Podcasts about niv for god

John 3, 19 Luke 23Easter, April 20th, 2025Christmas celebrates God coming down in the flesh as the baby Jesus. The God of the Bible says you can't reach me so I will come down to you. Easter is a 2-part celebration. Part 1: Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins and to break the power of sin in our lives. Part 2: Jesus resurrects from the dead to break the power of death and to unite us with God our Father, now and later. All resurrections are personal. The life story of each resurrected person is unique… and yet each story has some universal characteristics. Here are my 3 presuppositions for today's message…Everyone lives and makes decisions based on their personal faith system. Any honest interaction with Jesus will cause you to reevaluate what you believe and how you live. Jesus makes a way for all of us to experience a resurrection but He leaves the decision to us. NicodemusJohn 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.Nicodemus came as a curious skeptic. Jesus can work with that.Christianity isn't a religion to adhere to but a person to know and follow. Until you see Jesus as a person, you won't find Jesus as the answer. Jesus doesn't mind curious skeptics because they end up believers and followers!You can't find the answer to life until you realize you don't have one; an answer or a life. Luke 23:39 (NIV)39 One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Luke 23:40-43 (NIV)40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don't you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”It's never too late to not give up.All resurrections are personal but each one follows this path…Confess your need for Jesus. Give Him your life. Receive His life. Luke 24:4-6 (NIV)4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!Stop looking for life in dead places. The one who raises you to life is the same one you can trust with your life. Jesus doesn't just save your life from death, He changes your life into real living. A Whole life filled with power and purpose. All resurrections are personal.

If you dig that opening hook, that is Marcus Rogers, "Best Life", please buy his music.  Yes!  You are in!  We are getting Real and Pursuing Truth.  Going through some tough times?  Welcome to the club.  An agnostic makes the play of the day, yeah you heard that right, atheists and agnostics have made the plays of the days.  Personally, I love it when secular points to Truth and the bigger picture.  Here you go...Right on!  As much as we may not like resistance, it can serve a purpose.  That Play of the Day came from the Adam Carolla podcast.  Not his first play on this platform.  Like I said, I have no problem using secular when it points to Truth and the bigger picture.  The guest is Joel Lambert, former Navy Seal.  Oh side note, this an independent podcast.  When it comes to politics and the bigger picture, one of the best pieces of advice came from one pastor Named Kenton Beshore of Mariners Church in Orange County, CA.  He said if a church chooses a side (in this case Democrats and Republicans) you put a wall to the other side.  John 16:33New International Version33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”Avid listener, you know I've brought this up many times.  The Greatest in the Bible went through the hardest times.  Do you want to be the greatest?  Maybe not.  If you want to be part of the greatest, you are going to understand this.  Let's go to science for a bit.  How do you get stronger?  Physically?  Mentally?  How do you run a marathon or get a PHD?  A lot of resistance.  I am convinced the anxiety and depression that plagues this nation has a lot to do with avoiding resistance.  Wanting or getting things handed to us.  Ferverent prayers, you know that you don't get everything you pray/ask.  Well, you do, just not the way you expect.  Yes, I know the verse of what you ask you get.  I believe God is much more concerned about your and my character than comfort.Side note, I'm still being refined, especially economically.  Hasn't come easy.  I'm not a super wealthy man, monetarily.  Maybe that's to keep me humble.  So I owe and off to work I go.How about you?  Are you striving for more comfort or strength?  Hey, I don't blame you for going for comfort.  I've done the same.  Yet the wise want stronger.  Stronger in the Word.  Stronger in the Lord.  Stronger in the mind and heart.  So be reaffirmed your suffering/resistance has purpose.  Jesus was whipped, tortured and nailed to a cross...and it wasn't for nothing...and you benefit from it...if you choose.  Romans 8:28New International Version28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.  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.Side note, some of you are enduring or have endured some really hard things.  To be clear, I'm not trying to minimize them.  I'm not excusing that person or people that hurt you.  I am going to encourage you to handle it like Jesus Christ.  Hint: what did he say to those people in the peak of his pain on the cross?  Victim or Victor.  Your choice.  Lastly, put your hurts to use and help others.  Who better to help someone with cancer than one that knows that battle?  Where have you suffered the most?  There you go.  That is the key to have your heart overflow.  Now, go Love

 Advent // The Love of God  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.” For God so loved you, He gave His one and only Son.   1.     To remove your wrong views about Him.  Exodus 34:5-7 (NIV)“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed His name, the Lord. And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” John 18:37 (NIV)“The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.” John 1:18 (NIV)“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and…. has made Him known.” John 14:9 (NIV)“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)“The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”  2.     To show you what His love is really like.  1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love…. that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”  Ephesians 3:18 (NIV)(I want you) “...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Exodus 34:5-7 (NIV)“The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” 

Text: John 3:16; Luke 11:42; Luke 12:15-21 Theme: What if our Valley felt the impact of a group of people from Community who were truly ALL IN? What if we held nothing back? Who will be going to Heaven someday because of your being ALL IN? Key Verses: 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. Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49349775

Father's Day 20241. His eyes are COMPASSIONATE NEVER CONDEMNINGHe sees you today through the LENSES of COMPASSION! Condemnation is non-existent when it comes to YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER!John 3:17 (NIV)17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Psalm 86:15 (NIV)But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.Psalm 103:8 (NIV)The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.Psalm 145:8 (NIV)The LORD is gracious and compassionate,  slow to anger and rich in love.1 John 3:1 (NLT)3 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT)29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.2. His hand is GENEROUS NEVER GUARDEDJohn 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.   Matthew 6:30-33  (NLT)30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 “So don't worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.3. HIS feet are ALWAYS PURSUING NEVER PASSIVEPsalm 23:6 (KJV)6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Psalm 23:6  (MSG)6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

Fresh Start – Who is Leading You in Your Relationships?  James 1:23-25 (NIV)“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what the have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”  Galatians 5:13-26 (NIV)“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Consequences of the acts of the flesh 1.     Strife James 3:16 (KJV)“where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”    2.     Influence decreases 2 Timothy 2:14 (NIV)“Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.”  3.     You misrepresent Christ to our world Matthew 5:13 (NIV)“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” 4.     You harden other's hearts against truth Romans 2:4 (NIV)“…God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” 5.     Your heart becomes resistant to correction Proverbs 5:12-14 (NIV)“You will say, “How I hated discipline!             How my heart spurned correction!I would not obey my teachers            or turn my ear to my instructors.And I was soon in serious trouble…” 6.     It poisons relationships Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV)“A man's pride will bring him low,But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”         Benefits of the fruit of the Spirit.  1.     Unity Psalm 133:1-3 (NKJV)“Behold, how good and how pleasant it isFor brethren to dwell together in unity!” “…For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.” 2.     Our influence grows Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 3.     We represent Christ well to our world John 17:20-21 (NIV)“…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” 4.     It opens people's hearts to receive God's truth John 3:16-17 (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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  5.     We are open to receiving correction and instruction  Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;             teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”     6.     It cultivates relationships Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”  7.     It will allow us to live life to the fullest John 10:10 (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.” 

Easter Sunday 2024                                                                                              Cross of Rebellion Luke 23:34 (NIV)“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”Luke 23:39 (NIV)“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!'” Cross of RepentanceLuke 23:40-41 (NIV)“the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don't you fear God,' he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'”Luke 23:42 (NIV)“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Cross of Redemption  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.”1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.'”2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”1 John 4:10 (NIV)“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)“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…”

A visit to Calvary's Cross By Pastor Ian September Leaflet: “When it becomes a deep rooted revelation of what Jesus Christ did for you at Calvary, you will never walk away.” Key Scriptures: Isaiah 53:5; John 3:16; John 15:13; Eph. 5:1; 1 Cor. 11:23-29 1 Cor. 11:28 Good morning church, on this very special Sunday, no ordinary Sunday, but the greatest day in history; He has risen, just as He said he would! As the Scripture said He would. Today we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, the most important Sunday on the Christian calendar, and we can know for sure, that He is alive, the stone's been rolled away, death could not hold Him,  and the grave could not contain Him! Hallelujah! So, as we look at our sermon topic today, we should understand that it is important to visit Calvary often, to remind ourselves of the finished work on the cross, where Jesus Christ the  Messiah, laid down His life, voluntarily & completely so that you and I may be washed, healed & made whole! The name Calvary comes from the Latin word meaning “the place of skulls” and the Greek word Golgotha, in its original meaning “the hill of skulls”. But the most meaningful aspect of Calvary or Golgotha, is what happened there, nearly 2000 years ago! Isaiah 53:5 says this about the event that brought us life. (Read from verse 4). Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV) – 4Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God stricken by Him, and afflicted. 5But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. This all happened on Calvary hill, where our Saviour was tortured beyond recognition, bruised & broken for our transgressions, sin & shame… and with that in mind, when we as believers look at the cross, we will discover & be aware of our sinfulness, short-comings & iniquities! Can I just say, that you cannot look at the empty cross & not be challenged, church. It is quite normal for people to conceal, ignore, excuse, justify & even explain their sins, but if you fully understand the wondrous cross, and Jesus's body on that cross, you will find it almost impossible not to confess & forsake our sins! When we visit Calvary, we will discover the very nature of God: 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. It's on Calvary's Hill that God reveals His amazing grace & mercy towards sinners, giving us what we do not deserve, and not, not giving us what we do deserve! The Bible teaches us in John 15:13 (NIV) – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. Jesus laid down His life, although He had legions at His disposal, He said: “Father, not my will, but your will be done”! Are you prepared to lay down your life for Him, church? It is sad, but true, that every rejecter of God's love, mercy & grace is crucifying the Son of God all over again (think about that…). When we visit Calvary, or Golgotha, we will find that the world's only hope & future, is in Christ alone! You see, many people, including myself, went to great extremes, to find happiness, love, joy and peace….. Some will spend millions in pursuing the ultimate, but when we visit Calvary, we will find that the “ultimate” is just a confession away! Ultimate love, joy, peace & happiness is found at the foot of the cross, on your knees before the Almighty God! When we visit Calvary, we will find inspiration for serving God & others! Jesus' death on the cross, must surely be one of the greatest acts of self-denial ever! The spotless Lamb of God, Christ the Messiah without blemish, sin or shame laying it all down, so that we may have it all! The Bible says in Ephesians 5:1 (Amp) – Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father] (Be imitators of Christ). So the questions would naturally be: are you prepared to give yourself, deny yourself, and surrender yourself, for the Kingdom of God & others? I would now like to spend some time on the Lord's Supper, or communion, as instructed by the Lord Himself, and especially as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, after His body was physically broken & bruised, He appeared in the flesh to His disciples & many others… just as He said He would. 1 Corinthians 11: 23-29 (NIV) – 23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgement on themselves. After reading vs. 24, it is clear that the Lord's Supper is a time to remember, we ought to remember what He did for each one of us, on Calvary's Hill. Communion as an act to remember Him! We have this memorial service, to honour our Great God & to commemorate His great deeds, and to call Him affectionately to remembrance. The Lord's Supper holds deep significance to all believers, and should not be taken casually or its power under estimated! The Lord's Supper is also a time of shared or mutual fellowship with other believers, who all bear testimony that Christ is the Messiah, is the Son of the living God! The Lord's Supper or table, is also a proclamation, and as you partake of the elements, you proclaim to your own heart, and to others, your faith in God & His risen Son. The Lord's supper is also a time of self-examination (1 Cor. 11:28) as we examine ourselves as to the manner & motive in which we participate & celebrate the risen Christ. The Lord's supper is also a loud prophesy, as you silently prophesy the second coming of God, for He is coming back again, amen? As we then church, as believers, partake in the Lord's Supper, let us focus our minds on that most significant event in all of history, Christ rising from the dead, and our relationship with Him! As we visit Calvary, the hill of skulls, let us inform our minds, our intellect & emotions, concerning God's great Agape' love for us all, and allow this experience to stir our faith in Him, and cause us to love & trust Him more intimately! Let us make decisions during this experience to reflect on our lives, change our ways & bring glory & honour to the One, who descended into greatness, conquering Calvary's Hill! Because He died for us, let us also now live for Him! So it's with humbleness of hearts, gratitude of souls, with confession of every known sin and a plea for assistance to forsake all evil, let us now partake in the Lord's Supper, communion as believers! Remembering the brokenness of His body & the pouring out of His blood for each & every one of us!

Becoming BeYOUtiful You, Part 8 - Faithfulness “…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT FAITHFULNES IS… Love that hangs on “It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, and your faithfulness in the evening.” Psalm 92:2 NLT “Love and faithfulness meet together” Psalm 85:10 “God is…abounding in love and faithfulness” Psalm 86:15 Psalms 89:2, 89:14, 89:24, 89:33, 89:49, 92:2, 98:3 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you.” Proverbs 3:3 Reliability “Let love and faithfulness never leave you” Proverbs 3:3 NIV “The Lord is faithful to all His promises…” Psalm 145:13 NIV “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the FAITHFUL God, keeping His covenant to a thousand generations…” Deuteronomy 7:9 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 NIV “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” John 3:16, 17 NLT “…if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” 1 John 1:9 NLT “O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord? Faithfulness is your very character.” Psalm 89:8 NLT “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 BECOMING FAITHFUL… Be Faithful in SMALL THINGS Matthew 25: 14-23 NLT GOD WILL TEST ME JUST ABOVE THE LEVEL I'M AT, IN ORDER TO STRETCH ME The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Stay Faithful to Jesus Christ

Seven Days Pt. 1 | February 25, 2024Pastor Bria GilmoreJohn 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.Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Luke 19:29-40 (NIV) As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?' say, ‘The Lord needs it.'” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”The only response to Jesus' coming is worship.✓  Our Need for Control✓  Expectations from Others✓  Our Expectations of GodMY ONE RESPONSEI. TAKE OFF THE CLOAK - OUR SIGN OF VULNERABILITYExodus 22:26-27 (NIV) If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.II. SPREAD IT ON THE ROAD - OUR SIGN OF LOYALTYLuke 19:36 (NIV) As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.III. WORSHIP HIM - OUR SIGN OF DEVOTIONPsalm 34:1-3 (KJV) I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Learn more about Easter at Bay Chapel: baychapel.com/easterGet started with Growth Track: baychapel.com/growthtrack

Hosea 1:2-3 When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.” 3 So Hosea married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she became pregnant and gave Hosea a son. Hosea's love was not _____________! Hosea 3:1-2 Then the Lord said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.” 2 So I bought her back for fifteen pieces of silver and five bushels of barley and a measure of wine. Hosea's love for his wife wasn't ____________ or _____________. Romans 5:6-8 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. There is ___________ you can do to _______ more of God's love. Only Christianity claims God's love is __________________. Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. God's love for you it isn't based on your ________________. God loves us because he ____________ to love us. I believe God loves me even if I _________ _________ it! Ephesians 3:18-19 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. John 3:16-17 (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. John 13:34-35 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Our response to God's love is to love _____ and to love ________.

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. The Love of Christ is a never-ending topic. It spans the whole length of the Bible. In this sermon, Minister Mike covers the topic of the Christian's perspective of God's love. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. As Christians, we are meant to walk in the love of Christ. Walking in love is not easy, but God provides us with the grace to do so. I pray that this sermon ministers to you. Have a merry Christmas! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jcckikuyu/message

A Life Changing Sermon to an Unlikely Congregation                                                                                              Luke 2:8-18 (NIV)“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'” Verse 13“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,” Verse 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Verse 15“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'” Verse 16“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Verse 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  Verse 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.       God's message through the shepherds to you:  1.      You don't have to be afraid anymore.  Luke 2:10 (NIV)“the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.”  2.      God's love for you is not earned, it is freely given.  Luke 2:11 (NIV)“Today…a Savior has been born for you” 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.”  3.      You are never alone.  Matthew 1:23 (NIV)"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us).   4.      You have a lifelong invitation to come closer to God.  Luke 2:12 (NIV)“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Hi Folks. Thanks for joining me as we move ahead in our study of Hebrews. We're moving on to verse 2 of chapter 1 today but let's read the first 2 verses of the book together again, first.Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV)In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 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. Last time we went over verse 1 and we talked about how God spoke to the ancient Hebrews through the prophets at many different times and in various ways. The prophets refers to the Old Testament prophets of course including the 16 writing prophets as well as those prophets who did not write specific books in the Old Testament that have been categorized as books of prophecy. Writing prophets would include those such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Their books would come under the second section of the TaNaKh called Nevi'im. TaNaKh is pronounced Tanach and it's an acronym. The T stands for Torah which is the first section and it comprises the first 5 books of the Bible, written by Moses. The N stands for Nevi'im which I just mentioned and it contains the books of prophecy which include the 16 writing prophets as well as what Jewish tradition calls the Former Prophets and those are the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. The 16 writing prophets are divided into major and minor prophets but I need to mention at this point that what I am referring to as the 16 writing prophets would be in the Jewish tradition only 15 in number. The difference is Daniel. Hebrew tradition does not include Daniel in the Nevi'im. Daniel is included in the last or third section of the TaNaKh which is the Ketuvim or the writings which in addition to Daniel include the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah as one book, and I and II Chronicles as one book, Chronicles.‌But the last prophet of the Old Testament or better, the Old Covenant, is John the Baptist. Jewish tradition doesn't recognize John the Baptist as a prophet of course because he is not written about in the Tanakh; he came after the Tanakh closed. However He came before the New Covenant was inaugurated by Jesus. The New Testament clearly reveals him to be a prophet because Jesus said that John was a prophet. Because he is the last prophet before the cross we can consider him to be the last prophet of the Old Covenant dispensation even though he is not in the Hebrew Scriptures by name.Yes, Jesus talked about John. He called him more than a prophet and said that the Old Covenant predicted John's coming. That Old Covenant passage isMalachi 3:1 (NIV)‌“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.Jesus referenced John, including this Malachi passage, in Matthew:Matthew 11:9–11“Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”We can say from Hebrews 1:2 alone that Jesus' ministry marked the beginning of the last days:Hebrews 1:2 (NIV)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.God spoke many things to the people of first century Israel through His Son Jesus and much of what He said has been preserved for us to read today. We will cover some of those things in our study of this book. But let's talk now for a minute or so about Jesus as God's Son. Jesus is God's Son in a very different way than we are sons and daughters. We are told this in the Gospel of John:‌John 1:12–13 (NIV)Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.This verse talks about what happens to us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior; we are born again and are transferred from being in Adam to being in Messiah or in Christ. Romans, chapter 6, explains that well. The old man, which is who we were in Adam, dies - is crucified with Messiah, when we accept Yeshua as our Lord and Savior - and we are united with Christ. That's what John 1:12-13 is talking about and as incredible as that is - we becoming sons and daughters of God - we are not sons in the sense that Jesus is the Son of God. Because Jesus is not a created being and because He is the one and only son of God and has always existed, He has to be of the same substance and nature as God the Father. He has to be divine, He has to be deity. We'll get into this much more as we move ahead in Hebrews but for now we must recognize that Jesus is the only unique Son of God and He is a Son - the Son - in a different way than we are. I also just want to remind you that God said He has a Son in the Old Testament in Psalm 2 and in Proverbs 30 and we talked about that last time.‌But getting back to Hebrews 1:2Hebrews 1:2 (NIV)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.Before we try to grasp the profound meaning of this verse I think we'll receive help by looking at John's Gospel:‌John 1:1–3 (NIV)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.Now please take a look at Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:1 (NIV)In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.And also at Ephesians 3:9Ephesians 3:9 (NKJV)and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;So, Who is this Son? We've already said that He is a Son like no other Son and that He is divine - He has the attributes of deity. But can we get a better understanding of that? I think we can. In John 1 He is called the Word which in Greek is Logos and we are told that in the beginning He was with God and was God and that without Him nothing was made that was made. So, how is He the Logos, or Word, and also God? I've come to understand that the idea behind the Greek word Logos is better understood by the Aramaic word Memra which was used in the Jewish Targums or paraphrases of the Hebrew Scriptures to describe a visible appearance of God, somewhat similar to, yet different from, the Shekinah glory of God. Sometimes this Memra would appear as the Angel of the LORD or the Angel of Yahweh such as we see in:Exodus 3:2 (NIV)There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.AND:Exodus 3:4 (NIV)When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”Can you see from these 2 verses that there is an equivalence between the Angel of Yahweh and the LORD, meaning Yahweh Himself? The Apostle John was a Jewish man and would have been familiar with the Memra which means word. Logos was the closest Greek equivalent to Memra and so John used Logos as he was inspired to do so by the Holy Spirit. This gives us understanding how Jesus is the Logos and God. He came as God in the flesh, God incarnate, and He was and is the same Divine Being that he was in the Old Testament where He sometimes came as the Angel of Yahweh. These appearances were of the pre-incarnate Christ.Let give you an example of this from the Targum Onkelos:The Targum Onqelos to Genesis8. Then they heard the voice of the Memra of the Lord God walking in the garden towards the decline of the day; so Adam and his wife hid themselves from before the Lord God within a tree of the garden. 9. Whereupon the Lord God called out to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10. And he said, “I heard the voice of Your Memra in the garden, but I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid”So, yes, the Son of God - the Logos, or Memra - is like no other Son. Understanding this will help us greatly in this study of the letter to the Hebrews. And as the Divine Son of the Father, it becomes understandable that Yahweh, the Father, would appoint His one and only Son as the Heir of all things. Likewise it makes sense that YHWH would appoint His Son to make the Universe, that the Universe would be made through Him. Remember Genesis 1:1:Genesis 1:1 (NIV)In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.Yeshua, the Logos or Memra, created the universe. But tells us that God created the heavens and the earth and surely that is something that only God could do. So it certainly seems that the Logos or the Memra has to have the very nature of God. Folks, I don't want to get ahead of myself. We are in deep waters here but what wonderful deep waters they are! The famous Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) tells us God is One but He is a complex or plural One. He has a plural nature. We cannot fully understand this. But God allows us to understand it to a certain extent, to know that it is absolutely true and that is a wonderful gift to us!But, getting back to our verse for today:Hebrews 1:2 (NIV)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.So, what did the Son speak to us - and I'm including you and me in us - in these last days? There is so much that He said that we can only include a tiny portion of it here today but I would like to do that so let me give you just a few things that He said:John 3:3 (NIV)Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”What an incredible truth that Yeshua our Lord shared with Nicodemus a high ranking Jewish teacher and member of the Sanhedrin who came to be a follower of Jesus.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.Perhaps the most well known verse in the Bible. The essence and the assurance of salvation is encapsulated in this one verse.Matthew 22:36–40 (NIV)“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”This is the essence of The New Covenant. This is the law that we are to follow now and it is a law that we can keep with the help of the Holy Spirit who indwells all believers.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.‌Jesus finished the work of salvation. At a cost that we cannot fathom, He has done it all.So in these last days God spoke to us through His Son. And the messages that He gave us were the fulfilment of what the prophets said. His words were clearer and more explicit than what the prophets said and His words were given the authority of Deity.‌My dear friends, we are all born as sinners and we need to be born a second time - we need to be born again. If that has not happened to you, if you do not have a personal relationship with God through His one and only Son, Yeshua the Messiah, please bow your knees and bow your hearts. Call upon Him, tell Him that you know that you are a hopeless sinner and that you need salvation which only He can give. Ask Him to save you and if you are sincere He will never turn you down. Do it today because you could die tonight and it will then be too late.‌Thank you, my friends.‌Until the next time. This is Art Wolinsky. God bless you.‌ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit awolinsky.substack.com

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor Luke 15:11-13 (NIV):11 … “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.” Life FROM God believes:God exists to bless my life. Life WITH God we focus on:Relationship with God is the treasure. Luke 12:22-34 Luke 15:14-17 Life FROM God:God should make me comfortable Life WITH God:Regardless of my circumstances…it’s about relationship with God. Matthew 11:28 (NIV):Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Luke 15:18-20, 22-24 (NIV):18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.22 “…the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Life WITH God:The Father is about relationship with the son 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. John 17:3 (NIV):Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Reflection Questions: 1. Read Luke 15:11-17. How does the younger son reflect Life FROM God?2. In what ways do you see aspects of Life FROM God in your own life?3. Read Luke 15:18-24. How does the father reflect Life WITH GOD?4. In what ways do you see aspects of Life WITH God in your own life? 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: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2023.09.24.pdf

-Sometimes we make “mistakes” on _________________! -Sometimes we ____________ out our “mistakes!” -We make our “mistakes” ___________ and __________! [1 John 1:8-10] If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. Sin ____________________ relationships. [Romans 3:23] For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. A sinner is someone who _________ better and does it anyway. Jesus' purpose in talking about sin was ___________________, not ___________________. [Matthew 5:20-22; 27-28] “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! [21] “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' [22] But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. [27] “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.' [28] But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Jesus came for the ___________________ people. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. John 8:10-11 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Acknowledging our sin is the first step towards _____________. John 3:16-17 (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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. I need to acknowledge the fact that I have ________________. Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

2 Peter 3:14 (NIV): "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." Jude 1:24 (NIV): "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV): "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:31-34 (NIV): "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." John 3:16-17 (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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Sermon Notes Luke 5:12-16 NIV "While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." Yet the news about him (Jesus) spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 12a NIV "While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy." Your fate was in the hands of the law, not the priest. Leviticus 13:45-46 NIV "Anyone with such a defiling disease (Leprosy) must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face and cry out, 'Unclean! Unclean!' As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp." Luke 5:12b NIV "When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'" There was no hope of improving his situation on his own. He needed Jesus. Your posture with Jesus matters. Luke 5:13 NIV "Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him." Jesus touched him. Luke 5:14 NIV "Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.'" Coming clean is a process. Luke 5:15 NIV "Yet the news about him (Jesus) spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses." Luke 5:16 NIV "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." We are all the leper. "I am that man and dare I say it, you are that man"… "I believe Jesus is saying, "You think this external disease is bad? You have far worse on the inside. Your diabolical disease is eating you alive. It's called sin, and you're dying, and you need to be given new life." - Judah Smith, Life is ____. It's time to have a family meeting. Jesus represents Christians. Accountability comes at the foot of the cross, not on the terms we, as Christians create. John 3:17 NIV "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." We've been so focused on looking and acting right, that the world is losing sight of Jesus in us. If we aren't careful, God becomes a checkbox, not a lifestyle. Does the Jesus you portray to the world look like the Jesus in this text? Kingsway's Mission statement: To become more like Jesus. "Do for one what you wish you could do for many." – Andy Stanley "Here is the simple message Jesus has for us. If we fill our bucket with love, we can actually become love." - Bob Goff, Everybody Always "People don't need more information, they want examples. God wants to use people like us to show the world what we know about Jesus by having them see the way we love the people around us." - Bob Goff, Everybody Always Church, if you are willing, will you love well?

(English) In this message Ps Monty talks about why he loves the Jesus Christmas Story in these 4 points:The Promise (Isaiah 9:6 NLT) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.1.He came as a Humble King(Luke 2:7 NLT) She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.2.God Protected Him and His Family(Matthew 2:13 NLT) After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,' the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.' 3.People From All Backgrounds Formed a New FamilyThe Shepherds(Luke 2:10-12 NLT) But the angel reassured them. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. (11) The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (12) And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.The Kings of the East(Matthew 2:9-11 NLT) 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. (10) When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! (11) 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.4.He Went to the Cross for Me(Romans 5:8 NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(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.

(Bilingual) このメッセージではモンティー牧師がイエスのクリスマスストーリーが大好きな理由について以下の4つのポイントから話します。In this message Ps Monty talks about why he loves the Jesus Christmas Story in these 4 points:The Promise 約束 (Isaiah 9:6 NLT) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.(イザヤ 9:6 JCB) 一人の男の子が私たちのために生まれます。その肩にすべての主権が与えられ、その子は、「すばらしい助言者」「全能の神」「永遠の父」「平和の君」と呼ばれます。1.He came as a Humble Kingイエスは謙遜な王として来てくれた(Luke 2:7 NLT) She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.(ルカ 2:7 JCB)マリヤは初めての子を産みました。男の子です。彼女はその子を布でくるみ、飼葉おけに寝かせました。宿屋が満員で、泊めてもらえなかったからです。2.God Protected Him and His Family神様はイエスと家族を守ってくれた(Matthew 2:13 NLT) After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,' the angel said. ‘Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.'(マタイ 2:13 JCB) 彼らが帰ったあと、天使が夢でヨセフに現れて言いました。「起きなさい。子どもとその母を連れて、エジプトに逃げるのです。そして、私が帰れと言うまで、ずっとそこにいなさい。ヘロデがこの子を殺そうとしています。」 3.People From All Backgrounds Formed a New Family様々な背景を持つ人たちが新しい家族になったThe Shepherds 羊飼い(Luke 2:10-12 NLT) But the angel reassured them. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. (11) The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (12) And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.(ルカ 2:10-12 JCB) 天使は言いました。「こわがることはありません。これまで聞いたこともない、すばらしい出来事を知らせてあげましょう。すべての人への喜びの知らせです。 (11)今夜、ダビデの町（ベツレヘム）で救い主がお生まれになりました。この方こそ主キリストです。 (12) 布にくるまれ、飼葉おけに寝かされている幼子、それが目じるしです。」The Kings of the East 東から来た賢者たち(Matthew 2:9-11 NLT) 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. (10) When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! (11) 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.(マタイ 2:9-11 JCB) 彼らがさっそく出発すると、なんと、あの星がまた現れて、彼らをベツレヘムに導き、とある家の上にとどまりました。 (10) それを見た彼らは、躍り上がって喜びました。 (11) その家に入ると、幼子と母マリヤがいました。彼らはひれ伏して、その幼子を拝みました。そして宝の箱を開け、黄金と乳香（香料の一種）と没薬（天然ゴムの樹脂で、古代の貴重な防腐剤）を贈り物としてささげました。4.He Went to the Cross for Meイエスは私たちのために十字架に架かってくれた (Romans 5:8 NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8 JCB) しかし、私たちがまだ罪人であった時、神はキリストを遣わしてくださいました。そのキリストが私たちのために死なれたことにより、神は私たちに大きな愛を示してくださったのです。(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. (ヨハネ 3:16 JCB) 実に神は、ひとり子をさえ惜しまず与えるほどに、この世界を愛してくださいました。それは、神の御子を信じる者が、だれ一人滅びず、永遠のいのちを得るためです。

Life Group Leaders' Notes Title: How You Can Be Blessed By Becoming A Peacemaker Key Text: Matthew 5:9  We live in a world that is desperately in need of peace. So many are longing for peace of mind, peace in their home, peace in their community but few know where to find it. So, they look for any temporary escape they can find.  Today there are conflicts of every kind and at every level. The nation of Israel for example has been at the centre of conflict for many centuries. In the time of Jesus, Israel was under Roman occupation and that brought many hardships. People looked forward with great anticipation to a lasting peace prophesied by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7). For many right up till the time of Jesus' return to heaven, there was an expectation that Jesus would bring peace by restoring the nation of Israel politically, overthrowing Roman rule. In Acts 1:6 they asked him ‘are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' (Acts 1:6). It was this turbulent context that Jesus that said in Matthew 5:9. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God', which is our key text for today. What an amazing promise! Those who make God's peace will be called God's children. But what is a peacemaker? It is someone who reconciles people who were formerly in conflict, making peace! But what kind of peace? We know from Isaiah 9 that God's peace will grow endlessly, so it isn't man-made. Jesus is talking about an eternal peace that God alone can give. He later told his disciples John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  So how can we become the peacemakers God wants?  To be a peacemaker, we must first be reconciled to God (Psalm 139:23-24, Proverbs 28:13; 1 Samuel 16:7, Mark 7:21-22) Our Hearts Can Only Be Cleansed By God (Ezekiel 26:25- 27, John 1:13, 1 John 1:9) A Pure Heart Will Lead To A Blessed Life (Matthew 5:8, Revelation 1:17-18)       Apply  1. To be a peacemaker we must first be reconciled to God   The great Christmas carol ‘Hark the herald angels sing' that speaks of reconciliation:  Hark! The herald angels sing  "Glory to the new-born king  Peace on earth and mercy mild  God and sinners reconciled"  Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!  Hail the Sun of Righteousness!  Light and life to all He brings  Risen with healing in His wings….”  God wants us to be reconciled to him, and so he made the first move toward us by sending his son to make it possible: 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.   We may not realise it but if we have no relationship with Jesus, we are living in opposition to God and need to be reconciled to him!   Romans 5:10 says: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.   The greatest reconciliation of all comes when we make peace with God in our own hearts. We do that by admitting that we have sinned and that we need a new life from God. That will happen when we stop fighting God, and instead, start pursuing him.   In any conflict, peace comes when there is a surrender.    When we surrender to Jesus, the prince of peace comes to make his home in our hearts and settles all conflicts and disputes. He comes to occupy us by his Holy Spirit which we receive in that surrender.   He heals our emotional wounds and teaches us how to live an eternal life from the very moment we believe in Jesus and fully trust him every day of our lives.   You see Jesus came to bridge the gap between us on the one side and God the father on the other. He did this through the cross where he hung with arms stretched wide.  Eph 2:13-14 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, That barrier between us and God is our sin and rebellion, which Jesus took upon himself in order to bring us near to God because he loves us.   If you will surrender to his love today you will receive the peace you are searching for and have not yet found.  When we are reconciled to God:   We are at peace; we've surrendered our lives to Jesus, all hostilities are over  We can have a healed heart - all the emotional wounds you have received can be healed by Jesus when we receive him  We can know that our sins are forgiven - we have a clean slate, no more guilt  We have made room for God in our hearts - he rules our hearts from within   Are you reconciled to God today? Do you know that if you were to leave this life today that you would spend eternity in his presence because you invited him into your heart? Are you at peace with God or are you still fighting?   2. To be a peacemaker we must be reconciled to others   Hebrews 12:14: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy;  Jesus taught how important it is to put relationships right with others.  Matthew 5:23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.   We need to make the first move to end conflicts. In God's eyes, no amount of sacrifice and outward worship can compensate for us failing to try and mend a broken relationship. He says FIRST go and be reconciled, THEN come and offer your gift.   The apostle James speaks of how we can work against peace by being jealous of others or selfishly ambitious. But we can reap a good harvest of righteousness by making peace:   James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.   Let's look at the characteristics of peacemakers. James indicates that a peacemaker has wisdom from above that is:   First Pure: It puts God's concerns first. Our primary concern in peace-making is the glory of God. Our peace efforts must not compromise by lowering God's standard.  Peace loving: God wants us to love peace, not seek out conflict. A peacemaker is someone who will ‘turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it' (Psalm 34). Our words and actions must promote lasting peace, not endless conflict.  Gentle: God's wisdom makes us gentle, NOT harsh. Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. If we speak harshly we stir up conflict but if we speak kindly with gentle words we will immediately see how an atmosphere of peace comes. So maybe we ask need to ask ourselves this question Can I be more gentle?  Open to reason: We must help people to see reason and be reasonable themselves.  Full of mercy and good fruit: Instead of rushing to judgement, give people time to make the right choices. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - God wants all men to come to a knowledge of the truth  Impartial: God wants us to be free of selfish ambition, to be on HIS side - balanced and fair. No hidden agenda, no selfish motive or manipulation.  Sincere: Romans 12:9 NIV: Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. We can't be pretending to pursue peace whilst having hate in our hearts.  Sown in peace: If we sow peace by the words and actions we choose, we will reap a harvest of righteousness. Here are some good seeds you can sow, that will make peace spring up  Make the decision to love people the same way you've been loved by God: 1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:20 We cannot say we love God and hate our brother or sister at the same time.  Forgive from the heart, not the head. Jesus offers us the wounds he suffered as payment for the wounds we have suffered at the hands of others - accept what Jesus offers and release those who offended you. Isaiah 53:5 NIV But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry: Eph 4:26 “In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  Do whatever you can to make peace: Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.   3. To become a peacemaker we must reconcile others to God   A peacemaker is an ambassador for God. An ambassador is a representative of a government that is sent on their behalf:  2 Cor 5:18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 .And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God has given us all this ministry of reconciliation. Here's how we can play our part in this:  Tell others your story of how you were reconciled to God. Show them how they can do the same.  Pray for all those in authority:  1 Tim 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.   Make a stand for peace where you can  One familiar example of peace making happened in South Africa when Nelson Mandela became president at the end of Apartheid. When he was released from prison and became president, he chose the path of reconciliation between all racially divided people instead of vengeance.  Nelson Mandela said: If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.  And he added: the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”   Never more was that humility more evident that when God's own son came to earth as a baby. The Prince of Peace had come to establish a reign of peace and you can be part of this.   Today you can know the peace of God. You can make your peace with God and you can become a world changing agent of peace for God. May the peace of God rest on each one of you this day and every day.  

Life Group Leaders' Notes Title: How You Can Be Blessed By Becoming A Peacemaker Key Text: Matthew 5:9  We live in a world that is desperately in need of peace. So many are longing for peace of mind, peace in their home, peace in their community but few know where to find it. So, they look for any temporary escape they can find.  Today there are conflicts of every kind and at every level. The nation of Israel for example has been at the centre of conflict for many centuries. In the time of Jesus, Israel was under Roman occupation and that brought many hardships. People looked forward with great anticipation to a lasting peace prophesied by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7). For many right up till the time of Jesus' return to heaven, there was an expectation that Jesus would bring peace by restoring the nation of Israel politically, overthrowing Roman rule. In Acts 1:6 they asked him ‘are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' (Acts 1:6). It was this turbulent context that Jesus that said in Matthew 5:9. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God', which is our key text for today. What an amazing promise! Those who make God's peace will be called God's children. But what is a peacemaker? It is someone who reconciles people who were formerly in conflict, making peace! But what kind of peace? We know from Isaiah 9 that God's peace will grow endlessly, so it isn't man-made. Jesus is talking about an eternal peace that God alone can give. He later told his disciples John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  So how can we become the peacemakers God wants?  To be a peacemaker, we must first be reconciled to God (Psalm 139:23-24, Proverbs 28:13; 1 Samuel 16:7, Mark 7:21-22) Our Hearts Can Only Be Cleansed By God (Ezekiel 26:25- 27, John 1:13, 1 John 1:9) A Pure Heart Will Lead To A Blessed Life (Matthew 5:8, Revelation 1:17-18)       Apply  1. To be a peacemaker we must first be reconciled to God   The great Christmas carol ‘Hark the herald angels sing' that speaks of reconciliation:  Hark! The herald angels sing  "Glory to the new-born king  Peace on earth and mercy mild  God and sinners reconciled"  Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!  Hail the Sun of Righteousness!  Light and life to all He brings  Risen with healing in His wings….”  God wants us to be reconciled to him, and so he made the first move toward us by sending his son to make it possible: 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.   We may not realise it but if we have no relationship with Jesus, we are living in opposition to God and need to be reconciled to him!   Romans 5:10 says: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.   The greatest reconciliation of all comes when we make peace with God in our own hearts. We do that by admitting that we have sinned and that we need a new life from God. That will happen when we stop fighting God, and instead, start pursuing him.   In any conflict, peace comes when there is a surrender.    When we surrender to Jesus, the prince of peace comes to make his home in our hearts and settles all conflicts and disputes. He comes to occupy us by his Holy Spirit which we receive in that surrender.   He heals our emotional wounds and teaches us how to live an eternal life from the very moment we believe in Jesus and fully trust him every day of our lives.   You see Jesus came to bridge the gap between us on the one side and God the father on the other. He did this through the cross where he hung with arms stretched wide.  Eph 2:13-14 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, That barrier between us and God is our sin and rebellion, which Jesus took upon himself in order to bring us near to God because he loves us.   If you will surrender to his love today you will receive the peace you are searching for and have not yet found.  When we are reconciled to God:   We are at peace; we've surrendered our lives to Jesus, all hostilities are over  We can have a healed heart - all the emotional wounds you have received can be healed by Jesus when we receive him  We can know that our sins are forgiven - we have a clean slate, no more guilt  We have made room for God in our hearts - he rules our hearts from within   Are you reconciled to God today? Do you know that if you were to leave this life today that you would spend eternity in his presence because you invited him into your heart? Are you at peace with God or are you still fighting?   2. To be a peacemaker we must be reconciled to others   Hebrews 12:14: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy;  Jesus taught how important it is to put relationships right with others.  Matthew 5:23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.   We need to make the first move to end conflicts. In God's eyes, no amount of sacrifice and outward worship can compensate for us failing to try and mend a broken relationship. He says FIRST go and be reconciled, THEN come and offer your gift.   The apostle James speaks of how we can work against peace by being jealous of others or selfishly ambitious. But we can reap a good harvest of righteousness by making peace:   James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.   Let's look at the characteristics of peacemakers. James indicates that a peacemaker has wisdom from above that is:   First Pure: It puts God's concerns first. Our primary concern in peace-making is the glory of God. Our peace efforts must not compromise by lowering God's standard.  Peace loving: God wants us to love peace, not seek out conflict. A peacemaker is someone who will ‘turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it' (Psalm 34). Our words and actions must promote lasting peace, not endless conflict.  Gentle: God's wisdom makes us gentle, NOT harsh. Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. If we speak harshly we stir up conflict but if we speak kindly with gentle words we will immediately see how an atmosphere of peace comes. So maybe we ask need to ask ourselves this question Can I be more gentle?  Open to reason: We must help people to see reason and be reasonable themselves.  Full of mercy and good fruit: Instead of rushing to judgement, give people time to make the right choices. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - God wants all men to come to a knowledge of the truth  Impartial: God wants us to be free of selfish ambition, to be on HIS side - balanced and fair. No hidden agenda, no selfish motive or manipulation.  Sincere: Romans 12:9 NIV: Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. We can't be pretending to pursue peace whilst having hate in our hearts.  Sown in peace: If we sow peace by the words and actions we choose, we will reap a harvest of righteousness. Here are some good seeds you can sow, that will make peace spring up  Make the decision to love people the same way you've been loved by God: 1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:20 We cannot say we love God and hate our brother or sister at the same time.  Forgive from the heart, not the head. Jesus offers us the wounds he suffered as payment for the wounds we have suffered at the hands of others - accept what Jesus offers and release those who offended you. Isaiah 53:5 NIV But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry: Eph 4:26 “In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  Do whatever you can to make peace: Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.   3. To become a peacemaker we must reconcile others to God   A peacemaker is an ambassador for God. An ambassador is a representative of a government that is sent on their behalf:  2 Cor 5:18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 .And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God has given us all this ministry of reconciliation. Here's how we can play our part in this:  Tell others your story of how you were reconciled to God. Show them how they can do the same.  Pray for all those in authority:  1 Tim 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.   Make a stand for peace where you can  One familiar example of peace making happened in South Africa when Nelson Mandela became president at the end of Apartheid. When he was released from prison and became president, he chose the path of reconciliation between all racially divided people instead of vengeance.  Nelson Mandela said: If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.  And he added: the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”   Never more was that humility more evident that when God's own son came to earth as a baby. The Prince of Peace had come to establish a reign of peace and you can be part of this.   Today you can know the peace of God. You can make your peace with God and you can become a world changing agent of peace for God. May the peace of God rest on each one of you this day and every day.  

The Holy Spirit #4 - By Pastor George Lehman Self-control is not control by oneself through one's own will power but rather control of oneself through the power of the Holy Spirit. - Jerry Bridges  2 Timothy 1:7(NIV) – For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. (self-control) The Holy Spirit is not just an add on extra which we tap into once in a while. The Holy Spirit doesn't need to equip you for what you're NOT going to do, so if you're in rebellion, compromise or lukewarm against Jesus – refusing His right to be Lord in your life, He doesn't need to send the Holy Spirit to equip you for service and tragically you miss out on the joy and completeness He brings. So let the Holy Spirit deal with anything that's keeping from putting your feet to obedience.   - Henry T. Blackaby The Holy Spirit breaths inspiration, enthusiasm, and boldness into our lives while our soulish, carnal mind breeds compromise, comfort and seeks convenience! We need to be so cautious for a decline from our spiritual life to end up earthly to soulish to demonic. James 3:13-14 (NIV) – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. A spiritual man declining! James 3:15 marks the steps of the decline of wisdom. This decline allows demons to infiltrate the work, of God, the people, and the church of God. James 3:15 (NIV) – Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual 'soulish', demonic. Being earthly (People say I'm just human) it may sound or seem innocent enough, but it takes very little time for a lack of interest and enthusiasm to take root. Jesus did not save you to be a weak soulish Christian. This will drag you down to the soulish realm. And perhaps further still into the realm of the demonic. An earthly Christian is someone who expects God to provide blessings for this lifetime only – prosperity, healing, power, success, comfort, ease, feather my nest in this world.   1 Corinthians 15:19 (Amp) –  If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied. If the purpose of your Christian faith is to receive blessings and comfort in this earthly life alone, you are to be pitied and you'll be miserable. So many Christians forget that this world is not our home, we are foreigners passing through this world. 1 Peter 1:17 (NIV) – Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. That's why so many Christians are earthly and become soulish. A soulish man cannot discern spiritual truth because he must do so with the Spirit. And when you are tuned solely to soulish appeals to your emotions, then it becomes: All about me, myself and I.  My will, I want, I think – these are not controlled by the Holy Spirit.   When it comes to  our lifestyle of worship Soulish people worship God in order to have a good time. People say, “What wonderful worship service”. The purpose of worship is not for us to have a good time. Rather the purpose of worship is just what it says – WORSHIP! Proper worship praises God.  It does not seek to elevate our emotion or to thrill our senses. I've seen people moved by emotions, even to tears, and yet they never change. A step down from the soulish is the demonic. The pattern of progression from earthly to soulish to demonic is best illustrated in the Old Testament by Aaron who made a golden calf, an idol. Exodus 32:1-6 (Amp) – When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, [they] gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, Up, make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him. 2 So Aaron replied, Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives, your sons, and daughters, and bring them to me. 3 So all the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold at their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it a molten calf; and they said, These are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt! 5 And when Aaron saw the molten calf, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord. 6 And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. Note verse 1 – they credited Moses for their deliverance instead of recognizing God's providence[voorsiening]. Their focus on human leaders lead to idolatry. It says they, “The people … rose up to play”. What is incredible about the backsliding of Aaron and the people is how suddenly it occurred. 2 months before Aaron designed the golden calf, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. The people responded in awe and reverence. Exodus 20:18-21 (NIV) – When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. Within 2 months, the people had abandoned their attitude of fear and reverence and replaced it with an attitude of indifference and idolatry. Once their physical needs had been met, their appetites satisfied their bodies sufficiently clothed they backslid. Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV) – Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” The New Testament example of God's holy judgment when He struck Ananias and Sapphira dead when they cheated with offerings. Acts 5:11 (NIV) – Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. The question is – how much awe do you have for God in your life? We must never lose a sense of awe of God's Holiness and greatness. Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) –  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Too often the lack of seriousness of awe gives way to unscriptural frivolity and flippancy. Frivolity = lacking seriousness, silly, oppervlakkig/onbelangrik Flippancy = treating serious matters lightly, disrespectful, ligsinnigheid/onverskillig. One ministry of the Holy Spirit is convicting us of sin. Where conviction is lacking, the work of the Holy Spirit is mostly lacking as well. Too many Christians are trying to serve God in an earthly, soulish even demonic way. You will always have time for what you make time for. You are right now only as obedient and committed to God as you are allowing the Holy Spirit to have you. *****

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1 (NIV) 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. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in […] The post The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace appeared first on Cary Alliance Church.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1 (NIV) 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. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in […]

The verse of the day for June 14th is from John chapter 3 verse 17. This is a beautiful promise from God's Word that Jesus came to save, not judge or condemn us. Sometimes we assume being a follower of Jesus means being a good person. God knew our sin, but didn't send his Son to cast judgement but share salvation. John 3:17 Verse of the Day for June 14th (ESV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (KJV) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (MSG) God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. (NIV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NLT) God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. Today's Spiritual Reflection and Devotional When I read John 3:17, I am always struck by the compassionate heart of God. He didn't come to this world to condemn us or to find fault with us. He came to help us. He came to put the world right again. And that is such a beautiful thing. We live in a world that is so full of hurt and pain. There is so much division and turmoil. But God reminds us that he is not content to leave us in that state. He came to heal us and to bring us back into right relationship with him. And that is such good news for all of us. No matter what we have done or where we find ourselves in life, God is always ready and willing to help us get back on track. All we need to do is turn to him and ask for his help. And he will be there for us, just as he has promised. Prayer for Today Heavenly Father, we thank You that You did not send Jesus into the world to condemn it, but rather to save it. We acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Savior, and we praise You that You provided that Savior in the person of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that You would use us as Your instruments to proclaim the Good News of salvation to a lost and dying world. Help us to be bold in our witness, sharing the message of hope with those who are trapped in a cycle of sin and despair. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Romans Week 4Romans • June 12, 2022Teacher: Dave Brown--Romans 5:12, 15, 17 NIV[S]in entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned…But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!…For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!1. Sin and death2. Gift3. Relationship4. Obedience 5. RighteousnessRomans 5:12 NIVTherefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned…J.I PackerScripture diagnoses sin as a universal deformity of human nature, found at every point in every person…Sin may be comprehensively defined as lack of conformity to the law of God in act, habit, attitude, outlook, disposition, motivation, and mode of existence.Matthew 5:21-22 NIV“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,' and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or s a sister will be subject to judgment.”To be Like God.Death is the natural result of sin.Romans 5:15 NIVBut the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!Marcel Mauss[Upon receiving a gift.] one must give back to another person what is really part and parcel of his nature and substance, because to accept something from someone is to accept some part of his spiritual essence, his soul…The thing given is not inactive. It's invested with life.John 3:16 NIV“For God so loved the world that he grave his one and only Son…”Romans 1:5 NIV[G]race might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Text: John 3:1-36 Theme: One of the most famous verses in our Bible comes from the discussion Jesus has with a man named Nicodemus in John 3. His words will forever help define what it means when we're Stepping In to a relationship with Jesus. Key Verse: 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.” Message Notes: https://my.bible.com/en-GB/events/48900643

Progress to perfection – Our Journey #5 It may be the end of the series, but it doesn't stop today. It's a life of disciple to progress to perfection Our lives must be devoted to progress. If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him.  It will always be right and best.  When He gives you a directive you are not just to observe it or debate it.  You are to obey it.  H. Blackaby By Pastor George Lehman Joshua 1:8 (NIV) – Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be carful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. We don't just enter each new day hoping we may by some miracle progress today. No!! We must be mind made up – we need to live on purpose to achieve perfection in Christ.  It doesn't just happen. We have been looking at Peter's instruction to the church.  How to ensure you are able progress to perfection. 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV) – 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 7 steps – add to your faith: Goodness (excellence) – No slackness / half-hearted Knowledge (biblical revelation) – Understanding spiritually Self control (self discipline, victory over self is the greatest victory) Perseverance (long obedience in the same direction) Godliness (let your actions do the talking) – Reflect the character of Jesus Brotherly kindness (our attitude toward one another) Love NB!!  I want to encourage you to commit these 7 steps to memory. It will give you a spiritual measuring stick to check up our own “progress to perfection”.   #7  Love (The pinnacle and most important point you add to your Faith) Ephesians 3:16-17(NIV) – 16I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love.   None of the 6 steps will work without No. 7 Love. There are a number of Greek words in the New Testament that can be and sometimes are translated “LOVE”. 4 main ones: Eros: is a passionate and intense love that arouses romantic feelings. Storge: It's a kind of family and friendship love Phileo: Refers to an affectionate, warm and tender love.  It's a committed and chosen love. Agape: This is associated with God Himself.  It's an unconditional love. This is the love Peter is describing in the 7th step to add to our faith. Make sure it's a part of your whole life. This love can only proceed from God. It flows in us and through us. The divine demonstration of God's love as seen in: Romans 5:6-8 (NIV) – 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Love put Jesus on the cross. There are 3 words that describe the kind of people for whom Jesus died: Powerless: Means we couldn't help ourselves. Ungodly: Means our whole make up, our character was alien and strangers to God.  He could have looked away from us. Sinners: We were rebels, we were at war with God. It was for such people as these that God gave His Son Jesus to die for us (that's God's love). It's a love on another plane that we could never achieve out of our own fallen nature. The expression of this Agape love is “Total self giving”. 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. Divine love is a giving love: This is Agape in action 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; 13 (NIV) – If I speak in tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I have nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.  But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love. Please understand this – this is the climax of our spiritual development. Its not an add on extra! Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) – 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. Listen to what Peter says before he gave us the step to progress to perfection. 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV) –Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. God wants you and I to participate in His divine nature.  His divine nature is LOVE.  Genuine “LOVE” is perfection. 1 John 4:16 (LB) – We know how much God loves us because we have felt his love and because we believe him when he tells us that he loves us dearly. God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him. Galatians 5:22a (NIV) – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, … Romans 5:5 (NIV) – And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. NB!! Therefore:  This love is not just a temporary feeling that comes and goes, but……something that becomes our very nature and our conduct. This brings me back to the reason for this teaching – “Progress to perfection – Our Journey” Matthew 5:48 (NIV) – Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) – “Aim for perfection.” That's why Peter closes off with some very important instructions as he looks back at the 7 steps. 2 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV) – 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. In closing: 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NIV) – 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.  For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Progress to perfection will ensure you receive a rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom.

Genesis 3:15(NIV)“He will crush[b] your head,    and you will strike His heel.” 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…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”Genesis 22:1-2(ESV) God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2(ESV) God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” John 1:14(NIV)“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.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.“go to the land of Moriah”“offer him (Isaac) there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Gen. 22:3-6(ESV)So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy[a] will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. “(We will) come again to you.”“Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son”Genesis 22:7(ESV)And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Genesis 22:8(ESV)Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.Genesis 22:9(ESV)When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Genesis 22:10-12(ESV)Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” Genesis 22:13(ESV)And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. Galatians 3:16(NIV)“The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[a] meaning one person, who is Christ."

John 19:1-6 (ESV)“Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” John 19:16-30 (ESV)“So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,' but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.'” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic.[d] But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,“They divided my garments among them,    and for my clothing they cast lots.”So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”Matthew 27:45-46(NIV)From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).John 3:16(NIV)"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”John 5:19“I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”John 10:17-18(NIV)“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”Luke 23:46(NIV)“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[a] When he had said this, he breathed his last.”

Theme – Because of JesusScripture references - John 3:17 NIV "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."Intro and Outro Song - "We Give Thanks To Thee" by Marlene Jenkins CooperClosing Song - " Because of Who You Are" by Martha Munizzi and "Because He Lives" by Bill GaitherI do not own the rights to either song.Scriptures mentioned in the podcast - I Kings 18:24, 28, 27-29, John 4:29The Plan of SalvationA- Accept and Ask Christ into your heartB- Believe on the Lord Jesus ChristC- Confess your sins.Then pray and ask him into your heart. I pray that if you haven't asked Christ into your heart, you will today.

Life is about endings. We may not like it but all of life is about endings. 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. Jesus alone saves; anyone & everyone! This is the book of Galatians in a very…

Life is about endings. We may not like it but all of life is about endings. 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. Jesus alone saves; anyone & everyone! This is the book of Galatians in a very…

(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.

Deacon Seun's message on 'The Contract' 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.

#7The Compassion Gift:  “People don't care how much know, until they know how much you care” Luke 15:17-24 NIV “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (18) I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (19) I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' (20) So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (21) “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' (22) “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. (23) Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. (24) For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Rom 12:3-8 NIV For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (4) For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, (5) so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (6) We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; (7) if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; (8) if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Positive: -are greatly concerned for the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of others.  -They have desire and ability to help people who are suffering or distressed.  -They are happy to help all, and don't cease being happy  Need to be aware: -Because people with this gift are so patient and compassionate with those in pain, they will benefit from setting clear boundaries so as to prevent them from burnout.  -They need to be in a system of care that helps order their world.  -They may not understand others who are not so compassionate as not caring.  Old Testament  -Moses and God's compassion  Exodus 33:19 NIV And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 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. -Boaz and Ruth Ruth 2:14-18 NIV At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. (15) As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don't reprimand her. (16) Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don't rebuke her.” (17) So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. (18) She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough. New Testament :-Jesus Matthew 9:35-36 NIV Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease... Support this podcast

Teena grew up in a controlled environment, was sexually abused, oppressed, lonely, full of fear, and even suicidal at times.   Risking everything, she escaped from her forced, pre-arranged marriage and hoped to find a new life.  Her Earthly family disowned her, but God had plans.   Teena soon relocated from the UK to Canada where everything would change.  After witnessing a tragic accident she began to think about heaven and the afterlife and her own salvation.  In late 2016 Teena attended church with a friend, where she accepted Jesus and was baptized in 2017.  God gave her a special revelation as she learned the meaning of the new nickname she had chosen after leaving her family, "follower of Christ."   God began revealing a special gift to Teena as she began to get downloads of poems.  These divinely inspired songs/poems were found to contain actual scripture from the Bible that Teena had not yet read!  She began to realize that these downloads were from the Lord and were powerful prophecies and evangelical messages.  She continues to write with power and passion and has produced some of these (see attached videos and links).  God gave Teena a special gift through her new VOICE, something that she felt she never had in her previous life!   Teena shares many other pieces of the story, including her life as Muslim versus the new life as a Christ follower, the conversion of her current husband to Christianity, her new passion with her spoken word, and a beautiful message of love and forgiveness.  Although Teena has not reconnected with her family in the UK, she shares that she loves and forgives them.  She shared with me, "Love is not an option, love is not a choice, love is not a recommendation or suggestion.  Love is a COMMANDMENT."   Teena takes a moment to speak to the Muslim community and she concludes our time by offering an invitation and a prayer of salvation, and I am nearly speechless.  I am in awe that in this world where so many can be so far from God in a moment, yet there is ALWAYS hope in Jesus Christ.     I am beyond honored to share this miracle of redemption and restoration, and healing!  I am excited to see where God takes this passionate woman, and all that are going to be set FREE through her powerful testimony!  Praise Jesus!   Isaiah 41:10 NIV "So do not fear, for I am with you;     do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;     I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."   Jeremiah 29:13 NIV "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."   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."   Links for Teena: Teena's Facebook page called- Teena Sandhu 'Downloads From Heaven' Her personal journey, of an update of her Christian walk: https://www.facebook.com/TeenaDownloads/     Below is the link to her latest video which was produced with TCF4 Productions, written and performed by Teena.   Watch "THE VEIL TORN  A Muslims Journey to Christ" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqJEJcyIxy8&feature=share     Watch "Strength and Courage Spoken Word Long Version with Message" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7MgyVO-R8Nc      From Teena, "Below is a link to one of the top Christian TV show I did hosted by Robert Melnichuk, director of Western Canada for YesTV/ Crossroads Christian Community. Teena lived in a controlled environment and was sexually abused | her story of finding her faith, freedom and peace - this episode airs on @YESTV"    WATCH / SHARE "This is Your Story" featuring Teena Sandhu.  Escaping a pre-arranged Muslim marriage.  A name change that became a life change.  You don't want to miss Teena's story.  #thisisyourstory Teena Sandhu learns how to overcome her adversities to find her path to God  https://www.facebook.com/994637727284692/posts/2152254151523038/?sfnsn=mo&d=n&vh=i

PURCHASE THE GO CREATOR GO BOOK & JOURNAL:www.antoinebeane.comhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GV2DK1Vhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GVJ6MP5FOLLOW GO CREATOR GO & TRIUMPH MEDIAWORKS:Facebook & IG: @gogreatorgo & @triumphmediaworkswww.triumphmediaworks.com____________________________*SCRIPTURES CONCERNING MOTIVATION:COLOSSIANS 3:23 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human mastersROMANS 12:10-13 NIV Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.MOTIVATION IN THE BLESSINGS OF CHRIST:MOTIVATED TO STAY HEALTHY - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 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; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.MOTIVATED TO STAND STRONG IN ALL SITUATIONS - 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 NIV Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.MOTIVATED TO PRESS THROUGH - 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 NIV For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.MOTIVATED TO KNOW GOD’S ON YOUR SIDE - PHILIPPIANS 4:13-19 NIV  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus..MOTIVATED TO KNOW THAT GOD WILL DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES - GALATIANS 6:7-8 NIV Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. MOTIVATED TO STAY FOCUSED - HEBREWS 12:1-2 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, 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.

Colossians 1:19 (NIV) For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 

1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (NIV) We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NIV) For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

PURCHASE THE GO CREATOR GO BOOK & JOURNAL:www.antoinebeane.comhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GV2DK1Vhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GVJ6MP5FOLLOW GO CREATOR GO & TRIUMPH MEDIAWORKS:Facebook & IG: @gogreatorgo & @triumphmediaworkswww.triumphmediaworks.com___________________________________SCRIPTURES RELATED TO WALKING IN BOLDNESS IN GOD:GOD’S DESIRE IS TO BLESS US - Numbers 6:24-26 NIV The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. THE LORD WILL SHAME YOUR ENEMIES - Isaiah 41:10-12 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.GOD’S WILLING AND ABLE TO BLESS US - 2 Corinthians 8:8-10 NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and a sound mind.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.

Principles of Giving by Pastor Steve Kelly 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. Matthew 10:8b (NIV)Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 6:12 (NIV) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven […] The post Principles of Giving appeared first on Wave Church.

Principles of Giving by Pastor Steve Kelly 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 […] The post Principles of Giving appeared first on Wave Church.

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." is the Christian believer's creed! Listen to how this timeless scripture keeps giving strength, encouragement, and hope in today's world!

Romans 10:9-11 (Amplified Bible) Because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] will not be disappointed [in his expectations].” 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.” This verse captures the heart of the gospel; That Jesus died for us, loves us and that eternal life is a free gift.

About this episode We’re wingin’ it! Hang out with us as we ramble about life during a global pandemic, the reality of trying to continue intimacy despite circumstances, and where our heads and hearts are right now. Maybe you can relate. Sponsor 2019 Replays   2020 Webinars From the Bible “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (NIV) “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) The Book of Psalms Resources Squirrels Sports Announcer doing Real-life Commentary Melt Couples Massage Master Class Episode 10: Tending Your GardenUSA Today Mask Pattern (the one J used) No Sew Face MaskFace Mask from Bra

Even though the usual cold weather had set in on the eve of Lupercalia, Octavia was determined to sleep well. Thoughts of the coming festival put a smile on her face as the young woman warmed her body under the blankets. She still lived with her parents basically at the center of Rome, near Palatine Hill. And Palatine Hill just happened to be at the center of the upcoming annual celebration.Lupercalia had not only been a tradition that Octavia had grown up observing, but one that her family, and indeed most of Rome had celebrated every February for centuries.But this year was special in that Octavia had really matured into a young beautiful woman. Her body had developed and her mind was not only more aware of the opposite sex but at times preoccupied with it. Before this time without her parents approval, Octavia could really only look on at the events and watch the older women run around and flirt with the other young men, hoping that one of the Luperci, (the group of Roman priests who administered the good luck lashing) found their body to strike.You see, after the priests sacrificed some goats and dogs to Lupercus, (the Roman goddess of fertility), they’d cut the skin of the goats into long strips. After smearing goat blood on their foreheads and then removing it with milk, the priests would then grab the ribbons of goat hide and run around laughing, whipping any female within range. While all the women obviously wanted to be touched by the goat hide turned to playful whip, no woman wanted to look desperate and run towards the priests, but away from them. It was like an innocent game of boys and girls chasing each other, where the girls acted like they didn't want to be pursued, but really enjoyed it, while the boys likewise feigned being burdened by running after the girls but were themselves, loving it. The women wanted to be lashed with the goat skin because it was legend that it would help them become more fertile - if the woman was already pregnant it was a sort of added blessing for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. In reality, only a few really believed in this consecration of fertility whereas most just wanted to have fun and potentially find a mate - even if it was just for a night or two. That was the other part of Lupercalia - the men would randomly chose a female’s name from a jar and be paired up with them for the remainder of the celebration. Few couples stayed together for the whole year.All of this celebration was made even more provocative by both the priests and women being somewhat scantily clothed. Octavia had heard stories from her grandparents that when Lupercalia was observed in their day, the priests were actually naked, but as time past, for whatever reasons, full nudity had become unpopular. It probably had something to do with Rome officially changing from pagan to Christian worship over a hundred years ago in A.D. 380. Nonetheless, Octavia had her outfit picked out and ready to go - the perfect mixture of concealing and revealing. Although she had tried it on numerous times in the weeks before, Octavia fell asleep imagining what she’d look like with it on tomorrow among all the other girls in the crowd.As the sun rose, so did Octavia - a bit earlier than normal. The excitement of the upcoming day, was difficult for the young woman to hide. It was the morning of February 13th in the year four hundred and ninety-six - the first of the three day celebration and excitement was in the air. That is, until Octavia overheard her father talking to her mother in a hushed voice. They knew Octavia was desperately looking forward to Lupercalia, so they both looked a bit dumbstruck when their daughter abruptly approached and asked what they were talking about.Her father, at least with some grace then preceded to inform his daughter that Lupercalia had been essentially cancelled - outlawed would be more correct. Unbeknown to everyday people, the Pope had been trying to do away with pagan practices for years now. Rumors that Lupercalia was going to be banned by Pope Gelasius the first had briefly circulated years ago - but nothing materialized and they were forgotten as fast as they were spread.Before Octavia could voice her disappointment and anger her mom quickly interjected assuring her that the Feast would still happen. The name was just going to be changed and some of the rituals involved. It would now be celebrated on the fourteenth of February and be called The Feast of Saint Valentine.The Feast of Saint Valentine? This is going to be a Christian celebration now? Why? And who was Saint Valentine? And Can I still wear my dress? These questions filled Octavia’s mind.Throughout the day, Octavia learned through her mother who seemed more keen on Christianity than her father, about this Saint Valentine. He had lived over two hundred years ago in a time when anyone who called themselves a Christian was systematically persecuted and even killed. In the year two-hundred and fifty, the Emperor Decius instituted “Emperor Worship” - mandating his subjects to worship and offer sacrifices to him. But because Christians were monotheistic and their dedication to the Christ did not allow for this, they had to choose between their state law and religious convictions. Because of this, many Christians were murdered and while some abandoned their faith many more went into hiding.Valentine was one of the leading servants in the Christian Church during that time. Legend had it that he ministered to persecuted Christians - healing children with epilepsy, and even once giving sight to a blind girl. But the most intriguing story that Octavia heard about Valentine was that he was performing secret marriages between young lovers in defiance of Roman law. He was eventually found out and Valentine of Rome was martyred on February 14th in 269.As the afternoon past, Octavia was enthralled by these stories and before she knew it, she had almost forgotten about the traditions of Lupercalia with the priests chasing the woman and the good luck fertile lashing of the goat skin. No doubt, she still wanted to be chased by boys, but something resonated within her as her mom continued telling the history and origin of the Christian faith. And even though she didn’t like that the Pope of Rome could change laws as he personally saw fit whenever he saw fit, Octavia’s youthful disappointment with him softened in light of Valentine’s story of sacrificial love. The stars had come out and Octavia readied herself for bed. But in contrast to the night before the young woman was now thinking about a new and different kind of celebration - in reality though, it was a different sort of love, with a different kind of sacrifice and a deeper sense of meaning. All the symbols of Lupercalia seemed like shadows of something greater and something true. The life of Valentine was inspiring, unlike the mythical legend of Romulus and Remus being reared by a she-wolf - not to mention much more believable.So on February 13th, near Palatine Hill, Octavia went to sleep on the eve of the First Feast of Saint Valentine now considering a story of a man called the Christ who gave up his life to save others - and how his followers hundreds of years after he lived followed in his footsteps. A love worth dying for she pondered, more theoretically than emotionally - must be something worth living for. As she dosed off, the young woman’s desire to be beautiful and to be loved didn’t diminish and her longing to flirt with boys obviously remained unchanged. But Octavia’s spirit seemed to have found something true and right in Saint Valentine that Lupercalia had never offered.As she noted how Lupercalia had been celebrated for hundreds and hundreds of years and that now in her own time had been essentially replaced by Saint Valentine - Octavia wondered how the new Feast would be celebrated (if at all remembered) hundreds of years after she lived. Whatever future times, cultures, and politics made of Saint Valentine’s celebration, Octavia could only imagine. But she dreamed it would still involve boys and girls toying with each other while also offering something objectively true and beautiful - Something that pointed towards the greatest kind of self-sacrificial love, not only seen in the life of Saint Valentine but more importantly, his God._____________________________Timeline: 250      Emperor Decius institutes "Emperor-Worship" and persecutes Christians269     Valentine is Martyred313      Edict of Milan - The Persecution of Christians is outlawed325     Council of Nicea (to determine Christian orthodoxy)380     Emperor Theodosius issues Edict of Thessalonica, (Nicene Christianity become official religion.496    Lupercalia outlawed in honor St. Valentine. ____________________________TEXT:John 15:13 NIV, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."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."Romans 5:10 NIV "For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"SPONSOR:COMMUNITY RENEWAL - Community Renewal invites the whole body of Christ to take the whole Gospel ​to the whole city in order to demonstrate "our good works and glorify our father who is in heaven."631 N. 2nd StreetTucson, AZ 85705(520) 622-1482 

Show Notes ~~~ Please be sure to listen at minute 21:54...I share some honest stuff that I don't want anyone to miss (also at the very end of the show notes below)   Psalm 33:16&18 (NIV) - No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. - But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His unfailing love.   What's true for the prince is true for the pauper when it comes to Biblical truth.   God is not a respecter or persons. The Word of God offers this proof: Romans 2:11 (NIV) - For God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34 (KJV) - Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons."   God doesn't show partiality. He will not respect one person over another person - He just won't do that! So regarding our verses from Psalm 33, let me say once again that what is true for the prince is true for the pauper in God's kingdom.   Isaiah 54:17 tells us that no weapon formed against us will prosper...it doesn't say the weapons won't form against us, but it does promise those weapons will not prosper against us. Those are two very different things, for which I am so thankful! (The Amplified Bible phrases it like this - "no weapon formed against you will succeed.")   Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) - "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me," says the LORD.   TRUTH BOMB: Do you fear the Lord?   What does "fear of the Lord" really mean? God tells us over and over again in His Word not to be afraid...and yet He also tells us we are to fear Him. How do these two fit together?  (see Deuteronomy 31:8 & Romans 8:28 & Isaiah 43:1 & 1 John 4:18) Fear of the Lord involves a sense of awe, magnifying God for who He truly is, revering Him, respecting Him, obeying Him and trusting Him, acknowledging that He is Sovereign. Proverbs 9:10 (AMP) - The (reverent) fear of the LORD (that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome) is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom (its starting point and its essence). And the knowledge of the Holy ONe is understanding and spiritual insight.   When we look at fear of the Lord as a way to honor, revere, esteem, glorify Him it turns our typical definition of fear on its head.   Here's a question for you: Does that definition of fear of the Lord sound like a good description of your walk with Jesus? (not your Wed. night Bible study or Sun. morning worship walk, but your every day walk)   There is a promised blessing in this verse that comes when we fear the Lord. Our fear of the Lord is our baseline for the promise to be true in our lives.   And that promise is..... The Lord's EYES are on YOU! Don't blow past this too quickly! Allow yourself a moment to grab hold of this promise. The Lord's eyes are on you! Imagine being at Buckingham Palace & the Queen of England having her eyes fixed solely on you. You're the focal point of her gaze. She is looking upon you with the highest favor & she does not take her eyes off of you. Every movement is noted and noticed. No way, no how someone could make a move against you because where her eyes lie are also where her Royal Guard is watching...one signal from her and they will handle a situation before it can become a situation. Now that is a small idea of what it means to have the Lord's eyes on you. This promise is a really big deal! And this promise is yours!   I know sometimes it is really hard to keep hoping. Sometimes we have to make the decision to just believe again, to hope against hope. I pray you can do that today. Don't live a hopeless life. Believe again - hope again. ANd gain the tremendous blessing this verse grants to you today.   NOW FOR SOMETHING PERSONAL... I am part of a conference for the new year, and I have 3 sessions in this online conference (there are over 80 total sessions by 50 speakers & it's all online). But I almost didn't complete the session called "Redeeming an Orphan Spirit". I have never in my life been under the kind of spiritual attack that took place as I worked on this topic. I almost didn't finish it - things have been very, very intense to say the least. I did end up completing the work and that conference session goes live on Friday, January 10th. This probably sounds "slimy & salesy" but I am saying this anyway (look, the couple of bucks I make on an affiliate ticket is not worth the spiritual attack I've dealt with so that's not why I am sharing about this session). If the enemy was working that hard to keep me from finishing this thing, then it is possibly because he has a fair number of God's children living more like orphans than like children of the Most High God...and I don't think he wants that to change. He cannot steal your salvation - you cannot be snatched from Jesus' hand, those are His words & they are 100% true - but he can work hard to keep you living far beneath the Lord's will for your life. So if that sounds like your life, please consider grabbing a ticket to the conference. It is call the "New Year, New Beginnings 2020 Conference for Moms" so many of the sessions are aimed at women...but if you are a dude, hey for the price of maybe one lunch out this week & a couple of Starbucks, you can grab a ticket and honestly, if you might be dealing with this sense of being an orphan, then that's worth the $25. But you can only get tickets through January 10th (that's Friday) and then you don't have access to this ever again. Here is the link - I sure hope you check it out because I am telling you what, based on what I have experienced as of late, satan does not want you to know about the orphan spirit. Let's not let him have the upper hand! Redeeming An Orphan Spirit conference session goes live Friday January 10th   Find me here:   Titus 2 Discipleship with Jan L. Burt membership site (Titus2DiscipleshipwithJanLBurt.com)        on Instagram ~ @titus2disciplejanburt        on Facebook ~ Titus 2 Discipleship with Jan L. Burt        sign up for my newsletter ~ God's Promises for You  

A Gift For AllAdvent at Redeemer | Week 5December 24, 2019 | Adam Barnett--Matthew 1:18-23 NIV This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).John 3:16-21 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.Numbers 21:8-9 NIV The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So, Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.John 3:14-15 NIV Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

ALIGN                                                                                                              Align my Heart with God’s Heart Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)   For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. SURRENDER OUR HEART TO GOD. Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. NIV James 4:7-10 (The Message)   So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. 8 Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. 9 Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. 10 Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.      BE TRANSPARENT AND DO INVENTORY. Psalm 139:1-4 (New Living) O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.     What are some things that are in my life that shouldn’t be?                 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What are some things that are not in my life that should be?                  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________                                          HATE WHAT GOD HATES AND LOVE WHAT GOD LOVES. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIRV)  There are six things the Lord hates. In fact He hates 7 things. 17 The Lord hate proud eyes, a lying tongue and hands that kill those who aren’t guilty. 18 He also hates hearts that make evil plans and feet that are quick to do evil. 19 He hates any witness who pours out lies and anyone who stirs up conflict in the community. John 3:16-17 (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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”     1 John 4:10-12 (NIV) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.     GOD LOVES PEOPLE AND WE ARE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT HE LOVES.

2019/2/10 Joshua O'Sullivan ジョシュア・オサリバン Categories: Video: https://yokohama.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/overflowing-in-love Overflowing in love 愛で溢れる (John 7:37-38 CSB) On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. (38) The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him. (ヨハネ 7:37-38 JCB) 祭りの最後の一番大切な日に、イエスは大声で群衆に語りかけました。「だれでも、渇いているなら、わたしのところへ来て飲みなさい。(38)わたしを信じれば、心の奥底からいのちの水の川が流れ出ると、聖書に語られているとおりです。」 (John 13:4-5,12-15 NIV) so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. (5) After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (12) When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. (13) “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. (14) Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (15) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (ヨハネ 13:4-5, 12-15 JCB) 夕食の席からゆっくり立ち上がり、上着を脱ぎ、手ぬぐいを取って腰に巻かれました。(5)そしてたらいに水を入れ、弟子たち一人一人の足を洗い、腰の手ぬぐいでふき始められたのです。(12)イエスは弟子たちの足を洗い終えると、また上着を着て席に戻り、改めてお尋ねになりました。「わたしのしたことがわかりますか。(13)あなたがたはわたしを『先生』とも『主』とも呼んでいます。それはかまいません。そのとおりなのですから。(14)その、主でも先生でもあるわたしが足を洗ってあげたのですから、あなたがたも互いに足を洗い合いなさい。 (15)わたしは模範を示したのです。わたしがしたとおりに、あなたがたもしなさい。 The story: what equivalents today? ストーリー：今の時代にどんな関係が？ -It was an ordinary act of service in their culture - but not from a leader. 文化的には普通の行動であった- でもリーダーがするのは珍しかった -It was a once only experience - not to become a weekly event (ceremony), but a memory to treasure, an example to follow. 一度きりの体験 – 儀式的な週１のイベントではなく、良き思い出、ついて行く模範であった 1.Love is shown in many ways 愛は色々な形で示される 5 Love language. — Gary Chapman. ５つの愛情表現 – ゲーリー・チャップマン -words of affirmation 肯定的な言葉を使う -physical touch スキンシップ -receiving gifts プレゼントを受け取る -quality time 良質な時間を過ごす -acts of service 奉仕 2.Love washes off dirt (not adds to it) 愛は汚れを洗い流す（汚すことはない） (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (5) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 コリント 13:4-5 ALIVE訳) 愛はきわめて辛抱強く、親切。 愛は決してねたまず、自慢をせず、見下さない。(5)愛はうぬぼれず、自分の利益を求めず、短気にならない。 愛は自分のやり方を押し通そうとはせず、いらいらすることも無ければ、腹を立てることも無い。 人に恨みをいだかず、被害者意識をもたない。 3.Love is consistent 愛は変わらない (1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (7) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 コリント 13:6-7 ALIVE訳) 過ちを喜ばず、真理を喜ぶ。(7)愛は人に見切りをつけることがない。 愛はどんな時も希望を捨てず、あきらめず、最善を信じる。 4.Love initiates - He first loved us 愛は最初に動く – 神様が最初に私たちを愛してくれた Love starts a reaction, then a movement. 愛はリアクションを起こし、ムーブメントを起こす (Romans 5:5 NIV) And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (ローマ 5:5 JCB) この希望は失望に終わることはありません。それは、神が聖霊を与えてくださり、その聖霊が私たちの心に神の愛を満たしてくださっているからです。 (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. (ヨハネ 3:16 ALIVE訳) 実に神は、一人子をさえ惜しまず与えるほどに、世の人間を愛してくれた。 つまり、神の一人子を信じる者が、だれ一人滅びず、永遠の命を得るためだ！！！

Today's Scripture Reading: John 3:17 (NIV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.    Excerpt: Salvation is not given to those who feel that they have overcome their sins, but rather in acknowledging that Christ died on the cross and overcame them for us. To forgive oneself means we have faith in knowing the unconditional love and forgiveness the Lord has for us. To know the depth of God's forgiveness for us is then first to take the step in forgiving ourselves. Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "01" ( www.ourworshipsound.com )

2018/8/26 Ps Rod Plummer ロド　プラマー牧師 Categories: Video: https://osaka.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/the-big-wave-lifehouse-osaka “The Big Wave - Lifehouse Osaka” Japan story: and The First Wave and then ... the Osaka Wave. 1. Jesus' Instructions Matthew 28:18-20 (ISV) Then Jesus approached them and told them, "All they would authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (19) Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to obey everything that I've commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age." Key thought: "make disciples." How? 3 ways. a. after going, 'just jump in the team!'' -Pssst .... You're in the mission already! b. baptising in water ‘For the win' c. teaching people to obey -journalling -simple prayer -clean heart 2. Jesus' message 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. Luke 10:8-9 (NIV) “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.’ 3. Jesus' joy, your joy, my joy! The disciples' joy Luke 10:17 (NIV) The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Heaven's joy Luke 10:18-20 (NIV) He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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.” Jesus' joy Luke 10:21 (NIV) At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 大きな波 - ライフハウス大阪 1.イエスの教え マタイ28:18-20 (ALIVE訳) そして使徒たちの元へ来たイエスは——「俺の手に天地すべての権限がゆだねられた!!!(19)だから行け!全世界のあらゆる人を俺の弟子とし、父と子と神の霊の名によって洗礼を授け、(20)おまえたちに命じたいっさいのことに従うよう指導しろ!!!忘れるな、俺は世の終わりまでおまえたちと共にいるのだ!!!」 鍵となること:「弟子をつくる」 どうやって?3つの方法 ・行った後は「ただチームに飛び込む」 実は既にミッションの一部になってる! ・水の洗礼 「勝利のため」 ・従うように人々を教える -ジャーナル -シンプルな祈り -きれいな心 2.イエスのメッセージ ヨハネ 3:16 (ALIVE訳) 実に神は、一人子をさえ惜しまず与えるほどに、世の人間を愛してくれた。つまり、神の一人子を信じる者が、だれ一人滅びず、永遠の命を得るためだ!!! ルカ10:8-9 (ALIVE訳) おまえたちが入った町の人が歓迎してくれるなら、出されたご飯はありがたく、いただくんだ。町の病人を治し、“神の王国が来た!” と伝えろ! 3.イエスの喜び、あなたの喜び、私の喜び! 弟子たちの喜び ルカ 10:17 (ALIVE訳) それからしばらくして、選りすぐりの72人が満面の笑みで任務から帰ってきた。 「師匠の名を使うと、悪魔でさえ従うんだぜッ!!!」彼らはみな喜びにあふれてイエスに報告を始める。 天国の喜び ルカ 10:18-20 (ALIVE訳) 「そうか、そうか!!俺も悪魔王が稲妻のごとく落ちるのを見た!(19)やつらは、敵だ。だが、自覚しろ!おまえたちには、ヤツを大きく上回る力を授けた!その力は、ヘビやさそりのような恐ろしい敵を軽々と踏みにじる力だ。おまえたちに指一本触れることはできない。(20)そうだ、悪魔でさえおまえたちに服従する。喜べ!この“力”ではなく、おまえたちの名が天の書に刻まれていることをッ!!!」 イエスの喜び ルカ10:21 (ALIVE訳) 神の霊に満たされたイエスは、天にも昇るような思いになった!「天地の王!父さん!!ありがとう!!!俺は感謝でいっぱいだー!!!こんな素晴らしい真理を、知ったかぶりの思い上がりには隠し、子どものように素直な人たちに明かしてくれた!ああ、知ってるさ父さん!これがあなたの望んだ王道だ!!!」

2018/5/27 Joshua O'Sullivan ジョシュア・オサリバン Categories: Video: https://yokohama.mylifehouse.com/tv/message/love-is-blazing-fire Love Is Blazing Fire 愛は燃える炎 (Song of Solomon 8:6-7 GW) Wear me as a signet ring on your heart, as a ring on your hand. Love is as overpowering as death. Devotion is as unyielding as the grave. Love’s flames are flames of fire, flames that come from the Lord. (7) Raging water cannot extinguish love, and rivers will never wash it away. If a man exchanged all his family’s wealth for love, people would utterly despise him. (雅歌 8:6-7 JCB)私をあなたの心に刻みつけて、どんなことがあっても見捨てないでください。愛は死のように強く、ねたみは地獄のようにきびしいからです。それは炎となって輝く、主の炎です。(7)どんなに水をかけても、愛の炎を消すことはできません。洪水も、それを押し流すことはできません。たとえ全財産をはたいてその愛を買おうとしても、買うことができません。 -mighty-as-death love –hard-as-hell zeal -Heb: esh - fire -Heb: "Shal-heh-beth-yah" - God the blazing flame. -raging fire -fiercest fire -divine fire -intense fire -most vehement fire (KJV) = "hot fire from the Lord" - 3 loves 3つの愛 God’s love 神様の愛 (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. (ヨハネ 3:16 ALIVE訳)実に神は、一人子をさえ惜しまず与えるほどに、世の人間を愛してくれた。つまり、神の一人子を信じる者が、だれ一人滅びず、永遠の命を得るためだ！！！ (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a MSG) Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. (8) Love never dies. (1 コリント 13:4-8a ALIVE訳)愛はきわめて辛抱強く、親切。 愛は決してねたまず、自慢をせず、見下さない。(5)愛はうぬぼれず、自分の利益を求めず、短気にならない。愛は自分のやり方を押し通そうとはせず、いらいらすることも無ければ、腹を立てることも無い。人に恨みをいだかず、被害者意識をもたない。(6)過ちを喜ばず、真理を喜ぶ。(7)愛は人に見切りをつけることがない。愛はどんな時も希望を捨てず、あきらめず、最善を信じる。(8)才能や力はいつか尽きるが、愛に終わりはない。 Marriage Intimate Love 結婚生活の親密な愛 (Song Solomon 1:2 NLT) Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine. (雅歌 1:2 JCB)もっともっと口づけしてください。 あなたの愛はぶどう酒より甘く Love For Self, Others 自分、他の人に対する愛 (Mark 12:31 NLT) The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (マルコ 12:31 ALIVE訳)次に！周りの人間を自分事のように愛すんだ。以上２つが最も重要な掟だ！！！ “Fan into flame” How? 火を起こす？どうやって？ (2 Timothy 1:6 NLT) This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. (2 テモテ 1:6 ALIVE訳)だから私がおまえの手を置いて祈ったとき、会に与えられた贈り物を忘れないようにと言ったんだ。もっと使って種火が炎になるがごとく成長させるんだ。 3 Ways ３つの方法 1.Add fuel = Put your heart into it! 燃料を加える＝心を注ぐ (Matthew 6:21 NLT) Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. (マタイ 6:21 新改訳)あなたの宝のあるところに、あなたの心もあるからです。 2.Add Heat = Decide to be passionate! 熱を加える=情熱的になる決心 (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NIV) Rejoice always, (17) pray continually, (18) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (19) Do not quench the Spirit. (20) Do not treat prophecies with contempt (21) but test them all; hold on to what is good, (22) reject every kind of evil. (1 テサロニケ 5:16-22 JCB)いつも喜びにあふれていなさい。(17)いつも祈りに励みなさい。(18)どんなことにも感謝しなさい。これこそ、キリスト・イエスにあって、神があなたがたに望んでおられることです。(19)聖霊の恵みを無にしてはいけません。 (20)預言する者を軽蔑してはいけません。(21)すべてのことをよく調べ、それがほんとうに良いものであれば、受け入れなさい。 (22)あらゆる種類の悪から遠ざかりなさい。 3.Add Oxygen = Breathe life into it! 酸素を加える= いのちを吹き込む (Proverbs 10:11 MSG) The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse. (箴言 10:11 MSGからの直訳)良い人の口は深い命を与える井戸のようだ。しかし、悪者の口は暗い侮辱する洞窟だ。 (Proverbs 18:21 MSG) Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (箴言 18:21 MSGからの直訳)言葉は滅ぼし、言葉は命も与える：毒か美味しい実かどちらかだ。あなたが選びなさい。

Part 2 - God Is Compassionate. What do you think about God and what do you think He thinks about you? John 8:2-12 (NIV) 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We are all SINNERS. We are all GUILTY. Romans 3:23 (NIV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. John 3:17 (NIV) For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Jesus STOOPS DOWN low, and RAISES you up high. John 8:7-8 (NIV) 7 When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again, He stooped down and wrote on the ground. SELF-RIGHTEOUS Christians carry stones. John 8:12 (NIV) Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ------------ This message is presented by Access Church in Lakeland and Brandon Florida. To find out more about Access Church or to connect with us, check us out at the links below! https://access.tv https://facebook.com/accessfl https://instagram.com/accessfl https://twitter.com/access To give online, visit https://access.tv/give

Christ's birth is significant because death and resurrection were assured by the gift and grace of God. This example of Love that reverberates across the globe is vital to remember through this season. Adam Barnett continues our Advent series with the powerful idea that Jesus was born to die. Born to Die Advent | Week 2 December 10, 2017 | Adam Barnett Jesus Came to Earth Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV) This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). “The Son of God became a man so that men might become sons of God.” — C.S. Lewis Ezekiel 36:25-28 (NIV) I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 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. For God so loved the ENTIRE WORLD! John 10:17-18 (NIV) The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father. 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. MacGyver Photo 1 MacGyver Photo 2 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.

“THIS IS FREEDOM.” We exist to lead people into a new life of FREEDOM in Jesus. “Let there be Light” Bridge: Good news embracing the poor Comfort for all those who mourn For the broken hearted we sing louder Release from prison and shame Oppression turning to praise For ev'ry captive sing louder Restoring sight to the blind Breaking the curse of the night For all in darkness sing louder Proclaiming freedom for all This is the day of the Lord Beauty for ashes “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV) He has sent me to proclaim FREEDOM for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (NIV) FREEDOM from the PRISON of SIN. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. Romans 6:20-23 (NLT) But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. Romans 6:20-23 (NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23 (NLT)  We can't appreciate the JOY of freedom, unless we remember the COST of slavery. 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. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:22-24 (NLT) Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:22-24 (NLT)  You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT) In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT) FREEDOM from a SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (NIV)  For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (NIV) For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (NIV) The greatest tragedy of the Christian life is not any circumstance you will go through, but when you stop viewing everything through the LIGHT of the Cross. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:3-5 (NIV)  FREEDOM from the SHAME of your PAST. Just because we WERE guilty, doesn't mean we ARE guilty. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:8-12 (NIV) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12 (NIV)  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) FREEDOM from a LIFE without GOD. The greatest tragedy of humanity's story… is NOT having a relationship with God. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV) So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding… Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:5-19 (NIV) Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want, but is the complete surrender of your life to the one who knows why you were created. 

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint… Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)  Vision = a mental image of what the future will or could be like …upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18 (NLT) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  Mark 16:15 (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. John 3:16 (NIV) Freedom Church exists… To lead people into a new life of freedom in Jesus Jesus didn't die to give us a new RELIGION to follow, but a new LIFE to experience. The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)  And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV) For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV)  Message title: “Making Room for Vision” Make Room for GOD. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 (NIV)  We keep JESUS the main thing.  …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. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV) JESUS is how the relationship with God BEGINS… WE determine how the relationship with God GROWS.   Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)  Make Room for PEOPLE. (Spending a lot of my time here.) We do life TOGETHER. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NLT) Our walk with God is PERSONAL, but it was never meant to be PRIVATE. The people WE need. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) The people who need YOU. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2(NIV) We are spiritually wired to CAST OUR BURDENS and CARRY OTHER's BURDENS.  Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37-38 (NIV)  If your life stinks right now, could it be because you have become a stagnant pool of unhelth instead of a flowing river of life? The next generation who need US.  We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:4 (NLT) We believe in the next generation. The lost people who need JESUS.  On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13 (NIV) Make Room for THE PART WE PLAY. “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Luke 10:2 (NLT)  The effectiveness of the Church reaching lost people, is contingent on each person in the Church doing THEIR PART. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work... 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (NIV) But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, but one body… 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (NIV) Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (NIV) Too many of us are DISTRACTED by our PROBLEMS, because we have not DISCOVERED our PURPOSE. Make Room for WHAT'S NEXT.  We live with URGENCY.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Galatians 5:13 (NLT) Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 (NLT) True freedom comes with a level of personal responsibility. …As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus… was sitting by the roadside begging.  When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:46-47 (NIV) Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:48 (NIV) Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Mark 10:49 (NIV) So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. Mark 10:49-50 (NIV) “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. Mark 10:51 (NIV) The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51 (NIV) “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 (NIV) Walking with Jesus, means paying attention to the marginalized. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Matthew 8:2 (NIV) Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Matthew 8:3 (NIV) Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Matthew 8:3 (NIV) “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. Matthew 25:34 (NLT) For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Matthew 25:35-36 (NLT) “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' Matthew 25:37-39 (NLT) “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Matthew 25:40 (NLT) When we truly follow Jesus… we will stop identifying people by their brokenness and will start seeing them how HE sees them. Our Job is to bring people to Jesus, not change them for our comfort. “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, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19 (NLT) He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently.  Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:20-21 (NLT) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT) 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. John 3:16 (NIV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 (NIV) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Never forget the life YOU left behind But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (MSG) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Galatians 5:13 (NLT) Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 (NLT)  The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)   He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

It's not the EXTERNAL circumstances that determine your courage, but your INTERNAL condition. “See it Through” How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me. Philippians 4:10 (NLT) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) Contentment is not being ok WITH your situation, it's being ok IN your situation. I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NLT) “All our fears are rooted in the idea that I may not HAVE enough or I may not BE enough.” – Pastor Steven Furtick When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.  “Don't be afraid,”the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV) 1.  Through the SHOCK When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. 2 Kings 6:15 (NIV) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) 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) 2.  Through the CONFUSION “Don't be afraid,”the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16 (NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 3.  Through the NATURAL And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV) Faith doesn't INSULATE us… it AWAKENS us.  I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) Whatever the problem is… it's just a LENS to see how big our God is! And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

NotesVerses{Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Luke 24:6-7 NLT}{Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3 NIV}{For God so loved the...