Podcasts about new testament church

A New Testament Church, described in Acts 2:37-42, CSreful about evangelism, looks for the "prickling of the heart", deals with repentance; careful in receiving new members; strong in Biblical preaching, Biblical holiness; building Godly homes, strong in Gospel preaching and church planting; strong in spiritual warfare; discipling youth, defending your faith and separating from false teachers, strong in Bible prophecy and the imminent return of Christ and IS EXPECTING IT.

Dr. Jonathan Hansen ministers on night 8 of the 10-day God Is Able Annual Revival in Nelspruit, South Africa. His message is A New Testament Church Is Kingdom Focused. The meetings are hosted by Apostle Moses Giami and Pastor Veronica at God Is Able Ministries (GIAMI). Apostle Williams Thumba, Hansen's host for this South Africa trip, and Pastor Lebogang ministered with them. World Ministries International Eagles Saving Nations https://www.worldministries.org Dr. Jonathan Hansen World Ministries International Eagles Saving Nations Dr. Jonathan Hansen - Founder & President Rev. Adalia Hansen Contact: WMI P.O. Box 277 Stanwood, WA 98292 (360) 629-5248 warning@worldministries.org Subscribe to Eagle Saving Nations https://www.worldministries.org/eagles-saving-nations-membership.aspx Sign up for Dr. Hansen's FREE newsletters http://www.worldministries.org/newsletter-signup.html Order Dr. Hansen's book “The Science of Judgment” https://www.store-worldministries.org/the-science-of-judgment.html

Local churches are authorized to provide for worship and edification (continued) The local church is a group designed for mutual…

What makes a church truly healthy? It is not the size of the building, the quality of the music, or the length of the program. According to Colossians 1:3-5, a thriving church is one where faith, love, and hope are visible to everyone who walks through the door. The Apostle Paul opens his letter to the Colossians with gratitude and prayer, motivated by a report from a man named Epaphras who had traveled over 100 miles to share what he had witnessed in that community of believers. What he described was a church where faith was demonstrated in action, love was genuine and noticeable, and hope in the promises of Jesus was contagious. In this message, we explore what each of these three marks looks like in real life. Faith is never invisible. Hebrews 11 shows us that faith always leads to action, whether it is Abel offering a sacrifice or Abraham stepping out without knowing where he was going. James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead. Our faith shows up in how we speak, how we work, how we treat our families, and how we live every single day. Love is one of the most powerful tools the church has. Jesus said in John 13:35 that all people will know we are His disciples by the love we have for one another. This is not a program or a strategy. It is the natural result of the God of love taking up residence in our hearts. The New Testament is full of one another commands, and when a church lives them out, people notice. Hope is what sets the Christian life apart. The believers in Colossae were talking about what Jesus had promised, about eternal life, about His return, about the kingdom to come. That hope was not wishful thinking. It was grounded in the words of Jesus in John 14, the writings of Paul in Titus, and the vision of John in Revelation. And when the church is alive with that hope, it changes everything. Whether you are exploring what it means to be part of a healthy church, looking for encouragement in your faith, or wanting to grow in love and hope, this message from Colossians 1 offers a clear and practical picture of what the church is called to be.

Local churches are authorized to provide for worship and edification The local church is a group designed for mutual encouragement as we…

Local churches are authorized to provide for the preaching of the gospel (continued) Observation: the money was sent directly to the…

Ignatius of Antioch  Ignatius of Antioch lived approximately AD 35–107. According to early Christian tradition, he served as bishop of Antioch, one of Christianity's earliest and most important centers. He is often called Ignatius Theophoros (Ἰγνάτιος ὁ Θεοφόρος), usually understood as “Ignatius the God-bearer.” Ignatius belonged to the generation immediately following the apostles. Later tradition connects him with the apostolic generation, especially Peter and John, although we cannot historically demonstrate all the details later traditions give about these relationships. His Arrest and Journey to Rome During the reign of Emperor Trajan (AD 98–117), Ignatius was arrested and condemned. He was taken under Roman military guard from Antioch toward Rome, where he expected to be executed. This journey became extraordinarily important for Christian history because Ignatius wrote letters to Christian communities along the way. These letters provide one of our earliest windows into the organization, theology, worship, and struggles of Christianity in the early second century. Seven letters are traditionally accepted as authentic: Ephesians Magnesians Trallians Romans Philadelphians Smyrnaeans To Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna What Did Ignatius Teach? A central theme in Ignatius is unity. Again and again he urges Christians to remain united around the bishop, presbyters, and deacons. His writings therefore provide extremely important evidence for the development of the threefold ministry of bishop (ἐπίσκοπος), presbyters (πρεσβύτεροι), and deacons (διάκονοι). The Eucharist is also central to his theology. For Ignatius, Christianity was not merely a collection of ideas. The Church was a living community gathered around Christ, particularly expressed in the Eucharistic assembly. He also strongly opposed teachings that denied the genuine humanity and suffering of Jesus. Against tendencies later associated with Docetism—the idea that Christ only appeared to suffer—Ignatius insisted that Jesus was genuinely born, genuinely suffered, and genuinely died. The Famous Expression “Catholic Church” Ignatius is especially important because his Letter to the Smyrnaeans contains the earliest surviving written occurrence of the expression: ἡ καθολικὴ ἐκκλησία — hē katholike ekklēsia Here καθολικός (katholikos) carries the sense of “universal,” “according to the whole,” or “the whole Church.” Ignatius writes essentially: “Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic Church.” At this early date, we should be careful not simply to read all later denominational meanings of the word Catholic back into Ignatius. His emphasis is fundamentally on the whole, universal Church gathered in Christ. His Martyrdom Ignatius expected to die in Rome, traditionally by being thrown to wild beasts. His Letter to the Romans contains some of the strongest martyrdom language in early Christianity. He famously describes himself as: “God's wheat.” He imagines being ground by the teeth of wild beasts so that he might become the “pure bread of Christ.” The imagery reflects how deeply Ignatius connected martyrdom, imitation of Christ, Eucharistic imagery, and discipleship. Why Ignatius Matters for the Early Eastern Church For your students, Ignatius is especially important because he stands at a crossroads between the apostolic age and the developing institutional Church of the second century. He gives us evidence for Christianity moving outward from its Jewish and Jerusalem beginnings into the multilingual world of Syria and Asia Minor. Antioch itself was culturally complex: Greek was prominent, while the wider Syrian environment was deeply Semitic and Aramaic-speaking. Yet the surviving authentic letters of Ignatius are Greek, not Aramaic or Syriac. So Ignatius should be understood as an Eastern Christian bishop operating within a Greek-speaking literary environment while emerging from the Syrian Christian world. Simple conclusion for your students: Ignatius of Antioch was an early second-century Syrian bishop and martyr who helped define Christian thinking about Church unity, bishops, presbyters, deacons, the Eucharist, the real humanity of Christ, and martyrdom. His seven letters form one of our most valuable bridges between the New Testament Church and Christianity of the second century.

Why was the New Testament Church not to eat blood or strangled animals? How does this relate to Sabbath?

What does a New Testament church really look like? In Acts 2:42–47, we discover five characteristics of a church that is devoted, supernatural, generous, relational, and missional—and what that means for us today.

Local churches are authorized to provide for the preaching of the gospel (continued) Overview of the New Testament passages (continued…

God Is Shaking His Church: Judgment, Restoration & the Return to Biblical Foundations | KIB 546 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing DESCRIPTION Is the shaking in the Church merely destruction—or could God be using judgment to prepare His people for restoration? In KIB 546, Dr. Michael Lake and Mary Lou Lake examine a powerful biblical pattern: when God's covenant people depart from His established foundations, judgment can become an instrument of restoration. Scripture repeatedly reveals a progression: ·      God establishes His order. ·      Mixture and compromise enter. ·      Prophetic warnings are given. ·      Repentance is resisted. ·      Judgment exposes and removes what is false. ·      A faithful remnant returns to covenant. ·      God restores upon the foundation He originally established. From the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding described in Ezra, to Jeremiah, Haggai, Josiah, Hebrews, Revelation, and the New Testament Church, the pattern remains remarkably consistent. Judgment does not necessarily mean that God has abandoned His people. His discipline can demonstrate precisely the opposite. Hebrews 12:6 teaches that the Lord disciplines those whom He loves. Dr. Lake explains why God may have to dismantle spiritual corruption, false doctrine, religious entertainment, prosperity thinking, celebrity culture, pagan mixture, and man-made traditions before genuine restoration can occur. The question for the remnant is not simply:  "God, will You revive what we have built?" A more important prayer may be:  "Father, remove everything we have built that prevents us from becoming what You intended." This episode examines the biblical sequence of judgment, remembrance, repentance, return, obedience, holiness, and restoration—and why understanding that process may be critical for the days ahead. God is not calling His people to invent another Christianity. He is calling His people back to the foundation. ·      Christ has not moved. ·      The Word has not changed. ·      The Kingdom cannot be shaken. The shaking reveals what God never built, so what He established can be seen clearly again. The remnant must return to Christ, biblical authority, holiness, obedience, covenant faithfulness, prayer, sound doctrine, the fear of the Lord, and the Holy Spirit's leadership. "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken." — Hebrews 12:28 KEY SCRIPTURES DISCUSSED Jeremiah 30:11 Jeremiah 1:10 Jeremiah 7:4 Jeremiah 29:10–14 Deuteronomy 30:1–3 Isaiah 28:16 1 Corinthians 3:11–13 Haggai 1:5–9 2 Kings 22:11 2 Kings 23 Hebrews 12:5–11 Hebrews 12:26–28 Revelation 2:4–5 Revelation 3:19 1 Peter 4:17 Ezekiel 9:6 Isaiah 10:20–21 Zephaniah 3:12–13 John 15:2 CALL TO ACTION The time has come for believers to examine everything by the Word of God. Ask the Father to reveal anything in your life that has been built upon human tradition, cultural compromise, Babylonian thinking, or a false spiritual foundation. Choose now to cooperate with God's restoration process. ·      Return to His Word. ·      Return to holiness. ·      Return to obedience. ·      Return to covenant faithfulness. ·      Return to Christ. If this teaching strengthens you, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Biblical Life TV, and SHARE this episode with believers who need to understand what may be happening in the Church during this season of shaking. Your engagement helps this message reach members of the remnant who may be searching for answers. Thank you to every friend and partner who faithfully stands with Biblical Life TV. Together, we are helping prepare and strengthen the remnant. TIMELINE / YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 — Biblical Life TV: Empowering the Remnant 01:31 — Welcome to Kingdom Intelligence Briefing 546 02:39 — Are We Coming Out of Babylonian Captivity? 05:33 — Understanding the Process of Judgment and Restoration 06:26 — Why Judgment Is Necessary in Covenant 08:00 — False Foundations, Compromise and Prophetic Warnings 10:00 — False Prophets and Religious Entertainment 13:30 — Judgment Can Be Corrective, Not Merely Destructive 14:00 — Jeremiah 30:11: God Disciplines His Covenant People 15:54 — God Is Bringing His People Back to Biblical Standards 17:00 — Jeremiah 1:10: God Tears Down Before He Rebuilds 19:00 — Pagan Mixture and End-Time Deception 22:09 — Babylonian Exile as Judgment and Purification 24:06 — False Confidence in Religious Institutions 25:00 — Jeremiah 29: Restoration After Exile 28:55 — Recognizing Mixture Within Modern Christianity 31:46 — SHUV: Return, Restore and Come Back to God 33:40 — Deuteronomy 30 and the Covenant Pattern of Return 36:32 — Judge Yourself Before Judgment Comes 37:45 — Judgment, Remembrance, Return, Obedience and Restoration 38:51 — Biblical Repentance Is Essential 40:50 — Christ Is the Only True Foundation 43:15 — Holy Fire Versus Strange Fire 46:08 — Haggai: When God Corrects Our Priorities 48:15 — Prosperity Begins With Covenant Faithfulness 49:00 — Josiah Rediscovers the Word of God 51:09 — Removing Idolatry Before Restoring Biblical Worship 54:21 — Judging Everything by the Word 57:45 — Build Your Life Upon the Written Word 58:44 — Rediscover the Word and Remove the Idols 01:01:19 — Christ, the True Cornerstone 01:02:23 — Hebrews 12: Discipline Produces Holiness 01:03:20 — Jesus Judges His Church in Revelation 01:04:40 — Judgment Begins at the House of God 01:05:30 — The Great Shaking of Hebrews 12 01:07:58 — God Reveals What Cannot Be Shaken 01:08:30 — Judgment Produces a Faithful Remnant 01:10:00 — Revival Versus Biblical Restoration 01:12:58 — A Different Prayer for the Church 01:13:52 — A Prophetic Framework for the Modern Church 01:15:20 — Christ and His Kingdom Have Not Moved 01:16:02 — Prayer: Remove Everything That Is Not of God 01:17:35 — Warning Against Financial Manipulation in Ministry 01:18:00 — Standing Through the Present Spiritual Attacks 01:20:26 — Believe God for Miracles During the Shaking 01:20:57 — Download This Week's KIB Study Guide

When do you have a local church action? (continued) Church action occurs when the members purpose to act together in Christ. (continued…

(This podcast was previously published on September 28, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   Deuteronomy 14:2  For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto HIMSELF, above all the nations that are upon the earth.   The children of Israel were chosen by God to be HIS people in the Old Testament.   Noah found grace in the sight of God and God saved Noah from the great flood.   Abraham was chosen by God and was given promises concerning the nations that were to come from him.   Genesis 12:1-4  Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.   4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him;   And God gave promises to both Isaac and Jacob, Abraham's son and grandson.   God spoke to them also and made HIMSELF known.   To Isaac, God said:  Go not down into Egypt; dwell into the land which I shall tell thee of:  Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;  And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed MY voice, and kept MY charge, MY commandments, MY statutes, and MY laws.  (Genesis 26:2-5)   God revealed HIMSELF to Jacob:  And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.   And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.   And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;  And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.  And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.  (Genesis 28:10-15)   Later Jacob was renamed by God as Israel.  HIS 12 sons were the children of Israel, the 12 tribes of Israel.   To Joseph, one of the 12 sons, God revealed HIMSELF by dreams.  His brothers hated Joseph because the dreams showed Joseph ruling over them.  So they sold Joseph into bondage and Joseph was taken down into Egypt before the great famine came on the earth.  God gave wisdom to Joseph and therefore all that Joseph did prospered above all men.  Pharaoh saw this and made Joseph a ruler in Egypt, second only to himself.   70 men were the number of the children of Israel who went down into Egypt at the time of the great famine.   The generations of the children of Israel spent 430 years in Egypt and when they were delivered from Egypt by God, their number of men above the age of 20 was 603,550. (Exodus 38:26)   Even under the years of adversity in Egypt, God multiplied them greatly as God said he would do in HIS promises to Abraham.   In all this we see when God reveals HIMSELF to an individual, God becomes their God.  

What is a local church? There is a difference between an individual and a local church. Matthew 18:15-17 I Timothy 5:3-4, 16 Some say…

What does “church” mean? (continued) The Bible's use of “ekklesia”: universal spiritual group (continued) Matthew 16:13-20 (Acts 2:36-4…

THE OUTPOURING.Joel 2:28; Acts 2:16–17 (KJV) "Today...what Joel promised has begun to unfold before your eyes." More than eight centuries later, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood before the crowd and declared, "This is that," pointing to the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.This message explores how God's promises are always fulfilled according to His perfect timing and how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the birth of the New Testament Church. We will examine the promise of the Spirit, the fulfillment of that promise at Pentecost, and the believer's responsibility to walk daily in the Spirit's power. Because when God repeats His Word, He is confirming His truth, revealing His Son, and calling every generation to respond in faith and obedience. God's promises never fail, and the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early Church still empowers believers today to glorify Christ and proclaim the Gospel.

Introduction Christ is the head of His church. Matthew 16:18 Acts 11:20-26 Acts 20:28 Ephesians 5:23-30 Let's be precise and kind with our…

A lot of times as believers we think the Pastor of the church is 'On The Hook' for doing all the work in the church. The New Testament Church should actually be built with a mindset that ALL believers and people of the church are 'On The Hook' to be ministers, use their spiritual gifts, and to build the Kingdom of God.

A lot of times as believers we think the Pastor of the church is 'On The Hook' for doing all the work in the church. The New Testament Church should actually be built with a mindset that ALL believers and people of the church are 'On The Hook' to be ministers, use their spiritual gifts, and to build the Kingdom of God.

“Scripture does not give dignity to undefined romantic attachments.” In this teaching series, PAV breaks down the Bible's position on heterosexual relationships within the context of the New Testament Church, and establishes the sufficiency of Scripture, through all generations. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

June 29, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 16:13-19Daily Lectionary: Joshua 4:1-24; Acts 9:23-43“And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Peter and Paul. The “Prince of the Apostles” and the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” They both are great movers and shakers in the first generation of the New Testament Church—heroes of the faith. And we remember them with appreciation and thanksgiving, sometimes in our stained glass windows, or even with statues flanking the Risen Christ on some altars. It is good to remember them and give thanks.But is it the wisdom and skill of Simon and Saul? Did Simon Peter pass some exam with flying colors, giving Jesus the right answer? Did Saul of Tarsus suddenly realize he was wrong on the Road to Damascus, and shout, “My bad!” as he made up his own mind to start a new life? Here is a hint: even with the greatest saints, they could “not by [their] own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ [their] Lord, or come to Him.”The Father in heaven gave His Spirit to these men, that they might come to faith in Christ, and be great apostles to build the foundation of the Church. These two had a great many things in common. Peter raised Dorcas from the dead; Paul raised Eutychus. Peter was released from jail in Jerusalem by an angel; Paul by an angel in Philippi. Both preach to thousands, both Jew and Gentile, around the Roman Empire. And then, the last thing they shared in common: they both were martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution of Christians. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was given a swift, less torturous death by beheading. Peter, as merely a subject of the Empire, was crucified.Ah! But there is yet another thing in common. These two saints now rest from their labors, asleep in Jesus. And they are awaiting the Resurrection at the Last Day. The Resurrection foreshadowed in the empty tomb, and revealed to Peter in the Upper Room and at breakfast on the beach. The Resurrection was revealed to Paul when he was “knocked off his high horse” and saw and heard the Risen Christ on the Road to Damascus.The Gospel of this Resurrection is revealed to you, too. Through the Word of God delivered by these two saints (and so many others!), you have been blessed and are being prepared for the Resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We praise You for Saint Peter; We praise You for Saint Paul; They taught both Jew and Gentile That Christ is all in all. To cross and sword they yielded And saw Your kingdom come; O God, these two apostles Reached life through martyrdom. (LSB 518:19)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

“Scripture does not give dignity to undefined romantic attachments.” In this teaching series, PAV breaks down the Bible's position on heterosexual relationships within the context of the New Testament Church, and establishes the sufficiency of Scripture, through all generations. For inquires & bookings: Phone: +234 708 881 8864 Email: info@thebasileiacommisssion.org Twitter | Instagram: @WAHthehurch Facebook: @TheBasileiaCommission | @WAHthechurch

What is the biblical role of an evangelist?Many Christians associate evangelists with traveling revival preachers who move from church to church preaching special services. While that model has been common in Pentecostal circles, is it the same role the apostle Paul described in Ephesians 4:11?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard explores the New Testament ministry of the evangelist and explains why this calling remains essential to the church today. Drawing from Scripture, he discusses how evangelists fit within the ministry gifts Christ gave to the church, how their work differs from that of pastors and teachers, and how they help fulfill the church's mission of reaching the lost.Whether you serve in ministry, feel called to evangelistic work, or simply want a deeper understanding of biblical church leadership, this episode offers practical insight into one of the most important ministry roles in the New Testament.Apostolic Life in the 21st Century is a weekly podcast in which Dr. David K. Bernard answers questions about Scripture, theology, Christian living, and contemporary issues from an Apostolic Pentecostal perspective.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

In our 11 lesson in Baptist History we are looking at the Baptist Distinctive Doctrine of the Perpetuity of the New Testament Church and how this belief comes from the Word of God.

In our 11 lesson in Baptist History we are looking at the Baptist Distinctive Doctrine of the Perpetuity of the New Testament Church and how this belief comes from the Word of God.

Under the Old Testament, tithing was a commandment to provide for the Levites and poor people, but no such instruction is found for the New Testament Church. Here's what we are commanded to do instead...

This Memorial Day weekend, Sue Becker reflects on the powerful connection between Memorial Day and Pentecost — a biblical "forgotten memorial day" that marks the birth of the New Testament Church. Discover the deeper meaning behind Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, and how this moment changed history forever. As we honor those who sacrificed for our nation's freedom, we also remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the freedom offered to all through Him. LISTEN NOW and SUBSCRIBE to this podcast here or from any podcasting platform such as, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Alexa, Siri, or anywhere podcasts are played. For more information on the Scientific and Biblical benefits of REAL bread - made from freshly-milled grain, visit our website, breadbeckers.com. Also, watch our video, Only Real Bread - Staff of Life, https://youtu.be/43s0MWGrlT8. Learn more about the why and how to bake with freshly-milled flour, with the very informative Essential Home-Ground Flour Book, by Sue Becker, https://bit.ly/essentialhomegroundflourbook. If you have an It's the Bread Story that you'd like to share, email us at podcast@breadbeckers.com. We'd love to hear from you! Visit our website at https://www.breadbeckers.com/ Follow us on Facebook @thebreadbeckers and Instagram @breadbeckers. *DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast or on our website should be construed as medical advice. Consult your health care provider for your individual nutritional and medical needs. The information presented is based on our research and is strictly that of the author and not necessarily those of any professional group or other individuals.

By Troy Phelps - Speaker: Troy Phelps Date: 5/24/26 This sermon explores Pentecost through the beautiful lens of first-century Jewish betrothal, revealing that Pentecost was not only the beginning of the New Testament Church, but also the formal beginning of Christ's covenant relationship with His future Bride. By

Read OnlineOne of the Twelve“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. Acts 1:24–26Matthias, the saint we honor today, was named an Apostle to replace Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus and hanged himself. Matthias was likely from Galilee and had followed Jesus from the beginning of His public ministry. After Judas' death, Peter led the approximately 120 disciples in selecting Matthias through prayer and casting lots, ensuring the Apostles once again numbered twelve. This election occurred before Pentecost, so Matthias received the Holy Spirit alongside the other Apostles, affirming the Twelve as the foundational body of the Church.Matthias' selection is profoundly important for two primary reasons. First, by being counted along with the other eleven Apostles, the group once again numbered twelve. Though there are thousands of bishops today, the foundation began with twelve. Once they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and began their apostolic ministries, their number grew as the Church expanded. Nonetheless, the foundation remained, symbolizing the Twelve Tribes of Israel and uniting the New Testament Church with the Old Covenant.Second, Matthias' election establishes a biblical foundation for apostolic succession, one of the four marks of the Church: “I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” (Nicene Creed). By proclaiming the Church as “one,” we affirm that there is only one Church—“the one Church of Christ” (Vatican II, Lumen Gentium 8). While not all are visible members of this one Church, all who are united to Christ in a state of grace are part of His one Body. Nonetheless, “This Church, constituted and organized in the world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him” (LG 8).The Church is “holy” because she is united to Christ, her divine Head, who is all-holy. As members of this Church, we are sanctified by Christ's grace, the sacraments, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that enable us to grow in holiness and reflect the sanctity of God Himself.The word “catholic” in the Creed is written in lowercase because it does not refer specifically to the Roman Catholic Church as an institution but to the broader meaning of the word “catholic,” which means “universal.” The one Church is universal in scope and mission, welcoming all people. It is the responsibility of the Church's members to share the Gospel with every person, seeking to draw all into full communion with the one visible Body of Christ.Finally, the Church is “apostolic,” which is especially celebrated in today's Feast of Saint Matthias. Every bishop alive today, every bishop in the past, and every bishop yet to be ordained until the end of time takes his episcopal roots from the Twelve Apostles, including Matthias, who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.According to various traditions, the Apostle Matthias engaged in missionary activity in regions such as Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), the Caspian Sea area (modern-day Georgia), and possibly as far south as Sudan and Ethiopia. He is believed to have died a martyr, either by crucifixion, stoning, or beheading. Though we do not know who succeeded him, we can be certain that he not only spread the Gospel and celebrated the Sacraments, but also ordained others to serve as apostles within the communities he helped to establish.As we honor Saint Matthias today, reflect on God's eternal wisdom in establishing the Church. God did not merely give us a set of rules to follow; He gave us a Church—His one Church—and entrusted His authority to sinful men who act in His name and convey His grace. Rejoice that you are a member of the Catholic Church, in which Christ's Church subsists. Pray not only for the mission of the Church, but also for those entrusted with apostolic responsibilities, passed on to them from the Twelve Apostles.Saint Matthias, you were counted among the Twelve and became an essential participant in the foundation of the Church. Through your apostolic ministry, you spread the Gospel far and wide, bringing grace and truth to those you were sent to serve. Please pray for me and for the entire Church, that we may always remain one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, so that the Gospel will continue to be spread to the ends of the earth. Saint Matthias, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: School Giusepe Ribera de lo Spagnoletta: St. MatthiasSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

By Lud Kiramidjian Jr - Speaker: Lud Kiramidjian Date: 4/25/26 This message describes eight essential qualities of the true New Testament “Church of God” that Jesus Christ said He would build per Matthew 16:18. These essential qualities are as follows: (1) It is the body of believers who have received and are being led by