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Sheep, grain, bread, salt, seeds. In the Gospels, Jesus uses many metaphors when describing both the harvest that is before us and our own roles as workers, bringing in that harvest.Hello everyone, and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain […] a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the third of those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

This program continues with an emphasis on Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - NIVThis program references scripture: 1 John 2:16-17, 5:42 Peter 1:4, 2:20John 15:18-19Romans 2:121 Corinthians 2:12-14For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgDr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!

God does not lead us into temptation, He delivers us from evil. Better than any earthly father, His desires for us are always good beyond all imagination.The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.- Psalms 18:2 NASBI sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.- Psalms 34:4 NASB 1995The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.- Psalms 34:17 NIVThis week we read Matthew 6:9-13 from GOD'S WORD Translation (GW). We also read from Psalm 32:7 and Galatians 1:4.God is our sole deliverer, no one else. Who or what are you looking to for deliverance in your life right now?May you remember the times God has shown up in your life, delivering you from evil. He is the good Father who rescues you from all the evils of the present age. Become a PatronThe Cultivate Connection podcast has been downloaded nearly 500,000 times and counting!If Cultivate Connection has blessed you, please consider becoming a monthly patron. Your generosity helps us to continue creating resources that connect people with God. Thanks to all who support this podcast!Find Us Online:You can find and follow us online at:Cultivate ConnectionFacebookInstagramDon't forget to leave a review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you choose to listen. Your reviews help this podcast get discovered by others.And lastly, subscribe to receive Cultivate Connection emails and updates about upcoming events, podcasts, and more. Thank you!

If you could have lived during the time of Christ, would you have wanted to be close to him? Would you have wanted to be with him? I think it's fair to say that, by the time of the 40 days between Christ's resurrection and ascension, his disciples were close to Jesus. After all they had been through, and the experiences they had shared, they had come to the point were they were quite close. Those three-and-a-half years of Jesus' ministry probably were not particularly easy times. Would you have wanted to be one of those people? If so, why?Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain...a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the fourth of those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

Hi, I'm Matthew Adams. Today, let's explore a biblical principle that's as practical as it is profound. It's about God's attentiveness to the details of our lives, exemplified in a story from Genesis and mirrored in our everyday experiences.Scripture:"God opened her eyes and she saw a well." - Genesis 21:19, NIVThis passage from Genesis speaks volumes about God's nature. He's not just the God of grand gestures and monumental miracles; He's also present in the minutiae, the small but significant moments of our lives. The story of a couple losing their car keys in a vast field and finding them through prayer is a modern-day reflection of this timeless truth.Join us as a FAITH PARTNER with a monthly gift of just $5, and unlock your FREE RightNow Media account! Your support keeps our podcast alive, our lights shining, and God's Word reaching across the globe. Can't contribute? You can still enjoy a free membership.The couple had walked far across the field and back again, only to find that the keys to their car were missing. They weren't locked in the car, and they weren't in their pockets or purse. Miles away from the nearest town, the couple turned around and looked at the vast field in front of them, knowing that somewhere in the grass lay their only means to get back to civilization before dark. And they didn't know where to begin to look.They tried to retrace their steps because there was no other choice, but the situation looked hopeless. But they also knew no situation is hopeless with God, so they prayed, “Lord, lead us to the keys. Open our eyes to see them.” The woman was even more specific. “Lord, which direction should I go?” She sensed that she should concentrate on the right side of the field, so she headed in that direction. After a few minutes, which seemed more like hours, she stumbled, and in catching herself, her eyes fell on a glimmer in the grass. There were the keys. A skeptic could call it a coincidence, but to a couple who prayed, it was an answer. God had guided their steps and helped them in a time of need.Driving Points:* God's Concern for the Details:Often, we reserve prayer for life's major crises or decisions, overlooking the fact that God cares about the smaller aspects of our lives. Whether it's a missing item or a minor inconvenience, God's attentiveness to these details is a testament to His personal care for us. Like the couple in the field, we're invited to involve God in every aspect of our lives, trusting that He's interested and willing to help.* Prayer as a Tool for Divine Guidance:Prayer isn't just a ritual; it's a practical tool for guidance. When the woman in our story prayed for direction, she received a nudge towards the right side of the field, leading her to the lost keys. This story illustrates that prayer can be a means through which God imparts wisdom and guidance, even in seemingly trivial matters.* The Reward of Seeking God's Help:God often uses our challenges, big or small, as opportunities to demonstrate His faithfulness. The search for the lost keys might have seemed daunting, but it became a testament to God's provision when approached with prayer. God doesn't always eliminate our challenges, but He often rewards our persistence and faith with His guidance and solutions.Conclusion:The biblical truth that God cares about the details of our lives is not just a comforting thought; it's a call to involve Him in every aspect of our existence. From the mundane to the monumental, God's guidance is available to those who seek it.Call to Action:Let's make it a habit to turn to God in prayer, not just in crises but in the everyday challenges we face. Whether it's a lost item or a small decision, let's trust that God is willing to guide us.Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank you for Your attention to even the smallest details of our lives. Help us to remember to turn to You in everything, trusting that You care and that Your guidance is always available. Amen.This is Matthew Adams, encouraging you to see God not just in life's big moments but also in its small ones. Keep seeking His guidance in all things, and watch as He faithfully leads you, step by step. Remember, no detail is too small for God's attention. Stay blessed and keep trusting in His perfect plan for your life. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hi, I'm Matthew Adams. Today, let's explore a biblical principle that's as practical as it is profound. It's about God's attentiveness to the details of our lives, exemplified in a story from Genesis and mirrored in our everyday experiences.Scripture:"God opened her eyes and she saw a well." - Genesis 21:19, NIVThis passage from Genesis speaks volumes about God's nature. He's not just the God of grand gestures and monumental miracles; He's also present in the minutiae, the small but significant moments of our lives. The story of a couple losing their car keys in a vast field and finding them through prayer is a modern-day reflection of this timeless truth.Join us as a FAITH PARTNER with a monthly gift of just $5, and unlock your FREE RightNow Media account! Your support keeps our podcast alive, our lights shining, and God's Word reaching across the globe. Can't contribute? You can still enjoy a free membership.The couple had walked far across the field and back again, only to find that the keys to their car were missing. They weren't locked in the car, and they weren't in their pockets or purse. Miles away from the nearest town, the couple turned around and looked at the vast field in front of them, knowing that somewhere in the grass lay their only means to get back to civilization before dark. And they didn't know where to begin to look.They tried to retrace their steps because there was no other choice, but the situation looked hopeless. But they also knew no situation is hopeless with God, so they prayed, “Lord, lead us to the keys. Open our eyes to see them.” The woman was even more specific. “Lord, which direction should I go?” She sensed that she should concentrate on the right side of the field, so she headed in that direction. After a few minutes, which seemed more like hours, she stumbled, and in catching herself, her eyes fell on a glimmer in the grass. There were the keys. A skeptic could call it a coincidence, but to a couple who prayed, it was an answer. God had guided their steps and helped them in a time of need.Driving Points:* God's Concern for the Details:Often, we reserve prayer for life's major crises or decisions, overlooking the fact that God cares about the smaller aspects of our lives. Whether it's a missing item or a minor inconvenience, God's attentiveness to these details is a testament to His personal care for us. Like the couple in the field, we're invited to involve God in every aspect of our lives, trusting that He's interested and willing to help.* Prayer as a Tool for Divine Guidance:Prayer isn't just a ritual; it's a practical tool for guidance. When the woman in our story prayed for direction, she received a nudge towards the right side of the field, leading her to the lost keys. This story illustrates that prayer can be a means through which God imparts wisdom and guidance, even in seemingly trivial matters.* The Reward of Seeking God's Help:God often uses our challenges, big or small, as opportunities to demonstrate His faithfulness. The search for the lost keys might have seemed daunting, but it became a testament to God's provision when approached with prayer. God doesn't always eliminate our challenges, but He often rewards our persistence and faith with His guidance and solutions.Conclusion:The biblical truth that God cares about the details of our lives is not just a comforting thought; it's a call to involve Him in every aspect of our existence. From the mundane to the monumental, God's guidance is available to those who seek it.Call to Action:Let's make it a habit to turn to God in prayer, not just in crises but in the everyday challenges we face. Whether it's a lost item or a small decision, let's trust that God is willing to guide us.Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank you for Your attention to even the smallest details of our lives. Help us to remember to turn to You in everything, trusting that You care and that Your guidance is always available. Amen.This is Matthew Adams, encouraging you to see God not just in life's big moments but also in its small ones. Keep seeking His guidance in all things, and watch as He faithfully leads you, step by step. Remember, no detail is too small for God's attention. Stay blessed and keep trusting in His perfect plan for your life. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

It was a joy to be with you this morning. Today Pastor Dale took us through a strange passage in Mark 11. It's strange because it records the very last miracle Jesus does in the Book of Mark and it's not a healing or exorcism which has filled this book since Chapter 1. It's a curse. This final miracle of Jesus doesn't bring life, it brings death. Jesus kills a fig tree by speaking to it. Today's text in Mark 11:1-26, gives us a unique glimpse into what Jesus desires for His church, for us as His church. In the text, a specific phrase was used. "The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.” - Mark 11:12 NIVThis hunger was about more than food. This hunger was about his desire, his longing for his brothers and sisters to do His Father's will. From Genesis chapter 12, when God called Abraham and said “I'm going to bless you to be a blessing to the Nations.”, this is the longing of Jesus. The question we may naturally ask is, how does this fit into Jesus cursing a fig tree? In Old Testament literature, the fig tree was a symbol of Israel and more specifically, the Temple in the middle of Israel. It represented the place where the presence of God dwelled, where God was with His people, and they had fellowship with Him. So when the text says Jesus is hungry and goes to look for fruit on a fig tree, it's about more than just this tree. It's about the temple, the purpose and the significance of the temple. From a distance, the tree looked to have the promise of fruit. It didn't. Jesus curses the tree because though it looks like it has life and growth, fruit and activity, it doesn't. It's dead inside. Jesus desires His followers to do more than go through the motions of life. Doing so is like a fig tree that seems alive and healthy but doesn't actually bear fruit. He desires for us to be a people who live out our identity as followers of Him. This requires honesty with God and with others. It requires seeking forgiveness from God and forgiving others. This is the way of the Temple of God.We invite you to sit with our Father and ask him to reveal if there is an area in your life where he'd like you to seek His forgiveness. We invite you to ask Him if there's someone he'd like you to forgive. Jesus has a hunger for you and for your life. Healing is available today. We invite you to step into prayer and receive the freedom and healing God has for you.

178 – Did you have to memorize Bible verses when you were a kid in Sunday School?It can be a really good way to get to know the Bible. But it's not enough just to know the words. We need the spirit behind the words.Too much of what's in our hearts has been put there by the world, by people with good and bad intentions, and our own experiences.It seems like everyone and everything is trying to influence us in one way or another.But the most important things in your heart are what God puts there.God says to the Children of Israel:     "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and   they will be my people. "  Jeremiah 31:33  NIVThis week's episode is about what God is writing in your heart. I shareHow my mom taught me the importance of learning Scripture when I was disrespectful of herWhy God will write His laws in our heartsWhat happens when other people try to write things in your heartWhy you need a direct relationship with GodI encourage you to become increasingly aware of, not what you or others have written in your heart, but what God has, is, and will write in your heart.Think of the love and the joy He has put there. What about the spirit of forgiveness and patience, wisdom and understanding. But that's just the beginning. God is writing His law of love in your heart every day, in a language you understand. To read a full transcript of this episode and study all the Bible references mentioned, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/198.Support the show_________________________James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)? Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donation to support the show Contact James here

Abraham + Eliazar + RebekahGenesis • July 16, 2023Teacher: Leanne Benton--Genesis 24:1-4 NIVAbraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.”Genesis 5:29 NIV“He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.”Principle 1- Search for answers according to God's Word.Genesis 24:5-8 NIVThe servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?” Abraham said, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there. The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land' —he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine.”Principle 2- Believe that God is faithful to His word.Joshua 21:45 NIVNot one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed;every one was fulfilled.Genesis 24:10-14 NIVThen the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master... He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant, Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”Principle 3- Plead with God to reveal His will.Matthew 7:7 NIVAsk and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.James 1:5 NIVIf any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.Philippians 4:6-7 NIVDo 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.Genesis 24:15 NIVBefore he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.Genesis 24:16 NIVThe woman was very beautiful...Genesis 24:17-20 NIVShe went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels.Genesis 24:21, 23 NIVWithout saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful...Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you?Proverbs 14:15 NIVThe simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.Principle 4- Observe how God answers your prayer.Genesis 24:26-27 NIVThen the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master.”Principle 5- Worship God for His work.Genesis 24:50-51 NIVThis is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed.Principle 6- Submit to God's will.Genesis 24:54-55 NIVWhen they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you may go.”Genesis 24:57-58 NIVThen they said, “Let's call the young woman and ask her about it.” So they called Rebekah and asker her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said.Principle 7- Obey God's call.Adam BarnettWhen God calls us to something, it is natural to think first about the cost, the timing, and the consequences. When we delay, we might miss our window of opportunity.Search. Believe. Plead. Observe. Worship. Submit. Obey.Proverbs 3:5-6 NLTTrust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Noah + Ark: "God's Got a Plan!"Genesis • June 11, 2023Teacher: Leanne Benton--Genesis 6:5 NIVThe Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.GOD'S GOT A PLAN!We have a choice!Rev. Jasper WilliamsAll of the Bible is about Jesus...all 66 books, all 1179 chapters, all 31,173 verses in your Bible are all about Jesus. If you read your Bible and you do not see Jesus, then I challenge you to read it again. Because standing in the shadows somewhere is the Lord Jesus Christ.1. God Saves People By Grace.2. God Saves People Through Faith.3. God Saves People In Christ.1. God Saves People By Grace.  Genesis 6:8 NIVBut Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.Grace is not a reward of the righteous.It is a gift for the guilty.Ephesians 2:8-10 NIVFor it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.2. God saves people through faith.Hebrews 11:7 NIVBy faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.3. God saves people in Christ Genesis 6:14 NIVSo make yourself an ark of cypress wood (gopher wood)......Make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.Pitch = Kopher = AtonementGenesis 6:15 NIVThis is how you're to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high.Genesis 6:16 NKJVYou shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side.Colossians 3:2 NKJVSet your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.SubstanceSafetySizeStructureMatthew 24:37 NIVThen the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.2 Corinthians 5:17-19 NIVTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them.

There were three major periods in the preparation of the apostles for the work that laid ahead of them: first, they had three-and-a-half years of watching Jesus work; hearing him teach; asking him questions; and, finally, watching him die. This was their first huge preparation period—the three days that Jesus was in the tomb would have been the worst days of their lives. But that all ended with the resurrection.Then began 40 days of visits by Jesus. They were to be able to ask questions, get answers, and get things clarified that they had not quite had straight before. Here is where they were able to make sense of so many things that Jesus had said and done.Now, after Jesus' ascension, they had to somehow attach meaning to everything that had happened. Ten days were not very long, but they could begin to get the bricks into place.Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain...a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

There were three major periods in the preparation of the apostles for the work that laid ahead of them: first, they had three-and-a-half years of watching Jesus work; hearing him teach; asking him questions; and, finally, watching him die. This was their first huge preparation period—the three days that Jesus was in the tomb would have been the worst days of their lives. But that all ended with the resurrection.Then began 40 days of visits by Jesus. They were to be able to ask questions, get answers, and get things clarified that they had not quite had straight before. Here is where they were able to make sense of so many things that Jesus had said and done.Now, after Jesus' ascension, they had to somehow attach meaning to everything that had happened. Ten days were not very long, but they could begin to get the bricks into place.Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain...a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

I think the disciples had spent the last five weeks in a state of shock. They were running high before Jesus was arrested and crucified, and it's hard to imagine their thoughts after he was dead and buried. Jesus had told them this would happen, but they still did not anticipate it. So it makes some sense that Jesus would spend a lot of time with them in these days after the resurrection—talking with them, teaching them, and helping them understand the meaning of all he had said before.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain...a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the fifth of those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

I think the disciples had spent the last five weeks in a state of shock. They were running high before Jesus was arrested and crucified, and it's hard to imagine their thoughts after he was dead and buried. Jesus had told them this would happen, but they still did not anticipate it. So it makes some sense that Jesus would spend a lot of time with them in these days after the resurrection—talking with them, teaching them, and helping them understand the meaning of all he had said before.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain...a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the fifth of those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

Sheep, grain, bread, salt, seeds. In the gospels, Jesus uses many metaphors when describing both the harvest that is before us and our own roles as workers, bringing in that harvest.Hello everyone, and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain...a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the third of those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain…a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the second of those seven weeks, so tonight we’ll join Ron in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

Love One AnotherOne Another • April 16, 2023Teacher: Adam Barnett--John 13:1 NIVIt was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.The EXAMPLE:John 13:3-5 NIVJesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.The EXPLANATION:John 13:12-15 NIVWhen he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.The EXHORTATION:Romans 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.”Campbell Morgan“The measure in which Christian people fail in love to each other is the measure in which the world does not believe in Christianity. It is the final test of discipleship, according to Jesus.”1. Love God first.2. Rely on the Holy Spirit.3. Sacrifice and serve.1. Love God first.Matthew 22:37-38 NIVJesus 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.”2. Rely on the Holy Spirit.3. Sacrifice and serve.1 John 3:16 NIVThis 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.

Do you wake up feeling rested? Many of us don't.Perhaps rest is more than just a good night of sleep? In this passage, God issued an invitation to the Old Testament nation of Israel to return and rest in Him. The nation was wayward. They were choosing their own way and ignoring God. But God had more for them and so he extended this invitation to them. While this passage was written for the ancient people of Israel, there is timeless truth in it for us too. How is God inviting you to return (or repent) and find rest in Him?And, just like the Israelites chose to “flee on horses” … what might we be choosing instead of God? As you meditate on this invitation from God, allow the Spirit to help you notice something from these words that applies to your own life. We will meditate prayerfully and expectantly using the Lectio Divina Scripture meditation method. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by what he has for you. Once you've listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to the interview with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. We discuss her research on the seven different kinds of rest and she helps us discover what we can do to replenish our exhausted selves. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1 The exact verses read in this podcast are printed here for your use:Isaiah 30:15-16, NIVThis is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation,in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.'Therefore your pursuers will be swift!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NIVThis verse invites regular Jesus-following people to dream big, pray long, and step out of the comfortable and into the unknown of advancing the Gospel.Did you get that?Now speaks of the time following Jesus' resurrection when the rule of payback was replaced by the rule of love. Payback speaks of rule-keeping and we call rule-keeping the Old Covenant. The rule of love – what Jesus taught and lived – calls us to turn the other cheek and extend forgiveness quickly. This is called the New Covenant and governs the way everything works in this world and beyond.Note the writer is honoring God as he points us to the source of our ability to advance. It is God's mighty power not our own.Truly, this verse invites us -- perhaps compels or challenges us – to step out of the comfortable, as did Jesus.Step into advancing this now that governs our lives by dreaming big into your family relationships, or praying long about next steps, or stepping out of a casual relationship with God and going for it.The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a NLTYour Maker is inviting you to join Him.ReflectHow will you respond to this invitation?PrayOur Father, who is in heaven, I want to honor Your Name, and so I pray that Your Kingdom will come, and that Your will be done in my life as I advance into this day with You. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Deborah and Wendy as they discuss the Law of Attraction. Is it biblical? Should Christians use it?Grab your FREE Foundations of Faith Bible Reading Plan:http://faithbibleplan.comJoin the FREE Community!https://www.facebook.com/groups/doersofthewordVerses referenced in this episode:Philippians 4:13John 16:33Romans 12:1-2Proverbs 4:23, NIVThis episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. 

Summary:The Lord is speaking, are we listening?My sheep know My voice, and a stranger they will not follow.Show Notes:• God can and does speak through a host of various vessels• When someone is speaking and there is condemnation in it, that is not the word of the Lord• Jesus spoke what He heard the Father say, so should we.References:John 10:27 ESVMy sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.Matthew 13:16 KJVBut blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;John 5:4, 5 ASV4. When He hath put forth all His own, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.5. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.1 John 4:1 NLTDear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You Must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.2 Corinthians 13:1 NIVThis will by my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”Romans 8:1 BSBTherefore there is now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.Revelation 12:10 NASB 1977And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.Luke 14:10 KJVBut when thou are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go uphigher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.Hebrews 12:5, 6 NASB 19775. and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My Son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him;6. For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.”Isaiah 40:31 JPS Tanakh 1917But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; The shall run, and not be weary; They shall walk, and not faint.Psalms 46:10 BSB“ Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”Quotes:• It is crucial to have experiential knowledge with His word• It is obvious when one is speaking a word from the Lord• Your circumstances can talk to you, I know that voice...• There must be confirmationTake Away:Get someone to pray for you to have ears to hear, then listen. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you when reading the scriptures, listen to a five year old child and “perhaps the Lord would speak through that child to you”.CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSESpace FreeExzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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

If you could have lived during the time of Christ, would you have wanted to be close to him? Would you have wanted to be with him? I think it's fair to say that, by the time of the 40 days between Christ's resurrection and ascension, his disciples were close to Jesus. After all they had been through, and the experiences they had shared, they had come to the point were they were quite close. Those three-and-a-half years of Jesus' ministry probably were not particularly easy times. Would you have wanted to be one of those people? If so, why?Hello everyone and welcome to the Christian Educational Ministries Weekend Bible Study. It is good to be with you and we thank you for being there and allowing us to make this weekly service possible.Over the past few weeks, we've followed Ron Dart in taking a closer look at the Passover, the resurrection of Christ, and the beginning of the countdown to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. As we find commanded in Leviticus 23:From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain...a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord.Leviticus 23:15–17 NIVThis weekend concludes the fourth of those seven weeks, so tonight we'll join Mr. Dart in examining this time of year and its accompanying harvest—both of grain and of men.

Series: Colossians: Supreme!Title: “How To Devote Yourself to Prayer”Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20; 4:2-6 (main); Matt 6:8-13; 7:24-27(Commentary helps listed at the end)Last week's Bottom line: When we gladly submit to God's design for our work life/career/vocation, we will thrive in the fullness of life.Bottom line: We devote ourselves to prayer by being watchful in, grateful for, and helpful to the mission God has called us to.Review Col 1:15-20Opening story:‘Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence,' -Spurgeon"Prayer is the way we can escape the gravitational pull of the flesh and enter GOD's orbit. It's the way we escape the atmosphere and enter into HIS space. It's the way we over come human limitations and enter into the extra-dimensional realm where all things are possible." Author unknownMark 9:23 “'If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”Bible in One Year 2021 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 235 • DevotionalThe Gracious Hand of GodThings happen to us. So much of life is simply the set of circumstances we find ourselves in.For example, our parents, our genetic design, the weather, much of our education and our government are all things that we experience as ‘happening to us'. In Greek grammar, these things are expressed in what we call the ‘passive voice'.However, we also make things happen. When I initiate an action and do something, this is expressed in the ‘active voice'.But Greek grammar also has a third voice – the ‘middle voice'. This is neither wholly active nor wholly passive. When I use the middle voice, I am participating in the results of an action.Christian prayer is spoken in the middle voice. It cannot be in the active voice because it is not an action I control, as in the ritualistic pagan prayers where the gods do our bidding.Prayer is not in the passive voice either, in which I'm at the mercy of the will of gods and goddesses.In Christian prayer, as Eugene Peterson puts it, ‘I enter into an action begun by another, my creating and saving Lord, and find myself participating in the results of his [gracious] action.'In one sense, the whole of the Christian life is prayer. We welcome God's gracious hand in our lives, and we participate in what he is doing in the world. God involves you in his plans. Of course, he could do it all on his own, but he chooses to involve you. He gives you freedom, yet he remains in control. -Nicky GumbelThe Power of PrayerArchbishop Justin Welby and Pete Greig (founder of 24-7 Prayer) have launched an initiative calling hundreds of thousands of Christians, of many churches and denominations to a great wave of prayer for the evangelisation of the nations during the week before Pentecost Sunday. The week culminates in beacon events in packed cathedrals and churches around the world over the Pentecost weekend. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, asked people to pray for three things: ‘That all Christians find new life in Jesus Christ… That all those you meet… might see something of Jesus… For the church to overflow with the reality of the presence of Jesus.'Pete Grieg has described it as ‘a groundswell; a movement from the grassroots up'. He said he had been very moved to hear of one boy who'd prayed for five friends, three of whom had since become Christians!Prayer is spiritual nutrition. Just as the body needs physical food, so the soul needs spiritual food. Prayer changes us. However, the Bible goes much further than this. Prayer is powerful. It is, as Charles Haddon Spurgeon put it, ‘the slender nerve that moves the muscles of omnipotence.' Prayer has the power to change circumstances, other people and even the course of history.Bible in One Year 2021 With Nicky Gumbel: Day 176 • DevotionalOf course, the Lord's Prayers are very instructive.Matt 6:9-13 is the Lord's answer to his disciples' question, “How do you pray?”John 17 is a lengthy example of Jesus praying on the eve of the cross.Context:Epaphras has visited Paul in Rome (who's in prison for sharing the gospel) to ask for help in dealing with the false teachers in the church of Colossae. Paul writes this letter to this church and sends it back with Epaphras.Transition: In a world that seems doomed and hopeless to change, we can be part of true and lasting change as we devote ourselves to God and his mission through prayer.My OutlineI. What? “Devote yourselves to prayer.” (4:2) How? By…“Being watchful”Watch yourself InwardlyOutwardlyWatch around the corner (locally)Watch around the world (globally)“Being thankful”To God.Pray with others.Ex. Prayer Team 6 (online and in-person)Say 3 things you're thankful for each day (Ann Voskamp, 1,000 Gifts book)To People.Being MissionalPraying for Open DoorsFor the message of the mystery of ChristFor clarity of the message, despite the chainsNote: Doesn't pray for his cell door to be openedPraying for wisdomFor the way to act towards outsidersFor gracious, salty conversationFor wisdom in those conversationsApplicationsBe watchful: inwardly and outwardly; pray with someone else daily (prayer, 8 am) even weekly; journal your prayersBe thankful: say aloud three things you're thankful for today every day; do this as family around the table ideallyBe missional: interceding: pray for others; pray for kingdom expansion (Open doors)Be an answerBe in conversationThis mindset of the great commandment and the great commission are seen in the Lord's supper where Christ calls us to look back, look up, look inside and look ahead. 1 Cor 11:23-26“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.11.23-26.NIVThis transitions us towards the Lord's Supper where we remember why we do all of this—because of what he did for us at the cross.ConclusionI heard about a preacher who preached the same sermon week after week after week. When finally asked by as people why he said I'll preach a new sermon when you all get this one. This point is clear: until we become doers of the word will be on a path of destruction as only hearers of the word.Matt 7:24-27 parable of how to build your family to thrive in a world of chaotic evil. This is Jesus' summary and fitting conclusion of application to his “sermon on the mount” which is essentially his kingdom manifesto. This is also appropriate for how to thrive in our vocation/work/career.Back to Jesus' parable about the 2 houses and the 2 foundations:“The assumption in Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders is that our homes necessarily have to endure a barrage of torrential storms.”“The assurance of his parable is that those who build their homes according to God's blueprint can withstand life's onslaughts.”In other words:Building on the world's philosophies will lead to family and societal collapse.Building on the Lord's blueprint will lead to stability, security and peace despite the devastating storms around us.Bottom line: When we gladly submit to God's design for our work life/career/vocation, we will thrive in the fullness of life.PrayLord's Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:17-32OtherKent HughesV. Servants/Slaves/Employees (3:22-25)—Not advocating for slavery.Staying silent on this institution for the simple reason that there's a battle to be fought first that lays the foundation for victory later achieved.“Through the example of Christ, the apostles understood that the great rest need for social and cultural change was a spiritual transformation through the power of the gospel.” -Pace, p. 110VI. Masters/Bosses/Employers (4:1)—His purchase of our freedom/forgiveness establish his ownership of us.1 Cor 6:19-20; Romans 6:17-18Christ is our ultimate Lord and master, King and authority over all of us. He created us and redeems us!Christ modeled this by being equal to the Father and yet submitted to his command to come and die for us. Should we do any less?“Paul's instruction for masters and servants mirror his emphasis for all members of the household: ‘Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.'” (3:23)“This verse (3:25) summarizes and reiterates his general directive for all believers in v. 17” reminding us:WHAT we do matters “whatever you do”HOW we do it matters “do it from the heart” andWHY we do it matters “as something done for the Lord”What's your foundation: Rock or Sand?Sand—Worldview of entitlement, blame, and selfishness.Rock—Worldview of selfless, sacrificial love for all people surrendering al land gladly submitting to proper authorities starting with God at home.Hearing the word AND doing the word lead to growth in Christlike being and doing (character and competency) = FruitfulnessCross-referencesEphesians 5:21-6:9Matthew 7:24-27OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS:———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-MAIN COMMENTARY HELP:Exalting Jesus in Colossians by Scott PacePreaching the Word: Philippians, Colossians and Philemon commentary by R. Kent HughesESV Global Study BibleBible in One Year by Nicky GumbelBible Knowledge CommentaryThe Outline Bible, WilmingtonPaul for Everyone, The Prison Letters, NT Wright's commentary on Philippians and ColossiansGospel Transformation BibleNIV Study BibleThe Bible Exposition Commentary, Warren Wiersbe

Series: Colossians: Supreme!Title: “How To Thrive at Work”Scripture: Colossians 3:22-4:1; 2 Cor 5:10; Galatians 3:28; Gen 1:28; 2:15; Matt 7:24-27; Ephesians 6:1-9(Commentary helps listed at the end)Last week's Bottom line: When we gladly submit to God's design as the blueprint of our family, we (with our spouse) will build our home/family to thrive even in chaotically evil times.Bottom line: When we gladly submit to God's design for our work life/career/vocation, we will thrive in the fullness of life.Opening story:Matt 7:24-27 parable of how to build your family to thrive in a world of chaotic evil. This is Jesus' summary and fitting conclusion of application to his “sermon on the mount” which is essentially his kingdom manifesto. This is also appropriate for how to thrive in our vocation/work/career.Context:It is estimated that there were 60,000,000 slaves in the Roman Empire. That's about 50% of the population.Work was considered beneath the dignity of the slave-owning free Roman male.Practically everything was done by slaves—even doctoring and teaching.Though some exceptions, back to Aristotle slaves were classified as things; living tools.Varro classified farm implements into 3 classes:The articulate (slaves)The inarticulateThe muteIf you buy a farm, it was said to toss out the old slaves to die, because they're broken tools.Gauis, the Roman lawyer, said, “…universally accepted that the master possesses the power of life and death over a slave.”If a slave ran away, he was branded on the forehead with the letter “F” for fugitive. Sometimes put to death with no trial.This created a national melancholy over millions.Into this rang out the gospel raising the tensions—and the hope.Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are one in Christ Jesus.”Paul's advice/instruction was “ultimately revolutionary” though not immediately.for in time it led to the collapse of slavery as an institution.How was it revolutionary?It led to systemic change eventually.It brought “fullness of Christ” to slaves immediately.It was botha personal/domestic issue for it affected the family.today it's more a professional issue as the principles relate to our work as employers/employees.Work is so important in our culture today that it often defines people. It shouldn't but it does. “Hey, my name is. What do you do?”Transition: In a world where what we do becomes our dominate identity, we must cling to God's original definition and design for work if we are going to thrive in these chaotically evil times.Paul's outline shows 2 sides of relationships in relation to the male leader outside the home.In order of priority they are:We've already seen 1 & 2.Wives/husbands (marriage)Children/fathers (family; parentingSlaves/masters (work/culture)My Outline: (based on Kent Hughes commentary heavily)“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:22-25‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/col.3.22-25.NIVA powerful example of someone who lived out verses 22-25 is Joseph in Genesis starting in ch. 37 when he's sold into slavery by his brothers.I. A Full Life (Thrive) for servants/slaves/employees (3:22-25)—Should diligently work for their master/boss/employer.Who's side are you on, Paul? This command of submission and obedience is tough!Obey master/employerIn everythingNot as a people pleaser butWith sincerity of heartWhether boss present or notAs unto the LordFearing the Lord—Mother Teresa in Calcutta, “Taking Matthew 25 seriously, she believed that when she and her Ssiters of Charity were cleansing sores and touching the ill for Christ, they were doing it to Christ.”Don't over romanticizeMost of us are doing less than noble work; “nothing” jobs pushing paper, moving dirt, etc.This transformed the Roman empireChristian slaves brought higher prices because of this work ethicPagan slave served his master bound by fear vs. Christian slave served his master better because he feared God.Because God will reward you with an inheritance ofEither goodOr badNo partialityBased on performanceSecond judgment“All believers, though under the ultimate forgiveness of Christ, will have their works judged.” 2 Cor 5:10Paul's teaching regarding he work of slaves (employees) in the Colossian Church is found in 22-25.How should this impact our work ethic?Don't assume that if you live up to the Biblical standard that all will go well with you on the job. At times you'll be…Treated poorlyPassed over for promotions and raisesMisunderstoodWrongly accusedTaken advantage ofFired for no good reasonDon't use this to justify overworking or workaholism. Capitalism/Free enterprise is easily perverted to the worship of work or self-promotion.We should be the best workers out there. Instead, we are sometimes the opposite.2 seminary students observed to spend lots of time standing around talking about God to each otherOne student came out of the restroom after 20 minutes and said to his friend, “I just read 3 chapters of John in the john.”We should have the bestAttitudeDependability/reliabilityIntegrity/trustworthinessWe should see and value the intrinsic nobility and gift of work given to us by God. Before the Fall and sin…God called Adam “to work (the Garden) and take care of it.” (Gen 2:15)God called Adam and Even to “be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it; rule…” (Gen 1:28)II. A Full Life (Thrive) for masters/employers/bosses/owners (4:1)—Should justly provide for their slaves/servants/employees.“Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://colossians.bible/colossians-4-1Command is for masters of slaves (employers/bosses/owners today as well)Provide—slaves own little to nothing.Your provision should be just and fair. Employers, you will answer to God for how you treat your employees.These words would have sounded strange to non-Christians—slaves and masters alike—because slaves effectively had no rights.This might have been more difficult to carry out for the masters than for the slaves.If he treats his slaves “right and fair”, fellow slave owners were likely to ostracize them hurting their finances, social standing and more. Guiding reality for both master and slave: Both have the same Lord. (4:1)Reason: because you have a master too and he commands this. Fullness in life will elude you to the extent that you ignore this command.God wants us to receive fullness in our domestic and professional lives. Fullness from God follows in the wake of glad submission and glad obedience to the Lord.This fullness should overflow into our world as faithful fruitfulness to the great commission to love God and love people by making disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.Transition: The risen Lord Jesus Christ calls us to follow his design for domestic and vocational living. This is the foundation of rock the wise man built his house on in Matthew 7. When we do this, it leads us to the full life—a life of thriving in the midst of chaotic evil like we have in today's world.This leads us to live lives that demand a gospel explanation. In other words, people will see how you live and want to know why and how you live that way.This is the mission: To explain the life we live that can only be explained by the gospel. This is why gospel fluency is essential for every Christian to master. This is why we're heading towards Matthew starting at Easter. This is why we major on the New Testament in our teaching and preaching.This mindset of the great commandment and the great commission are seen in the Lord's supper where Christ calls us to look back, look up, look inside and look ahead. 1 Cor 11:23-26“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.11.23-26.NIVThis transitions us towards the Lord's Supper where we remember why we do all of this—because of what he did for us at the cross.ConclusionBack to Jesus' parable about the 2 houses and the 2 foundations:“The assumption in Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders is that our homes necessarily have to endure a barrage of torrential storms.”“The assurance of his parable is that those who build their homes according to God's blueprint can withstand life's onslaughts.”In other words:Building on the world's philosophies will lead to family and societal collapse.Building on the Lord's blueprint will lead to stability, security and peace despite the devastating storms around us.Bottom line: When we gladly submit to God's design for our work life/career/vocation, we will thrive in the fullness of life.PrayLord's Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:17-32OtherKent HughesV. Servants/Slaves/Employees (3:22-25)—Not advocating for slavery.Staying silent on this institution for the simple reason that there's a battle to be fought first that lays the foundation for victory later achieved.“Through the example of Christ, the apostles understood that the great rest need for social and cultural change was a spiritual transformation through the power of the gospel.” -Pace, p. 110VI. Masters/Bosses/Employers (4:1)—His purchase of our freedom/forgiveness establish his ownership of us.1 Cor 6:19-20; Romans 6:17-18Christ is our ultimate Lord and master, King and authority over all of us. He created us and redeems us!Christ modeled this by being equal to the Father and yet submitted to his command to come and die for us. Should we do any less?“Paul's instruction for masters and servants mirror his emphasis for all members of the household: ‘Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.'” (3:23)“This verse (3:25) summarizes and reiterates his general directive for all believers in v. 17” reminding us:WHAT we do matters “whatever you do”HOW we do it matters “do it from the heart” andWHY we do it matters “as something done for the Lord”What's your foundation: Rock or Sand?Sand—Worldview of entitlement, blame, and selfishness.Rock—Worldview of selfless, sacrificial love for all people surrendering al land gladly submitting to proper authorities starting with God at home.Hearing the word AND doing the word lead to growth in Christlike being and doing (character and competency) = FruitfulnessCross-referencesEphesians 5:21-6:9Matthew 7:24-27OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS:———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-MAIN COMMENTARY HELP:Exalting Jesus in Colossians by Scott PacePreaching the Word: Philippians, Colossians and Philemon commentary by R. Kent HughesESV Global Study BibleBible in One Year by Nicky GumbelBible Knowledge CommentaryThe Outline Bible, WilmingtonPaul for Everyone, The Prison Letters, NT Wright's commentary on Philippians and ColossiansGospel Transformation BibleNIV Study BibleThe Bible Exposition Commentary, Warren Wiersbe

Creation PursuedPursuit • January 9, 2022Teacher: Dave Brown--Psalm 8:3-5 NIVWhen I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.Why has God been pursuing His people since the beginning of time? For Love and RelationshipWe Are:1. Created Out of Love2. Created in God's Image3. Created for Relationship 1. Created out of LoveThomas AquinasWhen we say that in Him there is a procession of love, we show that God produced creatures not because He needed them,  nor because of any other extrinsic reason, but on account of the love of His own goodness.John 4:16 NIVGod is love.Genesis 1:27 NIVSo God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 2. Created in God's ImageBruce WatkeA human being is... made like God so that God can communicate himself to people. He gave people ears to show that he hears the cry of the afflicted and eyes to show that he sees the plight of the pitiful.God created us in such a way that we would be a Reflection of Him to all creation—including ourselves.Emil BrunnerThe most powerful of all spiritual forces is man's view of himself, the way in which he understands his nature and his destiny, indeed it is the force which determines all the others which influence human life.God has created us to be stewards of the Mundane, reflecting Light and Purpose into the Dark and Chaos.Genesis 2:4 NIVThis is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.Brevard Childs"What is clear in Genesis 1 is that creation is understood, not as a self-contained autonomous act, but in closest connection with redemption. The goal of creation was God's dwelling with his people, which was a vision of the future, not a return to the past."Revelation 21:3-4 NIVAnd I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 3. Created for RelationshipGod's pursuit of His people is so intense that He does not rest until we can rest in Him.

An Uncovered MysteryOctober 24 2021 • Ephesians • Week 3Teacher: Adam Barnett---Ephesians 3:6 NIVThis mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.Galatians 3:28 NIVThere is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:14-19 NIVFor this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 1. Strength in the Inner Man2 Corinthians 4:11 NIVTherefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2. The Indwelling ChristRobert Munger"The Christian life is like a house through which Jesus goes from room to room. In the library, which is the mind, Jesus finds trash and all sorts of worthless things, which he throws out and replaces with His word. In the dining room of the appetite, he finds many sinful desires listed on a worldly menu. In the place of such things as prestige, lust, and materialism, he puts humility, meekness, love, and all other virtues for which believers are to hunger and thirst. He goes into the closet, where hidden sins are kept, and so on through the entire house. Only when he had cleaned every room, closet, and corner of sin and foolishness could Christ settle down and be at home. To have Christ dwell in our hearts through faith means he is at home in every corner of our lives." 3. The Boundless Dimensions of Christ's Love 4. The Fullness of GodEphesians 3:20-21 NIVNow to him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

"...The most important one... is this: 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 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." -Mark 12:28-31 NIVThis was Jesus' eternal WHY.This was Jesus' eternal WHY for US.'Achieving your goals becomes much easier when you know WHY you want to achieve them'Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of Basketball: 'My life work is to do good to men and serve God and wherever I can do this best I want to go. My inclination and talent lies in that direction.'Q: Will you make Jesus' greatest commandments your WHY for your sport?Read, speak or yell Jesus' greatest commandments(Mark 12:28-31) each morning to start your day! 

Here's a text we love because we are the star in our own movie, and we like the sound of God's voice in this declaration.  We like the idea of God's plan being to prosper us and not to harm us. It could easily be the weekly verse to cite among those who preach a prosperity gospel (which is not gospel at all). Without context, it appears to offer a guarantee that in the end, life will be okay, and that the general path we are on is one of prosperity.  If we've adopted this understanding and then really bad stuff happens, we may get mad at God for not fulfilling a promise he never made! Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - NIVThis week one of our #fhcTAKEAWAYS asked:   How can this word from God, even in context, still encourage you when you seem to be stuck in hard times? This week if you are finding yourself “stuck in hard times”, please reach out with a prayer request or a prayer for someone in our faith community.  Please send your prayer or request via voicemail or text to remain anonymous, please share from the FHC Mobile App or use one of the following:■ Text/Voicemail:  407-965-1607■ Email:  podcast@hospitalchurch.org■ FHC Mobile App:  Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links■ Social Media:  #fhcPODCAST / #fhcTAKEAWAYSTune in every Wednesday as we take a look back at our prior week's message for unique takeaways, added perspective, and a peek at the upcoming message at the Florida Hospital Church.  Thank you for listening and if you've enjoyed this episode please share it on social media.  Our show is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker!  Be sure to join us next week for Episode 174!Find all of the #fhcTAKEAWAYS in the FHC Mobile App under “This Week” on the FHC Tab and they will be included with their corresponding message!Watch the message that this episode is based on in the FHC Mobile App by clicking on Media/Archives/A Case For Kindness or go to our website: http://hospitalchurch.org/sermon/texts-we-love-to-misuse-plans-to-prosper/ (http://hospitalchurch.org/sermon/texts-we-love-to-misuse-plans-to-prosper/)Download our App by going to our website: http://hospitalchurch.org/fhcapp (http://hospitalchurch.org/fhcapp)Say hello on Twitter; https://twitter.com/floridahc (https://twitter.com/floridahc), Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/hospitalchurch/ (https://www.facebook.com/hospitalchurch/); Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/floridahc/ (https://www.instagram.com/floridahc/); and use the #hashtags:  #fhcpodcast #fhctakeaways #fhcinspires #hospitalchurch #TextsWeLoveToMisuse