud, and he had drifted far away from God. He was counting his achievements and those achievements became the idol of his heart causing God to be displeased. Watchman Nee, the founder of the Local Church Movement, often said that God values more what we are than what we do. It's not hard for us to draw inspiration from the story of David and the words of John Wimber and Watchman Nee. We don't need to pay too much attention to the names and numbers of those tribes in this chapter. Rather, we should pay attention to how we can stay focused on the Lord. Under the illumination of the Holy Spirit, we did notice that a very important phrase in this chapter from the second verse "around the tent of meeting." Numbers 2:2 (NIV) says, "The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family." While we had our Bible study, the Holy Spirit especially illuminated this and reminded us to pay attention to these words “around the tent of meeting.” In the version of the Chinese Bible we used, it was translated as “facing the tent of meeting.” The translation in the NIV is not that clear. But the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) version says, “The Israelites shall camp each in their respective regiments, under ensigns by their ancestral houses; they shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.” It also says, “facing the tent of meeting on every side.” In other words, Jehovah's encampment isn't just focusing on the order, division numbers, and the names of the leaders of the twelve tribes. These are important, but what's more important is the principle of the encampment of the tribes of Israel: to "camp facing the tent of meeting on every side. " In other words, the principle of spiritual warfare is to "face God and turn one's back on the world and the enemy." This sounds different from the strategy in the world. We usually face our enemies.  What should we do if the enemy suddenly attacks?  It's a different story here. Although we need to understand the enemy's movements, the key to win at spiritual warfare is to “face God,” receive enlightenment and guidance from Him, rather than fighting the enemy according to our flesh. Many pastors often testify that when they feel overwhelmed by the needs of the world and the busyness of working for the Lord, they slowly lose God's presence and their peace in the Lord. They become overwhelmed to the point of suffering a nervous breakdown. “Burnout” is a word that can describe this situation. The tent of meeting or tabernacle serves as the dwelling place of God. This is where God's presence is. To the east of the tabernacle is the gate to the outer court of the tabernacle where the priests offer sacrifices, manage affairs in the outer court and perform their services. In the center is the Holy Place of the tabernacle, and to the west is the Holy of Holies. Each tribe is to camp facing the tent of meeting on every side, each man under his standard with the banners of his tribe. Although the Levites were not counted here, it doesn't mean that the Levites had no status. On the contrary, the Levites have a very important status here. They are the connection between God who dwells in the tabernacle and the different tribes of Israel who encamped facing the tent of meeting. By serving each tribe, the Levites brought their needs before God. At the same time, the Levites also brought God's presence and instructions to the tribes of Israel outside. If you weren't able to recognize the work of the Levites, it is easy to think of this arrangement of Jehovah as a few dots. But when you notice the work of the Levites, the arrangement of God is no longer a few dots, but rather, a net. In this net, God and man form a big wheel through the link between the Levites as priests and the cooperation amongst different tribes. It's like what Ezekiel mentioned, wheel intersecting a wheel (NIV, Ezekiel 1:16). No matter which tribe we belong to, or in which church God places us, our most important task every day is to draw near to God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is our High Priest. It's just like what the ministry of the Levites represents here. Our most important task every day is to meet with God. Our hearts must be towards God. We must face God and turn our back on the world and its needs. It's not that we shouldn't get in touch with the world and carry out various activities. But rather, we must ensure that we don't deal with things for the sake of just dealing with them. I often hear people say that it's not the needs of human beings that motivated the ministry of Jesus. Rather, the will of the Father was what motivated Him. He only did what He saw His Father doing. If Jesus came to earth because He was merely trying to meet the needs of human beings, then his ministry was not successful, because many people's needs were not met. But the Lord Jesus came to fulfill God's will for Him. If the Heavenly Father spoke, He spoke; if the Heavenly Father did something, He did it. Similarly, we should operate in this way to serve the affairs of the world, such as caring for the orphans and poor people. If it's because we are simply responding to the needs of human beings, we will eventually collapse and fail to meet all the needs of the world. If we do it because of God's will and guidance in our lives, no matter how much we do, we are filled with God's presence and rest. Many pastors and other spiritual leaders start their ministries by first waiting on God. But slowly, the needs that they are facing become greater, and gradually, the needs take all of their attention, causing them to unknowingly focus on the needs rather than God.  Remember, we cannot turn our backs on God and face the world and its needs; we need to turn our back on the world and its needs and face God. There is a saying in China called "Take a coat by the collar,” which means if you grasp the main idea of something, the minor details will become clearer. The main point here is "facing the tent of meeting.” When each tribe is "facing the tent of meeting,” many of the following activities will be easier to do or manage afterward. But if a certain tribe begins to take his eyes off the tabernacle or off of God and turn to his enemies outside, or if he pays too much attention to the tribes next to him, which then generates competition, this main point or collar is destroyed. Problems will occur in the operation of this big net or this big wheel designed by God according to His wisdom. For example, we know that God's chosen people should be in unity. But when we see the shortcomings of other Christians or denominations, it is inevitable to criticize and judge. It is not that we should not help other churches but that God leaves the right of judgment to Himself; therefore, it is not our responsibility to judge others. We should keep our eyes on God, and not others, denominations, etc..  When we are more focused on what others are doing either right or wrong, the enemy will take advantage of us creating discord and destroying the large net woven by God.   We should not be jealous of other's gifts and different callings. Just as the eyes should not be jealous of the ears, we should be satisfied with our own gifts and take hold of our calling firmly. Our eyes should be focused on God and treat other people and denominations from God's perspective. Now that we understand this most important principle let's look at the order, names of the leaders, and the number of people in each tribe and see what kind of spiritual significance they each have. First of all, let's take a look at the tribe of Judah on the east, towards the sunrise. We know that Judah is the tribe of war.  The book of Judges records that when the Israelites went to fight against the Benjaminites, they asked Jehovah who should go up first to fight, and the Lord said that Judah should go first. The Lord Jesus is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. ​​In Genesis 49,  Jacob prophesied that his son Judah was a lion's cub. Next is the tribe of Issachar. Judges said that the tribe of Issachar were men “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32 NIV). We can say this tribe has the gift of prophecy. We don't know exactly what the gifts of each tribe are, but it seems that Judah has more like the gift of an apostle, and Issachar has more like the gift of a prophet. Their different gifts complement each other.  The apostles and prophets are the foundation that the church was built on In the New Testament. The next tribe, the tribe of Zebulun, may represent provision and gospel preaching because Zebulun is a harbor; his border will extend toward Sidon (NIV, Genesis 49:13). Perhaps the tribe of Zebulun represents the gift of the evangelists in the New Testament. This is only my guess, but in any case, I think the order of the twelve tribes here is not according to the natural order of their births, nor is it the order of whether they came from the same mother so that they may be arranged according to their gifts and their spiritual maturity before God. These three are collectively referred to as the camp of Judah. Second is the camp of Reuben, which is located in the south. This includes Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. I think that the gift of Reuben is shepherding because he tried to protect Joseph when some of his brothers plan to kill him. The meaning of the name Simeon is “heard,” while the name Gad means “luck.” I don't exactly know what gifts Simeon and Gad represent. Maybe they represent God's mercy because Simeon slaughtered countless people and could have been the key person that participated in the plot to kill Joseph. But God pitied him. Reuben also sinned, but Moses prayed not to let the tribe of Reuben be few. Jacob prophesied in Genesis 49:19 (NIV), "Gad will be attacked by a band of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.” Perhaps Gad has the gift of resurrection from failures. Behind these two camps is the camp of the Levites. They are responsible for carrying the instruments of the tabernacle. We could say that they were moving tabernacles around, or in other words, they carried the presence of God around. The third camp is Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, which is located on the west. All three are descendants of Joseph. The West is where the Holy of Holies is. I feel these groups of people represent what John the beloved represented in the New Testament. John rested in the bosom of Jesus, and he was an intimate friend of Jesus. These three tribes are all dependents of Rebekah, whom Jacob loves most. The fourth camp is the tribe of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, which is located in the north. To me, they also represent certain aspects of Christ, who is our ultimate savior. Of course, other tribes also represent certain aspects of Christ as well.  I'm not sure why Jehovah has arranged it that way. However, my guess is perhaps they are arranged according to their different gifts and the maturity of their spiritual lives. Let's take a look at the leaders. The leaders of each tribe are mentioned here for the second time because the Lord has already appointed them in Chapter 1. For example, the leader of the tribe of Judah is Nahshon, son of Amminadab. There is no detailed record in the Bible, so we have no way of knowing what kind of a person Amminadab was, how he could give birth to a leader like Nahshon, and what education and help did Nahshon receive to become the leader of the Judah. Nahshon commands 74,600 soldiers in the tribe of Judah. I don't know how many people you are shepherding or how many people God has entrusted to your leadership, but I know that a pastor leading a church of 2,000 people, or even a church of 200 people, is a very difficult job. Therefore, it was not easy for Nahshon to lead 74,600 people. He must have received excellent training and help from God to take such responsibility. Being a leader is not a ruler but a shepherd. Nahshon would have to face God every day and bear the responsibility for 74,600 people. On the one hand, he was leading these people. On the other hand, he was shepherding them or carrying them on his shoulder or his back before the Lord because the New Testament had already told us that the responsibility of the elders was not to rule over but to shepherd. We are all priests who carry those who are under our shepherding. I just cited Nahshon as an example to tell you that he has a legacy from his family, and he learned this from his father Amminadab. God knew him. God had personally called him to be a leader, indicating that God had already personally trained him. The same goes for the other tribes and their leaders. Not only was a tribe's leader mentioned, but the names of their fathers were also mentioned. We won't mention each one of the leaders of the other tribes. But hopefully, this helps you to see the principle behind each leader. Let's take a look at the numbers now. Each tribe's division numbers are different. Don't think this is just a trivial matter. This reflects the prosperity of the tribe. Naturally, the increase in number reflects that they have been blessed before God. Judah's tribe was the largest. This may be one of the reasons they were in the first camp. I don't know the meaning of each set of numbers.  I know God wasn't happy when David was counting the numbers of Israelites. But it's okay for Moses to count here. Why? It's still the principle that we talked about earlier, "camp facing the tent of meeting on every side" is the main point. When Moses was doing the counting, he had a face to face encounter with God. He was doing it in the correct order. But David's heart was full of pride when he was counting the numbers. He was doing it in the wrong order. Meeting God first is the priority. If God is first, counting the things that you do spiritually for God is okay.  If you neglect God and just focus on the spiritual needs in your ministry, it won't be pleasing to God.   We must first pursue God before working for Him or pursing His gifts.  I'm not saying to neglect service or gifts but we need to balance it all correctly by seeking God with all of our hearts first. This will enable us to walk confidently in our calling and be victorious in battle.  Let's meet God first daily before we face the needs of the world. No matter what we do, hopefully, it is done out of our love for God instead of duty or ambition. In this way, we will certainly be able to please God. But let's not overlook the fact that God has indeed given us different gifts. Just like the twelve tribes, they are all placed in certain places by God to carry out certain duties according to the calling and gifts that He has given us.  

This week we didn't have any questions submitted so we went right into our message. But please feel encouraged to email us if you have any questions regarding a message you heard or anything else. We're happy to try and answer them on the podcast. Please send us your questions to goodtheology@icloud.com or visit our website to submit a question. Today's message was provided by Father Jeremy. A link for this episode's scripture can be found online here: http://bit.ly/goodtheo016 and comes from the book of Jonah 3:1-5, 10 from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation. The centering prayer for today's episode is: Almighty and Everlasting God: Our Ears to hear you. Our Eyes to see you. Our Behavior to share you. Glory be to you God, Source of All Being, Incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Sermon by the Rev. Peter Moore from the sanctuary of Greenfield Presbyterian Church, Berkley, MI. The scripture lessons are Romans 13:1-5 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Being Subject to Authorities 13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; 4 for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority[a] does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. Footnotes: [a] Romans 13:4 Gk it Revelation 13:1-4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 13 1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads; and on its horns were ten diadems, and on its heads were blasphemous names. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And the dragon gave it his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have received a death-blow, but its mortal wound[a] had been healed. In amazement the whole earth followed the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” Footnotes: [a] Revelation 13:3 Gk the plague of its death

This sermon is given by the Rev. Peter Moore for the congregation of Greenfield Presbyterian Church, Berkley, MI. The scripture lesson is Luke 14:16-24 from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 16 Then Jesus[a] said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. 17 At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ 20 Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ 23 Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you,[b] none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’” Footnotes: [a] Luke 14:16 Gk he [b] Luke 14:24 The Greek word for you here is plural

Sermon given by the Rev. Peter Moore for the congregation of Greenfield Presbyterian Church, Berkley, MI. Scripture lesson is from John 11:17-29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Jesus the Resurrection and the Life 17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus[a] had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles[b] away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[c] Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah,[d] the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” Jesus Weeps 28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Footnotes: [a] John 11:17 Gk he [b] John 11:18 Gk fifteen stadia [c] John 11:25 Other ancient authorities lack and the life [d] John 11:27 Or the Christ John 11:32-44 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34 He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus began to weep. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Jesus Raises Lazarus to Life 38 Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Sermon given by Deacon Dennis Basierbe for the congregation of Greenfield Presbyterian Church, Berkley, MI. Scripture lesson is from John 15:9-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

For more info check out our website https://saint-stephens.info/If you would like to donate to our ministry please visit paypal.me/StStephensEpiscopal Sermon - Rev. Sujanna Raj Gospel - John 14:1-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe[a] in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.”[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know[d] my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me[e] for anything, I will do it.

Sunday After Easter sermon by Pastor Magdiel Tzec John 20:19-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Matthew 28:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)The Resurrection of Jesus28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

2 Samuel 7:8-9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.

This is the fifth of five sermons in the series "How Can We Hope In A World Like This?" by the Rev. Peter Moore for the congregation of Greenfield Presbyterian Church. The scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters,[a] is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die,[b] but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved,[c] be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Footnotes: [a] 1 Corinthians 15:50 Gk brothers [b] 1 Corinthians 15:51 Gk fall asleep [c] 1 Corinthians 15:58 Gk beloved brothers

2 Samuel 19:14-15 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)14 Amasa swayed the hearts of all the people of Judah as one, and they sent word to the king, “Return, both you and all your servants.” 15 So the king came back to the Jordan; and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring him over the Jordan.2 Samuel 19:24-30 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)David and Mephibosheth Meet24 Mephibosheth grandson of Saul came down to meet the king; he had not taken care of his feet, or trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes, from the day the king left until the day he came back in safety. 25 When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me; for your servant said to him, ‘Saddle a donkey for me, so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ For your servant is lame. 27 He has slandered your servant to my lord the king. But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you. 28 For all my father’s house were doomed to death before my lord the king; but you set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right have I, then, to appeal to the king?” 29 The king said to him, “Why speak any more of your affairs? I have decided: you and Ziba shall divide the land.” 30 Mephibosheth said to the king, “Let him take it all, since my lord the king has arrived home safely.”

Sermon preached on 2020-03-29 by Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen. Worship series, "Come to the Table." Sermon, "Come to the Table...at your house today." Scripture, Luke 19:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”Support the show (http://tinyurl.com/donatecumc)