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We serve a God that's conquered sin, death, and the grave!1 Samuel 5:1-4 (NIV)After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning, when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained.--------Sign up for Pillars: A 12 Week Discipleship Journey Building Saints who are STRONG, SMART, and STABLE. ⁠⁠https://weareoneyouth.com/pillars⁠⁠⁠⁠--------Text the We Are One Hotline for prayer needs and all things We Are One: 844-641-8147For bibles, prayer requests, giving, and more, click the link below to get connected ⁠⁠https://weareoneyouth.com/fam⁠⁠If you just accepted Jesus, if you have a prayer request, or you want to know more about us, CLICK THIS LINK! ⁠⁠https://weareoneyouth.com/fam⁠⁠⁠⁠-------Join the We Are One Fam:WEB: ⁠⁠https://weareoneyouth.com⁠⁠​​FACEBOOK: ⁠⁠  / waoyouth​​  ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠  / waoyouth​​  ⁠⁠TIKTOK: ⁠⁠https://vm.tiktok.com/tGmCPB/​​⁠⁠⁠⁠

Who Is Jesus? // Week 4 // Jesus Empowers WomenPastors JF and Ashley WilkersonHebrews 1:1-3a NIV 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.John 1:14 NIV 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.Galatians 3:26-28 NIV 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.Luke 6:12-16 NIV 12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.Luke 10:1 NIV After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.Luke 8:1-3 NIV 1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.“Phoebe, the deacon who carried the letter from Paul and read it aloud to her house church. Prisca (Priscilla), whose name is mentioned before her husband's name (something rather notable in the Roman world) as a coworker with Paul. Mary, a hard worker for the gospel in Asia. Junia, prominent among the apostles. Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Paul's fellow workers in the Lord. The beloved Persis, who also worked hard for the Lord.”  Dr. Barr emphasizes that Junia was acknowledged as “prominent among the apostles,” indicating her significant role in early Christian leadership. She notes that more women than men are identified by their ministry in Romans 16.  - Dr. Beth Allison Barr in The Making of Biblical WomanhoodLuke 10:38-42 NIV 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”John 4:4-10 NIV 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar (Shechem), near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”John 4:11-12a NIV 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob…John 4:19; 24-26 NIV 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet…” 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Giving Thanks by Faith2 Corinthians 6:8-10 (NIV)“through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”Ephesians 5:19b-20 (NIV)“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”1. Thank God for what He has done in the past.James 1:17 (NIV)“Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” 2. Thank God for what He is doing in your present troubles.2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT)“For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)“always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”3. Thank God for His faithfulness in future challenges.2 Chronicles 20:21 (NIV)“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:                ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.'”2 Chronicles 20:22 (NIV)“As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”

Logan Holloman | Next Gen Pastor | June 23, 2024 John 15:1-5; 8 (NIV)“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Galatians 2:11-14 (NIV)When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? Acts 15:7-12 (NIV)After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 1 Peter 3:14-16a (NIV)Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. Acts 15:36-40 (NIV) Choose one of the topics from this Restoring Us series:ConflictListeningForgivenessHumilitySpeaking Who?When?Fear/roadblockWhere can I make room? Reflection Questions: 1. Which of these areas of relationships comes most naturally to you? (conflict, listening, forgiveness, humility, or speaking)2. Which area of relationships might God be inviting you to intentionally focus on during the next week? Month?3. What obstacles come to mind when you think of intentional relationship areas in your life? What obstacles or challenges might you face if you don’t intentionally grow in these areas?4. What one or two steps can you take to overcome these obstacles you just identified?5. Finish this sentence…Through the Holy Spirit, I am beginning to realize my next step in relationships… Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app:

Father's Day | June 16, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Psalm 78:4-7 (GNT) We will tell the next generation about the Lord's power and his great deeds and the wonderful things he has done. He instructed our ancestors to teach his laws to their children, so that the next generation might learn them and in turn should tell their children.  In this way they also will put their trust in God and not forget what he has done, but always obey his commandments.√ WE ARE A DIVERSE GENERATION.√ WE ARE A DISCONNECTED GENERATION.Joshua 24:31 (NIV) Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.Judges 2:10 (NIV) After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. “Throughout human history in all cultures parents and grandparents have helped their young understand life and the future. However, I anticipate that a time is coming where technology and culture changes so fast that, for the first time in human history, children will have to figure out for themselves what their values will be.”– Margaret Mead, Cultural Anthropologist 3 QUESTIONS Am I Loved? Do I have what it takes? Where are the boundaries?Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.Proverbs 29:18 (CEB) When there's no vision, the people get out of control, but whoever obeys instruction is happy.  PASSING IT ON I. LOVE GOD PASSIONATELY. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (GNT) Remember this! The Lord—and the Lord alone—is our God. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.II. TEACH TRUTH PRACTICALLY. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.III. SHARE FAITH PERSONALLY.Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (TLB) In the years to come when your son asks you, ‘What is the purpose of these laws which God has given us?' you must tell him, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with great power. He brought us out of Egypt so that he could give us this land he had promised to our ancestors. And he has commanded us to obey all of these laws and to reverence him so that he can preserve us alive as he has until now.25 For it always goes well with us when we obey all the laws of the Lord our God.'

'By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life… In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises… The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 2 Peter 1:3,5,8,10 NLT   THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH   FAITH IS SIMPLY STAYING SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD.   THE SECOND RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS MORAL EXCELLENCE Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence… 2 Peter 1:5 NLT   ' “If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15 NLT   Samson led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines. Judges 15:20 NIV   'The woman ran and told her husband, “A man of God appeared to me! He looked like osonne of God's angels, terrifying to see. I didn't ask where he was from, and he didn't tell me his name. But he told me, ‘You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink nor eat any forbidden food. For your  will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from the moment of his birth until the day of his death.'” Judges 13:6-7 NLT   One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. The people of Gaza were told, “Samson is here!” So they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They made no move during the night, saying, “At dawn we'll kill him.”Judges 16:1-2 NIV   RARELY DO WE GET TO THE WRONG PLACE IN LIFE BY ONE BAD CHOICE. WE GET THERE ONE STEP AT A TIME, ONE DAY AT A TIME, AND ONE BAD DECISION AT A TIME.   WE DON'T BELIEVE OUR BAD DECISIONS OR DISOBEDIENCE WILL COST US.   But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. Judges 16:3 NIV   Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. Judges 16:4 NIV   IThe rulers of the Philistines went to her and said, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his great strength and how we can overpower him so we may tie him up and subdue him. Each one of us will give you eleven hundred shekels of silver.” So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” Judges 16:5-6 NIV   After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I'll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. Judges 16:19-21 NIV   HOW DO YOU PURSUE MORAL EXCELLENCE?   So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NLT   1. GIRD YOUR MINDS So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 NLT   But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. 1 Timothy 6:11 NLT   WE HAVE TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE YOU LOVE FREEDOM OVER THE CONVENIENCE OF YOUR TEMPTATION   So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you. James 1:21 GNB   2. GUARD YOUR HEARTS So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. 1 Peter 1:14 NLT Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11 NIV 3. GUIDE YOUR LIFESTYLE But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 NLT   'And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT   MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO COMPROMISE   4 MAJOR TRIGGERS:   PLACE       TIME   MOOD       Tremble and in your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. Psalms 4:4-5 NIV   PEOPLE   Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT   Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV       SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE GOING THE DIRECTION YOU WANT TO GO   Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to stop, relax, refocus, and re-narrate your life. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can stop, break through all the distractions, and bodily experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Ephesians 6:11-13, 17 NIV “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground… Take the helmet of salvation.” Luke 9:28-29 NIV “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” Matthew 17:1-2 NIV “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matthew 13:43 NIV “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” 1 Corinthians 6:14 NIV “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” Philippians 3:20-21 NIV “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Romans 8:18 NIV “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” “The glory that will be revealed in us” is… Romans 8:23-24 NIV “…The redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.” Ultimately “the redemption of our bodies” is… Romans 8:29-30 NIV “…To be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. …Those he justified, he also glorified.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to stop, relax, refocus, and re-narrate your life. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can stop, break through all the distractions, and bodily experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Ephesians 6:11-13, 17 NIV “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground… Take the helmet of salvation.” Luke 9:28-29 NIV “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” Matthew 17:1-2 NIV “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matthew 13:43 NIV “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” 1 Corinthians 6:14 NIV “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.” Philippians 3:20-21 NIV “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Romans 8:18 NIV “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” “The glory that will be revealed in us” is… Romans 8:23-24 NIV “…The redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.” Ultimately “the redemption of our bodies” is… Romans 8:29-30 NIV “…To be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. …Those he justified, he also glorified.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to stop, relax, refocus, and re-narrate your life. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can stop, break through all the distractions, and bodily experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Ephesians 6:11-13, 17 NIV “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. …Take the helmet of salvation.” Luke 9:28-29 NIV “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” Matthew 17:1-2 NIV “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matthew 13:43 NIV “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 1 Corinthians 6:14-15 NIV “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?” Philippians 3:20-21 NIV “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to stop, relax, refocus, and re-narrate your life. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can stop, break through all the distractions, and bodily experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Ephesians 6:11-13, 17 NIV “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. …Take the helmet of salvation.” Luke 9:28-29 NIV “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” Matthew 17:1-2 NIV “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matthew 13:43 NIV “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 1 Corinthians 6:14-15 NIV “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?” Philippians 3:20-21 NIV “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

Saturday, February 24, 2024 - Join Global Gospel as we are encouraged through the word of God.  Consider for a thought Acts 27:21 (NIV) "After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss."  When was the last time you turned down good advice?  Stay tuned and be blessed!

Katie Mason joins Angie for a discussion on the how the transfiguration of Jesus holds significance for our unique spiritual journeys.  Mark 9:2 (NIV)“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.”  https://livesteadyon.com/Email Angie at: steadyonpodcast@gmail.comFacebook @livesteadyonInstagram @angiebaughman421 Grab freebies and subscribe to the weekly Steady On newsletter at: https://livesteadyon.com/live-steady-on-newsletter/ You can download a blank study sheet here:https://livesteadyon.com/live-steady-on-newsletter/ Interested in the Step By Step Bible study method? Download the FREE masterclass here: https://livesteadyon.com/live-steady-on-stepbystepmasterclass/  Logos Softwarehttps://www.logos.com/ Enduring Word Commentaryhttps://enduringword.com/ WordHippohttps://enduringword.com/ BibleGatewayhttps://www.biblegateway.com/ Blue Letter Biblehttps://www.blueletterbible.org/ Thomas R. Hatina, “Transfiguration,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016). Brian Simmons, trans., The Passion Translation (BroadStreet Publishing, 2017), Mk. Transfiguration, Chuck Knows Church - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzXZFVouFiY John D. Grassmick, “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985) The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Mk 9:1.  Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison 

Sermon Notes Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. In Genesis 10: 70 nations listed in the Masoretic Text (Hebrew and Aramaic Old Testament) 72 nations listed in the LXX (Greek Old Testament) Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he (the Most High) set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel. For the Lord's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance. Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they (you!) would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Jesus wants you to see yourself as sent by Him into your everyday life. Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭17 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." I saw satan fall like lightning. I saw darkness run for cover. But the miracle that I just can't get over, My name is registered in heaven. This is my testimony from death to life. Cause grace rewrote my story, I'll testify! By Jesus Christ, the Righteous, I'm justified. This is my testimony! - My Testimony, Song by Elevation Worship Acts 17:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, VLC gathered in person and also broadcast online via YouTube. Pastor Stuart shared a message about when Jesus appointed and sent out seventy-two disciples in pairs to the surrounding areas to prepare for Jesus' arrival. He instructed them to pray for the Lord's favor and to extend the Lord's peace to the houses that promoted peace. Lastly sent them to preach about the nearness of God's kingdom and to heal the sick. From this story, we see the value of partnership, prayer, and extending peace as we seek to be the body of Christ in our world. Luke 10:1-9 (NIV)After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.' If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.'https://bit.ly/Luke10_1-9NIV

This Sunday, we will continue exploring the significance of the throne at the centre of the universe. In Revelation 4:11, we see a glimpse of the heavenly realm, where praises resound before the majestic throne and the One seated on the throne is deserving of all glory, honour, and power. The verse reads, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Revelation 4 (NIV) // After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,'  who was, and is, and is to come.” Whenever the living creatures give glory, honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

On Sunday, August 13, 2023, VLC gathered in person, which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message about Jesus' effectiveness in ministry. Luke's Gospel takes a moment to step back and reflect on the lives that Jesus had touched, reconnecting them to the mission of the kingdom with a sense of renewal as they worked and walked alongside Jesus. This is an invitation for us to pause, reflect, and recalibrate our lives to God's calling for us. This is also an opportunity to reconnect with those in your community, which is a means of personal renewal. Luke 8:1-3 (NIV) After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.https://bit.ly/Luke8_1-3NIV

https://youtu.be/c-PPXQ-eilo Long Story Short 4 – Abraham and the Cutting of the Covenant   Redemption Church Plano, Tx Here we are again! Back at Redemption Church in Plano, Tx.  We believe God can use anyone… My name is Chris Fluitt and I believe God has something for us today. Long Story Short In week 1 we talked about creation and how sin messed it all up. In week 2 we talked about 2 brothers, Cain and Abel and how blood is necessary to cover our sin. In week 3 we talked about Noah, a single man that God used to save the world.   There is a common thread that runs throughout your Bible. Do you know it? John 5:39 (NIV) You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, #LONGSTORYSHORT #ALLaboutJESUS   God used a single man to start fill the world. – Adam. God used a single man to save the world from the judgment of the flood. – Noah. Now God uses a single man to bless the world. – Abram.   Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV) The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Promise 2 focuses What Abram will do – Go and trust me. What God will do – I will bless you and the world through you.   God ALWAYS has a “call to action” and it ALWAYS includes FAITH. God ALWAYS has a plan to bless you and to bless others through you. Why Abram? Why do you think God would approach this one guy and choose him to bless the world? Is He the smartest guy? Talented? Large Tik Tok following? Youthful potential? Is he perfect and sinless? Genesis 12:4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 75 years old… Disobeys God immediately by bringing his nephew Lot. THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY WHY GOD CHOSE ABRAM. (It is not about Abram as much as it is about God's goodness.) And even though Abram breaks the agreement (bringing his nephew) God remains faithful to His promise. God is faithful even when we are not. Why would God choose you? Big brain? Talent Insta Famous? Young and good looking? Perfect and sinless? Just like Abram's story is all about God's goodness… your story is all about God's goodness.   Abram & Sarai Abram and his beautiful wife Sarai begin to travel. Both characters are important. Sarai is important. Men are not the only ones important to God. 2 quick stories that we don't have time to fully cover. 1 - Sarai is so beautiful that 2 times Abram worries that someone will kill him and take Sarai because she was irresistibly beautiful. Abram does not do a great job of trusting God in these 2 episodes and ends up lying by telling the kings that he is not married to Sarai. 2 – Abram's nephew is kidnapped, and the riches of Sodom and Gomorrah are stolen by an army. Abram acts as a general and raises an army of 318 men and goes to war. He defeats the army, rescues lot and all that were kidnapped, and returns all the riches to Sodom & Gomorrah. Abram is blessing… Covenant Promise - ber-eeth' God made an unconditional promise to Abram in Genesis 12. In chapter 15 God makes a Covenant. Last time we talked about the covenant God made with Noah. A covenant is an alliance, a pledge, agreement.   Genesis 15:1-2 (NIV) After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless… God talks to Abram, and Abram talks back in a blunt way.  “What can you give me… I am childless.” Abram and Saria have not been able to have children. Abram let's God know that he is upset about this problem.

Sermon Notes Luke 8:1 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ ...and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Jesus turned the concept of leadership on its head. Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭48‬-‭50‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Jesus' promotion of women was radical for his day! "Praised be God that he has not created me a woman." (A common prayer for some Jewish men in the 1st century) "Rather should the word of the Torah be burned than entrusted to a woman." - Rabbi Eliezer, first-century teacher God used women to reveal key portions of the Bible: • The songs of Miriam (Exodus 15:21) & Deborah (Judges 5:2–31) • Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 2:1–10) • Abigail's prophecy (1 Samuel 25:24–31) • The "inspired utterance" of King Lemuel's mother (Proverbs 31, see verse 1) • Elizabeth's blessing (Luke 1:25, 42–45) • Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1: 46–55) Jesus used women in key roles in the New Testament: • Mary (sister of Martha) was the first disciple to listen to and recognize that Jesus would be crucified soon (Luke 10:38-39, then John 12:1-11). • The first person Jesus appeared to after his resurrection was Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-18). • The first people to see and testify to Jesus' empty tomb were Mary and Martha (Mark 16:1-2, John 20:1-10). • Women such as Lydia (Acts 16), Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3), and Priscilla (2 Timothy 4:19) served as key leaders in the early church. • Over half of the servants Paul greets at the end of his letter to Rome were women (Romans 16). Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." Prophecy is to communicate a word on behalf of the Lord. It can include both foretelling and forth-telling. Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. We do, however, recognize a difference in the rule when it comes to specific roles. For instance: • In the Old Testament: The Priests & the 12 tribes of Israel • In The New Testament: the 12 Apostles and Elders 1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer (pastor, elder, overseer) desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. In today's church, we see these equivalents as the Lead Pastor and Elder roles in the church. Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭25-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus taught us that leadership is not about power and significance. It is about serving others, love, and care. We want to encourage and train women to do whatever God has gifted and called them to do.

The key to keeping good change in our lives is to REMEMBER Joshua 3:5-8; 14-17 NIV  //  Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them. And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.'” So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground. Joshua 4:1-7 NIV  //  When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.” So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” God wants us to remember 2 things: 1. WHAT was done Deuteronomy 4:9  //  Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 2. WHO did it Joshua 3:7 NIV  //   And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.” We keep the change when we create STONES OF REMEMBRANCE 1. Give THANKS GRATITUDE is the key to REMEMBRANCE God is given GLORY when we REMEMBER 2. Do the WORK Joshua 4:5  //  and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 3. Tell Others Judges 2:10 NIV  //  After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel. Joshua 4:24 NIV  //  He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God. What stones do you need to set today?

Sermon Notes Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭46‬-‭49‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Has there ever been a season in your life when you didn't have peace? Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Is there a group of people that you believe are your greatest enemy? Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." May we seek to have the heart of Jesus toward the lost and broken of this world. Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Welcome! This week we talk about My Relationship with Communism. We discuss what communism is, where it came from, some compare and contrast, and alot of side quest. Hope you enjoy!learn more about Newsly @ http://www.newsly.me/P1X1EP0DCASTSources: Is communism good or bad? | CreateDebateWhat Is Communism, Are You A Communist? - Citizens JournalWhat Is Communism? Learn Its History, Pros, and Cons (investopedia.com)Communism - Overview, History, Materialist Conception Theory (corporatefinanceinstitute.com)Why do capitalists hate communists so much? - QuoraWhy you're wrong about communism: 7 huge misconceptions about it (and capitalism) | Salon.comIf Communism Killed Millions, How Many Did Capitalism Kill? | by umair haque | Eudaimonia and Co (eand.co)Capitalism Kills Nearly 1 Million Americans Per Year - Invisible PeopleWhat philosopher said from each according to his ability to each according to his need? – KnowledgeBurrow.comActs 4:31-37 NIV - After they prayed, the place where they - Bible GatewayYou can support this podcast @Store: https://my-store-cb44d9.creato...Cash App: $TheMainWeirdoBuy Me A Coffee: The Manic Pixie Weirdo PodcastCheck out our links @https://www.mimi.link/themainw...

We open doors in the spirit on your behalf. There are two parts you need to enter your promised land. You need to be released in the spirit. (We take care of that today.) You need to make a plan to take the land. In order to take your promised land, you need to let go of old-generation thinking. You have to set goals so you can't get distracted. And most importantly, you must follow step #3. Listen to find out what that is! A message from your spiritual parents 

We open doors in the spirit on your behalf. There are two parts you need to enter your promised land. You need to be released in the spirit. (We take care of that today.) You need to make a plan to take the land. In order to take your promised land, you need to let go of old-generation thinking. You have to set goals so you can't get distracted. And most importantly, you must follow step #3. Listen to find out what that is! A message from your spiritual parents 

Fulfill 3 promises from God by the end of 2023. Your plan for 2023 so far, is to hope for the best and trust God. But that's not the best way to inherit your promise. God blesses your plans with signs and wonders once you make them. Create a system to make God's will for your life a reality. Map out 2023 with this free guide from your spiritual parents. They teach you to set goals and plan for God's promise. A message from your spiritual parents 

Fulfill 3 promises from God by the end of 2023. Your plan for 2023 so far, is to hope for the best and trust God. But that's not the best way to inherit your promise. God blesses your plans with signs and wonders once you make them. Create a system to make God's will for your life a reality. Map out 2023 with this free guide from your spiritual parents. They teach you to set goals and plan for God's promise. A message from your spiritual parents 

“There is nothing more dangerous to the kingdom of darkness than Moms in Prayer.” Wow!  Today Stacy is joined by Greg Stier, the founder of Dare 2 Share, a ministry that helps youth leaders empower students to reach their world.  How does Greg know the great power of prayer?  By personal experience!  He and his entire family were radically rescued and  transformed through the Gospel and behind it all was a praying grandma who never gave up.  ABOUT OUR GUEST: Greg Stier is a champion for unleashing this generation with the Gospel. As the founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries, he is driven to help the Church activate Christian teenagers to reach their friends. In the last 30 years, Greg has trained millions of youth leaders and students how to relationally engage their world with the Good News of Jesus. A much sought-after speaker, Greg is a former pastor, church planter, youth leader, as well as the author of numerous books.  SCRIPTURE: Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV) After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31 (NIV) BOOKS BY GREG STIER: Gospelize Your Youth Ministry Unlikely Fighter LINKS: Dare 2 Share Life in 6 Words   Go Share Day    MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? Find Out More!  PRAY with Moms in Your Community for Your Children Support Our Mission Moms in Prayer Shop

“5. A daughter is burned as an acceptable sacrifice to God. General Jephthah made a vow with God in order to defeat the enemy. When Jephthah won the war, God received his hundred pounds of flesh. "And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: 'If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.' . . . When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels! . . . After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed." (Judges 11:30–39 NIV) After burning his daughter, Jephthah was rewarded with a prestigious judgeship and was later buried with honor.” Link: https://ffrf.org/publications/freethought-today/item/26141-the-10-worst-old-testament-verses. The church has a history of gun violence and deadly weapon violence. By the way, a lot of people in houses of worship try to hide their tobacco smoking and their nicotine addiction. In my childhood within organized crime, hate crime language and slurs of any kind would cause criminals to be beaten into bloody pulps by me in less than five minutes. The women crime bosses would have me treated as an A-list, VIP celebrity at all of the Sin City nightlife spots that they owned. Did I forgive or not when it comes to the criminals? I say that that's a gray area for me. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/support

Fasting & Praying: Disciplines to personal holiness - By Ian September “There is power in prayer … But there is more power in a combination of fasting & prayer” Good evening church, it is my privilege once again to share the Word of God with you, on a very important, but beneficial  matter, if you get into the habit of practising it regularly! (promise & condition) Can I just say that if you're due for a breakthrough, due for healing & deliverance, due to be empowered, relieved, restored or about to make important decisions, then this teaching is “ tailor made” for you! Today I would like to share with you on a topic of two spiritual principles that will not only get you closer to God, but also assist you greatly in living a holy life. So the topic of our teaching today is simply: Fasting & praying: disciplines to personal holiness: Discipline (Godly behaviour) (Read newsletter heading together) 2 Chronicles 20:1-3 & 15 (NIV) – After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 2Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar”(That is , En Gedi). 3Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 15He said; “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.”   Another important Scripture is found in Luke 4:14-15(NIV) – 14Jesus returned to Galilee in the Power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through the whole countryside. 15He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised Him. It says that Jesus returned from the desert after 40 days of fasting, filled with and under the power/anointing of the Holy Spirit! Fasting is an Old Testament practise, but even promoted by Jesus in the New Testament. I firmly believe that this was maybe one of many reasons why Jesus fasted…. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, for the benefit of Himself and others and to have koinonia with ABBA Father! He said Read Luke 4:18(NLT) “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.” (to do what church?) So that others can also benefit from the Holy Spirit working in and through me, amen? We read in Matt. 6:16-18 (whenever or when you fast, not if you fast!) So the assumption is that we will fast, just as Jesus did! Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) – 16”When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Eph. 5:1 says that we should imitate Christ, or follow His example, so if Jesus fasted….. we should do likewise. Let me remind you church, that fasting is not a Biblical ordinance, instruction or command, but it is however expected for believers to fast (and pray). Jesus expected his disciples to fast (Matt. 9:14, Matt. 6:16-18 & Matt. 17-21) and the Bible makes about 87 references to fasting, from the Old Testament & New Testament! So what exactly is fasting? Well fasting can be seen as the deliberate (moeds- willig),  wilful, voluntary abstinence from food, for a period of time, for the purpose of concentrated prayer, and a deeper, more intimate relationship with God! Amen? Please hear this today church, that fasting is not: 1 An Old Testament ritual Man-made custom Religious tradition A diet to lose weight But fasting is a principle or discipline, instituted by Jesus Himself, even in this new dispensation of grace! You see church, our focus during fasting should not only be to abstain from food, but the purpose of the Christian fast should be that we take our eyes off the physical, the carnal desires, and to concentrate on the spiritual, on holiness & God. (To deny yourself of all carnal cravings). Please realise church, that the motives of our hearts when fasting (and praying) will determine the success and  effectiveness of our fasting. Motive: The matter that I bring to God in prayer during fasting, is more important than food. Our motive should never be to impress others, Luke 18:12(NIV) – I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get. but to be set apart, consecrated & dedicated to a high purpose & to God. Can I just say that if we as a church undertake to practice this principle regularly, we will experience God's presence, power and provision in our lives like never before, guaranteed! So, what is the importance of fasting? You may ask…. Firstly, fasting will help us to concentrate in prayer and will remind us of our weaknesses & dependence on God. Fasting will move you into a new spiritual dimension. (like shifting into overdrive) Fasting will also help you to gain direction from the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14) and help you to obtain clarity of mind and spirit. Fasting will also make you spiritually sensitive, to hear from God, and to be aware of other people's needs …. Even to a point where you will fast on behalf of someone else's needs, trials or tribulations. Amen church! When last did you…? So, if you're battling to “hear” from God, or you're really desperate for God, why not put the principle of fasting in place in your life church? What is preventing you from doing it? I would now like to touch on a few pointers on praying, because fasting & praying goes hand in hand, and when these two activities are combined, and dedicated to God's glory, they will reach their full potential in your life, amen? Realise this evening, that praying is your lifeline back to God, and that a life of prayer, equals a life of power! If you can show me a person that's on fire for God, filled with the Holy Spirit & causing havoc in the kingdom of darkness, I'll show you a praying Christian! Amen Take note of the fact, church … that if you want to achieve anything substantial (buitengewoon) or of considerable importance in this life, you need to pray! (Stay on your knees, it will keep you standing) Matthew 21:22 says that prayer overcomes the impossible (i. pray believe iii. receive iv. become) Matthew 21:22(NIV) – If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Prayer also guards against temptation Matthew 26:41(NIV) – “Watch and pray so that you will not fail into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” A prayed-up Christian is one that will overcome temptation, in whatever form it is offered to him! Prayer also brings peace. Do not be anxious about … Philippians 4:5-7(NIV) – 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Prayer changes situation & circumstances (Anybody??) So this evening, I would like to encourage us all, to pray with humility & confession, pray with thanksgiving & praise, pray with consistency & devotion, pray with pure motives and a clean heart! Proverbs 22:11(NIV) - He who prays with a pure heart, who speaks with grace will have a king for a friend. (So examine your motive & manner of prayer, church). I would like to conclude, by saying that there is tremendous power (chain breaking, prison door opening) power in fasting and praying! Amen, church? These are 2 spiritual principles that will guarantee healing, deliverance & breakthroughs. Yes it will indeed! The question this evening is simply this, Are you really, living a holy, set apart, consecrated life? There is always a first time to start fasting and praying, because it will put you well on your way to personal holiness and ensure that you will run well & finish strong, amen! Well, may God bless this word to our hearts, and may we not only be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word as well, amen church? May God bless His word to every heart, amen.

Join Stasi as she dives deeper into the beautiful truths of who we are in Christ and what our magnificent God has accomplished for us! Growing in our practice of resting in these truths helps us to guard against Identity Theft — the enemy's #1 tool to keep us from living in the love and power of God.SHOW NOTES:Verses:1 John 1:3 (NIV) — See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.Revelation 4:1 (NIV) — After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”,Colossians 2:13-25 (NIV) —  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. …John 19:30 (NIV) — When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.Colossians 1:15-22 (NIV) — The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—Colossians 3:1-3 (NIV) — Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Ephesians 1:20-23 (NIV) — he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.Luke 1:26-33 (NIV) — …He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”Luke 22:69 (NIV) — But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.Matthew 26:64 (NIV) — “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”Hebrews 8:1 (NIV) — Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,1 Peter 3:22 (NIV) — who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.Hebrews 10:12 (NIV) — But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV) — And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, …Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) — fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV) — But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.Colossians 2:2 (NIV) — My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,Colossians 1:25-27 (NIV) — I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness — the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.kalahOriginal Word: כָּלָה Part of Speech: VerbTransliteration: kalahPhonetic Spelling: (kaw-law')Definition: to be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

Joshua 1:1 - Joshua 1:1 (NIV) After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua, Moses my servant is dead. Moses who may be the greatest man of the OT has died. Moses is also a type of Christ. Moses brought God's people out of darkness and slavery of Egypt to freedom. Christ brought believers out of the dominion of darkness of this world who were slaves to sin into HIS glorious light. After the death of Moses God's work expanded. Likewise, after the death of Christ God's work expanded. This world doesn't understand that of God's kingdom expands in adversity. The Jewish leaders had this same misconception.

Sermon Notes Hebrews 11:11 NIV "And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise" Question: How much faith is “enough”? Genesis 12:10-13 NIV "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister so that I will be treated well for your sake, and my life will be spared because of you." There isn’t a perfect solution to an imperfect situation. Genesis 12:14-15 NIV "When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman. And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace." Genesis 12:16 NIV "He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels." Genesis12:17-20 NIV "But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife, Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. 'What have you done to me?' he said. 'Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!' Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had." Genesis 12:17 NIV "But the Lord inflicted serious diseases… because of Abram’s wife Sarai" Genesis 15:1 NIV "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.'" Genesis 16:1 NIV "Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar;" Genesis 16:2a NIV "So she said to Abram, 'The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.'" Genesis 16:2b-4 NIV "Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan for ten years, Sarai, his wife, took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress." Question: How much faith is “enough”? When you are finding it hard to trust God, look for ways He is showing off His faithfulness. Genesis 17:15-16 NIV "God also said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.'" Genesis 18:6-8 NIV "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. 'Quick,' he said, 'get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.' Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.'" Genesis 18:9-10 NIV "'Where is your wife Sarah?' they asked him. 'There, in the tent,' he said. Then one of them said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah, your wife will have a son.'" Genesis 18:11 NIV "Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing." Genesis 18:12 NIV "So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, 'After I am worn out, and my Lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?'" Genesis 18:13 NIV "Then the Lord said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?'" Genesis 18:14 NIV "Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son." Genesis 18:15 NIV "Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, 'I did not laugh.' But he said, 'Yes, you did laugh.'" Question: How much faith is “enough”? Answer: Enough to keep going forward, even with your doubt, hurt, and fear.

I had a teacher many years ago who said two important questions exist. The first is “what's so?” In other words, what is the truth? What is the reality? The second questions is “So, what?” If you know the truth, what difference should it make in how you live? The bible answers both the question “what's so?” and the question “so, what?” It tells us the truth and also tells us how to live because of the truth. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul explained the truth --  God saved us by grace through faith and formed us into one church. In Ephesians 4 Paul shifts to the second question. Verse 17 says, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.”(NIV) After describing the ignorance and hard hearted sensuality of the non-Christians, Paul said in verses 22-24, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (NIV) Today, take off the way our culture thinks, and put on a new attitude. An attitude seeking to be holy and righteous, like God. How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/ Visit Elmer Fuller's author website at: https://www.elmerfuller.com/ Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

(Bilingual) このメッセージでは将史牧師が種を植えて水を蒔くについて以下の３つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Masashi talks about planting seeds and watering it in these 3 points: (1 コリント 3:6 JCB) 私の仕事は、あなたがたの心に種をまくことでした。アポロの仕事は、それに水をやることでした。しかし、あなたがたの心の中でそれを成長させたのは神であって、私たちではありません。 (1 Corinthians 3:6 NLT) I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. (使徒 2:42-47 JCB) 彼らは、使徒たちの教えをよく守り、聖餐式（パンと杯によりキリストの体と血の祝福にあずかる、キリスト教の礼典の一つ）や祈り会に加わっていました。(43) だれもが心から神を恐れ敬うようになり、また、使徒たちは次々と奇跡を行いました。(44) 信者たちはみないっしょにいて、それぞれの持ち物を分け合い、 (45) 必要がある人には、財産を売り払って与えました。(46) 毎日、神殿で礼拝をし、聖餐の時は、少人数に分かれてめいめいの家に集まり、心から喜びと感謝にあふれて食事を共にし、(47) 心から神を賛美しました。彼らは町中の人に好感をもたれ、神も、救われる人を毎日、仲間に加えてくださいました。 (Acts 2:42-47 NLT) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. (43) A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. (44) And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. (45) They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (46) They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— (47) all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. 役割 Our Role  1. 繋がる Connect  2. 教える＆祈る Teach & Pray (使徒 5:42 JCB)そして毎日、宮や家家で教え、イエスこそキリストだと宣べ伝えました。 (Acts 5:42 NIV) Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. 3. 楽しむ ENJOY (ガラテヤ 5:22-23a JCB)しかし、聖霊が生活を支配してくださる時、私たちのうちに、次のような実を結びます。愛、喜び、平安、寛容、親切、善意、誠実、柔和、自制です。 (Galatians 5:22-23a NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (ルカ 10:1-2 JCB)さてイエスは、ほかに七十人の弟子を選び、これから訪問する予定の町や村に、二人一組で、先に派遣しました。 2その時、イエスは彼らに、次のような注意をお与えになりました。「収穫はたくさんあるのに、働く人があまりにも少ないのです。ですから、収穫の責任者である主に、もっと大ぜいの働き手を送ってくださるように願いなさい。 (Luke 10:1-2 NIV) After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. (2) He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead..” [James 2:26 NIV] After rebuking his audience for their failure to put their faith into action, James continues his explanation of the relationship between faith and works in 2:14-26. His main point is that the actions you take display what you truly believe. Many of us have spiritual life, yet we're spiritually sick. We attend church to hear what the Great Physician has to say and leave feeling good about his prescription. We remain spiritually unhealthy, though, because we don't swallow the medicine. Once we hear God's Word, we must act on it to be transformed by it. Essentially, what we do is an embodiment of what we truly believe. - For more information about Connection Church Dublin and other resources please visit: www.connectiondublin.com

Pastor Andy speaks on Global Sunday in Family church where we have embraced all the nations and cultures represented within the church family. Twenty five years ago, Pastor Andy opened a church with local Portsmouth people. He prayed the prayer of Psalm 2:8 (NIV) “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession”, not knowing exactly how this might be fulfilled! Today we celebrate the fifty different nations who have made Portsmouth their home. How good is God!! Family Church is not a British church, or an English church. We are an ‘All Nations Church' made up from people from Australia, across to Europe, to the breadth of Africa, from Ghana, from South Africa, from Nigeria, the Philippines, the world over. Whilst we represent all the different nations of the world, have different ways of praise, different ways of worshiping, we do have one major common theme. We are part of one Kingdom. What brings us together isn't the strategies of men, but the strategies of a common King – King Jesus. Scripture gives a glimpse of heaven….when this life is spent and Jesus Christ has returned and collected his church.  Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV) ‘After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”' When life is gone we shall all be together serving one King in one Kingdom, so let this begin now and remove racism, segregation and other like falsehoods from life. We are all equal in His sight. Let heaven break out in Portsmouth; let your Kingdom come in us and through us. Let the light of unity in this house and this church represent a different sound to the sound of the nations of this world. Let us live to love God with all of our hearts and live to love each other with all of our hearts. Let us live to see the kingdom that cannot be shaken, overthrown or removed reign in the here and now. Amen.

(Bilingual) このメッセージではモンティー牧師が満たされ、満足することについて以下の３つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Monty talks about being filled and satisfied in these 3 points: (Matthew 5:6 NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (マタイ 5:6 新改訳) 義に飢え渇く者は幸いです。その人たちは満ち足りるから。 (Romans 3:22 NLT) We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. (ローマ 3:22 JCB) 神は今、「もしあなたがたがイエス・キリストを信じるなら、あなたがたを受け入れ、罪のない者と宣言する」と言われます。どんな人間であろうと、私たちはみな、キリストを信じるという、この方法によって救われるのです。 (Luke 5:27-28 NIV) After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, (28) and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.  (ルカ 5:27-28)このあと、イエスが町を出ようとされた時、一人の取税人が税金取立所に座っているのが見えました。その男の名はレビ（マタイ）と言いました。「さあ、ついて来て、わたしの弟子になりなさい。」(28)イエスの誘いに、レビは何もかも捨てて立ち上がり、あとに従いました。 1) Hunger and Thirst for the Right Things 正しいことに飢え乾こう 2) Have a Passion for Something Greater than Ourselves 自分以上のものに情熱を持とう 3) You will be Filled あなたは満たされる

(English) In this message Ps Monty talks about being filled and satisfied in these 3 points: (Matthew 5:6 NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Romans 3:22 NLT) We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. (Luke 5:27-28 NIV) After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, (28) and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.  1) Hunger and Thirst for the Right Things 2) Have a Passion for Something Greater than Ourselves 3) You will be Filled

I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://hopecitypdx.com/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! I'm New • https://hopecitypdx.com/sunday/join-us-in-person/im-new • Find opportunities to engage and grow! Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - April 24, 2022In the Garden-Pastor Daniel Knutson JustificationSanctification Each of us has been created for eternity. Glorification Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV)Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life-water as clear as crystal-pouring out from the throne of God and the Lamb, flowing down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life producing twelve kinds of fruit yielding it fruit every month of the year. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations. And there will no longer be any curse, and the throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city. His servants will worship him, and they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more, and they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will shine on them, and they will weigh forever and ever. Revelation 7:9 (NIV)After these things I looked, and here was an enormous crowd that no one could count, made up of persons from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb dressed in long white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. Heaven is not yet, which is why we still experience brokenness. 2 Corinthians 5:1-6 (NIV)For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7b-9 (NIV)…we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. Heaven is now, and it is displayed through us. We have to learn to live in the tension of now, and not yet. Jesus' resurrection is what reconciles the world.

Matthew 28:1-10 NIV - After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mildred-kingsley-okonkwo0/message

The ResurrectionEaster Sunday • April 17, 2022Teacher: Adam Barnett--[Sunday] [Monday][Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Easter!]SUNDAY IS HERE! HE IS RISEN! DEATH IS DEFEATED! JESUS IS ALIVE!Matthew 28:1-4 NIV"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men."Matthew 28:5-7 NIV"The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.”Matthew 28:8-10 NIV"So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”1 Corinthians 15:14 NIV"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."10 Jesus predicted His resurrection9 People prepared His lifeless body for burial8 The Jewish authorities made a plan to falsify this story7 Jesus appeared to many in bodily form6 Saul of Tarsus became one of the Christian faith's greatest missionaries, theologians, and apologists5 Paul's earliest epistles were written about 20 years after the resurrection4 Many of Christ's disciples were martyred3 **The emergence, growth, resiliency, and existence of the Church**2 No tomb has been established and revered as the place where Jesus' body rests.1 Our testimonies!Jesus, I believe you are who you say you are. You are the resurrection and the life. I believe you died on the cross for me and that you rose from the dead. With that same power, make me a new creation. I am sorry for my sins. Please forgive me. I ask you to live in my heart and to fill me with your Holy Spirit. Through the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.Text the name JESUS to (918) 376-3438Images used for today's message were:Sunday: SuperStock/Getty ImagesMonday: Painting by Carl Bloch: "Casting Out the Money Changers". Getty ImagesTuesday: O Jerusalem by Greg OlsonWednesday: Tomb of Lazarus, Bethany (c. 1900), Apic/Getty ImagesThursday: Leemage/UIG via Getty ImagesFriday: Close-up of "Crucifixion" by Bramantino/Getty ImagesEaster: https://riverheadlocal.com/2020/04/12/easter-sunday-the-divine-reset/

ENOUGH | Are You Enough? Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Mark 6:30-44 (NIV) And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV) After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15 (NIV) Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves… Mark 6:41A (NIV) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Mark 14:22 (NIV) Reflection Questions: 1) Have you ever been in a situation where you wondered if you had what it takes? Where you wondered if you were enough? Share that experience. How did you respond? 2) Have you ever sensed God leading you in a direction where you questioned if you were enough? How did you respond to that circumstance? 3) Why can it be easier to see the horizontal view (life and circumstances and challenges) and not the vertical view (an opportunity for Jesus to grow our faith)? 4) Jesus came to start a revolution but not a military or political revolution. What are the characteristics of Jesus’ revolution? 5) Jesus responded to the needs of the people with bread. The bread of the Word (he began to teach) AND physical bread. What does this example mean for us? Are peoples’ “felt needs” sometimes different from what they really need? How can you determine what are the real needs of the people to whom you shepherd? 6) How have you observed Jesus stretching you in your faith recently? How did you respond or how will you respond? 7) Have you ever known of a situation where the resources and manpower were clearly inadequate to complete the ministry task that God had unquestionably assigned? What happened? Next Steps: • Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeyweb.net/connectcard • Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeyweb.net/give

ENOUGH | Are You Enough? Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Mark 6:30-44 (NIV) And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV) After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15 (NIV) Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves… Mark 6:41A (NIV) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Mark 14:22 (NIV) Reflection Questions: 1) Have you ever been in a situation where you wondered if you had what it takes? Where you wondered if you were enough? Share that experience. How did you respond? 2) Have you ever sensed God leading you in a direction where you questioned if you were enough? How did you respond to that circumstance? 3) Why can it be easier to see the horizontal view (life and circumstances and challenges) and not the vertical view (an opportunity for Jesus to grow our faith)? 4) Jesus came to start a revolution but not a military or political revolution. What are the characteristics of Jesus’ revolution? 5) Jesus responded to the needs of the people with bread. The bread of the Word (he began to teach) AND physical bread. What does this example mean for us? Are peoples’ “felt needs” sometimes different from what they really need? How can you determine what are the real needs of the people to whom you shepherd? 6) How have you observed Jesus stretching you in your faith recently? How did you respond or how will you respond? 7) Have you ever known of a situation where the resources and manpower were clearly inadequate to complete the ministry task that God had unquestionably assigned? What happened? Next Steps: • Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeyweb.net/connectcard • Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeyweb.net/give

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live. Pastor Stuart continues our series in Luke 5, reminding us that Jesus sees us and calls us to follow him. The reason he came was to bring healing to the sick and a new life for those who are lost.Luke 5:27-32 (NIV)After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”http://bit.ly/Luke5_27-32NIV

(Bilingual) このメッセージではモンティー 牧師が愛を再び燃え立たせる方法について以下の4つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Monty talks about how to re-ignite the love in these 4 points: (Genesis 24:10-18 NIV) Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. (11) He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. (12) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (15) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (16) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. (創世記24:10-18 JCB)さっそく、旅行の準備にかからなければなりません。まず、らくだを十頭選びました。また、贈り物として最上の物を幾つかより分けました。それを全部らくだに積み終えると、一行はナホル（アブラハムの兄弟）の住むアラム・ナハライム地方（現在のイラクの一地域）へ向かったのです。(11)いよいよ目的地に着くという時、アブラハムの召使は、町はずれの泉のそばにらくだを座らせました。ちょうど夕方で、女たちが水くみに来る時刻でした。(12)彼は祈りました。「私の主人アブラハムの神様、どうぞご主人様に恵みをお与えください。また、私がこの旅の目的を果たせますよう、お助けください。(13)いま私は、この泉のかたわらで、娘たちが水をくみに来るのを待っています。(14)そこで、こうしていただけないでしょうか。娘たちに水を下さいと頼むつもりですが、その時もし、『ええ、どうぞ。らくだにも飲ませましょう』と言ってくれたら、その娘さんこそイサク様の妻となるべき娘だ、ということにしてください。そうすれば、主人アブラハムへの神様のお恵みを知ることができます。」(15-16)このように祈っていると、リベカという美しい娘が水がめを肩にのせ、泉にやって来ました。そして、水がめに水をいっぱい入れました。彼女の父親はベトエルと言い、アブラハムの兄弟ナホルと妻ミルカの息子でした。(17)アブラハムの召使はさっそく彼女に走り寄って、水を飲ませてほしいと頼みました。(18)「どうぞ、どうぞ」と、その娘はすぐに水がめを下ろし、彼が飲み終わるのを見はからって、  1) Reignite in Priority: Put God First 優先順位を再び燃え立たせる:神様を第一に置く  (Genesis 24:12-14 NIV) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (創世記24:12-14 JCB)彼は祈りました。「私の主人アブラハムの神様、どうぞご主人様に恵みをお与えください。また、私がこの旅の目的を果たせますよう、お助けください。(13)いま私は、この泉のかたわらで、娘たちが水をくみに来るのを待っています。(14)そこで、こうしていただけないでしょうか。娘たちに水を下さいと頼むつもりですが、その時もし、『ええ、どうぞ。らくだにも飲ませましょう』と言ってくれたら、その娘さんこそイサク様の妻となるべき娘だ、ということにしてください。そうすれば、主人アブラハムへの神様のお恵みを知ることができます。」 2) Reignite in Prayer 祈りを再び燃え立たせる (Genesis 24:15 NIV) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (創世記24:15-16 JCB)このように祈っていると、リベカという美しい娘が水がめを肩にのせ、泉にやって来ました。そして、水がめに水をいっぱい入れました。彼女の父親はベトエルと言い、アブラハムの兄弟ナホルと妻ミルカの息子でした。 (Genesis 24:16-18 NIV) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. (創世記24:16-18 JCB)…リベカという美しい娘が水がめを肩にのせ、泉にやって来ました。そして、水がめに水をいっぱい入れました。…(17)アブラハムの召使はさっそく彼女に走り寄って、水を飲ませてほしいと頼みました。(18)「どうぞ、どうぞ」と、その娘はすぐに水がめを下ろし、彼が飲み終わるのを見はからって、  (Genesis 24:19-22 NIV) After she had given him a drink, she...

(English) In this message Ps Monty talks about how to re-ignite the love in these 4 points: (Genesis 24:10-18 NIV) Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. (11) He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. (12) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (15) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (16) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 1.Reignite in Priority: Put God First (Genesis 24:12-14 NIV) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master. 2.Reignite in Prayer (Genesis 24:15 NIV) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (Genesis 24:16-18 NIV) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. (Genesis 24:19-22 NIV) After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” (20) So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. (21) Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.(22) When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. 3.Reignite in Serving (Genesis 24:63-67 NIV) He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. (64) Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel (65) and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. (66) Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. (67) Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. 4.Reignite in Obedience (John 3:16 NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

43,5-3, SHOW  NOTES & COPYRIGHTS,  (Scheduled 2/11/2022)   Today is an unpublished day again.  All, but the last one, were posted on the God Still Rhymes Facebook page. Let's start with a poem written in 2017. “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will keep you from the trial that is going to come to the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”  Revelation 3:10 (NIV) After being led to re Revelation again, I wrote this verse on a sticky note.  I knew that there is a poem in it.  But what I wrote after still I am wondering, wondering why I wrote the words down.  Later I think that I understood even though I still wonder why these words came after the verse above.  Confusing, right? Somehow I wrote NO FAITH WITHOUT TRUST.  I mentioned this in an earlier post and I can see how this has played a big role in my life. NO FAITH WITHOUT TRUST As I look back at the miles, Seeing the tears and the smiles, Having stirred up so much dust, Why did I think that I must? I do believe all that you have for me And I know that who I am you see, That you have plans for what I should be. That you want us to be we. Was it the centurion that Jesus asked if he had faith, Faith that his child would survive and live? To which the man replied, I have faith, Show me how to believe. I don't know about you, But that is me. I have faith that God's word is true, That his promises are real. He has changed me, I am made anew. I have on my heart his seal. But there are times I feel left out, When I have doubt About what he has planned, About where with him I stand. I sometimes wander about. My faith, what is it  As I try to make it fit Into the ways of the world As at night I lay curled, Curled up in a ball Waiting for his call. On one of my good days We had a talk, God and me. I had taken the time To read of his ways. I think he was pleased That I had taken the time And in the time it was me, It was me that he seized. He told me that my faith, Though ever growing, Would never be what it could If I didn't trust. I need to trust when I am fearful, I need to trust when I am tearful, I need to trust in the good times And when there are no rhymes. If I truly accept the death of his Son For my salvation, my redemption, For his promise of eternity, Then I need to not just believe. I need to trust that he  Is in control always, And in all ways, No matter what I see. He loves me, He blesses me, And as my trust in  His promises,  His word grows My faith will also. The conversations will never end. tcarter, 6/27/17,  Discussion: HIS GRACE Having heard God's call The apostle Paul, Hearing God's Voice Was able to rejoice. Having faced the day We prepare to pray, Asking God to deliver us. It is then in Him we must trust. When we ask for God's grace In this world we face, Do we trust it is done And the battle is won? He has said His grace is, It is here in the present time. We've asked and so He gives In that moment our needed rhyme. He is We are We asked He gave At the moment we ask To be relieved of the task The answer to our prayer, His grace is now there. We must believe That we receive In faith to know That it is so. Ask and receive His grace. We are only human in this place. We at times close our eyes, But as we pray He never denies. HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT, His grace is a prayer away. A few days later: If we pray in His will, What is pleasing to Him, He will answer our pleas. He knows our needs. Whether today or another When the answer is revealed, Know that there is no other By whose grace we are healed. When we say Amen As our prayer ends We will know It...

Day 16 Prayer Point: Praying for the Unreached  Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:14 ; Revelation 7:9   Mat 24:14 NIV And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Rev 7:9 NIV After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. […] The post 21 Days of Payer: Day 16 Praying for the Unreached  appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

By Charlie Lacey |  Genesis 3Genesis 3 (NIV) After the creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2 everything looked promising and hopeful, but within a few pages we find Adam and Eve hiding from God.  Clearly something had gone badly wrong!  Genesis 3 helps us to understand all that is wrong with the world – and that's important because if we don't recognise the nature of the problem, we'll never be able to understand God's solution. 

Hebrews 8:5b NIV They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”   Daniel 7:25 KJV And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.   Building the temple Ezekiel 37:28 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Daniel 9:27 Matthew 24:15   1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.   2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.   2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.   Revelation 4:1 NIV After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”   Revelation 6:1 NIV I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.   Psalm 11:2 NIV For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. Also, psalm 7:12   Revelation 19:15 NIV Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.   Revelation 19:21 NIV The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. Also Revelation 1:16   Revelation 13:1-2 NIV The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

When we were children it was easier to believe and imagine that the improbable and impossible could happen. Then life happened. And for many of us: “then this year happened.”A primary theme of scripture is a demonstration of God's commitment to redeem, restore, and renew the things in our lives that have been hurt, damaged, and broken. The promise of a new day awaits! I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - October 17th, 2021It's A New Day (Dream Again) - Brian Becker Psalm 126:1-3 (MSG)It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations: “God was wonderful to them!” God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. Psalm 126:4-6 (MSG)And now, God, do it again — bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout “Yes!” at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. Part 1: Believe AgainPart 2: Laugh AgainPart 3: Pray AgainPart 4: Sing AgainPart 5: Dream Again Lamentations 1:1 (NIV)How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave. Lamentations 1:3 (NIV)After affliction and harsh labor, Judah has gone into exile. She dwells among the nations; she finds no resting place. All who pursue her have overtaken her in the midst of her distress. Exodus 2:11-12 (NIV)One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. Exodus 2:15 (NIV)When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian… Acts 7:25 (NIV)Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. Exodus 2:23 (NIV)During that long (40 year) period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. Exodus 3:9-10 (NIV)And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:11 (NIV)But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 4:1 (NIV)Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you'?” Exodus 4:10 (NIV)Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am too slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:13 (NIV)But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” I'm too_______I'm not_______ enough. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NIV)Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship… Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

In the Bible, repetition is always used for emphasis. And the most repeated phrase in Psalm 116 is “call upon the name of the LORD.” God's people learn to call upon the name of the I AM as a lifestyle. That's what makes them different. And that's what this podcast is really all about. And to help you remember all that that means, you just  need to remember the letters C.A.L.L. We do that in this episode. Psalms 116:2 (ESV) Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. Psalms 116:4 (ESV) Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” Psalms 116:13 (ESV) I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:17 (ESV) I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. Calling upon the name of the Lord is one of the Bible‘s favorite phrases to describe what it means to walk with God. For God to be your God. To be one of God's people. Genesis 4:26 (NIV) “At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD.” Genesis 5:22-24 (NIV) After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV) To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. C.A.L.L. — Come confidently through Christ.  Awaken my awareness of God's always 100% presence Lift up my eyes to see the glory and wisdom and love of the I AM  Lift up my cares because he cares for me Come to God confidently through Christ. Jesus says pray “in my name.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 10:19-23 (NIV) Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Awaken to an awareness of God's always 100% presence with you. The I AM is always in the present tense. Psalms 139:7-8 (ESV) 7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NIV) “Am I only a God nearby, ” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. Matthew 6:6 (NIV) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists (“he is”) and that he rewards those who seek him. Walk and talk with him Matt 28:20, Jesus said to his disciples, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Rather than...

In the Bible, repetition is always used for emphasis. And the most repeated phrase in Psalm 116 is “call upon the name of the LORD.” God's people learn to call upon the name of the I AM as a lifestyle. That's what makes them different. And that's what this podcast is really all about. And to help you remember all that that means, you just  need to remember the letters C.A.L.L. We do that in this episode. Psalms 116:2 (ESV) Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. Psalms 116:4 (ESV) Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” Psalms 116:13 (ESV) I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:17 (ESV) I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. Calling upon the name of the Lord is one of the Bible‘s favorite phrases to describe what it means to walk with God. For God to be your God. To be one of God's people. Genesis 4:26 (NIV) “At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD.” Genesis 5:22-24 (NIV) After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV) To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. C.A.L.L. — Come confidently through Christ.  Awaken my awareness of God's always 100% presence Lift up my eyes to see the glory and wisdom and love of the I AM  Lift up my cares because he cares for me Come to God confidently through Christ. Jesus says pray “in my name.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 10:19-23 (NIV) Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Awaken to an awareness of God's always 100% presence with you. The I AM is always in the present tense. Psalms 139:7-8 (ESV) 7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NIV) “Am I only a God nearby, ” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. Matthew 6:6 (NIV) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists (“he is”) and that he rewards those who seek him. Walk and talk with him Matt 28:20, Jesus said to his disciples, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Rather than...

The Church That Just Won't QuitJames 1:2-4 (NIV)“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Acts 3:7-8 (NIV)“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”  Acts 4:7 (NIV)“By what power or what name did you do this?” Acts 4:10 (NIV)“Whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:13 (NIV)“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:14 (NIV)“But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.” Acts 4:18 (NIV)“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the Name of Jesus.” Acts 4:19-20 (BSB)“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you instead of God. (We have made our choice.) We cannot help (ourselves from) speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:24 (NIV)“‘Sovereign Lord,' they said, ‘You made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.'” Acts 4:25-27 (NIV)“You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.' Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your Holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed.” Acts 4:28 (NIV)“They did what Your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” Acts 4:29 (NIV)“Now Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your Word with great boldness.” Acts 4:30 (NIV)“Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the Name of Your Holy Servant Jesus.” Acts 4:31 (NIV)“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.” Matthew 16:18 (ESV)“I will build My Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” 

I have some CRAZY FAITH! I have to KEEP HOLDING ON TO WHAT MY GOD SPOKE! I can't give up on HIM, no matter how many times I want to, no matter how many times it feels like I should! Faith is not (FEELINGS) we can't just go off of what we feel all the time! Feelings sometimes gets us in trouble! I will TRUST THE LORD AT ALL TIMES! Thank You Jesus for showing your power & love in my life! Amen!! “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Ephesians 6:10-17a NIV 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 1. Repentance - Turning Our Hearts to God   2 Chronicles 19:4 NIV 4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.   Hebrews 4:12 NIV 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 2 Chronicles 20:1-2a NIV After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. 2 Chronicles 20:3 NIV 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.      2. Fasting - Turning Our Focus to God Matthew 17:17-21 NASB 17 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” 3. Thanksgiving - Turning Our Gratitude to God   2 Chronicles 20:15-19 NIV 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.' 18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.   2 Chronicles 20:21-22 NIV 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” 22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 

Join us as Brian continues The Greatest Stories Rarely Told, taking a look at some of the greatest, yet lesser-known stories of the Bible, that point back to our 3 core values; Sacrificial Generosity, Radical Hospitality, and Uncommon Humility. I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Share Your Story • https://willamette.cc/grow#story • How is God working in and through your life? If you want to share your story, fill out a short form to let us know! Sermon Notes - June 27, 2021The Greatest Stories Rarely Told - Brian Becker “A disciple is a person who has decided that the most important thing in their life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do. A disciple is not a person who has things under control, or knows a lot of things. Disciples simply are people who are constantly revising their affairs to carry through on their decision to follow Jesus.” - Dallas Willard Sacrificial GenerosityRadical HospitalityUncommon Humility Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.In those days when the number of disciples was increasing…___________________________________________________________ So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly… Acts 5:14 (NIV)“…more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.” Acts 5:16 (NIV)“…Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.” Acts 4:31 (NIV)“…After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 6:1a (NIV)In those days when the number of disciples was increasing… Acts 6:1 (NIV)In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Acts 6:3-4 (NIV)Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5This proposal pleased the whole group. Acts 6:5 (NIV)They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. Acts 6:7 (NIV)So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. The gospel flows through generosity. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Do you see God's generosity towards you?How has your view on generosity expanded?Are you willing to do something new? The gospel flows through generosity.

Bible Study with Jairus - Colossians We are striving to speed read several volumes of the Bible every month. The main consideration is to help some brothers and sisters who aren't able to read further when they reach Exodus in the Old Testament, and Romans in the New Testament. This will help those new ones to have a rough understanding on the contents of some books in the Bible. We started to speed read the Old Testament, from the first book up to the Book of Ruth. Meanwhile, we have done the opposite in the New Testament. We began to speed read from the Book of Revelation up to Colossians. Although it's just a passing glance, it might help some of our brothers and sisters who have never read the Bible from cover to cover. This time, the inspiration that I got after speed reading Colossians is how Paul dealt with carnal Christians in the church at Colossae. Originally, we arranged a speed reading of 3 letters: the letters to the Colossians, and First and Second Thessalonians. But because of the rich content of Colossians (one meeting will take up most of the time), we will have one Bible study session on both First and Second Thessalonians later. I had an inspiration after I read Colossians and First and Second Thessalonians. In Colossians, it was dealing more with carnality in the church. While in First and Second Thessalonians, it was dealing more with Christians who are easily deceived in church. As Paul mentioned in Colossians, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV, Colossians, 3:2), and advised Christians in the church at Colossae to forgive each other.  In First and Second Thessalonians, it talks a lot about the lessons of the Antichrist which led people to be deceived. What does this mean?  Even when people are long time church goers, we  find that many Christians may actually possess the knowledge and truths of the Bible, but when something really happens, they still can't overcome their own flesh. For example, we know that God isn't happy with the divisions in the church and hopes that all of us can get along with each other, but when something happens, we will still form sects and factions.  This is a common situation in churches today. Another situation we find in today's church is people who don't have much biblical knowledge and haven't meditated on the truths of the Bible.  They may not have strong fleshly desires but they are easily led astray by wrong teachings leading to greater losses.  Both of these situations are ubiquitous in the church. Today, let's talk about Colossians. First of all, we have to clarify that there are fleshly or other problems in the church at Colossae but it isn't entirely a bad thing. For example, in the church at Corinth, there were also a lot of problems that existed. Thus, Paul wrote two letters to them, revealing many truths about Christ. There's background information behind every letter. Similarly, Colossians has a special background.  Paul wrote four letters in prison - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.   There's very important historical background behind these letters. I asked a Christian who attended our Bible study, to imagine that he was Paul, he was in prison, he only had a little time left and the conditions were poor, but he has to say something important right from his heart to write these letters. Of course, after writing the letters, it has a lasting significance, letting the churches benefit from them for thousands of years after. But often, there is a latent cause in writing them initially. For example, when I mentioned the chaos in the church at Corinth, including the man who had married the stepmother, it leaves Paul with no choice but to write a long letter to them. What is the background of Colossians here? There are many things in the Bible that are not accounted for, but it doesn't mean that they didn't happen. I shared a story I personally heard. Soon after I received salvation, a brother told me of a situation that had happened in the church. There was a man who had been in the church for a long time and his car was accidentally hit by a newcomer causing minor damage. This man insisted on filing an insurance claim to let the newcomer compensate. Someone tried to persuade him to give a little grace to this newcomer, let him compensate just a little money, but the man refused. Naturally, in the end, the newcomer stumbled. The person, who told me the story, said that the man whose car had minor damage didn't have enough grace. He lacked real Christian love.  He regarded his own car as more important than the newcomer's stumbling. Of course here in the United States when we encounter such things, there is no reason not to file an insurance claim. The point that the person telling the story was trying to make is that we should look less at the circumstance and have more grace toward the person to avoid having them stumble. I don't know whether a situation like this is a common occurrence in the church, but as far as my own experience is concerned, there are indeed many similar situations. On the one hand, we are Christians. On the other hand, we are human beings. Humans have fleshly desires. When we talk about the love of Christ, we may speak clearly and logically, but when our interests are involved, the flesh often speaks louder than the spirit and we lose. After sharing this story in the meeting, I asked everyone “Is there a similar situation in the church at Colossae that Paul is concerned about?” As stated in Colossians 1:7, the church in Colossae was taught by Epaphras, and he also reported the situation of the church to Paul and others. Is there a possibility that after Epaphras told Paul about the grace of God to the Colossian church, he also told Paul about the situation in which some brothers and sisters become competitive, irreconcilable and unforgiving when they are in the flesh? And that these brethren are actually those whom Paul knew, even loved, or personally brought to be saved or trained? Is it possible that the two parties are both loved by Paul, but are incompatible, leading Paul to worry in prison and to write a letter to the Colossians to mediate them? Both are Paul's love, so Paul can't blame one, and hold the other in high regard. He must be very careful in dealing with this subtle situation. If these situations are possible, if you were Paul, how would you deal with it? We don't know if Paul was facing these things, but we know that in the life of the contemporary church, we often have to face these situations. We assume that this may be the background behind Paul's writing. Let's see how Paul's letters respond to this situation.    Suppose the parties involved are all Paul's acquaintance, and the two people are still arguing, it will be difficult for Paul to directly judge who is right and who is wrong. And judging right or wrong may not be a good choice because the dispute between right and wrong is often in the realm of the mind, the flesh, or the soul. What Paul needs to do is to help the members of the two factions to break carnal, and spiritual strongholds, enter the mind of Christ in the heavenly, and look at these problems from the eyes and perspective of God. When they can look at these problems from a Heavenly perspective, they can escape from earthly, carnal, and spiritual strongholds and they will be able to forgive, tolerate, and mutually compromise in love. If you were Paul, how would you start writing this letter? Of course, he wouldn't begin by blaming the two brothers. Instead, he avoided direct accusation. He started from a very high place - Heaven. Paul's slant at the beginning of Colossae is very high. Paul began by praising the believers of Colossae, saying he heard the praise of the Colossian believers from Epaphras, which he mentioned in 1:4: "because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people." (NIV) After praising the Colossian believers, Paul switched the thread of conversation to directly mentioning the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 12 Giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified youto share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (NIV) Then Paul used this opportunity to say that, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (NIV, Colossians: 1:15). He added, “But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (NIV, Colossians: 1:22). From here, we can speculate that what Paul means is we have eliminated all strife on the cross of Christ. Paul then uses his experience again to testify that, “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (NIV, Colossians: 1:24). Paul mentioned how he was called to complete God's Word. He revealed the mystery hidden by God over the ages - Christ is our hope of glory. Paul has struggled and worked hard for this. He wants us to maturely dedicate our life to God. In this chapter, Paul seems to be saying good things. It appears that he doesn't have any criticism. But in the second chapter, Paul slowly began to raise the obscure issue of the Colossians. Of course, when Paul ended the letter, he never forgot to give encouragement and comfort to the audience of his letters. Some people call this type of writing a "sandwich". This kind of writing is very common in the Bible. For example, Jesus' seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation are also in the format of a “sandwich." It praised the faithfulness of each church in the beginning. After which, it criticized the church in the middle. In the end, there were words of encouragement and promise again. Let's take a look at how Paul began to put "meat" in this "sandwich" from the second chapter (we will use meat as a metaphor for Paul's criticism). In verse 2:4, Paul said that, “ I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” (NIV) This sentence implies that in the church of Colossae, some people will use flowery words to deceive the Christians in Colossae. 2:8 says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ”. (NIV)   This sentence has implicit meaning. In the church in Colossae, there are those who will use philosophy and empty deception according to human teachings rather on Christ, leading the Christians in Colossae astray. Thus, in the second chapter, Paul especially revealed many of the mysteries of Christ in these two negative situations. Then at the beginning of third chapter, Paul immediately encouraged the Christians in Colossae to set their minds on things above and not on earthly things (NIV, Colossians: 3:2). Chapters 3:1-4 are some of my favorite verses: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”. (NIV) Paul becomes more and more straightforward in here. 3:5 says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (NIV) 3:8 says, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (NIV)  3:9 says, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” (NIV) 3: 12-15 also say, “12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (NIV) I shared my experience and said that when I was starting to learn to serve, I was with a brother who was a little older than me. We had a dispute when we once served together in the Church.   Our Elders in the church did not criticize us, but they let us sing Colossians 3:12-15. So at this bible study, my wife and I sang these same verses again to the tune of a hymn. Why is Paul particularly emphasizing here that as God's chosen people, we must have compassion, kindness, humbleness, gentleness, patience, and even if there is a discord between people, we must always bear and forgive each other as the Lord forgive us? It is not enough to just forgive, but we must also have love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect unity. So although these are just speculations, perhaps things such as carnality and strife among people really happened in the church in Colossae. Ultimately, the reason why such things happen is due to the fact that their life is not mature enough to let the life of Christ rule their lives. So Paul said in 3:16-17 (NIV), 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In chapter 4, Paul has hardly any criticism. Instead, he began to comfort, encourage and greet. 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (NIV) 4:6 says,  “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (NIV) In conclusion, Paul ended the four short chapters of Colossae with a lot of greetings. Although our sharing is of a speed reading nature, or a passing glance, we can see that many of the verses in Colossians are written with a delicate touch. Let's pray and try to fathom the implications of these verses. This will be beneficial to our Christian life because it especially helps us to grow up into Christ, overcome the flesh, and even enter and preserve Christian unity.      

Luke 10:1-12 (NIV) After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.' 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.' 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

“My entire family was transformed and behind it all, was a praying grandma.”  On today’s episode Stacy sits down with author, speaker, and founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries, Greg Stier.  What you are about to hear is nothing short of miraculous, and it will spur you on to pray like you have never prayed before!  Listen in as Greg opens our eyes to view the potential of teenagers in a radically wonderful way.    About our Guest: Greg Stier is a champion for unleashing this generation with the Gospel. As the founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries, he is driven to help the Church activate Christian teenagers to reach their friends. In the last 30 years, Greg has trained millions of youth leaders and students how to relationally engage their world with the Good News of Jesus. A much sought-after speaker, Greg is a former pastor, church planter, youth leader, as well as the author of numerous books.    Acronym G- God O- Our S- Sins P- Paying E- Everyone L-Life    Scripture: Romans 1:16 (NIV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Matthew 17:24-27 (NIV) After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”“Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered.“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Exodus 30:14 (NIV) All who cross over, those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to the Lord. John 21:15 (NIV) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”   Matthew 18:6 (NIV) “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”   Acts 4:31 (NIV) After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.   Books: “Gospelize Your Youth Ministry” by Greg Stier “Unlikely Fighter” by Greg Stier   Links: https://connect.dare2share.org/takeoff-webinar-archive https://li6w.com/   https://goshareday.org/    https://momsinprayer.org/join-a-group   To give to the ministry of Moms in Prayer: Support Our Mission | Moms In Prayer International Moms in Prayer International- www.MomsInPrayer.org

Un$trapped: Biblical Wisdom on MoneyPart 2: Stewardship not OwnershipMatthew 25:14-15, 19 (NIV) – “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey….19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.Three Truths about Stewardship:1. Stewardship is a Trust not a PossessionMatthew 25:14 (NIV) – “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV) – You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.2. Stewardship is Management not OwnershipThe MASTER was the OWNER.The SERVANTS were the STEWARDS.Psalm 24:1 (NLT) – The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.Matthew 25:16-18 (NIV) – The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more.18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.MAKE ALL YOU CAN. SAVE ALL YOU CAN. GIVE ALL YOU CAN.—John WesleyWise Money Management:• Give 10%• Save 10%• Live on 80%Foolish Money Management:• Give 0%• Save 0%• Live on 110%3. Stewardship is Faithfulness not RecklessnessMatthew 25:19 (NIV) – “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.Matthew 25:20-21 (NIV) – The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,' he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.' 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'Matthew 25:24-25 (NIV) – “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,' he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'Matthew 25:26-30 (NIV) – “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'“Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life.”—William BordenStewardship is a trust managed faithfully,not a possession owned recklessly.

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and behold Him! He has risen. He has risen indeed. A few months back you would have thought your day to be different than it is; expecting to celebrate Easter at church with family and friends gathered around in joyous harmony. Desire to be supported and encourage by other like-minded women? Join us at Women of IMPACT. http://bit.ly/WomenofIMPACT Yet today looks mighty different. Or does it? Just two days ago was Good Friday; a day that changed the world. But then Saturday came and all was quiet. Somewhat of a silent Saturday. Not much to rejoice about and trying to stay moving about in the normal. Now soon, you had hoped to be celebrating in church. But here you still sit in silence; a silent Sunday. Where is the rejoicing? Where is the celebration? Well, let's go back in time. (Matthew 28:1-10 NIV) After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. Have you ever in your life experienced an earthquake? Some might have literally. But everyone has figuratively. You've experienced that hurt and pain, struggles and trials, to the point of giving up at times. And in these seasons, you try to control so the doubt and fear will melt away. And still, here you sit on silent Sunday with a heavier heart trying to figure it all out. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were headed to the tomb not knowing what they would find. There was a violent earthquake for there was an angel of the Lord who came down and rolled the stone away. God is in control. Behold Him! The K.I.S.S. ~ Behold Him!  3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. What have you been trying to control in your life? You see, control is a way to deal with doubt and fear. We don't know what Mary Magdalene and the other Mary felt, but what they did was do something they could control. And that was going to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body with oil. If you are in control, at least you feel like you can do something about your situation. But to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary's surprise, they were met by an angel. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.” God is always in control. Behold Him! As much as we hold onto what our eyes can see, our faith shows our heart what will be. So today may seem a little quieter. But don't let that fool your heart. He has risen. He has risen indeed. 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Today may seem a little different. The songs held closer to heart and whispers of thanksgiving for a day that changed the world. You are not alone. God sees your struggles. He hears your cries. God knows your heart. He knows your whys. So don't let today fall into the silence. Celebrate with laughter and cheers. Share the love with those so dear. For this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and behold Him. 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Bible Study with Jairus - Colossians We are striving to speed read several volumes of the Bible every month. The main consideration is to help some brothers and sisters who aren't able to read further when they reach Exodus in the Old Testament, and Romans in the New Testament. This will help those new ones to have a rough understanding on the contents of some books in the Bible. We started to speed read the Old Testament, from the first book up to the Book of Ruth. Meanwhile, we have done the opposite in the New Testament. We began to speed read from the Book of Revelation up to Colossians. Although it's just a passing glance, it might help some of our brothers and sisters who have never read the Bible from cover to cover. This time, the inspiration that I got after speed reading Colossians is how Paul dealt with carnal Christians in the church at Colossae. Originally, we arranged a speed reading of 3 letters: the letters to the Colossians, and First and Second Thessalonians. But because of the rich content of Colossians (one meeting will take up most of the time), we will have one Bible study session on both First and Second Thessalonians later. I had an inspiration after I read Colossians and First and Second Thessalonians. In Colossians, it was dealing more with carnality in the church. While in First and Second Thessalonians, it was dealing more with Christians who are easily deceived in church. As Paul mentioned in Colossians, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV, Colossians, 3:2), and advised Christians in the church at Colossae to forgive each other.  In First and Second Thessalonians, it talks a lot about the lessons of the Antichrist which led people to be deceived. What does this mean?  Even when people are long time church goers, we  find that many Christians may actually possess the knowledge and truths of the Bible, but when something really happens, they still can't overcome their own flesh. For example, we know that God isn't happy with the divisions in the church and hopes that all of us can get along with each other, but when something happens, we will still form sects and factions.  This is a common situation in churches today. Another situation we find in today's church is people who don't have much biblical knowledge and haven't meditated on the truths of the Bible.  They may not have strong fleshly desires but they are easily led astray by wrong teachings leading to greater losses.  Both of these situations are ubiquitous in the church. Today, let's talk about Colossians. First of all, we have to clarify that there are fleshly or other problems in the church at Colossae but it isn't entirely a bad thing. For example, in the church at Corinth, there were also a lot of problems that existed. Thus, Paul wrote two letters to them, revealing many truths about Christ. There's background information behind every letter. Similarly, Colossians has a special background.  Paul wrote four letters in prison - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.   There's very important historical background behind these letters. I asked a Christian who attended our Bible study, to imagine that he was Paul, he was in prison, he only had a little time left and the conditions were poor, but he has to say something important right from his heart to write these letters. Of course, after writing the letters, it has a lasting significance, letting the churches benefit from them for thousands of years after. But often, there is a latent cause in writing them initially. For example, when I mentioned the chaos in the church at Corinth, including the man who had married the stepmother, it leaves Paul with no choice but to write a long letter to them. What is the background of Colossians here? There are many things in the Bible that are not accounted for, but it doesn't mean that they didn't happen. I shared a story I personally heard. Soon after I received salvation, a brother told me of a situation that had happened in the church. There was a man who had been in the church for a long time and his car was accidentally hit by a newcomer causing minor damage. This man insisted on filing an insurance claim to let the newcomer compensate. Someone tried to persuade him to give a little grace to this newcomer, let him compensate just a little money, but the man refused. Naturally, in the end, the newcomer stumbled. The person, who told me the story, said that the man whose car had minor damage didn't have enough grace. He lacked real Christian love.  He regarded his own car as more important than the newcomer's stumbling. Of course here in the United States when we encounter such things, there is no reason not to file an insurance claim. The point that the person telling the story was trying to make is that we should look less at the circumstance and have more grace toward the person to avoid having them stumble. I don't know whether a situation like this is a common occurrence in the church, but as far as my own experience is concerned, there are indeed many similar situations. On the one hand, we are Christians. On the other hand, we are human beings. Humans have fleshly desires. When we talk about the love of Christ, we may speak clearly and logically, but when our interests are involved, the flesh often speaks louder than the spirit and we lose. After sharing this story in the meeting, I asked everyone “Is there a similar situation in the church at Colossae that Paul is concerned about?” As stated in Colossians 1:7, the church in Colossae was taught by Epaphras, and he also reported the situation of the church to Paul and others. Is there a possibility that after Epaphras told Paul about the grace of God to the Colossian church, he also told Paul about the situation in which some brothers and sisters become competitive, irreconcilable and unforgiving when they are in the flesh? And that these brethren are actually those whom Paul knew, even loved, or personally brought to be saved or trained? Is it possible that the two parties are both loved by Paul, but are incompatible, leading Paul to worry in prison and to write a letter to the Colossians to mediate them? Both are Paul's love, so Paul can't blame one, and hold the other in high regard. He must be very careful in dealing with this subtle situation. If these situations are possible, if you were Paul, how would you deal with it? We don't know if Paul was facing these things, but we know that in the life of the contemporary church, we often have to face these situations. We assume that this may be the background behind Paul's writing. Let's see how Paul's letters respond to this situation.    Suppose the parties involved are all Paul's acquaintance, and the two people are still arguing, it will be difficult for Paul to directly judge who is right and who is wrong. And judging right or wrong may not be a good choice because the dispute between right and wrong is often in the realm of the mind, the flesh, or the soul. What Paul needs to do is to help the members of the two factions to break carnal, and spiritual strongholds, enter the mind of Christ in the heavenly, and look at these problems from the eyes and perspective of God. When they can look at these problems from a Heavenly perspective, they can escape from earthly, carnal, and spiritual strongholds and they will be able to forgive, tolerate, and mutually compromise in love. If you were Paul, how would you start writing this letter? Of course, he wouldn't begin by blaming the two brothers. Instead, he avoided direct accusation. He started from a very high place - Heaven. Paul's slant at the beginning of Colossae is very high. Paul began by praising the believers of Colossae, saying he heard the praise of the Colossian believers from Epaphras, which he mentioned in 1:4: "because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people." (NIV) After praising the Colossian believers, Paul switched the thread of conversation to directly mentioning the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 12 Giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified youto share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (NIV) Then Paul used this opportunity to say that, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (NIV, Colossians: 1:15). He added, “But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (NIV, Colossians: 1:22). From here, we can speculate that what Paul means is we have eliminated all strife on the cross of Christ. Paul then uses his experience again to testify that, “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (NIV, Colossians: 1:24). Paul mentioned how he was called to complete God's Word. He revealed the mystery hidden by God over the ages - Christ is our hope of glory. Paul has struggled and worked hard for this. He wants us to maturely dedicate our life to God. In this chapter, Paul seems to be saying good things. It appears that he doesn't have any criticism. But in the second chapter, Paul slowly began to raise the obscure issue of the Colossians. Of course, when Paul ended the letter, he never forgot to give encouragement and comfort to the audience of his letters. Some people call this type of writing a "sandwich". This kind of writing is very common in the Bible. For example, Jesus' seven letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation are also in the format of a “sandwich." It praised the faithfulness of each church in the beginning. After which, it criticized the church in the middle. In the end, there were words of encouragement and promise again. Let's take a look at how Paul began to put "meat" in this "sandwich" from the second chapter (we will use meat as a metaphor for Paul's criticism). In verse 2:4, Paul said that, “ I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” (NIV) This sentence implies that in the church of Colossae, some people will use flowery words to deceive the Christians in Colossae. 2:8 says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ”. (NIV)   This sentence has implicit meaning. In the church in Colossae, there are those who will use philosophy and empty deception according to human teachings rather on Christ, leading the Christians in Colossae astray. Thus, in the second chapter, Paul especially revealed many of the mysteries of Christ in these two negative situations. Then at the beginning of third chapter, Paul immediately encouraged the Christians in Colossae to set their minds on things above and not on earthly things (NIV, Colossians: 3:2). Chapters 3:1-4 are some of my favorite verses: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”. (NIV) Paul becomes more and more straightforward in here. 3:5 says, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (NIV) 3:8 says, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (NIV)  3:9 says, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” (NIV) 3: 12-15 also say, “12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (NIV) I shared my experience and said that when I was starting to learn to serve, I was with a brother who was a little older than me. We had a dispute when we once served together in the Church.   Our Elders in the church did not criticize us, but they let us sing Colossians 3:12-15. So at this bible study, my wife and I sang these same verses again to the tune of a hymn. Why is Paul particularly emphasizing here that as God's chosen people, we must have compassion, kindness, humbleness, gentleness, patience, and even if there is a discord between people, we must always bear and forgive each other as the Lord forgive us? It is not enough to just forgive, but we must also have love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect unity. So although these are just speculations, perhaps things such as carnality and strife among people really happened in the church in Colossae. Ultimately, the reason why such things happen is due to the fact that their life is not mature enough to let the life of Christ rule their lives. So Paul said in 3:16-17 (NIV), 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In chapter 4, Paul has hardly any criticism. Instead, he began to comfort, encourage and greet. 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (NIV) 4:6 says,  “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (NIV) In conclusion, Paul ended the four short chapters of Colossae with a lot of greetings. Although our sharing is of a speed reading nature, or a passing glance, we can see that many of the verses in Colossians are written with a delicate touch. Let's pray and try to fathom the implications of these verses. This will be beneficial to our Christian life because it especially helps us to grow up into Christ, overcome the flesh, and even enter and preserve Christian unity.

February 2, 2021Ezekiel Series #10Choosing Your Theme SongEpisode 41Thus far in our study of this book we have noted that God has had the prophet preach verbal sermons and drama type sermons/visual sermons. Here in the 19th chapter we find that now God is asking Ezekiel to do a musical sermon, in other words, to sing a song. Ezekiel 19:1-2 (NIV) 1 "Take up a lament concerning the princes of Israel 2 and say: …A lament was a common and distinctive type of a song. Normally it was as song that would be sung at a funeral. As you sang this song you would be declaring the virtues of the person who had passed away. But Ezekiel was lamenting people who were still alive. Kind of like the Mafia gathering around you and starting to hum...Usually the song would proclaim the virtues of the person who had died. This song, however, was about the faults of the leaders and kings of Israel who were still alive. In the first verses of the chapter the imagery is that of a mother lion and her cubs. As you read thru the song you will notice that one of the cubs tears at his prey. As a result he ends up being hunted down and carried off to Egypt. Ezekiel 19:4 (NIV) The next cub is even more destructive and he too was captured and taken away by the Babylonians. Ezekiel 19:8-9 (NIV) After this the song moves from the lion cubs to a vine. And the end result was the same. The vine was uprooted and languished in the hot & dry desert. Ezekiel 19:10-12 (NIV) It was a sad song. And the people didn’t want to hear it, just like they didn’t want to hear and see the previous sermons from Ezekiel. Now, in our culture we don’t like sad endings like this. We want the end of the book or the end of the movie to be a happy ending. Well, there was no prospect of a happy ending for the latter kings of Israel & Judah because they had failed to heed the warnings that the prophets had given to them. The same is true for the church today. It happened to the church in the past and it can happen again.Examples:Some of the 7 churches mentioned in the book of RevelationGermany - where the Reformation had its beginnings...most churches empty on Sundays.England - Westminster Chapel pastored by G.Campbell Morgan in the early 1900's with a smattering of people by the end of the century.We need to keep in mind that when we turn away from God (whether as an individual Christian or as the church at large) when we turn away from God there is not a happy ending – there is not a joyful song sung. Now, thankfully God is the God of mercy & grace. When God judged Israel & Judah it was pictured in the OT as if God had pulled the vine out of the ground. However, thankfully God did not dig up the roots. He left a stump, and out of that stump came blessing in the days ahead.But where are you right now in your relationship with God? Are you experiencing a close walk? Or are you acting like the latter kings of Israel & Judah and are not paying much attention to God and you are doing your own thing – maybe even outright disobeying the teachings of God? Think about this for a moment – if Ezekiel were to sing a song about you would it be a song of joy or would be a song of lament?

The shocking and life changing Message on Revelation 4:1-11 "Before The Throne of GOD in Heaven" as instructed and taught by ELIJAH, THE MIGHTIEST MIGHTIEST PROPHETS OF THE LORD, THE MEGA ANCIENT PROPHETS OF ETERNITY, THE ONE WHO comes from Heaven to Prepare the Way for the coming of THE MESSIAH. (Mal 4:5-6) The Throne in Heaven and Rapture Scripture Revelation 4:1-9 (NIV) After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’[b] who was, and is, and is to come.”   https://www.repentandpreparetheway.org https://www.jesusislordradio.info  

John 2:13-25 (NIV) After the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine, John the author takes us to a scene in the Temple at Passover. Now, it's important to note that Passover was the celebration of God's redemption of Israel from the Egyptian empire. Every year, for thousands of years, the Jewish people would commemorate this event while feasting on the Passover lamb, as a way of celebrating but also longing for God to do it again; and this time once and for all. In today's passage Jesus enters the Temple, which was the center of worship, yes, but also of politics, society, and national identity. The LORD promised Israel that he would dwell in this temple. But in the narrative that John has been telling so far… The WORD has made his dwelling somewhere else, he has been called the lamb of God. And this draws direct contrast between what's happening in Jesus and what is going on in the temple on this passover. ----------REFLECT---------- 1. What word or phrase stood out to you? 2. What parts of this passage reminds you of the narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures? 3. According to John's gospel so far, the arrival of Jesus upsets the status quo. Sometimes with delight and joy, and sometimes with confusion and questions. In what area of your life might you need Jesus to upset the status quo? In what area might you be nervous for him to enter? ----------CONNECT--------- Copy Link to Share : https://anchor.fm/s/cd7281c/podcast/rss --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dailyread/message

We go into marriage and relationships expecting to find happiness and life from our spouse. When they don't deliver, we believe that we married the wrong person. Be appalled at this, you heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 2:12 NIV) “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. (Jeremiah 2:13 NIV) In everything you do, put God first,
and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. (Proverbs 3:6 TLB) Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” (Matthew 9:3 NIV “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,” (Matthew 9:4 NIV and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? (Matthew 9:5 NIV) After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.(Ephesians 5:29-30 NIV) “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:31 NIV) This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32 NIV) However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:33 NIV) The law of unity love your wife as yourself respect your husband practical steps for unity 1) Husbands and wives should allow their individual qualities and skills to complement one another. 2) Husbands and wives must be loyal to one another Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV) Reflective force An awareness of the communication acts, contexts and patterns that shape particular episode. 10 Ways to Grow in Unity Within Your Marriage Talk about the Gospel together, daily. Go to bed at the same time. Listen to good sermons online, together, and talk about them. Spend time together that involves talking, rather than watching TV. Study the Bible and challenging doctrines of the faith together. Speak of each other as “we.” Help one another make time for alone time with God. Go on a date and talk about each other rather than the kids. Pray out loud with – and for – each other at bedtime. Always take inventory of the distance you've come, rather than recount the ways you differ.

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss a single episode. Sometimes we trust people better than we do Jesus. Jesus says “Follow Me.” This command isn’t just for people in the Bible. It’s for us too. 1 Peter 2:21 NLT For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. How can I follow Jesus if I can’t see Him? Matt 16:24 NLT Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. There are numerous things we see in Jesus example… Suffering is the one He listed here . But His example also includes His Love Knowledge of Scripture Prayer Life Miracles John 14:12 NLT “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. I want to give you a reminder to put in a 5X7 frame in your house. See the link below. And why was going to the Father so significant?   Following God had been the real question Israel faced 40 years prior to the event in Joshua 3. Joshua 3:2 NIV After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 3giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. 4Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits (about ½ mile) between you and the ark; do not go near it.” God was saying “Follow the ark.” Why was that so important? They had never been that way before. Follow the ark is a picture of following Jesus. Obey Him at a new level. Go deeper. Grow your faith. Who do you need to witness to? Who do you need to have over for dinner to encourage them? What is your step of obedience! What was so special about the Ark? I am so glad you asked that question…you did ask, didn’t you? It’s a picture of Jesus. It helps us know Jesus better! Hebrews 9:1NLT That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth. 2There were two rooms in that Tabernacle. In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place. 3Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. 4In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron’s staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Ark’s cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now.   How is the Ark of the Covenant a picture of Jesus? The Ark was made of wood Overlaid with gold- Jesus- fully God and fully man Lid of the Ark of the Covenant Pure gold. The gold represented God. Only God can redeem us. We call it the Mercy Seat. That name comes from the word comes "khapporet" which simply means to make atonement, restitution or amends. Blood on the lid once a year. The atonement- Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:14-15) Covering- the blood of animals could not cleanse sin, it could only cover it. Jesus, the lamb of God gave His life to cleanse us from sin completely. Meeting place Moses met with God and God talked to him from the Ark. (Exodus 25:22) God wants to meet with you. Talk to you.   Inside the Ark Laws of God- His covenant with believers that was fulfilled in Christ Pot of Manna- Provision Aaron’s rod that budded- Spiritual Authority Follow the ark When the Israelites were instructed to follow the ark they were following more than ideology, they were following God. They were following the picture of a promise that would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Follow Jesus. He is both the atonement and the High Priest of the atonement. He is the final authority. He satisfied the covenant so you can enjoy the benefits of that covenant. Obedience is not like a buffet where you can pick and choose. Even when His ways seem hard, follow Jesus. You not following Jesus if you are doing things YOUR way. You can’t follow Jesus running ahead of Him. I want to give you a free reminder. I like to have reminders in my home and on my phone that help me remember truths that are important to me. I made two simple reminders for you that simply say “Follow Jesus” that will fit in a 5X7 frame that you can put beside your bed or wherever you will see it to remind you during your day. When you see the reminder, ask yourself, "Did I follow Jesus today?"  In my choices? attitudes?  with my time? with my talents?    I encourage you to change your reminder when you need a different one. Free Reminder- Follow Jesus Tree Background- http://traffic.libsyn.com/preview/patriciaholland/follow-Jesus-trees-5-7.jpg White Background- http://traffic.libsyn.com/preview/patriciaholland/remember-follow-jesus.jpg      

(Matthew 24:36 NIV) “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (1 Chronicles 12:32 NIV) (men of Issachar)… understood the times and knew what Israel should do… (Acts 1:9-11 NIV) After he said this, he was taken up before their very […]

Special Guest Cecilia Williams joins us for a powerful message about finding your mission field right where you are! Cecilia is the Executive Minister of Love Mercy Do Justice, the mission priority of the Evangelical Covenant Church. The Mission Where You Are April 22, 2018 | Cecilia Williams Luke 10:1-2 (NIV) After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. GO! (literal meaning – “as you are going…”) The way in which you go matters... A Chinese Proverb: Go to the people Live among them Learn from them Love them Start with what they know Build on what they have But of the best leaders When the task is done The people will remark ‘We have done it ourselves’ Rejoice in the right stuff!! Make the circle bigger!

The arrival of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost brought with it the launching of the Jesus movement and the creation of the Church! Adam Barnett concludes our 50 Days series by exploring the implications of Pentecost. Pentecost 50 Days | Week 2 April 15, 2018 | Adam Barnett Rejoice in the Resurrection Remember our Baptism Return to Habits of Spiritual Formation Reflect on the Birth of the Church Receive Gifts of the Spirit Maundy Thursday Last Supper with Jesus and the Apostles [Mark 14:1] Good Friday Passover and Jesus’ Crucifixion [John 28:28] Easter Sunday Resurrection! [Luke 24:7] 40-Day Period Multiple appearances and preaching [Acts 1:3] Ascension Mount of Olives, Jesus carried up into heaven. [Luke 24:51] Pentecost Descent of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:1-4] Acts 1:3-5 (NIV) After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:9 (NIV) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. PRAISE John 4:24 (NIV) God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. POWER Romans 8:2 (NIV) And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of the sin that leads to death PROCLAMATION Acts 2:12-18 (NIV) Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice & addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. PENTECOST When the story of Jesus became the story of the Jesus movement! PURPOSE 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV) Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

(Matthew 24:36 NLT) “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. (1 Chronicles 12:32 NIV) (men of Issachar) . . . understood the times and knew what Israel should do. . . (Acts 1:9-11 NIV) After […]

Relate And Respond - Bro. Jimmie Witherspoon Luke 10:33-34 (NLT) “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds… The despised Samaritan related to the wounds of the Jewish traveler. Can you relate and respond to their wounds? Ask Don’t Assume - Pastor David Rathel Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Christ Over Color, Culture, & Clan - Pastor David Rathel Colossians 3:7-11 (NLT) You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.10Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you area Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Engage For Eternity - Missionary Twinkle Johnson Revelation 7:9 (NIV) After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. 1 John 4:20 (NIV) Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

                    (Luke 22:15-16 NIV) And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:17-20 NIV) After taking the cup, […]

"The Miracle in the Mundane"  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV)  “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV) After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV) When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?” Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV) She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.” Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. Genesis 24:12-26 (NIV) Be Diligent Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV) Be Courteous Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) Be Generous

(Hebrews 12:1 NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (Genesis 15:1-6 NIV) After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in […]

The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. Psalm 97:1-6 (NIV) His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. Psalm 97:1-6 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) Message Title: A WILD JOURNEY This life is one long WILD JOURNEY, and embracing it is the only way we discover a WILD GOD. As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:1-39 (NIV) “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-39 (NIV) There is PURPOSE in the PAIN. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV) What if your misfortune is a divine set up for the miracle that God wants to perform? As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:1-39 (NIV) The MIRACLE you NEED won't always arrive the way you WANT. My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don't know,” he said. John 9:1-39 (NIV) They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. John 9:1-39 (NIV) Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) Not everyone will understand YOUR journey. …A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:1-39 (NIV) Whisper your OPINIONS, shout your STORY! Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” John 9:1-39 (NIV) Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. John 9:1-39 (NIV) Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. John 9:1-39 (NIV) Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” John 9:1-39 (NIV) Jesus is not only our guide and our source… He's our destination.

Mark 9:2-7 (NIV)After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”http://joychurch.com 

Bill Clark continues our study on Reset with a word about how most of life is lived at the base of the mountain, rather than the mountaintop. At the Base of the Mountain Reset | Week 5 March 13, 2016 | Pastor Bill Clark Matthew 17:1-13 (NIV) After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist. “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well-pleased." Most of our life is lived at the base of the mountain. “Life is Not an Accident” by Jay Williams “Nobody did anything to me, I did it to myself and that was way more painful than anything.” Jay Williams “Life is all about who you decide to surround yourself with. I started to look at my life as a company and about who’s on my board. And I had a teenage drug dealer on my board, I had people who were drinking and partying a lot. It wasn’t until I put people on my board who actually held me to higher standards that I started to heal and become closer to God.” - Jay Williams

“Stay in Awe” Awe: A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song of praise to him play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT) For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT) Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him. Psalm 33:1-8 (NLT) Fear = respect / Awe = to dwell in; inhabit Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 (NLT) Embrace the JOURNEY “The progress a traveler makes is driven by His passion for the destination.” – Levi Lusko You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV) If you are going to seek Him with all your heart… you are going to have to leave what you've always known. King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” Matthew 2:3-4 (NLT) “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” Matthew 2:5-6 (NLT) Fight FAMILIARITY If we aren't careful, the FAMILIARITY of Christmas can steal from us the WONDER of Christmas. Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” Matthew 2:7-8 (NLT) Make a PERSONAL discovery Come near to God and he will come near to you… James 4:8 (NIV) After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (NLT) "You will never fully understand God... But you can constantly discover Him." - Brady Boyd When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 (NLT) Worship HIM What we worship… is what has our deepest attention and affection. Worship is not a religious duty… but a relational response. O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT) I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT) I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. Psalm 63:1-4 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) Worship establishes lordship. Worship eliminates pride. Worship exchanges burdens. Worship elevates Jesus.

(Acts 17:26) (GNT) From one human being he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. (Acts 17:27) (GNT) He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us;   Title of Message: #onemore   (Joshua 3:2-4) (NIV) After three days the officers went throughout the camp,  giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”   (Joshua 3:6) (NIV) Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them.   (Joshua 3:7-8) (NIV) And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.'”   (Joshua 3:9-10) (NIV) Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites.   (Joshua 3:14-15) (NIV) So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.  Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest.   (Joshua 3:15-16) (NIV) Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.   (Joshua 3:17) (NIV) The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.   (Joshua 4:1-3) (NIV) When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua,  “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”   (Joshua 4:5-7) (NIV) Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?'  tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”   (Joshua 3:2) (NIV) “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. (Acts 2:42-44) (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.   (Acts 2:45) (NIV) They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.   (Acts 2:47) (NIV) And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Phillip Gumerson 29/07/12 Key Verses: Luke 22:1-6 Who was Judas Iscariot? Chosen from among a large number. (Luke 6:12-16, NIV) Sent out with miraculous power. (Matthew 10:1-4, NIV) Heard Peter proclaim Jesus as Lord. (John 6:66-71, NIV) Became the treasurer of the ministry. (John 12:6, John 13:29, NIV) Witnessed Jesus' work Became greedy and indignant. (John 12:1-6, NIV) Exhibited two critical characteristics. (John 12:1-6, NIV) Exhibited two satanic characteristics. (John 8:44, John 10:10, NIV) Became open to satan's influence. (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22:3-6, NIV) Had his feet washed by Jesus. (John 13:2-5, NIV) Took part in the first communion. (Luke 22:19-22, NIV) Was judged as harshly as the Pharisees. (Luke 22:19-22, NIV) After one final refusal, was posessed. (John 13:21-27, NIV) Betrayed Jesus with a kiss. (Matthew 26:47-50, NIV) Felt remorse, not repentance. (Matthew 27:3-5, NIV) Willing fitted into God's exact design. (Acts 2:22-24, NIV) Was instrumental in our salvation. (Acts 2:32-33, 36, NIV) Lessons learned 1. Just because you hang around with Jesus doesn't mean you are saved. 2. Deliberate sinfulness gives satan the opening he needs to exert influence. 3. Judas is still held responsible although it was prophesied and he was influenced by satan. 4. None of this was a surprise to Jesus, although it grieved him greatly. 5. God used the greater betrayal and the worse crime ever committed to produce the best outcome for mankind ever conceived.