Podcasts about niv love

What does it really look like to seek God first in the midst of our ordinary days? In this episode, Stasi and Stacey Burton explore the ways God meets us as we enter new seasons—through attentiveness, worship, and daily practices that keep our hearts turned toward Him. This episode is an invitation to lean, to listen, and to live more deeply loved as you walk with Jesus into the days ahead.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Matthew 22:37 (NIV) – Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.Matthew 6:33 (NIV) – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Song of Songs 8:5 (NIV) – Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?James 1:5 (NIV) – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.1 John 5:14 (NIV) – This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.Matthew 18:3 (NIV) – And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”Matthew 7:7 (NIV) – Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube – ⁠https://wahe.art/4h8DelL⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://wahe.art/496zdfn⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠

Family is a gift from God, but it comes with challenges. In this series, we explore family life's messy realities—starting with the family you're born into, the one you marry into, and the one built through friendships. We'll discuss parenting, growth, and blended families, all while focusing on God's purpose for our families. Whether your family is imperfect, blended, or broken, God has a plan for it. Let's embrace God's plan for family and move from dysfunctional to THIS-Functional! **Foundational Scripture:** Proverbs 24:3 (NCV) "It takes wisdom to have a good family, and it takes understanding to make it strong."**Six Unchanging Principles for Families** 1. **Our families are built on a foundation of love** 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) Love is a choice to be patient, kind, and forgiving daily. 2. **Our families should be high touch** Mark 10:13-16 (ESV) Jesus showed the importance of affirmative touch. Physical touch promotes healing (Mark 6:56). 3. **Our families prioritize time together** Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) Time is precious. The average dad spends only 37 seconds of meaningful time with kids daily. 4. **In our families, words should give blessing and encouragement** Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) The tongue has the power of life and death. Positive words are key to building strong relationships. 5. **Godly families leave an inheritance** Proverbs 13:22 (NIV) Inheritance can be financial, honorable, or spiritual. Your legacy matters. 6. **You'll never be a perfect parent, but you can be a praying parent** James 5:16 (NIV) The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. **Goal:** My family will fulfill God's will and purpose for their lives. Psalm 138:8 (NLT) "The Lord will work out his plans for my life..." **Closing:** Healthy families are built with wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 24:3). By applying biblical principles, our families can grow in love, grace, and faith through every season of life.

Word for Today:1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬Love is patient, love is kind.

Word for Today:1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

Word for Today:1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Love ..it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Relationships: Connecting the Dots // The Foundation of All Relationships 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV)“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1. Your words without love are unproductive.  1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, but do not have love, I am nothing.”  2. Offering knowledge and wisdom without love as your motivation means nothing.  1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 3. Faith, without love, doesn't mean anything.  1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)“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. Generosity and sacrifice without being motivated by love are insignificant and self-serving.  Colossians 3:14 (NLT)“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. These things are important but without love they are nothing.” What does love look like? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Love is a Choice

Do you remember what it was like falling in “like” with your spouse?  What was it that originally drew you to them? Maybe it was their humor, kindness, or how they made you feel seen and appreciated. Over time, it's easy for that “like” to fade.  Instead, criticism, judgment, or even indifference creeps in.  But imagine being in your spouse's shoes—everything they say and do, examined under a magnifying glass, critiqued and picked apart. That kind of scrutiny doesn't help them thrive. And nothing wounds deeper than feeling that the person you chose, the one closest to you, doesn't actually like you. What if, instead, you accepted their weaknesses and quirks? After all, they have them, and so do you.  What if you chose to see their strengths instead? What if you noticed what they're doing right and spoke it out loud? I want to encourage you to take that step. Scripture is clear about encouragement and loving our neighbors: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) “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.'” Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” Philippians 2:3 (NIV) “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 (ESV) “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) Your spouse needs to know that you see the good in them. That you still like them. That you're rooting for them, not against them. It's amazing what a little grace and encouragement can do to rebuild connection and joy. This Christmas week, I invite you to be gracious with your spouse. Notice the small things—their kindness, their effort, their dedication—and let them know you see it. Accept their weaknesses, support them gently, and call out the good that God has placed in them. God bless you, and from all of us here at Delight Your Marriage, Merry Christmas! Love, Belah & Team PS - If you want to learn more about how to love your closest neighbor well, we would love to chat with you. Click the link to schedule a FREE Clarity Call: delightym.com/cc PPS - The third installment of our Pre-Marriage series, the Pre-Wedding Workbook, is available now! We hope this book blesses you and sets you on the path to a peaceful, playful, passionate, and purposeful marriage! Check it out here: Pre-Wedding Workbook

SERVING OTHERS Share real hope with your family, friends, and community!  - Hope 103.2 (hope1032.com.au) But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. JOSHUA 22:5 (NIV)Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 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.ROMANS 12:9–13 (NIV) Send the Real Hope team a messageListen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2's app, Facebook or Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Title: What If…Families Acted Like They Loved Each Other? Donnie Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a; various Theme: What if we changed the way that we viewed our families? What if instead of fighting, we showed love to each other? Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 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.” Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49323763

Ephesians 4:1 (NIV): As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.   Why we carry the name? Romans 5:7-8 (TPT) Now, would anyone dare to die for the sake of a wicked person? We can all understand if someone was willing to die for a truly noble person. But Christ proved God's passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! How do we carry the name?   Romans 12:9–13 (NIV): Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.   Love has 2 sides 2 Timothy 4:3–5 (NIV): For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry [calling]. 1 Peter 2:9 (TPT) But you are God's chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God's devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:12 (NIV): Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Live people centric   Romans 12:13 (NIV): Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Ps 133:1-3 (NLT) How wonderful and pleasant it is when people live together in unity! For unity is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. And there the Lord has commanded his blessing, even life everlasting.

1. **Matthew 6:5-6 (NIV):** - "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." 2. **James 4:3 (NIV):** - "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." - *This verse highlights the importance of the intentions behind prayer. Prayer should come from pure motives, not selfish desires or a wish to manipulate outcomes.*3. **1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV):** - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." - *This description of love is a reminder that prayer, when done in love, should not be self-seeking or harmful to others.*4. **Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):** - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - *This passage encourages prayer to be a source of peace and connection with God, rather than a way to control situations or people.*5. **Luke 6:28 (NIV):** - "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." - *This teaching from Jesus emphasizes praying with a spirit of blessing, even for those who may not treat us well, rather than using prayer as a means of retaliation or judgment.*

Top Ten from 2023 #1 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee   Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:5-7‬ ‭(NIV) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” ‭‭ Questions and Topics We Cover: How did your grandfather teach you about “kingdom economy”? How have you set up your life in such a way that your entire family pursues wholeness? Do you have any other practical tips for parenting or homeschooling you'd like to share?   Jodi Mockabee is a photographer, writer, blogger, speaker, social media influencer, and homeschooling mother of five living in the Black Hills of South Dakota. With a passion for health, wellness, parenting, and more, Jodi blogs her family's journey and shares tips for a healthy and active lifestyle. She also writes curriculum for creative and artistic learning in a homeschool environment. Find her at JodiMockabee.com.   Jodi's Book: The Whole & Healthy Family Follow Jodi on Instagram   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Four30 Scones   Connect with The Savvy Sauce through Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “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 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 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. I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭8‬, ‭13‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 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. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”4 Greek Words For LoveStorge - familial love or natural affections, especially between parents and childrenPhileo - deep friendship or brotherly loveJohn 11:34–36 (ESV) And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”Eros - (not in the NT) - romantic or passionate loveAgape - highest form of love referring to sacrificial love seeking the well-being of others (referring to God's love for us and the love Christians are called to have for one another)Experiencing The Love Of God Equips You To Give/Receive True Love1 John 4:19 (ESV) We love because he first loved us.Parents, children, spouse, friends, neighbors and enemiesTrue love for God is possible in response to His loveReligion is created when we try to love God without the revelation of his love.“God grant me a revelation of your love for me.”The revelation of God's love is something we walk in. It is a status, It is something we wear. It is like a superpowerRomans 8:35, 38-39 (ESV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Self love is a poor substitute for the revelation of God's love.The revelation of God's loves enables us to love correctlyThe love you have experienced prior to that is incomplete, possibly even poisoned.Loving others out of a broken experience will be limited.In choosing a potential spouse, choose someone who loves God firstMatthew 10:37 (ESV) Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.LOVE: The Sacrificial DECISION To Seek The Well-Being Of Others1 Peter 2:4 (ESV) As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.God chose to love you.God would not command you to do something that you could not chooseMatthew 22:39 (ESV) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.Matthew 5:44–46 (ESV) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?Falling into love leads to falling out of loveThat type of love is emotionThat type of love is attraction“You can't help who you love” is not a true statement. “You can't help who you are attracted to” is the correct response.Attraction is often impacted by brokenness and traumatic experiencesChildhood traumaBroken relationshipsGroomingIn marriage, attraction is important, but the decision to love is paramount.Fall in love means you can fall out of love.At moments it will feel like being trapped.The decision will unlock the emotion LOVE: The SACRIFICIAL Decision To Seek The Well-Being Of OthersJohn 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.John 15:13 (ESV) Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.LOVE empties its vault to increase the value of someone else.Anyone who demands things under the umbrella of love is likely manipulation.If you loved me then you would….God will deal with your narcissism through others.“Oh, this is how you feel God…”LOVE: The Sacrificial Decision To Seek The WELL-BEING Of Others1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.“Well Being: God's BestSome forms of love are out of alignment with AGAPECare for feelingsCare for comfortCare about being likedCare about being acceptedEx: During the pandemic, riots, and current woke agendas “how will that show the world the love of God?”Love in spite of sin, but we can never affirm sinIllus: the man sinking because of the concrete block he is holding needs someone to love him without affirming the block.True love does not pull people out of the boundaries of God's Word. True love seeks to center others within God's Word, sometimes at the expense of:Their feelingsTheir comfortTheir cultural There are more important things than how people feelRejoices with the truthEphesians 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

We live in a time of disillusionment. Trust is waning in the public sphere, religious affiliation is on decline, and some feel a deep tension or ambivalence about their community—whether that's a region, family, political party, or spiritual tradition.How should we think about the experience of disillusionment, particularly the threat of becoming disillusioned with faith?Aimee Byrd, author of several books on contemporary issues facing Christianity. And after her own experience becoming disillusioned with the church, she wrote her most recent offering: The Hope in Our Scars: Finding the Bride of Christ in the Underground of Disillusionment.In this conversation, Aimee Byrd joins Evan Rosa to discuss: how to diagnose and understand disillusionment—particularly disillusionment with church and the trappings of Christian faith & culture; as well as the problem of spiritual abuse and the broken forms of faith that allow it to persist. She explores the Old Testament's Song of Songs—exploring how it honors the depth of human longing and desire. She considers how beauty validates our yearnings and invites us toward a lasting faith and gives us new sight and recognition, and ultimately takes a hard look at what it means to explore our wounds and scars in search of hope and faith.About Aimee ByrdAimee Byrd is the author of many books, including her latest, The Hope in Our Scars: Finding the Bride of Christ in the Underground of Disillusionment (2024).Show NotesThe Hope in Our Scars: Finding the Bride of Christ in the Underground of Disillusionment by Aimee Byrd (https://zondervanacademic.com/products/the-hope-in-our-scars)Steven Heighton's The Virtues of Disillusionment (free PDF download)Unpacking disillusionment. You spend some time thinking about disillusionment. Where do you begin to think about that?Experiencing disillusionment as we mature and try to figure out the meaningfulness of lifeThe hustle; pursuing what we think goodness is supposed to look likeA disrupting takes placeSpiritual maturity; writing into a neglect in women's discipleshipThe rejection and harassment experienced by women acting as theologians - spiritual abuseHelp set some parameters for how you conceptualize spiritual abuse and how you came to understand and integrate with your story?“And yet these feelings of unsafety in the very place where you're supposed to be shepherded.”Carefully using the word abuseAbuse: when people are okay with harming you for their own gain and power, where you are the costLimiting feelings of possibility; a shrinking of the person and questioning of their belongingDiane Langberg on the elements of personhood (https://www.dianelangberg.com/shop-books/)Agency, voice, and sense of selfDiagnosing disillusionment; a lot of dull signs leading up to it, somethings just not rightDesperation, loss, depression, fight, panic, pretending or rejecting/deconstructing to move onNaming our wounds is an action of hope“Jesus' wounds are a testimony.”Our scars are a remembering, a telling of our story.John 12:24 - grain of wheat falling to the ground (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John 12%3A24&version=NIV)Being a good witness to God, justing handing it over to him.“Unless a grain of wheat falls to into the ground” by Malcom Guite (https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2015/05/09/unless-a-grain-of-wheat-falls-into-the-ground/)Holding onto these resentments leaves us further alone; we must let go.We don't need reform, we need resurrection.Maintaining a false sense of belonging through facadesSanctified imagination and communityWe need to recapture our imagination as a way to combat disillusionmentWalter Brueggemann - the riddle and insight of Biblical faith is that anguish leads to life, only grieving leads to joy (https://www.walterbrueggemann.com/resources/books/textonly/)Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God by Malcom Guite (https://www.squarehalobooks.com/lifting-the-veil)“Scripture is a story. It's all kind of story of people who screw up.”“God is bigger than all the ways we screw up our lives.”Open wounds, healing, scarringSong of Songs and unlocking the imagination and intimate love of GodScripture in which a women's voice and experiences are given center stageSong of Songs, chapters three (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song of Songs 3&version=NIV) and five (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song+of+Songs+5&version=NIV)Love calls to usVulnerability in the position and in the naming of our experiencesBeholding the face of Christ, and Christ looking back at us - the beauty Christ sees in us, as Christ beautifies us.“Beauty is an invitation into goodness.”The natural world develops our taste for beauty.A desire to feed our allusion of security, yet our hearts remain uncaptured.Beauty engages will and involves all of our senses; a hyper-fixation on the brain that is not holisticAwe and wonder; the role of the poets and the artists as the reveal what we try to hustle over the top of - they leave us feeling seen and maybe exposed.Speaking from a place of knowing our own value, a confidence and strength.Looking for the personhood that Christ is fostering in each of us.Being a community that beholds; our longing to be seen, known, and loved should be met by our churches as we see Christ in one another.We must go to Christ; yet disillusionment makes it difficult; all the disciples experienced disillusionmentHope is disruptive and subversive, but gloriously so.Production NotesThis podcast featured Aimee ByrdEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Kacie BarrettA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

https://youtu.be/QQKMe-X4RvY?si=UBFRTWVk6LOX9_BY The Promise - 1 - Priority Welcome   Divorce  1st Marriage – 50% 2nd Marriage – 67% 3rd Marriage – 73% 40% of new marriages include a partner who is remarrying. The divorce rate is going down? No – the marriage rate is going down. People are giving up on marriage and raising kids. 50% Elevator 50% death – take the stairs.   Marriage is important.  -personal, culture Marriage is possible. Marriage is worth it.   Problem/Solution Let's save marriages.  -Current & Future Good for all Relationships  The Promise Marriage is a promiseAll relationships are built on trust. 4 Promises to save your marriage. May 12 – PriorityMay 19 – PursuitMay 26 – PartnershipJune 2 – Purity   Priority What does your priority list look like?   Spouse, kids, career, hobbies… Phone, lifestyle, Netflix… Friendships, Church, Work/Life balance   Everything is vying to be your priority. You can only have 1 top priority.   All divorce = priority problem. Who should be your priority? Relationships need 4 thingsAcceptanceIdentitySecurityPurpose   How can you supply these 4 things? You can't. God Can.  God should be your top priority.   Promise - GOD is my ONE and MY SPOUSE is my TWO   Mark 12:30 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'   God gets ALL… Transference - projecting your feelings, based on past experiences, onto someone else in the present.   Relationships need 4 thingsAcceptanceIdentitySecurityPurpose   Only God can provide these… we transfer the need to others who can't provide.   DO NOT TRANSFER YOUR GOD NEEDS ON YOUR SPOUSE.   Promise - GOD is my ONE and MY SPOUSE is my TWO   Bold claim…God as #1 means… A better you. Loving, forgiving, disciplined, brave.. Not ego driven… selfish   Anything else above your marriage destroys it…God as #1 saves your marriage.   Everything is vying to be your priority.   God is your 1. Spouse is your 2. But if we aren't careful …kids.…job.…phone.   Promise - GOD is my ONE and MY SPOUSE is my TWO Genesis 2 Adam had God but still needed something. We need each other. Adam sees Eve… sees who he has been missing. Adam makes God & Eve the priority. Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.   Protect your Priorities Children are important—Not as important as marriage. If you want to love your kids—Invest in your marriage.   Children are a temporary assignment. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. What priorities are your kids seeing in your life? Want your children to succeed in marriage? Model it.   Promise - GOD is my ONE and MY SPOUSE is my TWO   What/who is your priority? Make a move  Make God your ONE  -pray & worship now. Ask “how.”  -Make a plan. -read, pray, attend Make your spouse TWO -Forgive, new direction with God -Make a plan -time, Intimacy, priority TAKE IT SERIOUS – Come pray together

Family Values Part 1 - About Marriage The reason our marriages don't end up where we want them to because they didn't start where God intended them to. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” Genesis 2:24 (NIV) “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7(NIV) “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:1-4(NIV) 3 Ways To Help A Marriage In Need 1) Practice Devotional Time Together 2) Find A Marriage Counselor 3) Develop Intentional Date Times

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor | March 24, 2024 Philippians 3:4b-6 (NIV)“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Philippians 3:7-8But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss…What is more, I consider everything a loss… … I have lost all things.I consider them garbage… Philippians 3:7-9a (NIV)But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)“A new command I give you:Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Reflection Questions: What are the things in life that matter to you most right now?Read Phil 3:4-9. What things in your life can you relate to Paul's description of becoming "loss"? What things in your life were priorities that you now consider "a loss".Read John Piper's quote, "You gain Christ by renouncing everything that competes with him." What areas of your life "compete" with Jesus?Read Jesus' command passages of Mark 12:30-31 and John 13:34-35. What are your thoughts around Jesus' commands and how they are lived out in your daily life?What is one step of action these passages or this conversation has led you to commit to do this week? 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/2024.03.24.pdf

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | February 11, 2024 Matthew 19:3-5 (NIV) - 86% of LGBTQ people were raised in a faith community from the ages of 0 to 18.- 54% of LGBTQ people leave their religious community after the age of 18.- Only 21% left for theological considerations.- 96 percent of the study’s participants prayed that God would make them straight.— Marin, Andrew. Us versus Us: The Untold Story of Religion and the LGBT Community. The Navigators. How the world perceives Christianity: anti-homosexual 91%judgmental 87%hypocritical 85 %— Kinnaman, David; Lyons, Gabe. unChristian (p. 27). Baker Publishing Group. Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails. Reflection Questions: 1. What is your position on God’s view regarding sex and marriage? How have you come to your view? Where is your view supported by Scripture?2. Do you think we can hold a position on sex and marriage and still have genuine loving relationships with people who think and or live differently? Why or why not? Have you found this easy or difficult?3. When we look at the list of sins listed in Romans 1:24-32, why do you think the church has tended to make the issue of same sex relationships such a focus over other sins listed there?What examples do you see in the life and ministry of Jesus where he crosses relational and cultural lines in order to show a posture of love and value of people that may not share his biblical or moral position on an issue? How is this a model for us on how to posture our lives toward people in our culture? What would our lives look like if were modeling the posture of Jesus? Be specific.4. What groups of people or individuals do you have a difficult time living out a loving posture like Jesus? What makes it difficult? What do you think Jesus would want you to do?5. What faith step could you take to move toward people that might think or live differently than you? (that don’t hold your same biblical or moral positions)?6. How do you think the church should engage with and relate to people that think or live differently than our biblical or moral position? What would that look like for Journey Church? Explain your answer. 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 minist

Text: Deut. 6:4-9, 20; various Theme: It's one thing to fight WITH your family, but it's something special when you learn the right way to fight FOR your family. That's what we'll be working on this weekend. Key Verses: Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Message notes: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/events/49201836

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

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: We love because we liveScripture: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3Bottom line: We love God & people because we live forever.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroduction“He Loves Because He Lives” by David HelmsThe Vietnam War was mercifully drawing to a close during my middle-school years. And that meant that young men who had been sent over to fight were now returning to the States. Each one needed a fresh start on life. For one man that meant enrolling at Judson College. I never knew the man by name, but I regularly saw him from a distance of a hundred yards.Judson College is on the Fox River in Illinois; my dad's office in the Athletic Department was a wedge shot from its banks. I could see the river from the gym. During the frigid winter months the man stood alone along the river's frozen edge, tending a covey of ducks. He fed them. He cut through the ice to open up an area of water for them. In short, he met their every need during the cold season. Every day.I asked my dad why the man cared so much about the ducks. I will never forget the story he told: "He has just returned from the war in Vietnam. The story is that ducks saved his life. His unit had been ambushed. Many of his friends had been killed, and while he hadn't been shot, he lay down to look like he had. He hoped they would go away.But they didn't. The enemy kept coming. Through the fields they came. They'd put one more shot in every fallen man to ensure that he was dead.But suddenly a covey of ducks flew overhead, and the attention of the soldiers was diverted. In their excitement they began running after the ducks to shoot at them instead. In the end, they stopped checking the field for men and left. That's how the man down by the river escaped. And now he has a special love for ducks. He loves because he lives." The call of our text conveys something similar. —David Helms, p. 65“A sincere and earnest love, a life given over to the genuine care of others, is the natural result of being born again. To highlight the command in the text simply notice the phrase, ‘love one another earnestly.' To see why we love simply note, ‘since you have been born again.' To put the force of Peter's thought as clearly as possible: when you get a fresh start on life (see 1:3 and its connection to 1:23), love should happen (1:22-2:3).” -Helms, p. 66OutlineI. The Logic of Love 1:22-23“The mark of the Christian life is love.” -Helms, p. 66Sincere, earnest, deep = genuine (not fake)Love resulting from being born again is like when someone gets a fresh start on life, love happens. Peter's Logic of Love:Love one another deeply, from the heart…For you have been born againThrough the living and enduring word of GodJust ask Chris and Amy Karpus. His love is greater than ever because God gave him new life miraculously after cardiac arrest and being brain dead for 40+ minutes. Yet he lives. So he loves. Full testimony a little later with details:https://youtu.be/7wHiUm_sAWs?si=En53b5WdW43D0ZNtPeter essentially says, we love because we live. We live by the grace and mercy of God so we love. He first loved us so we “love others deeply, from the heart.”Peter is preaching to Christians who are a minority within a minority (Christians>Jews>Romans) who are being persecuted for it. They need encouragement and reminders of who they are and why they persevere and how they love.Have been purified (v. 22) by obeying the truth. We're cleansed/purified/forgiven by obeying God's word. That can be heard in 2 opposing ways:If you obey God's words, he will forgive you. If you obey God's words SO THAT he will forgive you, that's not a biblical way to understand salvation. If you obey God's words, he will forgive you. If you obey God's words BECAUSE he forgave you already (because you believe and trust him), that a biblical understanding of salvation.We don't have a works-salvation. A salvation that we can earn by doing good things. We have a salvation that works. A salvation that leads us to want to do good works out of gratitude for our forgiveness.Why did God do this? For many reasons. Here are 2 in our text:First, “So that you have sincere love for each other.” God's plan is for the world to see a diversity of Christ-followers love one another deeply despite their differences. “They will know you are Christians by our love.” (V. 22)Second, “For you have been born again.” (V. 23)What is “born again?”Born from above. Second birth after our physical birth. Born of the Spirit of the living God.It's the only way to enter the kingdom of God. (Cf. John 3)This birth isn't temporary (perishable seed) like physical birth.This birth is eternal (imperishable seed), the second birth.Are you born again?Peter refers to “truth,” “the word that was preached to you,” and “spiritual milk” all referring to God's word to us. His word that lasts forever.“Therefore” - whenever you see the word “therefore” you always ask the question, “What's the ‘therefore' there for?”“Therefore” is there for us to look back and remember what was just said/written. That context matters a lot.That context is summarized in v. 21 where it says, “Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Also, v. 3 where he tells us we have a “living hope.”Since this living hope is eternal and not temporary, we're to respond to this gracious and merciful gift by living and loving others well. (Like the man and the ducks)Therefore, we “Rid ourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” These are not loving.In addition, we crave the word of God (truth) “Like newborn babies crave pure” milk. “Pure spiritual milk” = word of God.Milk is a rich source of several valuable nutrients, including:1. Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.2. Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb and use calcium.3. Protein: Important for muscle growth and repair.4. Vitamin B12: Necessary for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.5. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Aids in energy metabolism.6. Phosphorus: Contributes to bone and teeth health.7. Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.8. Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.9. Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.10. Zinc: Necessary for immune system health.Milk is a well-rounded source of these nutrients, making it a valuable part of a balanced diet.This causes us to grow in maturity even in the midst of trials and tribulations like these Christians were going through. Having “tasted” of the Lord's goodness and truth, we should remember the blessings that flow from growing by grace through faith in the word of God even in the midst of trials.ConclusionWe love because we live. Therefore,Go love deeply, from the heart,Get rid of your dirty ways, and Grow in your desire to know, trust and obey the word of God.Have you been born again?Have you tasted that the Lord is good?Do you crave his pure spiritual milk like a newborn baby?Do you need to repent of your sins?Then pray right now and ask him to forgive you for your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)Pray for him to give you a hunger and thirst for him and his words so that you can obey them out of gratitude for what he's already done for you. He's done the work for salvation. Now we get to do the work of gratitude that flows from our salvation. GoGet rid ofGrowPrayNOTESAcorns and gospel conversations about Jesus.Peter's aim in 1 Peter 1 so far is holy living in the midst of trials by these Christians.Holy living flows from being born again by the living and enduring word of God.Holy living flows to being holy by loving one another deeply, from the heart.Love like this comes from a pure heart. A heart purified by believing the good news preached to you. How are we purified?By obeying the truth. Does that mean that we obey the law so that we're purified? We obey the word trying harder and pushing out sin from our lives? No. That's the work of the flesh or “perishable seed.”Perishable seed = seed of Adam through the flesh which includes our sin nature (which is why we sin)Imperishable seed = the word of God, which is living and enduring and eternal. It's alive!Like an acorn caries within its dead shell potential life, the seed of the gospel carries with it the potential for life as well. But instead of trying to obey God's laws in our own strength (flesh), we lay down our lives and trust him by obeying his words because that trust (faith, hope) leads to life abundant and eternal.This is good news!Gospel = good news = truth = word that was preached to youWe don't obey our way into purity unless by obey you mean we obey the command of scripture to trust and follow Jesus. (John 3:16, Matthew 16:24)The way of the flesh is dead and fleeting.The way of the word is living and enduring. Arguments forBecause in v. 22 love is the overflow of this obedience to the truth. (1 John 1:9; Gal 5:6; 1 Tim 1:5)“For you have been born again” also results in obedience to the truth. (1:23-25)“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬“So your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying…” v. 21-222:1-3Piper, Pt. 1 “Spiritual growth is not optional”“Therefore” - because of what he just wrote (that we're born again), through the living and enduring word of God (good news), we are a new person!Therefore, we get rid of all that isn't good in our attitudes, feelings, thoughts and actions.Action and effort are required! New born infants are not just new Christians. We're all made new forever!We are all new people, andCrave/Desire (taste) pure spiritual milk (word) like a baby desires/craves physical milkTaste (Ps 34:8)Anyone can read the word. But when you taste the goodness or kindness of God when in the word, that's evidence that you are born again.Drinking this milk causes us to grow up spiritually. I.e. sanctificationPeter thinks of salvation as future a lot in this letter. (I.e. hope to be fulfilled)It's a process: We are born again (passive; it's by God)We eat/drink the word (active) tasting his goodnessWe grow/mature spirituallyWe arrive (eventually) at full salvationEating/drinking and growing are not optional—they are evidences that you're the real dealGod keeps his own and evidence is seen in your maturingBorn again: What effect does it have on our lives?Loving one anotherGetting rid of that which hurts other peopleDrinking spiritual milk is a strategy for loving and getting rid of evilMalice (feeling) — desire to hurt people; mean-spiritedDeceit (feeling) — leading people to believe what's not true about usHypocrisy (feeling) — feeling about me; play-acting instead of being who I really amEnvy (feeling) — feelings about you and your successes; we want it but we don't want you to have itSlander (action) — frustrations are about us and you. Lack of contentment in God that leads us to say things about you that tear you down and hurt you and are untrue.Helms' notes“We love because of the imperishable nature of God's word…How exactly is sincere love the natural consequence of the living and abiding word of God?”The Logic of Love ExploredSeeds possess the power to bring new lifeSeeds possess within themselves the power to bring forth life. For ex.A perishable seed of an oak tree (an acorn), after falling to the ground and dying as a result, possesses the power to bring forth new life.The sapling emerges because all of the necessary life-giving properties were present in the seed from the beginning. So it is with God's word. Like a seed, the Bible is alive. It contains within itself everything necessary for life. Dr. Lanier at SEBTS.edu used to tell his students every semester how he came to know Christ by just reading the New Testament. The word is alive! The word brings forth life!The word of God contains within itself all the properties necessary for life. And that ought to revolutionize our understanding about the power of God's word to bring forth life.Seeds come with fullness of purposeLife isn't the only natural result of God's word. Love is as well. How is it that the gospel brings forth both life and love?Isaiah 55:10-11 It is God's purpose that when it goes out it accomplishes all that God purposes it to.And what's his purpose? That God would be known in all his fullness.God is love.Therefore, God's word gives us life and love.Therefore, within God's word, we gain Jesus Christ who is—life and love.Therefore, the logic of love rests in this: God is life, and God is love. Thus, if God sent his Word in to our hearts to give us life, then we have tasted of his fullness nad will make manifest the fruit of his character. It is for this reason Peter says:Love one another earnestly/deeplySince you have been born againThrough the living and enduring word of God.II. The Brevity of LifeIII. The Look of LoveCross references““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬Outline Bible (1 PETER 2)Peter speaks of renouncing, relationships, respect, and a role model.I. THE RENOUNCING (2:1-3, 11)A. What we are to renounce (2:1, 11b): We are to rid ourselves of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, and worldliness.B. What we are to receive (2:2-3): We are to crave pure spiritual milk.II. THE RELATIONSHIPS (2:4-12)dedratitresA. What Christians are (2:5, 9a, 10-11a)1. We are living stones (2:5a).2. We are royal priests (2:5b).3. We are a chosen people (2:9a, 10).4. We are strangers on earth (2:11a).B. What Christ is (2:4, 6-8, 9b, 12)1. He is the living foundation (2:4a).a. He is a precious foundation for believers (2:4, 7a).b. He is a stumbling block for unbelievers (2:8).2. He is the cornerstone (2:6, 7b).3. He is the chosen one (2:4c).4. He is the judge (2:12).5. He is the light (2:9b).III. THE RESPECT (2:13-20): For the Lord's sake, we are to show respect(and submission) to the following parties:A. Civil authorities (2:13-16)B. Employers (2:18-20)C. Everyone (2:17)IV. THE ROLE MODEL (2:21-25)A. Who he is (2:21-22): He is our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ.B. What he did (2:23-24a): He died on Calvary's cross.C. Why he did it (2:24b-25)1. That his wounds might heal ours (2:24b)2. That we might turn to the Shepherd (2:25)DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastQ. What do I want them to know?A. We love one another deeply because we live by his mercy and grace.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. It leads us to actually love each other deeply, from the heart.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Love one another deeply from the heart, rid ourselves of the evil that we're still wearing, and grow in Christ together.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because it's life-giving and leads to blessing.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Repent. Believe. Love. Live.OUTLINESThe Visual Word - 1 Peter“Paradoxes fill 1 Peter. It is a letter written to encourage a slandered and marginalized minority living in the midst of the Roman Empire. They live in the world but are not of the world. They dwell in the cities, but as sojourners. They look, speak, and dress like everyone, but they pass their days on earth as exiles waiting for their inheritance.” (See the Epistle to Diognetus 5)Peter seeks to encourage believers in Asia Minor in the midst of suffering to stand firm as they consider the blessings of being in Christ, who is the primary example of one who suffered well and now has received glory and honor. If they also continue in their good conduct, become the true household of God, and don't revert to their old idolatrous practices, they too will receive the crown of life. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10), live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11), and stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11). Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side. (P. Schreiner)Hope as Exiles 1-2Elect Exiles 1:1-2New future 1:3-12New family 1:13-2:10Exile Identity 2-4Submit 2:11-3:7Suffer well 3:8-4:11Stand Firm 4-5Suffer joyfully 4:12-19Resist the devil 5:1-11In Babylon 5:12-14I. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10)II. They need to live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11)III. They need to stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11)“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P SchreinerHope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)Elect exiles (1:1-2)New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)In Babylon (5:12-24)Elect Exiles (1:1-2)“Peter presents the paradox in the first two verses. The God, those in Asia Minor are chosen, but to the world, they are exiles and sojourners. This becomes the theme of the letter (1:17; 2:11; 5:13). It also ties their story to Abraham, who was chosen but also a sojourner on the earth (Gen. 15:13), and Israel, who were God's wandering people. These elect exiles are dispersed across Asia Minor and living in societies not friendly to the new Christian faith. They are elect exiles according to God's foreknowledge, but His sanctifying works, and chosen for obedience. This is God's wonderful plan for their lives.”Hope as Exiles (1-2)“After labeling them as elect exiles, Peter's first section bolsters their hope by praising God for their new future, new family and new calling. Those scattered have been born again and promised a new land. But this new hope cannot be taken away from them because it resides in heaven. Though they suffer now, they a re being guarded for this future (1:3-12). Not only do they have a new future but a new family and calling (1:3-2:10). They are the new exodus people, the new covenant people, and the new temple people. In all of these they have not only a new identity but a new vocation.”According to the New Testament of the Bible, what is the difference between faith and hope?“In the New Testament of the Bible, faith and hope are distinct but interconnected concepts. Faith is often described as a firm belief or trust in something, particularly in God or His promises. It involves having confidence in what is unseen or yet to be fulfilled. Hope, on the other hand, is the optimistic expectation or anticipation of something good. It involves looking forward to future blessings, both in this life and the next. While faith is focused on belief and trust, hope is centered around expectation and anticipation. Faith provides the foundation for a relationship with God and is essential for salvation, while hope sustains believers through trials and challenges, keeping their focus on the promises of God. Both faith and hope are important aspects of the Christian life, working together to inspire and strengthen believers in their journey of following Christ.” -ChatGPT SUMMARY SO FAR1 Peter, “Live Such Good Lives”Let's live such good lives in this world today that, though they think we're wrong, they'll see how we live and follow Jesus anyway because…They'll see who we are and that's we're different. A new identity: As chosen exiles scattered around the world until Jesus returns+ (1:13-2:10)ChosenExiles/Holy people in the wildernessNew people New covenant with GodNew temple/a peopleKingdom of priestsWhat else?They'll see us living for what matters even though it costs us. Suffering as a witness to Jesus multiplying and magnifying his kingdom (2:11-4:11)They'll see us willingly suffer because of our living hope in the future. Suffering in light of an unshakable hope in the future. (4:12-5:9)From Schreiner:“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsFrom Helms:“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.THE BIBLE PROJECTI. Greeting (1:1-2)II. Song of praise (1:3-12)III. A New Family Identity (1:13-2:10)IV. Suffering as a Witness to Jesus (2:11-4:11)V. Suffering & Future Hope (4:12-5:9)We have a new family identity that propels us to bear witness to a living hope that leads us to live such good lives that we willingly suffer for his glory in light of our glorious future.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live such a good life that it demands a gospel explanation.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live like no one else because we will live like no one else in the future We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live a life that includes suffering but that leads to glory—for God and us.HELMSLife is hard even for Christians.3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.“Peter begins his letter with these 2 seemingly incompatible truths:Our status in Christ ANDOur sufferings on earth.”Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.Be holy (1:15)live out (1:17)Way of life (1:18)Live such good lives (2:12)Behavior (3:1)Your lives (3:2)Behavior (3:16)“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”Turning point 2:11-12Peter continues to encourage through examples and exhortation.He appeals specifically to elders before the community.“God has Established our salvation,Given us our identity,Conformed our present-day calling,Secured our future inheritance by means of an inverted irony—namely, the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Therefore, just as the exaltation of Jesus followed a season of humiliation, so too our share in his eternal glory will appear after we have learned to follow in his true and gracious ways.”Subtitle? How to live as God's fireproof children in this dumpster fire world.“We are the elect exiles of the dispersion.”As God's chosen, I am encouraged and reminded of his great love for me. And I need this as I live in this broken world.Elect = chosen, those whom God lovesIsrael was sent into exile by God because of their presumptuous sin. Exiles of a different sort? Peter doesn't mean it wrt Israel's ancient sin—or their own—for they were living faithful and fruitful lives at this time. Peter means this is simply “the normative state of any follower of Jesus, so long as he or she remains in this world.”CS Lewis quote, p. 26SchreinerOUTLINE OF 1 PETER1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)3.1 The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (2:11-12)3.2 Testifying to the Gospel in the Social Order (2:13-3:12)3.3 Responding in a Godly Way to Suffering (3:13-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)4.1 Suffer Joyfully in Accord with God's Will (4:12-19)4.2 Exhortations to Elders and the Community (5:1-11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)SECTION OUTLINE2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.1.1 A Promised Inheritance (1:3-5)2.1.2 Result: Joy in Suffering (1:6-9)2.1.3 The Privilege of Revelation (1:10-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-21)2.2.1 Setting One's Hope on the Inheritance (1:13-16)2.2.2 A Call to Fear (1:17-21)2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)2.3.1 A Call to Love (1:22-25)2.3.2 Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1-3)2.3.3 The Living Stone and Living Stones (2:4-10)Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”1 Peter “sets forth what it means to be Christians in a hostile world, in a world where Christians were persecuted for their faith…”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsThey suffered both in:Every day lifeFrom imperial authority”IDENTITY“People of God” “The Lord's new temple” “priests”“They are exhorted not to live in fear of human beings but in fear of the Lord, and such fear, paradoxically, would give them confidence and hope.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Obedient children”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”“God's chose race” “royal priesthood” “holy nation”PURPOSE“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ. They demonstrate their hope in this future by standing firm despite injustice and persecution by living holy, blameless lives submitting to their authorities with patient endurance. This shows their belief that this is temporary and that they are citizens of another kingdom and see Jesus as their Lord and king.MAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/we-cannot-love-without-hope “The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion appChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee   Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:5-7‬ ‭(NIV) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” ‭‭ Questions and Topics We Cover: How did your grandfather teach you about “kingdom economy”? How have you set up your life in such a way that your entire family pursues wholeness? Do you have any other practical tips for parenting or homeschooling you'd like to share?   Jodi Mockabee is a photographer, writer, blogger, speaker, social media influencer, and homeschooling mother of five living in the Black Hills of South Dakota. With a passion for health, wellness, parenting, and more, Jodi blogs her family's journey and shares tips for a healthy and active lifestyle. She also writes curriculum for creative and artistic learning in a homeschool environment. Find her at JodiMockabee.com.   Jodi's Book: The Whole & Healthy Family Follow Jodi on Instagram   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “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 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 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. I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Explanation: This passage is often referred to as the "Love Chapter" and comes from the book of 1 Corinthians in the New Testament of the Bible. It highlights the qualities and characteristics of genuine, selfless love. Patience: The verse starts by stating that love is patient. Patience is the ability to endure hardships, delays, or difficulties without becoming upset or anxious. In the context of love, it means being willing to wait and showing understanding and forbearance towards others even in challenging situations. Kindness: Love is not only patient but also kind. Kindness involves showing compassion, empathy, and goodwill to others. It's about treating others with gentleness and care, even when they may not deserve it. Not Selfish: Love is described as not being self-seeking. This means that true love is not motivated by personal gain or selfish desires. Instead, it prioritizes the well-being and happiness of others. Not Easily Angered: Love is not easily provoked to anger. It doesn't react impulsively or harshly to provocations or annoyances. Instead, it maintains a calm and understanding demeanor. No Record of Wrongs: Love doesn't hold grudges or keep a tally of wrongs. It forgives and lets go of past mistakes or offenses. Rejoices in Truth: Love takes joy in what is true and righteous. It values honesty and integrity and finds happiness in seeing goodness prevail. Always Protects, Trusts, Hopes, Perseveres: These qualities emphasize the enduring nature of love. Love is not fleeting; it endures through challenges and hardships. It protects and cares for others, maintains trust, holds onto hope, and persists even in difficult times. In this passage, patience is presented as an essential component of love. Patience is not just about waiting; it's about demonstrating understanding, empathy, and forbearance in relationships. It's an important aspect of how we show our love to others.

Message for 07/02/2023 "Hezekiah - Live Beyond Your Years" by Madison Tompkins. *All verses are ESV unless otherwise noted.* 2 Kings 20:1-3 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.'” 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, 3 “Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 2 Kings 20:4-11 And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him:5 “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord,6 and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.” 7 And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.” 8 And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of the Lord on the third day?” 9 And Isaiah said, “This shall be the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he has promised: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?”10 And Hezekiah answered, “It is an easy thing for the shadow to lengthen ten steps. Rather let the shadow go back ten steps.” 11 And Isaiah the prophet called to the Lord, and he brought the shadow back ten steps, by which it had gone down on the steps of Ahaz. 2 Kings 20:12-21 At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 13 And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them. 14 Then Isaiah the prophet [Someone who speaks on behalf of God, sharing with others what they cannot hear themselves] came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They have come from a far country, from Babylon.”15 He said, “What have they seen in your house?” And Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.” 16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: 17 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord.18 And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”19 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?” 20 The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 21 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and Manasseh his son reigned in his place. Live beyond your Life. Purpose Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Romans 12:9-18 (NIV) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need.Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Pressure Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NLT) All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Matthew 26:39b “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” John 17:17-21 (NLT) Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

Our response to the hostile takeover of the month of June by the LGBTQAI+ pridesters. Rom 12:9 NIV - Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Support World Evangelism by becoming a subscriber to the DAILY PREMIUM AD-FREE SERMON PODCAST using the links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $2.99/month on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vbph-sermons/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $3/month on Supercast: https://vbph-sermons.supercast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for only $4.99/month on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3dix1mC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISM --- We need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3dix1mC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Love Each Other  Romans 13:8 (ESV)“Owe no one anything, except to love each other”John 13:34-35 (ESV)“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)“as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV)“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:2a (NIV)“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2b (NIV)“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)“If I give all I possess to the poor…but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)“If I give…over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)“ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Love one another is a choice.

Win At Home Pt. 5 | May 21, 2023Wes Morris Nehemiah 4:6-14 (CEB) We continued to build the wall. All of it was joined together, and it reached half of its intended height because the people were eager to work. But when the Ammonites heard that the work on the walls was progressing and the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble.So we prayed to our God and set a guard as protection against them day and night. Meanwhile, our enemies were saying: “Before they know or see anything, we can be in their midst and start to kill them. We'll stop the work!”So I took up a position in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall in an open area. Then I stationed the people by families, and they had their swords, spears, and bows.After reviewing this, I stood up and said to the officials, the officers, and the rest of the people, “Don't be afraid of them! Remember that the Lord is great and awesome! Fight for your families, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses!”√  UNHEALTHY EMOTIONSHebrews 12:15 (TLB) Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.√  CONSTANT CONFLICT√  DIVIDED ATTENTIONNehemiah 6:1-3 (NLT) Sanballat and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall, so Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono.But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work and I can't come down.FIGHTING FOR YOUR FAMILYI. STAY ALERT.Nehemiah 4:8-9 (NIV) They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.I Peter 5:8 (NIV) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.II. STAY COMMITTED. I Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.Current Series Resources: https://baychapel.churchcenter.com/pages/prayerBay Chapel is a life-giving church in the New Tampa community. We meet Sundays at 10:00 am and you are welcome to come anytime in person or online. Find out more at baychapel.com —---Subscribe to receive our latest messages. ——Stay Connected, ask for prayer and find out more.http://www.baychapel.com/connect——Bay Chapel exists to help people ‘Find God and Find Life' through a relationship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://www.baychapel.com/give

Win At Home Pt. 4 | May 14, 2023Jen MorrisDeuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Genesis 15:4-6 (NIV) Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.Genesis 16:1-4 (NIV) Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.Genesis 17:16-18 (NIV) I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”Genesis 17:19 (NIV) Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.Genesis 21:1-3 (NIV) Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him.Genesis 21:1 (ESV) The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.Luke 1:35 (NIV) The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. CHRIST CENTERED FAMILYYour Will. Your Way.You First.✓ YOUR WILL Luke 22:41-42 (NIV) He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”✓ YOUR WAYIsaiah 40:31 (ESV) “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.✓  YOU FIRST Matthew. 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew. 6:31 (ESV) Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?'Matthew. 6:32 (ESV) For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew. 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew. 6:33 (NIV) But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Who is my source?

Join Stasi and Karen Christakis on today's podcast for an inspiring conversation on the beauty and the power of the Bible. A deep lover of scripture, Karen shares how she doesn't just read it; she lets it “read her.” Through her years of digging into His Word, God has used it to enlighten her to both Jesus' heart and her own. Studying the Bible has been a doorway to growth, stretching, healing, experiencing God's goodness, and deepening her love of our King. The Word of God is alive and active, and we are all invited to drink regularly from this Deep Well. Listen in and be encouraged to dive in yourself!…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Matthew 7:24 (NIV) — Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. James 1:23–24 (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.Genesis 19 — Story of Lot and his daughters1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) — Love is patient, love is kind. …Genesis 4:6–7 (NIV) — Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”Genesis 21 (NIV) — Story of Hagar in the desert2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) — All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.Genesis 18 (here, 18:22–26) (NIV) — The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare[c] the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”…..OTHER RESOURCES:Daily Audio Bible: https://dailyaudiobible.com/Daily Audio Bible App: https://dailyaudiobible.com/home/app/John Mark Comer (Podcast Teachings): Can We Trust the Bible?https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SM2q2Ijfes8ifaYIZp7p4…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsAmazon Music & Audible

Knowing God, Self, and Others with Jada Edwards   Mark 12:30+31 (NIV) "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these.”   Questions and Topics We Discuss: Do you believe God talks to all of His children? Why is it important to learn how God exclusively wired each of us? You say "You can't love well if you don't love close." So, how can we love close in order to love well?   Jada Edwards is an experienced author, speaker, Bible teacher, and mentor. She has committed her life to equipping women of all ages, regardless of marital status, with practical, biblical truth to help them live more genuine lives.   Jada currently serves as the Women's Pastor and Creative Services Director for One Community Church, where she seeks to serve the evolving communities of Collin County through creative expression and cultural relevance.   She has served in various directional capacities within the youth and singles ministries at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, a church with over 1,000 youth and 3,000 singles.   Jada holds a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational strategy and has experience improving organizations though process improvement and technological initiatives.   Jada and her husband, Conway, have a son named Joah and a daughter named Chloe.   Connect with Jada through her website, Instagram, or Facebook.   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Also, check out our Patreon Page to find out how to gain access to additional podcasts and goodies!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “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 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 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. I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

3-05-23| Today's message is Part 5 of our "10 FOR LIFE" series. Our Bible verse is Mark 12:30-31 NIV - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.

My heart hurts when I hear someone read a descriptive passage of scripture as if it's prescriptive. Descriptive passages describe what happened in Biblical times. Prescriptive passages inform and instruct us about how to conduct ourselves.Just because church hurt and abuse existed during Biblical times does not mean that God approves of it, and today, we're here to learn how to help others heal and seek healing for ourselves when it's necessary.I'm so thankful that Pricelis joined us today because I could not think of anyone more adept at speaking about church hurt and abuse. I believe we've begun to see the same the Israelites saw in 1 Samuel 2. Younger generations are starting to view the opportunity to worship the Lord with contempt, just like the Israelites did when Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, abused and manipulated them, and we must deal with this issue. Today, we're reflecting on Romans 12:9-16 (NIV)Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 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.Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.Pricelis Spoke To TheDifference between church hurt and abuse/Importance of engaging in a process of recognition before you begin to rush to reconciliation;Difference between canceling and rebuking someone and the healing power of what rebuking others in love offers; Five things you can take action on to ensure you are facilitating a healthy Christian environment;Advice she has to offer pastors and leaders on behalf of those whom she's ministered to.Tag me and let us know what your greatest takeaway was. I'm on IG at @candidliv, and Pricelis is at @pricelispd.Additional ResourcesClick here for the show notes, and get all the links I shared and our sponsors!Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts or Audible to show some loveHere's the Confident Collaborations QuizI also have a coupon code available to my subscribers who are looking to build a beautiful, new website that will help you grow more confident about communicating your message. Click Here to Find Out More.

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.  

           August 14, 2022                                                                                                 Solid Ground Week 3The Bible Tour“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-27Get a  translation I like. Formal equivalency - KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV Functional equivalency - NLT, Good News, TEV, and NIV Paraphrase - Living Bible, and The Message Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.  1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV)Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)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.  1 Corinthians 13:4 (MSG)Get a Study Bible. Get a Small Group.Understanding the BibleIt was written over a period of 1600 years in over a dozen countries on three continents by 40 people in three different languages. The Bible was written by poets, prophets, farmers, kings, soldiers, shepherds, princes, priests, historians, fisherman, tax collectors, scholars, businessmen and doctors. The Bible was written in caves, ships, palaces, prisons, and deserts. How did they come up with the same story?All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)Law Books (5)                                                                    Genesis – Deuteronomy History Books (12)                                                                 Joshua – Esther Poetry Books (5) Job – Song of Solomon Prophecy Books (17) 5 Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel 12 Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi The Gospels (4) Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John The Book of Acts The historical record of the first Church The Epistles (21) Romans – Jude The Revelation Prophecy of the last days and eternity The Plot - The Mirror ImageThe Subject of the Bible is Jesus. “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”  John 5:39 (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)The Verb of the Bible is Give. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.                               1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Sermon Notes How many years do you want to be married? What does love require of me? John 13:34 NIV "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." When you’re not sure what to say or do you love people like Jesus loved you. John 13:35 NIV "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV "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 am nothing." (Better translated, "I’m a nobody.") 1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV "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." 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." 1 Corinthians 13:5-8a NIV "It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1John 4:20-21 MSG "If anyone boasts, 'I love God,' and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both." What does love require of me? 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE."

Sermon Notes John 11:1-3 NIV "Now, a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary, and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one 5who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick.'" John 11:41-42 NIV "So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.'" John 11:43-44a NIV "When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face." John 11:44b NIV "Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'" It takes a community to strip us of our grave clothes. Philippians 2:1-3 NIV "Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves." Romans 12:9-10 NIV "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 14:13 NIV "Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." "When other people judge, criticize, and condemn us, we can plunge into cesspools of false guilt. Swiss psychologist Paul Tournier said false guilt “comes as a result of judgments and suggestions of men.” A twenty-one-year-old college student described his struggle with false guilt this way: “My dad acts like judge, jury, and executioner when I do something wrong. He makes me feel utterly worthless.” False guilt causes us to sink in defeat rather than rise up and move out of the tomb." – Steven W. Smith, The Lazarus Life 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." Learn to recognize the voice of your enemy vs. the voice of your Heavenly Father. Romans 8:5 NIV "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:6 NIV "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:7-8 NIV "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:9-11 NIV "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." Romans 8:28-30 NIV "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." Romans 8:31-32 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?" Romans 8:33-34 NIV "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." Romans 8:35-36 NIV "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'" Romans 8:37 NIV "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:38-39 NIV "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The end game of God’s love for us is more worship. John 11:2 NIV "(This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)" John 12:1-3 NIV "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV) Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 27:62-66 (NIV) The Guard at the Tomb 62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

In this episode, Host Chae Cole discusses love and what it should like for Christians. As we navigate the Valentine's Day season, many can have misconstrued view of what love is and how people express it. Host Chae Cole also encourages the single's who may be feeling down this season. Tune into this episode to encouraged no matter where you find yourself or what you may be feeling! Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Host: Chae Cole Instagram: @Coletherapy Website: https://www.coletherapy.com Email: therapycole@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Love Makes All the Difference1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts.”1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)“And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 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 am nothing. 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.”Love Makes All the Difference1 Corinthians 13:1 (NIV)“If I speak in the tongues of men (earthly) or of angels (heavenly), but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”1. Without love, our words push people away.2. Without love, our spiritual knowledge and mysteries inflates. 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge...but do not have love, I am nothing.”1 Corinthians 8:1 (NIV)“We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.' But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”3. Without love, our faith is dead. 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”4. Without love, giving is selfish. 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)“If I give all I possess to the poor...but do not have love, I gain nothing.“You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.” - Amy Carmichael, Missionary in India5. Without love, noble sacrifice is self-serving. 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV)    “...Give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”Colossians 3:14 (ESV)“Above all these put on love.”What does love look like?1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 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.”1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Chris and J tackle four truths about sex that husbands should know, especially those who long for better physical intimacy in their marriage. Resources Why Doesn't She Initiate? Work on Yourself (Even If Your Husband Is the Problem) | Honeycomb & Spice The Power of "And" | The Forgiven Wife I Worked on Sex, and Then He Got Angry | The Forgiven Wife He Doesn't Care About Progress. He Just Wants Results | The Forgiven Wife Silence the Lies | The Forgiven Wife Why Doesn't She Initiate? Work on Yourself (Even If Your Husband Is the Problem) | Honeycomb & Spice The Power of "And" | The Forgiven Wife I Worked on Sex, and Then He Got Angry | The Forgiven Wife He Doesn't Care About Progress. He Just Wants Results | The Forgiven Wife Silence the Lies | The Forgiven Wife Praying for Grace in Your Marriage - Hot, Holy & Humorous As You Work on Sexual Intimacy, Be Sure to Do This! - Hot, Holy & Humorous How to Turn Your Marriage Around - Hot, Holy & Humorous Are You Bitter in Your Marriage? So Was I. | KHS Ministry 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) – "Love is patient, love is kind..." Faithful Counseling online therapy (Sex Chat for Christian Wives affiliate link)   This Week's Takeaway When your mind goes to negative thoughts about your wife, replace them with a positive thought, scripture, or a prayer for your wife.    

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (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. 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.

Week 2 Community – Dave Ferguson – Community Christian Church, Chicago, ILAs Christians, we were made to be in community. We need community to support each other in times of difficulty and to push each other to live the way God wants us to live.As Christians, we can further community by adopting the B.L.E.S.S. model of outreach, which teaches us how to share our faith.Matthew 22:39 (NIV) “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Genesis 12:2,3 (NIV) God will bless us, and He wants us to be a blessing to the world.“What do you value in a person with whom you would talk about spiritual matters?”1. “Someone who will listen without judgment.”2. “Someone who will allow me to draw my own conclusions.”3. “Someone who has confidence in sharing their own perspective.”There are five missional practices Jesus used over and over again, which can be remembered with the acronym for B-L-E-S-S. B – Begin with Prayer.L – Listen.E – Eat.S – Serve.S – Story.

On today's podcast we're discussing a variety of topics including how our deconstruction's going, what relationships look like when they're not connected to a church, the Bible and being “right” and, unsurprisingly, it all ends up pointing to love. Intro * The band is back together * How's Steve's deconstruction going? * Book: “The Long Tail” (https://amzn.to/2VvS3sW) Relationships outside of church * It's possible to have friends who are NOT at church with you The Bible & Rightness * Book: “Predictably Irrational” (https://amzn.to/2T3Haxv) * “Let's start at the very beginning….” ”Sound of Music - “Do Re Mi” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM) * “Rooted and established in love” - Ephesians 3:14-19 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A14-19&version=NIV) * Love sums up the Law and the Prophets - Matthew 22:38-40 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A38-40&version=NIV) and Romans 13:9-10 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A9-10&version=NIV) and Galatians 5:14 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A14&version=NIV) It's about love * Become like children - Matthew 18:2-4 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A2-4&version=NIV) * “If there's a group of people that we're gonna be disappointed that God's okay with them, we might be doing it wrong” — Nathan Join our Patreon (http://patreon.com/followingthefire) - we'd love your support and we have some fantastic patron perks!

Episode Summary: As a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, I can say with a fair degree of confidence that probably everyone can relate to experiencing shame and disappointment. We've all had high hopes and expectations that didn't turn out the way we wanted, and we've all experienced shame over what we've done or said, or failed to do, or because we haven't met our own or others' expectations for us. In this episode, we are talking with guest counselor and coach Tina Yeager about hope for overcoming discouragement or shame. Quotables from the episode: It is the enemy of our soul who seeks to get us to isolate ourselves when we are not meant to be isolated. I thought that if I starved myself, I would become acceptable to those around me. My self-esteem improved when I really came to realize that it was God who made me loveable, and He made me worthy. God created each of us to fulfill a specific purpose. God's standard for success is our obedience, while it's the world who says that to be successful we have to look or behave in a certain way or accomplish certain things. Self-esteem and shame often result from our negative self-talk, especially when we exaggerate our failures by saying “I always…” or “I never…” Self-esteem and shame often result from the fear of “not being enough.” But God says He has made us enough. Knowing something is a lie really comes back to knowing what the truth is. Comparison often breeds shame, discouragement, and low self-esteem and is rooted in comparing our worst day to someone else's best day. Scripture References: Ephesians 2:10 NIV: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Philippians 1:6 NIV: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14: NIV “From the beginning God chose you to be saved. . . that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV: “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Matthew 22:37-39 NIV: “‘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.'” Recommended Resources: Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory over the Lies Formed Against You by Tina Yeager Hope for Body Image: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others Finding Freedom from Comparing Yourself to Others Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Tina Yeager: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast and publishes Inkspirations Online, a devotional for writers. Yeager also serves on the Christian Authors Network board, as a mentor with Word Weavers International, and as an active member of AWSA. Come visit her for a virtual cup of java online at tinayeager.com. Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory over the Lies Formed Against You helps women identify and fulfill their potential as they discover Christ-centered significance. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (NIV) Love is the enduring Christian virtue. Love is the eternal bond among the persons of the Godhead. Love is both an old command and […] The post Love More and More appeared first on Cary Alliance Church.

Top Ten from 2020: #9 Visionary Parenting and Grand-Parenting with Dr. Rob Rienow   Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV) “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”   Dr. Rob Rienow married Amy in 1994 and they have been blessed with 7 children. His most important ministry is loving his wife and leading his children to know God and love Him. Rob's mom came to Christ shortly after he was born so he was blessed to be introduced to Jesus at an early age. His parents divorced when he was in high school and God used that painful time in his life to give him a heart for young people and families going through dark times. He attended Wheaton College, then completed an MA in theology at Wheaton College Graduate School, an MDiv from Trinity International Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Leadership from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.   Rob's life dramatically changed in 2004. God brought him to a place of deep repentance over the fact that he was disciplining other people's children, but not his own. He was a spiritual leader at church, but passive with his family. Through that time of repentance, God turned his heart to the ministry of his children and his wife. God then led He and Amy to launch Visionary Family Ministries, a ministry designed to inspire parents and grandparents to disciple their children, to help couples create mission driven-marriages, and equip churches to build Bible-driven ministries. Their mission is to build the church through a global reformation of family discipleship.   He shares the biblical message of family discipleship at national and international conferences for parents, couples, and church leaders. He partners and consults with numerous churches, encouraging them to accelerate evangelism and discipleship through families.   At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.    Visionary Family Website   A Sample of Books by Dr. Rob Rienow God's Grand Vision for the Home Visionary Marriage Visionary Parenting Family Worship: Genesis   Bible Studies with Dr. Rob Rienow Never Too Late Visionary Single Parenting Visionary Marriage Visionary Parenting   Not So Perfect Mom by Amy Rienow The Heart of Your Teen by Lissy Rienow   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Faithful Counseling (10% off your first month of counseling when you sign up through this link)   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “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 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 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. I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

1. TRUST Proverbs 28:6 AMP Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked and two-faced though he is rich. Proverbs 10:9 NIV Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. 2. HONESTY Proverbs 19:20 NIV Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Proverbs 14:5 NIV An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. 3. COMMITMENT Romans 12:9-10 NIV Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Thank you for joining us online this weekend! Livestream Schedule: SATURDAY 6:15 PM SUNDAY 9 AM, 11:30 AM To get to know us more, be sure to check out our website: http://www.coastalcommunity.tv --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/coastalchurch/message

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a Theme: What could our homes look like if we really loved each other. This week we'll dig deeply into a famous passage about love. It's not just a “feel good” set of verses…it's hard work. So let's roll up our sleeves and do this! Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:8a (NIV) Love never fails.

"Verse of the day" Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) www.bible.com www.biblegateway.com Homework is always the book and the chapter for the day so today it is Matthew 22 Please donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation https://bcrf.org/ and to National Down Syndrome Society https://www.ndss.org/ Click on the link or copy and paste the link address for everything wandasncredible (apparel, household and books) including FREEBIES (free items including bibles) linktr.ee/wandasncredible Send prayer requests and testimonies to the ministry email at wandasncredible@gmail.com To be a blessing to the ministry in anyway see the support button on the front page of the podcast (Marked as the Tip Jar) If you want to purchase an affordable bible in a version of your choosing? Click this link https://amzn.to/2P7fAaC Salvation Reference: Romans 10:9-10 King James Version (KJV) 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. James 5:16 King James Version (KJV) 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Matthew 6:9-13 "The Lords Prayer" Biblegateway Scripture References: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+22&version=NIV