Podcasts about new testament church

The New Testament Church was vested in each other, dedicated to taking care of each other through the ups and downs of life. 

The New Testament Church Part 3

We continue our message series about the beginning of the New Testament Church in Acts 2:44-47, with a conversation about the priority of togetherness. 

The New Testament Church - Part 2

Its members are united in interests by mutual agreement in THE faith and fellowship of the gospel.

The New Testament Church Part 1

 When did the Catholic Church start structurally separating from the New Testament Church?  What are the major differences that are worth dividing over? How can we initiate meaningful gospel conversations with Catholics?

TEXT: Ephesians 4:1-13 The Son of God ascended into heaven to fill His new testament church We will see how this grace of the new testament church: 1. Is earned for us by Jesus Christ 2. Is given to us by Jesus Christ 3. Is given for the good of the whole church

In this episode, Dr. Joseph Mattera unpacks the true focus of the New Testament Church and brings clarity to often-confused terms like revival, awakening, and reformation. While many pursue emotional experiences or temporary movements, the early church modeled something far more enduring—kingdom transformation rooted in apostolic vision, disciple-making, and cultural influence. Tune in to learn the distinctions between revival, awakening, and reformation—and why the Church must shift its focus from moments of excitement to movements of lasting change.

Julian and Germ discuss tithing, offering and giving. A conversation on whether tithing is required for the New Testament Church. Also an explanation of the different types of tithes......#tithing #NewTestamentChurch #BiblicalTithing #ChristianGiving #ChurchTithing #Tithe #NewTestamentTeachings  #ChristianStewardship #GivingToTheChurch #BiblicalGiving #TithingInTheBible #StewardshipInTheChurch #NewTestamentGiving #ChurchGiving #AsGodHasPospered #Isrealites #land #poor #crops #money #cheerfulgiver #offering #faith #jesus #donation #gospel #cult #religion #prosperity

Display Text: "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand." - 1 Corinthians 15:1Preservice Song: My Lord I Did Not Choose You Votum and SalutationPsalm 89:6 10 Words of the CovenantPsalm 119:19, 20, 21 PrayerScripture Reading: John 21:15-19Hymn 47:3 Sermon Text: 2 Peter 1:12-15 Christ Gives His New Testament Church Abiding Reminders.1. The Nature of These Reminders.2. The Need for These Reminders.3. The Nearness of These Reminders.Psalm 105:1, 2Ordination of Elders and Deacons: Darren Gritter, Filipe Lima, Bradley Tenbrinke, Peter Tolsma, Kelvin Van Dasselaar, Chris de Leeuw, Thomas BidellPsalm 134:3 Thanksgiving PrayerThanksgiving OfferingPsalm 23BenedictionTime:MorningMinister:Rev. J. VanSpronsenTexts:2 Peter 1:12–15John 21:15–19

Unto God be glory in The Church, by Christ Jesus. IN THE CHURCH; FORSAKE NOT THE ASSEMBLING OF YOURSELVES TOGETHER!

Many people have called Pentecost the birthday of the New Testament Church. It has also been called a lot of other things down through the years. It has been called a harvest festival. It’s been called a celebration of the resurrection. It’s a celebration of the Holy Spirit. It’s been called the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Firstfruits, and the name we generally use—the Feast of Pentecost, itself a curious little Greek word signifying that it is the fiftieth day. In the very beginning, though, Pentecost was a harvest festival. Let’s begin with the very earliest reference to the feast, found in the 23rd chapter of Exodus.Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Over the past few weeks, we’ve followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain…a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the sixth of those seven weeks, so tonight we’ll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

Unto God be glory in The Church, by Christ Jesus.

Now ye are the body of Christ, and God hath set some in the Church.

Quiet Moments with Russ Ep245 - Bible History Lessons - Lesson 3 - The New Testament Church

The Institutional, Generic, and Abstract usage of the word Church. "When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense, therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studied in the light of related passages, and self-evident and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise."

Series: N/AService: Radio Program / PodcastType: Radio Program / PodcastSpeaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

Series: N/AService: SundayType: SermonSpeaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

The Institutional, Generic, and Abstract usage of the word Church.

As the world indulges in the commercial aspects of Easter, blending pagan customs with the most solemn Christian memorial, we, as Christ's church, are reminded of the urgent need for spiritual change. Just as the Apostle Paul confronted challenges in the New Testament Church, Brother Singh helps us to face similar issues today. 

In this episode, we explore the spiritual landscape of the early church and its approach to demons, darkness, and deliverance. While Jesus's ministry was marked by frequent and visible power encounters with demonic forces, the New Testament Church took a noticeably different approach—rooted in truth, identity, and bold obedience.We'll examine how Jesus's authority shaped the early church's understanding of spiritual warfare, why the apostles didn't obsess over the demonic, and what they focused on instead. We'll also confront the modern church's tendency to over-spiritualize hardship and ask: Are we responding like the early church did—with prayer, boldness, and clarity of mission?Whether you're navigating spiritual pressure, teaching on spiritual warfare, or simply looking to root your theology in New Testament truth, this conversation will bring balance, depth, and direction.

The book of Acts narrates the birth and early history of the church. But this history is presented piecemeal and doesn't include all the drama that the individual churches went through. The Epistles give us one part of the “phone conversation” but plenty is left out. What would it look like to fill in the missing information? In this episode, the guys interview Frank Viola who has just produced a work that attempts to bring out some of these missing details. Check out their discussion about “The Untold Story of the New Testament Church.” https://www.amazon.com/Untold-Testament-Church-Revised-Expanded/dp/0768461626

Jesus Is The Way – Humility To Glory (4) (audio) David Eells – 3/23/25 I'd like to start today with the Beatitudes because they speak to a great extent about who it is that God blesses. (Mat.5:1) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: (2) and he opened his mouth and taught them… Well, no man is our Example. Our Example is the Lord Jesus Christ, and it doesn't take very much study to discover that Christianity has put more emphasis upon its traditions than upon the Example that's given us in the Scriptures.    When I started to look in the Scriptures for the examples I was seeing in Christianity, what the preachers and the religions were following, I discovered very quickly that I just couldn't find them. For instance, we read, “When he had sat down, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth and he taught them.” Jesus never spoke from a pulpit, yet that's become an institution in Christian churches these days. So after the Lord showed me this and I was invited to a church to speak, I just pulled up a chair in front of the congregation, sat down, and began to share with them. Well, that shocked some of them and they looked at me as if they'd never seen such a thing, but others seemed to enjoy the freedom of less formality, possibly because they thought it was more Biblical. The truth is that nowhere in the Scriptures do we see an example of the mourner's bench, the altar, or the taking up of collections at every meeting (Oh, I'm probably getting in trouble with some of you now!) or even wearing suits. Many people think you're just not holy unless you wear a suit, but Jesus didn't have one. I thank God I broke that tradition. I hate suits with a passion, though I have been weak to the weak and worn a suit to preach, but I don't like it. So we have to be free to do this too. Jesus commonly, all through the Gospels, just sat down and taught. He didn't get red in the face and unnecessarily loud and prance up and down to emulate the “anointing” like some “Hollywood” preacher. And woe be unto you if you are in the front row: they can spray spittle all over you. Jesus was just a quiet teacher with no theatrics. But the anointing isn't in any of that; the anointing is on the Truth, and here it says Jesus sat down and He gave the Sermon on the Mount. All through the Scriptures He sat down and taught them (Matthew 5:1, 24:3, 26:55; etc.) When the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people came to take Jesus in the middle of the night, (Mat.26:55) In that hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and staves to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and ye took me not. And He never used a pulpit, and He never wore a “suit.” So how did these things come to be so important? It reminds me of when Jesus said in (Mat.23:23) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone. (24) Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel! Things that really aren't important seem to be very important to religious people just as it was in Jesus' time. We need freedom from all that law of traditions to just follow the Lord as He also showed. We need to get back to the Example Jesus gave us. (Mat.5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. When I read this, I asked, “Lord, now what does ‘the poor in spirit' mean? I need You to explain this to me.” Of course, one thing we know it means, follow the example Jesus gave us. He is the Example of someone Who is poor in spirit. He is our Pattern to copy (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 2:5,3:17; etc.) because there is something about the spirit of the poor that God wants in all of His people. Let's examine a few scriptures and see what this “something” is. (Php.2:5) Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (6) who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped (That's the Greek word harpagmós (Meaning to hold on to His original position.), (7) but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. Now Jesus said the Gentiles love to lord it over one another (Matthew 20:25; Luke 22:25; etc.). However, it shouldn't be so in the Church, as said in (Mat.20:26) Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; (27) and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: (28) even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. So the greatest “among you shall be your servant,” but men love positions of authority, places of esteem, and the respect of the multitudes. And when they come into the Kingdom, they think they need to climb the corporate ladder just like they do in the world and seize the prize of a prestigious church role. Well, a prestigious church role is the very opposite of what the worldly mind thinks it is. My good friend, Bolivar, once shared a dream with me in which he was searching everywhere for the Lord, like the Shulamite searching for where the Lord taught His sheep in (Song of Solomon 1:7,3:1-3,5:6). And so Bolivar went into this skyscraper, thinking, “Surely Jesus is on the top floor and teaching His disciples in the penthouse” because, of course, that would be a suitable location for royalty according to the way a lot of church people think. They believe that it takes a fancy building to really honor God, but buildings never impressed Jesus, did they (Luke 21:5-6)? Anyway, Bolivar got in the elevator, went up to the penthouse, and opened the door, but when he went inside and looked all around, he didn't see Jesus anywhere. Well, the penthouse window was open and suddenly a dragon came flying in through the window. It was the devil, and Bolivar quickly jumped back into the elevator. He went down to the basement and there was Jesus, sitting in those very humble surroundings and teaching His disciples, just as He always did throughout the Scriptures. Jesus preferred humble surroundings, and He preferred the company of those who were poor in spirit. As Jesus told us in (Mat.23:10) Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ. (11) But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (12) And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted. The Lord loves a humble people who are not exalting themselves, not putting themselves before God, not putting themselves over and above God.    Mark speaks about that in (Mar.9:35) And he sat down (There it is again.), and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. (36) And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them, (37) Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. A child is humble, and someone who is willing to be the least important and very comfortable to just be a child in the midst of people who are larger and more mature. Jesus said, “That's what I'm like,” and it should be that way among us, too. When Jesus washed the disciples' feet, He was very comfortable about it but Peter thought, “No, this is beneath Jesus,” and he said, “Lord, not so! You're not going to wash my feet.” And Jesus answered, “If I don't wash your feet, I don't have any part in you,” obviously meaning sanctification by cleaning up our walk in this world (John 13:8). Jesus became a Servant, and He commanded us to have that same mind. (Php.2:5) Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (6) who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped (Meaning to hold on to His original position.), (7) but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; (8) and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient [even] unto death, yea, the death of the cross. (As He also said we are to do.) (9) Wherefore also God highly exalted him. Praise God! If we have this same mind, then we are here to be a servant to God's people, not a ruler over them. For people who are running after the Lord with all their heart, God may open the door and give them a position, but we don't first the positions in the church. Those people who lust after a position are not qualified. The promises in the Word are made to the poor, who are used as a type and shadow all through the Scriptures. The Old Testament speaks much of the poor, especially in the Psalms, and if we see the spiritual revelation as a parable of those who are poor in spirit in the Church, then we can better understand what that means. (Mat.5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit are always dependent on God, and in need of God's provisions but feel it important to serve others. The poor are always humble. They consider others to be more important than themselves. As we saw, Jesus wasn't trying to cling to His omnipotence and kingly position in heaven. (2Co.8:9) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor… He laid all of that aside for our sakes. He came down to become a servant and He tells us this is what our mindset must be. Each of us has to become a servant. We have to be willing to be the lowest, the very least, because the servant of all is the greatest among you, as Jesus said (Matthew 20:26;23:11; Mark 9:35; etc.) (2Co.8:9) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich. (The Bible calls it “poverty,” although some people say Jesus was rich because of His seamless garment. What silliness can you get out of that? The Bible says He was poor.) (10) And herein I give [my] judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will. In other words, He is commanding us here to walk in His Steps in (1 John 2:6). You can't abide in Christ unless you walk in His Steps. I once had a pastor ask me, “David, would you say that poverty is a curse?” And I said to him, “Well, it's definitely listed there among the curses in Deuteronomy 28. But here's the way I see it: forced poverty is a curse because you're brought under its dominion. You don't have any choice. However, we see in the example of Jesus and the example of His disciples, that they willingly took up a position of poverty because they didn't want to be distracted by the world, the things of the world, nor the love of the world.” As you know, in times of prosperity is when the Church goes through its greatest trials. If you can't destroy the Church by temptation, all you need to do is bring them into prosperity and peace and, pretty soon, they're just as lukewarm as they can be. History has proven this. Bring them into trouble, the true Church grows up, the tares are separated, and you have a holy body. Bring them into peace and prosperity, and that's the best way to corrupt them. The devil knows that. Jesus wasn't tempted with all those things that tempt most people. (1Ti.6:9) But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. … (11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Jesus didn't have to “flee these things” because He never wanted them in the first place, nor did His disciples love the world or have any use for the things of the world. They wanted to be servants of God, and they were because they served the people of God everywhere they went. They didn't rule over them; they served them, and the Lord Jesus says that that's exactly what He did so that we, through His poverty, might become rich. No, not rich in the things of the world but rich in the things of the Kingdom, rich in the fruit of God, rich in the righteousness that the Lord gives. He tells us very plainly there that He wants us to walk in that same fruit and become servants to God's people. If we will do that, God will promote us to positions in His Kingdom, although they won't look like the positions of the worldly church or the leadership of the worldly church. He will promote us in His Kingdom. He will give us authority. The Lord said in (Rev.2:26) And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations. Authority doesn't come from a certificate and it doesn't come from going to a Bible school. Authority comes from overcoming, and that means we have to be tried and proven to hold God, the Word and the Kingdom first. We all have to be tried, and one way that we're being tried is, “Are we going to walk in the Steps of Jesus?” Are we going to be humble servants, as He was a Servant? Are we going to be poor in spirit, as He was poor in spirit? (Mat.8:20) And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Sounds like Jesus was really poor! He didn't even have His own donkey (Matthew 21:2-3; Mark 11:1-7; etc.) but, although Jesus wasn't rich in the things of the world, He wasn't poor in the blessings of the Kingdom. Everywhere He went His needs were always met because He was a man of faith, but He didn't need what He didn't need. He wasn't competitive. He took all of His pleasure in serving God's people and had no greed for material things that would only distract Him from doing that. He was poor in spirit, and He's called us to be poor in spirit. “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Let's look at a parable about Jesus and His poverty that's hidden in Ecclesiastes. (Ecc.4:13) Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more. Jesus lived as a poor and wise youth and yet He was and is truly the King of this world. He was truly a king and He was truly anointed to be King, just like David was anointed to be king. Before Jesus started His ministry, He was anointed, like the kings in the Old Testament were anointed in a type (1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Chronicles 14:8; Psalm 89:20; etc.). Jesus was the real King of this world, yet look at how He lived His Life. The King of kings was Someone Who sought to serve people. But look at King Herod, who was much older, a very foolish king, with all the accouterments of a prosperous life. He had anything he wanted. He had total authority, which is very dangerous to put in anybody's hands because they'll just bring themselves straight to hell with it. You can't give authority to a carnal man, even in the Church, because ultimately, they'll bring judgment upon themselves and others. And we read, “Better is a poor and wise youth.” The Sanhedrin and those Pharisees, the leaders of the people, most of them were older than Jesus and considered to be wise men according to their religion. But Jesus was a very young man, only 30 years old, when He started His ministry, and the Bible says He was poor, according to what the world considers “poor,” yet He was very, very rich according to Kingdom thinking. (Ecc.4:14) For out of prison he came forth to be king… In other words, Jesus manifested full Kingdom authority in Heaven after He came out of prison where He was “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). Here He preached to the spirits in prison.  (1Pe 3:19) in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison…, who were the righteous dead in Sheol. Sheol, the place of the dead, was divided into Abraham's bosom and Hades, or hell as in Jesus' parable of Lazarus and the rich man.  He then led those captive in Abraham's bosom. (Psa 68:18)  Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led away captives. (Act 2:24) whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. (Eph 4:8)  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.    It was here that He was fully manifested again as omnipotent King over all creation.   Of course, we can also see Joseph here as a type of Jesus, because Joseph also came out of prison and became king (Genesis 41:14,38-44), which is also Jesus in the Man-child's ministry in the end time. [I want to note here; that history always repeats on a larger scale, as it says in Ecclesiastes. (Ecc.1:9) That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. (10) Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us. For example, Jesus first came in an individual body, but in the New Testament He is coming in a corporate body of believers called the Body of Christ, (Col.1:29) … Christ in you the hope of glory. The Man-child of Revelation 12 is a body of first-fruits apostolic reformers in whom Jesus lives by His Word and Spirit, that will be worldwide in raising up the Church as Jesus did, but beyond its former glory. All of the entities in Revelation are bodies of people who cover the earth: the Woman, the Harlot, the Dragon, the Beast, the Witnesses, and the False Prophet. In the Old Testament, Israel was the first Church, meaning the “called-out ones.” They were a tiny nation but in the New Testament Church, the circumcised in heart are worldwide and will be brought to their spiritual cross to manifest Jesus. In our book, Hidden Manna for the End Times, all of this is proven with scripture. This book is available on our site in PDF at ubm1.org/book.] Continuing in (Ecc.4:14) For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor. Why didn't God choose better than what Jesus received when He came into this world? Joseph and Mary had to lay Him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn (Luke 2:7). You would think God would have provided better for Jesus if He were a prosperity-minded God, but, no. The Lord wanted Him to be a Servant. He wanted to liken Him to humble people. He wanted Him to be an Example of the kind of King He was sending. Naturally, the prosperity folks of that day didn't expect a humble servant. They expected a king to come and rule over the Romans. They wanted a king like that “old and foolish king,” King Herod, somebody who would give them authority over the Romans, and the Pharisees of today are still looking for somebody who has that kind of authority. They attempt this through politics. They try to find positions there that give them authority over the world, and they exercise worldly authority in their organizations like the Pharisees did. However, Jesus' authority came because people willingly submitted to Him for their own good. That's the kind of authority He had, which was quite contrary to that of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Continuing in (Ecc.4:15) I saw all the living that walk under the sun (That's both a play on words and a parable because all the living do walk under the Son.), that they were with the youth (Jesus), the second, that stood up in his stead (Jesus in the world wide Man-child reformers that are standing up in this day.). They are going to be born of the woman in travail in our day. Joh 16:16  A little while, and ye behold me  no more (Jesus) ; and again a little while, and ye shall see me (In the Man-child reformers) . …19  Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me? 20  Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament (At the loss of Jesus), but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. Notice that after the death of Jesus, He will be seen again as a man-child born to a woman Church. Then He confirms this. 22  And ye therefore now have sorrow (At His death): but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. This is the repeat of history that must come as we showed. Rev 12:1  And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun… 2  and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered. …5  And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. This throne is the throne of David, which is authority over the house of New Testament Israel, the grafted in Church. We will be able to recognize these people because their ministry in our day will be in the likeness of Jesus' ministry and greater works shall they do as He said. They're going to be greatly used of God but it's the King of kings Who's inside them that does the work. It's not the flesh that He lives in; it's (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the One Who is coming to rule. This will confirm what I have said to you. Continuing in (Ecc.4:16) There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. Isn't it true? Many of the so-called “people of God” are not celebrating and rejoicing in the real Jesus, the true Jesus. They have quite a different “Jesus,” one that's in agreement with the lifestyle they desire to live. These people are not humble and poor servants who are willing to give up their lives in order to serve God. They're too busy competing with the world and striving after material possessions, unlike Jesus Who willingly gave up the blessings that He had and could have had. As eloquent a speaker as He was and able to reach out and touch people, Jesus could have done what many other “kings” have done and are doing in our day. He could have built an awesome kingdom. He could have had the nicest church in town. Of course, none of those unbelieving Pharisees or Sadducees would have set foot in there, but the multitudes liked to listen to Him. He spoke as one that had authority (Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22; Luke 2:47). If He got down on their level so they could understand the teachings (Matthew 13:34-35; Mark 4:34; John 10:6; etc.), He could have filled churches and He could have accepted what the devil offered Him. The devil offered Him authority over all the kingdoms of the world and He turned it all down (Matthew 4:8-11; Luke 4:1-8) Not only did Jesus come as a humble Servant, but those are the only people He really came to talk to. (Luk.4:18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (There's His anointing.), Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor… If we want to be blessed, then we need to be among those who are poor in spirit. The poor in spirit can receive Jesus' Words. They're not offended by the kind of Jesus that offended the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was quite a different Jesus, and He is quite a different Jesus than is being preached nowadays. He is going to have a people who recognize Him and walk in His Steps (1 John 2:6). They are going to manifest His Life. He is going to live in them. Oh, glory be to God! This is the really Good News! Let's look at an example of how the Lord describes those who are poor in spirit. (Isa.41:8) But thou, Israel, my servant (The poor in spirit are servants of the Lord and He will bless them.), Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend, … (10) Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. He's giving all these blessings to the poor in spirit. He's assuring and comforting those people who are His servants, but are we really His servants? Are we really poor in spirit so that we will hear and obey His Words? (Isa.41:14) Fear not, thou worm Jacob … Now He's likening the poor in spirit to worms, and we know a worm is about as low as you can get, but remember Jesus said the very least among you will be the greatest (Matthew 20:26,23:11; etc.) A worm is also a very weak creature but, as Paul said, God's power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and we shouldn't make any bones about it. “Lord, we're weak. We're lowly. We know we can't do it, but You can do it through us as we believe You.” (Isa.41:14) Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel (A type of the Church); I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. (15) Behold, I have made thee [to be] a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth; thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. (16) Thou shalt winnow them (The only way a “worm” can do all this is by the grace of God.), and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, thou shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel. (17) The poor and needy seek water (This is still talking about these “worms” here, who are being blessed by the Lord.), and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. (18) I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. (19) I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree… Everybody is a “worm” in the wilderness because it is a place of need and weakness where only God can supply through our faith in Him. And whom is He blessing in this wilderness but these “worms,” these very lowly people, the poor and the needy? Are you poor? Are you needy? David said in (Psa.17:15) As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with [beholding] thy form. In other words, “Lord, I won't be satisfied until I awake in Your likeness.” He always felt that he didn't have enough of God, and for those who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness, they feel poor in the things of the Kingdom. They cry out to God and God is there for them; He is a faithful Savior in the things of the Kingdom. However, far too many people are quite satisfied with mere religion. They're just sitting in a pew and waiting for the rapture to happen, thinking they're going to fly away. Other than that, seeking God is the farthest thing from their mind and it's almost a chore for them to fellowship the righteous.  God promises His blessings upon the poor in spirit, for those who are of like mind with Jesus. They have chosen to be servants who serve God with everything that they have. They've put their lives in the Hands of the Lord and God said that He would deliver these people. He said that He would provide for them, richly, everything that they need (Isaiah 41). And apostle Paul repeated that promise to the servants of God in (Php.4:19) … my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Psa.35:10) All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, Who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him (These “worms” are not strong creatures, are they?), Yea, the poor and the needy from him that robbeth him? The Lord is a Deliverer to the poor. He takes the side of the underdog and God's people, in many cases, are in that position, because all those who forsake the world to run after Jesus and be servants are putting themselves in that position. Even if they don't put themselves in that position, God has a way of putting those, who are truly His, into that position. Now, we're headed towards a tribulation in which God's people will be put in a place of weakness, a place of worldly weakness. But God says that He is going to be their Savior and deliver them. With that in mind, who would you rather be? Would you rather be the rich that are crying out for the rocks to fall on them (Revelation 6:16)? Or would you rather be the poor who know they need God? Now I don't mean “materially” poor here, because I know that many people who come into the Kingdom and are financially well-off and use their money to make sure that the needs are met in the Kingdom. They're faithful servants of God Paul said, (1Ti.6:17) Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute (This is eumetádotos meaning “give from a generous attitude”), willing to communicate (The Greek is koinōnikós meaning “ready to impart; beneficent; willing to share.” (19) laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is [life] indeed. I'm talking here about the poor in spirit. God is going to be their Savior for the very reason that they are weak and their trust is in God. (Psa.12:5) Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in the safety he panteth for. God is going to protect the poor in spirit. In other words, they are blessed in God's deliverance, they are blessed in God's safety in the days to come. (Psa.12:6) The words of the Lord are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, Purified seven times. (7) Thou wilt keep them, O Lord, Thou wilt preserve them from this generation for ever. (He's going to preserve those that are poor in spirit from this wicked generation.) (8) The wicked walk on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men. Oh, aren't we seeing that today? There's corruption and wickedness everywhere. The wicked are taking advantage of others and when they can, if they're in a position to get away with it, they'll persecute and kill them. And it's only going to get worse, but as we see, having that spirit of the poor is a place of safety. After all, who did Jesus say He was going to preach the Gospel to? It was the poor because they could understand much more about the Kingdom. They're much more humble concerning that. When I was young in the Lord, I used to go door-to-door and talk to people about the Lord, and I found that I was much happier going into the poor parts of town because people would listen. In the rich part of town, people didn't want to hear it. I wanted to talk to them about Jesus, but they just wanted to tell me what religion they were. In the poor parts of town, it didn't matter what religion they were; many times they wanted to talk with me. And so, when a group of us divided up to go to different parts of town, I'd pick the poorest part because it was much more fruitful. Let's look at another Psalm. (Psa.107:40) He poureth contempt upon princes, And causeth them to wander in the waste, where there is no way. (41) Yet setteth he the needy on high from affliction (In other words, they are “above affliction,” so whose shoes would you like to be in?), And maketh [him] families like a flock. (42) The upright shall see it, and be glad (Notice the upright respect and favor the poor.); And all iniquity shall stop her mouth. (43) Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the loving kindnesses of the Lord. Those who are wise will think carefully about these things. Don't worry about not being rich in the eyes of the world. Don't worry about not being respected by the world because the world is not supposed to respect you. We need the respect of God, and we're looking here at whom He favors. Wouldn't you rather have the favor of God? (1Sa.2:8) He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, He lifteth up the needy from the dunghill, To make them sit with princes, And inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, And he hath set the world upon them. (9) He will keep the feet of his holy ones (Oh, glory be to God! He is going to enable them to walk a holy and sanctified walk in the Kingdom.); But the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness… God is going to lift up, He is going to exalt the needy. Praise be to God! He provides for His people! The Lord is going to cause them to inherit the throne of His Kingdom. That's a wonderful blessing! (Psa.68:7) O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, When thou didst march through the wilderness; [Selah] (8) The earth trembled, The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God: Yon Sinai [trembled] at the presence of God, the God of Israel. (9) Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, Thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. (10) Thy congregation dwelt therein: Thou, O God, didst prepare of thy goodness for the poor. We see so many promises concerning the poor, and if we bring them over as a type and shadow into the New Testament, we can see exactly what Jesus is talking about. Again, we're not speaking against the rich who serve the Lord, we're just saying that the spirit the poor have is the one that Jesus is after. He wants all of His people to have such a spirit as that. The Bible says in (Jas.2:5) Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world [to be] rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? (6) But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats? (7) Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which ye are called? The poor need to trust in God and walk by faith in God because they have no other choice. They don't have any worldly ability to provide for themselves, so they cry out to the Lord and the Lord always answers them. Next, I want to share a testimony with you from Sister B.H. that exemplifies this. In the fall of 1988, after a tragic and unforeseen event, I found myself alone and responsible to raise my two daughters, ages 2 and 12. I turned to the Lord and He drew closer to me than any human could ever have. In those days of great despair, the Lord became my best friend, husband, a father to my kids, confidant, defender, provider, and comforter. (Isaiah 54:5,6) For thy Maker is thy husband; the Lord of hosts is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is thy Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the Lord hath called thee as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off, saith thy God. With the constant care and direction from the Lord also came many miracles during this time of my life. As finances were very slim, I had to trust God for many of the very basic needs of life and He never failed me. One of the miracles was how God returned my stolen car to me. During this time, my sister-in-law and her two children had moved in with us to help share expenses as she too had found herself alone. We had gone to the grocery store that evening and bought milk, diapers, and a few other necessities. We then went to another store to see if we could find an inexpensive telephone as mine had quit working. We only had $10 left between us, and even though I had never seen a phone sold for that little amount before, I had a feeling we would be able to find one that we could afford. I knew that God said he would supply all our needs and this was a need. My oldest daughter had to babysit the younger children for a little while each day and needed a telephone in case of an emergency. As it happened, the store we went into was no longer going to carry telephones and had them at close-out prices. We were able to get a $50 telephone for $7. (Keep in mind this was in 1988.) While we were leaving the store and praising the Lord for supplying our need again, we looked into the parking lot and could not find my car. It was gone. When the realization hit me that someone had stolen the car, a miracle happened within me that is hard to explain. (Well, didn't God choose them that are poor to the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom?) The best way I can describe it is an unbelievable joy and confidence rose up within me, coming up from out of my belly. Like John 7:38 says: He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. With excited expectation, I knew that I was about to see a miracle. God was going to either bring my car back to me, or He would provide us with another car with milk and food in it. It really didn't matter to me how He did it, we needed a car and we needed the groceries that were in the car. Praise God, we knew it was coming our way.  When the police came, they put the description of the car over the police radio and so officers in the area were looking for the car. The officer that responded to our call allowed us to ride around with him and look for the car for a while. He said he had never met anyone like us before in his life. He had responded to many calls like ours before, stolen vehicles and such, but never had anyone acted the way we were acting. He could see that we were very happy and excited; we told him that we were going to see a miracle. We told him that the car was coming back or God would send us another one with the groceries already in it. He was being very nice and patient with us. He also did not want to discourage us, but he said the chances were very slim we would be able to recover the car. I told him not to worry, that God had it under control. I asked the officer what thieves did with the stolen cars. He said a lot of times they would break them down and sell them out as parts; they also could be used in a robbery before they are torn down. My sister-in-law and I immediately agreed together in prayer that the car belonged to the Lord and could not be used in any crime. I am sure the officer was thinking we were crazy by this time, but he seemed to be enjoying the change from the norm. By this time the car had been missing for over an hour. The store where the car was taken was at the edge of town and at a fork in the road between two highways leading out of town, so the car could have been in the next county and in another town by this time. Then a call came in over the radio saying the car had been found and pulled over just a mile from the store. It was on one of the highways headed back towards the grocery store. It turns out it was a professional car thief with a long record of such crimes. When they were caught, they told the police officer that when they saw the baby car seat in the back seat, they had an overwhelming feeling that they HAD to return the car. Praise God, the car was in perfect shape and the groceries were fine. The milk was as cold as if it just came out of the refrigerator and the police officer knew that he had just witnessed a miracle. Yes, God WILL supply ALL our needs! Well, glory to God! Everything on this earth serves Him, and you can't get anywhere where God can't save you, but He loves to save the poor. He loves to save those who can't fend for themselves and can't take care of themselves. They're at His mercy but they trust in Him. God can, and does, cause faith that He can save them in every situation to rise up in the heart of His people. (Jas.2:5) Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world [to be] rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? The Lord is our Savior in all things. He will never fail us. He will never forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:5; Acts 17:27; etc.) He is there all the time (Jeremiah 23:23- 24) and, according to these many Scriptures we've looked at, He is a blessing to the poor. Considering the days that we're coming to, I don't know why you would want to be anything but poor. Put your life in the Hands of the Lord. He brought His people into so many very hard places in the wilderness when He brought them out of Egypt, and each one of those places was a revelation of their weakness and His Strength. Believe it or not, where we're headed, folks, almost everybody is going to be poor in the material resources of the world, but some people are going to be poor in spirit and those people are going to have the help of the Lord. They're going to have the provision of the Lord. He's going to be their Protector. He's going to be their Deliverer and He's going to exalt them. He's going to provide for them and give them faith. If you're poor in spirit, this is what it is to be blessed of the Lord.  If you are weak, know that you're in the place of miracles. If you are poor, know that you're in the place of miracles. If you are a servant of God, one who desires to serve only Him and puts that above everything else, know that you're in a place of miracles. God is going to bless you. He's going to provide for you abundantly. Put your trust in Him and worship Him. God bless you, saints! Now I'd like to share some more miraculous testimonies with you of God meeting the needs of the poor in spirit.     The Lord, Our Provider Greg & Anne Kohls - 12/03/2010 I hope this testimony is as much of an encouragement to those of UBM as it has been to our family. I am very grateful for God leading us to this ministry, for my faith has taken root and I am learning the full truth of the Gospel for the first time in my life! Although I must say that God was already at work in my life before coming to UBM, for this was merely the confirmation I needed of what He was showing me. This ministry took me to an even deeper level. I remember one day while I was driving, I began thinking over our finances and wondering how we were going to make ends meet with our oldest son now in his first year of college. Our van was over 10 years old and, although it ran well, it was getting close to needing to be replaced. Right then I just said, “Lord, we are going to need a new van soon and I do not know how we be able to afford it. Could you please provide a van for us; I don't know, maybe through Greg's dad or something?” Well, about two weeks later, I saw my father-in-law and he said to me, “Oh, I happened to be talking to a friend of mine, and he mentioned in conversation that he wanted to trade his van in for a new car but he wasn't going to get much for it. I saw what a great van it was and decided to offer him a little more than the trade-in price and he took it! Have Greg go down and pick it up!” When my husband drove into the driveway with this new-looking van with only 50,000 miles on it, I was in awe! This was more than a van; it was a gift from God Himself! Later on, I started hearing more and more about the economy and began wondering, 'Lord, we need to pay off our house. Could you help us be really disciplined and work really hard to do it within a few years?' ... knowing that would be a miracle in itself. Well, that was in October. At Christmas time (of which I am not really a fan), my mom, stepdad, and brother's family came for a visit and my parents asked just the adults to come for a meeting in the living room. They began to unfold the story of how my sister-in-law had been watching the French news (they were living in France) and saw that the French could be entitled to funds if they had been victims of atomic fallout. She wondered if this would be the case in the States as well and asked my mom to check it out. Yes, she found it to be true. (My dad had been exposed to atomic bomb testing in Nevada and later died of leukemia.) She then handed us a check that covered most of our house payment! About three months after that, I asked the Lord to help us get out of our family stock club, which I did not like since we were unequally yoked with unbelievers. Due to family circumstances, everyone unanimously voted to cancel the stock club and cash in on our earnings. This was the exact amount we needed to not only pay off the house but also pay cash for my daughter's braces! It didn't take years to pay it off; it was a matter of months! All the while during this year, we somehow had enough to cover the college tuition! It seems to me that God is providing His children for what is to come and for us to not lose heart but to trust in His sovereignty and to be strengthened in spirit. I know we have many challenges yet up ahead but God is faithful to meet our every need as we continually surrender our lives unto His. It was also during this time that we had left the local church and God miraculously led our family home to worship together under the teaching of David and the Unleavened Bread Ministries. I can see the transformation taking place in our household. Again, I am so very grateful for all of you. May this be an encouragement to you to “lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight”. It is important to mention that none of these needs had been spoken of to anyone beforehand so it was purely a blessing from God and my father-in-law is definitely not in the habit of buying cars for people, nor did our family or extended family ever think we would receive retroactive pay for something that happened so long ago! “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory!” It makes it a great object lesson for the times ahead to, 'Trust in Thee'.     God Understood My Needs Michael Doty - April 2011 This is my testimony about God giving simple and understandable answers to my questions about things I need and need to know, such as how He answered my living situation question. God required me to humble myself, to stop blaming my problems on others, and to realize that it was my “self”, my old self. And I also asked for forgiveness. After that, things changed, and God granted me favor from people who did not even know me -- Alan and Jill Kennedy. As young and immature as I am in my walk with the Lord, I still don't know anyone who has been given favor like I have received: 1) The Kennedys lowered the rent so that I could pay my share on my old rental until the lease was over. 2) The Kennedys did not require me to sign a lease agreement. 3) They also did not require a deposit. 4) The utilities are still in the Kennedys' name and they have not asked me to change it in any way, just to pay it. (Deposit for utilities is high here.) 5) It was also completely furnished and has a beautiful back porch deck which is also furnished. 6) My dog is also at peace after moving to the hill, but she has put in the request box the need for her own bed in her own bedroom if I want peace in my bed and room. Word for Mike: 1 Corinthians 12:18-23 on April 6, 2011 (1Co.12:18) But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him. (19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? (20) But now they are many members, but one body. (21) And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. (22) Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary: (23) and those [parts] of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness ...     Can't Afford NOT to Give A sister in Christ - 09/24/2007 Hello, brothers and sisters! The Lord put it in my heart to bless a Christian family in need. I don't have much money but am very, very rich in the Lord and have my needs met abundantly. I was given a certain sum for my day and was looking forward to using it to bless a Christian family in need because I almost never have the opportunity to give money, as I am a stay-at-home mom and do not handle the finances. Giving is such a joy in the Lord. A few days later I received a check as a gift. Then today my family received a large gift of money that was 20x larger than I had given away. I have also been given clothes, many brand new, for my newborn. God's provision for our family is so evident and I praise Him for it. My husband is not yet walking in obedience to the Word, but God still honors my faith and provides miraculously for our family. Last year our tax return for a family of five was under $20,000 and we lived in an area where the median income was $90,000. He certainly has been multiplying for us. He is faithful, true and a GOOD Father.     God Supplied and Fixed Everything Doris Zambrano I am so happy to say that I am seeing miracles in my life, living here in the wilderness! I praise You, Lord! Anyway, due to limited income right now, I ran out of propane and just decided to let God show me what to do until I had the resources to get more. I did, however, have electricity, so I was able to have heat from a small heater and the fireplace. Bless God! I went without propane for almost a week and then I was blessed with some money to get more. The company that had been delivering propane to me since May did not return messages regarding my situation, so I was led to another company in another town. The propane delivery man came and since I had run out, he had to check all the connections and equipment before filling my tank. He discovered many leaks and a regulator that was outlawed some 10 years ago. Well, he was so wonderful, he replaced the regulator and did not charge me yet (he just said that he made note of it and would bill me when I could pay, praise God) and worked to fix the leaks and then filled the tank. Since he has been here my propane usage has gone down tremendously! I know that God has a reason for everything He does, although we do not always understand, He knows what He is doing. I know that if I had not run out of propane, I never would have gotten a new regulator or had the opportunity to fix any leaks. How awesome is our God! Lord, bless Mr. Riley, bless this oil company for their kindness and thank You for Your protection and provision! o/ Bless David, UBM, and all those You call Yours. Thank you, Father! In Jesus' name, I pray.     Thanking God and Being Blessed Keith McIlroy - 08/17/2009 I am thanking God for my trials. It is a new concept for me. My earthly father comes to visit me almost every year in July to pick raspberries and black currants. We have a few hundred acres where the raspberries grow wild. There is also about a five-acre plot of black currants planted near here where we go and get the black currants from. The first nation's band (politically correct way of saying Indians) had a government grant to plant them about six years ago. The money was wasted before they were picked, so no one has ever picked or maintained them since they were planted there. One morning, we went down there and started picking. My dad was complaining about how few berries there were, compared to the previous year. I had just read a really good book called Prison to Praise and was learning to thank God for all things good and bad. So I started praising God and thanking him for the berries and for the bugs that were living up to their name: bug. Then God brought it to my mind that I was plundering the world system of my day to have these berries. I never planted or worked in any way for these berries; God had especially planted them for me. No one else goes there to pick them. I was awestruck. So I praised Him! It really reminded me of the Israelites going into the Promised Land -- it was all planted and ready for them. I could just rest; in the meantime, I had just stayed in one area and the more I thanked God for this blessing, the thicker the berries were. The other family members who were also picking there were walking all over, not finding many berries, but the plants I was picking from were just loaded! I don't think I went 20 feet and picked six pails of berries in a few hours. Every time I thanked Him for creating the mosquito biting me, there seemed to be less of them bothering me. It was an awesome experience for me.     Prayer and Patience Produce Provision Melody - 09/18/2012 It has been on my heart since yesterday to write this praise report. Exactly one year ago yesterday, my son Nathan and his friends Sean and Austin moved two provinces away, which is about 1800 miles from us. They didn't have much money, and their vehicle broke down upon reaching their destination. It was starting to get cold and they were just wandering. (They all know the Lord but I sometimes wondered how well.) Anyhow, I put in a prayer request to UBM for them. After exhausting all their funds at a motel, they had no place to live. Here are the answers the Lord provided, right after I sent the prayer request. A family took them in, in exchange for some chores and babysitting. So, even though they were not a Christian family, the Lord used that situation to meet their needs and also help them to meet others' needs and to really open their eyes. Shortly after that, Austin and Sean each got jobs as cooks in a hotel restaurant. Then Nathan got a job with a large company and was hired to weld various equipment as needed (he always liked welding but was not ticketed). Not long after, the mother of a friend he worked with wanted to move into a facility for seniors. So the boys helped her move a couple of hours away. They had purchased an older truck by then and she didn't want to leave her house empty, so she rented it to the boys for $250 a month; which is unheard of. Rent for a three-bedroom home with a double car garage would normally go for $1100-$1200 a month. In exchange, the boys look after some of her belongings which she stores in the basement, and bring her anything she needs when she asks. They've also built shelves for her at her new place and look after the flower gardens. Last July, my husband, Shawn, and I went to visit our son and his friends while they were at work. We started working in the flower gardens at the boys' “greatly subsidized home from the Lord.” An elderly neighbor lady came out to talk to us. She said she would love to help but she was feeling very ill. Shawn asked her if we could pray for her and she said yes. After we finished, she started to tear up and said she felt better almost immediately! She is a retired nurse. I imagine how she had tended to others' hurts for years. Our Jesus wanted to minister to her. It is just amazing how far the prayers reached and probably reach even further than we know! Sean exchanged his job for a better one a few months ago with better pay and working hours. Yesterday, our son called to say that he just started working his first day at a new place, the same place Sean is working. They really needed a welder and couldn't find a ticketed one, so because he passed their welding test on the interview the previous week, they are putting him in at millwright wages, which he told us was $27 an hour. These are just amazing answers to the prayer I asked for these boys one year ago. Because of the great feeling of the need for prayer I had at that moment for these wandering boys, I then became a prayer partner, as well. It's so exciting to know our prayers make a difference and our God is so wonderful. I know that sometimes people expect instant or quick answers, but His answers and timing are important, not only for our needs but the character He wants to develop in us. I can surely see His hand in all of this and I wanted to share this praise report and to encourage you in all your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and may God richly bless you all. The scripture on my heart is: (Eph.3:20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us...     Your Debt Has Been Paid! Jay & Niki Nara – 1/4/23 I want to share something that just happened to me this morning. In a few short weeks my car registration should be renewed, so in order to do that you have to do a safety check. Yesterday I went to the nearest mechanic, and he gave me the bad news. He listed things that should be fixed on the car, up to $ 4,000 plus, which is an amount that I am not able to afford since I am a single dad and a pensioner. After that, I saw a little insignificant mechanical shop nearby and I booked another appointment for this morning. I was a bit worried after that, and through the night thinking of the outcome, because I really need a car to drive and to pick up my teenage son from school after the holidays, which finish in a few weeks. I was even thinking not to go this morning, doubting the outcome. Still, I got up and decided to try once more. On the way to the mechanic, I was listening to the last UBM post on 1/04/23. Then, I came to the part where you were talking about the debt and debtors, how they are trying to make us feel guilty for the debt that has already been paid by our Lord, and I got inspired by that to put it on my Facebook page (photo). I briefly prayed to God to help me in this very important situation for me. So I left my car in the shop and went home for a short time. When I went back, feeling anxious about the outcome, the mechanic (a sweet little old man) asked me how I wanted to pay, and when I asked how much I owed, he said: $47, which was just the price for the labor! I was overwhelmed and so relieved since it meant so much to me, and I went on my way praising and thanking our good God for everything. Hallelujah!!

In this episode we interview Frank Viola about his new book The Untold Story of the New Testament Church (Revised and Expanded). Bio:Frank is a bestselling author, speaker, podcaster, and blogger. He helps serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. His blog – frankviola.org – is regularly ranked in the top 5 of all Christian blogs on the Web and his podcast – Christ is All – has ranked #1 in Canada and #2 in the USA on Apple Podcasts. He and his conversation partners also host The Insurgence Podcast.About the Book:Experience the New Testament Like Never BeforeOne famous scholar said that reading the New Testament letters is like hearing one end of a phone conversation. The Untold Story of the New Testament Church (Revised and Expanded) reconstructs the other end so you can understand virtually every word.Seamlessly weaving the narrative of Acts with the Epistles, you'll discover a coherent story enriched by intriguing details of first-century life. This unique and innovative presentation of the New Testament unlocks its epic story in a way that will leave you breathless and equipped to understand the Bible like never before.Though it's non-fiction, this masterpiece reads like a cinematic experience that will captivate your heart by putting you in the center of the drama. Drawing on the best of contemporary scholarship, Frank Viola includes background information about the people, cities, and places that are mentioned throughout the New Testament, all in an engaging narrative.As you dive into this riveting volume, you will:Gain an intimate glimpse into the lives of apostles Peter, James, John, Paul, and their colleagues.Uncover the events that inspired each New Testament letter, shedding new light on every line from Romans to Revelation.Meet the key figures who shaped the world, like Priscilla, Apollos, Lydia, Luke, John Mark, Phoebe, Aristarchus, and Epaphras.Witness the dynamic tumult of first-century churches, individuals, and events as they unfold vividly before you.Prepare to be ushered into the living, breathing atmosphere of the first century so you can uncover the hidden riches contained in God's Word.Buy the Book: https://a.co/d/cgKpHh6Book Website: www.theuntoldstory.net

(1 Timothy 3:15) The church is not called to do everything—it is commanded to do one thing! His purpose must become ours! Every member must find their place in the wonderful work of God in this world. (0967250317) ----more----   The Mission of the Church We've taken a good bit of time to look at what the Bible says about the church, and here's why. Because this is what God is doing in this world right now. This is present tense. This is where we're living. This is not theory, this is practice. What is God doing in this world through the local New Testament church? And what are we to be doing? What's our mission? Let's begin with one verse today, 1 Timothy 3:15 Paul writes, "But if I tarry long that thou may know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." Understanding Our Role in the Church We find something here that's true of the institution, of the church and something that's true for the individual in the church. The truth for the institution is this. We have one mission and that mission as the Church of the Living God, is to be the pillar and ground of the truth, literally to uphold the truth, to lift up the truth in love. We've been given a body of doctrine. And it's our mission, not just to hold it. Did you hear the words, the pillar and ground of the truth? What's the pillar and ground do? That's the foundation. And then the pillars hold it up. It's not just our responsibility to hold the truth, it's our responsibility to uphold the truth. It, in other words, to show it to others, to share it with those around us, to lift it up in the midst of a world that is filled with error. That's the church's mission. Now individually, what's my part in that? The Bible says that we're to know how we're to behave ourself in the house of God. In other words, we're to find our place in that work. We're to find our mission in God's mission. The New Testament Church exists to accomplish Christ's purpose in this world, not our purpose. So when you identify the Lord's mission, you've identified the local church's mission, you've identified your own mission.  The Church's Mission: Unlike Any Other  Churches have not been called on to do everything in this world. Today churches are trying to offer services and programs for every possible need. But could I remind you, the church has been given a mission that no other organization on Earth can fulfill. Ours is eternal work. Ours is not simply to make this world a better place from which to go to hell. Ours is a mission to keep people out of hell. Do you remember when we began our study of what the Bible says about the church? Jesus said of the church, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. We're to be on the offense. We're to be advancing against the gates of hell we're to be pulling people out of the fire. In the words of Jude we're to be rescuing the perishing. That was Fannie Crosby's famous hymn, rescue the perishing care for the dying. Snatch them in pity from sin in the grave. Our mission is to advance the cause of Jesus Christ in this world and to bring people to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission is Christ's mission.  The Church & the Great Commission In Matthew chapter 28, the Lord Jesus gave what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission. Some people have have said that the Great Commission has become the great omission. How true it is that the one thing God left us to do is the one thing we're most failing to do. Listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18, "All power is given unto me, in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you all way, even under the end of the world. Amen." I love this. The same one who founded the church is still with us. The same one that was with that first primitive church. Those first disciples that were the called out assembly is with us now and He is with us. Not so we can simply sit in a building and enjoy a good message, not so we can simply sit around in fellowship and talk to one another and think about how great it is. We're not going to hell, but to carry out his work in this world.  Active Faith and Influence It was Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission that famously said, God is always advancing. I wonder if God's always advancing, are we? Because if we're in step with God, that must mean we're supposed to be on the move, not passive. But active, not simply sitting around waiting on Jesus to come. That was the error of the church at Thessalonica at one point. They thought they'll just sit around and wait on the Lord to show up. When Jesus said, occupy till I come, he did not mean occupy church pew. He meant be busy. Be busy about the Lord's business, the work of the Lord and the tool that we use in this world. Is influence. It's not force. You can't make people believe on Christ. You we're not twisting people's arms to become Christians. Rather, we are giving the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit. That's the work that every church is to be busy with, and that means that's the work every member of the local church is to be busy with. This is how we're to behave ourselves. In the House of God, the Church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Personal and Practical Application of the Church's Mission So let's get real, personal and practical today. Are you doing that? What are you doing in and through your local assembly to get the gospel to your community? To reach the lost in your area? To advance the cause of the gospel around the world? That is the mission of every local New Testament church and not simply to belong and not simply to believe. But then to be busy getting the Gospel to other people. In the end, the objective is one thing.  Glorifying God Through the Church It's the glory of God. The church's duty is to carry on the work of Christ, to represent the one true and living God, so that one thing will happen. He will get the glory. And my pastor used to say that the measure of any church. Is one thing. It is its likeness to Jesus Christ. Why did Jesus come to glorify the Father to reveal God again? The measure of any church is not its buildings or its budgets. It's not its programs or the personality of the preacher. The measure of any church is one thing. Is it bringing glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ? Is it lifting up the truth in love? Is it pointing people to God? God's mission for the church is that we bring him glory. That's true now, and that's true for all eternity. In Ephesians 3:20, we read these words now, "Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us." Listen to verse 21, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." I hope you'll lend your amen to that unto him. Be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Are you bringing Him glory today? Is your church bringing him glory? If we're not advancing his name, if we're not advancing his calls, if we're not advancing his gospel, then we are not bringing him glory. What do you think we're gonna do? For all eternity? For all eternity, we're gonna bring in glory.  Eternal Glory and Worship In fact, that's how the New Testament ends. In Revelation chapter four, we're given this little snapshot around the throne of the church, and the Bible says in Revelation 4:10, "The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying, Thou it worthy, oh Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. For thou has created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created." He repeats it in Revelation 5:11, "And the voice of many angels round the throne and the beast and the elders. And the number of them was 10,000 times 10,000 and thousands of thousands." And what are they saying with a loud voice? "Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing." Friend, that's gonna be a church meeting like you've never been in before. But until we get to that day, we're to be bringing him glory now in every meeting and through every ministry that God has given us. Pray for Your Church Would you pray today for your church? Pray for your pastor. Pray for the deacons, pray for fellow members. Pray for the lost in your area to be saved and pray that you personally will do your part to bring in glory and to get the gospel to others because that my friends, that's what God says in his word. That's what the Bible says about the church.   Outro and Resources Repeating what other people have said about the Bible is not enough. We must know the biblical reason behind what we believe. We hope you will visit us at etj.bible to access our library of Bible teaching resources, including book-by-book studies of scripture. You'll also find studies to watch, listen to, or read. We are so grateful for those who pray for us, who share the biblical content and for those who invest to help us advance this ministry worldwide. Again, thank you for listening, and we hope you'll join us next time on enjoying the Journey.

(1 Corinthians 14:40) The basic structure of the New Testament church is determined by only one person—the Founder of the church, Jesus Christ! God is a God of order and He has plainly left us the order He desires. The measure of any church is its obedience to Christ. (0963250312) ----more----   The Meaning of the Word "Church" Words matter. So why did the Lord Jesus Christ choose the word church to represent his people in this world? The word church itself literally means a called out assembly. Now there's two wonderful parts to that. First, we've been called out, are you glad you've been called out? Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9 and says that we've been called out of darkness into his marvelous light. I love that. The Lord Jesus when he first came, called his disciples that they should be with him. So we're part of that.  Called Out Assembly: Unity and Gathering We've been called out, but then it's a called out assembly. It presupposes the idea that we're not just supposed to belong, we're to be together. That we would meet, that we would gather, that we would stay connected to one another. A called out assembly. Now, while every person on Earth that has put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior belongs to the Lord, that entire group has never met together at one time, no matter how big the meeting may be. And it never will meet together at one time until we all get to glory someday. Won't that be a wonderful assembly? What a day that's gonna be. You've never been in a meeting, like the meeting around. The throne of God at the nail pierced feet of Jesus. That's gonna be a great day.  Local New Testament Churches But my point is this, the overwhelming emphasis in the New Testament regarding the New Testament Church is that the New Testament Church is a local assembly. It's a local group of baptized believers who voluntarily joined themselves together to carry out the great commission. It is, if we might say it this way, a visible manifestation of the body of Christ in every place. For example, acts chapter eight, verse number one. This goes to really the heart of the church and the early stages of the church. Acts chapter eight, verse one says, "And Saul was consenting unto his death." That was the death of Stephen, the first martyr of the church. And the Bible says, and at that time there was a great persecution against the church, which was at Jerusalem. There was a visible group of believers. Assembling together at Jerusalem. If you go over a few pages to Acts chapter 13, verse one. "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch." You hear that it's a reference to the geographical location of each assembly? We could go through the letters of the Apostle Paul, you'd find it again and again. Galatians chapter one, verse number two, one Thessalonians chapter one, verse number one. How about this one? Philippians 1:1, "Paul and Otus, the servants of Jesus Christ to all the saints in Christ Jesus, which are at Philippi with the bishops and deacons." So our spiritual place is in Christ Jesus. We're seated with him in heavenly places. Praise God for that. But physically speaking, geographically circumstantially, we are at Philippi. At Thessalonica in Galacia or wherever your local assembly meets today. So we're dealing with local New Testament churches. Isn't that a simple principle?  The Simplicity of God's Church Structure And a part of this simplicity, it's wonderful, is to see the simple structure of God's amazing work when the Lord Jesus founded his church. He established it in such a way that there was a simplicity to it. There was a simple structure. Let me give you a few thoughts today.  Two Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper First of all he established two ordinances. That's wonderful. What are the two things he ordered that we do? They are baptism and the Lord's Supper. Matthew chapter 28, before he left the disciples, he told them to go into all the world to teach and then to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. So He ordered that we would baptize new believers and that baptism would identify those people with Christ and with His church in this world. You've gotta have several things, right? To have the right baptism, you gotta have the right authority. That's the local church. You have to have a right candidate. That's a saved person. They have to believe on Christ first. You have to have the right mode. That's immersion. That's what the word baptism means. It literally means to dip, immerse, or plunge, and so that's God's way. And then you have to have the right method, which is to baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, because that's the way Christ said to do it. He ordered baptism. The second ordinance that he left the church was. What we refer to as the Lord's Supper or the memorial supper. Paul really expounds on this in one Corinthians chapter 11 and it's powerful, all the teaching that is there, but it was established with Christ and his disciples. At that last Passover. He instituted a new supper. It was the first memorial supper on his way to the cross. He said, "I want you to do this in remembrance of me. This bread will represent my body. This fruit of the vine will represent my blood, which was shed for you." It's symbolic and so it's beautiful that the two things Christ ordered that every local church do, baptism and the Lord's Supper both point us to Jesus. Isn't that great? Everything points us not to an institution, but to an individual. It brings us to Christ. It's a reminder that the church's simple mission in this world is to point people to the Lord Jesus Christ. To show his death, to show the resurrection power, to show the fact that he is alive and is coming again. That's what the two ordinances are all about.  Two Offices: Bishops and Deacons Then He not only gave two ordinances, He gave two offices. I just read a moment ago, Philippians chapter one, verse number one with the bishops and deacons, right? There we go. That's the two offices. The bishop, that's the pastor. He has several titles or names ascribed to him in the New Testament. He's referred to as a pastor. That's a shepherd of a flock he's referred to here as a bishop. That word means to oversee, that emphasizes his function. He's also referred to in the New Testament as an elder that emphasizes his office or his place within the body. And so God gives to a local church a pastor, someone to help guide the flock. He is the Lord's under shepherd. There's only one good shepherd, but he's the under shepherd. And he's helping to guide the flock and feed the flock under the Lord Jesus Christ. And then alongside those bishops or pastors God calls or commands rather, that the church would call out deacons. I say it that way because I believe pastors are called to the Lord, deacons or chosen by the church. And so while there may be one pastor of a local assembly, there are many deacons because the word deacon literally means servants. These are people who've come alongside to serve. They started in Acts chapter number six where the apostles had so much to do with the ministry of the word and prayer that the widows were being neglected. So someone had to care for these things. And I just wanna pause and say, praise God for faithful deacons. And their place in the local assembly is just what the title means. It is to serve. It is to serve the Lord, to serve the pastor, to serve the congregation, to be a blessing and help. So there are two ordinances. There are two offices, and what do these tell us about the Lord?  God's Order in the Church They tell us that our God is a God of order. And by the way, we make things so everlasting complicated, don't we? That's what sin does. That's what sinners do. But listen to this principle in one Corinthians chapter 14 and verse number 40, it's powerful. The Bible says, "Let all things be done decently and in order." May I tell you that God is a God of order that's revealed in the Bible from the very beginning of creation, and certainly that's true in his church order is more than organization. It's fulfilling God's purpose. Organization can be of man. Really the only way to organize an organism is to dissect it and that kills it. So it's not mere organization we're after. No. The New Testament church must follow the divine order. God's simple plan for his local New Testament church. And if we'd follow the simple structure of God's amazing work friend, we'd see God work because then we're doing God's work God's way. May the Lord help all of us to help our churches. Because ever become everything that Christ founded them to be.  Outro and Resources Repeating what other people have said about the Bible is not enough. We must know the biblical reason behind what we believe. We hope you will visit us at etj.bible to access our Library of Bible teaching resources, including book-by-book studies of Scripture. You'll also find studies to watch, listen to, or read. We are so grateful for those who pray for us, who share the biblical content, and for those who invest to help us advance this ministry worldwide. Again, thank you for listening and we hope you'll join us next time on enjoying the Journey.

(Matthew 16:16-19) What is the church? Where did it come from? Why is it so important? Today we begin to look at the church that Jesus started. (0961250310) ----more----   The Church: God's Family When a person receives the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, immediately they become a part of the family of God. It is the greatest family on earth. And as soon as possible, that new believer should then unite with a local body of believers, a local assembly of believers who can study the word of God together, fellowship together, encourage one another, and work together to get the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ to other people. This is the importance of the local New Testament church.  The Importance of the Local Church Now, what does the Bible say about the church? We have recently been studying what the Bible says about salvation, and I think it's a very natural progression now to move to the church because the Lord didn't just save you from something. He saved you for something. He saved you for himself. He wants you to be a part of what he is doing in this world, and that is being done through the local New Testament Church.  Jesus' Teachings on the Church The Lord Jesus testified to his own disciples about the church and its work in Matthew chapter 16 in verse number 17. "And Jesus answered and said unto Peter, Blessed Art thou Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood, if not revealed it unto thee, but my father, which is in heaven." He's referencing of course, Peter's confession of faith, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. And he said, that's come by revelation. God's revealed the truth to you. You've responded to that truth, by the way. That's how everybody gets saved. But then notice how he moves from salvation to the work of the church. He says in verse 18, "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter. And upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loose." In heaven. Heaven's work is being done on earth through the local New Testament church. So when people say to me I'm a Christian, but I'm just not into church. I always am puzzled by that. Either they're openly disobeying what the scripture says, or they're just ignorant of what the scripture says. And because you cannot divide Christ and his church, the Lord Jesus is the head, the church is the body. So to say you love the head but have nothing to do with the body sounds very abnormal to me. The Lord Jesus intended that his disciples from the very beginning would be connected to what he is doing in this world, and this is powerful. He doesn't call it your church. He calls it my church. You might say, this is my church, but in fact. The church belongs to the Lord. It is his church. It is the Church of the Living God. God's Three Institutions Now, God established three basic institutions that are all represented for us in scripture. First of all he established the home that was the first institution ordained by God. You find it all the way back in the Book of Genesis. It is the basic unit of civilized society. It's my conviction. That's why the devil has done everything he can to try to disrupt the home, because when you break down the family, immediately society civilization begins to crumble. So it begins with a home. Then he establishes civil government. Now why was that second? Why was that necessary? That grew out of the fall of man. Fallen men lash out at other fallen men we're living in a fallen world cursed by sin. And so God had to establish definite laws and a government to oversee that. Otherwise people would just kill each other. Every man doing that, which is right in his own eyes. So he establishes civil government. And I'll remind you that though you may not always like the government. It is right for us to respect government and pray for those in authority over us. The Bible says there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained of God. But the third institution established by our God is the local New Testament church. And you find it in the New Testament. The church is not revealed in the Old Testament saints. They didn't understand all about the New Testament church. In fact, it's referred to in scripture as a mystery until you come to the New Testament. It was a sacred secret that would, was revealed by God in his own time. So the church was hidden to Old Testament Saints. I'd be quick to say this too. The church is not the same as Israel. God as a definite plan and purpose in this world and in the future for the nation of Israel, we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We should pray that our own country continues to be peaceable towards Jerusalem, because God is not through with His chosen nation, but Israel and the church are not the same thing. The church is something that is revealed first by Jesus Christ. In Matthew chapter 16, listen to the verse again. Matthew 16 verse 18. "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The Foundation of the Church What do we learn about the church in this first mention of the church? We learned something about the foundation of the church. He said, I'm gonna build my church upon a certain rock. Some people have mistakenly thought that rock was referenced to Peter. Let me just be quick to say that there's not a man on earth that can be the foundation of God's perfect work in this world. The only foundation is the Lord Jesus. Remember what Paul would later write. Other foundation can no man lay then that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. When the Lord Jesus said, upon this rock, I will build my church. The rock was not Peter. The rock was Peter's confession of faith. If you back up two verses, listen to Peter. He says it with his own lips. Thou the Christ, the son of the living God. A friend. The church is not about you and me. The church is all about Christ. In our American Christianity modern church, a church has become so much about people getting their felt needs met or their social needs met. But friend, if you wanna go back to the very beginning principle of the New Testament church. It is built upon the person of Jesus Christ. He's the rock. So the foundation of the church is Jesus Christ, who's the builder of that building, that spiritual church. The Bible says, Jesus said, I will build my church. He didn't say he would build your church. He didn't say he wanted you to build his church. He said he would build his own church. So watch this. He's the foundation. He is the builder. And he's the head when all is said and done. He's the capstone. He is. He is the chief cornerstone. Listen to the words again, upon this rock, I will build my church. The church does not belong to us. The church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, and we have the glorious privilege of getting in on it, being a part of what God is doing in this world. Isn't it amazing that the greatest organization in your town is not an organization at all? It is actually a living organism. It is a living, breathing, functioning body. It's called the local New Testament Church. And I'm gonna tell you, there's not a civic group. There's not a corporate group, there's not a ball team or a club or a social society on earth that can compare to the Church of the Living God. It is wonderful because it's connected to Christ. The Power and Mission of the Church Listen to the power of this church. He said The gates of hell shall not prevail against it. That presupposes that the church is advancing, that we're going against the gates of hell to rescue sinners out of the fire to bring them to the knowledge of Christ. It's time the church stopped playing defense and get back on the offense. It's time that the Church of the Living God stopped being passive and instead said, it is our business and our duty. I. To do the Lord's work in this world and friend, when we begin to do God's work God's way, let me tell you what Jesus will do. No, let me, let the Lord Jesus speak for himself. Jesus said, I will build my church. I want you just to pause today and thank God for the church. Thank the Lord for the church. He's allowed you to be a part of. And ask the Lord to show you how you can do the work he wants done in and through your local New Testament church. It truly is the greatest work going on in this world. Repeating what other people have said about the Bible is not enough. Outro and Resources We must know the biblical reason behind what we believe. We hope you will visit us at etj.bible to access our Library of Bible teaching resources, including book-by-book studies of scripture. You'll also find studies to watch, listen to, or read. We are so grateful for those who pray for us, who share the biblical content and for those who invest to help us advance this ministry worldwide. Again, thank you for listening, and we hope you'll join us next time on enjoying the Journey.

Audio Download

In this Episode:Examining Gavin Ortlund's Controversial Argument, Claiming There was no Office of Bishop in the first century Christian Church...Diocesan Staff Apologist and Speaker for Catholic Answers, Dr. Karlo Broussard, explains the Why's behind Catholic Beliefs from Faith, Morality, and Culture. Providing the Reasons behind the claims made by the Catholic Church. Send your questions to...Karlo@stmichaelradio.comA Production of St. Michael Catholic RadioThe Catholic Reason Airs Every Thursday on 94.9 St Michael Catholic Radio at 4 p.m. CST.

Series: Churches of the New TestamentService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Chad Carter

Tonight we start our comprehensive look at the Acts of the Apostles, 28 chapters that take you from the Kingdom Age right into the Church Age. Along the way we see the roots and foundations of the New Testament Church as we know it today, rightly dividing as we go, watching for the dispensation to change. And change it does in a mighty way. But remember, the book of Acts is primarily a look into the lives of the apostles themselves, and things will look a little different than how Paul describes the Church in places like 1 Timothy. Signs, miracles and wonders are present, but they will come to an end by the time the book closes. The Kingdom Age closes with the stoning of Stephen, and the Church Age begins with the salvation of the Ethiopian eunuch. The Acts of the Apostles is one of the most exciting books in the New Testament, but one you must get right or you will wreck. On this episode of Rightly Dividing, the book of Acts, or The Acts of the Apostles, shows us the life and ministry of the apostles of Jesus Christ from the gospels, including one who is “born out of due time”, the apostle Paul. But before he was an apostle of the Lord, Saul was a fearsome type of Antichrist, and we will look at that as well. Think you're called to the ministry? You better think again, the book of Acts shows you what the ministry is, and you may not like it much. Join us as we study the entire book of the Acts of the Apostles, verse by verse and chapter by chapter.

Luke 4:31–33 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority2. And in the synagogue1 there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice3,Jesus ministry is often viewed taking place in a field or at a lake but it was daily in the synagogue or templeLuke 19:47 (ESV) And he was teaching daily in the temple. This is important as Jesus/disciples presence and emphasized the importanceActs 2:46–47 (ESV) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.Jesus teaching included the unique ingredients, authority and power (see next week)Jesus came in contact with a man, in the synagogue who had the spirit of an unclean demonThe spirit was active in the life of a follower of Biblical Judaism, in the synagogue, the early version of the churchThe spirit was triggered by Jesus' presence, teaching with authority causing an extreme response.Luke 4:34–35 (ESV) “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus1 of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?2 I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!”3 And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.4Demons/spirits recognized Jesus. No other names of recognition were mentioned.Demons/spirits recognized Jesus' role in a future judgement or destruction they would face.Matthew 8:29 (ESV) And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”Jesus was demonstrating and implementing an unexpected judgement by kicking them out of peoples lives.Jesus typically told demons/spirits what to do; and refused to allow them to speak.He did not ask the Father to do it, nor did He ask the demon to comply. He commanded.Anti-sensational approach. One time he asked question, “what is your name” but allowing them to speak was atypical.The demon did not harm the man him but did throw him downTypically demons/spirits function was focused on individual limitation or harmMark 9:25 (ESV) And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”Matthew 17:15 (ESV) said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.This encounter was minimized.Luke 4:36–37 (ESV) And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power1 he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place2 in the surrounding region.Authority and power defined Jesus ministry, the ministry of his disciples, and the function of the New Testament Church.Auhtoirty/Power at work generates good news. I believe that there is deficiency in fact based evangelism that is not partnered with power and authority. This is the Church of America's biggest problem.Key Facts About Demons/SpiritsSpiritual Beings With Unknown OriginsThey Oppose God - demons are spiritual entities aligned against God's authority. They are often associated with Satan, the adversary.Matthew 12:24-26 – “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.' … If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.”They Negatively Impact People To The Level They Are AllowedMark 5:3–4 (ESV) He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.Their Presence Is Marked By Self HarmMark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.They Cause Physical AilmentsMatthew 9:32–33 (ESV) As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”They Lie & DeceiveThey don't just deceive others, they deceive you about them.Most subtle - they are not realEven more subtle - Rosemary's BabyJohn 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.They Impact Adults & ChildrenMark 7:25 (ESV) But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.They Gain Access By Invitation, Proximity & AttackInvitation - partnering with the spirit world, sex with many peopleProximity - around you and allowed to stay, family tree, things you've agreed withAttack - most ofJob 1:8–10 (ESV) And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.1 Corinthians 6:15–18 (ESV) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 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. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.They Are Alive And Well TodayDemons tend to be a fringe topic for the modern American church and personal recognition tend to be even more so. They are alive and well. We give them medical and genetic assignments and live with them often medicating them. They are present during Night tremorsAddictionsSelf Destructive BehaviorsDiseaseSuicideSelf Harm/Mutilation1 John 3:8 (ESV) The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.Mark 3:14–15 (ESV) And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.Mark 16:17–18 (ESV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The Presbyterian Church has a long history rooted in the Protestant Reformation, but what exactly sets Presbyterianism apart from other Christian traditions?Pastor Jeff Cranston sits down with Reverend Bill McCutchen, lead pastor at Hilton Head Presbyterian Church, to explore the key aspects of Presbyterian theology. If you haven't seen part 1 of this conversation, feel free to go back and listen.Here's What We Discussed00:55 - Infant BaptismMany Christian denominations, including Presbyterians, practice infant baptism—but why? The practice is rooted in covenant theology, where God's promises extend to believers and their children. They also baptize older children, teenagers, and adults who come to faith later in life. 03:24 - Covenant Theology and BaptismWhat does it mean to be part of God's covenant? God's promises have always been generational, from Abraham to the New Testament Church. He highlights Peter's sermon at Pentecost, where he says, “The promise is for you and your children” (Acts 2:39). 06:03 - Sprinkling vs. ImmersionPresbyterians typically use sprinkling or pouring. Rev. McCutchen explains that the Old Testament frequently refers to ritual cleansing through sprinkling (Ezekiel 36:25). The Greek word for baptism (baptizo) can mean to immerse, but also to wash or cleanse. While immersion symbolizes death and resurrection, sprinkling and pouring emphasize the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17). 10:18 - Church Governance in PresbyterianismUnlike some churches that are led by a single pastor or bishop, Presbyterian churches follow a plurality of elders model. McCutchen explains the difference between Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders. As far as allowing women pastors it depends on the denomination. The Presbyterian Church in America holds to a complementarian view; women can serve in many leadership roles but not as ordained pastors or elders. 15:04 - The Core of Reformed Theology: TULIPReformed theology is summarized by the acronym TULIP:Total DepravityUnconditional ElectionLimited Atonement Irresistible Grace Perseverance of the Saints These doctrines were developed in response to Arminian theology and remain foundational to Presbyterian beliefs today.20:14 - Closing ThoughtsReverend McCutchen and Pastor Jeff reflect on the importance of unity in Christ, despite denominational differences. Visit Hilton Head Presbyterian Church: https://www.hiltonheadpca.com/leadership Join the ConversationWe love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.orgVisit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church. Check-in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranstonRemember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!

Message from Pastor Lynn on February 23, 2025

Acts 20:25-38

Message from Pastor Lynn on February 16, 2025

This week, Dudley brings us his monthly message, “What In The Church Is Going On?” In this powerful message, Dudley explores the profound shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as seen in the New Testament Church. He points to when Paul addresses the importance of unity between Gentiles and Jews in Christ, highlighting that believers, regardless of their background, are united through faith in Jesus. Dudley discusses the role of grace, the sacrificial system, and how the New Covenant offers a new way of relationship with God, free from the laws and rituals of the Old Covenant. This teaching helps us understand the transformative message of the gospel, emphasizing that in Christ, all are equal and share in the same inheritance. Watch as we break down the theological significance of these covenants and what it means for Christians today, offering a fresh perspective on the unity of the church in Christ. Get Dudley's Weekly Word delivered right to your inbox every Friday! Click here to get access ➡️ https://dudleysweeklyword.com/opt-inFor more information and resources, visit https://kerygmaventures.com/podcast/ Follow and subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41N9SAP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LEIxeo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerygmaventures Watch our "Conversations At The Ranch" series: https://bit.ly/conversations-at-the-ranch Watch our “Dudley's Monthly Message” series: https://bit.ly/dudleys-monthly-message 

The early New Testament Church received its beliefs, teachings and customs from the apostles who had been taught by Christ personally. Those same doctrines have been taught by God's apostle and prophet in the end time.

Send us a textWhat if the true essence of God's promises lies not in a geographical location but in a spiritual transformation? Join us as we unpack the profound themes of idol worship and divine fulfillment in the book of Joshua, questioning the modern Christian fascination with the physical land of Israel. We explore the scriptures that declare God's promises to ancient Israel already fulfilled, and challenge the notion of territorial affiliation, urging believers to focus on spiritual teachings. This episode is an invitation to reconsider what it truly means to be part of God's chosen people beyond ethnic and national boundaries.Throughout our discussion, we turn to the teachings of Paul in Galatians and Romans, revealing that the spiritual essence of being part of Abraham's family transcends ethnicity and rituals. We emphasize inward transformation and spiritual circumcision of the heart as the true markers of Jewish identity in Christ. With insights from Ephesians, we highlight the inclusivity of Christianity, where all believers, regardless of background, are welcomed into the body of Christ as one unified family. The narrative of a spiritual Israel, or new Jerusalem, emerges, underscoring the unity that Christ brings to both Jews and Gentiles.Finally, we reflect on the powerful imagery in 1 Peter 2:9, where all believers are seen as a royal priesthood and chosen generation. We draw parallels between the Old Testament Israel and the New Testament Church, celebrating the dismantling of divisions made possible by Christ's sacrifice. By reexamining the origins of salvation and urging a deeper engagement with scripture, this conversation challenges misconceptions and inspires a renewed understanding of unity in the body of Christ. Listen and discover how spiritual identity transcends physical locations, uniting all believers in a shared spiritual journey.Support the show

— The New Testament Church, and The Nation Of Israel. Part 2 — Preached by Pastor James Knox — Preached at The Bible Baptist Church of Deland, Florida —Thanks For Listening, I hope you were helped by this! —I know the audio is not great on a lot of these, but it is the best that I can find. Many of these messages were recorded in the early to mid 1900's, and the audio recording equipment was not great then.  But! The messages are worth the extra focus that it takes to get it.

In this week, as we approach the end of the audio Bible in a year we finish some of the final letters to the New Testament Church and then begin the final book of the Bible - Revelation. This book will take us to the end of our year long journey, and will be a difficult book, but we will be blessed in it. Keep up the good work, and carry it through to completion, the finish line is in sight.

Dr. Jonny addresses scripture from the New Testament that seems to limit or restrict women in the operation and teaching of the New Testament Church. These passages were never intended to subordinate women for all eternity, but rather to bring order in a time of unprecedented freedom and liberation! 

In this episode, Kim talks to Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall. Dr. Westfall shares her background, providing context that helps explain her interest in the New Testament and Paul. Her mentors, service, analytical mind and questions led her into digging into the New Testament and Paul, and women's sexuality. She provides excellent context and interpretations of Paul's difficult passages. She specifically focuses on how Paul instructs the church to honor the traditionally discarded women with the Ancient Corinthain symbol of honorable women, the head covering.     00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters Podcast  00:24 Meet Dr. Cynthia Westfall  01:07 Cynthia's Journey to Faith and Scholarship  03:19 Struggles with Traditional Interpretations  07:07 Embracing Egalitarianism  15:01 Paul's Subversion of Cultural Norms  19:51 Introduction to the Topic  20:26 Traditional Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11  21:22 Questioning Traditional Views  23:10 Alternate Interpretations Based on Veiling History  24:38 Cultural Significance of Veiling  26:55 Paul's True Intentions  28:54 Implications for Women in the Church  34:51 Order in Worship Services  37:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts    Guest Bio    Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall is associate professor of New Testament and has been at McMaster Divinity College since 2005, teaching courses in New Testament with a specialization in the book of Hebrews, Greek exegesis, biblical interpretation, intertextuality, women in ministry, biblical social justice and welcoming the other, courses which are devoted to a commitment to transformation by God's word through its application to all aspects of life and ministry. Dr. Westfall has a constellation of research interests that are focused on issues concerned with the New Testament and its interpretation with contemporary methodologies and its translation. She places a special focus on texts and issues that have been traditionally overlooked. She has a priority of mentoring academic and professional students as well as others. Her ministry experience includes campus ministry, ministry to the urban community, support of the immigrant community in the US and Canada and the support of women pursuing God's call on their lives.  She currently serves on the board of Canadian Baptist Missions (CBM). She has served as chair of the board of Wentworth Baptist Church in Hamilton, ON, and continues to serve the church is various ways including preaching, consulting and serving as a delegate as well as speaking and teaching in the churches, organizations and assembly of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ).  Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall is professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College in Canada.    Resources by Dr. Westfall Cynthia Long Westfall. Paul and Gender: Reclaiming the Apostle's Vision for Men and Women in Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic). 2016.  Mutuality Matters podcast: Redeeming Paul - Part 1, Redeeming Paul - Part 2  Mutuality Magazine: Difficult Passages in the Bible and How to Understand Them  Priscilla Papers: On Developing a Consistent Hermeneutical Approach to the Application of General Scriptures    CBE International Conference Audios:   Paul and Gender: Highlights and Bombshells   The Symbol of the Veil in the Ancient Near East and Today: Subjugation or Honor - Part 1   The Symbol of the Veil in the Ancient Near East and Today: Subjugation or Honor? Part 2  In Church or at Home? What is 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Really About?  Answering Those Who Ask: Moving from Defense to a Breakthrough    Relevant Resources   Roy Ciampa was mentioned in the interview explaining the educational level of women in the New Testament Church his podcast interview with Dr. Mimi Hadad in Women and Words: Marriage in the Greco-Roman World in Translation with Dr. Rogy Ciampa  Dr. Westfall references Kenneth Baily's book about women in the Middle East. See Cynthia Long Westfall's review of his book: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes  Veil Bound or Veiled Beauty? By Kay Blevins Calabrese    Disclaimer   The opinions expressed in CBE's Mutuality Matters' podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.  

Jesus not only came to save us, but to restore the heart of the Father. Women were created as the equal and comparable strength to men and Jesus came to liberate women into their created destiny. Dr. Jonny describes empowered women in the Old Testament and in the New Testament Church. The Spirit was poured out on all flesh, male and female, and it is time for the Church to operate in full capacity!

Sunday SchoolSeries: The New Testament ChurchTeacher: Jeff Sulman Permalink