Podcasts about old covenant

The Old and New Covenant: A Conversation with Dr. David MathewsonIn this insightful episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane sit down with Dr. David Mathewson to unpack the profound differences—and connections—between the Old and New Covenants. Dr. Mathewson, a respected biblical scholar, brings clarity and depth to understanding why the new covenant, promised in Scripture and fulfilled in Christ, changes everything about how we relate to God. Join us for a rich conversation full of biblical wisdom, practical insight, and encouragement to embrace the better promises found in Jesus.____________________________________Connect with Dr. David Mathewson:Website: https://denverseminary.edu/directory/mathewson-phd-david-lEmail David: EMAILConnect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams____________________________________ Get Jamie's Newest Book:Living Loved: An 8-week Journey to Living Fully Loved

Psalm 91,He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place — the Most High, who is my refuge —10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Why does Psalm 91 exist?One reason is because threats to human life exist. Whether wars or wildfires; earthquakes or illnesses; hurricanes or heart attacks — threats to human life, hazards to human flourishing — they exist. And they're plenty in number, many in form, and perennially active. And have been since Genesis three, and humanity's exit from Eden.And so the question then becomes, how do you live, as a human, in a world, that's loaded with threats to human life? How do you live as a human who's: Not covered in steel-plating, but flesh. Not taller than the mountains, but shorter than the ceilings. Not immune to disease, but prone to it. Not beyond disaster, but within range of it. Not personally immortal, nor having loved ones who are immortal, but living as a mom, or dad, or sister, or brother, or friend, who's not even been promised tomorrow, let alone this afternoon?How do you live, as a human, in a world, that's loaded with threats to human life? You could lock your doors, and try to avoid reality. You could close your eyes and try to ignore reality. Or, you could face reality from a place of refuge. Why does Psalm 91 exist? Yes, because threats to life are real, and because refuge is available. And as we're going to see in Psalm 91, this refuge is in a God who is powerful, personal, faithful, and just.Let's pray and ask God for his help before going further.So, Psalm 91, a Psalm for finding refuge in God who is powerful, personal, faithful, and just. Let's begin with that first one — powerful. God, your refuge, is powerful.PowerfulLook with me at verse one. Psalm 91:1, where God is referred to twice, and by to two different titles:“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”Most High and Almighty — two terms communicating complete superiority over all things.He is not just high, but Most High. Meaning that no human ruler nor so-called god ever rises above him. When God looks up, he sees no thing and acknowledges no one. He is Most High.And he is the Almighty. Having all power and all authority throughout all the universe. Reality is entirely contingent upon him, and never the other way around.God, your refuge, is powerful, brothers and sisters. His titles in Psalm 91 assert this, as does his activity. See with me down in verse 11. Psalm 91, verse 11, where it says of God:“For he will command his angels…” Now, admittedly, that may not strike you right away as a verse that communicates God's power. And the reason for that is because in our modern minds, we tend to think of angels as being small, harmless, and kinda like children in form. And so for God to command them in verse 11, well, it doesn't strike us as being all that impressive.But when it comes to how the Bible actually talks about angels, almost nothing could be further from the truth. Friends, angels in the Bible are fearful beings. Just ask Zechariah in the Temple (Luke 1:12), or the shepherds in the field (Luke 2:9), or Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 8:17), or Cornelius in Caesarea (Acts 10:4) — when angels show up, people run for cover. When angels show up, people collapse in fright — cowering before the colossal power of these magnificent ones.But not God. No, as God sits on his throne in heaven ever surrounded by a vast army of these mighty ones — God unhesitatingly commands each and every one of them, and they obey him. They bow down to him. They recognize the immeasurable gap between their relative greatness and his, and act accordingly. God command his angels.Do you believe God is powerful? Do you believe he has total authority? You may fear political tension. You may fear economic turmoil. You may fear disease and disorders. You may fear vandalism and robbery. And as you fear those things, the size of each one might only ever seem to grow larger and larger in your mind. Consider God. Consider the almighty. Consider the commander of angels. Consider the one in whose hands the hearts of kings are like streams of water.Cities Church, looking out upon a world that's loaded with threats: find your refuge in one who is powerful — the Most High, Almighty, and commander-of-angels powerful. God, your refuge, is powerful. And, he is personal as well.PersonalLook again with me at verse one, and consider for a moment just how fantastic of a thing it is that God being the supreme authority that he is nevertheless calls his people near to him. The Maker of the universe beckons his 5-foot-tall, highly vulnerable, injury-prone people, “Come close to me.”See it with me, verse one:“He who dwells, in the shelter, of the Most High…”He who dwells in — not he who lingers nearby, or remains just outside, but dwells in — the shelter of the Most High.Now, make no mistake, this is personal proximity to God. Personal proximity to the one who speaks worlds into being. Yes, there is language here in this psalm of shelter and refuge and fortress, but don't for a moment think that connotes anything like a building. For the shelter of the Most High, at least in Psalm 91, is not a building; it's God himself.See it with me in the second part of verse one. For it is not within a bunch of high walls that we are to dwell. Nor behind a set of heavy gates that we are to abide. No, but it's “…in the shadow of the Almighty.” See, he is the covering. His shadow is the shelter.And that's why, in verse two, the psalmist says not that God has a refuge, but that God is “My refuge and my fortress.” And even further, down in verse 9:“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place...”Not the Lord's house, but “the Lord” himself. Psalm 91 is saying God's proximity is our security. So, God is personal. We see an even more intimate picture of this in verses 3-4 where, amazingly, the psalmist has us looking upon our situation from the perspective of a helpless baby bird. Look at it with me, verses 3-4:“For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler [a fowler is a person who hunts or traps birds] and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions [feathers], and under his wings you will find refuge;”So, baby-bird-in-a-nest-type imagery is what we've got here.Now, it just so happens that a few weeks back, I actually got a real life look at this. The kids and I had, yet again, gone over to the neighbor's yard to get a look at his pet frogs. We we're standing over in his yard when all of a sudden, I began to hear this kind of high-pitched chirping coming from the bush behind me.So I turned and looked into the bush, and sure enough saw deep within the branches, one single thinly framed, lightly feathered, baby cardinal, sitting in its nest. I was not intimidated by this bird. It appeared to me as neither strong nor ferocious. In fact, just one look at this tiny bird, and I think you'd agree with me that this thing stood no chance against the many other predators lurking all around it. No chance.This is where the psalmist brings us in verses 3-4. This is where he frames up our situation, saying, you are the baby bird in this picture. You, in and of yourself, are totally vulnerable to all that is around you. You're totally vulnerable to:Verse 3, the snare of the fowler and deadly pestilence.Verse 5, the terrors of the night, and arrows by day.Verse 6, pestilence that stalks in darkness and destruction that wastes at noonday.In and of yourself, you are totally vulnerable to it all, and yet, you need not fear. In fact, verse 5, you will not fear. And we think, why wouldn't I fear? Why would I not be afraid? Why should I not go running for cover?Answer: Because of the wings.Verse 4:“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge…”In other words, look up — Christian, you've got wings over you. You've got your protector watching over you. You're under the shelter of the wings that rule the world. You live under those wings. You can face every trial underneath those wings. You never need leave the wings.What do you most fear in life? Illness. A car accident. Natural disaster. Death of a loved one. Go ahead, don't ignore it, put it right out there in front of you. And now, see Him, God himself, your refuge all about you. How does your fear change when facing it from the shelter of God? When facing it with God, and in God, and near God? Threats exist, but so do the wings. Cities Church, in a world loaded with threats to human life: find your refuge in God who is personal (covers you with wings).And, third, faithful. God is faithful.FaithfulNow, here is where I want us to recognize a tension. A tension some of you may be feeling in this moment. A tension that some of you began feeling the moment this psalm was read. And it is a tension between what it seems this psalm could be saying and what we know throughout history has in fact occurred.I mean, we've got world history — which tells of innumerable Christians, innumerable people who found their refuge in God, who ended up being persecuted, tortured, and even martyred for their faith. You've got that in world history, and you've got your own personal history: That day you did get the diagnosis, that evening you did get in the car accident, that morning you did get the phone call, that night the terror did show up, that day the arrow did sink deep, that noontime the destruction did come about.And so when you read verse 4…“His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”…You might think, is it? It seems some things have gotten past his shield. Some enemies have pierced through his shield.Or, when you read over all these “will” promises from Psalm 91:“For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler” (v. 3).“He will cover you with his pinions” (v. 4).“I will deliver him; I will protect him” (v. 14).You might think, did he cover me? Did he protect me? Or when you read the even more sweeping statements like:“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you (v. 7).“No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent” (v. 10).You might think, Christians have fallen. Evil has come near.It makes us wonder: How do you understand God's Psalm 91 faithfulness in light of life experience?Another way to ask it: How do you read Psalm 91 as a Christian?As a ChristianFirst, you recognize that even within this very psalm there's a hint of the fact that not every trouble in life will be avoided. Note verse 15:“When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble;”Not, “I will keep him from trouble,” but “In the trouble, there I will be with him.” So, the shadow doesn't leave. The wings don't fly away. God stays, but, at least here, the trouble stays as well. So, that's the first thing. Here's the second: Recognize Psalm 91 was first written to Israel under the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant which did contain literal promises for physical safety that were contingent upon the peoples' faithfulness.And so when those members of the Old Covenant read Psalm 91, they likely took every one of these promises to be literally true, and were basically right to do so, assuming they were following the Laws of Moses.But, as the church, we're not Old Covenant Israel. We're members of the New Covenant which, while being so much better than the old, contains no promise of worldly safety. Safety, to be sure, but of a far greater order and greater scope than mere safety in this life.As an example, Jesus says in Luke 21:16-19,“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But [and catch this] not a hair of your head will perish.”You're going to die, but not a hair of your head will perish. Safety, yes, but a safety stretching well past the vapor that is this life.Or, from Romans 8:“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”In other words, these things may happen to you, and Paul even adds…“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” But can any of it separate you from Christ? Verse 37:“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”You see, there's a safety of a different order that's been promised us as Christians. A safety that's far more long lasting, far more secure, and far more satisfying. Knowing that can help us get perspective here as we read these very specific promises in Psalm 91. The promise of safety that God gives us as Christians is not less than Psalm 91, but greater. Last one: How do you read Psalm 91 as a Christian? First, note the hint of trouble even in Psalm 91: “Be with you in trouble.” Second, note the difference between safety in the Old Covenant verses safety in the New.Third, note how Jesus responded when Satan quoted it.Jesus and Psalm 91Now, turn with me to Luke 4. It's in the New Testament. I really want you to see this with me so grab your Bible and find the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4. The setting is just after Jesus officially began his ministry. Baptized by John, filled with the Spirit, Jesus has walked out into the wilderness for a forty-day solo journey without food. He's starving — literally starving — by the time we see him in Luke 4. And there we find Satan whispering in his ear. He first tempts Jesus to turn the stones into bread. Jesus refuses. He'll keep starving.He then tempts Jesus toward riches and idolatry — “worship me and I'll give you worldly splendor.” Jesus refuses. He'll keep serving God only. Then, Satan quotes Psalm 91. Why? Why would Satan quote Scripture? Wouldn't that run entirely counter to his schemes? Wouldn't Scripture just spur Jesus onward?See it with me in Luke 4:9,And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written [Psalm 91:11-12],“‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,'11 and“‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'”And so it is Psalm 91, but set up as a question… “If you are the Son of God,” and a challenge… “throw yourself down from here.”The intended effect is clear: to take what is a testimony to God's faithfulness and turn it into a set of criteria for testing God's faithfulness.Satan is saying, “If you really believe Psalm 91, Jesus, then make God prove it in this particular way and at this particular time.”Now, let's ask: What does Psalm 91, no-evil-shall-befall-you, trust in God's faithfulness look like in such a moment? What does Psalm 91, trust in God's faithfulness look like when trouble comes and you are, like Jesus, staring it right in the face?When you get home from travel and realize that while you were away, the house was broken into; or when you pull up your bank statement, recognize your credit card got stolen, you've been robbed; or when the boss calls you in, fires you without reason or explanation; or the car gets backed into; the cough gets worse; the teenage rebellion continues; the doctor calls you and gives you the diagnosis you've always feared. Does it look like:“God, you must now prove to me your faithfulness by protecting me in this exact way?”“God, if you are who you say you are, then you must rescue me at this exact time.”“God, here are my Psalm 91 criteria, you better toe-the-line or I won't believe you.” Or does it look like Luke 4:12?…And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'”You see it? Psalm 91 trust says: Father, because I know that you are who you are, I trust you to guard me in your way and your time. I don't need you to prove yourself to me; all I need you to do is keep me under your wings.God is faithful, brothers and sisters. His wings won't lift. He'll be with you in the trouble. Your safety, in him, is sure and lasting. What can separate you from Christ? Nothing. You are more than a conqueror through him.Cities Church, in a world loaded with threats to human life, find your refuge in God who is faithful — in his time, in his way, for your eternal security.Now, last point, and this will be very quick. God is powerful, personal, faithful and, lastly, just. JustPsalm 91:8,“You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.”Another way to render that word recompense is judgement. In other words, Christian, there may be a gap between the moment trouble comes and the moment trouble leaves. There may be a time between the hurt and the healing. There may be a difference between what you are expecting in heaven, and what you're experiencing on earth. There may be a prolonged season in which you need to fight to keep believing that God is who he says he is. There may be decades in which it seems you're not more than a conqueror, but a conquered one, whose enemy is just having a field day. Nevertheless, your eyes will see your enemy bite the dust. Your eyes will see your enemy fleeing in terror. Your eyes will see Jesus, your King, come again, and condemn all who ever wronged you and remained unrepentant.No one gets away with anything with God. No injustice will ultimately stand. It may linger for a time, the gap may remain. It will end. God will make it end. God is just. You will, one day, “look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.”And so, Cities Church… In a world loaded with threats to human life, find your refuge in God who is powerful enough to command the angels, and personal enough to cover you with his wings, and faithful enough to keep you in him through all of life, and just enough to punish any evil ever committed against you. The TableNow, what brings us to the table this morning is the fact that not only did Jesus trust his Father while suffering in a desert, but also while hanging on a cross… On that day when the terror of the night in Gethsemane gave way to the arrows of the day through his hands and feet. On that day when the people challenged: “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him.” On that day when Jesus took his final breath and kept trusting:“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”This table reminds us of our savior who died trusting, and then rose again three days later. Our savior who now invites all who believe in him to eat with anticipation for the day when we'll eat with him in heaven with all life's threats finally and forever behind us. That's what this table represents.I gladly invite those who are trusting in Jesus to take and eat this meal with us. If you've not put your trust in Jesus, we ask that you'd let the elements pass for now, but encourage you in this moment — turn to Jesus. Ask him to become your refuge. You need one. The threats are real. You're human. And God is inviting you, right now, find your refuge in him by faith.

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask insightful questions on a variety of Catholic topics. Discussion includes the history and value of the Liturgy of the Hours for laypeople, Church teaching on keeping cremated ashes at home, and how miracles are evaluated in the canonization process when multiple saints are invoked. Other questions address the origin of John the Baptist's baptism, the theological distinction between infant baptism and Old Covenant circumcision, and whether someone who doesn't attend Mass may receive Communion during a hospice visit. Also covered are explanations of patron saints for Protestant audiences and concerns about receiving a Shinto omamori charm. A wide-ranging episode filled with clarity on Catholic doctrine, sacramental theology, and respectful interfaith dialogue. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 06:17 – What is the history of the Liturgy of the Hours and how can it benefit a layperson? 14:24 – What is the significance of receiving an omamori charm (Japanese Shinto) for marriage, and why is it advised not to hang it in a car? 19:09 – What is the origin of the baptism practiced and preached by John the Baptist? 22:51 – What is the Church's teaching regarding keeping ashes at home? Additionally, is it permissible for a non-practicing Catholic to receive communion during a hospice visit? 34:10 – In the canonization process, how is a miracle attributed specifically to one saint when people praying may also ask for the intercession of other saints? 44:04 – How can patron saints be explained to Protestants? How is the practice of having a Mass said for someone communicated to those unfamiliar with Catholic traditions? 52:22 – If infant circumcision was used to bring people into the Old Covenant and infant baptism brings people into the New Covenant, why is infant baptism not condemned as a “work of the law” while circumcision is?

Send us a textAre Christians still under the Law of Moses? Should followers of Jesus today keep Torah commandments like the Sabbath, dietary restrictions, or temple sacrifices? In this episode, we take a clear and careful look at what the Bible teaches about the Mosaic Law, its purpose, and its fulfillment in Christ. We'll explore how the Old Covenant law reveals God's character, why it was given to Israel, and how the New Covenant changes everything for believers today.Whether you've wrestled with Torah-observant teachings or are simply curious about how law and grace fit together, this study in biblical theology will give you a solid foundation grounded in Scripture.We'll answer:What does “the law” mean in the Bible?Was the law meant for everyone?Do Christians need to obey Old Testament commands?How does Jesus fulfill the Law?What role does grace play in the life of a Christian?Affiliate Note: I first studied biblical Hebrew remotely through the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies. If you're interested in learning Biblical Hebrew (or even Aramaic or Greek), check out their courses using the affiliate link below. It's a great way to deepen your understanding of God's Word!

Fr. Mike breaks down the various ways the Eucharist fulfills the sacrifices of bread and wine of the Old Covenant and explains why the Eucharist is central to God's plan of salvation. We learn that the Eucharist is a pledge of God's love for each one of us and a tangible reminder that Jesus is always with us. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1333-1340. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Old Covenant was not without fault. Flesh was the issue. IF it had been faultless then there would have been no need for another Covenant to be made....The NEW Covenant is far superior in that all shall know the Lord, from the least to the greatest!

Fr. Evan answers your questions about how new parishes are consecrated, the status of the Old Covenant, the origins of the catechumenate, and more in this week's episode of Orthodoxy Live!

When someone says the word prophet, what do you think of? The label conjures up all sorts of images - a robed figure gazing into a crystal ball or a wild man dressed in camel hair, eating wild insects and raving about the end of the world!  Prophets have always been around - in the biblical tradition and beyond it. Among the Hebrews, prophets played a key role in expressing God's will for the nation, but something significant happened to their role after Jesus came. There's still prophets in the Church today, but what do they do and how do we know who they are? How are they different from the prophets in Old Covenant or prophets outside the biblical tradition? On this show, we're talking about the prophet's role in the contemporary church with a globally recognised prophet based out of South Africa: Andre Bronkhorst. You'll hear about: Andre's surprising initial encounter with God's voice as he was contemplating ending his life at age 16. God seemed to say the exact opposite of what Andre felt he deserved. The experience changed his life and set him on course to learn more about the voice of Holy Spirit. God's redemptive approach to communication. God speaks to awake our potential and the fullness of who we were created to be. God sees in us what we can't see in ourselves! Andre's calling to be a prophet which was sparked by a divinely co-ordinated ministry appointment.  How Andre has been used of God to minister in churches that have previously shut down prophetic ministry. Andre shares how God has used him to introduce an approach that promotes safety and maturity. Andre's understanding of a prophet and how they function in the church today. The primary difference between the Old and New Covenant centres on the coming of Jesus. Jesus modelled prophetic ministry (Hebrews 1:1-3) and initiated an era where the main purpose of prophecy is to strengthen our relationship with God. The main task of the prophet then is to equip the saints to hear the voice of God and follow (rather than reflect on world events) (Ephesians 4:11,12). In Jesus' day, there was a lot of political events that took place, but Jesus never got involved with that. He never gave his opinion. That's the model that we follow. There's going to be wars and calamities. But our focus (as a prophet) is to get people back into God's assignment. To help fix your eyes on Jesus.  Specifically, Andre sees his purpose in helping people identify how God speaks to them and help them to walk in that. Andre tells of the danger of prophets who draw on Old Testament models so that people come to him to hear God for them: I love to prophesy, but it's far greater to train and equip people to hear God's voice personally. I'm very careful not to become sort of mediator. The problem with the tendency of prophets to give a “word for the year.” Andre reflects on how this works if every church, community, nation is different. The false idea of the prophet's role being to predict the future. Andre shows how God invites us to participate in his plan rather than speaking through fatalistic pronouncements. As a New Testament prophet, we don't give predictions - we give invitations. The model of the New Testament which points to the existence of prophets in every local church. Subscribe to God Conversations with Tania Harris and never miss an episode! About Andrê Bronkhorst Andrê Bronkhorst is a globally recognized prophetic voice with a passion for equipping and empowering the Body of Christ. With over a two decades of ministry experience, he is dedicated to bringing clarity, direction, and encouragement through the prophetic word. Known for his accuracy and Spirit-led guidance, Prophet Andre helps individuals and churches align with God's purpose for their lives. His ministry focuses on raising up prophetic leaders, teaching biblical principles, and demonstrating the heart of God in every encounter.

Topics: Understanding Old and New Covenants, Mixing Old and New Covenants, Old Covenant, New Covenant, The Danger of Mixing Covenants, Overcoming Legalism, Buffet Line Commandments, Random Bible Application, Carnage from Not Separating Covenants, Jesus Taught the Law's Standard, Matthew 5:17 Law's Purpose, 2 Corinthians 3:6 Letter Kills, Jesus Explained Paradoxes, Impossible Behavior Passages, Matthew 5 & 6 Strict Law, John 1:12 Believing in Jesus Only, John 8:32 Freedom in Truth, Context in the Bible, The Cross as the Dividing Line, Hebrews 7:22 Blood for New Covenant, Colossians 1:26-27 World Saved by Faith, Ephesians 2:12 Gentiles Without Hope, Jesus' Ministry for Jews Only, Exodus 24:8 Covenant with Israel, Galatians 4:4-5 Christ Born Under Law, Galatians 3:28 One in Christ, Hebrews 8:6, Matthew 15:21-28 Canaanite Woman, Lost Sheep of Israel, Unbelief and Self-Righteousness, Galatians 4:4 Christ Redeemed Under Law, John 1:17 Law vs. Grace, Mark 2:22 New Wine New Wineskins, Romans 7:12 Law is Perfect, Galatians 3:24 Law as a Tutor, John 14:6 Jesus The Way, Bursting Wineskins, Old Does Not Mean Correct, Matthew 23:9 Call No Man Father, Revelation 2:4, Early Church Divisions, Romans 3:19 Law Silences, Deuteronomy 6:25 Obeying for Righteousness, Psalm 1:2 Meditate on Law, Joshua 1:8 Prosperity by Obedient Behavior, Matthew 11:28-30 Rest in Christ, Matthew 19:24 Rich Man and Heaven, Matthew 21:12 Jesus Flips Tables, Matthew 23:27-28 Repentance of Unbelief, Philippians 3:1-9 Christ Our Everything, Luke 10:38-42 Martha and Mary, Luke 15:15-32 Parable of Prodigal Son, Matthew 20:1-16 Parable of Talents, Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of Vineyard Workers, Matthew 5:48 Be Perfect Like God, Deuteronomy 4:2 Keep All Commandments, Galatians 3:10 Cursed by Law, Matthew 23:23 Tithing Rebuked, 2 Corinthians 9:7 Give Freely, Ephesians 1:3 Blessed in Christ, Guilt and Condemnation, 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Ministry of Death, Galatians 2:19 Dead to Law, Romans 7:4 Released from Law, John 13:34-35 Jesus' Two Commandments, 1 John 3:23 Believe and Love, Matthew 22:36-40 Greatest Commandment in Law, 1 John 5:3 Jesus' Commandments Not Burdensome, Deuteronomy 4:2 Moses' Commandments Burdensome, John 3:16 God's Love, Romans 5:8 Christ Died for Us, Abrahamic Covenant, Receive by Faith, New Perfect SpiritSupport the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Subject: Romans 7:1-6 Speaker or Performer: R.G. Murray Scripture Passage(s): Romans 7:1-6 Date of Delivery: June 29, 2025

Subject: Romans 7:1-6 Speaker or Performer: R.G. Murray Scripture Passage(s): Romans 7:1-6 Date of Delivery: June 29, 2025

In this sermon, No King but Jesus, we consider how the wisdom of Ecclesiastes helps us find our place in the unfolding story of redemptive history. With clarity and conviction, we trace a covenantal shift: under the Old Covenant, the throne belonged to David; under the New Covenant, it belongs to Christ. That shift redefines our citizenship, calling us to live as exiles and sojourners in a world that is not our home. Rather than trying to resurrect a New Christendom or reclaim earthly dominance, we are summoned to faithful presence—submitting to governing authorities, honoring the king, but pledging ultimate allegiance to the King of kings. As we await the return of Jesus, we learn to dethrone our misplaced hopes and live wisely under the reign of Christ, who alone holds the throne forever.Time:MorningMinister:Rev. Taylor KernTexts:Ecclesiastes 7:25—8:9Series:Ecclesiastes

So how does it end? How do the pieces of Isaiah fit together? Well, today we dive into Isaiah 66 and see the Lord's glorious plan for His Servant, His people and His kingdom. Join us in this exciting conclusion to this wonderful book! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    As we wrap up our study in the book of Isaiah, what key truths were taught about sin in the following verses:  a.    Isaiah 1:3 b.    Isaiah 59:2 c.    Isaiah 64:6  2.    What key truths are taught about the New Kingdom and her King in the following verses:  a.    Isaiah 2:2 b.    Isaiah 7:14 c.    Isaiah 9:1 d.    Isaiah 9:7 e.    Isaiah 11:2 3.    In Isaiah 66, verse 1, what can mankind make for God to dwell in? Why? According to verse 2, where does the Lord abide? Who might abide with Him? What does it mean to tremble at the Word of God? Would you say that this phrase describes your disposition to the Lord and His Word?  4.    Verse 3 describes the religious hypocrisy of Isaiah's day. What does it sound like the people were doing? Why was this the equivalent of sacrificing dogs and pigs? Does God embrace this kind of worship? How do people make up their own worship today? Why might the Lord reject that worship too?  5.    How does verse 4 show that the people's worship was truly hypocritical? How might a person today act like they are listening to God when they're really not? 6.    In verse 5, the people who tremble at God's Word even face persecution from their own family. What does it look like in this verse? Have you ever seen this kind of persecution in our world today? How does a person's resilience in the face of persecution demonstrate the genuineness of their trust in the Lord?  7.    In verse 6, what is the Lord's response to those who revile His people? What kind of confidence should this give to God's people when they're facing persecution for the Lord? 8.    Verses 7 to 9 is speaking of how the Lord will form a new people and give birth to a new nation. In light of everything we've studied so far in the book of Isaiah, what is this new nation being spoken of here? What kind of hope do you think the Lord intends to convey to His people in these verses? Why would they need this kind of encouragement?  9.    In verses 10 to 14, what is the appropriate response to this work of God? How was the Lord guiding Jerusalem to fulfill her purpose to be a spiritual mother to the nations of the world? 10.    How does the arrival of this new nation also bring judgment in verses 15 to 18? Why?  11.    Verse 19 speaks of how the Lord will send messengers throughout the world. What will be the result of their ministry in verse 20? What is a grain offering? What is the significance of these people being grain offerings to the Lord? 12.    Think about the statement in verse 21 that these people from the nations will be legitimate priests and Levites. Under the Old Covenant, how did a person become a priest? What kind of selection process did they undergo? Why are these Gentiles given such a privileged role and place in this new nation? 13.    In verse 23, how long will this new nation and these new people last? What will all mankind do before the Lord? What does this also say about the endurance of the people's worship? 14.    Read over verse 24, what is the final point of the Book of Isaiah? How is this still a warning to the world today? 15.    Think back to what we have learned from Isaiah about this coming kingdom. Has this kingdom come yet? In this study of Isaiah, how have you seen what it means to be living in light of this future kingdom? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Send us a textAre the teachings of the First Fruits of Zion ministry safe for your church? We speak with David Harris, Ph.D, a Jewish believer in Jesus, and pastor Randy Powell, an expert on FFOZ, on this question. Prof. Solberg gets their reaction to 5 video clips from  FFOZ founder, Boaz Michael. The panel addresses the controversial claim of an “incomplete gospel,” analyzing the theological roots and consequences of such a belief. They highlight the dangers of Torah-centric teachings that risk shifting the focus away from Christ and toward Old Covenant practices. Topics include the role of the Torah in Christianity, the identity of believers in the gospel, and the balance between holiness and legalism. The panel also explores the implications of the Hebrew Roots movement, including the risks of cult-like behavior and theological confusion within churches. With a clear call for discernment, this video challenges viewers to align their faith firmly with the gospel of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant teachings of Scripture.Affiliate Note: I first studied biblical Hebrew remotely through the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies. If you're interested in learning Biblical Hebrew (or even Aramaic or Greek), check out their courses using the affiliate link below. It's a great way to deepen your understanding of God's Word!

For the past several days, we've been looking at the kingdom that our Lord will establish one day. Today, in our study of Isaiah 55, we'll see that as amazing at it is, our Lord offers the nations a place in this kingdom. So, Isaiah 55 is a key chapter because is shows us that God's plan, all along, was for both Jews and Gentiles to be one people under God.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:  1.    Verse 1 opens with an invitation. What is the invitation and who is it given to? Why is this important for the overall theme and perspective of the Book of Isaiah?  2.    Verses 1 & 2 also talk about the payment required to embrace this offer. What is the payment required? What New Testament term speaks of this kind of payment?  3.    What is the “everlasting covenant” spoken of in verse 3? Considering your answer to question 1, from verse 1, who is this covenant being made with? 4.    The term “Everlasting Covenant” was also used in Isaiah 61, Jeremiah 32, Ezekiel 16 & 37 and then in Hebrews 13:20. What covenant is this referring to?   5.    The podcast pointed out that the Everlasting Covenant was specifically made with individuals. Although the Old Covenant (the Mosaic Covenant) was also individual in nature, it was ultimately made with the nation of Israel. How is the New Covenant different? Why is this difference important to understanding what it means for us to personally and individually enter into covenant with the Lord?  6.    Take a moment to read over verse 6 and rewrite this in your own words, making a special point to apply this principle to your own life.  7.    Verse 7 gives a clear picture of repentance. Does this describe your walk with the Lord? What wicked ways have you forsaken? What unrighteous thoughts have you turned from? What is the promise of verse 7 to those to repent like this?  8.    What is the point behind verses 8 & 9? Why is it important for us to know these truths if we're going to walk faithfully according to our covenant with the Lord?  9.    What impact does God's Word have, in verse 11? Why is this important for us to know when we're teaching God's Word to others?  10.    Verse 12 pictures the kind of joy that will accompany those who enter into covenant with the Lord and follow Him. Why does following God have this result in our lives? Have there been times when you have not felt like this? In light of Christ's exhortations for us to pick up our cross and follow Him, how would you counsel someone who is following God but suffering pain as a result?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

What is the last Day? Is there a last day upon the earth. Was Jesus speaking of a physical last day when He told them, recorded in John, He would raise them up IN THE LAST DAY. Here is another view of that. While there was a last day of the Old Covenant and the things that pertain to it, I believe Jesus Christ Himself is the last Day. When we come into Him, we come into a new day. This is not a natural day, and it doesn't require natural light to see, but we see in this day through the light of HIs Revelation.

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-18-25-noise-removed.mp3 Few topics ignite more heated debate among Christians than tithing. Is it a timeless expectation for God's people, or a relic of the Old Covenant? Passion runs deep on both sides. Tithers often view non-tithers as greedy or lacking faith, while skeptics of tithing accuse its defenders of legalism. In this panel, the Maynardville Fellowship elders tackle the real heart issues beneath the controversy; exploring generosity, humility, and how to walk with conviction without dividing the Body.

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism. Fr. Mike emphasizes that each and every one of the Old Covenant prefigurations are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He also unpacks Christ's own Baptism in the Jordan, explaining that when Christ is baptized by John the Baptist, he brings the “mess of humanity” into the Jordan with him and makes the waters of Baptism holy. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1223-1228. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

Together, we begin the chapter on the sacraments of initiation, specifically the section on the sacrament of Baptism. Fr. Mike unpacks the different names that the Church employs when discussing Baptism, such as the “washing of regeneration and renewal” and “enlightenment.” He concludes with a reflection on the prefigurations of Baptism in the Old Covenant. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1210-1222. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

On this episode of Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson, I explain why I've shifted to a neutral stance on the Israel-Iran conflict. While mainstream media pressures us to “pick a side,” Scripture tells a deeper story, one that's not bound by modern borders or politics.Christians are the true Israel, not by race or nation, but by faith in Christ. The Church is the chosen people of God, not a geopolitical state. So why are we being told that standing with the a government equals standing with God?We'll unpack the phrase “Judeo-Christian”—what it really means (and what it doesn't)—and discuss how religiously manipulative narratives can cloud our judgment. Supporting everything any group does (whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim) is not biblical discernment. It's idolatry.None of us are perfect. Not every Christian represents Christ well, and not every Jew or Muslim represents their faith's ideals either. So let's step back, seek the truth, and refuse to be emotionally blackmailed into blind allegiance.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

Because the Sabbath command was given as a sign of the old covenant that has been fulfilled with the coming of Christ, we must now rest our faith in Him, submitting the whole of our lives to His Lordship. I. The Law of the Sabbath Was Central to God's Old Covenant with the Nation of Israel Ex 20:8-11 (1) It was the Law of the Land (2) It was a Sign of the Covenant (3) It was a Test of their Faith II. The Sabbath Principle of Rest from Labor Points Us to the Goodness of God (1) The Gift of Work and Rest (2) The Grace of Compassion to Others (3) Our need to find rest in Christ by Faith III. We are no longer under the Law of the Sabbath because we have something far better in Christ! Col 2:16-17 (1) Jesus is the Substance of Salvation the OT Shadows like the Sabbath only pointed to! (2) We Keep Sabbath, not by resting on a Day, but by resting by faith in Christ! (3) In the New Covenant we don't have a Sabbath Day to keep, but a Lord's Day to Celebrate!

To be marked by the Spirit means to be identified as God's own, sealed, branded, and set apart by His presence within you. It is not primarily about speaking in tongues or having emotional moments, but about receiving the promised Holy Spirit through faith in Christ.This Spirit is the guarantee of your salvation, the agent of sanctification, and the proof that you belong to God. Just like circumcision marked the people of God in the Old Covenant, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit marks believers in the New covenant.We pray that as you listen to this sermon, you grow in the knowledge of God.

The Day of Pentecost was one of the many feasts prescribed by God in the Old Covenant for His people to remember His mighty works on their behalf. All of the Old Covenant feasts were types that always pointed to something Christ would later fulfill. Today, we consider the fulfillment of Pentecost on the day of the birth of Christ's Church, His manifest Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. At Pentecost, we have been granted the opportunity to live a life as Moses who ascended the mountain, fellowshipped with God, and descended radiating from the glory of the God He has beheld in that blessed fellowship. We have had the fellowship with God restored to us that we lost at the fall of mankind.

Ever wondered about the visible signs of God's covenants? This episode explores one of the most profound questions in biblical theology: What is the visible representation of God's covenant with King David?Pastor Heath Lambert dives deep into covenant theology, explaining how God uses visible signs to represent invisible relationships. Discover why Jesus sitting on His heavenly throne is the ultimate fulfillment and visible sign of the Davidic covenant, and what this means for believers today.KEY TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Introduction: The visible sign of the Davidic Covenant1:04 - What is a covenant? Biblical relationships explained1:46 - Why covenants have visible signs2:40 - Examples of covenant signs: Rainbow (Noah), Circumcision (Abraham)3:46 - Sabbath as sign of the Old Covenant at Sinai4:46 - New Covenant signs: Baptism and Lord's Supper5:29 - The Davidic Covenant explained (2 Samuel 7:12-13)6:41 - Jesus as fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant7:52 - Two ways to fulfill an eternal covenant8:24 - The visible sign revealed: Jesus on His throne9:00 - Why you don't have to see it for it to be "visible"10:03 - Eternal perspective: We will see Him reignKEY POINTS- Covenants Are Biblical Relationships: God uses covenants as the organizing structure for His relationship with humanity and the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.- Visible Signs Make Invisible Relationships Real: Since we can't see spiritual relationships, God provides tangible signs we can observe - rainbows, circumcision, Sabbath, baptism, and communion.- The Davidic Covenant Promises an Eternal King: God promised David that someone from his family line would sit on the throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12-13).- Jesus Fulfills the Covenant Perfectly: Rather than an endless succession of mortal kings, Jesus - as David's descendant - reigns eternally, never needing replacement.- Christ's Heavenly Throne is the Visible Sign: Jesus currently sits at the right hand of God's majesty in heaven, fulfilling the Davidic covenant as the eternal King.- "Visible" Doesn't Mean Everyone Sees It: Just as circumcision or baptism aren't seen by everyone but are still "visible signs," Christ's throne is visible to those in heaven, making it a legitimate covenant sign.Submit your questions for future episodes to MarkedByGrace@fbcjax.comSCRIPTURE REFERENCES2 Samuel 7:12-13 - "When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."Luke 1:32-33 - "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."Hebrews 1:3 - "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."

We're in Hebrews chapter 8 today. We'll see an astonishing thing today--the author of this letter has informed us that the Old Covenant has become obsolete.

When Christ Ascended to the Father, he brought humanity within Himself before the Father. The writer of Hebrews tells us that, there, He becomes our Great High Priest eternally. To understand Christ as our Great High Priest, we must understand the role of the High Priest in the Old Covenant once a year on the prescribed feast of the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16. Christ our God eternally stands before the Father with the sacrifice of His own blood shed pleading with the Father that we receive the mercy of God and the covering of our sins.

Send us a textThe temptation to believe in modern prophets and apostles remains powerful for many Christians today. We're drawn to the extraordinary, the supernatural, the direct connection to divine authority. But what if clinging to these offices actually moves us backward rather than forward in God's perfect design?This theological exploration examines the principle established in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 - "when that which is perfect comes, then that which is in part is done away with." This isn't about limiting God's power or ability, but understanding His divine progression and perfect order for His church.A fascinating distinction emerges when we compare prophets and apostles. Both received their calling directly from God Himself, unlike other church offices recognized by the community of believers. Yet prophets primarily declared what God would do, while apostles testified to what God had already accomplished through Christ. This crucial difference reveals their distinct roles in salvation history.The historical progression of God's relationship with His people provides remarkable clarity. Under the Old Covenant, Israel initially existed as a theocracy—directly ruled by God through His prophets. This perfect arrangement was abandoned when Israel demanded human kings "to be like other nations," tragically exchanging God's direct rule for something partial and imperfect. Yet through Christ, God restored His divine rule in an even more intimate way.Through the completed Scripture and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers now have direct access to God's perfect revelation and presence. We constitute His temple where His Spirit dwells. The Word of God "furnishes the man of God for every good work," leaving no need for additional prophetic revelation or apostolic authority.What does this mean for those claiming these offices today? Are we seeking the extraordinary when God has already given us the perfect? Join this thought-provoking discussion that challenges us to move forward in God's design rather than backward to what was only partial.Support the show

The Feast of Pentecost is the fourth of the seven “Feasts of the Lord” mentioned in the Bible. Every one of the feasts is both historical and prophetical. Each one commemorated something powerful God did for Israel in the past, under the Old Covenant, while revealing something powerful He would yet do for the Church in the New Covenant. You will see the genius of God on display by connecting the dots between these two phases of His plan.Comparative religion website: www.thetruelight.net Ministry website: www.shreveministries.org The Catholic Project website: www.toCatholicswithlove.org Video channel: www.YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries All audio-podcasts are shared in a video format on our YouTube channel. Mike Shreve's other podcast Discover Your Spiritual Identity—a study on the biblical names given to God's people: https://www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/discoveryourspiritualidentity Mail: P.O. Box 4260, Cleveland, TN 37320 / Phone: 423-478-2843Purchase Mike Shreve's popular book comparing over 20 religions: In Search of the True LightPurchase Mike Shreve's new book comparing Catholicism to biblical Christianity: The Beliefs of the Catholic Church

Topics: The Real Greatest Commandment Explained, Context of Jesus' Greatest Commandment, Understanding Matthew 22:36-39, Old Covenant vs. New Covenant Commandments, Why "Love God and Neighbor" Isn't the Christian's Greatest Commandment, The Impossibility of Perfectly Keeping the Law, Jesus' Audience: Legalists, Not Christians, The True Greatest Commandment for Believers, The Incorruptible Love of Reborn Christians, Ephesians 6:24 and Christian Love, 1 John 3:9 & 4:20 on Our Natural Love, Galatians 5:22-23 and the Fruit of the Spirit, The Significance of "In the Law" for Commandments, Romans 6:14 and Our Freedom from Law, Galatians 3:12 & 23-25, The Law Being Obsolete, 2 Corinthians 3:6: The Ministry of the Spirit vs. the Law, Hebrews 8:6 & 13: The Better New Covenant, The Law's Purpose: To Show Need for Jesus, Galatians 3:10 and the Curse of Not Obeying All Law, Failing One Commandment Means Failing All, Hebrews 9:22 & 10:3-4, Animal Blood's Insufficiency, Hebrews 6:1 & 7:25, Repentance from Dead Works to Christ's Life, John 14:6 & 1 John 5:11-13, Life Through Jesus, Matthew 7:13-14, The Narrow Gate of Grace, John 10:9: Jesus as the Gate to Salvation, The New Commandment: Love as Jesus Loved (John 13:34), Deuteronomy 4:2: No Adding to or Subtracting from Law, John 19:30: Jesus Completing the Law, Allowing Christ's Spirit to Live Through Us, The Branch Life, Dependence on the Vine Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Title - Pictures of Christ in the Old Covenant: ‘The Lamb Who Was Slain' Pastor Nick examined the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant. What did it accomplish, and what did it point to? In Christ we see not only the consummation of sacrifice imagery, but also the conclusion of that practice. Since the Savior shed His blood for is, there is no more need for sacrificial offerings. 

Send us a textWhat good things were coming?  Only everything Christ did to redeem us by virtue of His life, death and resurrection!  Once and for all!God bless you today and I encourage you to spend time in God's Word https://www.instagram.com/biblicaltapestry/https://www.facebook.com/HyperNike12

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacramental economy, specifically the Holy Spirit's work in the liturgy. Fr. Mike emphasizes that what Jesus makes possible, the Holy Spirit makes actual. We are made to live in the life of the risen Christ and that is what the Spirit brings about in us. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding that the Christian Liturgy springs from and fulfills the Jewish Liturgy. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1091-1098. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Today on Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe, we’re learning to Give God His Proper Place. When you hear the phrase, “The Ten Commandments,” what comes to mind? Charlton Heston coming down from the mountain in Cecile B. DeMille’s movie? Or do you see yourself in Sunday school trying to remember them all? Why are we spending time talking about them? They’re a part of the Old Covenant … so they don’t really apply to us, right? Find out as we dive into the book of Exodus in our message is called, Give God His Proper Place. Bold Steps Gift: LIES GIRLS BELIEVE: AND THE TRUTH THAT SETS THEM FREEBecome a Bold Partner: https://give.moodyradio.org/bsj?appeal=podcast&utm_source=bs_podcast&utm_medium=description&utm_term=radioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introduction: The Trustworthiness Test (Matthew 5:33-37): Do I Need to CONVINCE OTHERS of the TRUTHFULNESS of what I say? (Matt 5:33–34a) Do I Look for LOOPHOLES to GET OUT of what I say? (Matt 5:34b–36) Matthew 23:22 – And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it. 1 Peter 2:22 – He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. Do I Always FOLLOW THROUGH on what I say? (Matt 5:37) James 5:12 – But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. John 8:44 – You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 5:33-37What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How can you strengthen your reputation when it comes to honesty and trustworthiness? How can you weaken it?Do you ever make excuses or look for loopholes to get out of what you say?Do you struggle with being a “yes or no” person? How do you fail to be reliable and follow through on what you say?What does it look like to truly repent of deception and make things right with those you have lied to?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Return your Bibles to Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37.Matthew chapter 5 verses 33 through 37.Is it safe to say that trust is in short supply in 2025?We are constantly bombarded with lies, conspiracies, fraud,lame excuses, propaganda, cover-ups.With each passing year, we become less and less trustingas others seem less and less trustworthy.I was going to use an object lesson to prove this point,but for the sake of unity, which you'll see in a minutewhy I'm not doing this, I'm going to have you use your imaginations instead.Imagine with me that a bunch of images are from the screens behind meof famous individuals, politicians, billionaires, tech gurus, celebrities,social media influencers, world-renowned doctors,and popular preachers who you see pop up on Spotify, YouTube, and television.And with each image, with each person, I ask this very simple question,is this person trustworthy?And with some of these famous people, the answer would be a decisive yes,while others would be a resounding no.But some examples may prove to be a bit controversial and divisive.It may be a bit of a mixed reaction, which could lead to some frustration,heated debates, and strained relationships.Hence my unwillingness to show these images in service today.What if I were to close out this slideshow with a picture of you?And for the final time, I ask this very simple question, is this person trustworthy?What would be the response?What would your family members, friends, and fellow church members say about you?Maybe you don't want to play along with my made-up scenario,because you're afraid of what other people would say about you.But you cannot be oblivious in this area of life, because your reputation,when it comes to honesty and trustworthiness, is not a throwaway issue.Your credibility with others on the outside speaks to your integrity before the Lord on the inside.We've been studying the Sermon on the Mount for the past few months,and now this is the fourth week of our latest section, "The Heart of the Law."And throughout Matthew chapter 5, Jesus doesn't lessen the Old Testament law.He elevates it. He doesn't abolish it and throw it away.He digs down deep into our hearts to show how it applies at the deepest levels of who we are.Jesus proves that obeying God's commands and displaying true righteousness are matters of the heart.Jesus cares way more about the internal than the external,because who you are internally shapes all that you say and do externally.So far, we have covered what Christ commands and expects when it comes to anger,sexuality, and marriage.In Matthew chapter 5, verses 33 through 37,the Lord turns your attention to what he has to say about making promises and keeping your word.To help you gauge your own personal credibility, Jesus assigns an important testthat you cannot afford to skip or to fail.And this test is the trustworthiness test.Before we dig into the first question, let's go to the Lord in prayer.Please pray that I will faithfully proclaim God's word.While I pray that you will faithfully and joyfully receive God's word.Father, we thank you for the gift of your word.It is a mirror that you hold up to our hearts to show us what means to change.Lord, this morning you're going to show us some very challenging and difficult things about ourselvesthat we do not want to see,but we must recognize them and we must make changes by the power of your Holy Spirit.So may you do the work that only you can.We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.All right, who is ready for the trustworthiness test?Well, we're going to take it anyway. So the trustworthiness test, question one.Do I need to convince others of the truthfulness of what I say?Do I need to convince others of the truthfulness of what I say?Let's read verses 33 through 34.Jesus says, "Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old,'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'But I say to you, do not take an oath at all."This is the fourth time in Matthew chapter 5 that Jesus repeats the same verbal pattern."You have heard that it was said, but I say to you."So let's cover what was said in the past."You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn."You will not find this exact sentence word for word in the Old Testamentbecause it is a mashup of three different passages about keeping oaths.With the Nicos 19-2, Numbers chapter 30 verse 2 and Deuteronomy 23-21.In the Old Testament, oath taking was serious business.It wasn't something to be entered into lightly or carelessly.Vows were reserved for important matters.And God put them in place as a first line of defense against dishonesty.I find it helpful to view Old Testament oaths like spiritual speed bumps.Why do speed bumps exist?To cause you to slow down and keep pedestrian safe.Let me ask you, do speed bumps always do that?No, we've all seen maniacs treat speed bumps like challenges and jumps instead of warnings.And maybe you've been that maniac from time to time.Oaths were set up by God to curb the natural tendency to be deceitful and unreliable.They were like speed bumps.By taking an oath, you were saying,"God, you can bring judgment and cursing upon me if I do not keep my side of the bargain."But these spiritual speed bumps could not stop all dishonesty.It couldn't do away with people being deceitful.So vows help provide accountability, but they could not change the human heart,which is seen most clearly in the lives of the religious leaders of Jesus' day.The rabbis, the scribes, the Pharisees misinterpreted the Old Testament commands about vowsand twisted God's word to advance their own dishonest agenda.They believe that you shall not swear falsely, only spoke to perjuring yourself in a court of law.We'll talk about this in even greater detail in a few minutes,but they also believe that the instruction you shall perform to the Lord what you have swornleft some room for coloring outside the lines when it came to keeping your word.If you weren't in a court setting or you didn't make vows directly to Godand in His name there was some wiggle room to tell some lies.It wasn't ideal, but hey, not a big deal.As long as you said the right things and as long as you kept their man-made rules.Once again, the religious leaders are taking God's word, taking His commandsand putting it into their own man-made box.Their standards were shallow and their righteousness was phony.But Jesus calls His followers to a greater righteousness, to a higher standardwhen He says, "But I say to you, do not take an oath at all."This command brings up an important question that we have to answer.Is Jesus saying that it's always sinful to make a promise or a vow of any kind at any time?Well, some Christians, some scholars and pastors certainly think so,but that's a really hard stance to defend from the rest of Scripture.The Apostle Paul kept and he made and kept a vow in Acts 18-18.In Revelation chapter 10 verses 5 through 6, the Apostle John records an angel swearing enough.In the Old Testament, God made oaths to show the seriousness of His covenant promises.God didn't do that because he had a shaky reputation.He lovingly did that to give His people a rock-solid confidence in His trustworthinessand the certainty of His purposes and His plans.God's vows were like exclamation points that highlighted His credibilitybecause we so often do not trust Him even though His track record is flawless.The Lord established the Old Covenant with Israel and He has established a new covenant with all who believein the life, death, and resurrection of His Son.And at its core, a covenant is an oath-bound relationship that is built upon promises being keptand the Bible is crystal clear that God always keeps His promises.And speaking of covenants, the Bible describes marriage as a covenant relationshipwhich means that as a good and godly thing, you swear your devotion to your spouse.You know, 11 years ago, Pastor Jeff married my wife and Iand when he asked me to repeat my vows to Kate after him, I didn't say, "Whoa, wait preacher boy,I don't make promises or take vows. Don't you study the Bible for a living?Shouldn't you know that? Pass." Did I do that? Jeff, do you remember that? I don't think I did that.Let's move from the marriage ceremony to the courtroom.I'm called to testify in a very important case and the judge tells me to raise my right handand he asked me, "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?"What should I say?Sorry, judge. I'm a Christian. I can't do that. You may as well call the next witness. I'm out of here. Deuces.Is that going to go very well with the judge?Listen, Jesus is not condemning vows in the context of a courtroom or a wedding ceremony.Jesus is forbidding the practice of taking frivolous oaths and making pointless promises in everyday life situations.He's saying, "Do not be the kind of person who needs to swear on something or someone to be believed.Do not be the kind of person who needs to clarify that you're not lying.Who needs to clarify that you're telling the truth.Be so trustworthy that your word can be taken at face value without jumping through hoops.As a follower of Christ, you shouldn't need the spiritual speed bumps of promises, oaths, and vows to be taken seriously.You should be a person of such great integrity that promises are unnecessary because your past performance speaks for itself.Others should trust you implicitly because you have proven yourself explicitly.Your heart should be so full of the truth that lying doesn't even register as a valid option to choose or path to take.For the Christian, honesty is like breathing.You inhale the truth of God's word and then you exhale the truth in every situation.You don't tell white lies because you understand that there are no such thing as white lies.Every lie, no matter how small, is a huge deal to the Lord.You don't embellish your stories or add on extra details to impress people because who cares what other people think about you.What matters most is what God thinks about you.And He knows what you're saying is not true.You don't cut corners at work because you ultimately serve the Lord of all creation who sees everything,not the human boss across the hall who cannot see into your heart.You cannot control much in this life, but you do have the ability to deepen your credibility or destroy it,to strengthen it day by day or to willingly weaken it.You have no right to be offended when someone doesn't believe you if you have a shady history of saying things that are not trueand making promises that you didn't keep.You are simply reaping the consequences of what you have sown.You are receiving the label of untrustworthy, which is a title that you have repeatedly earned.The trustworthiness test.Move on to the second question.And it will not be easier than the first.Do I look for loopholes to get out of what I say?Do I look for loopholes to get out of what I say?So Jesus pulls the rug out from underneath the religious leaders and exposes their ridiculous schemes in verses 34 through 36.But I say to you, do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,or by the earth, for it is His footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king.And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.As I said earlier, the scribes and Pharisees were experts at looking for loopholes and creating escape patches to get out of what they said,especially if what they said wasn't made in a court setting.So instead of swearing in God's name, they would swear by heaven, they would swear by the earth, the city of Jerusalem, or even their own heads.In their minds, swearing on these things was not binding like swearing in God's name.This is the verbal equivalent of crossing your fingers behind your back whenever you make a promise.They thought they were so clever. They found their own get out of oaths free card.But Jesus shows them that this line of thinking is childish and dumb.He destroys their loopholes and he closes their escape patches.Let's follow his logic.Jesus says, "Do not swear by heaven because who does heaven belong to?"All right. I know it's early. I'm going to ask that question again.Who does heaven belong to?It is His throne.And Matthew actually reinforces this later on when Jesus says,"And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits on it."He also says, "Don't swear by the earth because who does it belong to?"Once again, I'm going to try it again. Who does the earth belong to, everyone?It is His footstool. God is so awesome. He is so big.The earth is like a teeny tiny ottoman where He puts His feet up.The earth belongs to God, so don't swear by it.It's also not a great idea to swear by Jerusalem because who does it belong to?Great job, everyone.The king of Jerusalem, the king of the earth, and that is God.You swear by Jerusalem. You swear by the one who created and rules over Israel.And He also says, "Don't swear by your own head."It seems kind of weird, right? What does that even mean?Well, it means this. "If I don't keep my word, let me be decapitated."A modern day equivalent of this would be, "Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my..."These words mean nothing and they control nothing.Jesus says, "You cannot make one hair white or black."Back in those days, people could not control their hair color with hair dye like we can today.Once your hair started going gray, there was no going back.But even today in 2025, you can't speak a change of hair color into existence, right?You can't say, "Let my hair be black. Let my hair be blonde again."You cannot do that.So Jesus is saying, "If you cannot even control the color of your hair with your words,your words definitely cannot control if you're decapitated or not."God is saying, "My words certainly control that."Which means, "I own you. I own your head. I am the one who controls all things.So do not swear by heaven, by earth, by Jerusalem, or your own head."Jesus even exposes the other things the religious leaders swore by in Matthew chapter 23 verses 16 through 22.They would swear by the gold of the temple instead of the temple itself.They would swear by the gift on the altar instead of the altar itself.Jesus doesn't actually commend them for their shrewd thinking and their creative brainstorming.He calls them blind fools who cannot see the stupidity of their own actions.He labels them as blind guides who have fallen into a sinful pitand are calling the rest of Jerusalem to join them in the darkness.I know what you may be thinking at this point.Taylor, this is an interesting history lesson at all.I just don't see how this relates to me.I haven't sworn by anything or anyone for a long time.I haven't said, "I swear on my mother's life. I swear on my grandma's grave.I swear by my life that I'm not lying."So how does this relate to me? I haven't done that for many years.Well, here's how the text relates to you."Don't be a sneaky word ninja like the scribes and Pharisees.Do not be a sneaky person.Do not look for escape hatches and loopholes to get out of what you say,because that does not honor the Lord."Let me give you some examples that may hit close to home.Husbands, you're supposed to carry out a task for your wife, but then you forget.Yeah, stretch your imagination because that never happens, right?Then your wife calls you on it and to save face you say, "Oh, I was just about to do it.You didn't give me enough time. That's sneaky. So don't do it."You commit to a small group, but on one particular night, you don't really feel like going.So you call your small group leader, "Oh, man, I'm really under the weather.I don't want anybody else to get what I have. So I'm not going to make it tonight."That's sneaky. So don't do it.Someone texts or calls, someone texts or emails youand really annoying message that you do not want to respond to.So the next time you see that person, you pretend like you accidentally missed it.That's sneaky. So don't do it.You get invited to an event that you desperately do not want to go to.So what do you say? "Yeah, maybe that might work. Let me get back to my calendar and get back to you."You ain't getting back to them about nothing. You are going to ghost this person.That's sneaky. So don't do it.Unfortunately, you do get sucked into that event that you do not want to go to.Instead of biting the bullet and attending, you call that person the day of,"I really wanted to come, but something came up."But nothing came up.That's sneaky. So don't do it.And I know what some of you are saying to yourselves right now."Taylor, this seems like really small potatoes in the grand scheme of things."Shouldn't we move on to something a bit bigger?I mean, come on. These kinds of excuses are harmless and they hurt no one.Actually, these kinds of excuses are harmful and they hurt everyone, including you.You are numbing yourself to the deceitfulness of sin.And you are paving the way to lie in bigger and bolder ways moving forward.Listen, no one starts out as a pathological liar.It starts with one compromise that you get away with.And then it's way easier to make another compromise.You cross the line, you get away with it,and then you make a habit out of pushing boundaries and testing the limits.If you keep this up, you will end up saying and doing things that you never thought you were capable of.Sneakiness is a way of slipping into your heart and taking over if you're not on guard against it.But most importantly, these kind of devious excuses are sinful and sinning against the Lord.And that alone should give you pause and cause you to cut this behavior out of your life.It is not wise, it is not right to walk in the sneaky footsteps of the scribes and Phariseeswho rejected and murdered the Son of God.Instead, walk in the footsteps of the one who committed no sin.Neither was deceit found in his mouth.Jesus always told the truth even when it cost his own life.Jesus never made excuses to get out of his mission of dying on the cross.You must always tell the truth even when it gets you into trouble.Never make excuses even when it seems like everyone else around you is.The final question of the trustworthiness test.Do I always follow through on what I say?Do I always follow through on what I say?Jesus wraps up by showing the alternative to being an undependable and sneaky person in verse 37.Let what you say be simply yes or no.Anything more than this comes from evil.Well, according to our Lord, being an honest person is not a complex concept.Say yes if you'll do something. Say no if you will not do something.That's super easy, right?Not really.It is so simple, but it is also so hard to live out.It isn't convenient to be a yes or no person, but it is the freest way to live.It is so stressful to not keep your word.It is so stressful to have all those deceitful plates spinning in your mindbecause at some point one will come crashing down and you will have to deal with the consequences.It is exhausting to put on a mask and pretend to be someone who you are not.It is painful to not be the person who you project yourself to be.It is embarrassing to be unreliableand to have the reputation of being a constant flake and not an unshakable rock.When I am closing things down in my office for the day and packing things up,I often text my wife to let her know that I am on the way home.But sometimes I get distracted with other things after I send that text.Writing down a sermon thought that I don't want to lose,wrapping up a task that I forgot to complete, or talking to Pastor Jeff.That never happens, right Jeff?Several months ago I arrived home way later than I told Kate that I would.And I profusely apologized and I will never forget her blunt response with a loving smile on her face."Oh, that's okay. I always add an extra 15 minutes to your arrival time when you text me."Ouch!That loving burn really stung my conscience.My wife gave me some extra wiggle roombecause she was aware that I often missed the target of my stated arrival time.Do people need to give you wiggle room because they know that you often missed the target of keeping your word?They know you'll be somewhere off on the board but way off-center,or maybe you'll miss the board completely.You mean well, you have good intentions but your follow-through fall short.Maybe you feel very discouraged by your unreliable reputation.You're thinking to yourself, "I don't want to be this way. I want to help everyone.I want to be there for everyone but I can't seem to keep all of my commitments."Well, it sounds like you have a no problem.You say yes to everything because you don't want to let anyone down.But in the process, you let everyone down because you cannot equally serve everyone.If you say yes to everyone, your word will not carry weight with anyone.And to be clear, saying no can be wrong and sinful.Some of you in this room say no way more than you should at home, at work, and even in this church.God may be calling you to step up more, not step back less.But at the same time, saying no can also be right and productive.Because you have to recognize that you are not God.You cannot be everywhere all the time and you cannot do everything at the same exact time.You are a limited person.You need to count the cost of what you are committing yourself to before you say yes or no.It takes great wisdom and discernment to say no to good things.So that you can say yes to the best things.And Jesus is so direct at the end of verse 37 and says that anything beyond being a yes or no person is evil.It is wicked.And this is recapt in James 512.Some translations of Matthew 537 say that this kind of behavior beyond being a yes or no person is from the evil one.Meaning if you live this kind of deceitful lifestyle, you are way worse off than just being like the scribes and Pharisees.You are also like their spiritual father, Satan.Listen to what Jesus says to religious leaders in John 844.You are of your father the devil and your will is to do your father's desires.He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.When he lies, he speaks out of his own character for he is a liar and the father of lies.My kids bear a family resemblance to Kate and me.They have my eye color and thankfully they have her good looks.After service, you see them running around.It shouldn't come as a surprise that they belong to Kate and me because they look just like us.There are two spiritual families and it's obvious which one you belong to based on which father you resemble the most.Do you resemble Satan who lies, cheats and steals or do you resemble God who tells the truth, does the right thing in the right way and selflessly serves?Which father do you resemble the most?We've reached the end of the trustworthiness test.How did you do?Did you pass or did you fail?Did you stick the landing or did you crash into the runway?Maybe the Lord has encouraged your heart and revealed to you that you have a strong and solid reputation that is well deserved.If that's you, keep up the good work, keep your foot on the gas pedal and keep moving forward by the grace of God.Maybe you're convicted that yes, you are in the family of God, but you sure aren't acting like it right now.Instead of hiding away and keeping your lies a secret, be honest about your dishonesty to God and to those you have betrayed.It is not enough to just stop lying from now on. You also have to uncover the lies that you've already told.I know that's hard. I know that feels shameful.But remember, if you are a true believer in Christ, there is no condemnation for you.You can be honest about your sin and ask for forgiveness from others because the penalty has already been paid by Jesus Christ.We can share openly about our failures because they're no longer held against us.Maybe you've come to the realization that you resemble the evil one and belong to the wrong family.For years, you've unapologetically told bold-faced lies. You've shared half truths.You've led people on. You've been underhanded and you've covered your tracks so you can avoid getting in trouble.You may feel crushed under the weight of your own dishonesty right now.If that's you, please do not try to do better or be better on your own.Do not try to clean up your act because that will not solve the problem.Self-improvement and self-help are fools errands that lead straight to hell.Those worldly methods will not solve the problem that is truly within you, which is the problem of your heart.Please come clean and confess your sins to the Lord.Turn from your deceptive ways and throw yourself at the mercy of Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose again to save liars like you and me.If you do that, the Lord will give you a brand new heart that loves the truth, that desires the truth.A heart that is overflowing with a desire to share the truth with everyone.Only the most trustworthy one in all of existence can truly turn you into a trustworthy person.Let's pray.Father, I am a man of unclean lips who dwells among the people of unclean lips.Lord, we have sinned against you with our deception and our lies and our half truths.Lord, on our own, we are so helpless. We are so hopeless.But we thank you for your redeeming work.We thank you that you have cleansed us.You've cast our lies away from us as far as the east is from the west.Lord, help us not to be sneaky anymore.To not be deceptive anymore. To not make untrue excuses.Lord, help us to be people of our word who don't need to make promises.Help us to be people who have a solid reputation because our reputation impacts your reputation in this world.Lord, there's someone in this room who does not know and love you.May today be the day where they finally make the most important decision of their livesand are transformed and changed forever.We thank you for your goodness. We thank you that you are unchanging even though we're constantly changing.We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Topics: Closer to God, Misconception of Earning God's Closeness, Understanding the New Covenant Closeness with God, Why Church Attendance Doesn't Equal Closeness to God, The Role of the Cross in Our Closeness to God, Old Covenant vs. New Covenant Closeness to God, Animal Blood vs. Jesus' Blood for Drawing Near to God, Hebrews on Drawing Near to God, Why Reading the Bible Doesn't Automatically Make You Closer to God, Understanding Bible Context for True Closeness, Jesus' Rebuke of Scripture Misuse for Closeness, The Obsolete Nature of the Old Covenant, The New Covenant Based on God's Promise to God, Why Sinning Less Doesn't Achieve Closeness to God, The Finality of Jesus' Sacrifice for Forgiveness, God Doesn't Leave You Based on Your Physical Location, Why Following the Law Doesn't Bring You Closer to God, Prayer and Fasting, The Old Covenant's Trade-Off System with God, The Obedience of Faith vs. Behavioral Holiness, Understanding Holiness in the New Covenant, You Are the Church, Your Identity as One Spirit with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17), The Permanence of Your Closeness to God Through Jesus, Hebrews 10:25 and the True Meaning of Assembly, The Significance of Hebrews 7-10 on Christ's Accomplishments, Colossians 3:3 and Being Hidden in Christ, The Truth About God's Dwelling Place Within You (1 John 4:13), The Difference Between Grieving God and Him Leaving You, The Meaning of Being Holy as God is Holy (1 Peter 1:16, Hebrews 12:14)Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Sunday Morning Message - "Saying Yes to God: The Covenant Confirmed"In this message from May 25, Family Pastor, Brad Randall, explores Exodus 24:1-11, focusing on the covenant God made with the Israelites. We will look into the nature of God's covenant relationships, contrasting them with mere contracts. The message emphasizes God's pursuit of us, His proposal for a relationship, and our response of surrender. God initiates this covenant knowing our imperfections, highlighting His unconditional love and the need for sacrifice to bridge the gap between us and Him.Key Takeaways:God pursues us, even in our lowest moments.A covenant with God is relational, not just contractual.Saying "yes" to God requires our surrender and faithfulness.The New Covenant, established through Jesus' blood, allows us direct access to God's presence.Discussion Questions:The sermon mentions that "God is the one who pursues." How have you experienced God's pursuit in your life?What's the difference between a contract and a covenant? How does this distinction change our understanding of our relationship with God?The Israelites promised, "We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey." What challenges do we face in keeping our promises to God?How does the imagery of blood sacrifice in the Old Covenant help us appreciate Jesus' sacrifice in the New Covenant?The sermon states, "To enter into the Covenant of God is to promise that He will be your only God." What are some modern-day "gods" that compete for our allegiance?Reflect on Jeremiah 31:31-33. How does the New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant? What does it mean to have God's instructions "written on our hearts"?Practical Applications:Covenant Reflection: Take time this week to write down the promises you've made to God. Pray over them, asking for strength to keep your commitments.Pursuit of God: Set aside 10 minutes each day to actively pursue God through prayer, worship, or Bible reading. Journal about how this impacts your relationship with Him.Identifying Idols: List potential "idols" in your life that compete with God for your attention and devotion. Share with a trusted friend or accountability partner for prayer and support.New Covenant Gratitude: Write a thank-you letter to Jesus, expressing your gratitude for His sacrifice that established the New Covenant.

Luke 9:18-36 Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in His glory. They experienced Him fulfilling the Old Covenant. They recognized Him as Sovereign.

Father Edward Looney reads and comments on The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich. Day 14Volume 1SIN AND ITS CONSEQUENCESChapter 14: Abraham Receives the Sacrament of the Old CovenantChapter 15: JacobLEARN MORE - USE COUPON CODE ACE25 FOR 25% OFFThe Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3QVreIsThe Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4bPsxRmThe Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich Two-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3yxaLE5The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/3wTRsULMary Magdalen in the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4brYEXbThe Mystical City of God Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/44Q9nZbOur Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims - https://bit.ly/3Ke6O9SThe Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich is a podcast from TAN that takes you through one of the most extraordinary books ever published. Follow along daily as Father Edward Looney works his way through the classic four-volume set, The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations, by reading a passage from the book and then giving his commentary. Discover the visions of the famous 19th-century Catholic mystic, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, a nun who was privileged by God to behold innumerable events of biblical times.Anne Catherine's visions included the birth, life, public ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the founding of His Church. Besides describing persons, places, events, and traditions in intimate detail, she also sets forth the mystical significance of these visible realities. Here is the infinite love of God incarnate and made manifest for all to see, made all the more striking and vivid by the accounts Blessed Anne has relayed.Listen and subscribe to The The Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich on your favorite podcast platform or at EmmerichPodcast.com.And for more great ways to deepen your faith, check out all the spiritual resources available at TANBooks.com and use Coupon Code ACE25 for 25% off your next order.

Pope Benedict XVI famously taught, “Mercy is the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the Face with which he revealed himself in the Old Covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redemptive Love.” Marian Press author and international speaker Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle helps us understand how to live a merciful life, guided by the mystical and practical wisdom of St. Faustina Kowalska, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Pope Leo XIV. Are you enjoying this podcast? I invite you to listen to more shows brought to you by the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Join us daily for enriching, spiritual content which will help you on your journey with Jesus Christ. Simply visit DivineMercyPlus.org for a complete list of our shows. That's DivineMercyPlus.org. Please “follow” or “subscribe” to this podcast to receive the latest episodes and updates. If you have been blessed by this podcast, please consider leaving a review. Reviews greatly improve our podcast ranking, and will help spread this podcast to other people throughout the world. Thank you and God bless you! 

What's the difference between how prophecy worked in the Old Testament and how it operates today? In this foundational episode, Juliana Page breaks down the distinct role of the prophet under the Old Covenant versus the New Covenant—and why understanding the shift is essential for any believer seeking to hear God's voice or operate in spiritual gifts. Join Courage Co.: If you're hungry to grow in your spiritual gifts, develop your prophetic discernment, and walk in bold faith—Courage Co. is for you. It's more than a community. It's a training ground for Kingdom leaders, water-walkers, and prophetic voices rising up in this hour. Get access to prophetic trainings, prayer calls, mentorship, live workshops, and a global network of faith-driven leaders who are being equipped and activated—just like you.

Don't Get It Twisted: Jesus' Baptism Doesn't Prove the Trinity — It Reveals God in the Flesh

Jeren Wentworth, 2 Corinthians 3:7-11. From the "Various 2025" series.More sermons available online at www.gbcob.org.

What if the Bible's story didn't start in Genesis, but in eternity past? Discover the eternal covenant between Father and Son that shapes all of Scripture and salvation history. In this episode of Remnant Radio, Joshua Lewis sits down with Dr. Ryan McGraw, professor of systematic theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to unpack the powerful doctrine of Covenant Theology. But this isn't just about ancient agreements—it's about the eternal plan of salvation crafted before time began. Dr. McGraw lays out the “covenant of redemption,” the intra-Trinitarian agreement between the Father and the Son to redeem a people through the perfect obedience and atoning death of Christ. This covenant provides the foundation for everything that unfolds in redemptive history—from Adam's failure under the covenant of works, to the unfolding covenant of grace that culminates in Christ and continues through the Church.Together, they trace the storyline of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, showing how the theme of covenant brings coherence and clarity to God's dealings with His people. You'll hear how the law reveals not just commands, but the very character of God; how the gospel is embedded even in the earliest pages of the Old Testament; and how the biblical distinction between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent runs throughout all redemptive history. Whether you're new to covenant theology or looking to deepen your theological roots, this episode will help you see that the Bible is not a disjointed anthology—but a breathtaking, unified narrative of God's eternal purpose in Christ. ABOUT THE GUEST:

In the fourteenth episode of "The Cross," Duane Sheriff explores the depth of God's love and forgiveness as demonstrated by the cross. Jesus died once as a sacrifice to provide complete and eternal forgiveness for all our sins - past, present, and future. The Old Covenant included repetitive sacrifices, while the New Covenant established Jesus' one-time, all-encompassing atonement for our sins. The book of Hebrews describes Jesus as our eternal High Priest, who offered Himself once and for all. God's love is so infinite that He forgave our sins even before we committed them.Click for FREE offer ➡️https://pastorduane.com/the-cross/

God draws people to himself and makes them his own. The Catechism shows us what makes God's people different from everyone else, and what it is that unites them. Fr. Mike hones in on what exactly it is that the People of God do, and exhorts us to start doing that right here, today. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 781-786. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What's the real history behind the Inquisitions, what do they reveal about the Christian faith, and could history be repeating itself? A few weeks ago, we unpacked the truth about the history of the Crusades. This week, the great Bill Federer returns to shed light on the rise of the first inquisitions, their lasting impact on both the Church and American history, and how these events connect to the biblical narrative. Join Frank and Bill as they tackle questions like:What are some of the key events surrounding the Spanish, Islamic, and Portuguese Inquisitions?What does Islam teach about those who leave the faith?What is the "Divine Right of Kings" and why is it so dangerous?Why was translating the Bible into English considered a serious crime?How did Christian disengagement from politics open the door to more persecution?Is religion really the root cause of most wars—and which worldview has the most violent history?Who did Thomas Jefferson give credit to as the inspiration for his views on freedom of religion?What is Jesus' new way forward now that the Old Covenant law is obsolete?Who in our culture wants to do an inquisition against Christians?In this thought-provoking episode, Frank and Bill explore how political powers throughout history have exploited religion to gain control—often with tragic consequences. From assassinations to coerced conversions, you'll get a gripping look at the real story behind the inquisitions—while also debunking myths and setting the record straight by looking at the facts! Want to dig deeper? Visit AmericanMinute.com to check out some of Bill's books mentioned in the resource list below!Resources mentioned during the episode:Bill's website: https://americanminute.com/What REALLY Happened During the Crusades? - https://bit.ly/3RiWMYxBackfired - https://bit.ly/4jvVBRoThree Secular Reasons Why America Should Be Under God - https://bit.ly/3RUluywEndangered Speeches - https://bit.ly/42w49knBullies and Saints - https://bit.ly/42xTupo